"Armati?" Topic

I'm looking into ancients right now and am wondering what these rules are like. I have DBA and WAB and have read a review of Vis Bellica, but none of them are my cup of tea. So I'm now looking into Armati and was wondering if you could answer the following questions:

(A)What are the basic rule mechanics of Armati?

(B)How many figs are in units?

(C)How many figs are in an army?

(D)What do you think of them?

(E)Are there any good Armati websites?

(F)What is in Advanced Armati?

JT

I've never actually played the rules, but I can answer B and C. Basically, the game is scaled -- you can play with unit sizes between DBA and DBM depending on the look you're going for. Let's take H.Infantry units: in 'intro'-scale you have a single base of 4 (WRG/DB* bases); in 'optimal' it jumps to 16 (4 bases); and in 'epic' it goes to 24 (6 bases).

For army size, let's consider the Alexandrian Macedonian list. It contains these units: 6 H.Inf., 4 L.Inf., 2 Skmh.Inf., 2 H.Cav. and 2 L.Cav. Intro-scale would need 40 inf. and 10 Cav.; Optimal-scale 128 Inf. and 20 Cav.; and Epic-scale 176 Inf. and 32 Cav.

It's been a few years since I read the rules, but I do know that the new edition, Armati II, is supposed to be at the printers and should be available soon. You might want to wait for that (I'm sure there will be reviews once it's been published).

JT,

You might want to check out the following web sites

http://www.novatech-group.com/Armati/

The official Armati web site with an explanation of the current rules and their mechanics byt the author, the army list creation formula, lists of armies, FAQ and other things.

and

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ARMATI/

You don't have to join to read the messages.

Now to your Q's.

(A)What are the basic rule mechanics of Armati?

Really best explained by the author on the official site.

(B)How many figs are in units?

As Billiam says troops are placed in categories or types like other rules FT = heavy foot SI = Skirmishers HC = Heavy Cavalry...and so on.

Figures are based on stands of 1 model and 2-4 figures just like DBM - using the same size stands. So, 4 HI to a 40mm x 15mm stand in 15mm and SI would be 2 figures and HC 3.

As Billiam said there are three scales, into, optimal and epic. Units are formed of 2, 4 and 6 stands respectively.

(C)How many figs are in an army?

Depends on the army and the troop types in it but you can start at the intro scale and work up and Billiam's numbers are the right ballpark.

(D)What do you think of them?

Personally, I love them, most regular players do, other people favour other rule sets and their views of Armati will correspond to a range of views. But, if you've looked at all the others you mention and not liked them then Armati may be your thing.

I would suggest looking either on the Yahoo group or the official site for a club where Armati is played and then arrange a game or two with an experienced player at the intro level. Armati players tend to be a relaxed bunch and willing to coach new playes through their first few games.

(E)Are there any good Armati websites?

See above. There are others and some are linked through the links section of the Yahoo group site.

(F)What is in Advanced Armati?

Aaah, essentially a set of optional rules that were added to Armati to provide additional enjoyment. Now, most of us play advanced Armati.

But, not to worry! The new version of the entire rules and lists...Armati II rules including the advanced stuff and 130 lists...is currently being printed for distribution as you will see headlined on the official site.

All the Best

Chris

I guess the important point from the above posts is don't buy the current set of rules, but wait for Armati II.

Hmmmm, I'm not sure about this one. I'll have to think about it. Maybe I'll pick up 2nd ed. at SALUTE 04.

Thanks for your help all!

JT

Don't get your hopes up about catching the rules at Salute.

I am waiting 2 years now!

Enjoy playing the old rules, they are just fine as they are, and the best around!

Last week I downed a general on an elephant with these rules. Try that one using WAB!

Boduognat, king of Nervii

Forgot to mention I did it with a stand of skirmishers!

Bodu yadda yadda yadda

Boduognat.

Armati 2 is really at the printers and will be availble at Cold Wars.

The advantages of the new rules are a: its available not sold out; b: its all in one book, instead of flipping fro one to another.

Wargames (www.speartorifle.com)is takign pre orders.