"Comitatus and Dux Squared" Topic

Late Roman fans and Dark Agers have never had it so good! In addition to the impending Dux Bellorum and Dux Britanniarum Simon MacDowall has produced a new version of his groundbreaking Comitatus rules.

No, I'm not a sock puppet, just a very happy customer who took delivery of Comitatus this evening. (Less than 48 hours after ordering!)

As many know, this set of rules is credited with having "kicked off" element based rules.

I've played the original version but this update is an upgrade to an A4 publication of approx 70 full colour pages.

It's clearly and beautifully illustrated with a mix of diagrams, examples and tabletop action. The games I had with the original set were fun, fast and plausible. It's not just for aficionados of the period but good for newcomers too! It's an excellent set of battle rules with a proven system by a respected and knowledgeable author.

Go to Simon's site at Legio Wargames to get more details or to the lateromanempire group on yahoo.

2 sets of Arthurian rules AND my favourite rules for Goths Huns and Romans ALL in one month! I'm a happy man! Guess I'll be missing the Olympics then……

I'm looking forward to getting a copy myself!

I have read the free "Shieldwall" rules on Simon's site. They are quite good, and he says they are an adaptation of Comitatus to Northwestern Europe.

I like them enough that I am considering Comitatus to add to my collection.

Also still out there is the Dark Ages Infantry Slog, perhaps the least inspiring Wargames title ever. Do you really want to play a "slog"?

Many thanks for the kind words. I am very happy how the rules have turned out and it is good to see them finally in hard copy with full colour illustrations and examples. You can get them from link
Simon

Simon, how much if anything has changed in the rules? I have the version that were in a wargaming book (title escapes me) you did on the period, but I thought the rules were very good.

Has anything led you to change or develop the rules in a new direction?

Of course, it's entirely possible that the rules were perfect before and have now just been "colorfied". But thought I'd ask!

EDIT: The title of the (excellent) game book was "Romans, Goths and Huns". It came out in 1990! My, how time flies. It still seems very useful to me, I wonder if Simon will be doing a new, updated version in case research has revealed more in the last 22 years.

Simon

Would the rules cover the armies relating to the EL CID period?

Thanks
Simon

Hi,
This version has developed from Goths, Huns and Romans to include armies up to the 11th C. The original (yes it was back in 1990) covered only the later Roman period. It covers El Cid nicely and I have had a few good games in that period with Dave Allen.
The mechanics have advanced over the past 22 years and while the feel remains the same, the game is simpler and quicker.
I have had a free downloadable version on my website for some time. This current hard copy is indeed a "colourfied" version of that with many examples of play, illustrations and (hopefully) inspiring pics.
I still have some downloadable rules on my site based on the Comitatus mechanisms covering the earlier ancient and later medieval periods, a derivation for northern Europe, and the War of Spanish Succession. link
So far only Comitatus is in fully glorified colour hard copy.
Simon

Comitatus available for purchase where?

From link
Simon

I'm doomed I say. Doomed. Really looking forward to the pre-orderd Dux Brttanarium rule so I can finally field my 1200+ 28mm Arthurians and Late Romans.
And then I saw those 15mm Splintered Light figures and came to think they would be more suitable on element bases. Doomed I say.

Unless you want to play skirmish games, all figures look better in element bases in my humble opinion.

I think a 1200 figure skirmish game is in the works! When will you host it – at Fall In!?
:)

Thanks Simon, I agree that rules are advancing when they become "simpler and quicker", altho the original Commitatus has always been on my radar for my Late Romans (as yet unpainted…)

I will be hosting a big Comitatus Game at the Society of Ancients Battle Day in April. The Battle is Chalons, AD 451, always one of may favourites. You get to fight with Romans, Huns, Goths (both the Visi and Ostro sorts), Franks, Burgundians, Gepids, Alans, Scirians, Thuringians, Rugians and even Armorican Britons.
The scenario is already up on my website at link
Although I will probably make a few modifications I am guessing it will be around 250 figures per side – not quite a 1500 figure skirmish but impressive none-the-less.
And if you have not already got your copy of Comitatus you can still get one here: link
Simon

Just saw a friend's copy of Comitatus today and Simon has done a great job with his rules. Looks very, very, good. I will certainly be ordering a copy.