The latest thing from Tactical Studies Rules is this 8 1/2 x 11", 68-page book of rules for ancient miniatures by Gary Gygax, who has been researching, experimenting and refining these rules for as long as I've known him (about 6 years), and longer. They cover all major nations of the period 1500 BC to 900 AD. Warfare didn't change very much during that period, as Tim Kask says in the introduction: "It was primarily two groups of men trying to hack, slash, bash or bludgeon each other with hand-held weapons. The refinement of missiles such as the arrow and sling projectile wrought a few changes, but the primary goal remained closing with the enemy and doing him in. The only significant differences between any two armies were the formations utilized, and the number of men in them.

CLASSIC WARFARE reflects this in its format. The basics of movement, formation, melee, etc., are contained in the first section, and remain constant for any army in question. National idiosyncrasies and special tactics are contained in the Historical Characteristics sections, as well as special maneuvers perfected or favored by any specific group."

Not covered are: fortifications, other than temporary camp constructions, and siege craft, not because they were not used or not important, but because they don't make for interesting games; and naval warfare, because that demands an entirely different type of rules and would require a volume of its own.

Weapons types are basically ignored, except for those of exceptional length (pikes) and certain missile weapons, as being unimportant in large games. The ground scale is 1 inch = approximately 1 minute, 1 figure represents 30 men, 15 chariots, or 5 elephants, and the figures are assumed to be 25mm or 20mm scale.

Figures must be mounted upon stands, or movement trays, in quantities and spacing depending on the types of units. Unit types provided for are: missile infantry, light infantry, medium infantry, heavy infantry, phalanx infantry, mass infantry, light cavalry, medium cavalry, heavy cavalry, camelry, regular chariots scythe chariots and elephants. Movement may be either simultaneous (via pre-written orders) or move/countermove, depending on whether you prefer realism or playability, respectively. This book is thoroughly illustrated by Greg Bell and Mimi Roach. It sells for $10.00 and is available from Panzerfaust Publications, PO Box 896, Fallbrook CA 92028.

Miniature Warfare

Game Review: Battles with Micro Tanks (Rules)
Game Review: Napoleonic Wargaming
Game Review: Battle of Salamis (ancient naval)
Book Review: Skirmish Wargaming (book)
Game Review: Classic Warfare (ancients)
Game Review: Fighting Sail (1:2000 miniatures)
Game Review: Polyhedra Dice