For DBA, the exchange rule will be changed to allow any Roman sword unit to relieve another in front of it. They must be touching bases at the beginning of the turn while one of them is engaged with an enemy unit. In addition, if there is an adverse combat result against a Roman sword unit while there is another behind it that did not participate in combat or participated in an "exchange" yet, the units may exchange places, the combat result being negated.

Remember, units can only participate in an exchange once in a game...that means as either engaged or relieving unit. A record must be kept. This will work for DBM, only now there is enough units to designate lines of sword units as Hastati, Principes, and Triarii and the line exchange will be in effect as with other rules.

In developing the rules modifications, I chose to simulate what Roman legions could do, not how they might look at anyone point in the battle. As in Armati, the rules modification may not require the actual checkerboard, quincunx formation or the actual small unit maneuvers that accomplished it, but they will be able to move and relieve engaged lines much more in keeping with what we do know about legions during the Punic Wars.

Specific Rules Modifications and More

Roman Army Tactics
Ancient Empires
Tactica
Armati
De Bellis Series

More Historical Commentary and References