More The First Man in Rome

Campaign Rules

by Mike Demana


Last issue, I presented an overview of my DBA campaign set in the 1st Century B.C. entitled, "The First Man in Rome." This issue I am publishing the map and some sample troop lists. Next issue, I will begin to recount the exploits of our group using these rules.

Troop Lists

As mentioned in the previous article (Herald #40), the players' forces are divided into strength points for purposes of the campaign. Each strength point (SP) is equivalent to 3 De Bellis Antiquitatis (DBA) elements on the battlefield. Roman players need a minimum of 4 SPs to invade barbarian territory (making their army size 12 elements, i.e., a normal DBA army), while the maximum army size permitted is 12 SPs (36 elements). Barbarian armies are are also listed in terms of SPs for the campaign and are similarly limited.

The sample troop lists below detail how many of each type element the players may select for battle. There are four sizes listed -- 1, 2, 3 and 4 SP. Armies are assembled using the largest size listed possible.

In other words, for a 9 SP army, combine two 4 SP and a single 1 SP list. These lists do not necessarily match those in the DBA rules, and include armies that are not present in the lists at all. Abbreviations are: Bl=Blades (well-armed heavy foot); Sp=Spear; Ax=Auxilia (light infantry); Wb=Warband; Ps=Psiloi (skirmishers); Kn=Knight (impetuous mounted); Cv=Cavalry; Cm=Camels; LH=Light Horse; EI=Elephants; Sch=Scythed Chariots; Lch=Light Chariots.

The Map

The campaign map is divided into various sized Regions, which are then grouped together to form Provinces. As show in the key, a single line indicates the border between regions in the same province, while a double line is used to separate those in different provinces. Dotted lines also outline the boundaries of potential regions that may be carved out of barbarian territory. Once all a barbarian nation's territory has been conquered, the regions either form a new province or are tacked onto a neighboring one.

As mentioned in the last article, players must have their Roman SPs in more than half of the regions or cities in a province to count as controlling it. The economic values of the provinces are listed below, as well. Since "money is power," it will be important for players in "Friends, Romans, Countrymen" to control their provinces. The more economic value a player amasses, the more prestige he will have (which translates into votes during the crucial Senate Elections. Economics also control how many replacement or reinforcement SPs a player receives during the Winter turn.

SOME SAMPLE TROOP LISTS

Romans

    1SP Force: 2 Bd, 1 Cv or Ps

    2SP Force: 1 Cv, 4 Bd, 1 Ps

    3SP Force: 1 Cv, 6 Bd, 1 Ps, 1 Bd or Cv

    4SP Force: 2 Cv, 8 Bd, 1 Ps, 1 Bd or Cv or Ps

Gauls 3 Regions (Belgica, Aquitania, Lugdunensis).

    1 SP Force: 1 Cv, 1 Wb, 1 Wb or Ps

    2SP Force: 2 Cv, 3 Wb, 1 Ps

    3SP Force: 3 Cv, 4 Wb, 1 Ps, 1 Wb or Ps

    4SP Force: 4 Cv, 6 Wb, 2 Ps

Thracians 2 Regions (Moesia, Hellespont).

    1 SP Force: 1 LH, 1 Ax, 1 Ax or Ps

    2SP Force: 1 LH, 1 LH or Cv, 1 Ps, 2 Ax, 1 Sp or Ax

    3SP Force: 1 Cv, 2 LH, 4 Ax, 1 Ps, 1 Sp or Ax or Ps

    4SP Force: 1 Cv, 2 LH, 5 Ax, 2 Ps, 2 Sp or Ax.

Numidians 2 Regions (Atlas, Gaetulia).

    Once conquered, the regions are added to the province of Africa. Also, the Numidians may continue to be activated even after both regions have been conquered. This simulates raids by the never fully-pacified tribes of the hinterland. The SPs appear in either region, activating player's choice.

    1 SP Force: 1 LH, 1 Ps, 1 LH or Ps

    2SP Force: 2 LH, 2 Ps, 1 LH or El, 1 LH or Ax or Bd*

    3SP Force: 4 LH, 3 Ps, 1 LH or El, 1 LH or Ax or Bd*

    4SP Force: 5 LH, 4 Ps, 1 LH or El, 2 LH or Ax or Bd*

    *Once conquered, new raiders may not choose Bd.

Map

Jumbo Map (extremely slow: 290K)

First Man in Rome