The Loose Association of Wargamers

Grizz, And add in the local commander's initiative on the ground. E.g. the Roman manoeuvre at Cynoscephalae was most probably just a local commander reacting to the tactical situation. So, perhaps three elements: a) Direct comms from the C-in-C. b) Trumpets & Drums communicating pre-set drill ma...

RMD,

Re:

Instead of an artillery attack killing a set number of units/figures within the beaten zone, roll for each unit/figure within the beaten zone. That's a FAR better method.

Have you been having a sneaky peak at O Group!

DB

S,

I'm with you on this one.

It doesn't take long at all for a group to learn the basic drills, the difference is being able to complete those drill manoeuvres when under combat pressure and when the enemy are flinging slingshot and javelins at you.

DB

Just to feed the rioting flames a bit more: a) I'm sure that the rugby scrum analogy is rubbish, in the most part. The idea that hundred of blokes are all squished up, trying to push, just seems daft. If that were the case why bother training for hours with sword/spear, as you can't deploy your weap...

G,

Re: well trained riot police

I've never encountered any

I think the point I'm trying to make is that there is a difference between falling back to regroup and retreating.

DB

G,

I see barbarian recycling as a riskier and longer prospect than advancing blocks up to take the pressure off other blocks which then make a fighting retreat.

Agreed.

DB

G, Re: Except that, if one side is not exhausted yet, they can do great execution to the other as they pull back. Not always. Lines of men do not always follow up a falling back enemy. There is a far greater inclination to stay put rather than follow up because: a) you are knackered, (even if holdin...

G + BvW, Combat consisted of surges, I think, rather than a prolonged hacking session, which is simply impossible to maintain. (I think it was Polybius who described it as a series of waves?) Therefore, I envisage it's more akin an initial clash, followed by both sides withdrawing if no clear decisi...

D, Two types of rank exchange envisaged - formal and "informal". Formal rank exchange is, as you say, possible by disciplined units/armies, i.e. the Romans! (And maybe a few others.) Informal rank exchange is that necessitated by combat. No troops can endure combat for any protracted perio...

Oc, I've been looking at "Rank Exchange" as a key mechanism in Ancients. To gain a tactical upper hand, rank exchange needs to be carried out at the right time, so it's when to withdraw, say the velites or hastati, for the Romans. A successful exchange means your fresh units engage weaker ...