Thursday, October 07, 2004
De Bellis Magistrorum Militum
Rules Ancients
Phil Barker has got to be one of the most prolific wargames rules writes around. And, despite complaints about how his "Barkerese" results in rules confusion, they generally are well received. De Bellis Magistrorum Militum (DBMM) is one of many extensions of the original DBA system. The game is free, for now. Phil writes:DBMM is a radical development of DBM. It currently retains about 40% commonality, though this is shrinking. The most major difference is in simulating command and control more realistically and in particular emphasizing the C-in-C’s plan. It is from this last aspect that it gets its title, which translates as “For the Wars of the Masters of Soldiers”. The new command system requires regular C-in-Cs to have a plan. It also allows cunning stratagems taken from the compilations of ancient authors, and caters for the exceptional generals of antiquity in a way that can only be exploited adequately by players with a good sense of timing. It eliminates time consuming PIP trading. Troop definitions have been adjusted. Terrain choosing has been changed to give more variety and less predictability. Deployment is quicker and less stereotyped, and “edge of the world” effects have been reduced. Combat places more stress on seizing tactical initiative and less on arranging advantageous match ups. Cavalry actions on the wings have been speeded so that a wing command can gain a decision in time to intervene in the centre. Conversely, it is now possible for superior infantry to break through in the centre instead of slogging on unrewarded. The ability of light troops to hold up an advance is greatly reduced. However, a curbing of rear support gives missile-using cavalry and skirmishers a small chance previously lacking of occasionally destroying an element of heavy foot. The morale stiffening value of crowds of minimal quality troops in the rear has been greatly reduced. Micro-measurement has been reduced and geometrical constraints eased. A revised scoring system gives credit for narrow defeats and finer gradation in competitions.
Entry Permalink and Comments | Email this entry | List All Posts By Category
Didn't find what you wanted? Try our exclusive Miniature Wargaming Search Engine.
Comments:
No comments yet.