Getting into Ancients Wargaming

Hi Everyone!

Now that I've released the Post-Marian Roman minor factions, I've been thinking a lot about getting new players into Ancient's Wargaming. Whether they are new to wargaming completely or just new to Ancients.

One of my favourite periods in history is the build up to the Roman Empire. From the early Republic up to the Civil Wars of the Triumvirate and the death of Julius Caesar. And I think the best way to encourage people into Ancients wargaming is to give them an accessible and inexpensive entrance. One of the best deals I've seen for this, is the Hail Caesar starter set.

If you and a friend are looking to jump into this adventure, you can build two substantial forces that will allow you to play Brethren from the smallest iteration of up to 250 points, all the way up to the largest iteration of up to 1500 Points. All for less than £50 each.

Keeping costs down (especially for new players) is one of my core beliefs. And so looking and advising on the best deal is something I will always try to do when talking to people at wargames conventions, at a local gaming club or online.

Anyway, back to the starter box.

Contents:

From looking online, the model contents is as follows.

Celts:

Three Command Sprues

Five Warrior Sprues

Romans:

Three Command Sprues

Four Legionaries with Pilum Sprues

Five Legionaries with Gladius and Sling Sprues

These come with Hail Caesar compatible group bases. So to make them compatible with Brethren, you would also need to buy 25mm round bases which can be found from multiple retailers. Warlord Games do a pack of 75 of which you will need to buy two packs to have enough.

Using the free Brethren rules available HERE and the contents of the box, I have written up some example army lists that you can use to get the most out of the available models.

Caesarean Romans
Unit	Equipment	Qty	Points
Combat Hero	Sword, Javelin, Shield	3	192
Support Hero	Sword, Shield, Standard	2	94
Support Hero	Sword, Shield, Horn	2	94
Experienced Infantry	Sword, Shield, Javelin	22	660
Experienced Infantry	Sword, Shield, Sling	10	270
Experienced Infantry	Sword, Shield	8	184
	Total:	47	1494

The Caesarean Roman's have one warrior spare.

Celtic Warriors
Unit	Equipment	Qty	Points
Combat Hero	Sword, Shield	4	228
Support Hero	Sword, Shield, Standard	1	47
Support Hero	Sword, Shield, Horn	1	47
Experienced Infantry	Sword, Shield	12	276
Untrained Infantry	Sword, Head	6	96
Untrained Infantry	Sword, Horn	1	20
Untrained Infantry	Sword, Standard	3	60
Untrained Infantry	Sword, Javelin, Shield	8	176
Untrained Infantry	Spear	8	88
Untrained Infantry	Spear, Shield	8	128
Untrained Infantry	Sword, Shield	8	120
Untrained Infantry	Sword	20	200
	Total:	80	1486

As you can see, the fully built lists give you plenty of options. With the forces being fairly evenly balanced.

If you want to customise your forces further using free available rules, consider using the new Roman and Brittanic Celt minor factions' faction bonuses available on the rules page to help make your forces unique.

If you are looking to get into Ancients Wargaming or want to get a friend to try it out please consider this as it is an excellent way to not only dip your toe but have an expansive skirmish force. And if you want to go further, consider buying the Armies of the Ancients faction book HERE which is fully compatible with both the full rulebook or the free Quick Start Guide.

You can buy the Hail Caesar starter box or one of the smaller figure sets from Overlord Games HERE

I hope this inspires you to dip your toe into Ancients wargaming if you haven't already. And please share your progress on the Brethren STW Community Group on Facebook. I always enjoy seeing updates from players expanding their armies! And I'm always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Many Thanks

Matt