Caesar’s Wars: The Fall of the Roman Republic 105-25 BC
By Mike Bruck and Jeff Jonas
“They had likewise two other javelins, the largest of which was composed of a staff five feet and a half long and a triangular head of iron nine inches long. This was formerly called the pilum, but now it is known by the name of spiculum. The soldiers were particularly exercised in the use of this weapon, because when thrown with force and skill it often penetrated the shields of the foot and the cuirasses of the horse.”
Vegetius, De Re Militari *
This army list is designed to help you create a Late Republican Roman wargame army for Warhammer Ancient Battles. This period represents the armies of Rome after the reforms of Gaius Marius and includes the armies of Sulla, Cassius, Brutus, Caesar, down to the armies of Octavian and Antonius (Marc Antony).
During this time, Rome was at war with indigenous people all over the frontier and was consolidating her empire. A long hundred year war in Spain was simmering down as Roman influence finally was forcibly taking hold. A serious Germanic incursion of Gaul and Italy was defeated early in this period. After that Rome was on the offensive on all frontiers.
In the west only Britain, Gaul, and Germania remained unconquered. In the Danubian area Rome quietly continued to annihilate the Thracians, Illyrians, and Dardanians. In the east Roman influence was awarded to them when Pergamum ceded to Rome, eventually this led to war with this new province of Asia’s neighbors and conquest of Asia Minor, then the Levant, and then Egypt followed. Rome’s attempts to move eastward were thwarted by the Parthians, and it is here that Rome suffered her worst defeats, as her infantry heavy armies were neutralized by the cavalry armies of the East.
The list of enemy armies of Rome is virtually all the people of Europe and Asia. But even with all these varied armies to fight, still the most famous actions are those of the great Civil Wars, as Rome struggled to sort out being both a Republic and an Empire. Fifty years of sporadic civil wars ended up with one man standing, Caesar Augustus, who founded the principate, becoming Rome’s first emperor. These lists are created to allow players to recreate these wars of conquest, and Civil Wars to restore order, whether that ‘order’ is revitalizing the power of the Senate, or creating a dictatorship. These lists are created from many others posted on the web and unify other ideas from published WHW army lists such as Spartacus, Hannibal and the Punic Wars, and the Early Imperial Roman list in the WAB rulebook, as well as ideas culled from posted lists on the internet, WABlist, and DBM army lists.
ARMY COMPOSITIONCharacters. Up to 25 % of the points value of the army.
Legionaries. At least 50% of the points value of the army.
Auxilia. Up to 25 % of the points value of the army.
Special Troops. Up to 25 % of the points value of the army.
Allies. Up to 25 % of the points value of the army.
SPECIAL RULES
Linear Obstacles
After the terrain for a tabletop battle has been determined, the Roman player may place up to 12” inches of linear obstacles (trenches) or field fortifications (stakes) in his deployment zone, at no cost, for each 2000 full points in the army. A trench is a movement obstacle that counts the same as a 2” wide stream. A trench does not block line of sight, and only counts as a defended obstacle against cavalry.
A field fortification counts as 2” for each inch, and is a wall that gives light cover to shooting, counts as a defended obstacle and blocks LOS. For example, a Roman commander could place up to 6” of field fortifications, or a combination of the two. Each section must be at least 4” long. So a Roman could place 4” of field fortifications, and then 4” of trenches. Linear Obstacles must be deployed first, before any of the army’s units are deployed. An army that deploys linear obstacles gives up the right to decide who will move first, if both players use them then dice off as normal.
Caltrops
Caltrops were spiked anti-cavalry devices which when thrown, one spike would always land pointing up. Caltrops are a special scenario item.
Testudo
Same as the WAB rulebook.
Unreliable Allies & Mercenaries
Unreliable troops must pass a leadership test in order to charge or move within 8” of a non-skirmisher enemy unit.
Stealth
Formed units with stealth may move at normal pace through obstacles, however they may not march or charge at double pace.
Sub-General
Functions like an army general for specified troops under his command only.
Pilum
Counts as a heavy throwing spear. The pilum was tossed just before combat, causing casualties and disrupting the enemy advance, it is not a missile weapon in WAB. The extra strength represents the pila removing the use of enemy shields, and extra penetration of their heavy weighted metal shafts. Roman legionaries also carried light pila, these count as javelins and can be thrown like normal missiles.
COHORT
The basic Roman tactical formation at this time was the cohort. Cohorts normally comprised 480 soldiers at full strength. Often cohorts were not at full strength, especially veteran units. For our purposes, a cohort is a legionary unit of 16-32 models. The Praetorian cohort may have a minimum of 8 models, and must be the smallest legionary unit in the army.
Cohort Swapping
A cohort may swap with another cohort during the charge phase. The swapping cohort must be un-engaged, must be within 8” and have the unit in its arc of vision. A unit that is attacked in the flank or rear may not swap. The unit that swaps counts as charging, the unit that swaps out may do nothing and must assume the same facing a formation of the swapping unit.
Drilled Disengagement
A Drilled cohort may FBIGO if it wins or loses a combat with an enemy infantry unit. Of course, if it loses a combat, it must pass a break test first, if it fails then it may only FBIGO if allowed under teh normal 2:1 rules. Units may FBIGO freely through other cohorts.
Used to elephants
Roman Cohorts that are Drilled also count as “Used to elephants.”
Characters dismounting
A character on horseback may join an infantry unit. He simply is replaced by a suitable dismounted figure. A horse and holder can be set at the back of the unit to denote this. Lictors and any other entourage figures will mill around the back as well, near the horses.
Any character that joins an infantry unit in combat will be given a shield by one of the soldiers in the unit if they carry them. Characetrs that join a Drilled cohort may act in concert with them, ie they may FBIGO, or swap, etc.
“If therefore he finds his army composed of raw troops or if they have long been unaccustomed to fighting, he must carefully study the strength, the spirit, the manners of each particular legion, and of each body of auxiliaries, cavalry and infantry. He must know, if possible, the name and capacity of every equestrian, tribune, centurion, and soldier. He must assume the most respectable authority and maintain it by severity. He must punish all military crimes with the greatest rigor of the laws. He must have the character of being inexorable towards offenders and endeavor to give public examples thereof in different places and on different occasions.”
Vegetius:
CHARACTERS
The army must have at least one character to serve as the overall leader, chosen from the Characters listed below.
1 ARMY GENERAL (Imperator, Consul or Proconsul)
M / WS / BS / S / T / W / I / A / Ld / PtsImperator / 4 / 6 / 5 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 6 / 2 / 10 / 150
Pro-Consul / 4 / 5 / 5 / 3 / 3 / 2 / 5 / 2 / 9 / 125
Warhorse / 8 / 3 / - / 3 / - / - / 3 / 1 / - / +5
Equipment: Armed with a gladius, and light armour. May ride a Warhorse +5 pts.
Special Rules: Army General, Drilled and Stubborn.
The Imperator is a general that has been tested in war and has risen to command his own personal army. As such his soldiers are more loyal to him than to Rome itself, his stern leadership and favor of the gods earns him the highest devotion from his troops. He is a danger to Rome, as he is most likely affiliated with either the populares or optimates political groups, who are destined to destroy the Roman Republic is vicious civil wars.
The Pro-Consul is a seasoned general that has many campaigns behind him. He is loyal to Rome, and has all the skills to fight the enemies of Rome, and then give up his auctoritas under the laws of Rome and return to civilian life. He is the typical Cincinnatus.
M / WS / BS / S / T / W / I / A / Ld / PtsConsul / 4 / 5 / 5 / 3 / 3 / 2 / 5 / 2 / ? / 135
Warhorse / 8 / 3 / - / 3 / - / - / 3 / 1 / - / +5
Equipment: Armed with a gladius, and light armour. May ride a Warhorse +5 pts.
Special Rules: Army General, Drilled and Stubborn. Consul.
Consul: The consul is an up-and-comer of untested mettle. He can be a Military Man, a Political Animal, or a Standard Roman issue.
Before the battle roll a D6 to find out what stuff he is made of:
1-2: Political animal. Leadership is 8, but bribes and political allegiances allow the general to double the amount of Lictor bonuses.
3-4: Standard and Steady general, leadership is 9, the general himself is immune to panic.
5-6: Military Man: Leadership is increased to 10, but the general is rash. Troops within 12” of the general are subject to warband rule #2 (surge forward on a roll of 6).
“Next day as Caesar was preparing to set out with the army, notice was sent him by his spies, that Pompey had been in order of battle ever since midnight. Upon this intelligence he ordered the standard to be raised.”Caesar’s War in Spain
0-1 ARMY STANDARD BEARER or AQUILIFER
M / WS / BS / S / T / W / I / A / Ld / PtsArmy Standard / 0 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 2 / 5 / 2 / 9 / 100
Equipment: Armed with a gladius, light armor, and shield.
Special Rules: Army Standard Bearer, Drilled and Stubborn. See the WAB rules page 119 for further effects
This may represent the general’s personal standard which is raised near his tent, or a legion’s aquilifer, or eagle standard. Both symbolize the power of the general and serves as a rallying point for the legions. In very large games multiple Eagle standard bearers should be allowed and each legion of 10 cohorts should have its own eagle army standard. The legion’s Eagle standard became an object of veneration and no legion could bear the humiliation loss of it, see the WAB rulebook page 119 for further effects.
“Valor is superior to numbers.” Vegetius
0-1 LEGATE
M / WS / BS / S / T / W / I / A / Ld / PtsLegate / 4 / 5 / 5 / 3 / 4 / 2 / 5 / 2 / 9 / 100
Equipment: Armed with a gladius, and light armour. May ride a Warhorse +5 pts.
Special Rules: Sub-General, Drilled and Stubborn.
Caesar despaired that the six tribunes assigned to each legion no longer had the salt to lead them, so he place Legates in charge as permanent commanders of his legions. One Legate is allowed for each ten cohorts in the army. The Legate counts as an army general only for one assigned legion. A Legate may also command Allied or Mercenary troops, but only as an assigned character.
0-1 SENIOR CENTURION
M / WS / BS / S / T / W / I / A / Ld / PtsSenior Centurion / 4 / 6 / 5 / 4 / 4 / 2 / 5 / 3 / 9 / 95
Equipment: Armed with a gladius, large shield, and light armour.
Special Rules: Drilled and Stubborn. Immune to psychology. Decimation.
Decimation: If a unit breaks from combat while the Senior Centurion is attached he will carry out a decimation after the battle. The cohort loses D3 troops. The unit is immune to psychology in its next battle in a campaign.
A legion’s senior centurion (primus pilus which means “first spear” or “first file”) was the toughest bird in the Roman Army, and he protected the legion’s eagle standard. One only needs to read Caesar’s account of the actions of Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus, who are now stars of their own HBO TV series, to see how tough they could be. One Senior Centurion is allowed for each group of ten cohorts in the army. At a players’ discretion they can also be added to siege games, and special scenarios, these characters are not recommended for tournament play.
TRIBUNES and PRAEFECTS
M / WS / BS / S / T / W / I / A / Ld / PtsTribune / 4 / 4 / 4 / 3 / 3 / 2 / 5 / 2 / 8 / 55
Warhorse / 8 / 3 / - / 3 / - / - / 3 / 1 / - / +5
Equipment: Armed with a gladius, and light armour. May ride a Warhorse +5 pts.
Special Rules: Drilled and Stubborn.
Tribune’s no longer carried out many military functions as they were mostly political appointees. Praefects often commanded auxiliary forces.
0-2 LICTORS
M / WS / BS / S / T / W / I / A / Ld / PtsLictors / 4 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 4 / 2 / 5 / 1 / 7 / 30
Equipment: Armed with a gladius, and fasces.
Special Rules: Drilled and Stubborn. The Lictors are an independent character that is part of the General’s entourage, they keep up even if the general is mounted. They will not join units, but will hang back in the rear if the general attaches to a unit. They may not charge.
The Lictors provide a re-roll of any failed break or panic test within 12”, or they may add +1 to any combat result. These effects may be used once per game per lector. Once their re-rolls or bonus points are used up, the Lictors may withdraw to the camp. If the enemy capture or kill a Lictor they gain +25 pts each
“The music of the legion consists of trumpets, cornets and buccinae. The trumpet sounds the charge and the retreat. The cornets are used only to regulate the motions of the colors; the trumpets serve when the soldiers are ordered out to any work without the colors; but in time of action, the trumpets and cornets sound together.”Vegetius
LEGIONARIES
Legionaries must be organized into units of at least sixteen models each. There is no limit to the maximum size of a unit. One model per unit must be upgraded to a standard bearer at a cost of +5 points, one model per unit must be upgraded to a musician at a cost of +5 points, and one model per unit must be upgraded to a Centurion at a cost of +10 points, (the leadership bonus of the Centurion has been added).
Veterans / 4 / 4 / 4 / 3 / 3 / 1 / 4 / 1 / 9 / 20
Equipment: Armed with gladius, pilum, large shield and light armor. May add javelins +1pt.
Special Rules: Cohorts. Drilled and Stubborn. 0-1 unit may be upgraded to Praetorians +15 pts per unit.
Praetorians are the general’s bodyguard. They are immune to panic and allowed one free re-roll of to hit dice per game, the whole roll must be re-rolled. The unit of Praetorians may not exceed 12 models. They must deploy within 6” of the army general.
Regulars / 4 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 1 / 3 / 1 / 8 / 13
Equipment: Armed with gladius, pilum, large shield and light armor. May add javelins +1pt.
Special Rules: Cohorts. Drilled. A unit may be “Seasoned” and will then count as stubborn, +3 pts.
Raw Recruits / 4 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 1 / 3 / 1 / 8 / 11
Equipment: Armed with gladius, pilum, large shield and light armor. May add javelins +1pt.
Special Rules: Cohorts. Neither Drilled or Stubborn.
Raw recruits can also be provincial forces and garrisons.
Conscripts / 4 / 2 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 1 / 2 / 1 / 7 / 7
Equipment: Armed with gladius, pilum, large shield. May add light armor +2 pts. May add javelins +1pt.
Special Rules: Cohorts. Neither Drilled or Stubborn.
Conscripts are so raw they are regarded by contemporaries as “legions in name only.” Such troops would be some of the Pompeian troops at Pharsalus, or those raised in Spain from slaves and non-citizens. Ptolemaic, Pontic, Galatian legions, or Juba’s Numidian legions would also count as conscripts compared to even the raw recruits raised from citizens.
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“Lest the soldiers in the confusion of battle should be separated from their comrades, every cohort had its shields painted in a manner peculiar to itself. The name of each soldier was also written on his shield, together with the number of the cohort and century to which he belonged. From this description, we may compare the legion, when in proper order, to a well fortified city as containing within itself every thing requisite in war, wherever it moved. It was secure from any sudden attempt or surprise of an enemy by its expeditious method of entrenching its camp even in the open plains and it was always provided with troops and arms of every kind.”Vegetius
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AUXILIA
Auxiliaries were no longer part of the legion, they were mercenary hired for their skills in scouting, skirmishing, and garrisoning outposts. Occasionally powerful generals could afford to carry auxiliaries from all parts of the empire. Thus, Crassus had Gaulic cavalry in Parthia, and Caesar could afford Numidian and Cretan troops in Gaul. Roman Cavalry became rare after the initial Civil Wars as the young nobility of the equestrian class signed up for political careers as opportunity increased.
The last known Roman cavalry served with Pompeius at Pharsalus, but each Triumvir or Consul probably carried a small unit of Roman cavalry as messengers. Other cavalry were attached as needed, but were rarely numerous, which became a deciding factor in Rome’s difficulties against Parthia. Most allied cavalry was decidedly not shock cavalry as that role was deferred to the legions. Nevertheless, cavalry occaisionallly proved to be the decisive factor in these wars as shown at Alesia, and Munda. Pharsalus shows the extreme where poor usage of a cavalry advantage was thrown away. Labienus’ command of Numidian horse before Thapsus proved the lesson to Caesar that Crassus learned to his death at the hands of Parthian horsemen, that proper support was vital.