- Welcome to SoA Forum.
Recent posts
#1
Battle Reports / Re: Caesarian Romans v Gauls u...
Last post by simonw - Mar 10, 2026, 02:50 PMCaesar's Invasion of Gaul Part 2
Last night's Tactica 2 game was the second encounter between Caesarian Romans against Gauls. The armies were essentially the same as last week with the only change being to increase the size of the single Roman Heavy Cavalry unit from 16 to 18 figures with a reduction in Fighting Value from FV 5-6 to FV 4-6.
CAESARIAN ROMAN
Troop Type/Unit Size FV Sk-FV Quality Weapons Cost Pts
Mounted
Legionary HC 18 4-6 Veteran Javelins 8 108
Numidian LC 8 3-6 (5-6) Veteran Javelins 4 32
Numidian LC 8 3-6 (5-6) Veteran Javelins 4 32
Numidian LC 8 3-6 (5-6) Veteran Javelins 4 32
Foot
2 Legions Each (720pts)
1stCohort 16 5-6 Elite Pila/Swd 9 144
2ndCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
3rdCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
4thCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
5thCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
6thCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
7thCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
8thCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
9thCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
10thCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
LI Auxilia 16 4-6 Veteran Javelins 4 64
LI Auxilia 16 4-6 Veteran Javelins 4 64
SI (Greek) 12 (5-6) Veteran Slings 3 36
SI (Balaearic) 16 8-24 (5-6) Veteran Slings 3 48
TOTAL POINTS 1856
Massed Figs 250
Breakpoint 125
Both Legions have their Legionary Breakpoints set at 7 Cohorts each after which ALL figures of the Legion (88) count to Army Breakpoint.
GAULS
Troop Type/Unit Size FV Sk-FV Quality Weapons Cost Pts
Mounted
HC 18 4-6 - Elite Various 7 116
LC 8 3-6 (5-6) Veteran Javelins 4 32
LC 8 3-6 (5-6) Veteran Javelins 4 32
LC 8 3-6 (5-6) Veteran Javelins 4 32
Foot
Soldurii WB (I) 24 4-6 - Elite Various 7.5 180
WB(I) (Warriors) 48 4-6 - Veteran Various 6.5 312 WB(I) (Warriors) 48 4-6 - Veteran Various 6.5 312
WB(I) (Warriors) 36 4-6 - Veteran Various 6.5 234
WB(I) (Warriors) 36 4-6 - Veteran Various 6.5 234
WB(I) (Warriors) 36 4-6 - Veteran Various 6.5 234
WB(I) (Warriors) 36 4-6 - Veteran Various 6.5 234
Skirmishers 16 - (5-6) Veteran Javelins 2 32
Skirmishers 16 - (5-6) Veteran Javelins 2 32
Skirmishers 10 - (5-6) Veteran Javelins 3 30
Skirmishers 10 - (5-6) Veteran Javelins 3 30
TOTAL POINTS2076
Massed Figs 306
Breakpoint 153
In Consul Hughlius Caesar's absence on a trade mission in far Cathay, Billius Gastro heroically assumed sole command of the Roman army. Gordoderix the Steady and Donimatrix Obelisko commanded the Gauls.
The main feature of Terrain comprised again (for the second game running and YES; I did roll for the Terrain) a Flank Boundary of Steep Hills on the Gallic Right Flank Sector, a Low Ridge in the Roman right centre and a couple of Low Hills in the Gallic left.
Billius Deployed the Romans in Acies Duplex with their 8 figure Cohorts in double ranks in the left and in single ranks in the right. The Roman Heavy Cavalry was on the Roman left supported by one unit of Auxilia (FV 4-6 Massed Light Infantry Veterans). The Romans' 3 units of Numidian Light Horse (Fv 3-6 with javelins) were posted on the Roman right with the other unit of Auxilia. The Roman Skirmishers were posted on the flanks with Billius placing his trust in the Roman armour to protect his Cohorts from the Gallic Skirmisher Missiles.
Gordoderix and Donimatrix Deployed their Gallic Warbands in a mix of 48 figure and 36 figure Warbands in 3 and 4 ranks depth respectively with the single unit of 36 Soldurii (Elite Warband, FV 4-6 (I)) placed in reserve behind the left end of their line as a precaution against the potential Deployment of the Roman Heavy Cavalry opposite. This presented a wide front with potential for overlap and/or outflanking manoeuvres in the Flank Sectors. Conversely though, it also meant that the Warbands would be unlikely to concentrate in depth against a single Legion as a main focus of attack but would tend to engage pretty much the whole frontage of both of the Roman Legions. As it worked out, the placement of the Soldurii as a reserve did prove to be a pretty sagacious measure as the 2 units of Gallic Light Horse (16 figures in total) were outnumbered on the Gallic left by Romans' 3 units of Numidian Light Horse (24 figures in total) with the potential for the left end of the Gallic line to be outflanked.
The numerous Gallic Skirmishers were posted in front of the Warbands and in the absence of any Roman Skirmishers in front of the Legions, this facilitated 'bathing' the legionary Cohorts in the centre in a 'deluge' of slingstones and javelins, with significant effect prior to the Charge of the Warbands.
On viewing the Deployments, Billius decided to reinforce his frontline Cohorts immediately to produce a solid and near-contiguous, 2 deep line of Legionaries to provide solidity and resistance to the onrush of the Gallic Warbands. He had faith in the melee power of the Legions in such a configuration to at least, outlast the Warbands in combat. His confidence was however, somewhat moderated when he observed the consequences of the Gallic skirmishing which resulted in few of the Cohorts entering combat with the Warbands without already being significantly weakened by missile casualties; their good armour protection notwithstanding.
On the Gallic left, Donimatrix's Warbands surged forward in a slight echelon and angle against Billius' right Legion. In the process the 'blew away' the single unit of Auxilia who had somewhat ambitiously decided to engage the Warbands directly. Furthermore, the 2 units of 8 Gallic Light Horse (FV 3-6 Veterans) proceeded to outfight the more numerous (3 units of
Numidian Light Horse posted in the Roman Right Flank Sector. In the absence of ant Roman Heavy Cavalry in his Flank sector, Donimatrix decided immediately to attempt and outflanking of the Roman right with his unit of Soldurii and although he didn't manage to actually get a true Flank Attack, their contribution to the melee power of the left end of the line of Gallic Warbands ultimately proved to be highly significant.
The Roman battleplan of relying at the outset on entering combat with the Gauls in a relatively solid contiguous line reinforced Cohorts in 2 ranks to maximise their powers of resistance in melee with the Gallic Warbands and so prevent the appearance of any 'gaps' in the line was unfortunately undone by below-par dice rolling by the Romans and above average dice rolling by the Gauls such that in combination with the Missile 'Kills' inflicted on the Cohorts by the Gallic Skirmishers, gaps did appear in the Roman line as even the reinforced Roman Cohorts began to Break, one by one.
It is not in the nature of the Roman Legions to rapidly collapse in the manner that Hellenistic armies can potentially because the Tactica 2 rules do NOT require Cohorts to have to take Routed Past Control Tests for fellow (non-Disordered) Cohorts. Rather, the Cohorts of a Legion resist until the Legion's Breakpoint is reached (7 out of 10 Cohorts) and a consequent Legion Fates Roll is failed (more likely than not given the requirement for rolling an 11 or 12 score on 2 dice). Although this gives the Legions unsurpassed resisting power, in this game, the Gallic effectiveness in combat (good dice rolling) combined with the Missile 'KILL'S INFLICTED BY THE Gallic Skirmishers duly combined to Break Billius' Right Legion and despite his left Legion performing a little better, its progress wasn't rapid enough nor strong enough to punch a hole in the line of Gallic Warbands.
All would not have been lost for the Romans however IF the Roman's Heavy cavalry had been able to intervene and outflank the rightmost Gallic Warbands under Gordoderix's control.
.This configuration would reduce the number of Pila that could be thrown but this was deemed an acceptable compromise. The Roman cavalry did mange to Rout the Gallic Heavy cavalry on the Gallic right but the presence of the single unit of Gallic Light cavalry on this flank provided a potential (flank) threat which prevented the victorious Roman Heavy cavalry from wheeling inwards to attack the rightmost Gallic Warbands in the flank and the Roman Auxiliary Light Infantry emerging from the Steep Hills were too late to drive the Gallic Light Horse off in time.
Considerations:
1. The Gauls again had the 'rub of the green' with respect to Missile and Melee Dice. In particular, Gordoderix's Melee Dice were well above what could normally be expected, even without Impetus.
2 This is the second game in which the Romans have sought to enter into combat with the Warbands, formed-up in, as far as possible, a cohesive, contiguous line. In the first game, this comprised single, 8 figure Cohorts in 2 ranks depth and in this game, reinforced Cohorts (i.e. 16 figures in 2 ranks of. In neither game has the Romans' ability to operate in multiple lines been fully utilised.
3. Billius did keep a couple of Cohorts behind the front line as reserves but these never saw combat other than the spectacle of their front line fellows being routed. Not being able to get the 'reserve' into action and so actively contribute to combat is 'unfortunate'.
4. It is suspected that the Roman Legions should perhaps attempt to see if operating in multiple lines with reinforcement procedures implemented only as and when the tactical situation demands, might be more successful.
5. The Romans might consider the use of Acies Triplex to both narrow their combat frontage and enable 2nd and/or 3rd line Cohorts to potentially Flank Attack any Warbands who have Broken through the Roman first line and rashly Pursue into the subsequent lines of Roman Cohorts.
6. Fighting with the Roman Cohorts is still a learning process.
Melia Fortuna Iterum
Acknowledgements:
Billius Gastro (Bill Robertson)
Gordoderix the Steady (Gordon Crawford)
Donimatrix Obelisko (Donald Linn)
Apologies:
Grahamlius Indispodius (Graham Bryson)You cannot view this attachment.You cannot view this attachment.You cannot view this attachment.You cannot view this attachment.
Last night's Tactica 2 game was the second encounter between Caesarian Romans against Gauls. The armies were essentially the same as last week with the only change being to increase the size of the single Roman Heavy Cavalry unit from 16 to 18 figures with a reduction in Fighting Value from FV 5-6 to FV 4-6.
CAESARIAN ROMAN
Troop Type/Unit Size FV Sk-FV Quality Weapons Cost Pts
Mounted
Legionary HC 18 4-6 Veteran Javelins 8 108
Numidian LC 8 3-6 (5-6) Veteran Javelins 4 32
Numidian LC 8 3-6 (5-6) Veteran Javelins 4 32
Numidian LC 8 3-6 (5-6) Veteran Javelins 4 32
Foot
2 Legions Each (720pts)
1stCohort 16 5-6 Elite Pila/Swd 9 144
2ndCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
3rdCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
4thCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
5thCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
6thCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
7thCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
8thCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
9thCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
10thCohort 8 5-6 Veteran Pila/Swd 8 64
LI Auxilia 16 4-6 Veteran Javelins 4 64
LI Auxilia 16 4-6 Veteran Javelins 4 64
SI (Greek) 12 (5-6) Veteran Slings 3 36
SI (Balaearic) 16 8-24 (5-6) Veteran Slings 3 48
TOTAL POINTS 1856
Massed Figs 250
Breakpoint 125
Both Legions have their Legionary Breakpoints set at 7 Cohorts each after which ALL figures of the Legion (88) count to Army Breakpoint.
GAULS
Troop Type/Unit Size FV Sk-FV Quality Weapons Cost Pts
Mounted
HC 18 4-6 - Elite Various 7 116
LC 8 3-6 (5-6) Veteran Javelins 4 32
LC 8 3-6 (5-6) Veteran Javelins 4 32
LC 8 3-6 (5-6) Veteran Javelins 4 32
Foot
Soldurii WB (I) 24 4-6 - Elite Various 7.5 180
WB(I) (Warriors) 48 4-6 - Veteran Various 6.5 312 WB(I) (Warriors) 48 4-6 - Veteran Various 6.5 312
WB(I) (Warriors) 36 4-6 - Veteran Various 6.5 234
WB(I) (Warriors) 36 4-6 - Veteran Various 6.5 234
WB(I) (Warriors) 36 4-6 - Veteran Various 6.5 234
WB(I) (Warriors) 36 4-6 - Veteran Various 6.5 234
Skirmishers 16 - (5-6) Veteran Javelins 2 32
Skirmishers 16 - (5-6) Veteran Javelins 2 32
Skirmishers 10 - (5-6) Veteran Javelins 3 30
Skirmishers 10 - (5-6) Veteran Javelins 3 30
TOTAL POINTS2076
Massed Figs 306
Breakpoint 153
In Consul Hughlius Caesar's absence on a trade mission in far Cathay, Billius Gastro heroically assumed sole command of the Roman army. Gordoderix the Steady and Donimatrix Obelisko commanded the Gauls.
The main feature of Terrain comprised again (for the second game running and YES; I did roll for the Terrain) a Flank Boundary of Steep Hills on the Gallic Right Flank Sector, a Low Ridge in the Roman right centre and a couple of Low Hills in the Gallic left.
Billius Deployed the Romans in Acies Duplex with their 8 figure Cohorts in double ranks in the left and in single ranks in the right. The Roman Heavy Cavalry was on the Roman left supported by one unit of Auxilia (FV 4-6 Massed Light Infantry Veterans). The Romans' 3 units of Numidian Light Horse (Fv 3-6 with javelins) were posted on the Roman right with the other unit of Auxilia. The Roman Skirmishers were posted on the flanks with Billius placing his trust in the Roman armour to protect his Cohorts from the Gallic Skirmisher Missiles.
Gordoderix and Donimatrix Deployed their Gallic Warbands in a mix of 48 figure and 36 figure Warbands in 3 and 4 ranks depth respectively with the single unit of 36 Soldurii (Elite Warband, FV 4-6 (I)) placed in reserve behind the left end of their line as a precaution against the potential Deployment of the Roman Heavy Cavalry opposite. This presented a wide front with potential for overlap and/or outflanking manoeuvres in the Flank Sectors. Conversely though, it also meant that the Warbands would be unlikely to concentrate in depth against a single Legion as a main focus of attack but would tend to engage pretty much the whole frontage of both of the Roman Legions. As it worked out, the placement of the Soldurii as a reserve did prove to be a pretty sagacious measure as the 2 units of Gallic Light Horse (16 figures in total) were outnumbered on the Gallic left by Romans' 3 units of Numidian Light Horse (24 figures in total) with the potential for the left end of the Gallic line to be outflanked.
The numerous Gallic Skirmishers were posted in front of the Warbands and in the absence of any Roman Skirmishers in front of the Legions, this facilitated 'bathing' the legionary Cohorts in the centre in a 'deluge' of slingstones and javelins, with significant effect prior to the Charge of the Warbands.
On viewing the Deployments, Billius decided to reinforce his frontline Cohorts immediately to produce a solid and near-contiguous, 2 deep line of Legionaries to provide solidity and resistance to the onrush of the Gallic Warbands. He had faith in the melee power of the Legions in such a configuration to at least, outlast the Warbands in combat. His confidence was however, somewhat moderated when he observed the consequences of the Gallic skirmishing which resulted in few of the Cohorts entering combat with the Warbands without already being significantly weakened by missile casualties; their good armour protection notwithstanding.
On the Gallic left, Donimatrix's Warbands surged forward in a slight echelon and angle against Billius' right Legion. In the process the 'blew away' the single unit of Auxilia who had somewhat ambitiously decided to engage the Warbands directly. Furthermore, the 2 units of 8 Gallic Light Horse (FV 3-6 Veterans) proceeded to outfight the more numerous (3 units of
Numidian Light Horse posted in the Roman Right Flank Sector. In the absence of ant Roman Heavy Cavalry in his Flank sector, Donimatrix decided immediately to attempt and outflanking of the Roman right with his unit of Soldurii and although he didn't manage to actually get a true Flank Attack, their contribution to the melee power of the left end of the line of Gallic Warbands ultimately proved to be highly significant.The Roman battleplan of relying at the outset on entering combat with the Gauls in a relatively solid contiguous line reinforced Cohorts in 2 ranks to maximise their powers of resistance in melee with the Gallic Warbands and so prevent the appearance of any 'gaps' in the line was unfortunately undone by below-par dice rolling by the Romans and above average dice rolling by the Gauls such that in combination with the Missile 'Kills' inflicted on the Cohorts by the Gallic Skirmishers, gaps did appear in the Roman line as even the reinforced Roman Cohorts began to Break, one by one.
It is not in the nature of the Roman Legions to rapidly collapse in the manner that Hellenistic armies can potentially because the Tactica 2 rules do NOT require Cohorts to have to take Routed Past Control Tests for fellow (non-Disordered) Cohorts. Rather, the Cohorts of a Legion resist until the Legion's Breakpoint is reached (7 out of 10 Cohorts) and a consequent Legion Fates Roll is failed (more likely than not given the requirement for rolling an 11 or 12 score on 2 dice). Although this gives the Legions unsurpassed resisting power, in this game, the Gallic effectiveness in combat (good dice rolling) combined with the Missile 'KILL'S INFLICTED BY THE Gallic Skirmishers duly combined to Break Billius' Right Legion and despite his left Legion performing a little better, its progress wasn't rapid enough nor strong enough to punch a hole in the line of Gallic Warbands.
All would not have been lost for the Romans however IF the Roman's Heavy cavalry had been able to intervene and outflank the rightmost Gallic Warbands under Gordoderix's control.
.This configuration would reduce the number of Pila that could be thrown but this was deemed an acceptable compromise. The Roman cavalry did mange to Rout the Gallic Heavy cavalry on the Gallic right but the presence of the single unit of Gallic Light cavalry on this flank provided a potential (flank) threat which prevented the victorious Roman Heavy cavalry from wheeling inwards to attack the rightmost Gallic Warbands in the flank and the Roman Auxiliary Light Infantry emerging from the Steep Hills were too late to drive the Gallic Light Horse off in time.
Considerations:
1. The Gauls again had the 'rub of the green' with respect to Missile and Melee Dice. In particular, Gordoderix's Melee Dice were well above what could normally be expected, even without Impetus.
2 This is the second game in which the Romans have sought to enter into combat with the Warbands, formed-up in, as far as possible, a cohesive, contiguous line. In the first game, this comprised single, 8 figure Cohorts in 2 ranks depth and in this game, reinforced Cohorts (i.e. 16 figures in 2 ranks of
. In neither game has the Romans' ability to operate in multiple lines been fully utilised.3. Billius did keep a couple of Cohorts behind the front line as reserves but these never saw combat other than the spectacle of their front line fellows being routed. Not being able to get the 'reserve' into action and so actively contribute to combat is 'unfortunate'.
4. It is suspected that the Roman Legions should perhaps attempt to see if operating in multiple lines with reinforcement procedures implemented only as and when the tactical situation demands, might be more successful.
5. The Romans might consider the use of Acies Triplex to both narrow their combat frontage and enable 2nd and/or 3rd line Cohorts to potentially Flank Attack any Warbands who have Broken through the Roman first line and rashly Pursue into the subsequent lines of Roman Cohorts.
6. Fighting with the Roman Cohorts is still a learning process.
Melia Fortuna Iterum
Acknowledgements:
Billius Gastro (Bill Robertson)
Gordoderix the Steady (Gordon Crawford)
Donimatrix Obelisko (Donald Linn)
Apologies:
Grahamlius Indispodius (Graham Bryson)You cannot view this attachment.You cannot view this attachment.You cannot view this attachment.You cannot view this attachment.
#2
Army Research / Re: Rajputs - Help?
Last post by tadamson - Mar 10, 2026, 12:10 PMA very late follow up...
I was sorting books then started looking at the ones on India, then ....
However. Have you read The "History of India, as Told by Its Own Historians"? The extracts and texts cover a lot of the Rajput period.
The Wiki page has links to online copies on arcghive.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_History_of_India,_as_Told_by_Its_Own_Historians
I was sorting books then started looking at the ones on India, then ....
However. Have you read The "History of India, as Told by Its Own Historians"? The extracts and texts cover a lot of the Rajput period.
The Wiki page has links to online copies on arcghive.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_History_of_India,_as_Told_by_Its_Own_Historians
#3
Ancient and Medieval History / Re: Carthaginian coin used as ...
Last post by Imperial Dave - Mar 09, 2026, 02:59 PMIm still trying to mend my fridge...
#4
Ancient and Medieval History / Re: Carthaginian coin used as ...
Last post by Nick Harbud - Mar 09, 2026, 02:17 PMQuote from: Denis Grey on Mar 09, 2026, 11:13 AMElephants can be VERY persuasive, Nick.
Yeah, but around here it is the elephant who is driving the bus.
#5
Ancient and Medieval History / Re: Carthaginian coin used as ...
Last post by stevenneate - Mar 09, 2026, 12:25 PMAfter Brexit and austerity, Carthaginian currency is now legal tender in the UK alongside the Roman sesterce.
#6
Ancient and Medieval History / Re: Carthaginian coin used as ...
Last post by Denis Grey - Mar 09, 2026, 11:13 AMQuote from: Nick Harbud on Mar 09, 2026, 09:55 AMNever happen round our way - the buses only accept cashless payment.
Elephants can be VERY persuasive, Nick.
#7
Ancient and Medieval History / Re: Carthaginian coin used as ...
Last post by Nick Harbud - Mar 09, 2026, 09:55 AMNever happen round our way - the buses only accept cashless payment.
#8
Ancient and Medieval History / Re: Carthaginian coin used as ...
Last post by Erpingham - Mar 09, 2026, 09:25 AMOn the basis of the "Vikings in Maine" story, I think this demonstrates the Carthaginians visited Leeds.
#9
Ancient and Medieval History / Re: Carthaginian coin used as ...
Last post by Imperial Dave - Mar 09, 2026, 07:24 AM
#10
Ancient and Medieval History / Re: Carthaginian coin used as ...
Last post by Jim Webster - Mar 09, 2026, 06:50 AMFascinating. I've sent the link to my daughter who was at uni in Leeds, telling her to check her change 