Core Values of the People and their Armies

In Classical Hack we have devised a game system that takes a more historical approach to ancient warfare. Any army in any of the four specific periods is a core army orientated. By this I mean that we play the game with forces the size of the smallest to largest task force probably fielded. While the size of such forces might vary they are molded to the particular army’s organization. As a full army task force the concept of core army units prevails.

Let me show you what I mean. Say you field a Carthaginian army. The smallest probable task force might be a phalanx wing (half a phalanx) with support troops. This means you have 4 units or chiliarhies with 2 units of Spanish foot, 2 units of Celtic foot, 2 units of Carthaginian cavalry, 1 unit of Numidian cavalry and 1 unit of slingers, javelineers and archers.

For the Romans let us look at a consul's army which is 2 legions. Players will have 2 units of Roman velites and 2 units of Latin velites. Next would be 2 units of Roman hastati and 2 units of Latin hastati. Then there would be 2 units of Roman princeps and 2 units of Latin princeps. The triarii for this force might have 1 brigaded unit of Roman and Latin triarii. In support of the foot would be a unit of Roman cavalry and a two units of Latin cavalry. You might also have 1 unit of slinger of archers. Romans didn’t count a lot on support troops although they were occassionally used.

In Classical Hack as many gamers have witnessed at demonstrations I put on for various conventions the games are tactics generated. By this I mean that players are forced and I do mean forced to use tactics. When running demonstrations I clearly state that Romans fight by line and I follow very closely the observance of these tactics in the game. I do attempt to fully explain the tactics of each army fielded. Initially this may seem like it would be boring but in fact it is not.

What the devil does all this mean? Basically this. Carthaginians are arranged as a Successor period army would be. The Carthaginians would deploy by chilliarch standing side by side creating one or two battle lines.Because the Carthaginian army was arrayed according to Greek ideas the entire field force was divided into two wings each of 4 chilliarch. Hannibal was quite imaginative though and he used the two wings almost as two indepenant divisions. Occassionally he might put all the Celts and Spanish in the center-hoping to draw the Romans forward knowing the Celts and Spanish could not sustain a prolong attack. As these allies were pushed back Hannibal would order the two wings to at first be in column; one at each end of the Celtic and Spanish lines. As the Romans were pulled in toward his allies Hannibal would have each wing do a right face and left face respectively and the two wings would charge the Romans on both flanks. His cavalry was quite extraordinary.

Apparently the Numidians were able to conceal themselves in ambush in almost any terrain and ambush larger forces with ease. While not equal to heavy foot frontally between ambushes and flank and rear charges on the Roman heavy foot they were able to bring decisive blows to Roman legions. So the Numdians worked in conjunction with the phalanx wings with great skill. Without getting into a long winded dialog just read the primary and secondary sources and play the army as it is described and your battles on the table top will be even more rewarding.

Finally, the unique thing about Classical Hack is that the tactical mechanics are actually built right into the system itself. We print the scenario books to explain this for those who are unaware of the tactical realities of ancient armies. See page 43 of the rules. This may seem parochial or narrow but it is historical and remember Classical Hack is not just a game it is a historical game.