Ancient Battlelines Clash
V2.2 by Shaun Travers
Ancient Battlelines Clash
Version 2.2 FINAL October 2015
© Copyright Shaun Travers 2015
Table of Contents
1 Document structure ....................................... 1
2 Introduction ................................................... 1
3 Units .............................................................. 1
4 Terrain ........................................................... 3
5 Game sequence .............................................. 4
6 Activations..................................................... 5
7 Action tests .................................................... 6
8 Melee ............................................................. 8
9 Sample army lists .......................................... 9
10 Optional rules ............................................ 9
11 Rule examples ......................................... 10
12 Example of Play ...................................... 13
13 Designer Notes ........................................ 15
14 Programmed opponent............................. 17
1 Document structure
Pages 1-12: The rules including examples,
optional rules and a reference sheet on page 12.
Pages 1-12 is all that is needed to print to play.
Pages 13-16: Detailed example and designer notes.
Pages 17-24: Fully programmable opponent for the
rules; none, some or all may be used.
Pages 13-24 are not essential to play, but if you
want to use them, it is best to print off separately.
2 Introduction
Fast play rules for massed ancient battles. ABC is
a solo-friendly game in 30 minutes on a
60cmx60cm board. The latest version may always
be found online at http://shaun-wargaming-
minis.blogspot.com.au/p/blog-page.html
2.1 Scale, bases and measurements
One turn is approximately 60 minutes. One unit is
400-1500 soldiers. All measurements are in cm.
All die rolls are a singular six-sided die; high rolls
are always good for the roller.
Recommended unit base sizes are:
Base Width Depth
Infantry 40mm 20mm
Cavalry 40mm 30mm
Elephants, Chariots, Camps 40mm 40mm
Depth is not that important but widths should all be
the same. For easy identification, battle units
should be 4 figures to a base, auxiliary units 3 and
skirmishers 2. The rules are designed with 15mm
figures with basing similar to many other rules. If
playing with different figure sizes or base widths,
scale measurements appropriately.
Page 1 of 24
3 Units
3.1 Classification
Each unit has a type, a role and a fortitude that
defines its and movement value (MV) and combat
value (CV). Units may also have abilities.
3.1.1 Type
There are five types of units:
• Infantry (MV 8)
• Cavalry (MV16)
• Chariot (MV 12)
• Elephants (MV12)
• Camps (MV0)
3.1.2 Role
Battle (CV 4): The main battleline units formed in
mass to engage and destroy the enemy in melee
e.g. heavy infantry, knights and cataphracts.
Auxiliary (CV2): Heavy cavalry, and infantry
(such as peltasts) that can melee, but usually on the
flanks and not able to stand in the centre battleline.
Skirmish (CV1): light archers, javelineers,
slingers etc. Their role is to disrupt the enemy
through missile fire rather than melee.
Note: Elephants and Camps have no role.
3.1.3 Fortitude
Fortitude represents staying power and is a
combination of morale, experience, armour
protection, skill and élan.
• High fortitude, +1 to CV and most tests.
• Average fortitude, the default, no modifiers.
• Low fortitude, -1 to CV and most tests.
3.1.4 Exceptions, mounted and light units
Battle chariots: Only have CV 3, not 4.
Skirmish mounted: MV20 (Chariots MV16).
Mounted: Cavalry, chariots, scythed chariots and
elephants.
Light: All auxiliary infantry and all skirmishers.
3.1.5 Special units
Elephant: CV3, MV 12, no flanks in melee.
Aux/Skirmish infantry are +2CV Vs elephant, and
cavalry and chariots are CV0 Vs an elephant.
Scythed chariot: CV3, MV20, auxiliary chariot.
Destroyed if disordered or pushed back or retreats.
Skirmish infantry +2CV Vs scythed chariot. Does
not count against group deployment limit; single
units only.
Camel: Treat as auxiliary cavalry but no shock
bonus, +1CV Vs cavalry and chariots.
Camp: CV1, MV0, does not count as a single unit
and no flanks in melee. A camp receiving a
destroyed result instead sees one attacker advance
onto the camp and loot for the rest of game. Camps
are used only in scenarios.
 Ancient Battlelines Clash
V2.2 by Shaun Travers
3.2 Abilities
A unit may have zero of more abilities. One unit
only must have the general ability.
Short Fire missiles up to 4cm. Only
missile skirmish units, usually javelin
armed.
Long Fire missiles up to 10cm, 4cm for
Missile skirmish infantry. Bows, sling etc.
Battle and auxiliary infantry -1CV.
Disciplined A unit normally impetuous that is
not due to discipline.
Phalanx Battle infantry with pike or long
spears. +1CV to front if ordered in
clear terrain and negates shock; -
1CV all other conditions.
Warband Battle infantry only: impetuous,
shock, CV3, CV2 in difficult terrain
and move in terrain as auxiliary
infantry. No complex moves.
Some MP Some missile protection, e.g. large
shield. +1 to fired-on test.
High MP High missile protection, e.g. full
armour. +2 to fired-on test.
General +2 to CV and all tests die rolls.
Lock Battle infantry presenting a solid
shields wall of spears and shield. If ordered
and stationary treat as defending
terrain e.g. medieval shieldwalls.
Long spear Non-phalanx infantry with long
spears reduces mounted shock
modifier by 1 e.g. Akkadian heavy
infantry.
Line relief Units with this ability may swap
with a disordered unit of the same
group directly to their front as a
move command e.g. Roman
legionaries.
Drilled Battle infantry that may wheel up to
3cm and move as part of a normal
move e.g. Roman cohorts.
Dismount Mounted units that may deploy as
infantry. Replace with equivalent
infantry units prior to deployment.
Battle cavalry must have some or high MP.
Skirmishers must have short or long missile.
Default Abilities
The following abilities may be specifically added
to units but they are inherent to some units.
Impetuous Subject to impulsive charging and
pursuing of the enemy. By default,
all non-missile armed mounted with
a CV3 or more. CV3 is the base CV
plus high/low fortitude.
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Shock +2CV on first contact with infantry
if charging to their front in non-
difficult terrain and not against
defending linear obstacle/stream
and not already in melee, By
default, all battle/auxiliary
mounted; all battle/auxiliary
mounted also count shock against
mounted skirmishers. Exception:
elephants shock is only against
battle infantry.
3.3 Proximity zone
Each unit has a proximity zone that is a 40mm
square zone directly in front on the unit. The
proximity zone is used to restrict movement in
front on a unit, and may trigger proximity zone
tests (see 7.1.1).
3.4 Status
A unit is either ordered, disordered or destroyed.
All units start the game ordered. Disorder,
depletion and destroyed occur as a result of test,
interpenetration or melee results.
Disorder: An already disordered unit receiving a
disordered result has no effect, except for
Skirmishers; disordered Skirmishers receiving a
disordered result are destroyed.
Depletion: An ordered unit that is depleted is
disordered. A disordered unit that is depleted is
destroyed.
Destroyed: A destroyed unit routs and is then
removed from the board.
3.5 Groups and group splits
A group is one unit or more than one unit where
each unit is facing the same direction and touching
at least one other unit in edge to edge contact (not
corner to corner or corner to edge). Corners do not
have to be in contact with each other.
A single unit is one not meeting the above criteria.
Groups are defined at deployment and may only be
split under the following circumstances to smaller
groups during the game:
• A group split move may be used to split a
group during movement.
• Enemy missile fire or melee results may split a
group.
• A group move command or mandatory charge
is passed by some of the group’s units and not
others.
• If part of a group is in contact with enemy
units, other non-contacted units may split as
the largest group possible. This is not a
classed as a group split move.
Groups may be recombined, but only with the
same units as at deployment.
 Ancient Battlelines Clash
V2.2 by Shaun Travers
3.6 Destroyed general unit 4 Terrain
Immediately the general unit is destroyed, or its A unit is in a terrain piece if any part of the
general ability is lost, reduce the ACA by 1 and effected edge is in the terrain piece. Effected edge
perform an army morale test. All subsequent is dependent on the reason e.g. melee, fired-on,
moves are performed as though the general is > charged. For melee, both units are affected by the
20cm. worst terrain feature only where the units are
3.7 Armies touching. A unit defending terrain must have part
of their front edge in that terrain to count as
3.7.1 Army control ability (ACA) defending and in melee to their front – in this case
The ACA is 0 (default), 1 or 2. The ACA allows both melee units use their difficult terrain CV.
• more groups to be deployed 4.1 Terrain effects
• adds to the army’s breakpoint
Skirmish infantry movement is never affected by
• increases the general command distance
terrain except streams and rivers. Units disordered
• each ACA may add 1 to any one player rolled
on entering terrain are not disordered again while
die roll (prior to rolling) during the game;
moving through the same terrain feature.
unused ACAs are lost.
Rise
The ACA cannot go below -1. An ACA of -1
Blocks visibility and missiles for units with a rise
incurs a -1 modifier to all move tests.
between them; except units downhill do not block
3.7.2 Army Breakpoint missile fire or visibility to units not on the rise.
An army’s breakpoint (BP) is the total of its unit Provides a defence bonus to units uphill and
BVs (break values) divided by 2 and rounded up, attacked to their front. No other effect.
plus its ACA. Hill
Battle units, auxiliary mounted and elephants: 2BV Blocks visibility and missiles for units with a hill
Auxiliary infantry and skirmish mounted: 1BV between them; except units downhill do not block
Skirmish infantry, camps, scythed chariots: 0BV missile fire or visibility to units not on the hill.
Provides a defence bonus to units uphill and
3.7.3 Army terrain location attacked to their front. Halves movement for battle
If using the random terrain generator each army infantry and all mounted.
will have one of four terrain locations: open, Wood
mixed, woods or hilly. Visibility and missile fire range is 4cm. Units in a
wood cannot be seen by units outside the wood
3.8 Points
unless touching the edge. Units at a wood’s edge
Unit type cost can see out and fire missiles at full distance out.
Battle cavalry, elephants 5 Halves movement for battle infantry and all
Battle infantry, auxiliary cavalry, battle mounted, plus disorders all chariots and elephants
chariots 4 when entering.
Camels, auxiliary chariots 3 Rough
Auxiliary infantry, skirmish mounted, Halves movement for infantry and mounted,
scythed chariots 2 additionally disorders all mounted when entering.
Skirmish infantry 1 Stream
Camps 0 Reduces movement by 4cm for all units.
Abilities cost All streams provide a defence bonus to units on the
High fortitude +1 bank and attacked to their front and negates shock.
Low fortitude -1 Impassable River
Warband -1 Cannot be crossed except at fords or bridges.
Phalanx +1 Passable Rivers, Fords, Bridges
Sub-generals (1 per 30 points) +3 Halve all movement. Additionally, a unit must
Other abilities (including the general) +0 stop when first entering the terrain, and stop just
Army command ability cost before exiting (it take two moves to cross).
A river provides a defence bonus to units on the
+2 +4
bank and attacked to their front and negates shock.
+1 +2
Linear Obstacle (rampart or barricade)
-1 -2
Reduces movement by 4cm for all units. Units
An army for a decent game on a 60cm square defending a linear obstacle receive a combat
board is 35 points; 55 points for 90cmx60cm. modifier and negate shock.

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 Ancient Battlelines Clash
V2.2 by Shaun Travers
Town 5.1.1 Uncontrolled groups
A town is treated as woods, but chariots may enter. More groups may be deployed at the start of the
There is a combat bonus to defending a town. game than normally allowed. The additional
groups are uncontrolled and must be identified at
Terrain movement summary deployment. They cannot voluntarily perform
Battle Aux Cavalry Chariot actions during the game except:
infantry infantry Elephant • Missile fire at units that come in range.
Hill 4 - ½ ½ • If subject to mandatory charge for unit coming
Wood 4 - ½ 4 + dis within charge range roll a mandatory charge
Rough 4 4 4 + dis 4 + dis test; impetuous unit must charge.
4.1.1 Difficult Terrain • Perform actions as a result of enemy actions.
To enable normal control of a group, a general (or
Hills, rough, woods, fords, bridges, passable rivers
sub-general) unit may start a player turn in contact
and towns are referred to as difficult terrain. While
with the uncontrolled group (except for the first
in difficult terrain, battle infantry and chariots are -
turn) and stay attached for the entire player turn.
3CV; Cavalry are -2CV; elephants -1CV.
On each subsequent player turn, check for control.
4.2 Random terrain generation The uncontrolled group is controlled on a die roll
Split the board into 9 equal squares. Each army of 4-6, and may immediately act as any other
will have one of four location types. The attacker controlled group; the general may also now move.
randomly chooses and place 9 of the 12 cards 5.2 Player turn
associated with the defender’s location type in
The game consists of each player alternately taking
each square. Attacker places the actual terrain
a player turn until one player is the victor.
piece. Note only limited terrain types are randomly
Each player turn consists of activating groups from
generated.
the player’s right to left and front to back.
Card Open Mixed Woods Hilly
Example
1 Rise Rise Rise Rise
2 Hill Hill Rise Hill D C A
3 Clear Woods Wood Hill
4 Clear Clear Wood Rough
5 Clear Clear Clear Rough E B B B
6-12 Clear Clear Clear Clear
Grey means that if the card is placed in the centre, The groups are activated in this order – A, C, B, D,
treat the card as Clear. and E.
Streams: Prior to placing terrain cards, the A group’s activation may be:
defender may attempt to place a stream. A d6 of 6 • If in contact with the enemy, perform melee
indicates a stream. Choose one edge and randomly and units may need to resolve a Pursuit Test
choose one square. The defender places the entry against retreating or routing units.
point on that square edge and the stream exits on • Perform missile fire. Target performs a Fired-
the directly opposite square edge on Test
Terrain pieces should be between 10cmx10cm and • Perform any mandatory charges.
20cmx20cm and at least 8cm from other terrain • If the group did not fire, choose a move option,
pieces (except streams). Terrain unable to be including rally.
placed isn’t. Hills and rises cannot be placed on • If a unit moves and halts within 4cm of an
streams. enemy’s front, the enemy may need to perform
a Proximity Zone Test.
5 Game sequence • If moved into contact, the charged unit may
5.1 Setup need to perform a Charged Test.
Each player roll a die, re-roll ties. Higher roll is the • Resolve outcomes from any tests.
attacker who places terrain pieces as per defender’s • Units newly in contact with the enemy perform
terrain type. The defender then chooses their melee and units may need to resolve a Pursuit
deployment side. Test against retreating or routing units.
Set up screen across the centre of the board and Continue with the next group to the left of the
each side deploys 3 + ACA groups within 20cm of previous group.
their edge and at least 6cm from the side edges. If during the turn a general is destroyed, that player
Remove the screen; attacker starts with first turn. performs an Army Morale Test at that point.

Page 4 of 24
 Ancient Battlelines Clash
V2.2 by Shaun Travers
5.3 Group actions
If a group, or part of a group, is performing the
same action - e.g. missile fire, melee - against other
units then roll and resolve each action test
simultaneously. Groups Vs group tests are lined up
to evenly test where possible to avoid two-on-one
ganging up and leaving one unit not testing.
5.4 Victory
The game ends when an army is broken with the
other player the victor.
Keep a running total of destroyed units BVs for
each player. An army is broken is the moment its
breakpoint is reached or is exceeded. Although not
used to calculate the initial army breakpoint, lost
generals and camps (when looted), count as 2BV
each. If both armies are broken at the same time
then continue playing until the next destroyed unit
to determine the winner. The winner is the side that
exceeds their army BP by the lessor amount.
6 Activations
6.1 Move
To move, a group must roll a move test:
1+ Moving or charging into contact
3+ Complex move < 20cm from enemy
Group split; return from off board
5+ Rally
Modifiers
+1/-1 High fortitude/low fortitude
-1 Single unit
-1 per 20cm from general, excluding first
20cm (ACA1 is first 30cm;2 is 40cm)
A unit in contact with the enemy cannot move.
A unit that fails a move test cannot fire. A unit that
fires cannot voluntarily move/rally.
A unit that contacts an enemy unit is considered to
be charging and stops moving immediately. Other
units of the group may continue movement but
may not split the group (see 11.1 Group move after
contact). Do not align units. The enemy group
performs a charge test. If after the test, they are
still in contact, perform melee.
A unit that ends within an enemy unit proximity
zone may cause the enemy to undertake a
proximity zone test.
6.1.1 Group moves and splits
The move test is applied to an entire group unless
using a split move to split a group – roll for just the
group splitting and then the remaining group rolls
based on its choice of action. If the rolls fails, the
entire group may still do a move (not a complex
move) if it passes the roll required for a move.
Page 5 of 24
6.1.2 Movement restrictions
Battle infantry
Move straight ahead or wheel 3cm.
Complex move: wheel and move, or wheel
between 3cm and 6cm per unit, or about face.
Battle and auxiliary mounted and elephants
Move straight ahead, or wheel 3cm and move, or
wheel up to 6cm with no further movement.
Complex move: Wheel between 3cm and 6cm and
move, or about face.
Auxiliary infantry and skirmishers
Optionally about face prior to move (does not cost
any movement distance), then move straight ahead,
OR wheel 6cm and move OR move directly back
full move, no facing change. No complex moves.
Wheels
A single unit wheels up to 3cm/6cm. A group of
units may wheel up to 3cm/6cm per unit length of
the group. Wheel distance counts towards the
movement limit of the unit(s),
Complex moves
A disordered unit cannot perform a complex move,
and performing a complex move disorders a unit if
within 20cm of an enemy unit.
Proximity zone
A unit cannot voluntarily move any part of its front
edge into and out of a non-skirmisher enemy units’
proximity zone in the same move. This is to
prevent zipping past the front of an enemy. Note
skirmish infantry do have a proximity zone against
elephants. Moving and halting in an enemy
proximity zone (skirmisher or not) may cause that
enemy to take a proximity zone test.
6.1.3 Impetuous mandatory charge
An impetuous unit (by default, all non-missile
armed mounted with a CV3+ and warbands) with a
valid enemy unit directly to its front and within
movement range is subject to mandatory charge. It
will move to contact that unit. Chargers will
interpenetrate through friendly skirmish infantry if
they are in the way. A valid enemy unit is one that
is not: a skirmish infantry, auxiliary infantry.
Additionally, a valid target for mounted units is
not: elephants (except other elephants), the front
of an ordered phalanx, or units in difficult going.
A unit will mandatory charge unless a pursuit test
is rolled to prevent it from charging.
Units of a group test individually for mandatory
charge. If the unit does not mandatory charge it
may perform any other move or rally but cannot
enter in contact with an enemy unit.
Enemy camps: All units will mandatory charge
against an enemy un-looted camp if directly to
their front in movement range.
 Ancient Battlelines Clash
V2.2 by Shaun Travers
6.1.4 Pursuit Test
<3 Do not pursue/charge
3+ Pursue/charge
Modifiers
+2/-2 General or disciplined unit (choose)
-2 Uphill/Defending terrain
On a natural 6, add 2cm to the unit’s move
distance. Units of the same group behind a
charging/pursuing unit are pulled along if of equal
or lower fortitude. Higher fortitude units or
disciplined units may choose to be pulled along.
6.1.5 Interpenetration
Skirmish infantry may always voluntarily
interpenetrate and be interpenetrated by other
friendly units.
Involuntary interpretation may occur as a result of
a test result. Both units are affected except
Skirmish Infantry do not cause interpenetration
results but are affected by interpenetration.
Interpenetration depletes all skirmishers, mounted
and auxiliary infantry and disorders all other units.
Elephants always deplete other units. Camps are
never interpenetrated.
Units can only interpenetrate one unit deep. An
interpenetrating unit is destroyed after the first unit
interpenetrated.
Interpenetrating units overlapping on top of other
units move further until no longer overlapping.
6.1.6 Moving off the board
Units that move off the board due to an evade,
retreat or rout cannot return and are destroyed. A
unit that pursued a routed, evading or retreating
enemy unit off board may return. Place the
pursuing unit off board but with its front edge
touching the board edge where it left The
immediate next time it may be activated, it cannot
be (i.e. skip the next activation). In following turns
with potential activation, a move command may be
assigned to each off board unit (no group
commands) that pursued off the board. A -2
modifier applies for being off-board and single unit
modifier applies; ignore the distance from the
general modifier. An additional -2 modifier is
applied for the first attempt after pursuing a
retreating or evading unit. If the move command is
successful, the unit is placed on the board exactly
where it left with its rear edge on the board edge
(no further movement). If the move command is
unsuccessful, the unit remains off board but
attempts may be made in further turns.
6.2 Missile
If a visible enemy unit is in range and arc of fire of
an activated missile-armed unit, that unit must fire
if it does not move. Note a unit can return fire as a
Page 6 of 24
result of an action test even if it moved. Closer
groups take priority as targets over further ones.
Arc of fire is directly to the front of the unit – a
40mm wide corridor from each front corner edge.
An unengaged enemy unit with any portion of its
base within the arc of fire is a target.
Arc of
Fire
Unit
The target unit takes a fired-on test. If two targets
are being fired-on by one unit, the one with lesser
edge being fired at automatically reacts as a result
of 3+. If one target is being fired on by two units,
roll the fired-on test twice and choose the worst
result.
Example: If a line of 4 archers is firing at a line of
4 enemy units, each enemy unit performs only one
fired-on test. If the archer line is 5 units, 3 enemy
units take one test, and one unit takes two tests
(and choose the worst result); if the archer line is 3
units, 3 enemy units take a test, and one unit
automatically reacts at 3+.
6.3 Rally
Rally a unit that did not fire or move or fired on or
was in melee this player turn. A successful rally
removes disorder. A unit will fire rather than rally.
See the move command for the test.
7 Action tests
Action tests are normally taken as a result of
enemy activity.
7.1 When
7.1.1 Proximity zone
If a non-skirmish unit moves from outside and
halts within an enemy unit’s proximity zone, then
the enemy unit performs a proximity zone test.
Skirmishers never cause a proximity zone test, but
may be subject to them from non-skirmishers.
Exception: moving skirmish infantry do cause
proximity zone tests with elephants. Note only
missile armed or shock/impetuous units may vary
in their response to the test.
7.1.2 Charged
If a unit is charged perform a charged test. Note
only missile armed or shock/impetuous units may
vary in their response.
 Ancient Battlelines Clash
V2.2 by Shaun Travers
7.1.3 Fired-on 7.3 Actions
A unit that is fired on by an enemy unit performs a Stand: Unit does not move, does not fire back and
fired on test. is classed as not charging.
7.1.4 Army morale Charge: Unit charges the enemy unit that caused
the test. No move test is required. The charged unit
If the general unit is destroyed, or the general will need to take a charged test if moving into
ability is lost, every unit in that army must contact. If the enemy unit is routing or retreating,
immediately perform an army morale test. charge the full distance in that direction. If a
7.2 Action test stationary enemy is not directly to the front, or
directly to front after a normal wheel, stand
Proximity Fired-on Army
instead. If already in contact, do not move but is
Charged morale
classed as charging.
<1 Skirmishers Depleted and retreat
Missile fire: Fire missiles at the unit causing the
depleted
test. Note that if this is the second time this unit
Retreat
has been called on to fire in this round of tests,
Rest stand perform a missile contest instead, see section 7.4
(no fire or Missile contest.
charge) Move: move as directed.
1-2 Missile fire Disordered Disordered Pushed back: Move directly back 4cm. If cannot
+1 fired-on due to terrain, camps or enemy units - move at
Skirmishers Skirmishers much as possible and convert the disordered result
disordered retreat to depleted. Pushed-back units, except skirmish
Retreat infantry and elephants, will push-back friendly
Charged Mounted infantry behind them. Units in echelon (see 8.2
units pushback Echelon) and behind the pushed backed unit will
charge; rest be pushed back with them. Otherwise resolve
stand interpenetration.
3+ Impetuous units charge. No effect. Retreat: Perform a ½ move to the unit’s rear with
Missile fire if in range; if up to a 3cm reverse wheel if required to avoid
not move ½ distance to other units. Skirmishers and auxiliary infantry add
within range +2cm to the move. Do not change facing.
Charged shock count as Interpenetrate un-avoided friendly units. Destroyed
charging if cannot avoid enemy units (except enemy
Skirmishers not fired on also skirmish infantry that are destroyed instead and
retreat (not SI Vs ELE/SCH) retreating elephants interpenetrate enemies) or
Shock units charge impassable terrain. Check for pursuit.
Other units If within 4cm Rout: A destroyed unit routs. The routing unit
stand. charge; else performs a retreat and then is removed. Check for
move 4 pursuit.
(unless Pursuit: If a non-firing unit causing an enemy to
defending retreat or rout can move to its front, then perform a
terrain) pursuit test – see 6.1.4 Pursuit Test. Impetuous
Modifiers units do not test for pursuit and automatically
+1/-1 High fortitude/low fortitude pursue. Do not change facing during the pursuit,
-1 Single unit unless the enemy unit changed direction. A
-2 Disordered pursuing unit counts as charging; if it recontacts
Fired-on additional modifiers the retreating unit then perform another melee, if
+1 Replace high fortitude modifier: Some you contact a new unit, that unit may require a
MP/in cover/high fortitude (high MP charged test before a melee test. A pursuing unit
+2)/missile fire +1 (missile fire +1 is a will not cause a proximity test on the retreating
potential firer result from proximity / unit.
charged test). These are not cumulative –
the+1 modifier applies if one or more of 7.3.1 Action direction
these conditions are met. A unit pushbacks, retreats or routs to the opposite
-1 Fired on in flank or rear edge to that unit that caused the test. To determine
the edge, use the flank and rear definition as per
melee.

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 Ancient Battlelines Clash
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7.3.2 Advance and fire limitations
If a unit is required to advance or fire but the unit
causing the result is not directly to the unit’s front,
the unit will stand. A unit defending a camp,
fortification, stakes, river/stream bank or uphill of
an enemy does not advance and stands instead.
7.4 Missile contest
When a unit fires on a target and the target test
returns fire, and then the original firer test dictates
firing again, perform a missile contest instead of
firing again. Each unit rolls a die and performs a
fired-on test. The lower roll incurs a ‘1-2’ result; if
the difference is 3 or more, treat it is ‘<1’. Ties see
the first target the loser.
Example:
Unit A
Unit Z Unit Y
Enemy heavy infantry unit A armed with long
missiles has within its arc of fire archer units Y
and Z. Unit Y fires on unit A and the fired-on test
is 3 and results in unit A returning fire. Unit Y
performs a fired-on test, gets a 4 and returns fire.
Unit Y and Unit A are in a missile contest. Unit A
rolls a 3, -1 single unit is a 2. Unit Y rolls a 4 -1
single unit is a 3. Unit A loses and a “1-2” result
sees Unit A disordered. Now Unit Z fires on Unit
A. Unit A will roll a fired-on test.
7.5 Losing the general ability
If the general unit rolls a natural 1 when fired on or
rolling for melee - or a natural 6 is rolled against it
in melee - roll a die. The unit loses the general
ability on a 1 and triggers an army morale test.
8 Melee
Units in contact perform melee. The attacker is the
group that charged/pursued first; else it is the
activated group. The attacker rolls one die per
attacking unit. Melee between groups is rolled for
simultaneously but resolved from the active
player’s right to left.
If two units are in melee with one unit, roll a die
for each unit’s melee. The one unit is classed as a
single unit for melee modifiers. The single unit
only implements the one result - the worst result;
the two other units each implement their result.
< 0 Attacker destroyed
0-1 Attacker depleted and retreats
2-5 Both units disordered
Page 8 of 24
6-7 Defender depleted and retreats
8+ Defender destroyed
Modifiers
+1 High fortitude OR uphill OR defending
terrain (these are not cumulative – the +1
applies if one or more of these conditions
is met).
-1 Low fortitude
-1 Single unit
-1 Disordered Infantry/ Chariots/Battle
Mounted or
Other Disordered Mounted Vs Mounted
-2 Non-Skirmish On Flank
Skirmishers and Auxiliary Infantry are -1
+2 Charging Shock Vs Infantry,
also Charging Shock Mounted Vs
Skirmish Mounted.
Optional but recommended: If an attacker will roll
the die with a final overall +1 modifier, a natural 1
is treated as a result of 1. This ensures a small
combat difference does not eliminate the chance of
attacker depletion.
8.1 Flank and rear
A flank attack is one where the flanking unit’s
front edge is at 90° or more from the flanked front
edge and there is contact with the flanked rear
corner. A rear attack is one where the flanker
contacts the flanked rear edge (not just a corner).
A unit with an enemy unit on its flank counts as
flanked for all attacks, not just the melee with the
flanking unit. Skirmishers and Elephants have no
flanks for melee purposes. See 11Rule examples.
8.2 Echelon
A unit is in echelon if it is a friendly infantry unit
directly behind another, facing the same direction,
and with its entire front edge in contact with the
front unit’s rear edge. Neither unit may be
skirmish infantry. If the front unit retreats or routs,
an echeloned unit must move into the same
location as that of the retreating/routing unit, after
resolving any interpenetration. Perform melee at
this time. The moved echeloned unit will count as
charging and first contact. The other unit will also,
unless in existing contact with another enemy unit
and then cannot charge and counts as in a
continuing melee (i.e. not first contact).
8.3 Charging into an existing melee
If a unit charges into contact with an enemy unit
that is already in contact with another friendly unit,
perform melee only with the charging unit if the
enemy unit has already performed melee in this
player turn with the already in contact friendly
unit. If not, then perform melee with all units.
Note that the charged enemy unit in the existing
 Ancient Battlelines Clash
V2.2 by Shaun Travers
melee will not be able to charge, and cannot claim 9.3 Early Achemenid Persians
the shock modifier against the charging unit. Cavalry: Aux Cavalry, long missile, shock
8.4 Group Melees Immortals: Battle inf, long miss,high fort,some MP
Sparabara: Battle infantry, long missile, some MP
Melee opponents are matched up so that every unit
Skirmishers: Skirmish infantry, long missile
contacted is paired with an opponent. This is
Subject Infantry: Aux infantry
important when two battlelines clash but do not
line up perfectly – if the battlelines are the same 9.4 Alexandrian Macedonian
length, every unit will participate in a melee. You Companions: Aux cavalry, disciplined, high fort
cannot ‘gang-up’ 2 units to 1 unit and leave Phalangites: Battle infantry, phalanx
another one not to be in melee. Hoplites: Battle inf, phalanx, some MP, low fort
Example: The hoplites in Alexander’s service are not very
enthusiastic, hence the low fortitude.
A B C
9.5 Porus Indians
X Y Z
Elephant: Elephant
Unit A, B and C are in melee with enemy units X, Y Chariots: Battle chariots
and Z. A pairs with X, B with Y and C with Z. A Cavalry: Aux cavalry, low fortitude
die is rolled and modified for each of the three Archers: Battle infantry, long missile
melees simultaneously. Then apply results from 9.6 Gauls
right to left.
Cavalry: Skirmish cavalry, short missile, low fort.
9 Sample army lists Tribal infantry: Battle infantry, warband
These examples are to assist with formulating Skirmishers: Skirmish infantry, short missile
historical unit types. Army lists are not necessarily 9.7 Marian Roman
complete; they merely contain some representative
Cavalry: Aux cavalry
unit types. Skirmishers will almost always never
Legionaries: Bat inf, line relief, high fort,some MP
have high or low fortitude. Germanic-type
warbands are usually high fortitude compared to 9.8 Army command ability note
Gallic counterparts. Chariots normally do not have For scenarios the ACA should be obvious. For
some/high missile protection. High fortitude other games, generate the ACA by rolling a die:
auxiliary infantry represent Thorakitai or Roman 1-4 Average (+0)
Auxilia. 5-6 Skilled (+1); on a 6 roll again:
9.1 Converting units 4-6 - the command is Exceptional (+2)
The common terms of heavy cavalry, heavy 10 Optional rules
infantry etc. of other rules are easily converted as
follows: These are to be used at the discretion of the
players; most are designed for specific scenarios.
Infantry Cavalry Chariots
Battle Heavy Knights, Heavy 10.1 Abilities
infantry Cataphracts chariots Undrilled Units poor at manoeuvres are
Aux Medium Heavy Medium additional -1 modifier to perform any
infantry cavalry chariots complex move e.g. militia units.
Skirmish Light Light Light Veterans Well experienced troops with a long
infantry cavalry chariots history of excelling in combat e.g.
9.2 New Kingdom Egyptians Theban Sacred Band, Silver Shields.
One per army and it must be a high
Chariots: Aux chariots, long missile
fortitude unit. A veteran unit reduces
Spearmen: Battle infantry, low fortitude
by 1 all disorder modifiers in tests.
Archers: Battle infantry, long missile, low fortitude
Sub- Recommended for larger games, acts
Skirmishers: Skirmish infantry, long missile
general like general ability but +1CV and +1
Note: Chariots as auxiliary chariots depends on
to tests. Move commands can be
the perception on how chariots were used. An
traced to the sub-general unit. A
alternative is skirmish chariots with high fortitude.
destroyed sub-general does not
The main difference is skirmishers will evade from
reduce ACA, and their loss army
combat, more fragile and less effective versus
morale test is only for units in 20cm.
infantry.

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10.2 Infantry in mounted support 10.6 Gunpowder hand weapons
For all armies up until around 100BC, auxiliary Arquebus: Treat as long missile ability.
and skirmish infantry units with no long missile Handguns: Treat as short missile ability. Some
ability may support mounted units. The supporting MP is ignored; high MP is only a +1 modifier.
unit is placed immediately behind the supported Muskets: Treat as long missile ability and the
mounted unit at deployment. The infantry or fired-on test is taken with an additional -1
mounted unit may split away from the other during modifier.
movement, but then the infantry unit is no longer
supporting the mounted unit, and cannot move 11 Rule examples
back into support. When together, they effectively 11.1 Group move after contact
are one unit, so if attacked from the rear, it will
Before charge:
count as a rear attack on a mounted unit supported
by an infantry unit. A supported unit gains a +1
melee modifier to any attack or defence by the B
supported mounted unit to its front from any A
enemy unit except a battle infantry enemy unit.
10.3 Artillery
Artillery does not move when forced to retreat or
Y Z
rout, but does suffer disorder and depletion.
Artillery never cause interpenetration effects but
may be affected by interpenetration. Artillery After A contacts:
never pursues or charges. An enemy will not
pursue a routed artillery unit. Otherwise treat
B
artillery as auxiliary infantry for tests.
Missile protection of the target is ignored for the A
fired on test and some artillery has additional
modifiers to the fired-on test.
Y Z
Light Medium Heavy
Range 10cm 15cm 20cm
Move 4cm 0cm 0cm B may make the following move:
Fired-on mod 0 -1 -2
Point cost 3 4 5 A B

10.4 War wagons

War Wagons: Battle chariots, MV8, no flanks
Abilities:
• Some MP or high MP (high more common).
• They may have long missile or light artillery
• They do not have the shock ability.
With the Long Missile ability, they may fire from
any one side per test. When armed with light
artillery, they fire from only one flank side for the
entire game (chosen when first firing). War
wagons are pushed back, retreat and rout but never
charge or pursue. War Wagons may fire over
friendly troops. War Wagons never cause or are
affected by interpenetration.
10.5 Longbows and Crossbows
Longbows are long missiles, firing at any target
cause the target to take a fired-on test ignoring its
high MP or some MP ability.
Crossbows are long missiles, firing at any non-
skirmish target and non-auxiliary infantry, cause
the target to take a fired-on test ignoring its high
MP or some MP ability.
Page 10 of 24
Y Z
11.2 Tests
11.2.1 Move
A Gallic general orders a single low fortitude battle
infantry warband to move. It is 30cm away.
Rolling a 3 on the die, -1 low fortitude, -1 range
>20cm, -1 single unit results in 0. Score needed is
1+ so the warband remains stationary.
11.2.2 Group move
A B C
A, B and C are a group of a battle infantry units. B
is low fortitude, the rest are average. A single die
roll to charge against an enemy group is made. A
4 is rolled, and -1 for B only for low fortitude. A
and C score a 4 which is a success, B scores a 3
also a success and so all 3 units charge
simultaneously into the enemy group. The charged
units will now undertake a charged test against
 Ancient Battlelines Clash
V2.2 by Shaun Travers
these units. If the original roll was a 1, B would 11.4 Flanks
have failed and only A and C would charge. Front attacks by the white unit:
11.2.3 Proximity zone test
A Roman auxiliary cavalry unit moves to within
3cm of the front of a Gallic battle infantry warband
unit (low fortitude). The Gallic unit must perform
a Proximity Zone entered test. It rolls a 5 -1 for
single unit -1 low fortitude = 3 and, as impetuous, Flank attacks by the white unit:
it will charge the Roman heavy cavalry. The latter
will need to perform a charged test. If the
proximity zone test roll result was less than 1, the
Gallic unit would stand and not charge.
11.2.4 Charged Test
The Gallic unit from the previous example charges Rear attacks by the white unit:
into contact with the Roman cavalry unit. The
Roman unit rolls a 4 -1 for single unit = 3 for the
Charged test causing it to charge as it is a shock
unit. It is already in contact so this means the
Roman Cavalry uses the shock bonus in the first
turn of melee. Both units must now perform a
melee. If the Roman cavalry had rolled a 1, -1
single unit = 0, it would stand and not receive the
11.5 Mandatory Charge pursuit test
shock modifier in the melee. The pursuit test is used for two purposes –
preventing a mandatory charge and pursuits.
11.2.5 Melee An impetuous Norman Knight (Auxiliary Cavalry,
Carrying on from the charged example, the high fortitude) has a Saxon battle infantry unit
Warband has charged the Roman auxiliary cavalry 10cm directly in front. The knight would normally
unit. The Roman Heavy cavalry counts its shock charge (it has to due to the mandatory charge rule).
ability. The Gallic player rolls a 5. The Gallic The Norman player does not want the knight to
combat value is 3, -1 single unit -1 low fortitude charge so rolls a charge/pursuit test. A roll of 4
for a total of 1 (shock bonus is only Vs infantry). sees the knights forced to charge. A roll of 2 would
The Roman combat value is 2, +2 for Roman have meant the knights do not charge and may
shock, -1 for single unit, for a value of 3. The die perform a different action. If the knights were
roll of 5 + 1 (Gallic) -3 (Roman) is 3. Both sides uphill of the Saxons with a roll of 4, the roll would
are disordered. have been 4 -2 (uphill) =2 and the knights would
The next turn the Roman player rolls a 6. Gallic not charge.
value is 0 (CV3, -1 single unit, -1 low fortitude, -1
disordered). Roman value is 1 (CV2 -1 single unit, 11.6 Pursuing
no shock bonus, disordered does not count Vs Given this situation and it is XYZ activation:
infantry). Die roll of 6 +1 -0 = 7, Gallic warband is
depleted and, as already disordered it routs and is A B C
destroyed. The Roman cavalry unit performs a X Y Z
pursuit test. They roll a 6, so they pursue 8cm (1/2
move +2cm). Combat between groups is done simultaneously. C
11.3 Interpenetration is depleted and retreats. Z rolls a pursuit test and
gets a 4. Z is disciplines and can either add 2 for a
Example: An auxiliary infantry peltast unit is in 6 and pursue, or subtract 2 and make the roll a 2
melee. A second peltast is directly behind this and stay in place. Assume Z pursues (and if
unit. The first unit loses the combat and is contacts C then another combat takes place). Y and
disordered and retreats. It interpenetrates the B close combat results in both being disordered but
second unit. The second unit is depleted resulting no retreats. B and Y stay in place. A is depleted
in it being disordered. The first unit is also and retreats. X cannot pursue as unit B is in the
depleted by the interpenetration and is destroyed as way, and so X does not roll a pursuit test.
it is already disordered. The first unit also routs as
a result of the interpenetration.

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Move Proximity Fired-on Army
1+ Moving Charged Morale
3+ Complex < 20cm from enemy (disorders) missile/shock/impet.
Group split; return from off board <1 Skirmishers
5+ Rally deplete+retreat Depleted and retreat
Rest stand.
+1/-1 High fortitude/low fortitude 1-2 Missile fire+1 Disordered
-1 Single unit Skirmishers Skirmishers
-1 per 20cm from general, excluding first disorder+retreat retreat Disorder
20cm;ACA1 is 30cm;2 is 40cm;-1 is 0cm Charged charge Mounted
Battle infantry: Move OR wheel 3 Rest stand pushback
Complex (not WB): wheel+move; wheel 6; 180o 3+ Missile fire if in range; if not,
Battle and auxiliary mounted and elephants move ½ distance to in range.
Wheel 3+ move or wheel 6. Complex: Wheel Skirmishers not fired on will also
6+move or 180o. retreat (not SI Vs ELE/SCH)
Auxiliary infantry and skirmishers Shock missile count as charging
Optional 180o. Wheel 6+move/direct back move. Impetuous units charge. No effect
Shock charge; unless with
Bat inf Aux inf Cav CH/Ele missiles >= 4cm – then fire
Hill 4 - ½ ½ Other units If in 4 charge;
Wood 4 - ½ 4 + dis stand else mv 4 (not
Rough 4 4 4+ dis 4 + dis defend terrain)
Diff CV -3 N/A -2 -3/-1
+1/-1 High fortitude/low fortitude
Rally: No move or fired or melee. Fired-on: Some MP/in cover/high fort +1
/missile fire +1 (high MP +2)
Mandatory Charge/Pursuit -1 Single unit
WB/Non-missile mounted with CV3+; with non- -2 Disordered
Light directly to front in reach. Not: disciplined; -1 Fired on only: fired on in flank or rear
Vs unit in difficult; Cavalry/CH Vs ELE/phalanx
Missile Contest (each rolls; Tie, first firer wins)
<3 Do not pursue/charge
Lower roll = “1-2”; if lost by 3 or more = “<0”
3+ Pursue/charge
Melee
+2/-2 General or disciplined unit (choose) <0 Attacker destroyed
-2 Uphill/Defending terrain 0-1 Attacker depleted and retreats
Impetuous always pursue 2-5 Both units disordered
On natural 6, add 2cm to the unit’s move distance. 6-7 Defender depleted and retreats
8+ Defender destroyed
Battle: CV4 (CH 3); Aux: CV2; Skirmish: CV1
Infantry: MV8, Cav: MV 16 (Skirmish 20);CH -4 +1 High fortitude or Uphill/defending terrain
Elephant: CV3, MV 12, no melee flanks. Skirmish +1 Low fortitude
/Aux infantry +2CV Vs elephant, Cav/CH CV0 -1 Single unit,or the one unit in 2 on 1 melee
Scythed chariot: CV3, MV16, destroyed if -1 Disordered Inf/ Chariots/Battle Mounted
disordered/pushed back/retreats. Skirmish infantry Other Disordered Mounted Vs Mounted
are +2CV Vs scythed chariot. -2 Non-Skirmish On Flank; AuxInf, SK -1
Camel: Aux cavalry, no shock,+1CV Vs cav/CH
+2 Charging Shock Vs Infantry, also Shock
Phalanx: +1CV, ordered, clear terrain, negates Mounted Vs Skirmish Mounted.
shock. else -1CV Optional: an overall mod +1: a natural 1 = 1
Warband: impetuous, shock, CV3, CV2 in difficult
Disorder: No effect if disordered exc. Skirm. rout
General: +2 to CV and all tests die rolls.
Deplete: Disorder unit. If already disordered, rout
Shock: all battle/auxiliary mounted. (elephants Vs
Retreat: ½ move directly back. SK/AuxInf +2cm
battle infantry)
Rout: Retreat, then destroyed.
Charging to front in and not: difficult terrain or Vs
Pursuit: ½ move
linear obstacle/stream or already in melee
Pushback: 4cm.Pushback inf., interpenetrate rest
Impetuous: non-missile mounted CV3 or more
Interpenetrate (SI not cause): Deplete AuxInf,SK
Short missile: 4cm Long Missile: 10cm (4cm SI) & Mounted; Disorder rest (ELE always deplete).

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Legionaries move 8cm and are within 4cm of the
12 Example of Play Skirmishers. The Skirmishers roll a Proximity
This short example takes place on a portion of the Zone test – both roll a 2: fire (at +1), disordered
battlefield where Pyrrhus is attacking the Romans. and retreat. Skirmishers are disordered and retreat
A colour version is available on line at: back though the pikes. Skirmishers are depleted
http://shaun-wargaming- when interpenetrating so as they are already
minis.blogspot.com.au/p/blog-page.html disordered, they rout. The Pikemen behind suffer
no interpenetration effects – Skirmish Infantry do
Deployment and troops not cause any interpenetration results.

Legionaries fired-on test

The Legionaries take a fired on test. Legionary A
rolls a 1 +1 some MP/high fortitude +1/missile
fire+1 = 2. Legionary A is disordered.
Legionary B rolls a 3 and charges (fired on within
4cm) the Skirmishers. They are no longer there,
the Legionary must move up to 8cm and so contact
(charges) the Pike units. Legionary C
automatically scores 3+ and charges. Fired on tests
are only rolled for matching pairs with any extra
units fired on automatically getting 3+. The Pike
units must each take a Charged test.

The general units are just out of the picture so all

units start, and remain, within 20cm of general.
Army command ability is 0.

Romans
3 Legionaries: Battle infantry, high fortitude, line
relief, some MP (marked A, B, C from Roman
right to left)
2 Italian infantry: Auxiliary Infantry (Medium
Infantry in the diagram)

Pyrrhic
1 Warband: Battle Infantry, warband.
2 Phalangites: Battle infantry, phalanx (marked W,
Pike charged test
X from Pyrrhic right to left).
Pike W charged test rolls a 2: Stand.
2 Skirmishers: Skirmish Infantry, long missile
Pike X charged test rolls a 4: Stand.
(marked Y, Z from Pyrrhic right to left).
Unless a charged unit is missile armed or is a
1 Cavalry – Auxiliary cavalry, high fortitude,
shock/impetuous unit, a charged test results in
impetuous, shock.
“stand” and can usually be ignored.
Roman turn
Legionary B melee with Pike X
Activates from right to left.
Melee is aligned for one on one melee where
possible so Legionary B will melee with Pike X
Italian infantry do not move.
and Legionary C with Pike W.
Legionary B rolls a 4 +5(CV4 +1 high fortitude) -
Legionaries move and proximity test
5 (CV5 for phalanx) = 4: Both disordered.
A 1 or more is required to move. High fortitude
Pike X is disordered. Legionary B is disordered.
units will always be able to move unless really far
from the general and are single units.

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 Ancient Battlelines Clash
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Legionary C melee with Pike W Pyrrhic turn
Legionary C rolls a 6 +5 (CV5) -5 (CV5 phalanx) Working from right to left.
= 6: Defender depleted and retreats. Pike W is
currently not disordered, so the depleted result Warband melee with Legionary C
inflicts a disorder. Pike W retreats 4cm. Legionary Warband rolls a 2 +1 (CV3 -1 disordered, -1 single
C pursuit rolls is a 4, a 3+ is a pursue so pursues; unit) -3 (CV5 -1 single unit -1 disordered) = 0.
right into the Warband unit. Warband is depleted and destroyed as it is already
disordered; and routs. Legionary pursuit roll is a 5
so yes and contacts Pike W.
Pike W charged test rolls a 4 and stands.

Warband charged test

Warband takes a charged test and roll a 4 -1 single
unit = 3; with the shock ability, charges. The
warband will count as charging in melee. On a
result of 0 or less, the warband unit would not Legionary C melee with Pike W
have charged, and not got the +2 shock bonus in
Legionary C rolls a 5 +3 (CV5 -1 disordered, -1
melee.
single unit, -1 (CV3 pike when not ordered -1
disordered-1 single unit) = 7. Defender depleted
Legionary C melee with warband
and retreats. Pike W is currently disordered, so the
Legionary C rolls a 2 +3 (CV5 -1 single unit -1 depleted result destroys the pike unit and it routs.
disordered) -4 (CV3 +2 shock -1 single unit) = 1.
Legionary C for pursuit rolls a 3 and pursues for
Legionary C is disordered (the depleted result is a
4cm.
disorder if not disordered) and retreats ½ a move
(4cm).
Pike X melee with Legionary B
Warband is impetuous so pursues ½ a move and
Pike X rolls a 6 +1 (CV3 non-ordered -1 single
recontacts Legionary C (no need to roll the pursuit unit – 1 disordered) -3 (CV5 -1 disordered -1
die to see if it move an extra 2cm as its ½ move is single unit) = 4.
enough to contact the Legionary).
Both sides disordered. Both sides are already
disordered so this has no effect.
Warband melee with Legionary C
Warband rolls a 4 +4 (CV3 +2 shock (pursuit is
Cavalry charge
charging) -1 single unit) -3 (CV5 -1 disordered -1
Cavalry does not have to mandatory charge the
single unit; note Legionary C is not in side to side
Italian infantry as the Italian infantry is an
contact with Legionary B and so is still a single
auxiliary infantry unit. They try to charge anyway,
unit) = 5. Both sides disordered; Legionary C is
rolls a 5 +1 high fortitude -1 single unit = 5.
already disordered so no effect, but the Warband is
Needs a 1 or more, so charge. Note that they were
disordered.
never going to fail the roll due to the high
fortitude.

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Disordered
Pike X
Disordered
Legion B
Disordered
Legion C
Italian infantry charged test rolls a 3: Stand.
Cavalry melee with first Italian infantry
Cavalry rolls a 4 +4 (CV3 +2 shock bonus -1
single unit) -2 (CV2) = 6.
The front Italian infantry is depleted, which means
it is disordered, and retreats. The front Italian
infantry unit retreats through the rear Italian
infantry. Resolving interpenetration, the rear
Italian infantry unit is depleted (it is disordered)
and the front retreating Italian infantry is also
depleted. The retreating Italian infantry is already
disordered so the retreating Italian infantry is
destroyed and routs. This is how it normally goes
for mounted or auxiliary infantry units in echelon.
The rear Italian infantry unit moves up into the
place occupied by the front Italian infantry. Melee
will occur next turn, which is now:
Roman turn (just the Italian infantry)
Italian infantry melee with Heavy Cavalry
Italian infantry rolls a 2 +0 (CV2 -1 disordered -1
single unit) -2 (CV3 -1 single unit) = 0.The
Cavalry do not get the shock bonus as they are not
charging.
The Italian infantry is depleted that means
destroyed as it is already disordered, and routs.
Cavalry is impetuous (a base CV3) and
automatically pursues. It rolls for pursuit a natural
6 that means +2cm is added to the ½ move for a
total of 8cm pursuit. Note the only reason to roll
for pursuit for the impetuous unit was for the
possible extra distance.
End of example.
13 Designer Notes
Some notes on the thinking that went into these
rules.
Principles
Med. Inf.
Med Inf.
When I wrote these rules here are the design
Cava y
Heav
principles I had in mind:
lry
• Solo friendly - increase uncertainty and
remove as much decision making as viable.
Disordered
Legion A
• Only one marker required in the game –
disordered - that is difficult or cannot be
removed. Most units would have two “hit
points”. Combat would be similar to Bill
Banks Ancients (BBA) where another
disordered result is no effect, and need a high
die roll to get a kill.
• Not IGOUGO - a unit would take its entire
turn (move, missile, and melee) before moving
onto another unit.
• Units would not have much freedom of
movement.
• Some command and control possibly by a
support unit bonus modifier, forcing individual
bases to be formed into units.
• All distances are in centimetres and in
multiples of 4cm to match the base width of
my 15mm armies.
• The game allows for push-backs and retreats.
• The game does not require bases to align for
combat.
• Infantry skirmishers are removed from the
board quite quickly and only have one hit
point.
• Only one die for all rolls and a high roll is
always good.
• Variable actions in reaction to enemy events.
• Javelins have a range for skirmishers. Other
heavier units do not, and will be incorporated
into unit melee factors.
• There is some sort of mandatory charge for
warband and non-bow armed heavy cavalry.
• Reaction tests to determine actions to enemy
events.
Reaction Tests
While there are Rally Round the King (RRtK)
reaction-type tests in these rules, they are based for
a different outcome than RRtK, more closely
aligning with Justified Ancients (JA) events. The
charged test in RRtK a preliminary to combat -
poor units will retreat or rout. In these rules, the
charged test is more to see whether a unit will
stand or retreat (as per JA or Battle Standard or
many other rules where a unit can choose an action
when charged). The results of the charge are
determined in melee, rather than some being
resolved on the charged test like in RRtK. The
fired-on test is actually the firing result test (it
produces similar results to the JA firing table).
There is no fired result, and then a roll for reaction
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– it is all in one test. The melee test is the same –
it is a melee table with results (reactions) aligned
to JA and BBA. So the tests in these may on the
surface may seem to equate to RRtK, but the
reason for their inclusion and the results are quite
different.
Missile weapons
Javelins and other short range melee weapons that
are used by other than skirmishers are incorporated
into the unit statistics. It is assumed that many
non-phalanx heavy and Medium Infantry carry
short range weapons, and used them at short range.
Those that do not have them generally have a low
fortitude. Melee is considered a combination of
short range missile firing (if used) and contact.
Incorporating a distinct short range missile
capability for all units that did so is beyond the
scale of the game.
Phalanx
It is my belief that at the level these rules are
pitched at, there is no real difference between a
hoplite (long spear) phalanx and a phalangite
(pike) phalanx.
When to charge
In Armati, a unit must charge. In my (unpublished)
version of BBA, it is more like DBM where a unit
must roll (or allocate PIPs) not to charge if in
range. In RRTK, a unit in charge reach of an
enemy can do nothing but charge or stand and
there is a roll to charge. In Justified Ancients a
unit must roll to charge too. These rules are
derived from my BBA, JA, Armati and lastly
RRtK. In these rules a non-bow armed mounted or
warband must roll for a charge if an enemy heavy
(HI, HC etc.) unit is in reach. If it fails it can
attempt a non-charge move.
Terrain setup
There are lots of options to go with when
considering terrain and deployment setup. The
reason it went to the defender to choose which side
to deploy is, while the terrain type is the defenders,
the attacker gets to place the terrain (albeit limited
by the grid square it is assigned to but the attacker
gets to choose the size of the terrain and where in
the grid it goes). So the defender then gets to
choose sides based on what terrain the attacker
setup. Streams are setup by the defender and it
assumes that if a stream exists, the defender would
choose deployment based on where the stream is.
Terrain setup is tied to an extent on how the rules
work. For example, I understand why DBA goes
the way it does. Basic Impetus has an interesting
Page 16 of 24
choice - the defender chooses a side, chooses
terrain but sets up first, completely in view of the
attacker. There is a plus and a minus there. I went
for a conservative approach and wanted to stay
away from randomising the side you attack from.
I also wanted to stay away from one side choosing
terrain and the other moving some of it around, or
adding/removing some. I am hoping the terrain
setup strike a balance – random terrain, attacker
gets exact choice, defender chooses side to defend,
both setup hidden. The random terrain generator is
loosely based on Moments in History’s Tank
Commander card game house rules for a quick
board setup.
One command roll per group
The rules originally had the player choose for each
group whether to roll once for the group or once
for the each unit. In the end, I went for one roll per
group as this reflects how I have read groups
tended to act in ancient battles.
Comparison to ABC version 1
Version one used traditional labels for units –
Heavy infantry, light infantry etc. - and different
movement rates for each. Units now classified by
role and type (infantry, cavalry and chariot), with
some exceptions. I have liked this method ever
since reading and playing the Irregular Miniature
Ancient rules years ago and finally bit the bullet as
it was making more sense in my rules.
Movement rates are now simplified - all infantry
move 8cm, all mounted move 16; version 1 had
different movement rates for the different unit
classifications. For this game, the different
movement rates were really irrelevant. I was very
clever with the old movement rates and retreat
distances but I realised it works out the same with
two standard movement rates. Skirmish cavalry
(LC) did need to move 16cm to make horse archer
armies work properly. All skirmishers add 2cm to
retreat distances to ensure they do not get caught.
Bow range was different for mounted and infantry
but this had no effect in the rules so now has the
same range. Most of the sections were bloated with
words (why use one when you can use three?) and
were reworded to cut the rules section down by
nearly half.
 Ancient Battlelines Clash
V2.2 by Shaun Travers
14 Programmed opponent
14.1 Introduction
This programmed opponent provides an engine to
automate many of the actions undertaken by an
army. These include
• preferred choice of table side
• deployment options
• initial battle tactics for an army
• tactics to use during play.
It can be used by one army to facilitate solo play
(to determine the enemy actions), or use on both
sides to watch a battle unfold. Parts of the
programmed opponent could be used by the actual
player’s army, such as using the army type to
determine deployment of units.
The following terms are useful in understanding
the workings of the programmed opponent.
Army Each army fits into one of six broad
type categories based on the composition
of troop types. Army types are used
to generate an army tactic.
Army The overall tactic that an army
tactic operates under. The army tactic
determines how the units are
deployed into zones and the zone
orders that the units operate under.
Unit The activity a unit performs, based
tactic on the zone orders.
Deploy- The three sectors adjacent to a
ment deployment edge:
area
Deployment
Edge
Sector A sector is one of the 9 grid squares,
each 20cm by 20cm on the
recommended board.
Zone A zone is one of left flank, centre or
right flank and is three sectors e.g.
The grey area is the left flank zone:
Deployment
edge
Zone Determine the actions that units in a
orders particular zone are limited to
performing.
Page 17 of 24
14.2 Process
14.2.1 At the start of the game
Army tactic:
• Determine the army type, based on the army’s
units.
• Using the army type roll a die on the
appropriate table to determine the army tactics.
Defender deployment edge:
• For the defender, determine the army’s
deployment edge by rolling a die for each
edge, add some modifiers and select the edge
with the highest modified roll.
Unit deployment:
• Use the army tactics and deployment
guidelines to determine where to place the
units within the deployment zone.
14.2.2 Each game turn
Optional: Roll a die for possible changed zone
orders.
For each unit, use the unit tactics for the zone order
to determine the action/command the unit
undertakes.
Do this for approximately 3 turns, earlier if the
majority of units have or are in melee. After this
use your own judgement for unit orders.
Use the normal game actions/reactions as required.
14.3 Army type
The army type is used to generate the army tactic
used for the battle and deployment options. The
army type is based on the army before extra bases
are randomly rolled for (if using the recommended
starting forces). This may mean that the full army
may qualify for a different army type but still use
the original army type. Generals get what they are
given. Alternatively, a +1 or +2 General may use
the army type of the army after the extra bases are
rolled for.
14.3.1 Determining Army Type
Work down the table until a match is found based
on the units in the army. The last row is used if no
earlier match is found.
Army composition Army
Type
⅓ or more bases are non-skirmish Mounted
mounted
½ or more bases are impetuous Warband
⅓ or more non-skirmish bases have Missile
the missile ability or ½ or more
bases have the missile ability
½ or more bases are battle infantry Infantry
½ or more bases are skirmish Skirmish
mounted
Any not above Other
 Ancient Battlelines Clash
V2.2 by Shaun Travers
14.4 Army Tactic selection centre group. Normally a +0 command ability
To determine the army tactic, roll a die on the army has only three groups available to deploy. To
appropriate army type table. The army tactics are include a reserve, the three groups may be
based on those found at the Tactics Tutorial achieved by joining a flank group to the centre
http://www.theartofbattle.com/tactics-tutorial. group.
A reserve always has the initial zone order of Wait.
14.4.1 Army tactic tables
14.4.3 Centre
Mounted
Attack with the centre units with the aim to break
Roll Tactic
the enemy’s centre. Flank units are held back to
1-2 Flank
protect the forward flanks of the centre units.
3-4 Envelop flanks
Centre will advance at high speed. Flanks advance
5-6 Oblique and only engage to protect the centre.
Warband Deployment guidelines
Roll Tactic 60% in centre including over two-thirds of non-
1 All out light units and a skirmish screen (if available)
2-3 Centre 20% on each flank
4-5 Oblique
6 Defensive Initial zone orders
Centre: Attack
Missile Flanks: Probe
Roll Tactic
1 Flank For armies with less than 11 units, may optionally
2-3 Envelop flanks not fill a flank with units (die roll of 1-2) and put
4-5 Defensive all on the major flank (non-terrain side if there is
6 Staged retreat one).
14.4.4 Flank
Infantry
Roll Tactic Attack with one flank, advance at high speed,
hoping the break the opposing flank. Advance with
1-3 Centre
the centre to protect the attacking flank and hold
4-5 Oblique
back the other weaker flank.
6 Defensive
Deployment guidelines
Skirmish 40% in the centre
Roll Tactic 40% on the attacking flank with at least 30% of the
1-2 Envelop flanks total non-light units.
3 Defensive 20% on the weaker flank.
4-6 Staged retreat
Initial zone orders
Other Centre: Probe
Roll Tactic Attacking flank: Attack
1 All out Weaker flank: Wait
2 Centre
3 Flank Any skirmish infantry are deployed on the centre
4 Envelop flanks and/or attacking flank.
5 Oblique
6 Defensive For armies with less than 11 units, may optionally
not fill the weaker flank (die roll of 1-3) and have
14.4.2 Note on reserves 50-60% centre and 40-50% on the attacking flank.
Only staged retreat and defensive army tactics
specifically mentions a reserve. Other tactics may 14.4.5 Envelop flanks
optionally have a reserve. If you do want to Attack with both flanks at high speed while
randomise for a reserve in the centre, roll a 1-3 on holding the centre.
a die for the existence of a reserve. A reserve is
formed from units in the centre and, unless
specified otherwise, cannot be larger than the other
Page 18 of 24
 Ancient Battlelines Clash
V2.2 by Shaun Travers
Deployment guidelines
40% in the centre Initial zone orders
30% on each flank Centre: Probe
Flanks: Probe
Initial zone orders Reserve: Wait
Centre: Probe (optionally Wait on a die roll of 5-6)
14.4.8 Defensive
Flanks: Attack
Advance steadily, defending along the line, with
For armies with less than 11 units, may optionally archers and skirmishers to the front. If two sectors
decrease the centre to 20-30% and fill flanks on the defenders edge have difficult terrain, then
equally (die roll of 1-4). an advance is not required. The centre is the line
of attack and will advance with flanks either
The army’s faster units, e.g. mounted, should be performing a supporting advance or stationary.
deployed on the flanks. When enemy is worn down, or a gap appears, the
reserve body of heavier units moves in for the kill
14.4.6 Oblique or plugs holes in the line, either via a flank or
Attack with the centre and a strong flank while through the gap.
holding back the weak flank. Advance at high
speed in mutual support the centre and strong If both sides have the defensive tactic, the attacker
flank. changes to centre tactic, after deployment.

Deployment guidelines Deployment guidelines

50% in the centre Roll to see army balance:
30% on the strong flank 1 60% centre, 20% on each flank
20% on the weak flank. 2 70% centre; 15% on each flank
3 60% centre; 15% on right/terrain flank
Initial zone orders 25% on other flank
Centre: Attack 4 70% centre; 10% on right/terrain flank
Strong flank: Attack 20% on other flank
Weak flank: Probe (optionally Wait on a die roll of 5 60% centre; 15% on left/terrain flank
5-6) 25% on other flank
6 70% centre; 10% on left/terrain flank
Any skirmish infantry are deployed on the centre 20% on other flank
and/or the strong flank.
Centre must have 5%-25% of total units in reserve
If army is < 11 units, may optionally not fill the behind the main battleline.
weak flank (on a die roll 1-4) and increase centre If there is a steep hill or rise on a flank, optionally
and other flank. (d1-3) a group deployed may be uncontrolled, thus
14.4.7 Staged retreat allowing a +0 general to deploy 4 groups.
Dispersed units wear down the enemy, usually by
missile fire, and hope to draw the enemy out. Initial zone orders
Centre: Hold
Heavier troops then attack. Similar to Defensive
Flanks: Hold
but with offensive use of skirmishers.
Reserve: Wait
Deployment guidelines
For armies with less than 11 units, may optionally
40% in centre with over 2/3 of the non-light units
not fill a flank with units and put all on the major
in centre, some or all in reserve.
flank (non-terrain side if there is one).
Roll again to see if the focus is on one flank or
both: 14.4.9 All out
1-2 30% on each flank Attack all along the line. Centre and flanks must
3-4 20% on right flank or terrain flank advance at high speed, subject to being able to
40% on other flank support one another and not leave major gaps.
5-6 20% on left flank or terrain flank
40% on other flank Deployment guidelines
50% of units in the centre
25% of units on each flank

Page 19 of 24
 Ancient Battlelines Clash
V2.2 by Shaun Travers
Initial zone orders
Centre: Attack
Flanks: Attack
14.4.10 Weak/Strong Flank
If a specific flank is not mentioned, then the
weaker flank is that with a terrain item in it. If
there is no terrain feature, then roll a die for the
stronger flank: 1-3 left, 4-6 right.
14.5 Defender Edge Selection
14.5.1 Deployment
The defender chooses their deployment edge first
and the attacker takes the opposite. For a
defending programmed opponent, this edge needs
to be chosen. Optionally, this could be used to
randomly select a player’s defending deployment
edge.
14.5.2 Area available for deployment
The area available for an army’s deployment is up
to 20 cm from the deployment edge and no closer
than 6cm from any edge.
The centre area is the central 20cm of the
deployment area. Each flank is the 20cm from the
edge in the deployment area (note the 6cm from
the side edge of this flank deployment area cannot
have units deployed; see 5.1 Setup. This is only a
guide - if you cannot fit the units into the defined
deployment zone, it is acceptable to have a unit or
two that is supposed to be on the flank being in the
centre (but should be close to the flank).
If a specific flank is not mentioned, then the
weaker flank is that with a terrain item in it. If no
terrain feature, then roll a die for the stronger
flank: 1-3 left, 4-6 right.
14.5.3 Process
An edge that has a town has a score of 0. For each
other edge, roll a die and add the following
modifiers. Choose the edge with the highest score.
Equal scores randomly choose an edge from the
highest scores. The deployment area is the 3
sectors along an edge.
+3 Deployment area is clear of difficult
terrain.
+2 The opposite deployment area has a
centre sector of difficult terrain.
-2 You are Mounted or Skirmish and any
middle sector has difficult terrain.
+2 Deployment area has rises.
Page 20 of 24
+2 Deployment area has at least one sector
of difficult terrain, except Steep Hills,
AND the army has 50% or more units
that are auxiliary, skirmish or warband
infantry.
-3 Deployment area has at least one of the
three central sectors is difficult terrain,
unless the army has 50% or more units
that are auxiliary, skirmish or warband
infantry.
+2 Middle has at least one sector of
difficult terrain, except Steep Hills,
AND the army has 50% or more units
that are auxiliary, skirmish or warband
infantry.
14.6 Deployment guidelines
The army tactics provide a broad brush approach to
how to deploy but does not specify exactly how the
units are deployed. There are a number of
different methods e.g. create a few deployments
and randomly select one or just set them up fairly
logically. This section provides some further
guidelines to assist with unit deployment.
• Faster units: The units with the largest move
distance are placed at the outer edges of the
zone they are in. The exception is Mounted if
they will be deployed in difficult terrain or
facing a zone with difficult terrain. Faster
Mounted have priority over slower mounted.
• Difficult terrain: Try and place units less
affected by difficult terrain in a zone with
difficult terrain in it, or directly in front of it.
• Centre: The group(s) in the centre should be
should be centred on the middle of the table,
except if there is difficult terrain that
unsuitable to the units in the zone directly
facing. Generally heavier infantry units will
be in the centre with other units closer to the
flanks.
• Flank units: Flank units should be positioned
to ensure that they cannot be easily flanked
due to the 6cm deployment limit from the edge
but also ensure there is not too large a gap (if
any) with the centre zone units.
• Single lines: Units of a single group should be
generally placed in a single line, except
skirmish infantry that should be in front of
other units. However, armies with large
amounts of auxiliary infantry (e.g. > 12 units)
should have the two lines of aux infantry in the
group.
• General: the general unit should be with the
highest CV unit in an attacking zone,
otherwise anywhere in the centre.
 Ancient Battlelines Clash
V2.2 by Shaun Travers
• Distance from the edge: Zones with Rush
Attack and Probe orders should be deployed
around 15cm-20cm forward in the deployment
zone as any terrain allows; 18cm is
recommended as usually other zones in the
army have Wait, Hold or Delay orders. Zones
with Wait, Hold or Delay orders should be
deployed in terrain if favourable to the unit, or
else as far forward from the edge to allow
room for at least one retreat; 12cm is
recommended as a default distance from the
edge.
14.7 Zone orders
Initially, the zone orders are set by the army tactic
but may (optionally) change each turn depending
on circumstances. The actual zone forces are the
three main forces at deployment. The three zone
forces used should align with a logical split into
the three forces, rather than purely using the actual
zones of 20cm width each.
The zone turn orders determine what the units in
that force may do that turn.
Note the terminology for this section borrows from
WRG 7th but the actions are not the same.
Zone Description
order
Rush All units charge or advance as quickly as
possible.
Attack Impetuous units charge or advance,
archers and skirmishers advance into
firing range and other units advance and
charge within reason.
Probe Impetuous units charge or advance but
may roll to not charge, archers and
skirmishers advance into firing range
and other units advance and charge
within reason.
Wait As per HOLD, but after the first charge
by a unit, the zone order changes to
ATACK.
Hold Do not advance over the centre line
except when forced to charge.
Delay Similar to HOLD but avoid advancing
into positions that may result in combat.
14.7.1 Changing orders (optional)
Each zone force (left flank force, centre and right
flank) rolls a die at the start of the turn for that
zone’s turn orders. Roll as the turn progresses. So
roll for right flank force first. Then once those
units’ actions are complete, roll for centre turn
orders etc. A roll of 6 indicates a possible change
of orders.
1 Possible change of zone orders, roll on
Page 21 of 24
table below for possible change
2-4 No change to zone orders.
5-6 If on different orders than at start, change
back to the at start orders.
Modifiers:
+1 Army General is in the zone.
Note: If a zone started on WAIT orders but had
changed to ATTACK, it is considered to have
ATTACK as the original order.
If a possible change orders result, roll again:
1 Change the zone order to the next lower
order in the table able e.g. Probe to Wait.
2-4 No change
5-6 Change the zone order to the next higher
order e.g. Attack to Rush.
If the change is to move to a higher order that does
not exist (e.g. already on RUSH) or a lower order
(e.g. already on DELAY), then ignore the change.
Ignore the WAIT order when changing orders.
14.7.2 General types (optional)
Optionally roll at the start of the game for the type
of general in each zone:
1 Cautious: -2 to the zone order second die
roll.
2 Optional: Unreliable, treat as Bold
otherwise.
2-5 Bold
6 Rash: +1 to the zone order second die roll.
14.7.3 Unreliable Generals (optional)
Possibly useful for scenarios. On a roll of a 1 for
possible zone order changes and then a 1 for
possible change zone orders, change orders to
WAIT and do not roll for further zone order
changes until after the routing of a friendly or
enemy unit. If a friendly unit is the first unit to be
subsequently routed, and no zone unit has
performed a melee action test, then change sides
and become cautious general with ATTACK
orders; if the unit has fought hand to hand, then
perform a retreat action and then rout. If an enemy
unit is the first subsequently routed, then change
orders to ATTACK.
14.7.4 Unit tactics for zone orders
Order Unit tactic
 Ancient Battlelines Clash
V2.2 by Shaun Travers
Rush Applies to all units.
• Charge or move into melee if not in
melee already; other advance as
quickly as reasonable to get into
melee.
• The exception is skirmishers who
only act as though under Attack zone
orders, but will only charge other
skirmishers.
Attack Applies to all units except does not need
to apply to a reserve that is not under
distinct turn orders.
• Impetuous and non-bow shock troops
must charge, otherwise advance
towards the enemy. Units with
general or disciplined may roll
mandatory charge.
• Non-missile armed units must charge
if within 4cm into a favourable melee;
otherwise advance to within 4cm of
the enemy if against a favourable
combat possibility; or full distance if
end 4cm or further; or to 4cm if
cannot get within 4cm or
unfavourable combat.
• Missile units and skirmishers attempt
to advance to within range of enemy
or fire if in range. Missile units will
charge if within 4cm (8cm shock
missile) into favourable melees.
Probe • Impetuous troops must charge but
must roll for mandatory charge,
otherwise advance at least ½ towards
the enemy the enemy.
• Non-bow shock act as non-missile
units with Attack zone orders.
• Other Non-missile armed units
otherwise advance to within 4cm of
the enemy if within 8cm else advance
to > 8cm from enemy if >8cm from
enemy..
• Missile units and skirmishers advance
to within range of enemy or fire if in
range; battle infantry charge into
favourable melees within 4cm.
Wait As per HOLD, but once a charge occurs,
zone orders change to ATTACK for
subsequent units and turns.
The difference to HOLD is the lack of a -
1 modifier to mandatory charge/pursuit
action tests.
Page 22 of 24
Hold Do not advance over the centre line until
an adjacent zone has advanced over the
centre line. Other than this limitation the
following applies:
• Impetuous troops must charge but
must roll for mandatory charge,
choose negative modifiers where
available. This may take them over
the centre line; otherwise advance 0-
½ speed.
• All units may advance to >= 8cm
from enemy units.
• If within 4cm of an enemy will charge
into favourable melees, even if over
the centre line.
• Non-missile and shock missile will
move to within 4cm into a favourable
melee if within 8cm of an enemy unit,
unless exposing the flank of another
zone,
• All units may stand in favourable
terrain rather than advance or charge.
• Missile units and skirmishers do not
advance unless with other units in the
same group, or at up to ½ speed to
within missile range.
• A -1 modifier applies to all mandatory
charge/pursuit action tests.
Delay Do not advance over the centre line, but
other than this limitation the following
applies:
• Impetuous troops must charge but
must roll for mandatory charge,
choose negative modifiers where
available. This may take them over
the centre line, otherwise do not
advance.
• Non-missile armed units may stand in
favourable terrain or may advance up
to ½ speed to > 8cm from enemy
units.
• Missile units and skirmishers do not
advance unless with other units in the
same group.
• A -1 modifier applies to all mandatory
charge/pursuit action tests.
Notes:
Favourable melees: where the charger’s modified
combat value is greater than or equal to the target’s
modified combat value. Note that favourable
combat is determined for each unit – if one unit of
a group charges, it may make the unit formerly
adjacent to the unit be able to charge into a
favourable combat. Favourable combats should be
 Ancient Battlelines Clash
V2.2 by Shaun Travers
worked on for a group to ensure the entire group • Barely favourable - combat result has an equal
charges rather than one unit at a time. change of inflicting a depleted on the target
Mandatory charge: only roll for mandatory and the charger.
charge if the charger’s modified combat value for a • Desperate - combat result has a greater change
resulting combat is less than the target’s modified of inflicting a depleted on the charger than the
combat value. target.

Advancing (not charging) units (not RUSH) Desperate charges only occur with RUSH and
• If forced out of the main battle line or falling impetuous charges.
behind attempt to re-join the line.
• Advancing units may also choose to advance
in a line if it would otherwise mean advancing
as a single unit. This is especially relevant to
groups containing units with different
movement rates.
• May limit advance to not overshoot main line
of attack advance.
• If occupying advantageous terrain, then those
on WAIT or less orders do not need to move as
per zone orders, but will still perform reaction
moves as per the rules.
• Units not entering into melee may advance
defensively e.g. protect from flank attack,
rather than advance full distance.
• Groups with a more favourable unit behind the
front line may reorganise e.g. a skirmisher has
done as much as possible to an enemy in
defensive terrain will retire to allow a rear unit
charge (ATTACK and PROBE only).

Reserves: Reserves are a special case and either

have a specific deployment order or use the
deployment zone orders. Reserves are generally
used where appropriate to fill gaps or attack the
enemy.
Occupying terrain: Auxiliary and skirmish
infantry occupy Woods and Rough where possible.
Other units generally advance to occupy
favourable terrain e.g. advance to the top of a rise.
Missile unit and skirmishers advances: These
are generally to the closest enemy able to be fired
at.
14.7.5 Charging guidelines
Charging units charge enemy units in the following
order (subject to the limitations of the zone turn
order):
• Very favourable closest – combat result never
results in a disorder for the charger and is
closest target by movement time.
• Favourable closest – combat result has a
greater change of inflicting a depleted on the
target than the charger and it’s the closest
target by movement time
• Very favourable and favourable and second
closest enemy by movement time.

Page 23 of 24
 Ancient Battlelines Clash
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Rush Attack Probe Wait * Hold Delay

All Charge or Groups with a more favourable unit No advance over the centre line
move into behind the front line may reorganise. (HOLD can after adjacent zone does)
melee if not Occupying defensive terrain – do not
in melee need to move other than mandatory
already; charge or other reaction moves.
otherwise No need to apply to a reserve not under distinct turn orders.
advance as Advancing (not charging) units:
quickly as • If out of main battleline/falling behind may attempt to re-join line.
reasonable • May advance in line rather than otherwise as a single unit.
to get into • May advance defensively e.g. protect from flank attack.
melee. • May limit advance to not overshoot main line of attack advance.
• Aux/Skirm Inf/Warbands occupy Woods/Rough where possible.
Others generally advance to occupy favourable terrain e.g. a rise crest.
Impetuous Charge, otherwise If can charge, roll mandatory charge; choose negative
advance towards modifiers where available. May take units over the
the enemy. Only centre line.
units with general Advance ½+ Advance 0-½ speed Do not advance.
or disciplined may towards the towards enemy.
roll mandatory enemy. -1 mandatory charge/pursuit
charge.
Shock Non-missile Shock Non-missile as No special Shock orders
as per Impetuous. per Attack
non-missile
Non-Missile If in 4cm charge into favourable melee. No charging
1. Advance to in If > 8cm then May stand if in favourable terrain, else
4cm if favourable advance to may advance to >=8cm of enemy but
combat possible 8cm from normally defensive move or stand.
2. Full move if end enemy. DELAY: ½ speed only.
4cm or more away If within 8cm advance to within 4cm No voluntary
Skirmishers 3. To 4cm if cannot if favourable combat possible and not advances if
only: get within 4cm or exposing adjacent zone flank, else within 8cm.
Charge unfavourable melee stand or defensive moves. .
other -1 to pursuit roll
skirmishers;
Missile- else as per Advance to within range of closest No advance unless No voluntary
armed ATTACK available enemy or fire if in range. with other units in advance unless
& the same group, or with other units
Skirmisher up to ½ speed to in in same group
missile range.
Charge into Shock missile as per non-missile. -1 to pursuit
favourable combats Bat infantry roll.
within 4cm (within charge into
8cm for shock favourable
archers) melee in 4cm
* WAIT: change to ATTACK after 1st charge. WAIT order is ignored when changing orders.
Change orders? (per zone per turn) Possible change order roll Zone General type
1 Possible change of zone 1 Change order to the next 1 Cautious
order. Roll on next table. lower order e.g. Probe to -2 to possible
Hold. order roll
2-4 No change to zone orders. 2-4 No change 2-5 Bold
5-6 If on different orders than at 5-6 Change order to the next 6 Rash
start, change back to the at higher order e.g. Attack to +1 to possible
start orders Rush. order roll

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