BIMP1 Marian Rome vs Gaul

We 've had a change of tack & returned to Ancients.  We've also had a change of rules.  A few people mentioned how well Basic Impetus flows, so.....  A Marian Roman versus Gauls, Basic Impetus 2.0 rules.  Our first game, a few niggles but we got most of the rules covered.

Every unit has 'VBU' which is your strength, it gets reduced after losses. Impetus 'I', which is a bonus when you charge into combat, only when the unit is fresh.  'VD'  is the points value of the unit.  I ordered a set of the version 2.0 rules (they hadn't arrived for our 1st game) from the authors & a copy of the PDF.  We never played the 1st version of Basic Impetus, but I recall downloading a 'free' version so printed these out & used them for reference.  Switching between the PDF on my mobile & the paper rules, we cracked on.

On paper the Army size doesn't look very big, however once they are on the table it's a different matter.  'Looks wise' it's similar like to 'Big Base DBA'.  Spav went with the hairy Gauls, choosing not to have any options.  Yours truly went with the mighty Romans.  I swapped out 2 'standard' Legionary units for 2 'weaker' ones BUT with an additional Auxiliary unit.  My thinking was an extra Javelin equipped unit to shoot the Big Gallic units.

6.1 Marian Roman 105-25 BC

Italians, Gauls, Spanish 1xCM VBU=5, I=2, VD=2

Numidian, Spanish, Thracian, Illyrian 1xCL VBU=3, I=1, VD=1, Javelin

Legionaries 4xFP* VBU=6, I=2, VD=3, Pilum

Spanish, Illyrian, Ligurian Auxilliaries 1xFL VBU=4, I=1, VD=2, Javelin

Rhaetian, Thracian Auxilliaries 1xFL VBU=4, I=2, VD=2, Javelin

Auxiliary Javelinmen 1xS VBU=2, I=0, VD=1, Javelin

2nd option: change 2 Legionaries FP with 

                    Raw Legionaries 2xFP* VBU=5, I=1, VD=3, Pilum

                    Spanish, Illyrian, Ligurian auxiliares 1xFL VBU=4, I=1, VD=2, Javelin

5.5 Gauls 400-50 BC
Chariots 1xCGL* VBU=5, I=1, VD=3, Various
Cavalry 1xCM* VBU=5, I=2, VD=2
Soldurii Elite 1xFP* VBU=6, I=4, VD=3, Impetuous
Warriors 1xFL* VBU=5, I=4, VD=3, Impetuous
Warriors 5xFL* VBU=4, I=4, VD=2, Impetuous
Javelinmen 2xS VBU=2, I=0, VD=1, Javelin
Archers 1xS VBU=2, I=0, VD=1, Short bow B

Warriors can form Large Units.

The Battlefield.
Cavalry on the wings, 'footsloggers 'in the middle.

RRRAAARRGGH, the Gallic Horde, 3 large Warrior units.

I decided to place 3 Roman Legionaires in the front line, one unit in reserve to 'plug' the gap after the Gallic Warriors would inevitably cause damage.

Numidian Light Cavalry & Spanish Light troops would attack on one flank.

A slight advantage to the Romans on the other flank, both having Cavalry & Light Infantry.

Greek javelin throwers supported by Roman Cavalry

Strangely... Spav holds the Gallic Chariots in check for the 1st round.

Gallic Cavalry & Skirmishers

The Spanish Light Infantry would pour javelins into the advancing Gallic horde.
 Hopefully causing a few injuries before they smack into the Legionaries.

The troops face of against each other on the flank, javelins abound!

Eeeerrr, the Spanish Light Infantry screen isn't working.
The 'explosive' marker is used to signify a unit is 'Disordered'.

Please just one hit from the Spanish javelins....

Please, Please, Please just one hit from the Spanish javelins....

'They're off!' Spav's Gallic Charioteers advance
The Gallic Skirmishers block the Roman attack.

'CHARGE'  the Gallic Cavalry charge in, loads of dice plus their Impetus bonus...
However, Spav's die rolls are pants!

Legionaries carry Pilums, in Basic Impetus they are allowed a number of dice to throw before the Gallic attack goes in

The Romans win initiative this round, the Numidians go for the flank

'CHARGE!' The Roman Cavalry pile into the melee, multiple unit combat are a big part of Basic Impetus.

'BOOM!' 'BANG!' WALLOP!'
The Gauls smash into the Roman Line.

The Gallic Chariots race off around the battlefield...

First Blood to the Romans.
In Basic Impetus you roll to hit, then the unit must face a cohesion test with a number of modifiers.
If you fail this, the number you fail it by are your casualties....

A Roman unit looses this combat & is forced to retire, the Gauls as 'Impetuous' would pursue.

The Gauls pursue, catch the Romans, trigger another melee and destroy them.

In the centre, the Gauls are forced to retreat.

A mixed bag of results, 'evens' I think.

This melee went on for ages, sometimes no matter how many dice you roll, you still can't get a 5 or a 6.

Another round, I decide to advance the centre Romans & trust the rear unit would dealing with the outflanking Gauls. 

The Spanish Light Infantry attack the Gallic Skirmishers holding the marsh.

A mighty scrap....

More success for the Romans.

Still fighting.....

Spav spies an opportunity....

The Gallic Heavy Infantry are stranded, left to chase the Numdians...

Love it!  The troops look great.
The combats in Basic Impetus work really well.

'BOOM!'  Another Gallic Warrior Unit is put to the sword.

Combat Overview.
It's pitched battle everywhere.

The Romans win the initiative this round as well.

'Steady the line!'
The micro die represents the current VDU of the unit = 2.

Queue the 'Benny Hill' music as the Numidians chase the Chariots around the Battlefield

Spav 'fist pumps' the air, another legionary Unit is destroyed...

They can't advance as they are in contact with the other Legionaries

Oh yes, the Gallic Cavalry are finally destroyed, the flank is open!

The Gallic Warriors attack the Roman reserves.

Spav's pinning his hopes on this one, the Gallic Chariots pile in and....

...rolls rubbish dice.
They retreat in shame...Hang your head my son!

Vicitory is near, The Gallic Warriors take losses.
In Basic Impetus, certain troop types can form 'Large Units', losses are taken from the rear most unit. 

Another round & they are put to the sword.

It's two units against two now in the centre...

The Greeks Light Infantry turn to face the Gallic Chariots...
Those Gallic Skirmishers look mighty tasty to the Roman Cavalry

The other flank is a sideshow, not much happening.
Spav wasted the Gallic Heavy Infantry by deploying them there.

GAME OVER!
Javelins fly in & destroy the Gallic Chariots...

"SUPERB! BRILLIANT! FANTASTIC! OMG!"  -- SPAV April 2018

Our first game of Basic Impetus 2.0 & it was very good.  The combat system is brilliant, once you get your head around it, works very well.   It can be brutal as well, a combat can go on if your unit advances & comes into contact with another enemy unit. Initiative plays a big factor, you roll to see who goes first, sometimes you may have 2 turns in a row.   For this game, we didn't play the ACE IN THE HOLE'  a set of special rules giving advantage to either side.  Anyway a big thumbs up , we would recommend playing.

A big 'Thank You' to two 'You Tube' Vloggers (I think they are called).  I eagerly watched videos from both authors & they helped a great deal in learning the Basic Impetus Rules.  (Perhaps all Wargame Companies should take note & produce videos on learning the rules they create)?

TAFFEKLES - Ross FigurePaintingCoUK
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLluuTES57aoNPypyvR5N9J2Z7sBiqSRvL

A Dash Of Elan Wargaming
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7oCf3JeKZM&list=PLDXX1Xs-oSbXFqt9lAd706sPcC0id9QY0

I was in the process of selling all my DBA armies as I couldn't see when I would use them again.  Guess what, I'm now in the process of creating Basic Impetus 2.0 Armies...