Warrior Ancient and Medieval Rules

[Phil Gardocki]

In light of several reprinted articles on chariot warfare, all of
which came to the conclusion that chariots were either missile platforms or
mobile infantry. Neither of which crashed into the enemy as normal matter
of combat. In one article, test chariots, pulled by mules, could not even
be compelled to crash into a line of dummies. As missile platforms,
chariots would seek the sweet spot of about 15 feet from the enemy
formation and start shooting, as this would allow them fire, without the
infantry formation being able to fire back with all its massed ranks, just
the front rank. Then, the chariot archer, with the benefit of a better
bow, upper body armor, a shield bearer, and lower half covered by chariot
wall, would be able to shoot the shieldless, foot to pieces. An attempt to
charge the chariot would meet with the first men being shot, the others
having to climb over dead horses and the chariot wall to get to the
charioteers. Much like a defended obstacle. Of course if the going was
grim, the charioteer could simply abandon the chariot, running away at the
same speed of his pursuers. Casualties to the horses probably were
horrendous. But on an average, chariot archers, despite the density
disadvantage of about 4-1, beat bow armed foot troops in the exchange.
Something that cannot happen under the current ancients rules.

I realize this is very late in the game, but here are recommended changes
that would reflect this behavior.
Chariot crew armed with B, or LB, that is not charging, pursuing or
skirmishing, would count 4 times crew for the first figure. Crew armed
with JLS, or D or second and subsequent B and LB would count 2 times for
shooting purposes. Moving or skirmishing chariots only count 2 times for
first B or LB.
Foot Factors fighting or shooting at chariots would be more in line with
HI, than LC.
Cavalry Factors fighting chariots would still be more in line with LC.
Chariot H-H factors would be reduced to <<NULL>> unless they are Scythed,
which still maintain its current factors.
Chariot crew would fight all armed crew and armed drivers if receiving a
charge or following up, only crew fight if charging, pursuing.
Under these guidelines, also, if a chariot takes 5 CPF, it converts to HI.
(similar to the transport rule)
Under these guidelines, all chariots maneuver as irregulars.

What does this do.
Light chariots could exchange fire with a MI B unit as follows:
If chariots are in two ranks and are in skirmish.
MI B 8 @ 1 -2 (skirmish) or 6 or 0 CPF
LCh B 3 @ 5 or 12 or 1 CPF (waver)

If chariots in one rank and are not in skirmish.
MI B 8 @ 1 or 12 or 2 CPF
LCh B 4 @ 5 or 16 or 2 CPF (waver)

The chariot would not charge even a disordered block because 1 figure @ 2 +
3 shieldless is only 4, and he would be repulsed but might charge a shaken
enemy as another Waver for a break. This would emulate the battlefield as
envisioned. Chariots facing shielded foot troops would only average 1 CPF
per round vs none now, causing a gentle attrition of the foot unit.

A block of 12 HC JLS SH vs 12 LCh crew of 1 with JLS, B, would be handled
as follows
HC receives a serious pelting of arrows on approach 12 @ 4 for 48 or 4
CPF, (disordered, charges, impetuous)
HC receives support shooting of 12 @ 2 or 24
LCh fights 2 crew @ 2 + 1 JLS for 5
HC fights at a 6 @ 5 + 1(JLS) + 2 (impetuous) + 1 (charge) -2
(shooting) -1 (tired) -1 (disordered) for 18 or 1 CPF (chariots must break
off, if caught rout)

This is not a radical change in unit firepower, but could tilt the
advantage of chariots vs foot to the advantage of the chariots, but not so
much as they will overwhelm them. It also ends the recreation of the
ancient's bumper cars


Philip Gardocki

(610) 495-7923 (answering machine)
(610) 495 8937
When the avalanche falls, it is too late for the pebbles to vote.

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