Polybian Romans - some ideas (Huw P-Y)

 

I've actually used this list in competition and have found it to be the better of the early lists, slightly more capable than Marian and in my opinion a bit easier to use then Early Imperial.  It isn't a list which will provide dash and elan however, more one which provides attrition and the attempt to grind your way to victory.

 

I have two main variants, the first uses the lists' ability to provide massed heavy foot and auxiliary and the second provides some mounted to cover the otherwise vast open spaces which will be left on the table.  Both are later period to take advantage of the higher aggression and sub-generals not to mention the upgrade of the Ps from (I) to (S) which gives them a role in the game rather than haves them cowering at the rear :)  Ps(S) can hold difficult going (Woods, Steep Hills, etc) but remember they lack the capability to take it from much unless you have an edge in numbers. 

 

List 1

Command 1

CinC Reg Cv(O) - CinC -

8 Reg Bd(O) - Hastati and Principes -

4 Reg Ps(S) - Velites -

4 Reg Sp(S) - Triarii -

4 Reg Ax(I) - Italian Allied -

21 Els/19 EE

 

Command 2

Sub Reg Cv(O) - Mounted Sub -

4 Reg Cv(O) - Roman/Italian Cavalry -

8 Reg Bd(O) - Hastati and Principes -

4 Reg Ps(S) - Velites -

4 Reg Ax(I) - Italian Allied -

21 Els/19 EE

 

Command 3

Sub Reg Bd(O) - Sub General on Foot -

3 Reg Bd(O) - Hastati and Principes -

2 Reg Ps(S) - Velites -

4 Reg Ax(S) - Italian Allied upgraded as Extraordinarii -

6 reg Ax(S) - Theurophoroi -

4 Reg Ax(I) - Italian Allied -

20 Els/19 EE

 

Also - 7 TF for camp.

 

List 2

Command 1

CinC Reg Cv(O) - Mounted General -

8 Reg Bd(O) - Hastati and Principes -

4 Reg Ps(S) - Velites -

7 Reg Ax(I) - Italian Allied -

1 Reg Ps(O) - Cretan Archers -

21 Els/18.5 EE

 

Command 2

Sub Reg Cv(O) - Mounted General -

8 Reg Bd(O) - Hastati and Principes -

4 Reg Ps(S) - Velites -

7 Reg Ax(I) - Italian Allied -

1 Reg Ps(O) - Cretan Archers -

21 Els/18.5 EE

 

Command 3

Sub Reg Cv(O) - Mounted General -

4 Reg Cv(O) - Roman and Italian Cavalry -

4 Reg Sp(S) - Triarii -

1 Reg Ps(O) - Cretan Archers -

10 Els/9.5 EE

 

Command 4

Numidian Ally I LH(O) - Numidian Allied General -

8 I LH(O) - Numidian Cavalry -

6 I Ax(I) - Numidian Javelinmen -

1 I Ps(S) - Numidian Javelinmen -

16 Els/12.5 EE

 

Add 7 TF for camp as well.

 

List 1 has the advantage of massed Bd and Ax, this should allow you to force through one piece of rough going with the Ax, whether on attack or defence try to place some especially against mounted armies who will otherwise have the edge against you in manouverability.  Remember too that if you operate two commands either side of a bit of difficult going then you can put up to 8 Ps(S) into it to cover the flanks of the Blades.

 

List 2 is trickier to use but basically provides the Numidians to cover a flank and the Spear and Cavalry in one command to allow you to either put the Sp(S) or the Cv(O) into the fight depending on which will be more use.  Don't get too enthused about the size of the light horse wing - 9 LH(O) might look like a lot but they can be relatively fragile due to their low combat factors.  Also remember to delpoy the ally so that if he is unreliable he both covers the flank and doesn't expose himself to an attack.

 

Overall I'd say list 1 is easier to use but list 2 can provide you with a few more options. 

 

Happy Romaning!

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