Barbarian to Roman Ratio

[Correus]

Ave Omnes!!

The time is drawing nigh for the plunge into the Barbarian world. I have just a couple more orders to place and my Roman army will be complete (only the Fates know how long it will take to paint! )

So, my question is, what is a decent ration of Barbarian to Roman? As an example, in Colonial gaming circles most suggest 3 Zulus for each British.

I do know that I'd like the main warbands to be 40 figures strong.

Any suggestions?

Vale ~

[paulsmodellingworkshop]

That would seem about right to me if your roman units are around the 18-24 figure mark - or 'standard' unit in HC
That would make your barbarian units 'large' in HC
I am mounting my units of 18-24 romans in ranks with a frontage of 6 figures (12cm) and I am intending to have warbands of 30-40 figures in 'large' units with the same 6 figure (12cm) frontage - so I can match up 'standard' against 'large' in melee.

For every 2 roman units I would have apx 3 barbarian units giving a figure ratio of around 1:3 to 3:5

[zedeyejoe]

3 Zulus to each British soldier is a bit out. Normally it would be 5:1 and of course for Rorkes Drift 40:1.

In ancient games 3:1 for standard warriors against Romans would be a fair ratio. Depends on the rules of course and points systems can decide what you use.

I think the Romans tended to inflate the numbers they faced - and defeated - a perfectly normal trait.

[Correus]

@ zedeyejoe -

the 3:1 Zulu/British ratio is based off the TSATF rules.

As for "...points systems can decide what you use'; I've never used a point system!

When ever I see a point system in a set of rules I disregard it. Besides, I never have, and never will, play in a tournament (IIRC that's where point systems seem to come into play the most).

I'll probably strive for a 2:1 ratio and then, as time goes by, slowly build it up to somewhere over 3:1.

[Invisible officer]

Well, the term barbarian is a little wide, the Spanish gave the Romans a hard fight for centuries, some being still not realy under control in imperial times.
The celts, average to good. Dacians, fearsome enemies.
Germans, in 1st century low quality, you need a lot of them to crush a Roman Legion. And the Romans on the march. 3rd century, like Celts.
Not to forget the country, the Tracians and other hillmen gave the Romans some very bad situations at 1/1 or less ratio in passes.

I would opt for 1 / 1,5 for the good, 1/2 for average and 1/4 for low enemies.

The old Roman that tell his unit won against a 1/5 ratio is a classic Shakespeare ....

[zedeyejoe]

When ever I see a point system in a set of rules I disregard it. Besides, I never have, and never will, play in a tournament (IIRC that's where point systems seem to come into play the most).

Strange I have been gaming for 41 years now and I find points mainly used in club play, e.g. I will give you a 1500 point game tomorrow night, that way both sides are supposed to be even.

I am a fan of fighting historic battles so I have done some scenarios for those interested in historical battles - I think I posted the link in an earlier topic. Obviously for those no points are used.

[mikeland]

I'll probably strive for a 2:1 ratio and then, as time goes by, slowly build it up to somewhere over 3:1.

Having seen the vast plan for your Legion on the other thread 2:1 is still a big pile of barbarians!

[Correus]

@ Invisible officer - well, I've been using the term 'Barbarian' for lack of a better word. I guess I could just go with Celt/German/Briton. The AO I'm planing on is the Rhine to Hadrian's wall corridor.

@ zedeyejoe - There are no clubs in my area. I think the closest one to me is about a 4 hour drive away. Right now there are four of us who game and getting them to even look at Ancients is like pulling teeth! Anyway...they only time I've even seen points used have been during tournaments a conventions, so I'm limited in my exposure.

@ mikeland - Let's just hope that pile doesn't bury me in an avalanche!!!

[zedeyejoe]

Ah, I have travelled over the UK in my gaming and currently based in the NW of England have the following clubs within 30 minutes travel; Preston, Chorley, Burnley, Bolton, Blackpool and Manchester. Points are a handy way to get a game organised. Both players just pick an army to the agreed points total and then meet to play the game. You can even get pick-up games on the night in a similar fashion.
Tournaments are really just the same thing, only with a wider selection of players.

[Invisible officer]

I personly support the Correus view about point systems. But my friends and I play for fun, not for winning. I often went into a game against a stronger army, just for the fun of it.

Point systems must be very ballanced, there is a big risk for gamers constructing an ideal system force. just for winning.