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Miniatures Adventure => Age of Myths, Gods and Empires => Topic started by: Easy E on August 07, 2021, 10:48:36 PM

Title: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on August 07, 2021, 10:48:36 PM
Greetings,

You can now order Wars of the Republic on the Osprey site! 

https://ospreypublishing.com/store/osprey-games/osprey-wargames/wars-of-the-republic

(https://ospreypublishing.com/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/958def80b7ce809d46640f86aa46835c/w/a/wars_of_the_republic.jpg)

Thanks to all of you who pre-order!  Let me know if you have questions.
Title: Re: Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: commissarmoody on August 08, 2021, 12:13:44 AM
Cool, is it based on any existing game system's? Or is it, its own thing?
Title: Re: Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: has.been on August 08, 2021, 08:41:24 AM
I'm interested, any more info?
Title: Re: Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on August 10, 2021, 01:59:55 PM
It is a modified version of Men of Bronze with tweaks based on feedback on the Men of Bronze book.  You can expect the big battles with small armies approach, scale and model agnostic, command resource mechanic, opposed dice pools, bidding for initiative, and no casualty removal again.   

A couple updates:
- Modified Supporting rules to greatly reduce unit shuffling.  No more moving units behind other units for support. 
- A melee phase so it is easier to see who is involved in a melee and add up the attack dice.
- Rules for creating armies with a left, center, and right wing for really big or multiplayer battles
- A change to the Morale system
- More formation types, special rules and unit types to fit the changing warfare of the period
- A lot of army lists and campaign rules in the book
- New historical battles

It is called Wars of the Republic but they can also be used to fight all sorts of wars in the Mediterranean basin from the period, including Kingdom of Rome, the Conquest of Italy, Punic Wars, Wars with the Successors, all the way the the Civil Wars. Plus, you will easily be able to do battles that do not even involve Romans of the period too.

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VeOF_6DYO-c/YL40X44IY2I/AAAAAAAAOrY/sS80CFu-jJsxuzTZPIl6sdrLtpxnQbwGQCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_1270.HEIC)
Title: Re: Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Arrigo on August 10, 2021, 03:18:36 PM
Eric,

I am waiting with interest this new rules, but some general  comments on your approach to scale both in Men of Bronze and Heirs of the Empire. Basically it is nightmarish because you cannot get any relationship between an unit foot print and movement in the rules themselves. While there is an advantage in your approach (being completely removed from miniature scale), it requires a lot of experimentation to get movement distances and unit size reasonably right. While for experienced gamers like myself it is not a problem, for other could be. It would be extremely nice if you present suggested unit of distance for the main scales, and also suggested unit size. Also the base width can be quite unwieldy (it is a single element? A single man?  A single unit?) and open to interpretations.

just my two eurocents of course!

Best,
Arrigo
Title: Re: Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on August 10, 2021, 08:25:28 PM
Thanks for the feedback. I did drop the Base width from Wars of the Republic and replaced it with Measurement Unit.  That way it was more clear that 1 MU was just that.... a generic unit of measure that can be any amount the player wishes based on scale and table size.  Base Width as a term/measurement really just muddied the waters.   

Since the game is 8 turns, with engagement being possible around turn 4, the MU should be 6 MUs should get you 1/8th of the way across the table.  Therefore, if you have a 3 foot wide table that is 36 inches, then a single MU should be 3/4 of an inch.     

36/8= 4.5 inches.  4.5inches/6= .75.  That is 3/4 of an inch.  Using this calculation, a single MU on a 6 foot table is 1.5 inches.

MU= (width of table/8= X)/6 = 1 MU.  I think that is the right calculation.     

Does that help out Arrigo? 

Of course, per Page 5 on House Rules in my rulebooks you can change the MU to whatever you want your game to work with!

  (https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BV_acNqq990/YDZwhGHtXNI/AAAAAAAANNU/Q3jN-vF9lfMvDlGrJYNDiVaijjzmFUvxwCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_2616.heic)
Title: Re: Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: mellis1644 on August 10, 2021, 09:52:36 PM
This one I have Marius mules vs. Gauls on DBX bases all ready so should be able to give it a go...
Title: Re: Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: SHARPE52 on August 11, 2021, 07:22:27 AM
Hi All,
Thanks for all clarifications and advices given :)
I am trying some test games using DBX bases in 15mm and so far I have used 1 BW = 1cm but I am not fully happy with it.
I find these rules very stimulating even if I have just to fully understand how deadly is the melee.
During my attempts I have noticed that very often both sided received many losses causing a wavering status on both sides or even worst rout for both.
I would be interested in reading your experience of the games played.
What I'd consider changing is the Special rules for warbands that IMHO should be allowed the Charge/countercharge special rules.
Marco
Title: Re: Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: giorgio on August 21, 2021, 02:45:15 PM
Ciao everybody
 One of the main asset for Republican was the interchangeability between hastati and princeps. How is represented? Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on October 11, 2021, 02:40:35 PM
I have been getting a lot of questions about Wars of the Republic, and I am excited to see them all.  I put up a blog post on the Blood and Spectacles blog that I hope will answer most if not all of your questions. 

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TK4TOxnwcXA/YE-vzh58I9I/AAAAAAAANd0/R1xhUc02xCgjRCfPaGIZxuo1YAKDCEMcwCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/IMG_2594.HEIC)

Here is a breakdown on my Blog about what I changed in the core rules between Men of Bronze and Wars of the republic. 

https://bloodandspectacles.blogspot.com/2021/10/wargame-design-wars-of-republic-osprey.html

Quote

As many of you know, after writing Men of Bronze; Osprey commissioned me to write Wars of the Republic for the Osprey Wargaming Series.  That book is slated to be coming out in November and I hope you will pick up a copy.  If you liked Men of Bronze, I think you will like what you find in this book too.  However, there are also some pretty big differences. 

This has been a pretty popular period lately, so I imagine most of you have armies you can all ready use for this period.  :)
Title: Re: Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on October 14, 2021, 08:36:41 PM
For those of you who are in Northwest Wyoming, I wanted to put this on your radar:

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3K60q7wYtk/YWiRVJCrReI/AAAAAAAAP3c/7y6cxhl-6E8Or_8m6flUUjaBUB9tmYG9QCPcBGAsYHg/w486-h640/IMG_1732.HEIC)

For those of you in Northwest Wyoming, you maybe interested in the launch party event for the Wars of the Republic at Gestalt Studios @ The Polar Plant in Powell, Wyoming.

There we will have a chance to play the games hands-on, take a peak at some advanced copies, have some snacks, and talk about wargaming in Wyoming and beyond!  Good company awaits!

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Eric@bloodandspectacles.com
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Alex Pyrrhus on October 16, 2021, 08:40:37 PM
Eric:
Your support of “Men of Bronze” has been second to none.  The additional factions offered for free on your blog, especially Sicilian Greek and Carthaginian, have greatly expanded the appeal of those rules.  I purchased the compilation of those additional factions, “Hercules Abroad,” along with “Heirs of Empire” from the Wargame Vault in an effort to support your development of this interesting set of fast play rules.  I have also posted many rules questions about “Men of Bronze” over at your Blood and Spectacles blog, and you have answered them all.

Consequently, I am eagerly awaiting “Wars of the Republic.”  Will the Pike Phalanx differ from the Spear Phalanx? Will the Roman Princeps have different characteristics from the Hastati?  Most importantly, will the Successor Pezhetairoi defeat the Roman legionaries in a head on clash on level ground while having trouble against those foes on difficult or rough terrain?  Last but not least, will these rules have a digital version?

Thanks for all your gaming efforts,

Charles
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on October 18, 2021, 02:58:27 PM
Thanks for the support! 

I believe the answer to your questions is YES!

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AL52teI_8Kw/YJRXcQ44bDI/AAAAAAAAOIQ/Jcvj3_Qvk7sXcgFn1_zsZIbg1VgnTcLxQCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h325/IMG_0028.HEIC)

The blog today is mostly about basing in Wars of the Republic.

Quote
I have been playing wargames for a long time.  Since 1984 or so?  One thing that always gets my goat is basing!  Nothing irritates me more than painting up a really nice group of models but not being able to use them in a given system drives me nuts!  I hate ripping off old bases and putting on new ones.  Even building modular bases and movement trays is a challenge for me. 

Therefore, when I started writing games for myself I was pre-occupied with basing and how to approach the topic.  One of my primary design goals is always to create something that is scale and model agnostic.  I want players to bring what they want to the table and then get to use it! Wars of the Republic is no different in this regard. 

As I approached Wars of the Republic I held this idea close to my heart.  I surveyed a variety of other ancient wargames to try and get the lay of the land.  I also reviewed the various model lines out there and took a look at what companies were creating as pre-made bases.  There were a lot of different base conventions and pre-made bases out there.  The question was how to make them all work inside the parameters of the game.

https://bloodandspectacles.blogspot.com/2021/10/wars-of-republic-wargame-design-all.html
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Emir of Askaristan on October 19, 2021, 11:17:59 AM
Excellent blog post. Looking forward to getting my mits on these.
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on November 12, 2021, 02:51:08 PM
Tomorrow is the big day! 

The models are packed, the terrain is packed, the dice are packed, and I am nervous as all get out! 

If you are in the Cody/Powell Wyoming area, I will hopefully see you there!

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3K60q7wYtk/YWiRVJCrReI/AAAAAAAAP3c/7y6cxhl-6E8Or_8m6flUUjaBUB9tmYG9QCPcBGAsYHg/w486-h640/IMG_1732.HEIC)
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on November 15, 2021, 03:06:14 PM
Thank you for all who attended!  It was great meeting you all, and I am sorry I could not spend as much time with each of you as I wanted. 

Thanks for the great game!  The Romans managed to come out on top on the big demo table.  It was close run thing.  Pictures soon.
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on November 22, 2021, 03:55:08 PM
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKDOqzKeCLA/YZKRVoF_KKI/AAAAAAAAQCw/GKQvTcR-0VIwBG3Cq9B5bQc8IUZ-mlLUACPcBGAsYHg/w320-h400/C3648695-5B9D-4080-9A3B-A1E049E815D7.jpg)

This battle was the main Demo table at the Wars of the Republic launch party at Gestalt Studios in Powell, Wyoming.  As such, there were a few different generals and my main role was as referee, host, and rules interpreter.  The launch party had a surprising amount of people show up looking to game, talk ancient history, talk wargaming, and talk about being an author.  Sadly, I did not get to spend as much time with everyone as I wanted to and I look forward to doing more wargaming events in the area! 

The Greeks of Pyrrhus of Epirus came to Italy to aid their fellow Greeks of Tarentum.  However, they faced a rising power in Rome.  The successor mercenary and opportunist, Pyrrhus; was looking for a way to make cash to keep bank rolling his efforts in Greece.  The situation in Italy seemed like a good way to do it!  However, the Romans proved to be stiffer opponents than Pyrrhus suspected.  After three costly victories, Pyrrhus left Italy and went to Sicily instead.  This gave control of Italy to the Romans. 

At the launch party, the main Demo table had a combined arms army of Greeks vs. Republican Romans.  Each side had about 3 generals controlling wings of the armies.  These players rotated in and out through out the battle, to give more people a chance at the game. We also had a secondary table of Etruscans and Romans, but I did not get to observe that battle much.   

Since I was hosting the event and referee, I do not have full pictures of the battle.  The following is a high-level recap.

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hglf6ITk2Ts/YZKSzvTbqXI/AAAAAAAAQC4/M8cJr2mkP34Mk-AO4SWI5jKwze_y3Eh4gCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_4038.JPG)

Forces:

Greeks of Pyrrhus of Epirus

Center:
War Elephants
Silver Shields
Bronze Shields

Right:
Heavy Cavalry
Light Hoplites
Archers

Left:
White Shields
Peltasts
Light Cavalry

Republican Romans

Center:
Triarri x2
Hastati

Right:
Hastati
Principes
Velites

Left:
Hastati
Principes
Velites

Mission:

The game had no complications and was a simple pitched battle. 

Set-up:
The table had a dangerous river on the Roman right/Greek left with an impassable temple on the opposite shoreline.  A road slanted across the center of the board.  On the Roman left/Greek right there was a difficult field, and on the Greek side a Difficult forest.

The Greek line stretched across the board from left to right it was:
Peltasts, Light Cavalry, White Shields, Bronze Shields, Silver Shields, War Elephants, Heavy Cavalry, Light Hoplites, and Archers.  The Archers and Light hoplites were deployed in the woods. 

The Romans formed up in their typical checkerboard fashion.  Hastati were the front line, with off-set Principes on the edges, and off-set Triarri in the rear.  Each flank had a unit of Velites.  The Velites were near the river on the right, and approaching the field on the left. 

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58Zwggxvx3c/YZPHUiDGtkI/AAAAAAAAQJs/N_z5N-SMbxg8lbtawXtWHgerEWPO-YP0wCPcBGAsYHg/w542-h640/IMG_4046.jpg)

To read the full battle overview and see all the pictures you can go to the Blood and Spectacles Blog:
http://bloodandspectacles.blogspot.com/2021/11/battle-report-wars-of-republic-romans_01344413117.html     
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: guitarheroandy on November 22, 2021, 05:46:57 PM
Great looking table there!
I've ordered the rules and am hoping they'll inspire me to get some paint on my Victrix Romans and Samnites, which have sadly stalled...
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on November 23, 2021, 03:55:38 PM
Thanks!  It pretty much all came from a Big Box retailer.  Wargaming can be affordable.

I wrote the rules as an excuse to buy loads of Victrix figures and get them painted.  It worked for me, so hopefully it will work for you too!  lol 
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: guitarheroandy on November 24, 2021, 05:23:58 PM
Thanks!  It pretty much all came from a Big Box retailer.  Wargaming can be affordable.

I wrote the rules as an excuse to buy loads of Victrix figures and get them painted.  It worked for me, so hopefully it will work for you too!  lol

Rules arrived yesterday. Had a read today. They look really good!! Looking forward to giving them a bash.
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on November 26, 2021, 02:18:47 PM
Glad to hear!  Let me know it you have any questions. 

I was excited to see Wars of the Republic in the top 5 on the Wargame Vault this morning!   

Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on December 09, 2021, 09:06:53 PM
Some reviews are starting to hit.....

Beast of War
https://www.beastsofwar.com/featured/wars-of-the-republic-first-impressions-osprey-games/

YouTube- PrasutagusTheOrwellWargamer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMxSV-Dfoaw
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on December 23, 2021, 04:53:42 PM
A nice review on Amazon:

Quote
A simple and well written set of wargames covering the period of The Roman Republic. Well illustrated, easy to follow and adaptable to any size of figures and basing convention. I liked them and my only reservation is on how well they sell in market that has many rule sets covering this period.

In addition, thank you all for purchasing the Wars of the Republic Books and PDFs.  I am very excited to see that the book is still in the top 10 on the Wargame Vault a month after release.  Thank you so much!
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Emir of Askaristan on December 26, 2021, 06:21:30 PM
Got WotR as an Xmas present from my son, clever lad!

Really like the rules, looking forward to a game.....

 Now I'm off to spend my Xmas lead tokens on some republican romans !
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on December 27, 2021, 04:27:40 PM
Thanks Emir!  This has made my Christmas!
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on March 16, 2022, 05:41:00 PM
Here is a nice review the author sent along to me, and I wanted to share.....

https://www.talesfromawargameshed.com/blog/game-and-first-impressions-of-wars-of-the-republic
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Dr. Kevin Moon III esq. on March 17, 2022, 11:09:59 PM
Hello, we played a couple of very quick games tonight at the ELMS club in Leeds using my Etruscans and Gauls.

I have a few questions;

1. Is the profile for militia hoplites (pg29) correct? It is different to the one in Men of Bronze (pg33) and were far superior to the Gallic infantry.

2. Irregular infantry were very fragile and even with heedless charge didn't make much of dent on a phalanx and with armour 1 died very quickly. Should we be using Drilled Infantry with heedless charge instead to represent the bulk of the infantry? Light Infantry with heedless charge don't offer any more staying power.

3. Move and Shoot (Pg 23). Does this allow you to shoot in the movement phase? We assumed it just means you can also shoot in the shoot phase, but I don't think the wording is clear.

4. End Phase/Morale (pg19). When testing for morale for a routed unit, as you draw line of sight from the leader, do you have 360 vision as with shooting? We found these tests particularly horrible with discipline 1 infantry (probably rightly so).
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Golgotha on March 17, 2022, 11:36:26 PM
This is fantastic news - been looking forward to these having enjoyed Men of Bronze and for that matter many of your other rules. The support you are providing is I am sure also greatly appreciated and very helpful.
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on March 18, 2022, 02:32:12 PM
1. Is the profile for militia hoplites (pg29) correct? It is different to the one in Men of Bronze (pg33) and were far superior to the Gallic infantry.

- Ahhhh, I will have to go back and check to be sure.  I do not have the book handy, so more to come on this front.

However, even Militia Phalanx in phalanx will easily deal with irregular infantry to the front.  To be effective, the Gallic infantry needs to break them up either with terrain, or a flank attack (hopefully forcing a Discipline check), or just a mobbing them with support forces.  Also, Gauls should have a range of Elite, Drilled, light, and irregular infantry in their force so the heavy hitters can lead, while the lighter units help out on the flanks/support.  The tactics of the Barbarians are a bit different than their more organized foes.   

2. Irregular infantry were very fragile and even with heedless charge didn't make much of dent on a phalanx and with armour 1 died very quickly. Should we be using Drilled Infantry with heedless charge instead to represent the bulk of the infantry? Light Infantry with heedless charge don't offer any more staying power.

Yes, irregular infantry is very fragile and not intended to be a front line combat unit.  They are the the guys that came along more interested in looting than fighting, or who were forced to come along to bulk out numbers.  They are even less motivated than skirmishers!  However, if used right they can be game winners as support units, flank units, bogging down an enemy unit for a turn or two, and units that can sneak across the board to an objective with no one really caring about them.   

For mainline troops, Drilled Infantry should be the main fighting power of any barbarian or less formalized force.  They should be the tip of the spear, with the irregular/light infantry acting as support/flank attack units.  This is much more effective.   

3. Move and Shoot (Pg 23). Does this allow you to shoot in the movement phase? We assumed it just means you can also shoot in the shoot phase, but I don't think the wording is clear.

Well, there really is no shooting phase.  Typically, you either choose to shoot OR move.  using the Commander's Gaze allows you to do both.  You can choose if you want to shoot first then move, or vice versa. 

4. End Phase/Morale (pg19). When testing for morale for a routed unit, as you draw line of sight from the leader, do you have 360 vision as with shooting? We found these tests particularly horrible with discipline 1 infantry (probably rightly so).

You did it right.  Really the only thing that blocks LOS is other units or terrain for these checks. 

I have seen folks house rule it so that it is only units to the front, but I prefer the 360 as it forces you to think about how you place your units a bit in deployment and beyond.  As you found, Discipline 1 units can be very fragile in such a situation.  Hence why the fighting core of a barbarian force should be Drilled Infantry. 

By the way, I have found that Etruscan elites can really clean house!  If you are fighting them, do not try to go head-to-head and expect to win.  You have to be cunning to neutralize them, and that doesn't typically mean killing them.  :) 


I hope that helps out.  I love the pictures!  Great looking game!
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Dr. Kevin Moon III esq. on March 18, 2022, 05:42:32 PM
Thanks, that's a big help.

We're planning to give it another run out next week. Possibly with late republican romans or a re-run of Etruscans Vs Gauls. So expect more pictures/questions 😂
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on March 18, 2022, 07:50:51 PM
I look forward to it!
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on August 25, 2023, 06:44:54 PM
Greetings all,

I am pleased to report that I was interviewed on the 20Sided_Gamified_Podcast hosted by Jared Fishman of the HMGS_NextGen_inc fame. It was great to chat with Jared and a really fun experience. I have been a fan of Jared's work promoting wargaming as an educational and recreational activity and promoting the hobby to young folks.

Check out the episode here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-14-rule-writing-with-eric-farrington-the/id1675149554?i=1000625695835 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-14-rule-writing-with-eric-farrington-the/id1675149554?i=1000625695835)

Jared has interviewed some luminaries in the field of Wargaming and I have no idea how I made the cut!  For this interview, we primarily talked about Wars of the Republic from Osprey. 

Thanks for listening.
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: commissarmoody on August 25, 2023, 10:14:51 PM
I'll give it a listen. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: [Commercial] Wars of the Republic is up on the Osprey Site
Post by: Easy E on October 18, 2023, 01:49:29 PM
Little Wars TV posted a review of their favorite and least favorite Blue Books, and Men of Bronze and Wars of the Republic got a shout out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeagCEmcEYA&t=65s&pp=ygUcbGl0dGxlIHdhcnMgdHYgb3NwcmV5IHJldmlldw%3D%3D