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De Bellis Multitudinis: Wargames Rules for Ancient and Medieval Battles – 3000 BC to 1500 AD (1993) Board Game

ByMichail

De Bellis Multitudinis, often referred to as DBM, is a set of wargaming rules for ancient and medieval battles. It was first published in 1993 by Wargames Research Group and designed by Philip C. Barker and Richard Bodley Scott. The game covers a vast period of history, from 3000 BC to 1500 AD, allowing players to recreate battles from various civilizations and time periods.

Game Components of De Bellis Multitudinis

  • Miniature Figures:** Typically in 15mm or 25mm scale, though 6mm and 54mm are also used.
  • Army Lists:** Four volumes of army list books with about 250 different army lists.
  • Terrain:** Ground scale in paces, with varying inches to paces based on figure scale.
  • Elements:** Standardized frontage width for all troop types, with varying depth and number of models per element.
  • Rules Book:** The core rulebook and several revisions, including DBM 3.0 and the unofficial DBM 3.2.

    How To Setup De Bellis Multitudinis

    To set up DBM, players select armies from the published Army Lists, using a points system to ensure roughly equal forces. Each army is organized into 2-4 commands, with each command having its own Player Initiative Points (PIPs). The game board is set up with terrain features that require strategic exploitation. Armies are deployed based on historical or tactical considerations, and the PIP system governs the movement and actions of the troops.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Movement and Combat:** Elements move individually or in temporary groups, with combat resolved through dice rolls and combat factors.
  • Command and Control:** Each command gets a D6 dice throw for PIPs, determining how many blocks of units can be moved.
  • Victory Points:** Armies are worth 5 victory points, with each sub- or ally-general’s command contributing to the total.
  • Objective:** To win by accumulating victory points through defeating enemy elements and controlling key areas of the battlefield.

    Player Experience

    DBM offers a moderately abstract and realistic wargaming experience, focusing on the generalship and tactical awareness of the players. The game emphasizes the progressive deterioration of army organization during combat, requiring players to manage their troops effectively. The rules are designed to be simple yet engaging, allowing for large-scale battles with detailed period flavor.

    Pros

  • Historical Depth:** Covers a broad historical period with detailed army lists.
  • Scalability:** Allows for games with several hundred figures.
  • Tactical Complexity:** Encourages strategic thinking and adaptation.
  • Community:** Supported by a dedicated community and regular competitions.

    Cons

  • Micro Management:** Can be criticized for the high level of individual element management.
  • Complexity in Combat:** Later revisions, like DBMM, introduced more complicated combat systems.
  • .learning Curve:** Requires time to learn and master the rules and strategies.

    Personal Thoughts on De Bellis Multitudinis

    **De Bellis Multitudinis** is ideal for wargamers who enjoy historical accuracy, large-scale battles, and strategic depth. It is particularly suited for those who have experience with miniature wargames and are looking for a ruleset that balances simplicity with complexity. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its intricate rules, it remains a favorite among dedicated wargamers and historical enthusiasts.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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