Warmaster Ancients (2005) Board Game

Warmaster Ancients is a historical miniatures wargame that was released in 2005 by Warhammer Historical Wargames Ltd. Designed by Jon Hodgson, the game focuses on battles from ancient and medieval times, allowing players to recreate historical conflicts using beautifully detailed miniatures.

Game Components of Warmaster Ancients

Rulebook: Detailed rules for historical battles and unit modifications.

Miniatures: Figures to create 4-12 figure-per-base bases, typically on 40 mm x 20 mm elements.

Army Lists: Included in the main game and expanded in the “Warmaster Ancient Armies” supplement, covering 20 new army lists prior to 1000 AD.

Dice: Six-sided dice for resolving combat and command rolls.

Bases: Standard bases for units, with infantry based along the 40 mm edge and cavalry, chariots, monsters, and artillery based along the 20 mm edge.

Character Figures: Representing commanders, heroes, and wizards, often based on round diorama-sculpted coins or 40/20mm wide bases.

How To Setup Warmaster Ancients

Setting up Warmaster Ancients involves organizing your miniatures into units and forming brigades. Each unit is composed of three elements, and these are arranged on the battlefield according to the historical deployment of the armies. Players need to determine the command structure, with characters acting as commanders. The setup time is typically between 4-10 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Command Rolls: Units must be activated by rolling against the command value of a character; successive rolls become progressively more difficult.

Movement: Units can be moved into contact with enemy troops, considered as charging.

Shooting Phase: Shooting is not very deadly but aims to disrupt enemy formation and cohesion.

Combat Phase: Units involved in combat roll six-sided dice equivalent to their attack value; units based on the 20 mm edge have an advantage against those on the 40 mm edge.

Objective: The goal is to defeat the enemy army by reducing their units or disrupting their formation and cohesion.

Player Experience

Warmaster Ancients offers a strategic and immersive experience, allowing players to command large armies and recreate historical battles. The game requires strategic thinking, especially in managing command rolls and unit activations. Players must balance the strengths and weaknesses of different unit types and utilize the terrain and formation advantages to their benefit.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Modified rules to better represent historical battles and units.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and command management.

Scale: Allows for large-scale battles with multiple units.

Customization: Expanded army lists and rules for campaign play.

Cons

Complexity: Can be complex for new players, especially with the command and activation mechanics.

Time Commitment: Games can last from 45 to 150 minutes.

Miniature Management: Requires careful organization and basing of miniatures.

Personal Thoughts on Warmaster Ancients

Warmaster Ancients is ideal for fans of historical wargames and those who enjoy strategic, large-scale battles. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the detail and historical context of ancient armies. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and the time required to set up and play the game. For enthusiasts of historical warfare and tabletop wargaming, Warmaster Ancients offers a rich and engaging experience.

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