NOTES ON THE HOPLON ARMY LISTS

HOPLON army lists use a similar structure to the well-known DBM lists, which should make them easier to follow for players familiar with DBx-type systems. However, since the rules are not primarily aimed at the competition crowd, but the history enthusiast, it is hoped that players will use the lists not as gospel, but with a touch of realism in mind. It is for the same reason that I have not aimed at providing army lists which will allow ‘well-balanced games at 400-500 points’, but army lists which will be as close as I can imagine to what was available to the leaders of each army and era.

With the same rationale, I have not provided minima for each troop type, but only what I think would be usable maxima on our limited wargames table (in other words, some of the more numerous troop types –especially of allies– may be scaled-down). It is up to the players to design their armies with historic restraints in mind rather than simply deploying Rolls-Royce army compositions to beat every opponent.

Also, not being an expert in all areas and eras of the world, I would more than welcome advice, ideas and/or corrections, as long as they can be well-supported and do not create great imbalances in the HOPLON rules.

NOTE 1: When any distinctive appears in parentheses in the lists, like (H) or (Pro) it is an option. When there is an option, the basic distinctive is the main one, while the optional distinctive, denotes either that it is non-constant throughout the entire period, or signifies that it is only a proportion of the total number of troops. The basic cost provided in the respective column is the minimum (lowest grade, class etc.) and the optional cost in parentheses the maximum. Of course, there may be costs in between the two extremes, but anyone can work these out easily with the table provided in the HOPLON rules.

NOTE 2: Any items in brackets, denote type of weapon, like [L] or [Xbow], which is significant for the rules. Certain troop types do not need such distinction, as their range of weapons is factored into their combat factors.

The following is a comprehensive list of abbreviations for those not familiar with DBx-type lists. Also are included some short notes and a summary of HOPLON’s additional features.

TROOP TYPES

mounted

Kn – Knight: heavy shock cavalry, vulnerable to loss of control if irregular.

Cat – Cataphract: heavily armoured, slow-moving shock cavalry, used primarily in the East.

HCh – Heavy Chariot: heavy 4-horse chariots used as to break-up dense infantry formations.

LCh – Light Chariot: light, all-purpose chariot used either as warrior transport or harassment.

Cv – Cavalry : general purpose horse troops, in loose order, with mixed shock/missile role.

LH – Light Horse : general purpose horse troops in open order used mainly for harassment.

Cm – Camels : loose order camelry with a primary shock role.

LCm – Light Camels : open order camelry with a variety of roles.

El – Elephants : elephants with crews used for shock, but with substantial missile capacity.

WL – Wagon Laager : mobile (or non-mobile) wagon train, used to protect flanks, baggage etc.

SCh – Scythed Chariot : specialized heavy chariot used to break-up dense infantry formations.

foot

FKn – Foot Knights: loose order, heavily armoured foot specialized against mounted shock troops.

Sw – Swordsmen : close order, shielded troops fighting primarily with slashing weapons.

Sp – Spearmen: close order, shielded troops relying on cohesion for effect, mainly against mounted.

Ss – Sarissae: close order, deep formations of pikemen, used only for frontal shock.

Bb – Barbarians : undisciplined tribal warriors, relying on massive charges mainly against foot.

Bw – Bowmen : close order, archers, trained to shoot huge masses of missiles.

Plt – Peltasts : general purpose loose order foot used mainly as shock in difficult terrain.

Sk – Skirmishers : open order foot used in a variety of harassment and support roles.

Rb – Rabble : unarmed, untrained and militarily useless, masses of civilian war fodder.

WE – War Engines : field or siege artillery firing bolts or stones.

Bg – Baggage : camp or supply train accompanying armies with an implicit basic guard.

TROOP DISTINCTIVES

Reg or Irr – Regular or Irregular : denotes the general level of training, mostly in drill.

S, O, I – Superior, Ordinary, Inferior : refers to the morale and/or stamina of troops.

F – Fast : denotes special sub-type of closer order troop types.

Pro – Professional : denotes elite, full-time, and/or superbly trained troops.

U – Untrained : denotes insufficient combat experience or green troops.

H – Heavy : refers to the armour or general level of protection from missile weapons.

Shk/Msl (or Msl/Shk) – Shock +Missile: denotes the main and the secondary combat function.

[L] – Cv or LH with Lance : lancer horsemen have advantage in melee over non-lancer horsemen.

[Jav], [Sling] – Javelin, Sling : shows the type of missile weapon used by missile troop types.

Dmt – Dismount capable: denotes mounted troops able to fight on foot as well.

Mtd – Mounted infantry : denotes infantry using animals to move, but not manoeuver, in battle.

W or Sk – Wedge or Skythian capable : special formations used by particular troop types.

Trained – Elephant or Camel trained horses : specially trained horses not afraid of beasts.

Howdah – Elephant crews in howdah : denotes crew has advantage over non-howdah crews.

2E – Double depth element : combat elements of mixed troop types.

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS

BIF (0-3) – Basic Initiative Factor : the ability of commanders and staff to relay and receive orders

Demor.(1-4) – Demoralization : the effect of commander’s loss or flight on his troops.

Reliable or Unreliable : Denotes the type of ally. Unreliable ones may join the enemy.