The Games of War
A Treasury of Rules for Battles with Toy Soldiers, Ships and Planes
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
We Who Are About to Die Salute You!
Rules for Gladiator Contests
Long before the advent of television, the ancient Romans relied on gladiatorial contests as one of their "entertainments" (professional football not having been invented yet). Popular films portray gladiatorial bouts as battles to the death and we are fascinated by the prospect. The reality was that gladiators were expensive to train and maintain and fighting to the death was not the preferred modus operandi.
These rules, which first appeared in rough form in 1979 and proved popular at several wargames conventions, are based on my college fencing classes (foil and saber). My experience showed that at such close combat distances, if someone aimed a blow at you and you did nothing, you would be hit! You can try to prevent your opponent's weapon from striking you by getting out of its way, or by blocking it with your weapon (or shield).
The weapons and armor that the gladiator has are determined by what the model figure has. If you are unable to purchase metal or plastic miniature gladiators, you can substitute knights, or photocopy pictures of gladiators and use those. The photocopies have the advantage of being inexpensive enough that when "killed," you can dispose of the "body."
Before you start, each gladiator rolls 3 dice for his or her total of "strengths." A strength roll of 14 or better enables one to wield an ax without penalty. Both gladiators face their game judge (if available) and say: "Hail Caesar! We who are about to die salute you!" If you desire, this may be recited in Latin. (Ave Caesar, morituri te salutamus!) Both players roll 2 dice to determine who has the initiative. The higher die total may attack first. In case of a tie, both gladiators attack and defend simultaneously, but then there is NO dodging!
The attacker may SLASH or THRUST at one of the following target areas:
1. head and neck
2. shield / left arm (right arm if weapon arm is the left arm)
3. torso
4. weapon arm
5. left leg
6. right leg
Using a roll of 2 dice, the defender may stop this attack in one of 4 ways:
SHIELD for a 7 or better
PARRY (using your weapon to deflect the attack)
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
This book has it all, from gladiatorial combat to space warfare. Test your skills and luck as you re-fight famous battles or explore the world of “what ifs.”
Here’s your chance to “be” Alexander, Saladin,
You can “fly” your Wildcat against a Zero, your Phantom against a Mig. See if you have what it takes to be a “pirate” in the Carribbean. Can you “conquer” a galaxy or “master” magic?
The rules contained in this book cover all this and more. They are easy to learn, fast to play, and contain background information for anyone who’s not a historian. You can get started on any budget and with whatever space you have available.
Rediscover reading for fun!
Teaching History? There are sample history “labs” included. Have your class “experience” the past! Watch their interest and enthusiasm grow!
About the Author
This 1971 UIC graduate left the campus with a hobby as well as a diploma. Introduced to wargaming with miniatures in 1968, he exchanged his chess sets and board games for games using model ships and toy soldiers. He became first an illustrator, and later the editor of the International Wargamer from 1971 until 1974. Mr. Bobek ran many miniature games at UIC and various games conventions including Lake Geneva,
Professionally, this
Mr. Bobek has been active in coaching at St. Daniel’s School since 1974. He is on the School Sports Board, the Parish Pastoral Council, the Southside Catholic Conference Board, and the Region II Board for the Illinois Junior Academy of Science. He has been active chaperoning teens, and for years ran a coed softball league. Mr. Bobek has been one of St. Dan’s yearbook editors and currently is the editor of the school paper. He is a Communion Minister at St. Dan’s as well as a cantor and member of the Chancel Choir. He has helped with timing and scoring for the Sports Car Club of America, enjoys paintballing, loves digital photography, and is an avid reader.