New Special Rules (Expansion 3)

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Written by: GMT Games
Category: Expansion 3
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Marius Legions Rule

Starting with Aquae Sextae and all later battles in this expansion, Medium Roman Infantry units are armed with pilum and sword. These units are now missile weapon capable units and must follow the rules for Ranged Combat units. The unit has a range of two hexes and will roll 1 battle die when it holds or moves only one hex.

Before Marius’ reforms, the maniple had been the legion’s tactical unit. Now it was the cohort – ten to each Marian legion. He abolished the old classes of velites, hastate, principes and triarii. All Marian legionnaires were equipped and organized in a standard way. Each was armed with the pilum - an iron-headed javelin 6 feet 9 inches long, a short sword, and a coat of armor. Marius also hired soldiers from the proletariat, creating a professional army, rather than the earlier militia-based force. Finally, Marius abolished the distinctions between Roman and allied Italian soldiers, incorporating all into his new legions. Each legion became a permanent organization, with its own numeric designation and an eagle as its sacred standard.

Julian Legions rule

When the Julian Legions rule is in effect, all Roman Heavy infantry (red square symbol) and Medium infantry (blue triangle symbol) units are armed with pilum and sword and will follow the rules for Ranged Combat units, per the Marius Legions Rule. The unit has a range of two hexes and will roll 1 battle die when it holds or moves only one hex. It may not use Ranged Fire if it moves two hexes.

In addition, all Roman Heavy infantry (red square symbol) and Medium infantry (blue triangle symbol) units may move one hex and close combat as normal, or may move 2 hexes and not battle.
By the time Caesar was appointed proconsul for Gaul, the legion’s training and battle experience had made it the most agile and effective fighting formation in the known world (when commanded competently). The number of veteran legions had also steadily increased. The numerous Heavy Roman foot units depicted in battles here are equipped no differently than their Medium Roman foot counterparts - they simply have the combat experience to be more effective in battle. The veteran legions played a prominent role on the battlefield and were extremely loyal to their commanders.

The rule for Julian Legions can be retrofitted back into all scenarios in Expansion #2 from the River Sabis 57 BC through Cefn Carnedd 51AD, except for the two Teutoburger scenarios where terrain and poor Roman command severely hampered Roman mobility.

Julius Caesar Rule

When the Caesar leader is attached to any Roman unit, that unit will battle with one additional dice in Close Combat (including battling into or out of terrain hexes that reduce the normal number of dice used). When attached to a Roman foot unit (except War Machines), the unit may move two hexes and Close Combat against an enemy unit.