Historical Background
Lucius Cornelius Sulla became the leader of the “optimates” faction in the civil war with the “populares” led by Gaius Marius. Sulla seized Rome in 88 BC and reorganized the government to his liking. However, when Sulla marched east to campaign against Mithridates of Pontus, Marius regained control of the capitol. Many of Sulla’s supporters were hunted down and killed. Although Marius died soon after, his son and other “populares” leaders maintained control of Rome. Meanwhile, Sulla defeated Mithridates and outmaneuvered a Marian army in Pontus, returning to Italy in 82 BC to restore his position and punish the Marians. Sulla quickly defeated the Marian forces in Etruria and then marched to take control of Rome in November. The remnants of the Marian forces, after their losses in Etruria, joined up with the Samnite army under Pontius Telesinus. The combined army advanced on Rome, and encamped near the Colline Gate on the northwest wall of Rome. Sulla took up a position just outside the gate and deployed. The ensuing battle was a desperate struggle, with both sides believing they were fighting to save Rome. Sulla’s legions were pushed hard on his left flank, and his men literally fought with their backs against the city walls. However, Crassus’ forces, fighting on Sulla’s right, managed to turn the opposition’s flank and drive them back. Riding his white horse, Sulla arrived on the left and rallied the flank. Still, it was not until the early hours of the next morning that the Samnites and the Marian forces were broken. In the aftermath, Sulla’s enemies in Rome were rooted out and eliminated, leaving him with absolute power as dictator.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. The rest is history.
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War Council
Samnite Army
• Leader: Pontius
• 5 Command Cards 
• Move First 
Roman Army
• Leader: Sulla
• 6 Command Cards
Victory
5 Banners
Special Rules
• The walls of Rome (rampart hexes) are impassable terrain.
• Marius Legions Rule is in effect for both armies.
• When a Roman unit occupies an enemy camp hex at the start of the Roman player’s turn, the Roman player gains one Victory Banner that cannot be lost. Remove the camp terrain tile hex and collect the Victory Banner before playing a Command card.
