[Tim]

We’ll never know.
Have to say I’m surprised… I’m willing to give it another shot. Needed some Dacians anyway:)

[Tim]

I sure hope so too. Warlord has been extremely silent on this game- mostly releasing their new fancy resin kits over the last several months.
This game had me just as excited as Bolt Action for a time, but the lack of support has been deafening. Lets hope there is something in the works.
SPQR is a great platform and I believe it has a lot of potential.

[Tim]

You are correct. The weapons listed are what they have. But, if you wish to make it feel more realistic or balanced, feel free to give the tribesmen daggers as they would probably each be carrying a dagger for daily use in their villages. The army listing for Gaul Tribesmen only gives them the options for additional javelins and swords and some armour.

Have fun!

[Tim]

Indeed it is a bit broken. However, to answer your question on page 26 of the SPQR rulebook it states under the Helmet entry that “… a helmet cannot be combined with other types of armour except a shield (it is assumed other armour includes helmets).“ This includes Leather Armour. When I started playing I had assumed you could stack helmets with an armour which would have explained the Leather armour cost, but alas, ‘tis not true.

In the FAQ there is a question on page 2 about the equipment cost of Leather, Helmets, and Animal skins. They ask if the cost variance is intentional despite all three having the same armour value. Warlord answered “It is- the spread of warbands they are available to differs”.

I have played with all of the armour types and have experienced mixed results. It’s difficult to determine wether or not heavier, bulkier armour is worth the cost. Despite it’s cost, more heavily armoured troops do last longer in a fight. When I play Brits vs. Caesars Legions, for instance, the Brits can hit hard but if they don’t break a unit of Legionaries quickly they get chopped up in a sustained melee. With this same example, if you take Warriors skyclad, and dual wielding, and take more than 10 in a unit they charge with an incredible amount of force. The trade off is armour.

Hope this helps.

 

[Tim]

Agreed. I hope Warlord takes note of all the discussion on this forum.

[Tim]

Hi Nigel.

The sprues are correct. As for the pila armed sprue the lack of a pilum equipped arm is for variety purposes. I believe that the shield with pilum attached can be used to show the legionary has one he just isn’t holding it. If you like the look of all your legionaries equipped with pila then I’d buy some more sprues later on.

As for the scabbards and swords you are correct. They all show sheathed swords on the legionaries, yet are holding them as well. It bugs me too, but you could either file the hilts off the sheathed swords or simply ignore it, your choice.

Hope this is helpful. This game has a lot of potential, just doesn’t have the attention it deserves at the moment.
Game on.

Tim

[Tim]

Hi John.

Good questions, all of which most of us have had when we first started playing. SPQR is a really fun game with lots of potential.

1) Skyclad do get those awesome bonuses which makes them hit really hard. However, with no armor they are vulnerable to getting killed quickly. Britains, Germanians, and Gauls all get this option for their warriors which I think is appropriate and adds a lot of flavor. To defend against them remember your own specials rules like Testudo and Shield Wall. And, don’t forget that ‘everyone’ gets the +1 bonus per 10 men for melee and Will to Fight Checks.

2) Short spears are cheap as described in the FAQ as 1 denarii each now. If you take one for a unit already equipped with another melee weapon they can effectively dual wield (+1 melee dice) at the expense of putting their shields on their backs only for arrow defense.

3) The FAQ tried to clear up combat with base to base fighting, but some players have found it tedious. Most players are doing some combination to make systems that work for them. I say do what you like and makes sense to you.

4) As you can see some factions ranged units are not as effective as others. Some of the mercenary ranged units are incredibly good. I personally love sling units, it’s like throwing axes. However, they are slow and typically used by Tribesmen who aren’t the best shot. Keep in mind that Bows and Slings behave differently. Bows excel where slings fall short and visa versa. A good mass of ranged units can usually make some kills and whittle down the enemy even if they are heavily armored Spartan Hoplites.

5) Lethal rules cannot remove an armor save entirely… to my knowledge. The 1 and 6 rule should always stand. For slings, axes, charges, etc. if the opponent is unarmored they should still always get a 6+ armor save.

Hope this helps John. Go have fun.

[Tim]

Hi Kenneth.

Since the Scorpio has +1 to it’s Ranged characteristic you’ll need a 5 or 6 just to hit with 1 D6. It also has the “Smasher” rule so it cannot be parried. So, when your opponent has to roll for their armour check they have to roll a 6 (unless in the rare instance that they have +4 armour your Lethal 3 makes their armour +1). It’s Lethal 3 negates up to +3 armour like chainmail, cuirass, etc., and if successful will cause 3 wounds (this could be 3 casualties or 3 wounds to a hero, cavalry units, etc.).

Does that help?

[Tim]

•    They released a FAQ a while back, but no errata. It doesn’t mention Spartan cost.
  The video you’re referring to sounds like the battle was imbalanced. I can’t think of a way that those forces are equal points value. Although, the Roman player could had given all 12 Legionaries slings and pila (3+3x 12 =72 denarii) or even added a horn and standard (10+25 denarii). I guess that extra equipment does add up a bit.
  However, this may have not been the case. If it was a truly imbalanced game the rule book states that its fine to do so, even in a campaign. I have played a few games where my forces were intentionally smaller and I have to say that they were extremely fun.
•    As for Spartans being underpriced I agree. When comparing the Spartan Hoplite  to Roman Legionaries and Athenian, or Theban Hoplites (which all have similar stats) the  Spartan Hoplite takes the cake. He has better Melee, Agility, and Bravery and 2 wounds all for the same cost as his contemporaries. So, maybe Spartan Hoplites need to be 30 denarii?

[Tim]

Yes, and yes.

These are good questions. The model equipped with a standard or horn will absolutely  retain their original equipment. Also, when a unit is given the option of swords, or javelins, or shields, etc. it means that all the models get the upgrade provided you spend the denarii for them.

Hope this helps

[Tim]

Thanks Karl.

I appreciate the effort. I think this game has a ton of potential and any feedback about rules and questions will be well received.

Thanks again.

[Tim]

Hey Karl,
Thanks for responding. For the most part this forum has been producing a lot of rules inquiries and need for clarification.
Looking back over the past few months of topics you’ll see quite a few unanswered questions.
The first one I posted was about the absence of clubs in the rulebook. It doesn’t show up in any army’s list.

Again, thanks for any help you can give.

[Tim]

True. Short Spears only get Lethal (2) when charging from horseback- same as Long Spears. Otherwise, Short Spears get NO bonus (p.27).

[Tim]

Good question.
I believe it’s intentional. Since stats for armour, number of wounds, movement, etc. are all factored in, I assume the cost is as well. Many costs in the book vary from weapon choices to troop choices and I don’t think this is any different.
Lucius has a pretty nice Talent too.

[Tim]

I agree that the models pictured do not represent how the game is played. But, most of their model range is from Hail Caesar which plays on a much larger scale and has more flexibility for mixed weapon units.
The SPQR Rulebook does state that when modeling it is perfectly fine to add in some mixed weapons if you need to “fill out a unit”… So long as the majority of models have the same weapons and armour.

[Author]

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