Slitherine

From what I read in the forums about competitive play, it seems that HF have some severe limitations in the opinion of many.

Seeing as most of the lead I've picked up so far is Roman Legionaries, do they really have a chance if I was ever to get to an event?

Have I just made a poor choice or is there some hope for me to play a decent game?

Hey there

I wouldn't choose to use them in a larger open event but did manage to win Bayfog last year which was a tighter theme. They beat Ancient British, Middle Assyrians and Later Macedonaians so luckily not a lot of mounted to chase around.

Given the choice I would have used Dominate Romans.

Rob

It is in open events where they do badly. As Rob said if they play within their own theatre they do very well.

Also work fine in 25mm on a 6x4 table (and presumably in 15mm on a table relatively that size) in a more open comp IMO.

philqw78 wrote:It is in open events where they do badly. As Rob said if they play within their own theatre they do very well.

So is this an example of (what I understood to be) the rule writers' philosophy to encourage themed, and not open, events where (in a broad sense) historical opponents meet and army design mismatches are discouraged?

I'll admit that I might have to make my own opportunities to play. FoG (or ancients wargaming in general) doesn't seem to be too popular at conventions in my region.

15mm basing with Pendraken's figures are my current projects.

nikgaukroger wrote:Also work fine in 25mm on a 6x4 table (and presumably in 15mm on a table relatively that size) in a more open comp IMO.

............ 650 points (28mm) on a 6x4 table is a great game for Principate Romans. While we don't play too far out of period, they have a competitive chance in all our games.

If you are playing a historical game and the army fights as it should within its historical period, it seems to me that the rules and lists are pretty good. Paint an army that interests you, that you enjoy researching and that you like the look of.

Mike B

I recently took 2nd in a small tourney with them (this was themed as an all average troop tournament so they were downgraded from full effectiveness). I like the traditional legionaire look an think the Corvus Belli and Essex figures are great.

The big problem in open tournaments mounted lancers will be able to pick the weak spot in the army, and there are no natural prey such as gauls that the Roman can run down.

Dominate lists that are most popular have no or less heavy foot, so don't really compare.

IanB3406 wrote:I recently took 2nd in a small tourney with them (this was themed as an all average troop tournament so they were downgraded from full effectiveness).

That would have been an interesting bit of biff. I would have enjoyed playing that just for seeing how Gallic go against 'poorer' Legionaries. Still one point up, but there will be more Gauls

There is nothing wrong with a full on Roman historical based army. I have used one for the last year just to test out the theory that they can't win games.

If you like them use them you'll have fun, make some elite as well it seems to worry a few people, don't worry about having a small army its dead hard and if someone wants to win they'll have to fight some legions.

gregernest wrote:From what I read in the forums about competitive play, it seems that HF have some severe limitations in the opinion of many.

Protected and / or undrilled HF are the real dogs. Romans are Armoured and Drilled, and normally Superior. They are good against many opponents, and only really struggle in open tournaments against knights. I wouldn't worry at all about your choice of army. They are a good solid choice.

ravenflight wrote:

IanB3406 wrote:I recently took 2nd in a small tourney with them (this was themed as an all average troop tournament so they were downgraded from full effectiveness).

That would have been an interesting bit of biff. I would have enjoyed playing that just for seeing how Gallic go against 'poorer' Legionaries. Still one point up, but there will be more Gauls

Mostly fought pike in period, and out of period armoured heavy weapon. No one was suicidal enough to take Gauls..."

IanB3406 wrote:I recently took 2nd in a small tourney with them (this was themed as an all average troop tournament so they were downgraded from full effectiveness). I like the traditional legionaire look an think the Corvus Belli and Essex figures are great.

The big problem in open tournaments mounted lancers will be able to pick the weak spot in the army, and there are no natural prey such as gauls that the Roman can run down.

Dominate lists that are most popular have no or less heavy foot, so don't really compare.

A good antidote to lancers is camels or elephants to disorder. I think they can have at least one of these in an ally?

I use heavy foot in just about every army I play and do pretty good with them. The key is to make a combined arms list and just have heavy foot, but Romans are a very tough list.

Thanks for all the input guys!

I'm going to make sure I get some more Cavalry and some skirmishers. Other thoughts?