DBA, or “De Bellis Antiquitatis”, are rules to be used for playing Ancient/Medieval wargames using miniature figures. Written by Phil Barker, Richard Bodley-Scott and Sue Laflin-Barker, the most current edition is version 2.2, published in January 2004. There are 51 pages, but only the first 12 pages cover the entire rules used. The remainder are campaign rules and the most important ARMY LISTS. The armies are divided into four “books”: The Chariot Period (3000BC t0 500BC); The Classical Period (500BC to 476AD); The Early Medieval Period (476AD to 1071AD); and The High Medieval Period (1071AD to 1500AD). That’s 310 basic historical armies, with many armies further sub-divided into sub-lists.
All armies used in normal DBA have figures based on movement stands called “elements”. The number of figures per element range from a single model, like an elephant or chariot, to 8 figures. There are, however, ONLY 12 elements in each army. In terms of monetary expense, DBA is economical. Most full DBA armies can be bought for under $50.00 US. That’s the easy part…now you have to paint the little guys!!
The most popular figure scale in the US is 15mm, but gamers also play with 25-28mm figures and even 6mm figures! The figure scale is nominally measured from bottom of foot to top of head, but 15mm figures can actually vary in size from 15-18mm, depending on manufacturer.
Basic DBA is played on a 24″ square area, although many in the US are also playing on 30″ square areas for some events. This means you don’t need a lot of room to play a game! A normal game is scheduled at conventions for around 60 minutes, so you don’t need a lot of time either!
A normal 6-sided die is used to determine how many elements are eligible to move per bound (turn), and is also used to vary combat results when combined with set factors for troop type and combat effectiveness factors.
You can learn to play the game in about 20 minutes, but it takes a lot of games to become really proficient. It’s a head game combined with a little bit of luck from the dice. A good plan is essential for victory, just as in real history.
A lot of convention gamers kind of disparage the “tournament mentality”, but DBA is normally a me versus you game. The advantage is that the game only takes an hour, so if you lose…try again! I’ve found over the years that the DBA tournament community is among the best group of people to game with. I’m happy to be a part of it, and would welcome any of “the guys” to my house to play. Without fail, they are helpful to the “noobs” who want to learn to play, so don’t be afraid to try. Sign up at the next convention and give DBA a whirl, but I warn you…..it can be very addictive and lead to the purchase of many LITTLE GUYS!!!
Ancient British versus Imperial Romans
The photo above shows 15mm figures mounted on element bases. Note that the number of figures on the base varies by troop type. The British chariots and Roman artillery use 1 model per base. The British Warbands, Roman Auxilaries, and Roman Cavalry (not visible in picture) use 3 figures each, as they fight in a looser order than the heavy troops. Roman Blades (Legionaries) are mounted 4 figures to an element base. Not visible are British light skirmishers (called Psiloi in the rules), which use only 2 figures per element base.
