Sword & Spear

Wargames Rules for Ancient & Medieval Battles

Using the Army Lists
The Sword & Spear army lists can be used to create
typical armies for use in pick-up type games. They
should be treated as guidelines, and you should also
use your own knowledge and research to guide you as
to what troops should be available for each army in a
given place and time. For example, if you are building
an army to represent Hannibals campaign in Italy,
there will be different troop types available
compared to Carthaginian armies in Spain or Africa.

The following general rules apply when there are

options for a troop type:
Where the size (i.e. large or normal size) or
the discipline rating differs, a combination of
different types may be used in the army.
For medium and heavy foot, if anything varies
other than the size or discipline rating, only
one type may be used in the army.
For all other troop types, a combination of
different types may be used in the army.

Using the army lists

At the top of each army list is the name of the army
and approximate dates (in centuries) for which the
army existed (or for which the particular list applies,
if there are more than list for an army over different
time periods).
The main part of the army list specifies the troop
types that are available to the army. These are split
into two sections: Core Troops and Support Troops.
Core troops are the main troops making up the army.
At least half of the units in the army (rounding up)
must come from the core troops section.
Support troops are the less common troops that were
not always present. No more than two of each type of
unit from this section may be present in the army.
Some particular troops were less common. These are
designated as restricted. If a Core troop type is
restricted, then no more than two of this type of unit
may be present in the army. If a Support troop type is
restricted, then no more than one of this type of unit
may be present in the army.

The restriction on medium and heavy foot is because

variations here are normally due to alternative
opinions as to how the troop type was equipped or
operated, so one interpretation should be chosen.
At the bottom of the army list are any notes relating
to extra restrictions on particular troop types (for
example exceptions to the general rule above, or
restrictions by date).
Allied Troops
Allied troops may be included in an army. These
should normally be from a nation that were
historically used as allies. However, if your opponent
agrees, troops from any nation that might plausibly
have been used as allies may be used.
An allied commander is required if any allied troops
are present. The points cost of an allied commander
is 10 point less than the normal points cost for that
type of commander. An allied commander may only
command allied troops, and the other commanders
may not command allied troops.
Normally allied troops use the same coloured action
dice as the rest of the army. However, in a
multiplayer game it might be the case that one player
controls the allied troops.
Allied troops may only be selected from the Core
Troops part of the army list. If any of the core troops
are restricted, then only one unit of these may be
used.
Apart from the fact that they may only be influenced
by allied commanders, allied troops operate in all
respects like any other unit in the army.

Some troop types have different options. This may be

different discipline levels, indicating differing
qualities of troops. Or it may be different
characteristics, which might represent different types
of troop coming under the same general heading, or it
might represent alternative opinions as to how the
troop type was equipped or operated.

Mark Lewis 2014

http://polkovnik.moonfruit.com/
http://polkovnikproductions.freeforums.org
1

Calculating Points Values

Relatively balanced games can be had by building
armies to a set total points value.
The points value for each Unit and Commander should
be calculated and totaled. This must not exceed the
points total which has been chosen for the game.

Missile
Weapons
Bow
Longbow
Crossbow
Sling
Javelins
Firearm
Artillery

Units
The following formula is used to calculate the points
of each unit.
Add together the points for each of the following :
Troop type (and size)
Protection level
Missile weapon
Melee weapon
Other characteristics

Points
7
10
5
7
3
7
7
5
6
4
9
3
2
0

Pretection level
Heavily Armoured
Armoured*
Average protection
Lacking Protection

Points
2
2 (1)
0
-1

Pavises
Shieldwall**

0
1

Points
Other
Foot
1
2
1
1
1
3

Mounted
2/1**
2/1**
1
1
-

**

1 point for mounted with reduced capability (R)

missile weapons.
The points cost for foot with reduced capability (R)
missile weapons is the same as the normal cost for
that missile weapon.

This is then multiplied by a factor according to the

Discipline of the Unit.
This gives the total points cost for the Unit.
Troop type
Heavy foot
Heavy foot large unit
Medium foot
Medium foot large unit
Light Foot
Cavalry
Camels
Light Horse
Chariots
Scythed Chariots
Elephants
War Wagons
Artillery
Baggage Camp

Light
Foot
1
2
1
0
0
0
-

Melee Weapons
Points
Pikes*
3
Spears**
1
Two Handed Weapons**
1
Impact
2
Thrown Weapons**
1
*Only available to heavy foot
**Only available to medium or heavy foot
Other Characteristics
Points
Steadfast
1
Undrilled*
-1
*Not available to large units or skirmishers
Discipline
3
4
5

Multiplier
x5
X4
X3

Commanders
Each Commander costs a set number of points, as
follows :
Commanders
Type
General
Captain

* Elephants pay no extra points for being Armoured

** Only available to heavy foot

Points
50
30

Stratagems

The points costs in brackets applies to skirmishers.

Each Stratagem costs 10 points, except for Stakes

which costs 5 points per unit of medium foot
longbowmen in the army.