The Sertorian War, 80-72 B.C.
The Sertorian War, 80-72 B.C. Rulebook
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Special Rules for All Scenarios
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Sertorius uses legions of blue, red, and green color, Pompeian auxiliaries, and Iberian units from SPQR. Sertorius' opponents use legions of yellow, brown, maroon, purple, orange, and gray, plus Caesarian auxiliaries.
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Sertorius' Numidian LC are actually Moorish. These units may conduct Hit and Run as per the Jugurtha rules. Metellus' Numidians may also use this rule.
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Iberian MI are Spanish tribesmen being trained as legionaries. They are high on elan but not discipline. Treat as Conscript Cohorts in all respects. They retain their TQ of '7' and have Cohort javelin capability. In essence, treat them as an 'Iberian legion' and assign the Alaudae Tribune to command them. They are also subject to Barbarian Impetuosity (see Deluxe Alexander or the Dictator module).
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Iberian light infantry, lancers, and archers use Iberian counters from SPQR. Players without that game may use Gaul LN with a TQ of '7' and Numidian SK Archers with a TQ of '4'. Iberian LI have an MA of '6' and represent Sertorius' guerilla forces. Numidian LI 1-8 from Jugurtha (not the lower TQ units from Caesar) may be used to represent them. Iberian LI are considered skirmishers for purposes of the Auxiliare phase (5.6) [sic, as printed in the source] but are LI in all other respects. These units may use Hit and Run as if they were LC but must start one hex from their target to do so.
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The Size and TQ tables do not count skirmishers, and use the new formula from Jugurtha for quality determination.
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Unless specified, units may be assigned to SC's as desired.
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If Sertorius is killed, the Sullan player wins immediately.
Battle of the Baetis River, 80 BC
Map: Use the Pharsalus map. 42xx is the North edge. Sertorius' retreat edge is the South map edge. Fufidius' is the North edge.
Initial Deployment
Sullan Army – Set up first, North of the 28xx row
- L. Fufidius (OC/SC)
- Pacideus 1 Cavalry Praefect
- VII, XV, and XXVII legions plus Tribunes
- Aux Slinger (2), Aux Archer (2), Gaul LN (2)
Sertorian Army – Set up second, South of the 23xx row
- Sertorius (OC), C. Herennius (SC)
- C. Insteius Cavalry Praefect
- III Pompeian legion (depleted) plus Tribune
- Iberian LI (8), Numidian LC (3), Iberian LN (2), Balearic Slinger, Iberian Archer (3)
Victory: Sertorius withdraws when his army has accumulated 52 rout points. Fufidius withdraws when his army accumulates 54 rout points.
Balance: Use the rout point bid method. Fufidius has more and heavier troops, but a poor command structure. If he can concentrate and shatter Sertorius early he can win. Sertorius must place his smaller but higher quality army carefully and use maneuver to win. The more experienced player should take Sertorius.
Army Size and TQ Levels
| Army | Size | TQ Points | Rout Ratio | Quality Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sertorius | 104 | 146 | 35% | 6.34 |
| Fufidius | 158 | 175 | 30% | 5.47 |
Battle of the Anas River, 79 BC
Map: Use the Baecula map from SPQR. xx00 is the North edge. The fortification does not exist.
Sertorius' retreat edge is the North map edge. Thorius' is the South edge.
Initial Deployment
Sullan Army – All units face NW
| Unit | Set-up hexes | Note |
|---|---|---|
| L. Thorius (OC/SC) | with any cohort | [a] |
| C. Memmius (SC) | with any cohort | [a] |
| Tribunes (4) | with any cohort of their legion | |
| Pacideus Praefects 1 & 2 | with any LN unit | |
| Cohorts 1-4 of VII, XV, XXX, L | 2134 - 3627 | |
| Cohorts 5-7 | 2435 - 3529 | |
| Cohorts 8-10 | 2536 - 3631 | |
| Aux Archer (2) | 2331, 3227 |
[a] Each SC commands any two legions. It isn't known if Memmius was present, but he was a Tribune under Metellus (later Quaestor) so he gets the post.
Sertorian Army – All units face SE
| Unit | Set-up hexes | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sertorius (OC/SC) | with any cohort | [a] |
| C. Herennius (SC) | with any cohort | [a] |
| Tribunes (4) | with any cohort of their legion | |
| C. Insteius Praefect | 1123 | |
| Cav Praefect | 3511 | |
| Cohorts 1-5 of IX, Spanish A-C | 1423 - 3313 | |
| Cohorts 6-10 | 1321 - 3212 | |
| Iberian LI 1-4 | 1124, 1224, 3512, 3612 |
[a] Each SC commands any two legions.
Victory: Sertorius withdraws when his army has accumulated 86 rout points. Thorius withdraws when his army accumulates 74 rout points.
Balance: Use the rout bid method. If Sertorius can keep his conscripts from breaking and use his superior auxiliaries & cavalry, he has the edge.
Army Size and TQ Levels
| Army | Size | TQ Points | Rout Ratio | Quality Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sertorius | 234 | 280 | 30% | 5.71 |
| Thorius | 212 | 242 | 30% | 5.63 |
Battle of Langobritae, 78 BC
Map: Use the Beneventum map from SPQR. 42xx is the North edge. The camp does not exist. Sertorius' retreat edge is the West map edge, while his guerillas retreat to the East edge.
Initial Deployment
Sullan Army – All units within four hexes of 3023
- M. Aquinas (OC/SC), XIV Tribune, Pacideus 1 Cavalry Praefect
- XIV legion, Aux Archer (1), Aux Slinger (2), Gaul LN 1-2, Baggage Train
Sertorian Army – All units within four hexes of 2208
- Sertorius (OC/SC), Alaudae Tribune, C. Insteius Praefect, Iberian MI 1-8, Iberian Archer 1-2, Iberian LN 1-2
Sertorian Guerillas – Hexes 3340 - 3838
- Iberian LI 1-6
Special Rule: Baggage Train. Use any counter to represent Aquinas' supplies. An anti-elephant ox cart works well. The baggage has an MA of '3' and may be moved once per game turn, during the aux phase. It cannot enter a level-2 hex and has no combat capability, except for archer reaction fire as per an elephant screen. If an enemy unit shock attacks it, and no friendly unit remains in the hex after combat is resolved, the train is eliminated. The train may only stack with a skirmisher and is worth 10 RP.
Victory: Sertorius withdraws when his army has accumulated 38 rout points. Aquinas withdraws when his army accumulates 36 rout points. Aquinas wins immediately if he can exit the baggage train off the west edge of the map.
Balance: Slightly favors Sertorius unless Aquinas can quickly defeat him in detail. To aid Aquinas replace the Iberians with cohorts 1-8 of a Spanish legion.
Optional: Place Marius (SC counter from Jugurtha) with the Iberian LI. Marcus Marius (unknown if related to Gaius Marius) was one of Sertorius' best guerilla commanders, later being sent to aid Mithridates of Pontus against Sulla. If Marius is used, the Iberian LI may not be used in the Auxiliaries phase. This favors Sertorius.
Army Size and TQ Levels
| Army | Size | TQ Points | Rout Ratio | Quality Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sertorius | 78 | 106 | 35% | 6.62 |
| Aquinas | 58 | 78 | 45% | 6.50 |
Battle of Lauron, 76 BC
Map: Use the Cannae map from SPQR. 42xx is the North edge. Sertorius' retreat edge is the North map edge. Sertorius' reinforcements retreat to whichever map edge is nearest. Pompey's units retreat to the South edge.
Initial Deployment
Sullan Army – All units face North
| Unit | Set-up hexes | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pompey (OC/SC) | 2225 | [a] |
| L. Afranius (SC) | 2536 | |
| M. Petreius (SC) | 2514 | |
| Tribunes (6) | with any cohort of their legion | |
| C. Piso & Pacideus 1 Praefects | 2610, 2640 | |
| XIV Legion | 2512 - 2516, 2312 - 2316 | |
| XII Legion | 2534 - 2538, 2334 - 2338 | |
| V, VII, XV, L Cohorts 1-4 | 2218 - 2233 |
[a] Pompey is SC for the four center legions.
Sertorian Army – All units face South
| Unit | Set-up hexes | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sertorius (OC) | with any cohort | |
| M. Perperna (SC) | with any cohort | |
| Tribunes (3) | with any cohort of their legion | |
| Cav Praefects (2) | 3513, 3536 | |
| III, VIII, Galician Cohorts 1-6 | 3417 - 3434 | |
| Cohorts 7-10 | 3618 - 3621, 3624 - 3627, 3630 - 3633 | |
| Balearic Slinger (2), Iberian Archer (1), Cretan Archer (3) | 3218 - 3233 every 3rd hex | |
| Numidian LC 1-3 | 3512 - 3514 |
Reinforcement Groups: The Sertorian player may bring on one of these groups per turn, during the phase indicated. Units enter via hexes from 1035 - 1844 inclusive:
- 4 Iberian LI, 3 Iberian Archer – Aux Phase
- 2 Iberian LN, Insteius – Insteius' orders phase
- 8 Iberian MI, Alaudae Tribune, Herennius (SC) – Herennius' orders phase
Victory: Sertorius withdraws when his army has accumulated 99 rout points. Pompey withdraws when his army accumulates 141 rout points.
Balance: The proper use of the reinforcement groups is vital for Sertorius' survival. Use the rout point bid method.
Army Size and TQ Levels
| Army | Size | TQ Points | Rout Ratio | Quality Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sertorius | 234 | 320 | 30% | 6.53 |
| Pompey | 316 | 396 | 35% | 6.09 |
Battle of the Turis River, June 75 BC
Map: Use the Heraclea map from SPQR. 10xx is the North edge. The river is treated as a stream for terrain purposes. Sertorian units retreat to the South map edge. Pompey's units retreat to the North edge.
Initial Deployment
Sullan Army – Set up anywhere on the North side of the river.
- Pompey (OC), L. Afranius (SC), C. Memmius (SC)
- Tribunes (5), M. Petreius Cav Praefect, C. Piso Cav Praefect
- V, VI, XII, XIV, XV Legions*
- Aux Archer (3), Slinger (2), Roman RC 1-2
* All legions are depleted. Section commands may be assigned as desired.
Sertorian Army – All units face North
| Unit | Set-up hexes | Note |
|---|---|---|
| M. Perperna (OC/SC) | 3629 | [a] |
| C. Herennius (OC/SC) | 3415 | [a] |
| Tribunes (5) | with any cohort of their legion | |
| Cav Praefects (2) | 3508, 3625 | |
| XVI, XVII Legion Cohorts 1-4 | 3426 - 3433 | |
| Cohorts 5-7 | 3627 - 3632 | |
| Cohorts 8-10 | 3827 - 2832 [as printed; the source may intend 3827 - 3832] | |
| Galician, Spanish A/B Legions | 3410 - 3421 |
[a] Each commander is OC and SC for the legion groups he is stacked with.
Victory: Perperna/Herennius withdraws when their armies have accumulated 89 rout points. Pompey withdraws when his army accumulates 102 rout points.
Balance: Favors Pompey. Players could give Herennius a Caesarian replacement leader as an SC. Alternately, use the rout point bid method.
Army Size and TQ Levels
| Army | Size | TQ Points | Rout Ratio | Quality Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sertorian | 260 | 292 | 30% | 5.61 |
| Pompey | 254 | 337 | 30% | 6.48 |
Battle of the Sucro River, 75 BC
Map: Use the Pharsalus map. xx44 is the North edge. All hexes are level-1. Sertorian units retreat to the West map edge. Pompey's units retreat to the East edge.
Initial Deployment
Sullan Army – Set up East of the 20xx hexrow
- Pompey (OC), L. Afranius (SC), C. Memmius (SC), Tribunes (5), M. Petreius Cav Praefect, C. Piso Cav Praefect
- V, VI, XII, XIII, XIV Legions*
- Aux Archer (3), Slinger (2), Roman RC 1-2
* All legions are depleted. Section commands may be assigned as desired.
Sertorian Army – Set up West of the 32xx hexrow
- Sertorius (OC), M. Perperna (SC), Manlius (SC), Tribunes (6), Insteius Cav Praefect, Cav Praefect
- VII, XVI, XVII, Galician, Spanish B, Alaudae Legions
- Iberian Archer (4), Balearic Slinger (3), Iberian Lancer 1, Spanish RC 1, Numidian LC 1-2, Gaul RC 1
Special Rule: Starting with turn five, use the Night Fighting rules from the Lesnikia scenario (Caesar).
Victory: Sertorius withdraws when his army has accumulated 116 rout points. Pompey withdraws when his army accumulates 107 rout points. Pompey wins immediately if he is able to exit 15 cohorts plus himself or a section commander from the west map edge.
Balance: Slightly favors Sertorius, but Pompey has an elite (if depleted) force. It's interesting to follow the battle-hardening of Pompey's army.
Army Size and TQ Levels
| Army | Size | TQ Points | Rout Ratio | Quality Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sertorius | 316 | 381 | 30% | 5.86 |
| Pompey | 254 | 352 | 30% | 6.77 |
Battle of Segontia, August 75 BC
Map: Use the Trebbia map from SPQR. xx00 is the North edge. Sertorius' retreat edge is the East map edge. Sullan units retreat to the West edge.
If you believe Plutarch was right and this battle was along the coast near Saguntum, use the Thapsus map with the same orientation (i.e., xx00 is the North edge). No fortifications exist.
Initial Deployment
Sullan Army* – Set up first, anywhere West of the 23xx row.
- Pompey (OC), Metellus (OC), L. Afranius (SC), C. Memmius (SC), M. Petreius Praefect, C. Piso Praefect
- V, VI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XXX, L legions plus Tribunes
- Aux Archer (5), Aux Slinger (5), Roman RC (2), Numidian LC (2)
* Pompey is OC for any three legions. Metellus is OC for the other five. SC may be assigned as desired, and OCs can double as SCs.
Sertorian Army* – Anywhere East of the 29xx row
- Sertorius (OC), M. Perperna (SC), M. Antonius (SC), Manlius (SC), C. Insteius Praefect, Cav Praefect
- I, VIII, IX, X, XVI, Spanish A, Spanish B legions, Iberian MI 1-8
- Iberian Archer (4), Crete Archer (2), Balearic Slinger (3), Numidian LC (2), Iberian LN (2), Spanish RC (3)
* Perperna must be given one wing of the army for his command, and must be opposite Metellus. Sertorius must begin stacked with/adjacent to his section commander for the other wing (opposite Pompey). It isn't known if Manlius or Antonius were present, but they were legates so they get the posts.
Reinforcement Group: During any one Aux phase, the Sertorian player may bring two Iberian LI onto the board anywhere along the South edge for the expenditure of three movement points each.
Victory: Sertorius withdraws when his army has accumulated 167 rout points. Metellus and Pompey withdraw when their army has accumulates 189 rout points [sic, as printed].
Balance: Inferior Sullan subordinates don't hinder the Sullan player as they will rarely have to be out of range of their OC. Use the rout point bid method. To aid the Sullan player replace Petreius with a Pacideus Praefect and add the Petreius (SC) counter.
Army Size and TQ Levels
| Army | Size | TQ Points | Rout Ratio | Quality Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sertorius | 427 | 546 | 30% | 6.27 |
| Senatorial | 414 | 532 | 35% | 6.33 |
Leader Counter Substitutions
The module's leader table (printed on the last page of the source, under "The Sertorian War Leaders") lists, for each Sertorian War leader, the substitute counter to use when the new leader counter is not available, and the game or module the substitute comes from. The printed stat numbers on that table are not transcribed here; the counters themselves are in C3i Magazine Nr 13.
| Leader | Substitute counter | Substitute from game/module |
|---|---|---|
| Sertorius | Marius | Dictator/Jugurtha |
| C. Herennius | Q. Pedius | Great Battles of Julius Caesar |
| M. Perperna | C.M. Scipio | Great Battles of Julius Caesar |
| C. Insteius (Cav Prf) | A. Lepidus | Great Battles of Julius Caesar |
| Manlius | Manlius | Jugurtha |
| Metellus Pius | Metellus | Jugurtha |
| L. Fufidius | A. Lab'nus | Great Battles of Julius Caesar |
| L. Thorius | C.M. Scipio | Great Battles of Julius Caesar |