Hail Caesar, Anyone?

Back at the beginning of the year, Warlord Games ran a half price offer on their range of Hail Caesar books. It seemed like an opportunity too good to be missed...

World War II aside, historical war gaming hasn't played a major influence in my gaming life to date. I've dabbled in a few things here and there, such as Fields of Glory and the Baccus 6mm mini range. And whilst their colourful massed ranks look great on the table top, other historical periods such as Napoleonics and A.C.W. just haven't ignited that spark of interest and desire to commit.

All said and done, Ancients have always been the historical period that has piqued my interest and in particular, the Classical Age. No doubt this is the case for many of us outside of our staple fantasy and sci-fi gaming worlds. Worlds that in themselves have been influenced, knowingly or unknowingly, by this epic period of military and political conquest.

And there's a lot to get excited about; Desperate battles fought with sword and spear. Great cities under siege, catapults and ballista raining death upon the defenders. Civilizations rising and falling under the banner of blood and conquest... "This Is Sparta!" after all... We're also blessed with an abundance of academic and fictional reference material, all serving to inform and inspire our own table-top pursuits.

And like it's stable mate, Bolt Action, Hail Caesar has seen Warlord dust off any perceived cob webs and present a fresh and accessible take on historical war gaming. 

Now, I should state that this post isn't a review of the rules. There are already a number of excellent articles around the web for newbies like me to get a good overview of the game's mechanics. This being one of many good examples.

No, this post is all about taking those first few steps and immersing yourself in the book's images, artwork and miniatures and hopefully seeking some inspiration to consider playing the game amongst your gaming group. So, without further ado, 'Adiuta, Deus!' 

All Images © Warlord Games.

When you order the Hail Caesar rule book direct from Warlord, you also receive a free exclusive miniature of Centurion Titus Aduxaz (very Life of Brian). If, like me, you're ordering the book and holding off on committing to mini purchases until you've had chance to ponder the rules (or save enough cash), this clever bit of marketing ensures the purchaser has their hands on a mini from the get go and the inevitable purchasing interest has been craftily piqued. Resistance is futile...

The great majority of the book's artwork is courtesy of the well known British artist Peter Dennis. Dennis has contributed to hundreds of books and publications over the years. Probably best known for his association with Osprey Publishing and latterly, Warlord Games, he has also provided artwork for a number of other board games, including 'Age of Industry' and 'Byzantium'. For an interesting article on how he goes about his work, click here. 

Whilst respectful, I was originally a little bit 'take it or leave it' about Dennis' art. Recently however, I've grown to appreciate his particular style. The colouration, detail and sense of momentum lend character to the proceedings, best illustrated in the expressions on his subject's faces - Each one depicting a story of hard challenge and determination...

When it comes to the miniatures, I was impressed with the volume of pictures included (over 100) and by the photography itself, which where required, sees the minis staged in some really atmospheric settings. Interestingly, Warlord present miniatures from across a range of different manufacturers, including Perry, Immortal, Grand Manner and Gripping Beast. I like this old school sensibility. It reminds me of a better time in war gaming and a time that Warlord and other like minded manufactures, clearly still hold a flame to. When it comes to this game, the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts...

Everyone loves a war elephant or two...

The rule book also covers gaming for the Dark and Middle Ages, including the Viking Conquests and The Crusades. And again, there are a host of great looking minis vying for your attention...

Hopefully this initial look through the book has inspired you to consider starting your own Hail Caesar army? Maybe you're already a seasoned veteran? Either way, let me know what you think of the game...

Like most new generals, I'll probably start with the tried and tested Romans. Warlord have a great selection of miniatures available and at fairly reasonable prices. Initially, I'd be looking to collect a compact force of around 3-5 units along with some cavalry for my General to lead. This should put me in good stead for some skirmish level games so I can get to grips with the rules. Critically, let's hope some of the lads down the gaming club are up for a bit of Hail Caesar, or it could end up being a disappointingly early (Roman) bath for this particular foray ;)

'Omnes viae Romam ducunt...'