Objective of the Game

De Bellis Multitudinis (DBM) is a historical tabletop wargame that simulates battles between forces from different eras. The objective is to defeat the opponent's army through strategic movements and combat.

Setup

• Number of Players: Ideally two players, each controlling an army.
• Materials: Miniature figures representing different army units, a playing field (usually a table with terrain cloths or boards), tape measures for movement, and six-sided dice.
• Choosing Armies: Each player selects an army comprised of various troop types such as infantry, cavalry, artillery, etc. Armies are built using a points system, with different costs for different units.

Gameplay

The game proceeds in turns, each turn consists of several phases: 1. Initiative Phase: Determines which player will act first in the turn. 2. Command Phase: Each player receives a number of orders based on their army's command value. These orders are used to move units and conduct attacks. 3. Movement Phase: Players move their units across the board. Movement is influenced by unit type and terrain. 4. Combat Phase: Units within range of enemy units can engage in combat. Combat is resolved using dice rolls and the respective values of the involved units. 5. Follow-up Phase: After combats, some units may advance or retreat based on specific rules.

Victory Conditions

The game ends when one army suffers specific losses or achieves a predetermined objective, such as holding a key terrain feature.

Special Rules and Strategies

• Terrain: Has a significant impact on movement and combat. For example, hills provide a height advantage, while forests slow down movement.
• Morale: Some units may lose morale and flee after taking heavy losses. Morale is influenced by special dice rolls before and during battles.
• Cavalry Charges: Cavalry can be devastating against enemy infantry if used effectively.
• Flanking: Attacking the flanks or rear of enemy units increases success rates in combat.

Remember, tactical thinking and planning are the keys to success in DBM.