Romans vs Barbarians - Impetus 2 AAR

Still on catch-ups this time a game from May 2025 featuring Romans and ‘Barbarians’ using Impetus 2 rules!

I don’t have the exact OBs for this clash but we started with two balanced forces per side from the Impetus lists and then removed two bases from the Roman line up and added a few bases to the Barbarians side! Yeah so far with balanced lists we haven’t been able to beat the formidable Roman Legionaries! The ‘removed’ Roman bases were available as reinforcements to them during the game if they got into a tight spot.

The Game;

Both sides set up in traditional ancients style, foot in the centre with some light troops screening them and horse on the flanks. The Barbarians took advantage of the large units option, these are less mobile but give the unit more hitting power and resilience.

Both sides advanced their horse units on both flanks engaging while all across the line light troops started exchanging rocks and javelins.

Rome's horsemen were on song and on both flanks were prevailing over the Barbarians!

With their horse failing to flank the Roman Legionnaires the Barbarians pushed their massed foot forward. The Romans seeing this advance girded up their loins and prepared their Pilums! A great crash rang across the battlefield as both sides foot came to blows in close combat. As usual the Roman Pilums were deadly but the Barbarians continued to press on.

At great cost the  fierce warriors inflicted losses on the Roman adversaries and pushed their line back but importantly it did not break. Victory was in the grasp of the horde but it slipped through their fingers when the Roman horse intervened on the Barbarian’s right and turned the tide of the action decisively in the favour of the Men of the Tiber.

Broken the Barbarians fled a hard fought win to the Romans!

Some Pictures;

The Roman Legions line up...

...as does the Barbarian Horde

The Roman Leaders were in the van!

The Barbarian Leaders were travelling in style...

Both side horse units engage while the foot shuffled around before each other trying to gain an advantage.

The Roman left and Barbarian right come to grips with each other while the horse continue to fight on the flanks!

The Barbarian large units were being reduced in strength but they were slowly whittling down the Roman cohorts!

Whilst engaged to their front a Roman unit in the centre of the line is attacked by more Barbarians! They hold their ground despite great pressure.

On the Roman right their horse prevail and promptly charge the Barbarian foot with great effect...

Barbarian skirmishers and a large unit of warriors...

Surprisingly the Roman horse also secure the left flank and they were promptly engaged by rampaging Barbarian warriors!

The Roman’s centre held and inflicted losses that pushed the Barbarian army past its breaking point and they rout from the battlefield!

Summary;

Well this battle turned out to be one of the closest encounters we’ve had between Romans and their foes but as usual they triumphed and without the need for their reinforcements! The rules worked well as usual and the game played out in a timely fashion, we had time for coffee and a chin wag after!

This Monday we’re on again not sure whether to go with WW II and Iron Cross again or something different!