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Clash of Spears is a Skirmish game for Ancients. Many Ancients rule set focus on the "Big Battles" like Plateae, Cannae, Zama, etc. However, these take a very different approach since instead they are looking at the smaller scale skirmishes between soldiers. I can understand why the gaming world would focus on these larger scale battles as that is where most of the sources are, and where the scholarship is! There is very little actual historical detail about skirmish combat, even though we can be confident that small scale engagements between individual and small units must have occurred.

This level of gaming has always appealed to me for a simple reason. I can not typically see myself or imaging myself as one of the "Great Men of History" to use an out-of-favor term. I can see myself as a poor, confused, scared, grunt on the front lines trying desperately not to get killed! Therefore, smaller scale model-vs-model and small unit-vs-small unit type skirmishing appeals.

Thankfully, Clash of Spears begins with a high level overview of the designers intent. The idea is to have short, violent bouts of violent action. Then both sides need to withdraw and regain their strength and courage. The game is also intended on how leaders of such smaller units must maintain focus on keeping their units battle ready, even when faced with fatigue. This can be mental and physical fatigue. Finally, the game is intended to keep both players engaged through out the battle.

That all sounds dandy to me, but can the rules actually pull off what it says on the tin? Time to form ranks and march in to find out.


https://bloodandspectacles.blogspot.com/2020/10/review-clash-of-spears-fighting-hedgehog.html