DBA - How To Supercharge A GOOD RULES SET
The Greatness of DBA 3.0
Since its first release, De Bellis Antiquitatis has been the gateway drug of ancient and medieval miniature wargaming. DBA 3.0 retains all the strengths that made the original a classic:
Yet, for all its brilliance, DBA 3.0 still leaves room for improvement — especially for players seeking more historical feel or larger, more immersive battles.
Where DBA 3.0 Falls Short
Core Modifications from Our Work & Files
The following ideas are taken from the variant rules and scenario work we’ve done, combined with your uploaded materials:
1. Expanded Command Structure
Free Actions for DBA 3.0 Element Types
Knights (Kn)
In good going, may charge or counter-charge any enemy except Pike front; else make one free tactical move towards the nearest enemy in good going.
Cavalry (Cv)
In good going, may charge flank/rear or an enemy with lower combat factor; else reposition to threaten without PIP.
Light Horse (LH)
Make a free tactical move to face a flank/rear threat (entering a TZ), or Flee in bad going without PIP cost.
Camelry (Cm)
In good going or soft sand, may charge mounted or Psiloi; else reposition without PIP.
Scythed Chariots (SCh)
In good going, must make a free frontal charge against nearest enemy if within reach.
Elephants (El)
In good going, may charge nearest enemy; else make a free advance towards nearest enemy.
Spears (Sp)
If designated Impetuous in scenario, auto-charge foot in good going; otherwise may form or unform Shieldwall with 3+ contiguous Spear elements (for every 4 elements, one is placed behind and the other 3 gain +1 CF; movement halved while in Shieldwall).
Pikes (Pk)
In good going, may charge if contactable enemy to front (without them requiring to countercharge) if flanks are secure; else make a free turn to face a flank or rear threat.
Blades (Bd)
If Impetuous, may charge or counter-charge; if not Impetuous permitted by scenario, may Flee through friendly Blades, Psiloi, or Spears without PIP.
Auxilia (Ax)
Make a free move into or within bad going, or position to place an enemy flank in own TZ in good going.
Psiloi (Ps)
Make a free move into bad going, or flee in good going without PIP.
Warband (Wb)
In good going, may charge or counter-charge foot/mounted; else advance towards nearest enemy in good going without PIP.
Bows (Bw)
May shoot without PIP; if no target, may make a free pivot to face a target within range.
Artillery (Art)
May shoot without PIP; if no target, may make a free pivot to face a potential target within range.
War Wagons (WWg)
May shoot without PIP; if no target, may make a free move or pivot within movement allowance.
DBA 3.0 Optional Expansion Rules(Commander Traits, Battle Variables & Historical Deployment Scenarios)
These optional rules add extra historical flavour, unpredictability, and player decision-making to DBA 3.0 without altering the core mechanics. They can be used individually or combined.
Commander Traits
At the start of the game, roll 1D6 for each army’s General (attacker first). Apply the trait for the entire game.
ROLL 1D6
1 = Cautious
−1 to PIP roll if moving more than one group in a bound. Gains +1 to any roll to Rally elements.
2 = Aggressive
Gains a free tactical move in good going for own element’s group if moving toward enemy. Cannot use Rally action.
3 = Inspirational
+1 CF to all friendly elements in the General’s group when in close combat.
4= Deceiver
May redeploy up to 3 elements after seeing enemy deployment, keeping within normal set-up zones.
5 = Bold
Once per game may re-roll a failed combat roll for the General’s own element.
6 = Tactician
Once per game may re-roll a PIP roll, taking the second result.
Optional Battle Variables for DBA 3.0
DBA 3.0 is a finely tuned, elegant system for ancient and medieval battles. Its balance of brevity and historical flavour has won it loyal fans for decades. But sometimes, as any seasoned general will tell you, the battlefield throws you the unexpected — the things that no neat set of rules can fully anticipate.
This is where Battle Variables come in.
Designed to slot neatly into standard DBA 3.0, these optional rules add historical uncertainty, tactical surprises, and those delicious moments where plans change in an instant. They’re easy to use, highly portable between periods, and work in both casual and competitive games.
Using Battle Variables
The Battle Variables Table
1 = Cunning
Once per game, you may apply a +1 or –1 modifier to either your own PIP roll or the enemy’s PIP roll. You choose when to apply it. This represents a moment of tactical brilliance — or an intentional feint that slows the foe’s coordination.
2 = Night Movement
Before the first bound, roll 1d6 to determine the number of night turns before dawn.
Any number of Psiloi, Auxilia, and Light Horse may deploy in Bad Going. Spears and Blades may deploy as Auxilia for this purpose. Auxilia may also deploy as Psiloi. Ambushing troops may deploy anywhere in their deployment zone that is Bad Going.
4 = Meeting Engagement
Deployment line is 4BW either side of the table’s centreline.
One command (or group if a single-command army) may begin off-table. It enters from a designated table edge on any bound after the first, requiring a successful PIP roll to arrive.
6 = Redeployment Before Battle
After initial deployment, you may swap the position of any number of elements provided the same number are moved in exchange. Swapped elements must start and end fully within your deployment zone.
Why Add These?
In history, armies rarely met in perfect symmetry, on perfect ground, under perfect visibility. The Battle Variables reflect the unpredictable realities: fog, scouts missing their mark, night marches, and those sudden changes of plan that force commanders to improvise.
They won’t unbalance DBA’s tight mechanics, but they will add a new layer of depth — especially for players who have mastered the standard game and want a touch of the unexpected.
3. Historical Deployment Scenarios
(Optional — can be rolled or chosen)
ROLL 1D6
1 = Flank March
Up to 4 elements (min 1 mounted) placed off-table on one flank. From bound 2, roll 1D6: arrive on ‘5–6’. Arrive in column along table edge at least 6 BW from centreline. Cannot arrive if enemy occupies zone.
2 = Refused Wing
One flank deploys 2 BW back from main line and up to 3 BW in from flank edge. Cannot advance past this point until bound 2.
3 = Oblique Order
One wing (min 4 elements) deploys 1–2 BW ahead; opposite wing refused as above. Creates diagonal attack formation.
4= Envelopment
Up to 4 LH, Cv, Cm, or Wb deploy in bad going or open up to 1 BW from enemy flanks (not rear), facing enemy.
5 = Advance Guard
Up to 3 elements deploy up to 3 BW ahead of main line anywhere on own half. Main line must deploy at least 4 BW behind them.
6 = Strong Centre
All Bd, Sp, or Pk must deploy in contiguous central block (min 6 elements), flanked by lighter/faster troops. Block may deploy 1 BW closer to enemy than normal.
Other Ideas from the Wider DBA Community
In researching existing modifications, several concepts align well with ours:
Taking DBA to the Next Level
By combining DBA’s elegance with scenario-driven flexibility, expanded command rules, and historically plausible formation changes, we can:
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Since its first release, De Bellis Antiquitatis has been the gateway drug of ancient and medieval miniature wargaming. DBA 3.0 retains all the strengths that made the original a classic:
- Elegance of design – A complete game in a handful of pages.
- Quick play – 45–90 minutes for most battles.
- Strong tactical feel – Despite its simplicity, good generalship matters.
- Breadth of coverage – From the earliest chariots to the fall of Constantinople.
- Accessibility – Small armies, minimal terrain requirements.
Yet, for all its brilliance, DBA 3.0 still leaves room for improvement — especially for players seeking more historical feel or larger, more immersive battles.
Where DBA 3.0 Falls Short
- The 12-Element Limitation
A fixed number of elements flattens historical variety. Theban armies at Mantinea, Roman manipular legions, or Persian hordes all end up fielding the same count. - Scale Inflexibility
DBA assumes each element is both a tactical sub-unit and a battlefield footprint. In reality, some troop types operated in smaller or larger formations. - Over-Compressed Battlefields
With a 600×600mm board and dense deployments, manoeuvre sometimes becomes unrealistic. - Limited Command Structure
One general per army makes sense for a skirmish, but not for larger engagements. There is no representation of subordinate commanders, independent manoeuvre, or partial command control. - Static Troop Roles
Troops in DBA are locked to their combat type for the whole game. Historical flexibility — e.g., ekdromoi or hoplites jogging into battle as at marathon, pike loosening formation in rough terrain, cavalry dismounting — is mostly absent.
Core Modifications from Our Work & Files
The following ideas are taken from the variant rules and scenario work we’ve done, combined with your uploaded materials:
1. Expanded Command Structure
- Generals roll normal PIPs and give the +1 combat bonus as standard.
- Commanders: Secondary leaders who add +1 PIP per turn to their own element only and also give +1 combat bonus to that element. They don’t roll PIPs independently.
- Spears, Blades, and Pike may switch to Auxilia at the cost of 1 PIP, representing looser, faster formations. This increases movement but reduces combat factor. The may switch back in a later action to their original type for 1 PIP.
- Auxilia may switch to Psiloi at the same cost, representing lightening of equipment for skirmish work.
- Only one shift per turn is allowed, and troops may shift back again later.
- Use a marker (e.g., an 8mm coloured cube) to denote current formation.
- Armies can be built from 12–18 elements for standard games, with scenario-driven exceptions (Marathon, Platea, Gaugamela).
- Victory conditions scale proportionally to break point.
- For larger battles, 2–6 elements can be grouped into a single “unit” that moves as one for 1 PIP, shares combat factors, and suffers losses element-by-element. This allows re-fighting large historical battles without increasing command load unreasonably.
- Light and Medium cavalry may dismount as Auxilia or Psiloi depending on type, costing 1 PIP and taking one full bound.
- Cavalry “wedge” or “mass” options for certain armies (e.g., Thessalians, Companion Cavalry) give a +1 in the first round of melee when charging.
- Using our 12-zone battlefield grid, scenarios can dictate where certain troop types may deploy (e.g., light infantry on wings, cavalry restricted by terrain).
Free Actions for DBA 3.0 Element Types
Knights (Kn)
In good going, may charge or counter-charge any enemy except Pike front; else make one free tactical move towards the nearest enemy in good going.
Cavalry (Cv)
In good going, may charge flank/rear or an enemy with lower combat factor; else reposition to threaten without PIP.
Light Horse (LH)
Make a free tactical move to face a flank/rear threat (entering a TZ), or Flee in bad going without PIP cost.
Camelry (Cm)
In good going or soft sand, may charge mounted or Psiloi; else reposition without PIP.
Scythed Chariots (SCh)
In good going, must make a free frontal charge against nearest enemy if within reach.
Elephants (El)
In good going, may charge nearest enemy; else make a free advance towards nearest enemy.
Spears (Sp)
If designated Impetuous in scenario, auto-charge foot in good going; otherwise may form or unform Shieldwall with 3+ contiguous Spear elements (for every 4 elements, one is placed behind and the other 3 gain +1 CF; movement halved while in Shieldwall).
Pikes (Pk)
In good going, may charge if contactable enemy to front (without them requiring to countercharge) if flanks are secure; else make a free turn to face a flank or rear threat.
Blades (Bd)
If Impetuous, may charge or counter-charge; if not Impetuous permitted by scenario, may Flee through friendly Blades, Psiloi, or Spears without PIP.
Auxilia (Ax)
Make a free move into or within bad going, or position to place an enemy flank in own TZ in good going.
Psiloi (Ps)
Make a free move into bad going, or flee in good going without PIP.
Warband (Wb)
In good going, may charge or counter-charge foot/mounted; else advance towards nearest enemy in good going without PIP.
Bows (Bw)
May shoot without PIP; if no target, may make a free pivot to face a target within range.
Artillery (Art)
May shoot without PIP; if no target, may make a free pivot to face a potential target within range.
War Wagons (WWg)
May shoot without PIP; if no target, may make a free move or pivot within movement allowance.
DBA 3.0 Optional Expansion Rules(Commander Traits, Battle Variables & Historical Deployment Scenarios)
These optional rules add extra historical flavour, unpredictability, and player decision-making to DBA 3.0 without altering the core mechanics. They can be used individually or combined.
Commander Traits
At the start of the game, roll 1D6 for each army’s General (attacker first). Apply the trait for the entire game.
ROLL 1D6
1 = Cautious
−1 to PIP roll if moving more than one group in a bound. Gains +1 to any roll to Rally elements.
2 = Aggressive
Gains a free tactical move in good going for own element’s group if moving toward enemy. Cannot use Rally action.
3 = Inspirational
+1 CF to all friendly elements in the General’s group when in close combat.
4= Deceiver
May redeploy up to 3 elements after seeing enemy deployment, keeping within normal set-up zones.
5 = Bold
Once per game may re-roll a failed combat roll for the General’s own element.
6 = Tactician
Once per game may re-roll a PIP roll, taking the second result.
Optional Battle Variables for DBA 3.0
DBA 3.0 is a finely tuned, elegant system for ancient and medieval battles. Its balance of brevity and historical flavour has won it loyal fans for decades. But sometimes, as any seasoned general will tell you, the battlefield throws you the unexpected — the things that no neat set of rules can fully anticipate.
This is where Battle Variables come in.
Designed to slot neatly into standard DBA 3.0, these optional rules add historical uncertainty, tactical surprises, and those delicious moments where plans change in an instant. They’re easy to use, highly portable between periods, and work in both casual and competitive games.
Using Battle Variables
- Roll 1d6 before the first bound. The result will be your army’s “Battle Variable” for this game.
- Apply the effect for the entire battle, unless otherwise stated.
- Players may choose to use the same variable for both sides (mirroring shared conditions) or roll separately for each.
The Battle Variables Table
1 = Cunning
Once per game, you may apply a +1 or –1 modifier to either your own PIP roll or the enemy’s PIP roll. You choose when to apply it. This represents a moment of tactical brilliance — or an intentional feint that slows the foe’s coordination.
2 = Night Movement
Before the first bound, roll 1d6 to determine the number of night turns before dawn.
- During night turns: all moves are as in Bad Going; no March moves; visibility and shooting are halved; pivoting still allowed.
- Each time an element or group advances, roll 1d6 — a “1” turns it 45° right, a “6” turns it 45° left (unless in column on a road).
- At dawn (last night turn), normal daylight ranges and moves return.
Any number of Psiloi, Auxilia, and Light Horse may deploy in Bad Going. Spears and Blades may deploy as Auxilia for this purpose. Auxilia may also deploy as Psiloi. Ambushing troops may deploy anywhere in their deployment zone that is Bad Going.
4 = Meeting Engagement
Deployment line is 4BW either side of the table’s centreline.
- Armies may be split into blocks with at least 1BW between blocks.
- Each block should have a General or Commander attached if possible.
- First bound proceeds normally — no “free” formation turn.
One command (or group if a single-command army) may begin off-table. It enters from a designated table edge on any bound after the first, requiring a successful PIP roll to arrive.
6 = Redeployment Before Battle
After initial deployment, you may swap the position of any number of elements provided the same number are moved in exchange. Swapped elements must start and end fully within your deployment zone.
Why Add These?
In history, armies rarely met in perfect symmetry, on perfect ground, under perfect visibility. The Battle Variables reflect the unpredictable realities: fog, scouts missing their mark, night marches, and those sudden changes of plan that force commanders to improvise.
They won’t unbalance DBA’s tight mechanics, but they will add a new layer of depth — especially for players who have mastered the standard game and want a touch of the unexpected.
3. Historical Deployment Scenarios
(Optional — can be rolled or chosen)
ROLL 1D6
1 = Flank March
Up to 4 elements (min 1 mounted) placed off-table on one flank. From bound 2, roll 1D6: arrive on ‘5–6’. Arrive in column along table edge at least 6 BW from centreline. Cannot arrive if enemy occupies zone.
2 = Refused Wing
One flank deploys 2 BW back from main line and up to 3 BW in from flank edge. Cannot advance past this point until bound 2.
3 = Oblique Order
One wing (min 4 elements) deploys 1–2 BW ahead; opposite wing refused as above. Creates diagonal attack formation.
4= Envelopment
Up to 4 LH, Cv, Cm, or Wb deploy in bad going or open up to 1 BW from enemy flanks (not rear), facing enemy.
5 = Advance Guard
Up to 3 elements deploy up to 3 BW ahead of main line anywhere on own half. Main line must deploy at least 4 BW behind them.
6 = Strong Centre
All Bd, Sp, or Pk must deploy in contiguous central block (min 6 elements), flanked by lighter/faster troops. Block may deploy 1 BW closer to enemy than normal.
Other Ideas from the Wider DBA Community
In researching existing modifications, several concepts align well with ours:
- Big Battle DBA already combines three DBA armies per side (36 elements). We can refine this by using our “unit” concept to streamline control.
- DBA 3.1 Community Draft tightens some combat interactions and clarifies overlaps, though it doesn’t address formation shifts.
- Some historical refights (e.g., by Luke Ueda-Sarson) suggest dynamic troop swaps (pike ↔ spear) in rough terrain — exactly the kind of flexibility our rules formalise.
Taking DBA to the Next Level
By combining DBA’s elegance with scenario-driven flexibility, expanded command rules, and historically plausible formation changes, we can:
- Preserve speed while adding realism.
- Scale from 12-element skirmishes to 60+ element epic battles.
- Recreate unique army behaviours without drowning in exceptions.
- Encourage manoeuvre over static line-up slugfests.
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