Why, Why, Why?

My preference in ancient wargame rule systems has undergone a bit of a paradigm shift over the past couple of years. Moving slowly away from Impetus in favour of a system produced by the Washington Grand Company called Triumph.

At first, I concentrated on collecting only 15mm figures for Triumph while retaining my 28s for Impetus. However, it soon became apparent to me that while my 28mm figures never left the cupboard, my 15s were spending more and more time on the table.

If I wanted this ratio to change I would need to do the unspeakable and re-base my 28s. This was not something I was at all keen on. Not only would it be a major undertaking, but I really liked the look of the large Impetus bases.

After some thought, I decided on a compromise that would only involve re-basing my old DBM Assyrian army.  Currently stuck in some sort of basing limbo between systems. I would scrap everything and rebuild for Triumph. If things went well, then I would bite the bullet and change my remaining armies over to the new system.

This page is dedicated to the first (test) 28mm army I completed for Triumph. As it turn out the test period was remarkably short and I have (as of writing this article) re-based all my 28s for this system.

28mm Scythian

All of the figures pictured here are from the Wargames Foundry Scythian range sculpted by Alan Perry. They are some of the first historical figures I had ever painted (many, many years ago) and as such look a bit worst for wear. After re-basing these troops, I ended up with a full four-eight point Scythian force as per the 722 to 330 BC army list on Meshwesh. Primarily a light cavalry army the list does allow for some foot elements, bow levy, Skirmishers and lightfoot (tribal levies). None of which I have any models for at the moment.

If you are unfamiliar with the history or armed forces of the Scythians a brief overview can be found here on the Wargames foundry website.

Ramblings of a fanboy

For the unaffiliated Triumph is loosely akin in size and playing style to that old classic DBA. I say loosely because there are many differences between the two systems. For example where DBA has a somewhat rigid twelve element system for army lists. Triumph on the other hand allows for a bit more balance and freedom by utilizing a simple points system to construct armies. Elements within the Triumph lists range in cost from two to four points with a standard army containing a maximum of forty-eight points.

The first two elements pictured here are (in game terms) classified as elite Cavalry. One of which contains my army general. Cost-wise they are four points a pop. So eight of my forty-eight army points are accounted for with these two elements.

The basing system in triumph plays an important part in the rule mechanics. Movement for example is measured in MU’s (movement units) which equal half a base width. While the distance a unit falls back or pursues after combat equals the elements depth. Thus heavy infantry (80/20mm bases) would only pursue or fall back 20mm. While my elite cavalry (on 80/60mm bases) would have an outcome move three times that of the heavy infantry.

The remainder of this army is comprised entirely of horse bow. Ten elements in total. These like the elite cavalry above cost four points per element bring the army total up to it’s limit of forty-eight.

Performance wise, I’m not sure how this army will go on the table. Its fast and maneuverable, but lacks punching power in my eyes. The high points cost of each element makes for a small army with a break point of just four stands. On the other hand it should be hard to kill as neither unit type can be shattered (quick killed) in combat.

Attached to the same 80/60mm bases as the elite cavalry these horse bow elements are depicted by only two mounted figures instead of the three for elites.

In my opinion, moving from the old standard of a 60mm frontage to 80mm makes a big difference. Especially when it comes to mounting the larger and somewhat more animated style of figures most companies are producing today.

There you have it my first 28mm Triumph army is ready to hit the table.