Wargame Ramblings, Hail Caesar Game

This is a just a wargame rambling chat with my fellow Wargamer regarding ancient rules. It also includes my solo Carthage versus Rome game, using the hail, Caesar set of rules.

[@MrScovanx]

All of your armies are absolutely stunning!

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

Well, I’m glad that you like them. I enjoy them a lot and I’m always looking through them. Thinking about how I could do it better or what can I add or take away? It’s just kind of fun you know

[@patahern692]

Great vid! Never thought of the " Beer and Pretzels" saying as derogatory. I dont think it's used to refer to quality but more to the atmosphere or environment while playing. I have always taken it as a game you play when you dont want to write casualties and ammo and more of something to just enjoy while relaxing. The difference between a game and a simulation

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

That’s what I’ve been educated lately. And I think you’re right entirely, and I’m going to mention that in my next video. I don’t even remember playing a game where I had to write down ammo, or such tedious activities. That would be horrifying. Maybe I am a beer and pretzel gamer And didn’t even know it😂. But anyway, I appreciate you taking time to ride me. I’m currently doing a review of another set of rules called Hannibal. Maybe I will start serving beer and pretzels at my next game. If my guests are all drinking the beer, I might actually have a chance to win a game finally . Maybe that’s not such a bad thing🤦‍♂️

[@vonketteringham]

Very interesting vid, a worthy watch indeed 👍👍

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

Well I ranted on a bit. And was educated promptly this morning what a beer and pretzel game was 😂😂

[@simonstokes707]

I very much enjoyed the walk through of your game and the explanation of what was going on. Thank you for doing it. It definitely helped my understanding of what was going on by using the same camera position and angle throughout. I've not played Hail Caesar myself purely due to it not being a rule set that my local group uses. I have played Strength and Honour a couple of times at shows however so I'm interested to see your take on those rules. I very much enjoyed them but I know gridded rules sets are not to everyone's liking. One other popular ancients rule set that you didn't mention is Mortem et Gloriam. It's a popular one with my local gaming buddies and I'd be interested to see your take on that rule set too.

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

I am currently working through the little wars TV set of Hannibal. That’s turning out to be a very interesting rule set and extremely well thawed out. Simple but really, very interesting. What has kept me from trying out Mortem is that my armies are all based differently and besides, I might need somebody to show me that rule set as it looks very complicated to me. I know Simon pretty well, and have bought the rules button to find somebody to play with that we can work through it together. I agree with you that it looks interesting. It reminds me a little of fields of glory, probably because Simon wrote those rules as well, but noted I agree with you and I should try them.

[@ZenMiniPainting]

Smashing looking game, Kevin. The way you modeled the Roman legionary units as maniples looks really great. I look forward to your insights on the differences between the rules. I would also be curios if the outcomes were roughly the same or at least reasonable, implying a degree of consistency across the rules in terms of outcome.

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

Well, as I just finished writing somebody, I think wargaming rules is just like our taste as humans some people like tuna sandwiches, others like ham sandwiches, one person, likes tea, the other coffee there’s no way to pick a gaming system That is the holy Grail. I think that it’s not the rules that produces the enjoyment, but rather the company that one has the camaraderie, the laughter, the fun, the poking and prodding of our fellow enthusiast. That is the enjoyment. And of course, if we feel that the game was a bit challenging, that helps. To be frank, I lose most of the games that I play. John, Andy, Steve, Wes, on the other 10 people I play with generally enjoy playing with me because they come away, feeling very good about themselves and the Napoleonic prowess. I always come away from a game, feeling good, but I have laughed, that I have spent time with people I enjoy. I am going to go through this exercise in the hopes that I get it right nonetheless but in the end, I think my hypothesis will hold, thank you very much for writing me whatever it’s worth I do enjoy your company even if it’s just writing on KZbin

[@peterweston189]

Thanks for doing this. I've noticed that every now and again someone asks the question, 'What rules for ancients'? Or any other period if it comes to it, and you get a whole range of answers. And that's fine for people to play what they want. Personally, I like Hail Caesar and I like Black Powder and Pike and Shotte. I play solo and they produce a quick game. They are very bloody, units soon become shaken and of little use. Each to their own, I like this school of rules, but look forward to future videos on other rule sets

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

Yes, everybody ask me what rules do I use? And to be frank it’s a very fair question. I have never really invested much time in solo gaming, but I am just now starting to I really do like hail Caesar and the other publications from Ward games. I find them very enjoyable to play and give me the result I’m looking for. But to be honest, I’ve never given outside of the rules Armati, enough time, effort, and judgment to evaluate those rules properly. I am sure that they’re all very good games, and I rarely hear anything terribly negative. So I am embarking on trying all of the popular rules set, in the hopes that I play them correctly. That is, of course the downside and downfall that I might not do it, right. It’s much easier if somebody teaches you. In my case, I have to teach myself. But I think that ancient rule set, Napoleon rule set World War II rule sets, a personal preference almost like what kind of sandwich do you like or what kind of beer do you prefer or what’s your favorite movie? I think that’s what makes us human right. I believe that it comes down to who you’re playing with and the quality time that is spent in fun, in jest, the comedy that surrounds a good war game, and whether one feels challenged. My movie was to reflect that I find anybody that spends the time to write a set of mechanics for our enjoyment should be honored in such way. I don’t have the power to write a set of rules, and I would be laughed out of my country and by all collectors and gamers, are like if I was to attempt such a feat. but I will publish nonetheless and see what I think. Thank you so very much Peter for your comments. I appreciate it very much.

[@peterweston189]

@thekrausecollection15mmmin53 good. Hurry up with more videos please!!!

[@RalphAstley]

Thank you for what you said. I have heard the term 'Beer and Pretzel Game' used dismissively so I understand what you say, but I think it has a use to describe games where the rules can be written on one side of A4 paper and little concentration is required, leaving time to socialise. This is very different from a game like Saga which is very demanding, but such a game should not be confused with a simulation just because the outcome might conform with historically believable results. To my mind a simulation requires the player to recreate the same thought processes as his historical counterpart and not over emphasise the game mechanics. Have you considered Sword and Spear - a game with some innovative and interesting mechanics.

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

Good morning Ralph, greetings from Sunny Atlanta. Wow I never thought it from that perspective, Beer and pretzel being more able to socialize and condense the rules so it’s less mentally demanding. I’m always mentally challenged 🫣. I have not yet tried Sword and the Spear. Oooh no, are you suggesting I go out now and add to my already pile of shame 😂😂😂😂🤷‍♂️ ok now you know as much as I will try to not acquire and appropriate such set of rules it will not be possible to avoid the inevitable. 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️. Based on your above comment on simulations I fall with every game into the category of simulations. I believe I am following the same thought process as Napoleon did but then someone playing here snaps me back to reality and says, Kevin, you rolled two ones and the whole flank is gone. Maybe this is where the term beer and pretzel snuck in? I want to go get a beer!😂

[@marcusboughen5048]

Regarding Beer and Pretzel, in England most people play at Wargaming Clubs, most times these Clubs are located in Pubs/Working Man Clubs/Town Halls. In these places alcohol is often served and many people use Wargaming more as an occasion to socialise rather than do a serious renactment/tournament. So the ability to have a few pints, talk to your friends and still remember what was happening on the tabletop does have a large attraction to it. It is not necessarily a bad thing to have a beer and pretzels/crisps/salted peanuts/pork scratchings game, its just not what a lot of tourney players want which is why it is often used in a dismissive tone.

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

You know, I just learned this. I think we in the United States should pick up this English tradition. I stand corrected and will adjust it in my next video but I really appreciate you riding me and telling me. I always took it as a dismissive tone and dishonorable to those people who wrote the rules.versus thinking it from a social perspective. I like the social perspective much better.

[@lorddraconum]

Would like to know what games you would recommend. Thinking i would like to try battles with rome against nation like greek. Viking armies as well as celts and germanic tribes. But great looking battle. Can't want to see more miniatures on the table top.

[@casualgaming2351]

Thanks for the video. I am just starting with Hail Caesar in 15mm( and my first historical wargame).did you think the a base dimension of 60x20 is the right dimensions per unit?

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

Well. The beauty of hail Caesar is basing is open. Both sides should be based equally. Is this base dimension of 60x20 a unit? Or a stand where two form a unit? If so the unit would be 130. Maybe quite large. 20 is very short in the width but works. I like a little cushion in front and back for terrain effects. But 20 works fine actually. I think mine are 80 x 40.

[@MrGunnar177]

When you do HC in 15mm do you change the basing or the measurements? Great video

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

I use the 15 mm measurements for the rules. My unit size and hail Caesar is 40 mm frontage for small units 80 mm for a standard and really really want to show a large unit. I put out 160 mm footage. Depends on what game we’re playing if it’s much larger or more of a smaller engagement will depend on the size of the unit I put out. Caesar inches standard, but supplementing it for centimeters instead. It works out fine for us as long as you both agree to it. And my club always agrees to whatever they feel is best for their advantage in beating me.😂😂

[@koganinja100]

Kevin Just finished watching your video - One thing to say “Bloody Romans”😂 Not sure how Hail Ceasar works however maybe making that Carthaginian elite phalangite unit the centre of your line may have worked better for them, from what I saw they didn’t seem to come to grips properly with the Romans if they could have got stuck in earlier may have helped. Anyway enjoyable to watch look forward to your next one. All the best Lewis

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

Louis I absolutely agree. They were in the third line and did not have a chance to really get forward until it was already way too late. That wasn’t a rule problem that was more of the generals problem. Which, unfortunately lies to me. If it had been John , or anybody from my club on the other side of the table, I’m sure I would’ve taken a beating as I normally do and it probably would’ve been from the Carthaginian elite troops. I played this game with John the other day and his cavalry absolutely destroyed me. But I have to say my dice rolling on behalf of the Carthaginian was absolutely appalling. at one point I actually started laughing at myself I couldn’t believe the ones and twos I was rolling and on the Roman side I was rolling fives and sixes. Unbelievable.

[@koganinja100]

Kevin Yes dice goods can be very cruel. I once got the award for worst dice rolling in a Wargame club I was once a member of during our yearly competition. My fellow team Yankee/flames of war mates from work have on many occasions laughed at my dice rolls - I was starting to blame team Yankee and flames of war for loading the German and Russian dice to roll low…. I’m the group bad guy - I play Imperials in X-wing, I play Germans/Russians in flames of war and Soviets in team Yankee. My 21st panzer desert/Europe I have two small armies ( love Marders - a friend calls them my Frankenstein tanks) have had as good luck as their historical counterparts on many occasions. Personally a good loss can be as good as win - it’s more important to see the little guys fight than win all the time - nice figures look good win or lose. All the best Lewis

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

Wow, I think then you and I should gain together that would be a true site to dice gaming legends😂😂😂

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

I think it would be true to the Italian wars you would roll nothing I would roll nothing nobody would die, and we would just go out for a glass of wine afterwards with no casualties

[@koganinja100]

Aha ! Historically correct - over wine contemplate our next employer and contract- Now who will I serve ? Venice or Genoa ? 🙂👍

[@koganinja100]

Kevin Quick question have you tried the WRG rules? I have been reading Charles Grants books the Ancient Wargame and Wargame tactics ( if you haven’t read them (may I recommend them to you) I will be delving into WRG hopefully next year. I have played Chainmail and Rapax, DBA (Ancients) however like the old accounts of games by Mr Grant and Featherstone and Quarrie. Nothing like the feel of blocks of 15mm or 25mm figures smashing into each other. I have a friend who comes over every so often and we play triple sized DBA armies against each other using 25mm imperial Romans and Seleucids ( a bit anachronistic given Roman’s should be Republican however the two armies we have ready) both armies are mainly old Hinchliffe figures I got on eBay off a Wargamer in USA. Pikes looked like spaghetti took a year to repair and base and pair up with figures from antique shops in blue mountains- anyway like old figures repairing painting etc and getting them back on the table. Anyway thanks for video Kevin ,very good - envy your gaming area. All the best from down under Lewis Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

Hi Lewis It has been many years since I played WRG. Probably a decade ago that brings back some memories of my beginnings of playing ancient. I believe we were playing seventh edition. I really do like Grant books and have them all I believe. Maybe I should go back and read those just for fun . But I know what it’s like to repurpose figures. I feel sad when I see them all ugly and mangy in someone else’s hands and I really do enjoy restoring things. It seems to give me a sense of satisfaction. Sometimes it’s even more work than buying them new. But I think you feel better in the end, knowing that you fixed something. I really appreciate you writing. It’s nice to have communication with people around the world.

[@theenigmaticgamer]

Thanks for a very informative video. The game looked very impressive and enjoyable. Looking forward to seeing more.

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

I’m making a video now using another rule set. I’m having fun

[@koganinja100]

Kevin Good luck with new video and rule system 👍🙏

[@shagakhan9442]

Hail Caesar seems fun. I have been building ADLG, DBM, Triumph, and Impetvs. I will check out Hannibal. COMMENT FOR THE COMMENT THRONE!!!

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

All of these rules are super fun. It’s really the company you keep while playing right. I would like to try triumph as well forgot about that one. 😂😉😉

[@MrGunnar177]

War and conquest is like a better warhammer ancients, I REALLY like warmaster, which hail Caesar is really just the next evolution of the system. Mortem et gloriam is good too. Hated ADLG, throwing one dice per combat was way too boring for me. I think “epic” HC is going to be my mainline game for the time period

[@thekrausecollection15mmmin53]

Hi Gunnar. I have not seen the Epic hail Caesar yet and if the rules changed much. I think the figures look nice but I have just too many 15 mm painted for me to change now. I agree with your assessment and Caesar is just the evolution of war I would like to try, when you have limited amount of gaming time with your friends the tendency is to go back to the rules, you know vs. trying to slog through trying to learn something new