DUX BELLORUM FANTASY magic items and spells

More lists! like the creature list these should just serve as samples and ideas. I'll keep adding when I think of new things so keep checking back to this post. Any suggestions just leave comments 

Magic items are very rare and so a warband can only have one and of course would be owned by the leader.

Items

bow of doom allows leader and companions to shoot as if armed with a bow 2pts
orb of farsight allows 1 LP to be reallocated after all LP's have been laid down once per game 1 pt
banner of courage allows 1 re roll of a bravery test once per game 2 pts
sword of champions adds +1 to die roll for a champions challenge. 2pts

 most armies get 2 spells for free chosen from this list. extra spells must be paid for. some races get different amounts according to their ability to cast magic.spells can only be used once per game, once it is cast the spell is forgotten. however spells can be bought more than once, for instance a necromancer could have the summon undead spell twice for free and buy it with points for a third time.Use at the start of a turn.

Spells
summon undead  creates 1 unit of zombies (levied troops) within  2BW of the wizard 2pts
summon swarm creates 1 stampede within 2BW of the wizard  2pts
summon light/shadow/ghost spirits   creates 1 war dogs within 2 bw of the wizard 3pts
translocation  swaps position of one friendly unit within 2 BW of the wizard with an enemy unit
                        that is within 2BW of the friendly unit to be moved  2pts
fireball  a ball of fire that acts exactly like a shot from a warmachine  2pts
dispell a spell to counter enemy spells  automatically stops an enemy spell 2 pts
confusion spell enemy unit within 4BW of the wizard must pass a bravery test or not be able to do       
                          anything for a turn 2pts
bravery spell  cast on a friendly unit it will automatically pass its next bravery test 2pts
Landslide spell one piece of terrain within 3bw of the wizard may be moved 3BW in any direction 2pts





 

DUX BELLORUM FANTASY creature ally list

This is a list of the fantasy creatures that any army may choose to spend ally points on. I guess this could go on for ever and will constantly be added too. It should be easy to create your own and these will be samples to use as a guide. This should allow any fantasy creature you wish to be added to your army.


dragon  ( cataphract) @ 6 pts
wyvern (noble rider) @ 5 pts
hydra (noble rider) @ 5 pts
manticore (noble rider) @ 5 pts
giant ( caraphract) @ 6pts
pixies (stampede) @ 2pts
angelic host (monks) @ 3 pts
demonic host (monks) @ 3 pts
penguins of doom ( wardogs) @ 3pts
9 adventurers of various heights (inc wizard-1 free spell) (noble warrior) @ 6 pts
9 ghostly riders in black (imposing noble riders) @ 6 pts

DUX BELLORUM FANTASY dark elf army list

Here is my list for the Dark Elves, worshippers of the Shadow

aggressor rating 0
leadership points 6-10

1       mounted companions with leader @ 5pts
0-1   death knights  (noble riders) @ 5pts
0-1   Fallen ones  ( cataphract) @ 6 pts
0-1   harpy (noble rider) @ 5pts
0-2  mtd shadowhelm (ordinary riders) @ 3 pts
0-2  shadowhelm (noble shieldwall superior infantry) @ 5pts
0-6  dark guard  (ordinary shieldwall) @ 3pts
0-2  archers (bow) @ 3 pts
0-2  mtd scouts ( mtd skirmisher javelins) @ 2pts
0-2 scouts ( foot skirmishers (javelin or bow) @1 pt
0-1 Wytches ( fanatics) @ 5pts
0-1 rabid hounds (war dogs) @ 3 pts
0-1 Spirit of the dark ( stampede) @ 2pts

allies up to 6 pts
2 pieces of terrain when defending
0-3 strategies and tactics : ambush, assassination, champions challenge,dismount, experienced warlord, fanatics,mead, imposing horsemen, javelin, stampede, swift deployment , veterans, war dogs

wizards may choose 2 spells for free any extra must be paid for with points

DUX BELLORUM FANTASY high elf army list

Here is my list for the High elves. Noble supporters of the gods of light

aggressor rating 0
leadership points 6-10

1       mounted companions with leader @ 5pts
0-1   shining helms  (noble riders) @ 5pts
0-1   war eagle (noble rider) @ 5pts
0-1   firstborn  ( cataphract) @ 6 pts
0-2  mtd knights (ordinary riders) @ 3 pts
0-2  knights (noble shieldwall superior infantry) @ 5pts
0-6  city guard  (ordinary shieldwall) @ 3pts
0-2  archers (bow) @ 3 pts
0-2  mtd scouts ( mtd skirmisher javelins) @ 2pts
0-2 scouts ( foot skirmishers (javelin or bow) @1 pt
0-1 Spirit of light ( stampede) @ 2pts

allies up to 6 pts
2 pieces of terrain when defending
0-3 strategies and tactics : champions challenge,dismount, experienced warlord, imposing horsemen, javelins, loyal, stampede, swift deployment , veterans
wizards may chose 2 spells for free extra spells must be paid for with points

DUX BELLORUM FANTASY beastman army list

This list covers any mammal humanoids from goats to killer rabbits

Aggressor rating +5
leadership points 6-10

1  foot companion with leader @ 5 pts
0-4 Beastmen (noble warriors) @ 5pts
0-1 minotaur ( noble rider) @ 5pts
0-9 herd ( ordinary warriors) @ 3pts
0-2 herd archers ( foot skirmishers (javelin or bow) @ 1 pt
 0-1 critter swarm (stampede) @ 2pts
0-2 rabid hounds ( wardogs) @ 3 pts

special rules
allies up to 6 pts
foot companions must be beastmen warriors
1 piece of terrain when defending
0-3 strategies and tactics: ambush, assassination, champions challenge, experienced warlord, javelins, stampede, veterans, war dogs,
wizards may choose 2 spell for free others must be paid for with points

DUX BELLORUM FANTASY human army list

This list covers all tribes and types of humans.. from viking warbands to rennaisance city guard. try to keep the army in theme. for instance a primative tribe would be unlikely to have a warmachine but a empire patrol may have a cannon . I guess as long as it can be explained then anything goes!

aggressor rating +3
leadership pts 6-10

1 foot or mtd companion with leader @ 5pts
0-3 champions/ mtd champions/ ogre ( noble warriors/shieldwall/ nobleriders) @ 5 pts
0-6 foot soldiers ( ordinary warriors/shieldwall) @3 pts
0-2 archer/handguns/xbowmen (bow) @ 3pts
0-2 scouts (foot skirmisher javelin or bow) @ 1pt
0-1 warmachine @ 5pts

special rules
allies up to 6 pts
an army must be shieldwall or warrior. not mixed. foot companions must match
2 pieces of terrain when defending
0-3 strategies and tactics: ambush, assassination, champions challenge, chariots, dismount, experienced warlord, fanatics, hurled weapons, imposing horsemen, javelins, levied troops, loyal, mead, monks, stampede, swift deployment, veterans, wardogs
wizards may choose 2 spells for free extra spells must be paid for with points.

DUX BELLORUM FANTASY reptilemen army list

This list covers any cold blooded humanoids; lizards, dinosaurs , giant frogs etc

Aggressor rating +5
leadership points 6-10

1  foot companion with leader @ 5 pts
0-4 lizardmen (noble warriors) @ 5pts
0-1 troglodyte ( noble rider) @ 5pts
0-3 Geckos ( ordinary warriors) @ 3pts
0-4 Gecko archers ( foot skirmishers (javelin or bow) @ 1 pt
 0-1 snake/reptile swarm (stampede) @ 2pts
0-2 raptors ( wardogs) @ 3 pts

special rules
allies up to 6 pts
foot companions must be lizard warriors
1 piece of terrain when defending
0-3 strategies and tactics: ambush, champions challenge, experienced warlord, javelins, levied troops(human slaves) loyal, stampede, veterans, war dogs,
wizards may choose 1 spell for free others must be paid for with points

DUX BELLORUM FANTASY wood elf list

Army list for tight wearing tree huggers

aggressor rating +1
leadership points 6-10


1     Foot/ mounted companion with leader @ 5pts
0-3 foot/ mounted  Forest Princes  ( noble riders or warriors ) @ 5 pts
0-1 tree man ( noble rider) @ 5 pts
0-2 Tree riders (ordinary riders) @ 3 pts
0-4 wood elves ( ordinary warriors ) @ 3 pts
0-4 wood elf archers (bow) @ 3pts
0-1 scout riders ( mtd skirmisher with bow) @ 2pts
0-2 scouts ( foot skirmisher with bow) @ 1pt
0-1 stags ( stampede) @ 2pts
0-2 wild boars ( wardogs) @3 pts

special rules
allies up to 6 pts
3 pieces of terrain when defending. one must be wood
0-3 strategies and tactics: ambush, assassination, champions challenge, dismount, experienced warlord, hurled weapons, imposing horsemen( on stags or large birds) javelins, loyal, stampede, swift deployment, veterans, war dogs.
wizards may choose 2 spells for free. extra must be paid for with points.

DUX BELLORUM FANTASY undead list

here is the list to allow you to field a freshly raised and fresh smelling army of the dead. Led by a vampire or necromancer .

aggressor rating +2
leadership points 6-10


1     Foot / mounted on skeletal steeds with leader  @ 5pts
0-1 Wraith riders ( noble riders) or wraiths (noble warriors) @ 5pts
0-2 skeleton riders (ordinary riders) @ 3pts
0-9 skeletons ( ordinary warriors) @ 3pts
0-9 zombies ( levied troops) @ 2 pts
0-4 skeleton archers ( foot skirmishers with bow) @ 1 pt
0-1 ghost ( stampede) @ 2 pts
0-1 mummies ( war dogs) @ 3pts
0-1 chariot @ 5pts

special rules

allies up to 6 pts
3 pieces of terrain when defending
0-3 strategies and tactics : ambush , champions challenge, chariots, experienced warlord, imposing horsemen, levied troops(zombies) loyal , stampede , swift deployment , veterans, war dogs

wizards take two spells for free. extra spells must be bought
 bravery test become stability tests as the magical aura is shaken.
If the leader is killed an LP is lost as the magical aura holding the army together is broken

DUX BELLORUM FANTASY part 2

Just a note to show where I am going with this.

I plan to do a list of magic items suitable for all races which would be 'bought' as you would strategies and tactics , the same goes for spells which would be used in the shooting phase.
I will also do a creatures army list which can be expanded when necessary listing all fantasy monsters which can then be bought as allies so anyone can have a dragon or a unit of fairies if they wish!

This whole idea of fantasy DB is just about using fantasy models in this great game from daniel Mersey. I'm not trying to create a whole new world or a 'realistic' fantasy. Please comment or leave ideas, if there are specific races you want me to look at let me know. Just remember this is just for DB fans who like the idea of using dwarves or elves... it isn't a replacement for any game with hammer in the title.

DUX BELLORUM FANTASY dark knights of the shadow army list

Here is my list for the Dark knights, servants of the Shadow

aggressor rating 0
leadership points 6-10

1       mounted companions with leader @ 5pts
0-1   knights  (ig-noble riders) @ 5pts
0-1   Shadow knights  ( cataphract) @ 6 pts
0-2  mtd dark servants (ordinary riders) @ 3 pts
0-2  dark servants (noble shieldwall superior infantry) @ 5pts
0-6  Thugs  (ordinary shieldwall) @ 3pts
0-2  Thug archers (bow) @ 3 pts
0-2  mtd acolytes ( mtd skirmisher javelins) @ 2pts
0-2 acolytes ( foot skirmishers (javelin or bow) @1 pt
0-1 shadow priests (monks) @ 3pts
0-1 deacons of doom ( fanatics) @ 5pts
0-1 Rabid hounds (war dogs) @ 3 pts
0-1 Spirit of shadow ( stampede) @ 2pts
0-1 slaves (levied troops) @ 2pts

allies up to 6 pts
2 pieces of terrain when defending
0-3 strategies and tactics :ambush, assassination,  champions challenge,dismount, experienced warlord, fanatics, imposing horsemen, javelins, levied troops( slaves), monks, stampede, swift deployment , veterans, war dogs

wizards get 2 spells for free. extra spells must be bought with points.

DUX BELLORUM FANTASY palladin list

Here is my list for the Palladins of Light, a lawful order of knights sworn to destroy all darkness

aggressor rating 0
leadership points 6-10

1       mounted companions with leader @ 5pts
0-1   knights  (noble riders) @ 5pts
0-1   Palladins  ( cataphract) @ 6 pts
0-2  mtd men at arms (ordinary riders) @ 3 pts
0-2  men at arms (noble shieldwall superior infantry) @ 5pts
0-6  guardsmen  (ordinary shieldwall) @ 3pts
0-2  archers (bow) @ 3 pts
0-2  mtd squires ( mtd skirmisher javelins) @ 2pts
0-2 squires ( foot skirmishers (javelin or bow) @1 pt
0-1 brethren (monks) @ 3pts
0-1 zealots ( fanatics) @ 5pts
0-1 elementals (war dogs) @ 3 pts
0-1 Spirit of light ( stampede) @ 2pts

allies up to 6 pts
2 pieces of terrain when defending
0-3 strategies and tactics : champions challenge,dismount, experienced warlord, fanatics, imposing horsemen, javelins, loyal, monks, stampede, swift deployment , veterans, war dogs

Palladins will use magic items but refuse to trust wizards so do not have spells. however the priestly advisor to the general can dispell any enemy spells with prayer on a 5+ (d6)

DUX BELLORUM WAR MACHINE RULES

I have 'borrowed' the rules for field artillery from another blog I found ( luddite1811.blogspot ) he has written army lists for War of the Roses- Dux Bellorum. I hope he doesn't mind but at least they have been playtested so seem to work! I have just classified all warmachines under the same umbrella for ease, There is no reason why they can't be adapted to show differences between bolt throwers and cannons.

                      mv        brv       agg       magg      pro      coh      pts    
warmachine     1           6          1        art 3          4         2         5

unlimited range. target protection 5 ( 4< 4bw ) . unlimited ammo

deploys with non-skirmish foot. moves in foot phase. cannot enter or cross terrain except hills. cannot be part of a group. cannot move into contact with enemy unit. destroyed if forced to retreat. cannot support or be supported in combat. 

SAMPLE DUX BELLORUM DWARF ARMY

Here is a dwarf army I put together from the list. I used the full 32 pts inc a few strategies.

The models are from my own collection, all older games workshop figures.

Included in this Dwarf patrol are 1 leader and companions, 2 ordinary shieldwall, 1 ogre, 1 warmachine, 2 crossbow units, swift deployment and loyal (ogre- he was well paid!) The mead option is free for dwarves.

SAMPLE DUX BELLORUM ORC ARMY

I've put together a sample army to show how the lists work. Please excuse the pictures my camera isn't great but hopefully you will get an impression of an army! I've kept the number of models to a minimum , I guess you could make the units as big or small as you want within the rules. I see this game as small warbands rather than large armies.

I've spent 31 points from the 32 available

the Warband is made up of  the leader and companions, 2 orc warriors, 1 troll, 2 goblin wolfriders, 1 stonethrower and a lesser goblin stampede.

The models are all older games workshop miniatures . The leader is a converted Gorkamorka model.

DUX BELLORUM FANTASY orc list

Another favourite of mine and one where I have painted models. A fantasy must.

ORC LIST

Aggressor rating +5
Leadership Points 6-9

1      Foot/ boar rider companions with leader @5pts
0-2  Boar riders( noble riders) @ 5pts
0-2  Trolls (noble riders) @ 5pts
0-4  Orcs (noble warriors) @ 5 pts
0-2 Goblins (ordinary warriors) @ 3pts
0-3 Goblin Wolfriders ( mtd skirmishers- javelin) @ 2pts
0-4 Goblin Archers ( foot skirmishers- bow) @1 pt
0-1 Lesser Goblin Horde ( stampede) @2 pts
0-2 Squiggly Beasts ( wardogs) @3 pts
0-1 Warmachine (stonethrower/ boltthrower) @5 pts

SPECIAL RULES
Shaman/Wizard  may choose 2 spells for free. others must be paid for
Allies up to 6 pts
1 piece of terrain if defending
0-3 strategies and tactics: Ambush, Assassination, Champion Challenge, Chariots( wolf or boar), Dismount, Experienced Warlord, Fanatics(wild orcs) , levied troops(goblins) , Veterans, Mead , Stampede, wardogs

DUX BELLORUM FANTASY Dwarf list

I'm starting with dwarves as they are the first army I ever collected. I even have some painted !!

This list is for a 32 pt Warband/army

DWARF 

aggressor rating +1
Leadership points 6-10

1     Shieldwall Foot Companion with leader  @ 5pts
0-3 Noble Shieldwall and/or Ogre (Noble Rider) @5pts
0-9 Ordinary Shieldwall @ 3pts
0-2 Bow/ Crossbow/ Handgun @ 3pts
0-1 Mobile Warmachine ( Mtd Skirmisher- javelins) @ 2pts
0-1 Deathwish Dwarves ( Fanatics ) @ 5pts
0-2 Warmachines( cannon/ boltthrower/ stonethrower) @ 5pts
0-2 Scouts ( foot skirmishers- bow) @1pt

Special rules
dwarves may take the MEAD rule for free
Allies: Up to 6 pts
up to 2 pieces of terrain if defending
0-3 Strategies from :  champion challenge, experienced warlord, hurled weapons, loyal, veterans, swift    deployment, fanatics
Wizard : part of the leader companion unit. Dwarves are notoriously poor wizards so can only choose one spell for free and must buy any others.

DUX BELLORUM FANTASY part 1

I have been toying with the idea of using the DB rules with fantasy miniatures, I don't want to mess too much with the rules simply because they work! so these ideas will just reclassify units for example a noble rider can become an ogre . Also extra options and allies may be race specific. I decided to allocate fantasy race to the races in DB and not have special changes to them. A dwarf , human orc , elf will be basically the same. The 'image' of a race will come from the troop types allowed etc. Again this is just so that the rules are not messed with too much.

 To start there are three alignments for the races. This affects who can ally with who. The lists aren't complete but should give a general idea as to how things work if you want to create a new race. Hopefully I will do a list for each race eventually.

LAW: Palladins. High Elves. Angels
NEUTRAL:  Humans. wood elves. reptilemen. dwarves.
EVIL: Dark Knights. Dark Elves. Demons. Orcs. Undead. Beastmen

Law can only ally with Law. Neutral can ally with law, neutral or evil . Although not law and evil together. Evil can ally with neutral or evil.

This may mean strange combinations... Orcs and dwarves for instance! but perhaps they are chaos Dwarves , I'm sure any mix could be explained!

I plan to work in magic and wizards somehow.. again just by renaming current rules . This area may develop though. Magic items and spells are an important ingredient of fantasy!

WARGAMES PAST

I've played wargames for many many years, more than I care to remember but I confess that more time was spent dreaming and planning armies than actually gaming; and more time gaming than painting and modelling. I'm hoping this blog will shame me into actually finishing armies rather than just buying boxes of models . My gaming started with fantasy wargames which led to a job managing stores for a certain company. I left almost two decades ago now and much of what I bought was sold on to pay for other hobbies and interests. Now I have returned to historical gaming.  There are particular areas of history that interest me most and I hope to build armies to satisfy that itch and this blog will track their development. God willing!
 Please comment on anything and everything: advice, help and critism is always welcome.
regards
BCB

DUX BELLORUM

I bought this rule book by Daniel Mersey (Osprey wargames) a while back and it is a great little set of rules for dark age wargaming. What I like the most is that they can be adapted and expanded so easily. I've seen another blog where a gaming group has used them for medieval gaming and even for ' a very British civil war '.   http://luddite1811.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/dux-bellorum-wars-of-roses-unofficial.html

 It is great fun and doesn't need many models comparitively speaking. Depending how you base models or how full you like your bases an army would only need between 40-80 models.  Scale doesn't matter too much either it is the size of the base that affects the game so an army is fairly cheap to put together. I found an old box of Revell Anglo-Saxons in my loft . 1/72 scale with 45 miniatures. I think it cost me £2.50 back in the day but I guess now they would be around a fiver but mounted on 6cm bases they made a complete saxon army.  This type of historical plastic figures for all periods are readily available so there is no excuse for experimenting!