Hi everyone:

Long time listener, first time caller....

My friend and I both backed the Olympus Kickstarter, I am creating a Mycenaean army (while i wait for Amazons) and my friend is collecting Spartans. Since both armies are based around the Phalanx formation, what is the optimal unit size and organization? since, the rules state that 12 is the minimum number of models to maintain a phalanx, I was thinking of making larger units like 15 -20. What do other players use? Do you stick with a frontage of 4 or is wider better?

Thanks in advance.

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Matthew Beauchamp Hydra Miniatures www.hydraminiatures.com

From what I've seen a larger phalanx usually works better than a smaller phalanx, and increasing the frontage does allow you to get more attacks in.

Our local Spartan player runs 18 or 24 models with a frontage of 6 typically, which has proven to be more effective than smaller units, but 15 or 20 with a frontage of 5 could also work well...

I think the first question is do you plan to use your phalanx offensively or defensively. If offensively, you want larger so you can get the extra attacks. If defensively, I think you can get away with a smaller unit - but you'll have to rely on your other units dominating the rest of the battle.

This is the kind of info I needed to know. Thanks everyone!

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Matthew Beauchamp Hydra Miniatures www.hydraminiatures.com

Wait, from the phalanw rules in the Croc Tales #7, don't you lose the phalanw formation when you charge ? If so how can it be used offensively ?

Or as this changed in the beta olympus rules ? (I missed the kickstarter so I don't have those rules)

You don't need to charge to enter melee combat - you can use an advance order to enter melee as well.

Offensive/defensive also reflects how you approach the game - advancing up the table with the phalanx (taking the fight to the opponent) could be considered offensive, whereas finding a location where the flanks are protected and then not moving too much would probably be considered defensive.

We do tend to play scenarios with objectives to achieve rather than having the objective of destroying the enemy, so this does tend to reward manoeuvre and movement rather than castling up and hoping the enemy comes to you...

Thank you for your answer.

Damn, I really need to get the full rules

I always run my phalanx in units of 14 warriors with a musician and a Champion or Hero leading them. Five wide and three deep. That gives me 10 or 11 attacks from the front. I also give them medium armor makes them expense. But you want to protect that huge investment in points.

When the phalanx gets to be to big it is easily flanked by faster troops and if you are attacked in the rear or flank you loose the benefits of the phalanx.

You must protect your flanks or the phalanx is doomed. Chariots, peltast, slinger's and archers are good for protecting your flanks.

Also always activate your phalanx first so they can use the push rules. Disordering your opponents is the difference from victory or visiting Hades for an extended stay.

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Tjaroy the Fist of Ptah Champion of Sobek(SF05), Champion of Amun(TX05), Champion of Bast (TX05), Champion of Bast(SF06) Sasobek the Devouer of the Weak, Defender of Khepri (GenCon07), Champion of Ra(GenCon07)