DBA and HOTT

 

DBA (De bellis antiquitatis) and HOTT (Hordes of the Things), along with DBM (De bellis multitudinis) and DBR (De bellis renationis) are part of a family of rules for wargaming with miniatures published by WRG in England. They all having similar mechanisms but cover different periods or using different scales.  Another rule set to take the system beyond 1700 AD is in preparation. DBM (and now DBMM) and DBR are intended for large games with plenty of figures on the table. DBA and HOTT are intended for small games with limited numbers of figures. Here we are concerned with just DBA and HOTT. The rule sets are briefly described below and links are given to variants and files. 

 

DBA

 

DBA was the first set to be published and covers the time span 3000 BC to 1500 AD. Under this rule set armies consist of just 12 elements (stands of figures) providing a quick, cheap and simple introduction to wargaming in the ancient and medieval period. Army lists and a simple campaign system are included. Version 2.2, is the current version.

 

• DBA mailing list - on Yahoo Groups
• Fanaticus' DBA Resource Page is the "must visit" site for all DBA players. 
• DBA Extension 1500-1900AD - The HWS DBA variant to extend the rule set to cover the period 1500 AD to 1900 AD.
• Bruce MacFarlane's Morale and Attrition rules work well with the later, horse and musket armies, as does his Commander Quality Variant. The Extension still needs updating for DBA v2.2, though should work just fine anyway. The army lists will need the most work.
• A v2 version of the playsheet can now be downloaded: DBA2ExtPS.doc. Thanks to Stan for working on it.
• There is also a mailing list for users of the Extension at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DBA-HX/
• DBA Extension Scenarios - Napoleonic and Seven Years War Scenarios by Bruce McFarlane of the Canadian Wargamers Group.
• DBAWI - Variant of the HWS DBA Extension, specifically for the American War of Independence, by Chris Johnson.  Includes scenarios.
• De Bellis Navalibus - a naval variant of DBA, complete with fleet lists.

 

Hordes of the Things

 

HOTT is essentially the fantasy variant of DBA. Sample army lists and a campaign system are also in the rule book.

 

• HOTT mailing list - On Yahoo Groups
• The Stronghold - Alan Saunder's unofficial HOTT site is the place to visit for HOTT information, army lists and other goodies.
• Listing of 15mm scale figures - suitable for Hordes of the Things.
• HOTT WW2 - Bruce McFarlane of the Canadian Wargamers Group has produced this HotT-related rule set for World War Two divisional scale games.
• Scenarios for HOTT WW2, by Bruce McFarlane of the Canadian Wargamers Group.
• HOTT Modern - Bruce McFarlane of the Canadian Wargamers Group has produced this HotT-related rule set for modern divisional scale games. 
• Scenarios for HOTT Modern - by Bruce McFarlane of the Canadian Wargamers Group.
• HOTT Science Fiction - by John Leahy, Based on an original concept by Bruce McFarlane.