Strategy & Tactics #324: Fight the Fall – Faesulae A.D. 405 & Tricamerum A.D. 533 is a two-player ancient warfare simulation capturing the struggles of the Late Roman world — from the twilight of the Western Empire to the dawn of Byzantine resurgence. The game features two standalone historical battles from pivotal moments in European history: the Roman defence against invading Goths under Radagaisus, and Belisarius’s decisive victory over the Vandals in North Africa.

• Historical Background: The period from A.D. 376 to 560 marked one of the most turbulent eras in history — the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of the Byzantine reconquest. Fight the Fall allows players to command legendary leaders like Flavius Stilicho, the last great general of the Western Empire, and Flavius Belisarius, Justinian’s brilliant commander who sought to restore imperial glory. The game captures both the chaos of late imperial warfare and the unique tactics that shaped these battles.
• Scenarios Included:
  • Faesulae A.D. 405: The Gothic chieftain Radagaisus leads a massive barbarian invasion into Italy. Roman general Flavius Stilicho must rally his mixed legions and foederati to defend the heart of the empire from destruction.
  • Tricamerum A.D. 533: In North Africa, Belisarius faces King Gelimer of the Vandals in the climactic battle that will determine the fate of Carthage — and the success of Justinian’s campaign to restore Roman control in the West.
• Gameplay & Objectives: Each battle uses an action-driven command system that models the unpredictability of leadership and battlefield initiative. Players draw command markers to determine movement and combat, creating the ebb and flow of chaotic ancient warfare. Victory is earned through eliminating enemy units, breaking formations, and demoralising opposing armies.
• Game System & Scale: Each hex represents approximately 100 yards of battlefield terrain, while units depict 400 to 2,000 men. The system focuses on command control, leadership effectiveness, morale, and tactical cohesion. Historical factors such as elite units, disciplined formations, and battlefield terrain all play major roles in determining success or failure. The command-marker activation system ensures no two battles play out the same way, offering both replayability and realism.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour map featuring both ancient battlefields
• 176 die-cut counters representing Roman, Gothic, and Vandal forces
• Rules for leadership, morale, and command-control mechanics
• Two complete battle scenarios with historical setup and victory conditions

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Tactical / Command
Hex: 100 Yards
Units: 400–2,000 men per counter

Gameplay Focus: Fight the Fall offers two distinct challenges in one game: the desperate defence of Rome during its decline, and the disciplined offensive of Byzantium during its revival. The design rewards skillful use of leadership, command timing, and tactical positioning, delivering an exciting and historically faithful representation of Late Roman warfare.

Strategy & Tactics #324: Fight the Fall – Faesulae A.D. 405 & Tricamerum A.D. 533 is perfect for enthusiasts of ancient history and battlefield strategy, bringing together two pivotal moments in the fate of the Roman world.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s leading retailer for historical wargames, strategy titles, and military simulations for over 50 years. Price-match guarantee and fast local shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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