Are there any rules for fighting from a chariot?

Anyone got any suggestions for rules?

There were chariots in Pagan Shores, but I'm not sure if there were many rules strictly about it.

Hi,

I am by far no expert but from what I gather the chariot was mainly used a mobile & stable platform from which to launch missile attacks and move troops around. I know certain countries did use a scythed version, but these are fairly uncommon.

Here are some quotes


Diodorus said that the chariot was drawn by two horses, and could carry a driver and a warrior. In battle the driver controlled the chariot, whilst the warrior would throw javelins at his opponents. The warrior would then dismount and fight on foot while the driver would take the chariot away to a safe distance. At the first sign of difficulties, the driver would dash into the battle, pick up the warrior, and withdraw to safety. Caesar's account is similar, but adds that chariots were used against cavalry with great effect, and only against infantry in short skirmishes. Caesar admired the charioteer's skills, and described warriors running along the chariot pole and standing on the yoke over the horse's shoulders


“Chariots are used like this. First of all, the charioteers drive all over the field hurling javelins. Generally, the horses and the noise of the wheels are enough to terrify the enemy and throw them into confusion, as soon as they have got through the cavalry, the warriors jump down from their chariots and fight on foot. Meanwhile, the charioteers then move away and place their chariots in such a way that the warriors can easily get back on them if they are hard pressed by the size of the enemy. So they combine the easy movement of cavalry with the staying power of foot soldiers. Regular practice makes them so skilful that they can control their horses at a full gallop, even on a steep slope. And they can stop and turn them in a moment. The warriors can then run along the chariot pole, stand on the yoke and get back into the chariot as quick as lightening.”

So it would seem that fighting from the physical chariot was a last resort, because if the chariot gets bogged down and losses momentum you’re in trouble.

For a general rule maybe if they are forced into melee something like:-
Chariot v Foot +5/-5 or charioteer has to make a chariot roll success grants +5 melee bonus, critical +10, failure +0, critical chariot becomes bogged down -5 to melee.
Chariot v Mounted, mounted has to make horsemanship roll at -5, success attack a normal, critical unopposed attack on chariot driver, failure horse is wary -5 to attack, critical horse rears in fear and throws rider 1d6 dmg from fall.

Hope this sheds a little light,

BigSteveUK.

P.S Just had a quick look and yes Pagan Shores does have a short section covering chariot combat.

Bear in mind that chariots stopped being the dominant force in warfare once horses grew big and strong enough to carry men on their backs for extended periods of time-- chariots simply were too vulnerable to terrain that wasn't perfectly smooth, in addition to the drawbacks bigsteve listed, and undoubtedly others besides.

For a general rule maybe if they are forced into melee something like:-
Chariot v Foot +5/-5 or charioteer has to make a chariot roll success grants +5 melee bonus, critical +10, failure +0, critical chariot becomes bogged down -5 to melee.
Chariot v Mounted, mounted has to make horsemanship roll at -5, success attack a normal, critical unopposed attack on chariot driver, failure horse is wary -5 to attack, critical horse rears in fear and throws rider 1d6 dmg from fall.

Nice suggestions. Thanks.

Incidentally, it is Boudica's ghost that will be riding the chariot. Given that it is a ghostly chariot, I think it can handle a bit of rough terrain and will have unworldly manoeuvrability.