Circus Maximus for Miniatures

For about 1800 years many Roman cities had four-horse chariot races almost daily. They were popular with the rich and poor. There was pageantry, favorite factions (defined by the colors worn by the drivers), and substantial wagering. Table-top chariot races have been popular at board and miniature game conventions for years as well as with a group of friends. Circus Maximus for Miniatures distills the best features of these games, focusing on quick play with rules that include player aids, charts and examples of play, so that players can focus on the action.

During setup, each player uses a dry-erase marker to track their team on a laminated Driver’s Log. A team is defined by the Weight of its Chariot, the Speed and Endurance of its Horses, and the Skill of its Driver. A lighter Chariot and Team is faster, but more easily damaged than a heavy one. Players eventually develop their team preferences, favoring light, speedy chariots with an emphasis on better die rolls, or sturdy Heavy chariots that can dish out damage.

Each race involves three laps around the track. During a turn, chariots are selected for action by a random pull of a colored d6 (matching the Chariot’s color,) then roll 2d6 for movement. The selected team and may choose to move, attack, move, attack again and Block. In addition to avoiding damage caused by opposing teams, a team must not enter corners with too quickly, as disaster lurks. Players record actions and results on every turn. The most used rules and tables are printed on the reverse of the Driver’s Log, with additional rules printed on cards for quick event resolution. Each turn is a raucous affair, as nearly every Chariot/Team is passed, attacked, or dodged.

The game comes complete with a large track (designed to fit 15mm chariot and team miniatures), counters for each of 12 colors of Chariot in all three Weights, and other Counters to keep track of laps, chariot speed. (movement), and the occasional wreck or running driver. The game and it’s components fit on a 30 x 96-inch table. Both unpainted and painted Miniatures are offered as options.

Big Board Games also offers 15mm miniatures of chariots and four-horse teams typical of the ones used by the Romans. They are offered as unpainted and unassembled, as well as painted and assembled.