I’ve just seen this thread. As the author of the campaign article I’m feeling somewhat guilty as it doesn’t sound like you are having a lot of fun. Which is a shame as I love Infamy and my group have had many many great games.
First in relation to the campaign game there is an inconsistency in Game 2 as has been pointed out as I included 2 fanatics, but if you choose your own list I didn’t allow this! Mea culpa! With hindsight fanatics are fine. The Britons are after all protecting their sacred grove so if that doesn’t get some warriors riled up I don’t know what will. And despite the earlier comments the Romans do have more points than the Britons.
But in answer to the general point of how do the Romans win. It’s a good question. In our early games the Romans did find it very tough. They had to be very careful, methodical and not make any mistakes. Having said that peoples experience varies. I was chatting to some guys after the Lard Workshop this weekend and they were finding it very difficult to win as the Barbarians!
If you are really struggling I’d suggest putting the campaign on hold. Maybe play a few games in Roman territory (significantly reduces the numbers of ambush points) and see how that goes.
Chariots are very powerful as has been mentioned but are vulnerable to cavalry. In reality the Romans initially struggled against them then used their cavalry effectively as anti-chariot troops. Infamy mirrors this well I think. Cavalry have the range to charge them and if they evade possibly catch them (especially if you’ve a Signa card to assist). But if they stand they are fighting mounted and obviously at a significant disadvantage. At worst you’ll drive them off. Be careful you pursuing cavalry don’t then get counter charged if the chariots activate. But that’s where having 2 groups of cavalry helps as they can support each other. While chariots can raise fervour with the drive by shooting they have to get within 6”. While they’ve usually got the movement to get way its a bit of a risk for them and again that may leave them within charge range.
Generally 1 group of chariots should be able to be dealt with.
Fanatics are a challenge. Use close order if you are in charge range of a fanatic ambush. This will help soak up the initial impact and you can then break out into normal order when your leaders activate to get more attack dice to kill the blighters. Generally they should die quickly but it’s the shock they inflict that will hurt.
Generally the Romans should find that the biggest risk is shock. With a 4+ save on legionaries should find they stay around much longer than the barbarian warriors but it’s the accumulation of shock that’s the biggest worry. Use your drill to manage shock at every available opportunity.
And don’t be afraid to “Shield Punch”. In my experience it’s the most under used Roman drill but is fantastic powerful in the right circumstances. Breaking off from a fight your disadvantaged in, automatically rallying a point of shock per group and then potentially being able to throw pila and charge again can be a game winner.
Don’t let individual groups get isolated and your force defeated in detail. Keep your troops tight and mutually supporting. If choosing a list Exploratores are worth their weight in gold. Never leave home (especially in Barbarian territory) without at least 1 and take 2 if you can.
Again as has been mentioned Archers are very useful. If a barbarian unit has shock it can’t raise fervour. Some archers pinging away at a large barbarian warband will give them a problem (all you need is 1 shock) and they’ll either have to stay hidden and risk not raising fervour or use other troops to deal with your archers. All of a sudden you’ve got the initiative! Appreciate I didn’t give the Romans any in Game 2 but don’t be afraid of changing the lists!
But don’t give up. I found the challenge of learning to use the Romans one of the most fun parts of the game. It’ll take a few games but once you get it your barbarian opponent will start to struggle. That (albeit steep initially) learning curve adds so much depth to Infamy.
Adding to all that getting the cards coming out in your favour and some good dice rolls help!
I hope this helps. DM me if you want to discuss in more detail and always happy to try and set-up a virtual game if that might help. But please don’t give up. Infamy is a great game. But it can be an unforgiving mistress. But like all things the success is that much sweeter when you’ve had to struggle
Good luck
John