Having a couple of days off I decided that instead of painting I would use the Ancient Britons I had recently painted to wage war. Coupled with that wish was a chance to use the carts and baggage mules painted a while ago and the rarely used Hadrian's wall purchased many years ago at Salute. I think the company was Village Green, now merged with Stronghold Miniatures/Terrain.
The scenario is one probably familiar to many ancient wargamers.
The Romans, as is their wont, went out into the hostile lands to gather supplies from the unwilling natives.
As usual, they were heavy handed and had to crack a few heads. But it takes time to gather tribesmen and sometimes you have to make the best of what you have.
Romans - on the road
2 x Blades ord
2 x Aux ord
1 x Cavalry ord
2 x baggage
Romans - behind the wall
1 x General cavalry ord
2 x Aux ord
4 x Blades ord
Ancient Britons
1 x Knight hvy Chariot
3 x Cavalry ord
4 x warband ord
2 Psiloi ord
A successful mission |
Home in sight |
The Psiloi appear out of the woods |
The Romans march on with the auxiliaries moving to cover the flank
The psiloi close. But a warband appears coming out of the woods |
Overview of the position |
He opts for battle prepared and turns to meet the warband. |
How long will it take them to come to their aid?
The psiloi move to engage the romans |
The warband charge in |
Heavy fighting sees the warband destroyed.
A resounding win for the Romans |
But the Britons aren't finished yet. |
A view from the wall |
A view from the wall. |
Psiloi try to hold the Romans up |
The auxiliaries put the caligae into the psiloi. As well as javelins and swords
Suffering heavy losses, the psiloi were destroyed |
The Britons close on the baggage |
Squaring up for a cavalry clash.
Knowing the battle was lost, the general of the Britons could not afford to lose even more face in front of his men. He ordered the charge.
Meanwhile, the relief column came ever closer.
Honours even in the cavalry clash, and face saved (partly) the Britons withdraw.
I had hoped the Romans would advance a little further along the path. But, if you play by the dice you must accept the outcome.
As it was with the arrival of the British. It was a bit haphazard, as you would expect from tribal warriors.
I think I will try this scenario again with different troop quantities and starting positions.
But I enjoyed the outing of both armies, and that's what counts.
Nice lookin game, beautiful armies and baggages!
ReplyDeleteOne tries ones best Phil.
ReplyDeleteI rather enjoyed this scenario.
Just playing the finishing moves of an Early Achaemenid vs Assyrian battle. Coming soon.