After Dave's break in Cornwall we reconvened here in OHQ to play a follow on game with my Goth and Roman collection. The retreating Romans have joined up with the main field army and have deployed to meet the advancing Goths.
Goth scouts stealthily despatch a less than vigilant Roman lookout and report back on the Roman dispositions.
The Roman generals discuss their defence plans with the Imperator.
Meanwhile 'essential' supplies are brought up.
While the Goth army begins it's approach.
The Roman right, on the hill are deployed the Equite Singularis, auxiliary archers and cataphracts, just out of picture are the Praetorian Guard in camp they will take no part in the action unless the camp is attacked. Left of them are the Legionary units.
To the left of the Legions are the Auxiliaries and heavy and light cavalry.
Goth warbands supported by archers advance to threaten the Roman auxiliary units, while to the left the Goth heavy cavalry threaten the Legionaries.
On the Goth far right archers and cavalry advance towards the Roman cavalry.
The main Goth attack appears to be launched against the Roman right. A unit of cavalry charge the Equites who put up a stiff resistance meanwhile their compatriots charge the Auxillary archers expecting easy pickings. Both the Equites and Auxiliaries disabused them of this idea, the Auxiliary archers were eventually forced to retreat.
This however allowed the cataphracts to charge their erstwhile opponents and rout in turn the Equites were routed but not before the cataphracts and archers were able to fall back and protect the Roman flank from being turned.
The flank is secured, over in the centre and left both sides exchanged arrows and javelins neither side seeing an opening to break the deadlock. By turn ten of our allotted twelve turns we decided that neither side were in a position to carry day in time so an honourable draw was the decided outcome.
Another fine and challenging game using Hail Caesar rules, we are slowly getting our head around the rules now.
TTFN & KBO
An entertaining and perplexing game! With hindsight - a wonderful thing of course - I should have thrown my warbands against the Auxilia asap and destroyed your centre. I think I was guilty of a tad of overthinking. Enjoy your Kernow expedition!
ReplyDeleteI was quite surprised when you didn't there was no way I could attack you with so little support, I was relieved when my javelin shower forced you to retire.
DeleteAs expected excellent looking game Phil!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Thank you Christopher, pleased it met with expectations.
DeleteStunning collection you have there. Great to see them battle with equal determination.
ReplyDeleteThank you Matt. Neither side wanted to give way.
DeleteSuper looking game, some quite superb miniatures on show.
ReplyDeleteThank you Donnie your comment is appreciated.
DeleteFantastic armies, Phil. Does Hail Caesar use the large, Impetvs style bases?
ReplyDeleteThank you for the high praise Jonathan. The rules recommend four figures on 40x40 bases with a standard size unit in battle line being 160mm but as there is no casualty removal I use Impetus size bases. I have recently split my light infantry and cavalry into two bases though as they can go into open order, so I can separate them to save having a marker next to the unit.
DeleteA real treat with a favourite period. A robust defence allowing the Praetorians to make good use of the contents of the supply wagon no doubt. Does this mean the Emperor will go over to the offensive?
ReplyDeleteStephen
Thank you Stephen. He may well do, hangover permitting.
ReplyDeleteFantastic painted miniatures, that´s a great sight!
ReplyDeleteThank you, much appreciated.
DeleteA splendid looking and sounding game Phil…
ReplyDeleteIt’s always good to see this marvellous collection out on the table.
All the best. Aly
Thank you Aly much appreciated. More Goths to be added in the near future.
DeleteStunning stuff there once again Phil! Great looking game, and the figures are second to none! Those pesky Goths take some putting down!
ReplyDeleteThank you Paul. They are certainly a force to be reckoned with.
Delete