tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20089509705083164872024-02-07T21:38:07.988-08:00OthismosThis is a blog of historical wargaming focusing on Ancient Greece and Persia during the 4th and 5th centuries B.C.Brintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008950970508316487.post-10227100123164036172010-03-30T12:40:00.000-07:002010-03-30T12:47:47.956-07:00Back...and a change of paceSo I'm back...well more accurately I never actually went anywhere.<br /><br />I pounded out a Greek and Persian force that was the inspiration for this blog and while I had tons of content planned my enthusiasm for all the bloggy bits (taking pictures, researching scenarios, making maps etc...) waned. I moved on to new wargaming projects and my (hobby) time was taken with painting, reading, modeling, terrain building and all the nifty items that get in the way of blog posting.<br /><br />Now it is 3 years later...multiple projects started (some finished, some abandoned, some "still being worked on") and I want to start regularly posting again.<br /><br />The one issue that really prevented me from posting was the constrained period of this Blog (Ancient Greek and Persian). I felt like as long as I wasn't working on those figures I had no business blogging on here. That is going to change from here on out. This is a place for all my gaming interests and hopefully someone at least finds it interesting.<br /><br />If not...I'll just use it as a place to dump my musings for posterity's sake.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />BrintonBrintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008950970508316487.post-81464228788821860612007-06-22T14:34:00.000-07:002007-06-22T15:02:59.420-07:00Skirmish Battles in Thrace (4th and 5th century B.C.)Skirmish Battles in Thrace (4th and 5th century B.C.)<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rE4Q8Aiqs3URDhgmCalm5MbXhlYmelXRKP5tlNleCu0yWE3mf7BddITRYsdU1xpP0UVTWIa2GE6pQ63rRmeuJI-O7uAv7QDM39cSinS3_0WXYZXIvlGlLCX51qOBAmQbyzYNdJ8p_mc/s1600-h/Obstacle_2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rE4Q8Aiqs3URDhgmCalm5MbXhlYmelXRKP5tlNleCu0yWE3mf7BddITRYsdU1xpP0UVTWIa2GE6pQ63rRmeuJI-O7uAv7QDM39cSinS3_0WXYZXIvlGlLCX51qOBAmQbyzYNdJ8p_mc/s400/Obstacle_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079009110767515746" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">So here it is. We have some general (and some specific) rules for playing ancient skirmishes between the Greeks and the Thracians (see the post below for my Thracian obsession) with Warhammer Ancient Battles. While these rules are designed with those two sides in mind, it can accommodate many ancient skirmishes against a hard to catch foe (Ancient Spanish against Romans comes to mind).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anything not specifically dealt with by these additional scenario rules use the main rules from the WAB rulebook. The games should be relatively quick, tactical and fun.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Enjoy</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>The Sides<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Greek forces often fought the Thracians in their home ground which could be extremely wooded and hilly. Whether the fighting was punitive raids, colonizing forces or just part of a larger army passing through, relations between the Greek city states, and the Thracian tribes usually involved bloodshed.</i></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXGny5YDX971SB7V9xDNfhiRmC3jjXwo9t3J14PQC3Ca31NNZhogB_r34OpBHTJhEvwJM5Xa1EfCXXxcT6ifUzz1xhgBUZoHdTuAH3T8kfoJKAh7JNU_iTdLnQ7L5gFGJWiEuEbq8s24/s1600-h/thracian_swords1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXGny5YDX971SB7V9xDNfhiRmC3jjXwo9t3J14PQC3Ca31NNZhogB_r34OpBHTJhEvwJM5Xa1EfCXXxcT6ifUzz1xhgBUZoHdTuAH3T8kfoJKAh7JNU_iTdLnQ7L5gFGJWiEuEbq8s24/s400/thracian_swords1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079010029890517234" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p>Each player picks a side either Thracian or Greek. Forces should be small, about 500 - 700pts. Example force listings will be provided with the scenarios. Use the Thracian and Greek Mercenary army lists from Alexander the Great. As an alternate, you may use the AoA (or main rulebook) list for Ancient Greeks. Just use the Thracian profile for all Thracians. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Units shouldn’t be larger than 12 – 16 models (unless you have very good reason). Most units should be between 8-12 models (with cavalry being even smaller).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Playing Area<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">To represent the smaller nature of these conflicts it is best to use a smaller playing area. <o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Use a 4’x4’ playing area.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Small Encounters<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Ambushes, skirmishes between foraging parties and small raiding parties encompass most of the fighting we will be covering. Due to the smaller scope of the conflicts, some modifications to the normal unit rules are required.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9qgPO5aKaj16iPIt8na2KrGaanVND94N_xxzaq2MF-6BPaYVvTsVFSW3yP9kO1c1ZpWFPOVkSAHKuf2Bf7VIBGpciUVP_84oxQLRCj3AZGotMd8jIcljJVrWmSfefD-2fjP_Kilhq-s/s1600-h/Skirmish_4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9qgPO5aKaj16iPIt8na2KrGaanVND94N_xxzaq2MF-6BPaYVvTsVFSW3yP9kO1c1ZpWFPOVkSAHKuf2Bf7VIBGpciUVP_84oxQLRCj3AZGotMd8jIcljJVrWmSfefD-2fjP_Kilhq-s/s400/Skirmish_4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079009484429670594" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">All formed units are treated as light infantry. Skirmishers are still treated as skirmishers. Light infantry in skirmish formation must pass a LD check to reform into a formed unit (with rank bonus etc…)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The following modifiers apply to this LD check:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">+1 If friendly non fleeing unit is within 8” </p> <p class="MsoNormal">+1 If Thracian unit in cover</p> <p class="MsoNormal">+1 If Thracian unit in Hill Fort</p> <p class="MsoNormal">-1 If enemy is within 8”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hoplite units retain their phalanx status until reduced to less than 8 models. Drilled hoplite units retain phalanx until they are reduced to less than 6 models. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Units in skirmish formation can benefit from a characters LD that is leading them directly. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Units can benefit from an Army Generals LD that is within 6” of them (instead of the normal 12”)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Any character can be given Army General status.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Foreign Soil<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">The Greek player is traveling through some of the wild country of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Thrace</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Lacking local knowledge they can easily become lost and subject to surprise attacks.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gyrricJN43hQUntxp4UHxC0pDzpPtjjvJFB4vR8EY21-KfK82IfXqBSqmhSDCmfmYN4q-eF4NTEH-RXB-NSEJ5ri_jFneS170VwxuBxLCkmQTLn1Su6-6kCKQguGbwA2-rFY25RsRYg/s1600-h/Ambush_2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gyrricJN43hQUntxp4UHxC0pDzpPtjjvJFB4vR8EY21-KfK82IfXqBSqmhSDCmfmYN4q-eF4NTEH-RXB-NSEJ5ri_jFneS170VwxuBxLCkmQTLn1Su6-6kCKQguGbwA2-rFY25RsRYg/s400/Ambush_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079009488724637906" border="0" /></a><br /><i style=""><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Thracian player places scenery. There should be significantly more scenery than on a normal Warhammer Ancient Battles battlefield. Primary terrain should be rough rocky ground and forests. Small rivers, areas of brush or simple villages could also work. No piece of terrain can be placed within 2” of another. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Greek player deploys first. Their deployment zone is 6” deep onto the table. They may not deploy within 12” of a side (this should make a 6” deep by 24” wide rectangle for a deployment zone). Units may start in either skirmish or formed if able. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thracian player must either deploy his units at the start of the game in cover or hold them off the board to be deployed later. They must deploy at least 25% of their units on the board at the beginning of the game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Dangerous Country<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">The Thracians favored ambushes and night attacks against their Greek opponents. Using their superior mobility they would skirmish with the enemy, throwing javelins and retreating before the slower moving opponent could damage them. <o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48Xr2nJsX0Gd9TFJe456Rklf92Q4Hs2Z56YC6jUCJmXoiuKB3E8hIf7mX4RtnXyO4Zg1E52uGMDoNh3m83lmuq95hXFnNCyJD0p8a7evXOhzqPSn_CTmTgpTMZQubFJ9LfvdpdCochZE/s1600-h/Ambush_4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48Xr2nJsX0Gd9TFJe456Rklf92Q4Hs2Z56YC6jUCJmXoiuKB3E8hIf7mX4RtnXyO4Zg1E52uGMDoNh3m83lmuq95hXFnNCyJD0p8a7evXOhzqPSn_CTmTgpTMZQubFJ9LfvdpdCochZE/s400/Ambush_4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079009115062483074" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">At the beginning of any Thracian turn after the first, a Thracian player may deploy any off board units into terrain. The unit must be able to fit into (or directly behind, there is some wiggle room here) the terrain piece they are deploying into. Once they are deployed, they may move and charge normally. To represent the difficult nature (even for the Thracians) of organizing a successful ambush, roll a D6 after deploying a unit in this manner, if you roll a 1, they may not move or shoot this round. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At the end of any Thracian turn, the Thracian player may attempt to hide any of his units in cover. They must be entirely contained in the terrain piece they are attempting to hide in (although again, some wiggle room is necessary with certain impractical terrain pieces). The Thracian player rolls a LD check for the unit attempting to hide with the following modifiers. <span style=""> </span><i style=""><span style=""> </span></i><b style=""><u><span style=""> </span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">+1 If unit cannot be seen</p> <p class="MsoNormal">+1 If Chieftain or Shaman is with unit</p> <p class="MsoNormal">+1 If the unit did not move this turn</p> <p class="MsoNormal">-1 If enemy is within 8”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">-1 If enemy is in the terrain with you (this can apply along with “enemy is within 8”)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>If the unit passes the LD check it may be placed off board (and brought on later per the deployment rules above). This represents the Thracians ability to retreat into unknown terrain and attack from other directions and angles. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicVYDM8ElaRYItNyK-GXhK5C1RDF8wE7cu0sDDj7ZEj1O3tV0WcSp3EtljJsTC2S78Hm1_uCD2om1kDtNtwOZOAi6v5UfIl7nnqCXptZWsvAQEzLG0_jdeR04Dq9aAvGtHQuvHcT5f7o/s1600-h/Skirmish_2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicVYDM8ElaRYItNyK-GXhK5C1RDF8wE7cu0sDDj7ZEj1O3tV0WcSp3EtljJsTC2S78Hm1_uCD2om1kDtNtwOZOAi6v5UfIl7nnqCXptZWsvAQEzLG0_jdeR04Dq9aAvGtHQuvHcT5f7o/s400/Skirmish_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079009123652417698" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Any Greek unit may attempt to explore terrain at the end of their turn as long as they did not shoot or fight. To explore terrain you must have at least one model from the unit in (or at least touching if it is a linear obstacle of some kind) the terrain piece.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The unit attempting to explore the terrain must pass an Initiative (yes, Initiative, the stat that rarely gets used but is quite important) test. If this test is passed (equal to or lower) then the terrain piece is considered explored and should be marked in some way (dice, counter, fuzzy pipe cleaner or whatever). Once a terrain piece is explored, it cannot be used by the Thracian player to hide in or deploy from.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Obstacles<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Fighting on their home turf, Thracian tribes could use the environment to fight their Greek enemies. <o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_DUUQHmwoJHDocwAGOS0BjudyPdiZpD0U5TbtAhMCyYhqu2n70bxS4il00MRf4qKxMjG6QX4AG1yUBAPQc6GkCD38a99_Qasjq9fsfhMyUiIwa6brPJ6DIAR8k-LNg7KCRChG1gLzvM/s1600-h/Obstacle_3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_DUUQHmwoJHDocwAGOS0BjudyPdiZpD0U5TbtAhMCyYhqu2n70bxS4il00MRf4qKxMjG6QX4AG1yUBAPQc6GkCD38a99_Qasjq9fsfhMyUiIwa6brPJ6DIAR8k-LNg7KCRChG1gLzvM/s400/Obstacle_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079009115062483058" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Thracian player gets D3 obstacles per game. Obstacles are small terrain pieces like felled trees and boulders rolled into position. Each obstacle should measure about 3-5” across and be really no deeper than 2-3”. These count as linear obstacles in game terms. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Obstacles may be placed at the beginning of the Thracian players turn after any off board units have been deployed. Only one obstacle can be placed per turn and it cannot be placed within 8” of a Greek unit. As soon as the obstacle is placed a single remaining off board unit may be placed behind it as to defend the obstacle. This is the only time a unit may be placed from off board with the obstacle. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">No additional units may hide in the obstacle or be placed from off board in it. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Sample Scenario<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">The Situation<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A small force of Greek soldiers is marching through Thracian territory. They are deep in hostile land and have to escape as the local tribesmen have become violent. The Greek soldiers are carrying valuable information on the terrain and enemy disposition and must escape. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">The Forces<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">These are just sample forces. Feel free to use whatever models you have in your collection for these troops and mix and match size and armaments. This should be fun.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcv3OHjds9rcMV6HS3dT72XGFhcelzY3TOr9lhdwTxuTEkdTyO5l1XN7RJih9F36TgEd0mWAurJsVPY2vk9fJaIEjb8g-HwGUWUCG83SdNOUSbhouw2ujc_YKSCnHAfs_tpC0z0iNm6s/s1600-h/_40510213_1headafpbig.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcv3OHjds9rcMV6HS3dT72XGFhcelzY3TOr9lhdwTxuTEkdTyO5l1XN7RJih9F36TgEd0mWAurJsVPY2vk9fJaIEjb8g-HwGUWUCG83SdNOUSbhouw2ujc_YKSCnHAfs_tpC0z0iNm6s/s400/_40510213_1headafpbig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079010029890517218" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u>Thracian (591 Pts)<o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1 Chieftain </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Hand Weapon; Javelins; Light Armor; Shield</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1 Chieftain </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Hand Weapon; Javelins; Light Armor; Shield</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Mountain Tribesmen </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Leader; Standard; Musician; Javelins; Buckler</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Mountain Tribesmen </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Leader; Standard; Musician; Javelins; Buckler</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">8 Mountain Tribesmen </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Leader; Standard; Musician; Javelins; Buckler</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Lowland Tribesmen </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Leader; Standard; Musician; Thrusting Spear; Javelins; Buckler</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Mountain Tribesmen </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Leader; Standard; Musician; Rhomphaia; Javelins; Buckler</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><br /></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IwmQcX-k7C6EJc7I4j-LrIdl3nYS-txcksJKrJRwh6f58syKh9fuk-c9Fa9EQjATRqv3bA-za55ZgYZqA5NNy69VrGQ9Ptsp_fChUpV4EsN0eUVwvtz6TotAcJG33rHr49NBpzCsdbI/s1600-h/vase41.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IwmQcX-k7C6EJc7I4j-LrIdl3nYS-txcksJKrJRwh6f58syKh9fuk-c9Fa9EQjATRqv3bA-za55ZgYZqA5NNy69VrGQ9Ptsp_fChUpV4EsN0eUVwvtz6TotAcJG33rHr49NBpzCsdbI/s400/vase41.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079011472999528706" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u>Greek (563 Pts)<o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1 Xenagos</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Mercenary Hoplites</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Large Shield</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 League Hoplites</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Large Shield</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Veteran Hoplites</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Psiloi</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Short Bow; Dagger; Javelins</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Psiloi</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Javelin & Buckler; Leader; Dagger</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Victory Conditions <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5f4JQSwOrK17e7r38m4v8Q3h3i3F62tQPrYWhYEiobfsk9JZ562c6C_tNLjPRhokXSxi_oUw7isyS2N6KL_dBlQC7TB-AM_-HAh-zI3xr4mKQkg9kkDAY4gqQz-9kRs-K0nvourT6upA/s1600-h/Ambush_Far.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5f4JQSwOrK17e7r38m4v8Q3h3i3F62tQPrYWhYEiobfsk9JZ562c6C_tNLjPRhokXSxi_oUw7isyS2N6KL_dBlQC7TB-AM_-HAh-zI3xr4mKQkg9kkDAY4gqQz-9kRs-K0nvourT6upA/s400/Ambush_Far.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079009119357450386" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Greek player is trying to get as many points to escape off the opposite board edge as possible. If more than 50% of the Greek points get off the board then it is a major victory for the Greeks. If between 25% and 50% get off the board it is a minor Greek victory. If less than 25% of the Greek points get off the board it is a Thracian victory. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For a Greek unit to count as escaping they must get to the opposite board edge from their deployment zone. As soon as they touch the board edge during movement they are removed and points are counted for them. If any part of the unit escapes, the whole units cost is counted. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The game can be played with no turn limit but should easily be finished within 10-12 turns. </p>Brintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008950970508316487.post-62952181414372285402007-06-19T17:59:00.001-07:002007-06-19T18:05:57.917-07:00The Thracians<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySQYY4yUj2ZZUtkn2PjHfiKXkTtjU3JdBAQLK3xnBU7jxvD8EAvUBB0nLNebLWz1M-n3NVjAh6HcZhFDd2WTBYtP9e_CyEbxzm5Rw2rl_JF8jvD0NI0zJqej4LJGzg0gL9lRysVS-9v0/s1600-h/peltast1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySQYY4yUj2ZZUtkn2PjHfiKXkTtjU3JdBAQLK3xnBU7jxvD8EAvUBB0nLNebLWz1M-n3NVjAh6HcZhFDd2WTBYtP9e_CyEbxzm5Rw2rl_JF8jvD0NI0zJqej4LJGzg0gL9lRysVS-9v0/s400/peltast1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077945565195876370" border="0" /></a><br />The Thracians were an Indo European people who lived in the area north of <st1:country-region st="on">Greece</st1:country-region> and around the area of modern <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bulgaria</st1:place></st1:country-region>. They were a numerous people stretching into <st1:place st="on">Asia Minor</st1:place> and north into the Balkans. Thracians were a tribal people with the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">land</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">Thrace</st1:placename></st1:place> divided into as many as 40 different major tribes. A warlike and boisterous people, who valued warriors and plunder, they fought for and against just about every civilization they encountered. Seriously, these guys (and gals) were bad asses.<p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65z_-iB8AJmL2jJPnQ1i17ONGdH01-MQjM8O0m0tW-8fpYqyPycWvPzltncekDp6GUf3Pli53DWIDxfiUlorAm9zaEhDGq4Bx6NQkulTRbQDbBfnddzG5XQ_wpi7QWjaY609uvtjkfcw/s1600-h/mapPelopWar.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65z_-iB8AJmL2jJPnQ1i17ONGdH01-MQjM8O0m0tW-8fpYqyPycWvPzltncekDp6GUf3Pli53DWIDxfiUlorAm9zaEhDGq4Bx6NQkulTRbQDbBfnddzG5XQ_wpi7QWjaY609uvtjkfcw/s400/mapPelopWar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077945560900909058" border="0" /></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve always had a soft spot for the tribes bordering the more recognized/civilized areas and Thracians are no different. I’ve managed to acquire and paint a fair number of the little guys in 28mm to use as peltasts for my Greek army. But I’d love to give them their own army, their own chance to shine not as some auxiliary arm of slow ponderous hoplites. Each time I think this, I do a quick count of the Thracians I have that are painted (around 60) and think of the amount I would need to finish to give them an army of their own. I then go into a corner and cry myself to sleep where I have nightmares of painting another 120 geometrically patterned tribesmen. I don’t know if I have the stamina to paint all those tribesmen when I know in a straight up fight they’ll still have a rough go at the hands of period opposition.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5q5nqBrZ6zWMc0NzjbgomW93S1M5ph66mPNakiBCBe5pOEloWjHw-gZZh-bd67tZyVcJk0r_Br8O1VxLZBvW46NdmOJe1zAay1wlhXszblgz_3fdzJVarpFrXzUTABIYCcT88C2qGdc/s1600-h/250px-Trak_peltasta.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5q5nqBrZ6zWMc0NzjbgomW93S1M5ph66mPNakiBCBe5pOEloWjHw-gZZh-bd67tZyVcJk0r_Br8O1VxLZBvW46NdmOJe1zAay1wlhXszblgz_3fdzJVarpFrXzUTABIYCcT88C2qGdc/s400/250px-Trak_peltasta.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077945560900909042" border="0" /></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So what to do? There are already great figures, great lists and great history for the Thracians but I’m having trouble getting them involved in a great game. Then I thought about it some more…and I happened to be flipping through an Osprey and saw this picture.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUL7E2Dn6GIAcT3U-4UIckAVXrmcuSrkk3Tz46wlnl0uRTmhB0HQ0RF9AK9jzQLdtKNWSct4MuqFp11Fs55qmZ4quUKI2zWHkHl0bOvvq_76-e6kVvE05NO_BDrig6dCVIaW3_j5cCB40/s1600-h/thracian_fight.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUL7E2Dn6GIAcT3U-4UIckAVXrmcuSrkk3Tz46wlnl0uRTmhB0HQ0RF9AK9jzQLdtKNWSct4MuqFp11Fs55qmZ4quUKI2zWHkHl0bOvvq_76-e6kVvE05NO_BDrig6dCVIaW3_j5cCB40/s400/thracian_fight.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077945887318423618" border="0" /></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was going about this all wrong. Thracians shouldn’t be shoehorned into big linear battle lines. They should be fighting skirmishes and ambushes. They need to be surrounded by the rough ground of their native lands savagely attacking out of the rocks and woods. They needed scenarios that played to their strengths and had them fight the way they did historically (90% of the time). Don’t get me wrong, the existing Thracian list is great, and they are definitely fun and useful to include as allies in a period army. I would love to field an entire 2000 pt Thracian army but I have no delusions of grandeur about its likely performance against the pike blocks and companions of Macedon.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5SPN9pVYSP8d_2QBkfCkVzxs7nG3hSs0AHGxbDS6nFXZ0_UyG2nnQVb8_aHuWKY8-aCNo2OmV8L5PJ4O6PSKvXtnl4htnoRrd-nWl1WV9-lJJ69-P7rv3IZ_3TDnhE2TzpvXdG-ikDU/s1600-h/thracian1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5SPN9pVYSP8d_2QBkfCkVzxs7nG3hSs0AHGxbDS6nFXZ0_UyG2nnQVb8_aHuWKY8-aCNo2OmV8L5PJ4O6PSKvXtnl4htnoRrd-nWl1WV9-lJJ69-P7rv3IZ_3TDnhE2TzpvXdG-ikDU/s400/thracian1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077945565195876386" border="0" /></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So I’ve created a skirmish mini-game within the Warhammer Ancient Battles system to hopefully make for some fun battles between Thracian tribes and their multiple enemies (starting with the Greeks). I’ll have the basic rules uploaded in the next day or two and then add additional scenarios as I can. They are pretty loose and hopefully fun. The idea is to play a quick game with a friend focusing on just one small part of the larger conflicts in the region. An ambush of a marching column, skirmishes between foragers or even a night raid on a Thracian hill fort will all be covered. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznJ1U3XNh_Mdu7yexGPVW1C7a17F8L7rij_7RZqX_1DpCSRcCNGtBa2Swy_LJtr4vicREGfSIeWYiUKG4g3_MTuBwf0zB6QiIS0bcnFfb6S2T1LBcMjxzC_bhbjuWaleV5C_UuyLNkyE/s1600-h/Ambush_3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznJ1U3XNh_Mdu7yexGPVW1C7a17F8L7rij_7RZqX_1DpCSRcCNGtBa2Swy_LJtr4vicREGfSIeWYiUKG4g3_MTuBwf0zB6QiIS0bcnFfb6S2T1LBcMjxzC_bhbjuWaleV5C_UuyLNkyE/s400/Ambush_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077945891613390930" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Battles will focus on between 50-60 figures and around 600-700pts per side. Basically, Thracians are a fascinating people on and off the battlefield and I wanted to give them a chance to shine (even if it is just in my own little games). </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Comments welcome.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">-Brinton </p>Brintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008950970508316487.post-51253833669470535752007-06-01T13:15:00.000-07:002007-06-01T13:33:41.789-07:00Answering Questions.A few people (both at the convention and online) have asked how the board was created, so i've decided to answer, and how. It was my first time making a complete scenery board and I was on a rather short deadline (due to some flakey terrain makers) but I think it turned out decently. There are already a ton of great sites showing how to construct a scenery board that I took inspiration from. The useful thing about this was that the whole thing was created indoors, with no power tools or noxious fumes.<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The whole board is made out of 2” thick sections of blue Styrofoam. I bought a little extra expecting to mess up some so my poor little car was full of the stuff for a day. It was cut into 4’x 2’ sections for the base and the cliff was made out of 2’x 2’ sections. This allowed for transport, storage and still held onto a good aesthetic (there weren’t to many seams). </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopQTscZMpTAZvrG0njnkRzavJiv9sHyAgKTvBf9wOYR-Qtk1AB4SzuLSmcpdsSXqpKQxILCF0S3ux8NErFDCjzHcrG18ZEqQhK9iRfNs5GS4uCRRLN2LEj_Uu-5w0a0mcAZno1rON52M/s1600-h/the_foam.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopQTscZMpTAZvrG0njnkRzavJiv9sHyAgKTvBf9wOYR-Qtk1AB4SzuLSmcpdsSXqpKQxILCF0S3ux8NErFDCjzHcrG18ZEqQhK9iRfNs5GS4uCRRLN2LEj_Uu-5w0a0mcAZno1rON52M/s400/the_foam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071194009112060370" border="0" /></a><br />Here you can see my poor dining room covered in drop clothes and stacks of foam. I’m still in the process of cleaning; it was a huge hassle to do all this in a one bedroom apartment.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoGbFIhOwogrX-WW15VDBO_rDpO8ADQ3YY-ysoPBiTgwU9fv_0VhdHnWY2aVBPO4gkZt_X7EPUtGjSKTj-rQPcBqHedwghDcQjbAq7LRDZ7vCzBpvNks13De4_WmAzeiC3EAuGfld780/s1600-h/the_plan.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoGbFIhOwogrX-WW15VDBO_rDpO8ADQ3YY-ysoPBiTgwU9fv_0VhdHnWY2aVBPO4gkZt_X7EPUtGjSKTj-rQPcBqHedwghDcQjbAq7LRDZ7vCzBpvNks13De4_WmAzeiC3EAuGfld780/s400/the_plan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071194013407027682" border="0" /></a><br />I laid out the boards on the floor and marked a line across for reference (at the 12” mark). </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TP15iFH9jUybh9Cts0WI1_di3DcEWrABzcaP-j3Lcz3HKJFevcwwRoH4DFZqYNNBWHO1sdf2xwS5-ZO17GRhpQGGzzfQadjWY-gkK_SxTubu9jE90Y76QOVe2O_gOxayBOKw6cIMiHU/s1600-h/first_cut.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TP15iFH9jUybh9Cts0WI1_di3DcEWrABzcaP-j3Lcz3HKJFevcwwRoH4DFZqYNNBWHO1sdf2xwS5-ZO17GRhpQGGzzfQadjWY-gkK_SxTubu9jE90Y76QOVe2O_gOxayBOKw6cIMiHU/s400/first_cut.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071193291852521794" border="0" /></a><br />I marked the basic shape of the board and cliffs using figures for reference. I knew about how wide I wanted it at the thinnest parts and went from there. I used some reference maps for the general shape and made sure to include the narrow portions that made the hot gates. I then proceeded to my first cut. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iCKaTXg8l6rdX1QMBpkuHmkyJEnnxy8JJSBuJofWi-Gbc5dL5vtXZgtm4RJxm3OBfVPd-Le_cYkSbo12R9YdLdc_HNPPQ6-TvsK8kq_Aaxvz_mwYO5v1flIxmWkQwZfgz5qawLC8u_0/s1600-h/height_2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iCKaTXg8l6rdX1QMBpkuHmkyJEnnxy8JJSBuJofWi-Gbc5dL5vtXZgtm4RJxm3OBfVPd-Le_cYkSbo12R9YdLdc_HNPPQ6-TvsK8kq_Aaxvz_mwYO5v1flIxmWkQwZfgz5qawLC8u_0/s400/height_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071193794363695474" border="0" /></a><br />Here you can see the height of cliff compared to the 28mm figures. The main portion of the cliff would be 6” high with another 2” augmenting that to make the mountain trail. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnxvKSiXb8O7ix0U6bjnotBHAZE9u2_K9KQVYOOZ4WWhZv8XNA7Qz93-AayJBlSCjHcRBV0Q9N1y8m5094jHfRZUHuEeD9VHWKjSVksMyBhYqj3QX1OAEN4ogFIgKQP7mv2q5Nbqb8oI/s1600-h/foam_scraps.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnxvKSiXb8O7ix0U6bjnotBHAZE9u2_K9KQVYOOZ4WWhZv8XNA7Qz93-AayJBlSCjHcRBV0Q9N1y8m5094jHfRZUHuEeD9VHWKjSVksMyBhYqj3QX1OAEN4ogFIgKQP7mv2q5Nbqb8oI/s400/foam_scraps.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071193781478793554" border="0" /></a><br />I cut the foam with a foam cutting blade. This is basically a long exacto blade style knife. I couldn’t use a foam cutter since most of this was being done at night after work and inside my apartment. Cutting made a huge mess on the floor but I figured the cleanup would be better than sniffing toxic fumes for a few nights. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlXPg20jbWNSz7fNeg0i_qACUuJDtEIpoxj8vsd7Q_kBmdxudcDMurzzAKQPJtqHyQpoyWHBhbktmoN9xrJzhuvs4-3DrWMYyvhyphenhypheniu4aLE-3zch-zAY8BTaqCQQeskqGn-u5EJmPSWmI/s1600-h/bare_cliff_1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlXPg20jbWNSz7fNeg0i_qACUuJDtEIpoxj8vsd7Q_kBmdxudcDMurzzAKQPJtqHyQpoyWHBhbktmoN9xrJzhuvs4-3DrWMYyvhyphenhypheniu4aLE-3zch-zAY8BTaqCQQeskqGn-u5EJmPSWmI/s400/bare_cliff_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071193244607881474" border="0" /></a><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSUnaKNHGxUqRI_8AbsVdG-UPuOj2VinO7cVjURAI2PKg37AmGxnA4s6TlpK-BEI1lCPLv2-xlngWrpS0U-WdTNOJ4QpakN1hjK-6N3tTTsXUnLCmo6G9BtAKK-NiyDvuraMq0J0ejHo/s1600-h/books.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSUnaKNHGxUqRI_8AbsVdG-UPuOj2VinO7cVjURAI2PKg37AmGxnA4s6TlpK-BEI1lCPLv2-xlngWrpS0U-WdTNOJ4QpakN1hjK-6N3tTTsXUnLCmo6G9BtAKK-NiyDvuraMq0J0ejHo/s400/books.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071193253197816082" border="0" /></a><br />Once the cliffs were cut out I stacked them up on my table and glued them together to form the final 2’x 2’ sections that are 6” high. I stacked heavy (nerdy) books on top of the sections while they dried to make sure there were minimal gaps. When I glued the second and subsequent sections I placed its adjoining (already glued) section next to it to help line them up properly and ensure a tight fit.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2Rr46C8EpjlVPDcCQANoDhHxiGNuMrHoskKDL62FZ0o_5DlmOvG2ZbelHv5cCDZLWMYHLgasFV0UUWEgrWSejsLuUctVXN-IRcnrmq2R0f5tp_KGxQDuJVNguL3eDMA5-RECuQlzJU4/s1600-h/edges.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2Rr46C8EpjlVPDcCQANoDhHxiGNuMrHoskKDL62FZ0o_5DlmOvG2ZbelHv5cCDZLWMYHLgasFV0UUWEgrWSejsLuUctVXN-IRcnrmq2R0f5tp_KGxQDuJVNguL3eDMA5-RECuQlzJU4/s400/edges.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071193261787750690" border="0" /></a><br />The front cliffs didn’t line up perfectly but that is okay because I just hacked away at them when they were all glued to make it reasonably seamless. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUAeWPSc1-6vaWItlqRhDrtVDxA5cnJHGQTfukpmDmBW5h6_Sa3vjiWjeIz7bwKz3PjBTYg07_l-1cSVDU8QdVg46s2D0etQiQa01Ly_MpbLLOrDPrEdX4GZH0jt_puRxLZ_SA4TTRsw/s1600-h/Sand_1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUAeWPSc1-6vaWItlqRhDrtVDxA5cnJHGQTfukpmDmBW5h6_Sa3vjiWjeIz7bwKz3PjBTYg07_l-1cSVDU8QdVg46s2D0etQiQa01Ly_MpbLLOrDPrEdX4GZH0jt_puRxLZ_SA4TTRsw/s400/Sand_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071193996227158450" border="0" /></a><br />I then painted the top surfaces with slightly thinned down white glue and added a mixture of different grain sands.<br /></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzniuWEKr0KQeckk21jiitCY0pfu7w8CcdgjFKLJm1n6gTsAmZPSZoHSxtDHuv1AOczJVDrN_ue1m_MLmTSK_6sow-FqqcHhKO6ay_f_PAOqHDzErfJpO6K7qHAg-sYZUjkZCugN1NTn8/s1600-h/Sand_2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzniuWEKr0KQeckk21jiitCY0pfu7w8CcdgjFKLJm1n6gTsAmZPSZoHSxtDHuv1AOczJVDrN_ue1m_MLmTSK_6sow-FqqcHhKO6ay_f_PAOqHDzErfJpO6K7qHAg-sYZUjkZCugN1NTn8/s400/Sand_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071194004817093058" border="0" /></a><br />I used a very scientific method of clasping a handful of sand in my fist and then shaking it out over the whole board to give a good, light coverage. I then turned the boards on their side to get rid of the excess.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_L0W6xz_npAuD-PcRux7DzH0hcSPMmqum9Gs4UiH8yUS2eMuKzdJG6uTivWBXvmq8lPF7rDnTttwRGjko6NetMqB2sZk2qzgr_VJ48JzcC89GFD49xgdZyi3jt-eTFeMzD1qfzb_DBfM/s1600-h/Paint_1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_L0W6xz_npAuD-PcRux7DzH0hcSPMmqum9Gs4UiH8yUS2eMuKzdJG6uTivWBXvmq8lPF7rDnTttwRGjko6NetMqB2sZk2qzgr_VJ48JzcC89GFD49xgdZyi3jt-eTFeMzD1qfzb_DBfM/s400/Paint_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071193802953630082" border="0" /></a><br />Once the sand had thoroughly dried, the painting began. This was probably the most painfully time consuming section. During painting I watched the Champions league final, most of a season of Big Love, The Lost Boys and some other movies/shows I can’t remember. I painted a base coat of dark brown over the entire surface. It was difficult to get into a lot of the cuts and crevasses in the rocky cliff surface and I had to use different sized brushes to make sure it was all covered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlX3LY3X8SDSPYUw__GA3X1BmXSvPzdPwTf_PmwhEXCaQAnEe_xIz6X8JmujAa_q-NKWpwKOAZhO4xNW6l70CVaXWHnjOR5pbXq8Najdo_Ezr7Bez7NxPnZ0VCFo6De84lrAeCpV6p37w/s1600-h/Paint_2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlX3LY3X8SDSPYUw__GA3X1BmXSvPzdPwTf_PmwhEXCaQAnEe_xIz6X8JmujAa_q-NKWpwKOAZhO4xNW6l70CVaXWHnjOR5pbXq8Najdo_Ezr7Bez7NxPnZ0VCFo6De84lrAeCpV6p37w/s400/Paint_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071193811543564690" border="0" /></a><br />I then heavily dry brushed a yellowish sand color over the entire surface as well. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After that dry brush was done, I added a final lighter dry brush of a whiter sand color. A road was dry brushed in bleached bone as a final addition to break up the flat terrain a little. The final pictures of the board in action can be seen in the post before this.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wuo2H7XCsNdY3nZcBsfw2yzxjzpyKvf3hhDAQpiSmuYtuvaBHXxhyNRvjsQVCe_PByLfrGpW3dfJeUeB3J6O_HmCn2Pxz66Xhs-KXdpb3rM-ktK0D7qxnBD-I41g3cPtQ2Ksz2ATLOA/s1600-h/Final_bits.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wuo2H7XCsNdY3nZcBsfw2yzxjzpyKvf3hhDAQpiSmuYtuvaBHXxhyNRvjsQVCe_PByLfrGpW3dfJeUeB3J6O_HmCn2Pxz66Xhs-KXdpb3rM-ktK0D7qxnBD-I41g3cPtQ2Ksz2ATLOA/s400/Final_bits.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071193283262587186" border="0" /></a><br />The top pieces to the cliff were carved from off cuts of the main board. They are separate pieces placed at the top of the cliff for additional height/separation from the mountain trail. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">All in all I’m happy with the results and the relatively simple techniques created a decent presentation. Total build time a little over 2 weeks of mainly evenings.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Someone also commented wanting to know about the scenario cards used so I’ve added their text below. X2 means there are two of these cards in the deck. I made these to bring flavor to the scenario as well as teach some of the history of the battle.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>As always, comments, questions, insults and threats are all welcome.<br /><br />-Brinton<br /><div style="border-style: none none solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color windowtext; border-width: medium medium 1pt; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium none ; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Whips of the barbarians X2</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Persian forces get an extra D6” added to their basic movement this round. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“Persian casualties were high, because their regimental commanders wielded whips and urged every single man ever onward from behind”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;" align="right"><i style="">-Herodotus<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Death of Leonidas</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Spartans must charge the nearest enemy unit and must pursue a defeated enemy. This lasts for D3 turns. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“The Persians and Lacedaemonians grappled at length with one another over the corpse of Leonidas, but the Greeks fought so well and so bravely that they eventually succeeded in dragging his body away.”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">-Herodotus<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">We shall fight in the shade X2</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Persian units do not get a -1 to shooting while moving this round. Persian units may use massed archery while moving this round.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“…when they fired their bows, they hid the sun with the mass of arrows.”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;" align="right"><i style="">-Herodotus<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Xerxes demands obedience X2</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A single Persian unit may re-roll a break or panic check this round. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Xerxes considered himself a living god and demanded obedience from his followers.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Oracles</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Greek forces gain D3 oracles.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“The first warning the Greeks in <st1:place st="on">Thermopylae</st1:place> got was when the diviner Megistias inspected the entrails of his sacrificial victims…”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;" align="right"><i style="">-Herodotus<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Artemision</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The naval triumphs at Artermision inspire the Greek side. Gain 1 oracle.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Artemision was the second part of the Greek plan to hold the Persians at <st1:place st="on">Thermopylae</st1:place>. A severely outnumbered Greek fleet (along with rough seas) dealt a great blow to the Persian naval forces.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:16;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Thebans desert</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lose D6 hoplites from the allied unit. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“Then they held out their hands in surrender and approached the Persians.”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;" align="right"><i style="">-Herodotus<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Brintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008950970508316487.post-32235915078275532982007-05-29T16:55:00.000-07:002007-05-29T17:12:00.607-07:00Pictures, Pictures, PicturesI ran a scenario of Thermopylae over the weekend at a local convention (Gamex, for those in southern <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">California</st1:place></st1:state>) as support for our chapter of HMGS-PSW. I’ve written up the whole scenario below for those interested, just look at the post before this appropriately titled <st1:place st="on">Thermopylae</st1:place> (sneaky I know). <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>I ran the scenario a couple times throughout the day as it is a relatively short game (a little over 2 hours once things get going) and had a load of fun doing it. Here are the pictures I managed to take during the event.</p>Click on pictures to make them bigger!<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQE7dU8S3i0IboMa5J630Ss0gqSwAXSXOTOTmsECyD4zSO3jDhlRPLWun5TqAJp_9s5yfD5M3iK5bxRikrehtO8t2XKStUNJzwkww3D1pep6vpatYwabroiuceoOPzshLBHwlpyLQ6Zg/s1600-h/Top_View_1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQE7dU8S3i0IboMa5J630Ss0gqSwAXSXOTOTmsECyD4zSO3jDhlRPLWun5TqAJp_9s5yfD5M3iK5bxRikrehtO8t2XKStUNJzwkww3D1pep6vpatYwabroiuceoOPzshLBHwlpyLQ6Zg/s400/Top_View_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070136738487640306" border="0"></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Spartans and allies defend the pass while the Phocians face the Immortals on the mountain trail above.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdQUzALZiZrOcr5ihaBMV67b0CMpF8o997Mb7z1mJshpGLtFBJ8cht77t9FgTbEYkWYKAyEBhrGsuY0Sw_gXZ6jTHEXVAX5n7WgkwCH6_rjYCUYjmxdJclASqJDUA3pWFtlvqMq0T-8k/s1600-h/height_1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdQUzALZiZrOcr5ihaBMV67b0CMpF8o997Mb7z1mJshpGLtFBJ8cht77t9FgTbEYkWYKAyEBhrGsuY0Sw_gXZ6jTHEXVAX5n7WgkwCH6_rjYCUYjmxdJclASqJDUA3pWFtlvqMq0T-8k/s400/height_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070136708422869202" border="0"></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>The Greeks start in their position defending the Phocian wall facing the advancing Persian horde in the pass.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgja6am4396sqRAK1IQZWsQhYO5TcHDyu621Bh8Xikjlb_Siitl0eT2kvrYHDavyqahGfZ7oECisoKWECTxNcHoBNRbTclPbecq_19kS98vRstTF3-b5NrqNbHvot7oNM_glx7QMxgVL28/s1600-h/Mountain_Pass_1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgja6am4396sqRAK1IQZWsQhYO5TcHDyu621Bh8Xikjlb_Siitl0eT2kvrYHDavyqahGfZ7oECisoKWECTxNcHoBNRbTclPbecq_19kS98vRstTF3-b5NrqNbHvot7oNM_glx7QMxgVL28/s400/Mountain_Pass_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070136725602738402" border="0"></a><br />Brave Phocians defending the trail against the elite of the Persian Empire.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5JtwZSoyiLQlCtmH3tgxOZL3HHePfxUtinTqTp6DLHzFk_JaZUvvclWXiWX3ekE790tyHWwqrIs4qy81HoQTHFxMKCWgbZRUehkGXflSpYRqrMZLuYdOo5n1UfgE8W_Sq6sViykovoQ/s1600-h/Battle_2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5JtwZSoyiLQlCtmH3tgxOZL3HHePfxUtinTqTp6DLHzFk_JaZUvvclWXiWX3ekE790tyHWwqrIs4qy81HoQTHFxMKCWgbZRUehkGXflSpYRqrMZLuYdOo5n1UfgE8W_Sq6sViykovoQ/s400/Battle_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070136382005354626" border="0"></a><br />The Greeks quickly tired of the Persian arrows and attacked in both the pass and the mountain trail. You can see the remnants of the Greek army withdrawing to the left. They had to get off the board before the Immortals flanked them.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH-4XOhdqdYcpZxOsOYQU4k6Bv0pFuB7WvAKRK-8p75A-h_Iak5GS2Bo_v_Lm8dVXeWiCw6MeXom1aoAtj6Jrx-yK7Bu_veh2ewxNNvOl1ra2-L146MQuVe4mMgh_0ChsHdjBiFAmrMU/s1600-h/Battle_1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH-4XOhdqdYcpZxOsOYQU4k6Bv0pFuB7WvAKRK-8p75A-h_Iak5GS2Bo_v_Lm8dVXeWiCw6MeXom1aoAtj6Jrx-yK7Bu_veh2ewxNNvOl1ra2-L146MQuVe4mMgh_0ChsHdjBiFAmrMU/s400/Battle_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070136360530518130" border="0"></a><br />The Greeks driving forward pushing the Persians back. The basic Persian infantry just couldn't hold them off for long although their arrows did serious damage when they had the chance.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCst94fTK8HZ-dbNKvTQat8apyBQ9FtN_Y5lGC0W6eBj1dlknGn2IkIGX2g72Skjcx1Z5zV2MEp6nvkh_O2norWzBrWak9oqDkeVV5fMZB7eLAmFqwkVvOpZGGEJqFBltMfo-bHSUa4iU/s1600-h/Battle_3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCst94fTK8HZ-dbNKvTQat8apyBQ9FtN_Y5lGC0W6eBj1dlknGn2IkIGX2g72Skjcx1Z5zV2MEp6nvkh_O2norWzBrWak9oqDkeVV5fMZB7eLAmFqwkVvOpZGGEJqFBltMfo-bHSUa4iU/s400/Battle_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070136407775158418" border="0"></a><br />The Greeks in the pass have pushed all the way to the Persian board edge. They were soon sorrounded and killed but they bought their retreating allies time to get away.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wuyHp_JiEaK2q7UnQINvLSX4spdwh57NyfiTEaF7kjcR36Slgl5UrqicJIlgSbVNPE6xy3_-ATTvb1Zh-mVU6jY4zp5kTIwZ4Sq-yhzXfCi1VZ9VAkeXF2LV-J9x6io3cAWtv4m0KnU/s1600-h/Escape_1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wuyHp_JiEaK2q7UnQINvLSX4spdwh57NyfiTEaF7kjcR36Slgl5UrqicJIlgSbVNPE6xy3_-ATTvb1Zh-mVU6jY4zp5kTIwZ4Sq-yhzXfCi1VZ9VAkeXF2LV-J9x6io3cAWtv4m0KnU/s400/Escape_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070136420660060322" border="0"></a><br />It's a foot race between the withdrawing Greeks in the pass and the Immortals on the mountain trail.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNV5l8nqZ-nUEV4GtsdouYJYMLgNDrGgK7ilDFdLqNKqPtg_ZRNS4-dRlUFAJoI1OB6WdHGT_-h4US8JZWntxcNLlSpQ6OOwIvqEOfHvy-a2iaBjx7rE_vBg87gs0rdAbxMfPB2m188M/s1600-h/Full_Table_1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNV5l8nqZ-nUEV4GtsdouYJYMLgNDrGgK7ilDFdLqNKqPtg_ZRNS4-dRlUFAJoI1OB6WdHGT_-h4US8JZWntxcNLlSpQ6OOwIvqEOfHvy-a2iaBjx7rE_vBg87gs0rdAbxMfPB2m188M/s400/Full_Table_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070136699832934594" border="0"></a><br />A wide shot of the board built for the scenario.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnJ3E1OzGavGXyArb5BnJZnDS1yjtb_fBcegA1nc51MK6KiOVBVP8wU8UtpIAHeCntXz7VJNeo9-wt_94Rk0wmoEIfprFqg5YKyUKWhaxIlDe4PIPRPF6tLrMc6rIyeJVbkIHNnDVCDw/s1600-h/Event_Cards.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnJ3E1OzGavGXyArb5BnJZnDS1yjtb_fBcegA1nc51MK6KiOVBVP8wU8UtpIAHeCntXz7VJNeo9-wt_94Rk0wmoEIfprFqg5YKyUKWhaxIlDe4PIPRPF6tLrMc6rIyeJVbkIHNnDVCDw/s400/Event_Cards.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070136682653065394" border="0"></a><br />Scenario cards made for the battle. This allowed me to throw in some random elements to both sides such as Thebans deserting.<br /><br />As always, comments and questions are welcome. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>-Brinton </p>Brintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008950970508316487.post-52865161791082765712007-05-29T16:30:00.001-07:002007-05-29T16:54:27.237-07:00Thermopylae – 480 BC<h2><a name="_Toc160612903"></a><a name="_Toc125790797"></a><st1:place st="on"><span style=""><span style="">Thermopylae</span></span></st1:place><span style=""><span style=""> – 480 BC</span></span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal">Spartans and allies vs. <b style="">Persians</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">A Warhammer Ancient Battles Scenario<br /><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Strategic situation</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In 480 B.C. Xerxes, mighty king of the Persian Empire was marching south into <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Greece</st1:place></st1:country-region> attempting to conquer the city states that had caused his father trouble in the past. While some cities did submit and give the token of earth and water to the Persian king, there were those that determined to fight the vast army invading their land. The two most powerful city states of the era, <st1:city st="on">Athens</st1:city> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Sparta</st1:city></st1:place> refused the great kings demands and chose to fight. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Plans were made, but like on most issues, the city states were divided on which course of action to pursue. Many of the southern cities preferred to defend the <st1:place st="on">Isthmus of Corinth</st1:place> while cities farther north felt that they were being abandoned. The gifted Athenian Themistocles felt the war would be won at sea and did his best to keep a concentrated fleet together to defeat the Persians there. More and more Greek cities were thinking of joining the <st1:place st="on">Persian Empire</st1:place> in order to avoid ruin at the hands of the vast conquering army. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leonidas of Sparta led a small force of Spartans to the hot gates at <st1:place st="on">Thermopylae</st1:place> where the terrain made a strong defensive position where few could hold many. His intentions cannot be known for sure, but many believe he went there to martyr himself in order to prompt the rest of the Greek city states into action. Whatever his final goals where, his immediate desire was to hold the Persian army at the pass and therefore give the rest of the Greek mainland time to prepare. The fabled 300 Spartans were joined by about 7,000 other hoplites from city states around <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Greece</st1:place></st1:country-region> determined to hold the pass for as long as possible.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfA01rLqmHH1RlXq5BoRrXPC06mSFsUan2VxUINZZ-2VWvJ3V6eugclfmnMMl97l5o_PHEKwaq5U9MPpmh-3oVY1RKLZ1EoG-_0kfZboQ_wrMAhrEaEum7rUv1hCFX2Owf5ZJkM7oakA/s1600-h/ThermopylaeBattleMovements.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfA01rLqmHH1RlXq5BoRrXPC06mSFsUan2VxUINZZ-2VWvJ3V6eugclfmnMMl97l5o_PHEKwaq5U9MPpmh-3oVY1RKLZ1EoG-_0kfZboQ_wrMAhrEaEum7rUv1hCFX2Owf5ZJkM7oakA/s400/ThermopylaeBattleMovements.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070129913784606786" border="0" /></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><u>The forces</u></b></span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve attempted to represent the battle in about 1 figure = 10 soldiers scale. This is not an exact number but more of a general feeling. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Greeks<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">24 Spartan Hoplites w/ light armor</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is Leonidas and his elite bodyguard of Spartan hoplites. I’ve only used 24 both for game balance and because they would have suffered some casualties by this point in the battle. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">24 Allied Hoplites w/ light armor</p> <p class="MsoNormal">These are the Thebans and Thespians who stayed with Leonidas to hold the pass. The Thebans were less willing participants and Herodotus reports they might have defected to the Persians during the battle. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">20 Allied Hoplites w/ light armor</p> <p class="MsoNormal">These represent the Phocians holding the mountain trail that the Immortals took to outflank the Greeks. These hoplites gain +1 leadership as they are defending their homes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And a smattering of skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Also include a few extra hoplites from your collection to represent the withdrawing Greek army. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Persians<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Just grab every Persian figure you’ve got and it should work fine. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I used…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">24 Immortals with large shield, light armor, spears and bows. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">5x 24 Persian infantry</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Front rank – Spara, Shield, Bow</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Back 3 ranks – Bow</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A smattering of skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The battle as a game</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This scenario takes place on the third day of the battle with the majority of the Greek force withdrawing. I’ve played around with time and history a little to allow the Phocians a chance at defending the mountain pass the Immortals take to flank the Greek position. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Special Rules<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--[if !supportLists]-->Greeks start the game with no Oracles.<br /><br />An event card is drawn at the beginning of each turn after the second.<br /><br />There are 3 groups of retreating Greek hoplites, they represent the withdrawing Greek army. At the beginning of each Greek turn during compulsory moves, the withdrawing Greek hoplites move d6”s towards there table edge. Roll separately for each group. These troops should start no closer than 36”s to the friendly board edge at the beginning. They move as a loose mob and are not required to hold formation or wheel. Once they reach their friendly board edge they are removed. If contacted by an enemy unit they are destroyed.<br /><br />Any Persian unit on the mountain trail, who reaches the Greek board edge, is removed from the table and placed on the Greek board edge in the pass in the following turn.<br /><br />Any Persian unit (except the immortals) destroyed or routed off a table edge can be placed on the friendly Persian players board edge starting next turn.<br /><!--[endif]--><!--[if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><!--[if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><!--[if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Terrain</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Terrain should represent a narrow pass between a cliff and the sea. This is the setup I used.</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRvhFbhO40CjeeGFs-1EiUhwgyuFqAQ49myqbOjfp3NrQS1PtFoN0ERtZbZjNK50mvRpMZ62pVKxyDC8K87oZ-IbnjPbrQCSlCwSUPkfjtf0HWs0a5edK4pHiMoDjGnW0X7OESwpgnnE/s1600-h/thermopylae_Level_3_No_Numbers.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRvhFbhO40CjeeGFs-1EiUhwgyuFqAQ49myqbOjfp3NrQS1PtFoN0ERtZbZjNK50mvRpMZ62pVKxyDC8K87oZ-IbnjPbrQCSlCwSUPkfjtf0HWs0a5edK4pHiMoDjGnW0X7OESwpgnnE/s400/thermopylae_Level_3_No_Numbers.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070129918079574098" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Historical <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Battle</st1:city></st1:place></span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Greeks held the Persian troops for two days causing heavy casualties to Xerxes men. During the night after the second day, a local led the Persian immortals around the Greek position on a mountain trail. The Phocians who were guarding the trail could not stop the immortals (depending on the source, they retreated to a good position or fled) and the Greeks in the pass were now surrounded. Leonidas sent most of the Greek army away and made his final stand with a small force of allied Thespians and Thebans. The Spartans and allied Greeks fought the Persians to the death and killed a great number of them before eventually being overrun. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This heroic sacrifice helped galvanize the other city states into defending their homeland. After Themistocles brilliant defeat of the Persian fleet at <st1:city st="on">Salamis</st1:city>, the Greek city states got their revenge at the battle of <st1:city st="on">Plataea</st1:city> and the Persian Empire never again contested mainland <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Greece</st1:country-region></st1:place>. </p>Brintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008950970508316487.post-62533653522247477252007-03-23T23:11:00.000-07:002007-03-23T23:23:14.173-07:00Mantinea – 418 BC<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><b style="">Spartans</b> vs. Argives (and Athenians) <br /><br />A scenario for Warhammer Ancient Battles.<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">Strategic situation<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In 421 B.C. <st1:city st="on">Athens</st1:city> and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sparta</st1:place></st1:city> (along with their allies) had been fighting the second phase of the Peloponnesian War for 10 years. They had both suffered disasters in this phase of the war. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Athens</st1:place></st1:city> was ravaged by plague and eventually lost one of its most gifted leaders, Pericles, to the disease. <st1:city st="on">Sparta</st1:city> had over 100 of its elite Spartiates surrender at Sphacteria and held captive by <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Athens</st1:city></st1:place> as trophies. This had a great psychological impact on the supposedly fearless Spartans. Both <st1:city st="on">Athens</st1:city> and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sparta</st1:place></st1:city> had recently lost dynamic and successful generals in Cleon and Brasidas. All of these events helped lead to the peace of Nicias which was supposed to last 50 years between Athens and Sparta, but was never observed by their allies, and was quickly broken.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Open hostilities began again in 419 as <st1:city st="on">Argos</st1:city> came to the end of a peace treaty with <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sparta</st1:place></st1:city>, and with Athenian help, began attacking Spartan allies. <st1:city st="on">Sparta</st1:city> along with its allies such as Boiotia and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Corinth</st1:place></st1:city> opposed these attacks and a series of almost battles and a lot of maneuvering took place. The young King Agis of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Sparta</st1:city></st1:place> was severely criticized for not bringing the Argives to battle when he had the chance and was given a 10 man board of advisors. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In 418, the Argives and there allies turned the city of <st1:city st="on">Orchomenos</st1:city> to their side and moved farther south to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Mantinea</st1:place></st1:city>. The Spartans had no choice but respond to these aggressive moves against their valued allies the Tegeans who were now being threatened. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When the allied Spartan army arrived at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Mantinea</st1:place></st1:city> the Argive army deployed on a steep hill in a superior defensive position. King Agis, desperate to avoid the criticism he received early for failing to fight the Argives, charged his army up the hill. Luckily he was convinced to halt the attack, possibly by one of his 10 advisors (just in time, they are said to have gotten within a stones throw of the Argive line) and just narrowly avoided a military disaster. The Spartans moved south, hoping to use nature in an effort to force the Argives into battle. The Tegeans, fighting on the side of the Spartans, explained that they could divert water flows in the area and this would flood their enemy’s land during the rainy season. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, the Argives were actually seeking a fight with the Spartans and had come down from their defensive position on the hillside. As the Spartans marched north again they ran into the Argive army, drawn up and ready for battle, which caught the Spartans by surprise. It is a strong testament to the organization of the army fighting for King Agis that he was able to deploy them into a battle line quickly and efficiently with the enemy so near. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">The forces</span></u></b><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7g45Xn2aWgMwUXD_3US9TCULM0WUL6XU98JOL-PSbGOJc4EOEbAwLetsCgJx47yl2Q89O9AE03NiRXhmp1wlBUesvUoskfPQIlA-gvYHk3bIwqlePfNdaRnF42XWu7t9uQOK2cODifU/s1600-h/25604V1_eq_hoplite.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7g45Xn2aWgMwUXD_3US9TCULM0WUL6XU98JOL-PSbGOJc4EOEbAwLetsCgJx47yl2Q89O9AE03NiRXhmp1wlBUesvUoskfPQIlA-gvYHk3bIwqlePfNdaRnF42XWu7t9uQOK2cODifU/s400/25604V1_eq_hoplite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045370796310315954" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">The forces below are meant to be representative of the two armies that met on the field for the battle of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Mantinea</st1:place></st1:city>. I was working roughly off of a 1 figure = 35 soldiers scale, but again, it was a very rough ratio. In reality, the Spartan army should outnumber the Argives, but I felt that could lead to a very poor game within Warhammer Ancient Battles (since the Spartans are represented as such dominant hoplites). I’ve chosen to represent only an elite core of king Agis’s army as “Spartan” hoplites while leaving the rest of the Laconians as generic hoplites. Again, this was to try and keep the scenario balanced. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Argive alliance has larger phalanxes but is lacking the punch of the Spartan hoplites. The elite Argive 1,000 are given veteran hoplite stats and are stubborn. The Argives are also outclassed in cavalry (one of the few times Spartan cavalry had the advantage) and must be wary of their flanks.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">[#’s] pertain to the corresponding deployment map.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Spartans and allies<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">(From the Armies of Antiquity Ancient Greek list) </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">King Agis of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sparta</st1:place></st1:city> – Placed with [6] or [7]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1 Army General </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; General; Spartan General</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Sciritae – [2]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">20 Hoplites </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Freed Helots (Brasdians etc…) – [3]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">24 Hoplites</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Laconian Hoplites – [4]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">24 Hoplites</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Laconian Hoplites – [5]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">24 Hoplites</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Spartiates – [6]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">24 Spartans</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; Drilled; Stubborn; Greek Phalanx</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Hippeis – [7]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">24 Spartans</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; Drilled; Stubborn; Greek Phalanx</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Arcadians – [8]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">32 Hoplites</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Tegeans – [9]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">32 Hoplites</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Spartan Cavalry – [1]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">8 Greek<span style=""> </span>Heavy Cavalry</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Heavy Armor</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Spartan Cavalry – [2]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">8 Greek<span style=""> </span>Heavy Cavalry</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Heavy Armor</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Light Troops<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hand Weapon; Javelins; Skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hand Weapon; Javelins; Skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hand Weapon; Javelins; Skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hand Weapon; Sling; Skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hand Weapon; Sling; Skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Argives and allies</u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">(From the Armies of Antiquity Ancient Greek list) </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Leader of the allied Argive alliance <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1 Army General</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; General</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Mantineans – [11]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">32 Hoplites</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Arcadians – [12]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">32 Hoplites </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Elite Argives – [13]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">28 Hoplites (+1 WS, +1 I, +1 LD)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx, Stubborn</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Argives – [14]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">32 Hoplites </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Argives – [15]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">32 Hoplites </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Orneaens – [16]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">24 Hoplites </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Cleonaens – [17]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">24 Hoplites </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Athenians – [18]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">28 Hoplites </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Athenian Cavalry – [19]<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">8 Greek<span style=""> </span>Heavy Cavalry </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leader; Musician; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Light Troops<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Skirmishers </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hand Weapon; Javelins; Skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Skirmishers </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hand Weapon; Javelins; Skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Skirmishers </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hand Weapon; Javelins; Skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Skirmishers </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hand Weapon; Composite Bow; Skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">12 Skirmishers </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hand Weapon; Sling; Skirmishers</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">The battle as a game<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBjcxYrPxuTvdJdzKxtyNa94wOYoodHMglPQygHKf0KHsKzOc4cTPd2qwtNER97EwvKmVaJPMbXlxbvhFg0ZItHm3yKeohyf7RRFIJGrBefhFoY3-0LzeBDNQFFDOlFZKXzk5mzxE-3Y/s1600-h/Mantinea_battle.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBjcxYrPxuTvdJdzKxtyNa94wOYoodHMglPQygHKf0KHsKzOc4cTPd2qwtNER97EwvKmVaJPMbXlxbvhFg0ZItHm3yKeohyf7RRFIJGrBefhFoY3-0LzeBDNQFFDOlFZKXzk5mzxE-3Y/s400/Mantinea_battle.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045370792015348626" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Use the pitched battle scenario and the setup detailed in the map above. Light troops can be deployed along the front line as well as the flanks. The Argive side gets first turn representing the Spartans still deploying into their battle line. Can be played to army break point or 7-8 turns, whichever you decide (it is a game after all). You don’t have to play with a turn limit and can slug it out to your hearts content if you prefer. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">Terrain<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Terrain should be relatively flat with possible two small hills on the sides of the battlefield. There should be forest behind the Spartan deployment zone (since they had just emerged from it when they spotted the Argives). </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">The Historical <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Battle</st1:city></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiruc-UqbRMZJ8Llph5iBawvrqGBGcmHTCIY-juXlSlQso5Tzvys5PqwpAfXCPAM3yQWyxGF5eyiYXqqTuOwFvF9gCCF_JhfDoTCU2QPvb6Kj_zCdurLOWhSMFLYKMdKIA8-MBNx2TmY/s1600-h/natural_tendency.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiruc-UqbRMZJ8Llph5iBawvrqGBGcmHTCIY-juXlSlQso5Tzvys5PqwpAfXCPAM3yQWyxGF5eyiYXqqTuOwFvF9gCCF_JhfDoTCU2QPvb6Kj_zCdurLOWhSMFLYKMdKIA8-MBNx2TmY/s400/natural_tendency.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045370796310315938" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">King Agis, in an attempt to combat the natural movement of a hoplite combat overlapping on the right and being overlapped on the left, shifted a portion of his line to the left. This opened up a substantial gap in the Spartan line which he attempted to fill by ordering Spartan commanders from the right to move into the gap from their positions. The Spartan commanders refused (most likely due to the proximity of the enemy, as well as the inexperience of their king) and when the two lines met, the elite Argives swarmed into the gap. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Spartan army was cut into two, with the Scirtae and Brasdians on the left surrounded and routed back to the baggage. At the same time, the Spartan center and right, pushed back and surrounded their opposition and isolated the Athenians. The battle had now broken into two separate parts, with the Spartan left being pursued by the Argive right, and the Spartan right pursuing the Argive left. <span style=""> </span>King Agis, realizing the trouble his left wing was in turned a large portion of his forces to help, allowing much of the Argive left to escape, but encircling the and defeating the previously victorious Argive right. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Meanwhile the Mantineans and their allies and the picked body of the Argives ceased to press the enemy, and seeing their friends defeated and the Lacedaemonians in full advance upon them, took to flight.<span style=""> </span>Many of the Mantineans perished; but the bulk of the picked body of the Argives made good their escape.<span style=""> </span>The flight and retreat, however, were neither hurried nor long; the Lacedaemonians fighting long and stubbornly until the rout of their enemy, but that once effected, pursuing for a short time and not far.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;" align="right">-Thucydides</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the end, the Argives side lost about 1,100 men while the Spartans are said to have lost about 300. Winning such a large land battle helped restore the Spartans reputation in that respect (some of which had been lost due to Sphacteria). The battle also once again settled the rivalry between <st1:city st="on">Argos</st1:city> and <st1:city st="on">Sparta</st1:city> for control of the <st1:place st="on">Peloponnese</st1:place>.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Thank you for taking the time to read this, and comments are always welcome. Look through the rest of the blog for additional battles as well as pictures of my growing Greek army.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>Brintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008950970508316487.post-54686310360539189902007-02-23T17:45:00.000-08:002007-02-23T18:07:24.999-08:00The bulk of the force<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jYAJaVx_5Mqha8JghgM-iSYAGesdSoMreV-Pkpp3yyN7fDvqchdt_zG1WpkEmDv_ac4Y2aR4qiB-CuM6eHdgN9yIYkKQzdk0RtNiOQgay-rgur9CuYYKZX3xNvEiUHDr2cUkA_C1dYA/s1600-h/army_shot_1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jYAJaVx_5Mqha8JghgM-iSYAGesdSoMreV-Pkpp3yyN7fDvqchdt_zG1WpkEmDv_ac4Y2aR4qiB-CuM6eHdgN9yIYkKQzdk0RtNiOQgay-rgur9CuYYKZX3xNvEiUHDr2cUkA_C1dYA/s400/army_shot_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034911179692932210" border="0" /></a><br />(Sorry for the dark picture)<br /><br />This is the bulk of the current Greek force. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2 Phalanxes of Spartans</p> <p class="MsoNormal">3 Allied phalanxes</p> <p class="MsoNormal">2 units of skirmishers (not in these pictures)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">2 big units of Thracians (you can see them hiding in the back)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">There are two more units of hoplites not pictured. One wasn’t based yet when the photo was taken…the other are some Vendel hoplites that didn’t quite fit in as well. The Vendel figures were the first hoplites I had painted and are classed in the learning category…so they only come out when necessary. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The army is being bulked out still as I am currently painting light troops (slingers and more javelins are on the painting table). My eventual goal is to be able to do some of the larger hoplite battles such as <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Mantinea</st1:place></st1:City> at 1/50<sup> </sup>scale. That means I’ll need a core of about 200 hoplites per side. With around 160 hoplites completed I’m less than halfway there…but I’ll keep plugging away. At the same time I’ll be working on Persians as well to try and complete the period. </p> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EfE42J69RctplOrNZM0rl7XzXQJ1qOtmcxYlreQjHlgpxxElTTcEbq-8nfRoM4Mfxf3TS9WW0aiYRw5Fcx1wP0p8eM6tfUYQl6inYLHgKWCTw4w14QnHZ0A9fia4zR4xafurkd10Ylc/s1600-h/army_shot_2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EfE42J69RctplOrNZM0rl7XzXQJ1qOtmcxYlreQjHlgpxxElTTcEbq-8nfRoM4Mfxf3TS9WW0aiYRw5Fcx1wP0p8eM6tfUYQl6inYLHgKWCTw4w14QnHZ0A9fia4zR4xafurkd10Ylc/s400/army_shot_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034911188282866818" border="0" /></a><br />Detail of the two Spartan phalanxes and one of the allied ones. You can see the Thracian (peltast) unit way in the back corner sulking. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqoM0SpjPUa2KLrmFouXIIVdT2UnAWy8fsxWRm6jpilijgiPK5poQx0jMEPTbrGOaM0ytgR1K_RHVZlq_il4PglMdSCoNO1QMQq5pkaDc-TcWds3-KdkXxTcFWZyU_0suREqyzhwdi3k/s1600-h/army_shot_3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqoM0SpjPUa2KLrmFouXIIVdT2UnAWy8fsxWRm6jpilijgiPK5poQx0jMEPTbrGOaM0ytgR1K_RHVZlq_il4PglMdSCoNO1QMQq5pkaDc-TcWds3-KdkXxTcFWZyU_0suREqyzhwdi3k/s400/army_shot_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034911188282866834" border="0" /></a><br />Allied hoplite phalanx. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhUgHWvG6zJl0kf56Hyvza9wU3gWvvIyVRkjEwR0OnKvhWA14BLWmFecrjzu6_oj5_e78M6zhcWG4NEXzwHkQ2nEowkmBcD_TgxZkhczPIzFp29EfU08Y_bCpL10hGJYNgbczsw4T7Po/s1600-h/army_shot_4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhUgHWvG6zJl0kf56Hyvza9wU3gWvvIyVRkjEwR0OnKvhWA14BLWmFecrjzu6_oj5_e78M6zhcWG4NEXzwHkQ2nEowkmBcD_TgxZkhczPIzFp29EfU08Y_bCpL10hGJYNgbczsw4T7Po/s400/army_shot_4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034911192577834146" border="0" /></a><br />The two other allied hoplite phalanxes. <br /><br /> <p class="MsoNormal">The building in the background is from Crescent Root (lovingly purchased by my Girlfriend) and will be used for Xenophon’s march as well as the campaigns of king Agesilaus of Sparta.</p> Comments, questions or random blathering is highly encouraged.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />BrintonBrintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008950970508316487.post-13287221364541049912007-02-18T23:20:00.000-08:002007-02-18T23:26:43.421-08:00Bring on the skirmishers!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1c6gCbfctnUArkTa4PyDKvgyUvGsenjR0BlDNg4YcWD3foIhswVFw3j63vrSQK_X4JOpFT_bGEhuorPGMuVujwVwFezj0no-MWGD0_-gw3RAcggFVCfvwALc68CQKHThqvuVkPeTgBfE/s1600-h/Skirmisher_1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1c6gCbfctnUArkTa4PyDKvgyUvGsenjR0BlDNg4YcWD3foIhswVFw3j63vrSQK_X4JOpFT_bGEhuorPGMuVujwVwFezj0no-MWGD0_-gw3RAcggFVCfvwALc68CQKHThqvuVkPeTgBfE/s400/Skirmisher_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5033143018966580290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />These represent the camp followers, youths, servants and anyone else who wanted to fight but couldn’t afford the full hoplite panoply. <span style=""> </span> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzACDXhyphenhyphenr6w6v8QoSXAStVmdnQBZfGMD9u1O9AfbatTy1kFghbzlfCpKdaTossS9g8NrAWWYYW6QOgIqlp3lZnQ8NEwBMceyZ_w6gTo-gyTje9snb96SlGnMOPcq32B_ZjI7qvE1uj0Y/s1600-h/Skirmisher_3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzACDXhyphenhyphenr6w6v8QoSXAStVmdnQBZfGMD9u1O9AfbatTy1kFghbzlfCpKdaTossS9g8NrAWWYYW6QOgIqlp3lZnQ8NEwBMceyZ_w6gTo-gyTje9snb96SlGnMOPcq32B_ZjI7qvE1uj0Y/s400/Skirmisher_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5033143023261547618" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">I’ve added additional javelins to some of the figures for a little extra ammo.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK99goX_1RBdx0kky7EdhvKP4sXfyZ-U2XIbFDGce0ZjZwwLwEcyGM_cEP3qeRTG-E13VcBH-V_7BRh4Sz26eBMey7rNN7N08ZYwOxMKOz2WZDN31siJe7TujOsRngveWAuMGW6lDix1A/s1600-h/Skirmisher_2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK99goX_1RBdx0kky7EdhvKP4sXfyZ-U2XIbFDGce0ZjZwwLwEcyGM_cEP3qeRTG-E13VcBH-V_7BRh4Sz26eBMey7rNN7N08ZYwOxMKOz2WZDN31siJe7TujOsRngveWAuMGW6lDix1A/s400/Skirmisher_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5033143023261547602" border="0" /></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Figures are all Wargames Foundry. I’ll need to be painting a whole lot more of these guys over the next few weeks to bulk out the available number. I’m currently painting up some slingers to help ease the burden these poor javelin throwers face. <span style=""> </span></p>Brintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008950970508316487.post-3630846574246461552007-02-16T18:08:00.000-08:002007-02-16T18:30:59.062-08:00How goes the Greeks?<p class="MsoNormal">I’ve finished roughly 160 hoplites (and far too few light troops) for the current ancient Greek army. The plan is to make a large enough force that it can be split and fight many of the battles of the Peloponnesian War era as well as be combined (like Voltron) into one large force for Greek and Persian war games. The main scope of the project will be the late 5<sup>th</sup> Century B.C. mainly focusing on the Peloponnesian War and act as Xenophon’s famous 10,000. </p> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMmglvIdrccxqdSqYCUfVkxS8PxE6F7DriYfDECW4tzdD4jNA3qyPk6B51V_v0v-uLjjMdoLKDudYXqE1ZItlmNgrt_N19BPzArEkRIn6P3XXHORF-lasBTLZ0Uhr3oMIjiiJdWiRVYA/s1600-h/allied_hoplites.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMmglvIdrccxqdSqYCUfVkxS8PxE6F7DriYfDECW4tzdD4jNA3qyPk6B51V_v0v-uLjjMdoLKDudYXqE1ZItlmNgrt_N19BPzArEkRIn6P3XXHORF-lasBTLZ0Uhr3oMIjiiJdWiRVYA/s400/allied_hoplites.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032319493347310578" border="0" /></a><br /> <p class="MsoNormal">A selection of generic Greek hoplites that could fill in as Athenians, Corinthians or even Argives. <span style=""><br /></span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngUIz6QUIG-0TERYkKBuHPj0vIxdaZ1cRexW7ltlG4bmI9VQCd81b6bO71cjLlUZH1jrZskeavtnsjiAzW_dD3KFzp8rwuxmpWYdQrNcM9Zze1kVoGGbGS4lNK0lxbC8ryquUxHhBLCw/s1600-h/allied_Phalanx.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngUIz6QUIG-0TERYkKBuHPj0vIxdaZ1cRexW7ltlG4bmI9VQCd81b6bO71cjLlUZH1jrZskeavtnsjiAzW_dD3KFzp8rwuxmpWYdQrNcM9Zze1kVoGGbGS4lNK0lxbC8ryquUxHhBLCw/s400/allied_Phalanx.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032319501937245186" border="0" /></a><br /> <p class="MsoNormal">Another angle of these ferocious beasts. The phalanxes themselves can be arranged easily as either 24 figures or 32 although only 16 are shown here (the most photogenic # for my camera).</p> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeX-oWAYNAAye9btgbQBWHpFQ0L_eT8uqmeYQprfiNoB8jCE1f0-OqXucT-HlAxm7CMa9PxTDLkrCCVxOQYdC72QaZOQ-EMhxDox5z2Ex5AnuIJZ_Edgk8-6dGpWjkYwawrytpHDgfAk/s1600-h/Spartan_Phalanx.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeX-oWAYNAAye9btgbQBWHpFQ0L_eT8uqmeYQprfiNoB8jCE1f0-OqXucT-HlAxm7CMa9PxTDLkrCCVxOQYdC72QaZOQ-EMhxDox5z2Ex5AnuIJZ_Edgk8-6dGpWjkYwawrytpHDgfAk/s400/Spartan_Phalanx.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032319510527179810" border="0" /></a><br /><br /> <p class="MsoNormal">Here is a 24 man phalanx of Spartan hoplites. I apologize for the blurry picture as I (like most of the wargaming community it seems) still am not the best at photographing tiny lead men. I based most of the unit on 40x40mm bases with 4 hoplites on each, this makes ranking them up much easier (I also just like the look of it).</p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXCqVEKp-cOvMVSA8jhrELG5r4VEsxndBqWHBMkTT54NFjTF5YYXiqcNU7lbIDqj8JMkYMbemgSYHV6I2ck-OXou4B0ipJHGYAC0yYl7K59-vFxIUIhk5kqF-OLWXLshjXl85KLxqZhc/s1600-h/Single_Spartan.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXCqVEKp-cOvMVSA8jhrELG5r4VEsxndBqWHBMkTT54NFjTF5YYXiqcNU7lbIDqj8JMkYMbemgSYHV6I2ck-OXou4B0ipJHGYAC0yYl7K59-vFxIUIhk5kqF-OLWXLshjXl85KLxqZhc/s400/Single_Spartan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032319510527179826" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";">A single Spartan from the above unit looking suitably tough.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzQpTZpDWRB5WPi79LmDLUaWfJ7fIy9tnsNO080WBdP8YzO924FFr-sHVedanyWmMy7GUbCsaw2Ow01EWXF3rRUqyAKLsqCacY136PlxcD74PxKRRfBNxmiiKBmcZV1OM45PUNqMNiJg/s1600-h/Archers.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzQpTZpDWRB5WPi79LmDLUaWfJ7fIy9tnsNO080WBdP8YzO924FFr-sHVedanyWmMy7GUbCsaw2Ow01EWXF3rRUqyAKLsqCacY136PlxcD74PxKRRfBNxmiiKBmcZV1OM45PUNqMNiJg/s400/Archers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032319506232212498" border="0" /></a><br /> <p class="MsoNormal">A smattering of archers. Proportionally I’ve painted a small number of pure light troops (only about 30) so I’ve been using Thracian mercenary peltasts (of which I’ve painted plenty) whenever I can. I need to jump back in and get a bunch more slingers and javelin armed skirmishers done. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The rest of the blog should be filled with notable Greek personalities, battle scenarios and general comments and information about this period in WAB. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Comments encouraged, welcomed and begged for.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thanks,</p>Brintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008950970508316487.post-40905607469164339582007-02-16T17:58:00.000-08:002007-02-16T18:08:12.910-08:00Militiades - Athenian Badass<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0KMjSqo2KntcSRAbdR0mJ350c7Y5Eq8_psxic-QdUilbyNj00WWcX2DcTS3SYScRqNzwG_mxvPv4ir6fbVmNJAl39Hpf-pZ25qpdKeLNCcNTvIt8cetonQqNi6avnXsLHW36tE3y3lY/s1600-h/miltiades.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0KMjSqo2KntcSRAbdR0mJ350c7Y5Eq8_psxic-QdUilbyNj00WWcX2DcTS3SYScRqNzwG_mxvPv4ir6fbVmNJAl39Hpf-pZ25qpdKeLNCcNTvIt8cetonQqNi6avnXsLHW36tE3y3lY/s400/miltiades.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032318372360846306" border="0" /></a><br /> <p class="MsoNormal">c. 555-489 B.C.<br />Famous for commanding Athenian forces at <st1:place st="on">Marathon</st1:place>.<br /> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br />Militiades (the younger) was one of ten (one for each tribe) generals leading the Athenian forces at <st1:place st="on">Marathon</st1:place>. He is said to have argued passionately for the attack and is said by some to have come up with the plan for weakening the middle and therefore strengthening and lengthening the wings. This formation adopted by the Athenians created (whether intentionally we do not quite know) a double envelopment which helped rout the Persian forces. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Militiades had been the ruler of Chersonese and had quarreled with the Scythians (and even joined in a Persian expedition against them) and joined supported the Ionian revolt. As the Persians put down the revolt, Militiades fled to <st1:city st="on">Athens</st1:city> although his son Metiochus was captured and taken to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Persia</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Things weren’t all bad for Metiochus as the Persians often time treated their important prisoners as royalty and this seems to be no exception. Militiades stayed in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Athens</st1:place></st1:city> and ended up fighting the Persian punitive expedition sent in response to that cities part in the Ionian revolt. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1D4vyyp57y_FwkNh0jl_-Fc5uKSsKgScZYcLiOCz9VJyVVdF33k5fS7Ta4t67QBsIBnHyTXqDs9lKkiAwCTr3BxUaYZ292kXL-gShDhgzKAVm-hxkOYc2dos2zuVoDY6v_Lf3HGOgog/s1600-h/athenian_general.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1D4vyyp57y_FwkNh0jl_-Fc5uKSsKgScZYcLiOCz9VJyVVdF33k5fS7Ta4t67QBsIBnHyTXqDs9lKkiAwCTr3BxUaYZ292kXL-gShDhgzKAVm-hxkOYc2dos2zuVoDY6v_Lf3HGOgog/s400/athenian_general.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032317182654905298" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">I’ve chosen to model Militiades as an Athenian commander on foot in a <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";">muscled </span>cuirass, sporty bronze greaves and a simple cloak. He would be a commander who fought in the main battle line taking a position of honor but I’ve pictured him here in the planning/leading stage, ready to give a rousing speech to lead the phalanx into battle. He is pictured without his hoplon and still wearing the cloak (which he most likely sheds for battle). <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p>Brintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008950970508316487.post-39786259218305692132007-02-07T19:30:00.000-08:002007-02-07T15:50:00.858-08:00Sepeia – 494 BC<b style="">Spartans </b>vs. Argives<br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>A Warhammer Ancient Battles Scenario</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">Strategic situation<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For centuries the city-states of <st1:city st="on">Argos</st1:city> and <st1:city st="on">Sparta</st1:city> were feuding over control and leadership of the <st1:place st="on">Peloponnese</st1:place>. Cleomenes, king of <st1:city st="on">Sparta</st1:city> was told by the Delphic oracle that he would “take” <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Argos</st1:place></st1:city>. Happy with his news that he would be the one to finally eliminate <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sparta</st1:place></st1:city>’s old enemy he led his army north to attack their rival. He took a rather odd route according to Herodotus, sacrificing at the river Erasinus, but receiving unfavorable omens. Believing his pass over the river was bared; he crossed by way of sea and landed southeast of <st1:city st="on">Argos</st1:city> near the town of <st1:city st="on">Nauplia</st1:city> near <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tiryns</st1:place></st1:city>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKcnlksoUwdTJX-i6mjnGT68kvwFiuWiqRA0nIglpfLHhHK5VorXokAObnaGPfmE-SCuzA2JJSp3rHNnkhlZ5R1c3dIrzyaxpIowQ2wkv2-viOxz-VSf-EY0y3xtZCtIZ2yYax-r1CuM/s1600-h/sepeia_map_zoom.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKcnlksoUwdTJX-i6mjnGT68kvwFiuWiqRA0nIglpfLHhHK5VorXokAObnaGPfmE-SCuzA2JJSp3rHNnkhlZ5R1c3dIrzyaxpIowQ2wkv2-viOxz-VSf-EY0y3xtZCtIZ2yYax-r1CuM/s400/sepeia_map_zoom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5029001578794450370" border="0" /></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Argives raised their army and marched south to meet them outside the town of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tiryns</st1:place></st1:city> at a place called Sepeia. The Argives has been feuding with the Spartans for many years and did not fear them on the battlefield, but had another worry. <span style=""> </span>Herodotus tells of the Argives disposition <i style="">“And now <a name="995"></a>their fear was not so much lest they should be worsted in open fight as <a name="996"></a>lest some trick should be practised on them; for such was the danger which <a name="997"></a>the oracle given to them in common with the Milesians seemed to intimate.” </i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Argive leader told his herald to echo any orders given by his Spartan counterpart to prevent any trickery and allow the Argives to follow whatever the Spartans were doing. When Cleomenes figured out what was going on, he secretly told his troops to attack the Argives when his herald gave the message to break for food. The Spartan herald gave the message and the Argives copied it, settling in for a good meal while the Spartan force attacked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">The forces<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSh09Dt8JQIHB9HTthyphenhyphenwx9q0TxB7-j6uO8-HNWiDC7ago3eqCF0t_slEjLBB3oI2f4OprzG8nGLvBQX36T-KbVt1XioO5EmipiE3JlWPmkmPpAidpxiUKlEO7lWMjV1h6pMZPCGc1dol8/s1600-h/With_it_or_on_it.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSh09Dt8JQIHB9HTthyphenhyphenwx9q0TxB7-j6uO8-HNWiDC7ago3eqCF0t_slEjLBB3oI2f4OprzG8nGLvBQX36T-KbVt1XioO5EmipiE3JlWPmkmPpAidpxiUKlEO7lWMjV1h6pMZPCGc1dol8/s400/With_it_or_on_it.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5029001389815889314" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Argive Force<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">2,500 pts </b>(or bigger if you’ve got the models) picked from the AOA Ancient Greek army list (excluding an army general which you get for free). Standard oracle rules apply.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Must upgrade at least one unit of hoplites to Argive hoplites. They gain LD 8 and I 4 and cost 11 pts (same as veteran hoplites from AtG.) </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Restrictions</b> – Cannot take, Spartan hoplites, Sacred Band, Peltasts, Thracians, Theban or Thessalian cavalry. Cannot take more than 1 unit of cavalry. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Spartan Forces<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">2,000 pts </b>(or bigger if you’ve got the figures) picked from the AOA Ancient Greek army list (excluding an army general <i style="">Cleomenes</i> which you get for free). Standard oracle rules apply.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Restrictions</b> – </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Cannot take Sacred Band, Peltasts, Thracians, Theban or Thessalian cavalry. Cannot take more than 1 unit of cavalry. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Must take at least 1 unit of Spartan hoplites. They must not be the largest hoplite unit in the army. For each unit of Spartan hoplites taken, one generic hoplite unit must be taken as well. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">Terrain<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29oVOPKolVaRUA92c7CWRp3RVg95hlpxA2i-ucY0JBzhqEy3qbcPkMTOhOAapOyUlKpw8e2ZsUN4vzdvToPG60UhBsFaMa_BxCGEGsF24C39vujUtwCaBlwb4uqbrdienPrw0js3hNJU/s1600-h/Sepeia_battle.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29oVOPKolVaRUA92c7CWRp3RVg95hlpxA2i-ucY0JBzhqEy3qbcPkMTOhOAapOyUlKpw8e2ZsUN4vzdvToPG60UhBsFaMa_BxCGEGsF24C39vujUtwCaBlwb4uqbrdienPrw0js3hNJU/s400/Sepeia_battle.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5029001664693796306" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">The battlefield will have been generally flat and open as most ancient Greek battlefields were. Any areas of rough ground or gentle hills should be confined to the sides and corners. In the left hand corner of the Argive side there should be a section of woods representing the sacred grove the Argives eventually hid in. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">The battle as a game<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <h2><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;">The Argive player deploys first. Instead of actually placing down units, the Argive player lays down a group of 4-5 models for each unit, representing each unit type deployed, in a small circle or bunch. Each grouping of 4-5 models (which represents one unit) must be placed within the deployment zone and not within 6 inches of another group. These groups represent the Argive forces eating in camp and not prepared for combat. The groupings of figures will be replaced during the battle with units from their respective type (hoplite, skirmisher, and cavalry) but are not tied to a specific unit (see </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal;">activating Argive units</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;"> below). <o:p></o:p></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;">The Spartan player deploys second with no unit closer than 18 inches to the Argive deployment zone. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ></span> <span style=""></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Argives get first turn. The battle lasts 7-8 turns or until army break point is reached. <span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Groups<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Groups (the 4-5 model groups mentioned above representing a unit) cannot move until they are activated (see below). If a group is charged, they are considered to have been scattered and run off the battle field (as if you had caught a fleeing enemy). Move the charging unit up to contact and then remove the group from the board (which counts as killing an Argive unit of the type it represents). <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Activating Argive Units<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At the beginning of each Argive turn, the controlling player attempts to activate each of their groups (the 4-5 model groups mentioned above representing a unit). Roll a D6 for each Argive group on the board consulting the table below for the result.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Turn 1: Roll of 5+ </b>Group becomes active and is replaced by unit it represents (either Hoplite, skirmisher etc…)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Turn 2: Roll of 4+ </b>Group becomes active and is replaced by unit it represents (either Hoplite, skirmisher etc…)<b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Turn 3: Roll of 3+</b> Group becomes active and is replaced by unit it represents (either Hoplite, skirmisher etc…)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Turn 4+: <span style=""> </span>Roll of 2+</b> Group becomes active and is replaced by unit it represents (either Hoplite, skirmisher etc…)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once you have activated the group, replace it with a unit from your army list facing the Spartan board edge (since the alarm has now been raised). Once a group has been replaced by the unit it represents, the unit behaves normally and is free to march, charge, and shoot as long as the situation allows it. Each group is not representative of a specific unit, just a general unit type. Each group must clearly represent hoplite, skirmisher or cavalry (if you’ve taken some) but that is it. This allows the Spartan to have some idea of the type of troops deployed but not exact numbers or strength (or the position of characters) until the actual units are activated. This represents the chaos of combat and limited vision of the enemy the Spartan forces would have during the attack. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once a group is activated and replaced with a unit, the unit behaves normally in all subsequent turns. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Example: </b>It is the beginning of the 3<sup>rd</sup> Argive turn, and the Argive player has 3 groups left on the board. Two of the groups are comprised of hoplites, which represent surprisingly enough…hoplites, while the third is comprised of various javelin, bow and sling armed light troops and represents skirmishers. He/She rolls for the first group of hoplites and rolls a 1, they are still not activated. The Argive player rolls a 3 for the second group of hoplites so they are now activated. The Argive player now replaces the group with a unit of hoplites. Since there are two remaining hoplite units on the roster that have not been deployed, the Argive player has a choice of which one to put out for the group that was just activated. The player then rolls a 6 for the group of skirmishers and replaces them with the remaining skirmisher unit from their roster. The Argive player now continues on with the turn in normal order (declaring charges, rallying fleeing troops etc…) with two new units to take the fight to those nasty Spartans. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Alternative<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This battle could be fought simply as a pitched battle without the special rules above using the restrictions and deployments above. If this is the case, both sides should have equal points.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCuYGZ8NCrCX0Ex3GBBJ_FNuPnE3I2g00PlUvlvbkHOlpPQpuDnJZTP49VCKPu6_yqqAkrwK4YGwTA05PynlF1YpWWpuwJ98UICtJErp-GDBc-Jnq2kPV690emxRtbBc5VRC2WydIajc/s1600-h/vase41.jpg"><br /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">The Historical <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Battle</st1:city></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCuYGZ8NCrCX0Ex3GBBJ_FNuPnE3I2g00PlUvlvbkHOlpPQpuDnJZTP49VCKPu6_yqqAkrwK4YGwTA05PynlF1YpWWpuwJ98UICtJErp-GDBc-Jnq2kPV690emxRtbBc5VRC2WydIajc/s1600-h/vase41.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCuYGZ8NCrCX0Ex3GBBJ_FNuPnE3I2g00PlUvlvbkHOlpPQpuDnJZTP49VCKPu6_yqqAkrwK4YGwTA05PynlF1YpWWpuwJ98UICtJErp-GDBc-Jnq2kPV690emxRtbBc5VRC2WydIajc/s400/vase41.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5029001480010202546" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Now when Cleomenes heard that the Argives were acting thus, he <a name="1014"></a>commanded his troops that, so soon as the herald gave the word for the <a name="1015"></a>soldiers to go to dinner, they should instantly seize their arms and charge <a name="1016"></a>the host of the enemy. Which the Lacedaemonians did accordingly, and fell <a name="1017"></a>upon the Argives just as, following the signal, they had begun their repast; <a name="1018"></a>whereby it came to pass that vast numbers of the Argives were slain, while <a name="1019"></a>the rest, who were more than they which died in the fight, were driven <a name="1020"></a>to take refuge in the grove of Argus hard by, where they were surrounded, <a name="1021"></a>and watch kept upon them.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;" align="right"><i style="">-Herodotus<o:p></o:p></i></p> <h2><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;">Cleomenes tricked some of the Argives into coming out and slaughtered them. When they became wise to the Spartans traps and refused to come out of the grove, Cleomenes had it burned with the enemy still in it killing most of them. He found out the god of this grove which he had destroyed was Argus. Upon hearing this, Herodotus has him responding </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-weight: normal;">"Greatly hast thou deceived me, Apollo, god of prophecy, in saying that I should take <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Argos</st1:place></st1:City>. I fear me thy oracle has now got its accomplishment." </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;">Cleomenes sent most of his army home and proceeded to sacrifice at a local temple (and stir up more controversy) before returning to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sparta</st1:place></st1:City>. This battle secured for <st1:city st="on">Sparta</st1:City> dominance of the Peloponnese over their old adversary <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Argos</st1:place></st1:City>. <span style=""> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-weight: normal;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2> <h2><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" > </span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" ><span style=""></span></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" ><o:p></o:p></span></h2>Brintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008950970508316487.post-55291096141511982872007-02-02T20:26:00.000-08:002007-02-02T20:38:37.850-08:00Tanagra – 457 BC<h2><a name="_Toc125903812"></a><a name="_Toc125790799"></a><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"></st1:city></st1:place></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Spartans</b> vs. Athenians scenario for Warhammer Ancient Battles<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><br /><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">Strategic situation</span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">During the ‘First’ Peloponnesian War between 460 and 446 B.C., <st1:city st="on">Athens</st1:city> and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sparta</st1:place></st1:city> pursued a series of alliances and petty squabbles, enhancing their dislike and rivalry towards each other. In 457 B.C. <st1:city st="on">Sparta</st1:city> marched an army into <st1:place st="on">Boeotia</st1:place> to intervene in a dispute between the Dorians and Phocians. This imposing army of Spartans and their allies understandably compelled the Phocians to back down. <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Athens</st1:city></st1:place> took this opportunity to block the return trip of their rival city-states army. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZH6rl9z5JWHbwMnLivYKWF_I_LgkchWdPtQBELU0SEz_61Euhs3tex5SN10-7LAX2UX8ia_5cKaHQRsCQnZfqDupMkhmiDDlSWfynUUhmPTGoQ2svCcHD05Qn7ihdhyphenhyphengw3ml86iiCAE/s1600-h/Tanagra_map.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZH6rl9z5JWHbwMnLivYKWF_I_LgkchWdPtQBELU0SEz_61Euhs3tex5SN10-7LAX2UX8ia_5cKaHQRsCQnZfqDupMkhmiDDlSWfynUUhmPTGoQ2svCcHD05Qn7ihdhyphenhyphengw3ml86iiCAE/s400/Tanagra_map.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027160193170668914" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Athenians were blocking the Gulf of Corinth with their superior navy so the Spartans were left with trying to march through the Megarid (the area surrounding the city-state of <st1:city st="on">Megara</st1:city> near the <st1:place st="on">Isthmus of Corinth</st1:place>). As <st1:city st="on">Athens</st1:city> had made a treaty with (and helped fortify) <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Megara</st1:city></st1:place>, this would be a dangerous expedition. The Spartan allied army was now stuck in <st1:place st="on">Boeotia</st1:place> and decided to stay there and plan their return. Thucydides gives another reason for the Spartan army to remain near <st1:city st="on">Athens</st1:city> <i style="">“Secret encouragement had been given them by a party in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Athens</st1:place></st1:city>, who hoped to put an end to the reign of democracy and the building of the Long</i><i style=""> Walls.” </i><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Spartans, while feared warriors, had not yet completely proven their dominance in hoplite battle that would have them dominate the land during the later stages of the Peloponnesian war. The Spartans were also weakened from a great earthquake and the helot revolt that resulted from it. <st1:city st="on">Athens</st1:city>, along with allies sent out an army to meet the Spartans and they came together for battle outside <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tanagra</st1:place></st1:city>. The Athenians most likely feared the possibility of the enemy army ravaging their countryside (and the loss of face that would result) and there could also be truth in Thucydides mention of a possible plot. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">The forces</span></u></b> <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Athenians brought a large contingent of hoplites that was supplemented by a number of allies including the Argives (who sent 1,000 heavy infantry). The total number given by Thucydides is 14,000 not including cavalry of which there would be a very small amount. This was a large army from a city state at the time considering only 5,100 were sent on the Syracuse expedition originally, and estimates for Mantinea (418 B.C.) was only around 8-9,000 a side. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The allied Spartan army, led by Nicomedes, consisted of 1,500 Spartans and 10,000 allied soldiers. A group of Thessalian cavalry joined the Spartan side (from the Athenian army) during the battle according to Thucydides.</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0_wl9aAjetWABB7zRaVdXs3USFocIMEqGN-o1gS0CjH_LpzmVK-8oPD2ml_5eAROke7RJ3bVxlyH_I-tqfP8o3Y3oBj7KpwxVuWU59MoeRpYYv90UQspX5ZgNgUj_-tWOD0FstPIfTk/s1600-h/phalanx.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0_wl9aAjetWABB7zRaVdXs3USFocIMEqGN-o1gS0CjH_LpzmVK-8oPD2ml_5eAROke7RJ3bVxlyH_I-tqfP8o3Y3oBj7KpwxVuWU59MoeRpYYv90UQspX5ZgNgUj_-tWOD0FstPIfTk/s400/phalanx.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027161954107260306" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Athenian Allied Forces</u></b><b style=""><u> <o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">2,200 pts </b>(or bigger if you’ve got the models) picked from the AOA Ancient Greek army list (excluding an army general which you get for free). </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">May upgrade 1 unit of hoplites to Argive hoplites. They gain LD 8 and I 4 and cost 11 pts (same as veteran hoplites from AtG.) </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Restrictions</b> – Cannot take, Spartan hoplites, Sacred Band, Peltasts, Thracians, Theban or Thessalian cavalry. Cannot take more than 1 unit of cavalry. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Spartan Allied Forces<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">2,000 pts </b>(or bigger if you’ve got the figures) picked from the AOA Ancient Greek army list (excluding an army general which you get for free). </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Restrictions</b> – </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Cannot take Sacred Band, Peltasts, Thracians. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Cannot take more than 2 units of cavalry. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">1 unit of cavalry should be Theban/Thessalian (even if you only take 1 unit, it should the Thessalian, ignore that restriction). <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Must take 1 and only 1 unit of Spartan hoplites. They must not be the largest hoplite unit in the army (and there must be more than one hoplite unit). </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">The battle as a game<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Use the pitched battle scenario on a 4’x6’ table and dice off for who goes first. Can be played to army break point or 6-7 turns, whichever you decide (it is a game after all). </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">Terrain<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3XDpbhBtkkMPime2pvSBKGKgiTPUUBhzuFwiHi-zF0crzDzSkGvN5iLZOpdq-aSS4TgBdAEPdEmfg7wPU7-5gWMHfbQJv6X5XfxScaSN7Sm2kMzg48EtR47oDrbLyxt4xyYElR7njXk/s1600-h/Tanagra.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3XDpbhBtkkMPime2pvSBKGKgiTPUUBhzuFwiHi-zF0crzDzSkGvN5iLZOpdq-aSS4TgBdAEPdEmfg7wPU7-5gWMHfbQJv6X5XfxScaSN7Sm2kMzg48EtR47oDrbLyxt4xyYElR7njXk/s400/Tanagra.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027160571127790978" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">The map shows completely theoretical terrain. The battlefield should be mostly flat (as they sought out featureless plains to fight on) with any rolling hills or rough ground kept to the side. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">The Historical <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Battle</st1:city></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">The battle was fought at <st1:city st="on">Tanagra</st1:city> in <st1:place st="on">Boeotia</st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>After heavy loss on both sides, victory declared for the Lacedaemonians and their allies.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;" align="right"><i style="">Thucydides<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So the Spartans and their allies (with the help of some turncoat Thessalians) eventually wore down and broke the Athenians. They suffered heavy losses, but had won the battle and opened the way back to their home. The Spartan army marched through the Megarid ravaging the countryside, getting a little bit of payback for the part <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Megara</st1:place></st1:city> played in forcing them into such a bloody battle. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This was the first major land battle of the Peloponnesian War and started a pattern of Spartan dominance in that theatre. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Athens</st1:place></st1:city> however struck back almost immediately attacking the Boeotians at Oenophyta but that will have to be saved for another post. All in all, a worthy start to the decades of conflict these two Greek superpowers would carry on. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As always, comments or questions are welcomed. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">P.S. I know my maps could be prettier, but I’m not an artist, nor to I pretend to play one on TV. I’m trying, but I apologize for the eye sore.</p>Brintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008950970508316487.post-10731719154708263332007-02-01T17:30:00.000-08:002007-02-01T17:35:37.990-08:00Early Achaemenid Persian infantry in Warhammer Ancient BattlesAs I am in the planning stages of an Early Achaemenid Persian army to face off against my Greeks, I’ve been thinking a lot about the list and have come up with a difficulty. I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to represent the standard Persian formation involving file leaders armed with Spara and Spear, backed up by bow armed ranks. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-j9aSGMWeABIOqqz_Qc4fuNNww0WZLK2SmJE-WxuOTNCqdMayUk_iCdGFoEZgMBUDeUsjRHm0W1eCOxinBXb0RRZvW3vWpT3Ny9u_UXf5yYQHQnkm6RmRNdJ6TcrExVwajX4WAjuyq8c/s1600-h/spara.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-j9aSGMWeABIOqqz_Qc4fuNNww0WZLK2SmJE-WxuOTNCqdMayUk_iCdGFoEZgMBUDeUsjRHm0W1eCOxinBXb0RRZvW3vWpT3Ny9u_UXf5yYQHQnkm6RmRNdJ6TcrExVwajX4WAjuyq8c/s320/spara.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026743413839232322" border="0" /></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">That should be easy right.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Front Rank – thrusting spear, spara</p> <p class="MsoNormal">2<sup>nd</sup>, 3<sup>rd</sup>, 4<sup>th </sup>etc… Rank- composite bow</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This would look right, sure, but there is a nagging problem. The thrusting spear in Warhammer Ancient Battles (WAB) is meant to be used in two ranks as the only advantage it gives is allowing the back rank to fight. Arming the front rank only with thrusting spears is pretty pointless, and you’re paying for it (not a whole lot, but it is still annoying to optionally pay for something that has no game effect). So I see two basic options to represent the Persian formation.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Arm the front two ranks with thrusting spear allowing them to fight two ranks deep (at least till the casualties start to roll in) and be at least a partial hand to hand threat. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Or</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Don’t give the front rank thrusting spears and just use the rules for hand weapons. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEMcbwGmiBP73OqW-6mncrkmUA4OMbxbLqEbKL8gqKQjyQcT8n8RHp2WAEdi9hCOO7F09uQj_aoDVY899K3een7afJtjD6eRn3mIvDsrJss6-DXjmiA1aZYUbYwHHJch30raq-hX0RHc/s1600-h/relief02.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEMcbwGmiBP73OqW-6mncrkmUA4OMbxbLqEbKL8gqKQjyQcT8n8RHp2WAEdi9hCOO7F09uQj_aoDVY899K3een7afJtjD6eRn3mIvDsrJss6-DXjmiA1aZYUbYwHHJch30raq-hX0RHc/s320/relief02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026744010839686482" border="0" /></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now both options have pro’s and cons so let’s explore. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Arming the two front ranks with spears makes the most game sense to me. Remember that WAB has no fixed figure scale, so spear armed troops are still the file leaders fighting, just using the spear rules that WAB supplies. Aesthetically it is not as strong an option. Your front rank will be easy to tell with spear and spara, but the second rank would be armed with spear and composite bow with the following ranks armed with just bow. How best to model this so your opponent knows the makeup of your mixed weapon unit creates some interesting scenarios. It also looses the classic look of the Persian force with a thin wall of spara supported by ranks and ranks of bowmen.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">By not giving the front rank thrusting spears at all (in game terms) you will have the most aesthetic option. You should still model the figures of the file leaders with spears, but as they have no effect on the game (as a front rank only) they will be armed with only hand weapons according to the mechanics of WAB. You won’t be paying the extra points for spears (as you won’t be using them) and are free to give the 2<sup>nd</sup> through whatever ranks composite bows. As a fighting force, this makes them pretty pitiful as most infantry they will fight will use two ranks at some point during the combat (in period all infantry they fight will probably be using two ranks). Whether you believe this matches the Persians reputation is up to you (I personally don’t believe they were <i style="">that</i> horrible). You might also deem that spears aren’t worth the points for the front two ranks and opt with hand weapons in that case (again modeling the front rank with spears for historical reasons). <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With my current army lists I am opting for the first option, and arming the front ranks with spears. While the Persians of the period could not stand up to the Greek phalanxes in head to head combat, I don’t believe they were as pitiful as just giving them hand weapons would suggest. I believe the strength of the Greek infantry is represented by the large shield and phalanx special rule so there is no need to further dumb down the Persian infantry by having them fight in a single rank. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">How to best represent this with figures, I’m still figuring out. I’ll post some pictures of my first Persian units when I complete them. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" >As always, comments and questions are encouraged.</span>Brintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008950970508316487.post-15466756892744379462007-01-31T17:57:00.000-08:002007-02-05T11:16:18.209-08:00The battle of Ephesus<h2><a name="_Toc125903808"></a><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><span style=""><span style="">Ephesus</span></span></st1:city></st1:place><span style=""><span style=""> – 499 BC</span></span> </h2> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Persians</b> vs. allied Greek force</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Scenario for Warhammer Ancient Battles</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">Strategic situation<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Aristagoras, Greek tyrant of the Ionian city-state of <st1:city st="on">Miletus</st1:city>, borrowed large sums of money from the Persian government in order to finance a campaign against the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">island</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">Naxos</st1:placename></st1:place>. When the expedition was a failure, he found himself in a pretty bad situation. The campaign had sapped his resources and his lack of success at annexing <st1:place st="on">Naxos</st1:place> had rendered him unable to pay back the angry Persians (it also left many of his promises to the satrap Artaphernes unfulfilled).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> In order to escape the situation, Aristagoras incited rebellion in his home city-state <st1:city st="on">Miletus</st1:city> which quickly spread to the other cities of <st1:place st="on">Ionia</st1:place>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While the rebellion quickly ousted the Persian run governments throughout <st1:place st="on">Ionia</st1:place>, Aristagoras knew the Achaemenid Empire would be sending a large force to quell the revolt soon. He traveled to mainland <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Greece</st1:place></st1:country-region> attempting to drum up support from the powerful city-states there. It seems he acted as sort of snake oil salesman, making promises and offering money he did not yet have. <st1:city st="on">Athens</st1:city> and <st1:city st="on">Eretria</st1:city> offered support and sent a small fleet of ships (along with soldiers) to aid in the revolt but other city-states refused (notably <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sparta</st1:place></st1:city>).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Eretrian and Athenian fleet landed just outside of Ephesos and joined up with the Ionians. The combined force marched on <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sardis</st1:place></st1:city> and sacked the city. The Satrap Artaphernes held the citadel with his remaining men but the Greeks burned the rest of the city. Whether this destruction in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sardis</st1:place></st1:city> was deliberate is unknown. Herodotus says <i style="">“the houses in Sardis were mostly built of reeds, and even those of them which were of brick had their roofs thatched with reeds: of these houses one was set on fire by a soldier, and forthwith the fire going on from house to house began to spread over the whole town.” </i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So with <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Sardis</st1:city></st1:place> suitably ravaged, the Greeks made there way back to the coast (probably weighed down with all the wonderful items gained by <a href="http://xenohistorian.faithweb.com/europe/Alaric.jpg">sacking a city</a>). Artaphernes received reinforcements and set off after the departing rebels catching up to them just outside of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Ephesus</st1:city></st1:place>.</p><h2><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PiX-DR0w1IRuNlVkVvk_Glr5grCWZ-QUHVECc530Jeez7dBOkIDCwhkMvcn63WPg7lIui13QymytewgmdOud4onl9smp2mhAwqCWvNlRNWfnz7IiwG6hUgFgEnwcsnclEBcZhFuz7q4/s1600-h/Sardis.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PiX-DR0w1IRuNlVkVvk_Glr5grCWZ-QUHVECc530Jeez7dBOkIDCwhkMvcn63WPg7lIui13QymytewgmdOud4onl9smp2mhAwqCWvNlRNWfnz7IiwG6hUgFgEnwcsnclEBcZhFuz7q4/s400/Sardis.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026380197044944162" border="0" /></a></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">The forces<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There is very little information on the specific orders of battle for the two sides so we’ve had to plan using fairly generic armies. Also, to drive home the small nature of this combat, the forces have been kept below 1500 pts. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u>Perisan Forces<o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal">(AOA Achaemenid Persians)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOCiqn2Ycocwt8RmaCzvHcStzOrayvzyp2iDVLnrooXyZsMmrYuGXOc2AXHNXbMhNXOvVsh0724eLufntSMLGTaW80BCTiSOQjNku1AKnfswXHsIPwGKYJTNX7lEy_QY3iUM4ozSmZAY/s1600-h/Persia_Bowmen.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOCiqn2Ycocwt8RmaCzvHcStzOrayvzyp2iDVLnrooXyZsMmrYuGXOc2AXHNXbMhNXOvVsh0724eLufntSMLGTaW80BCTiSOQjNku1AKnfswXHsIPwGKYJTNX7lEy_QY3iUM4ozSmZAY/s320/Persia_Bowmen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026380622246706482" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Persian army has a core contingent of eastern armed infantry. Artaphernes leads the army and is mounted as a position of honor. The levy represents hastily raised local troops from around <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sardis</st1:place></st1:city>. Persian infantry represents the Satraps own garrison troops, as well as reinforcements sent by the Achaemenid Empire. Persian Cavalry represents the well armed and armored (at least for the period) unit from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sardis</st1:place></st1:city>. All that remains is a smattering of skirmishers and light horse, that round out the force. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Army General</span> - <i style="">Artaphernes</i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-size:85%;">-Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Composite Bow; Light Armor; Warhorse; General</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">24 Persian Infantry</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Front Rank - Leader; Standard; Musician; Thrusting Spear; Spara</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Second Rank - Thrusting Spear; Composite Bow</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Additional ranks - Composite Bow</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">24 Persian Infantry</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Front Rank - Leader; Standard; Musician; Thrusting Spear; Spara</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Second Rank - Thrusting Spear; Composite Bow</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Additional ranks - Composite Bow</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">32 Levy Infantry</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Front Rank - Leader; Standard; Musician; Thrusting Spear; Spara</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Second Rank - Thrusting Spear; Composite Bow</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Additional ranks - Composite Bow</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">32 Levy Infantry</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Front Rank - Leader; Standard; Musician; Thrusting Spear; Spara</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Second Rank - Thrusting Spear; Composite Bow</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Additional ranks - Composite Bow</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">8 Persian Cavalry</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Leader; Standard; Musician; Hand Weapon; Javelins; Light Armor</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">8 Skirmish Cavalry</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Leader; Hand Weapon; Composite Bow; Javelins; Skirmishers; Parthian Shot; Levies</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">12 Skirmishers</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Composite Bow; Skirmishers; Levies</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">12 Skirmishers</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Javelin & Shield; Skirmishers; Levies</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Total –</b> 112 Infantry, 24 Skirmishers, 16 Cavalry</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u>Greek Forces<o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal">(AOA ancient Greek list)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The army is comprised of a core of Greek hoplites supported by a number of skirmishers. The 3 phalanxes represent the different factions fighting at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Ephesus</st1:place></st1:city>, although they probably shouldn’t be of equal size, I’ve kept them this way for simplicity. An alternate version could use a large phalanx of Ionians, with a smaller phalanx of Athenians and a much smaller unit of Eretrians. The heavy armor is the full hoplite panoply of bronze cuirass, greaves and helmet, while the light armor represents the linen cuirass. The skirmishers represent the slaves, youths and other lightly armed followers of a Greek army that cannot afford to be in the hoplite class. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">D6 Oracles<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Army General </span>- <i style="">Aristagoras</i></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Heavy Armor; Large Shield; General </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">24 Ionian Hoplites</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Leader; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Heavy Armor; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">24 Athenian Hoplites</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Leader; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">24 Eretrian Hoplites</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Leader <i style="">(Eualkides)</i>; Hand Weapon; Thrusting Spear; Light Armor; Large Shield; Greek Phalanx</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">12 Skirmishers</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Hand Weapon; Javelins; Skirmishers</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">12 Skirmishers</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Hand Weapon; Javelins; Skirmishers</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">12 Skirmishers</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">-Hand Weapon; Sling; Skirmishers</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Total –</b> 72 Hoplites, 36 Skirmishers</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">The battle as a game<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Use the Pitched Battle scenario from the main Warhammer Ancient Battles rulebook. Units in Skirmish formation do get a free normal move before the start of the battle. The game should last 6-7 turns or can be played till army break point. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Greek side deploys first (as they were caught by the Persians returning to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Ephesus</st1:place></st1:city>) and the players dice off for first turn.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">Terrain<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Terrain should be sparse with a limited amount of rough ground, trees or vegetation kept to the sides of the table. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;">The Historical <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Battle</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:14;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“but they</i> (the Persians) <i style="">followed closely in their (</i>the Ionians rebels)<i style=""> track and came up with them at Ephesos: and the Ionians stood indeed against them in array, but when they joined battle they had very much the worse; and besides other persons of note whom the Persians slaughtered, there fell also Eualkides commander of the Eretrians, a man who had won wreaths in contests of the games and who was much celebrated by Simonides of Keos: and those of them who survived the battle dispersed to their various cities.”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;" align="right"><i style="">-Herodotus<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Persians seemed to have caught the Ionians on the return leg to their ships and forced battle upon them. With the Greeks probably loaded with loot (from a good sacking), and with the Persian cavalry following them, it’s no surprise they were forced to battle. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Details are scarce for the battle itself, really only mentioning a notable fatality and the fact that the Persians beat the Greeks like a rented mule. After the battle the Athenians and Eretrians returned to the mainland leaving the Ionian cities to fend for themselves. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Athenians and Eretrians part in the revolt (and especially the sacking of <st1:city st="on">Sardis</st1:city>) led to the punitive expedition of Darius and the battle of <st1:place st="on">Marathon</st1:place> in 490 B.C. (as well as a whole other heaping helping of trouble between the Achaemenid Empire and the Greek mainland). Whether the clash of cultures during the Greek and Persian wars would have taken place without Aristagoras convincing the Athenians and Eretrians to help is an interesting idea. Was the Persian Empire interested in expanding father West through <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Greece</st1:place></st1:country-region> meaning that the conflict was inevitable? And would the Greeks have fought the Persians so fiercely and often (eventually culminating in the campaign of Alexander) if there had never been the invasion of Xerxes? </p>Brintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008950970508316487.post-75504940788488505332007-01-31T15:14:00.000-08:002007-01-31T15:17:32.598-08:00The begining<p class="MsoNormal">This is a blog of historical wargaming focusing on Ancient Greece and <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Persia</st1:place></st1:country-region> during the 4<sup>th</sup> and 5<sup>th</sup> centuries B.C.<br /></p>Brintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014810903821750917noreply@blogger.com1