Having rolled up battles in the first two turns/years of the Campaign, I suspected that the Law of Averages would put its foot down and create a quiet turn or two - I was wrong.
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Pylonian Forces - photo by Martin Smith |
Game Year 3 (Year of the Pot-Bellied Pig): Notes from the Campaign Diary
Zigura
invaded Southern Pylonia hoping to capture the territory including the
provincial capital at Nyos, and expand the glorious empire of Xeroz, King of Kings, look upon his works ye Mighty and despair etc. (apologies to PB Shelley)
There was been an uprising in the recently acquired Picenian Province of Northern Luss; this coincided with a retaliatory attack from the still independent Southern Luss.
A horde of
tribesmen from Inconnu swept into territory controlled by Sentis, raiding for
booty and slaves – The Cyraenian Pentapolis reacted by sending an army, led by
General Antonatos
of Sentis, to the area
to destroy the raiders.
Campaign Map at the start of the Year of the Pot-Bellied Pig
Here follows a description of the Ziguran attack (a DBA game), in words and pictures by the redoubtable Mr Martin Smith:
Battle of the River Ypokos
Despatched by King Xeroz of Zigura to claim territory from the
Pylonians, wily General Mahariz circled around to approach the city of Nyos
from the south. Encountering little initial resistance, he established his camp
on the banks of the mighty Ypokos, and settled down to prepare siege engines.
Master of Horse Mahariz was, however, not expecting the mass of small boats
which raced ashore from the river as dawn broke, disgorging Pylonian spearmen
and archers, intent on ruining his day.
Simultaneously the massed infantry of Commander Teparu, trusted
nephew of Pylonia’s God-King Hipohap, stormed forward in a cloud of dust from
the north. Prodded thus into action, Mahariz gathered his mounted troops and
advanced towards the enemy, detailing his infantry to move up in support. The Pylonians struck first,
routing one unit of Ziguran cavalry, trapped against their supports, and
forcing Mahariz’s chariots back in disarray. Undeterred, the elite warriors
of Zigura rallied and resolutely resumed their advance with Mahariz leading the
attack from his red command chariot.
For young Commander Teparu disaster now struck as the resurgent
Ziguran chariots overran the Pylonian left flank bowmen and spear-bearers, who
suddenly and unexpectedly crumbled, just as any hope of help from the landing
party evaporated: rather than join the main battle many of the amphibious
Pylonian spearmen had broken ranks to loot the Ziguran baggage train, while
others then fled from a hail of Ziguran arrows, back to the Ypokos, their boats
and safety.
Seeing the glimmer of potential victory rapidly fade, despondent
Teparu ordered his charioteer to turn north, quitting the field at speed as
everywhere the victorious Zigurans mercilessly chased down fleeing Pylonians.
Now he must face the ire of his God-King uncle, who would be not best pleased, to
say the least…
Many thanks to Martin for another epic battle featuring some lovely figures and scenery. How went the day? Well, Pylonia has lost a territory to Zigura, a pleasing result for Xeroz, and the Sacred Crocodiles of Pylonia could be dining well on a defeated General, unless the God-King is feeling merciful...
A splendid looking game with chariots and war-machines.
ReplyDeleteA lovely-looking battle and a very exciting battle report. This collaborative campaign is really turning into a humdinger!
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Bob