Collaborative Campaign Years 10-11: Part 1

 The Year of the Goat (Campaign Year 10) saw an unusual calm spread across all lands. The following Year, however, saw business as usual for the Empires of Ziguria and Picenia, with their leaders plotting new ways to expand their territories.

Year 11 (the Year of the Snake) sees Xeroz, King of Kings, all tremble before his name, once again attempting to subjugate the ancient land of Pylonia... (text and photos are the intellectual property of Martin Smith and are posted with my thanks for his input)

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 The Second Battle of Raphan 

Over the past six years Zigura’s King of Kings Xeroz’ incursions into Pylonia had met with unexpectedly strong resistance. For such a decadent state the Pylonians, under their despotic God-King Hipohap XXXVI, had proven a tough nut to crack, and had sent the battered remnants of two Ziguran Royal Armies fleeing homewards. 

But still coveting the resources Pylonia might afford, Xeroz now reenlisted the services of his retired Master of Horse, General Mahariz. A decade ago this wily old commander had quashed the rebellion of Toshibaz, the King’s brother, and had also captured Pylonian territory through victory at the Battle of the Ypokos River, in the Year of the Pot Bellied Pig (Year 3). His objective, he was informed, was to take the coastal province of Raphan, held for Hipohap by Governor Hepu. 

After a few months of preparation the Master of Horse dutifully set out westwards, at the head of yet another Ziguran Royal Army, with the cream of the horse-riding nobility leading the advance. Yet secretly he prayed to Taran that this would be his last campaign…but would the god listen to a mere mortal?

Meanwhile, in Raphan, information from Governor Hepu’s well chosen spies in Zigura flowed steadily west along the trade routes to the astute Pylonian, who made his preparations to stop the Zigurans in their tracks. Picking a battlefield near the Ziguran border, Governor Hepu summoned the levies and the few regulars under his command and marched out. Deploying across the coast road, anchoring his line on a swathe of sand dunes, he patiently awaited the Zigurans, having devised a cunning plan involving the Cyraenian mercenary spearmen in his service…

Soon a clear night saw the two armies awaiting dawn within a few bowshots of each other, sleeping in their assigned positions, for fear of surprise. With the glow of dawn behind him, and mist clinging to the shoreline, Mahariz gave the signal, and the Ziguran forces lurched forwards. The sun, he calculated, would soon be in the Pylonians’ eyes, hindering his enemy while aiding his own troops. 

Inland the Ziguran mounted nobility led off on the left, with the Regulars following in the centre  and the Ziguran Militia advancing astride the coast road.

First contact was on the left, where the Ziguran noble cavalry hurled themselves upon the densely packed Pylonian levies. These initially resisted well, but then began to become disorganised, while their light cavalry supports delayed their Ziguran opposite numbers with admirable zeal. Overseen by Mahariz in person, the Ziguran Regulars of the centre now joined the fray, but were hindered by sand dunes, much as Governor Hepu had planned, though eventually the Pylonian right began to falter.

Nearer the coast the Ziguran Militia made good progress, and assaulted the Pylonian left, in a slow grinding clash. But behind them the shoreline mist cleared to reveal Cyraenian boats disgorging armoured spearmen onto the beach - Hepu’s plan for his mercenaries was thus revealed as they slowly, steadily advanced towards the Ziguran baggage train. Mahariz despatched skirmishers to stall the Cyraenians, but the bronze-clad spearmen proved unstoppable and fought their way into the Ziguran camp, causing consternation in nearby Ziguran ranks.

Mahariz’ attention was, however, focussed on a group of heavy chariots which, led by Governor Hepu himself, were breaking up parts of the Militia’s advancing line. Undaunted, the old Ziguran general moved to confront his opposite number and a swirling clash of chariotry ensued, in which Mahariz’ earlier prayer to Taran was answered: this would indeed be his last campaign, as, in the dust and confusion, he fell to a hurled javelin.

Word of the death of the much-loved Master of Horse and loss of the baggage train soon spread, and Ziguran resolve crumbled, units turning to run from the exhausted but jubilant Pylonians. 

Yet again a Royal Army of Zigura had failed to defeat the indefatigable Governor of the Pylonian border province, whose clever use of seaborne mercenaries had paid off, and saved Raphan from the covetous Xeroz and his subjects.

The Victor

The passing of Mahariz

***

Be careful what you wish for is today's "Thought for the Day" . Another failure for Xeroz; will his throne be threatened?

Thanks again to Martin for another cracking report - looks like that was a fun game.

Collaborative Campaign Year 9: Part 2

 A small border clash took place between forces from Picenian Luss and the City State of Sentis, part of the Cyraenian Pentapolis. The battle report can be found here. 

A Picenian spy had been found in a merchant caravan heading South through the Petapolis, and this had prompted an incursion into Luss by troops from Sentis, who destroyed a newly created villa complex. Picenia replied by sending a force to seize two crossing points over the River Patsas. Sentis, preempting this reply, had sent a force of its own. The resulting clash was inconclusive but is suggestive of more tension between the two powers.

Interestingly, the spy's brief had been to discover all that he could regarding a new weapon being employed by the Pentapolis, known as "elephas".

Artist's impression of an "elephas"

Collaborative Campaign Year 9:Part 1

 2026 starts here at P'n'P with the next game in our Collaborative Campaign: This was played by Mark Cordone. Actually, Mark played this last year, but posting was delayed due to festivities; apologies.

Year 9 of the Campaign (the Year of the Ape) witnessed the Ziguran war chest benefitting greatly from the discovery of gold in the hills East of Ganuk. King Xeroz has once again cast his eyes at Pylonian territory...

After the previous year's conflict in the Picenian Province of Luss, the Provincial Governor sought to quell the rebellious tribes, permanently...

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 The Battle of Tibron.

11th day of the 10th month of the year of the Ape

Having grown tired of the incessant raids by the Wend and rebel Luss, governor Auteus Callosus convinced the Senate to grant him the resources to put and end to the threat with a massive punitive expedition into the mountains.  The plan was to launch a devastating raid, pillaging burning and taking captives with the aim for forcing king Hadwyn to battle to defend his realm.  The plan worked, and Hadwyn was forced to assemble his host or lose his crown because he was unable to defend his people.

Hadwyn chose to meet the Picenians in a vale around the two villages of Tibron ( the larger on the right) and Divea on the left.  He deployed his ferocious Huscarls in the center and experienced warbands in the two villages.  In reserve he had his cavalry and younger missile armed men and war dogs.  (Both unreliable).

Auteus had the veteran 6th and 7th legions (on the left and right, both disciplined) and his now regular limitari archers in the center.  In reserve he had his cavalry and more (unreliable) limitari, some mounted and some on foot, both primarily missile troops.  The armies were about even in terms of numbers with the Wend having some 14,000 men, 2,000 of whom were cavalry and the Picenians 15,000 with some 3,000 cavalry.

The weather was fine, cool with a mix of sun and clouds as the Picenians opened the battle with an ineffective volley of arrows at the Huscarls in the center.  For their part, the Huscarls were content to hold their ground as the warband in Divea surged forth with savage cries to attack the veterans of the 6th legion.  The legionaries made short work of them and advanced to occupy the village.  Deeply affected by the panicked flight of the survivors, Hadwyn's reserve infantry could not be induced to advance.  This left the 6th free to roll up the Huscarls from the flank and rout them as well.

Hadwyn tired but failed to rally them as the Picenian archers began to shoot at the defenders of Tibron.  Their arrows had no effect, and then the Wend cavalry charged in the center.  This time the limitari found their mark and killed many horses and men as the cavalry were effectively destroyed.

Next, the war dogs surged forth only to meet the same fate.  The archers then let loose a series of ineffective volleys into Tibron as Hadwyn finally managed to get his slingers and javelin men to advance in the center. They were no match for the archers however and were quickly put to flight, king Hadwyn being killed by an arrow to the throat.

This hugely one sided victory caused all resistance to collapse and both the Wend and the few remaining rebel Luss submitted to the Picenians.

Auteus was awarded a triumph, however Rionach, with a handful of bodyguards, servants and her infant son managed to escape over the mountains to Thule.

***

Thanks again to Mark for another exciting game report. It appears that Picenia has finally secured Luss; however the escape of a high born infant sets up the possibility of future conflicts, perhaps...

Seasonal Greeting

 

Wishing all readers of this blog a Joyous and, above all, Peaceful Christmas.

Collaborative Campaign Year 8

 Year 8 of the Campaign (The Year of the Lizard) witnessed an assassination attempt in Zigura - poison had been secreted in the light lunch (22 courses) of King Xeroz, praised be his name. Agents of the King’s brother, Toshibbaz (who is thought to be hiding somewhere in Inconnu), have been blamed. Fortunately a diligent food-taster (RIP) got to the dish before the King of Kings did.

Picenia consolidated further its grip on Luss, however there has been another rebellion…

We go over to our regular Picenian correspondent, Mark Cordone, who provides the text and photographs.

Events in the North, year of the Lizard.

The previous year had seen an embassy from the new high king of the Thulians, Adawulf, to the Wend king Hedwyn.  Some years ago, A younger Hedwyn had gone north over the mountains to seek adventure, glory and wealth, the things he would need to build a following of his own.  While there he met Adawulf, A prominent Thulian warlord and took service with him.  They became fast friends and comrades in arms, and when Hedwyn departed for home they both made an oath that should either come to power there would be a place for the other in their realm, and should both be so blessed they would make an alliance and together conquer the world.

Now that the gods had so blessed both of them they fulfilled their oath.  Hadwyn offered his sister Ifeielda, who had recently come of age to Adawulf in marriage.  He put his first wife, who was barren, aside and married her.  At the wedding Rionach was revealed to be with child and the following spring she gave birth to a healthy baby boy they named Idamund.  To celebrate these happy events a major raid into Lussatia was planned, to be led by Adawulf's right hand man Annar called Ironhand.

The battle of Dunar

I used the Dominion of the Spear rules along with my initiative, events and new expendable units variants.

The raiders were composed of a loose alliance (designated A for their turns on the pics) of about 500 Luss, 200 of whom were cavalry and the rest unreliable warbands.  200 Wend cavalry and a sizable contingent of Thulians, 200 cavalry, 300 warriors, 300 unreliable warband and about 200 Ulfhednar, berserkers believed to be able to shape shift into wolves.

Their target was the town of Dunar, located near some ancient cyclopean ruins from which it got its name.  The ruins had become something of a tourist attraction since the Picenian conquest.  Nearby was an extensive villa and plantation owned by none other than senator Galenus, architect of the Picenian conquest.

Picenian agents among the Luss nobility learned of the coming raid and it's target and governor Auteus was able to take steps to counter it.  He ordered general Illius Ince, Legate of the sixth Legion to take his command to the town as quickly as possible and destroy the raiders.  By dint of several grueling forced marches he was able to win the race by about half a day, arriving with the 1st - 4th cohorts of 6th legion (1200 men in all), where he met up with the local limitari, 300 archers and 200 unreliable reserves which included all of his 100 cavalry.  He evacuated the villa and prepared to meet the raiders with the town forming the center of his line, occupied by the first cohort.  The second was in the right hand sector and his archers on the left.  The rest of his force in hand formed the reserve.  The reminder of sixth Legion was on the road and was expected by nightfall.

The raiders, led by the Thulian warlord Annar Ironhand, were surprised to find the enemy present in force and deployed for battle when they arrived.  Undeterred, Annar deployed his men as well.  The 300 Thulian warriors quickly occupied the villa while his Thulian horsemen took post in the center.  On the left the fearsome Ulfhednar began to work themselves up into a frenzy as the rest of the raiders formed a second line to act as the reserve.

It was just after noon on the 15th day of the sixth month of the year of the Lizard when the Ulfhednar surged forward to attack the Picenian archers.  The archers let several volleys of arrows fly, but to no effect.  As the screaming Northmen continued their charge the Bowman broke and fled and were pursued off of the field by the berserkers and slaughtered.  Their places taken by the Wend cavalry and 4th cohort. 

Meanwhile on the right the Thulian axemen and the second cohort began a melee that started tentatively as both sides felt each other out, then increased in intensity until both sides were completely spent.  As this was happening the Annar's cavalry quickly routed the exhausted men of the 4th cohort and then did the same to the limitari that replaced them in the battle line.  They then turned on the first cohort in the town, already engaged from the front, and attacked them from the flank.

This sparked an epic defensive stand as the outnumbered defenders held off the barbarian cavalry for several hours allowing the 3rd cohort to claim an even greater share of the glory.  They advanced on the defenders of the villa, routed them and captured it, then advanced to attack Annar's reserves in the rear.  (Since the villa was a strong point that offered defensive advantage and the unreliable Thulian warband failed to activate I decided to allow the Picenians to occupy it and have that flank forward). 

The Thulian warband fled, then the Luss warband was destroyed in turn.  As dusk was just beginning the brave defenders of the town were finally defeated.  Technically, this gave the allies the victory, but with the Picenian reinforcements set to arrive on their turn (the cavalry), I decided to call the game a draw, with the allies withdrawing in the growing twilight.

This was another close battle which featured some enjoyable swings in momentum and was a lot of fun to play.  I liked the way things went when I introduced the 3x3: element by allowing the Picenians to occupy the villa. The Dominion rules, as in 3x3 games, are actually area movement games and by allowing the advance I think I enhanced the narrative.

***

Thanks again to Mark for a splendid game report and some really nice pictures. 

Collaborative Campaign Year 7: Part 2

 Once again attention turns Southward, to ancient and dusty Pylonia, where the expansionist Zigurans are continuing their land grab...

Text and pictures are courtesy (and copyright) of Martin Smith:

The Battle of the Wastelands

Sent west by mighty Xeroz, King of Kings and Favoured One of Taran, General Amukar knew he had a tough task ahead of him. Only two years before a Ziguran force sent on a similar mission had encountered stiff Pylonian opposition on the shores of the Great Sea near Raphan, ending in a rapid retreat and the shaming of Zatrab Balshezbu, commander of the Army of the Magreeb, and, by default, of all Zigura’s nobility.

Now, in the Year of the Petulant Pony, it was Amukar’s chance to take his revenge. Avoiding the coastal route, with its boneyard reminders of a former failure, he chose instead to approach across the wastelands to the south. Desert tribesmen had assured him that water could be found, and that they would remain undetected, raising the possibility of a certain level of surprise, and a greater chance of wrong-footing the godless Pylonians. But water had proven scarce, and the tribesmen, as unreliable as ever, melted away as the days dragged on, thirst and indiscipline soon spreading among the Ziguran soldiery.

In Raphan, Governor Hepu received early warning of the movements of his adversary. Payments to the camel-riders of the desert had secured much useful information, with regular reports on the delayed progress of the Ziguran invaders, buying him time to assemble a force to intervene. Some of the assembled throng, around one third, were of unknown loyalty, being bowmen and spearmen from the southern borders with Maraway, but others were true Pylonians, veterans of the Battle of Raphan and firm supporters of their Governor. God-King Hipohap having given his blessing, Hepu now marched out to meet his foe. 

Approaching the encamped Zigurans from the west with much haste, Governor Hepu aimed to break them before they could fully deploy. The fleet footed Maraway contingent would lead the attack, while Pylonians would support and bolster them. Noting the wheel-clogging sand dunes further south, Hepu also ordered his cavalry and chariots to redeploy towards the left, to form up north of the bow-wielding tribesmen. Staunch Pylonian spearmen would follow on, filling any gaps which might appear, and preventing any rearward movement by their untested allies.

But General Amukar had placed his pickets well, and warnings soon arrived of the Pylonians’ advance. Cursing the fickle men of the desert, Amukar now arrayed his force with admirable professionalism. His dishevelled and demoralised spearmen to the far left rested secure against a large expanse of dunes, avoiding any outflanking risk from the Pylonians’ feared chariotry. To the immediate north of the spears, his centre of archers continued the line, leaving a small patch of rough ground to their rear as they deployed. Issuing last from the army’s camp, Amukar led out his heavy chariots, with them forming a formidable right flank. 

So as the heat of the day increased and the Maraway tribesmen moved into range, a deadly duel commencing with the Ziguran regulars. These latter proved more stalwart than the tribesmen opposite, who were outclassed and soon fell into disarray. Seeing his Maraway contingent in disorder, ruining his plan for a rapid win against an unprepared foe, Governor Hepu faced a dilemma….either to fall back, at the risk of retreat becoming a rout, or to roll the dice and attack. 

Fear of his master the God-King may have driven him on, for as his repositioned cavalry formed up about his chariot squadron he offered a silent prayer, ordered the Battle Standard of Raphan to be waved and, risking all, led them on to death or glory.

Watching from his command chariot at the right of the Ziguran lines, General Amukar and his escort looked on in amazement as, out of the dust and confusion, the Pylonian cavalry and chariots surged forward, the standard of Pylonia at their head in the unmistakable battle-wagon of his opposite number. Despite his plan to hold, and let the decadent Pylonians dash themselves fruitlessly against his forces, he could not let such affrontery go unpunished, and immediately commanded his charioteers to attack, and with all speed. As the lines met, confusion reigned: poorly mounted Pylonian battle cavalry fell to stinging volleys from Ziguran hill men, and the skirmishing horse to Amukar’s front fell back before his charge, drawing him on in pursuit. 

But Governor Hepu’s squadron were less easily dealt with, and his onwards rushing chariots now crashed into the dense but yielding mass of Ziguran bowmen, breaking them and driving them in flight into the rough ground behind. Showing the self-control which had earned him his most trusted position, Hepu halted and turned his squadron, before unleashing them upon the exposed and unprotected right flank of the remaining Ziguran archers. 

Chaos spread, chariot horses trampled Ziguran infantry and the invaders’ centre wavered and then broke in rout. Despite his local success, with the Pylonians before him in retreat, Amukar felt an icy chill as the realisation began to sink in that this battle in the wastelands was lost. More and more of his weary foot soldiers were succumbing to the spreading panic, as pursuing Pylonians rode them down. Despite their initial repulse of the Maraway many Zigurans were now feeling the burning need to be elsewhere, away from Pylonian arrows, away from the shrieking axles of the wheeled bringers of death and destruction.

Defeated once more, the invading host fled with all speed into the desert whence they had come, and set course for the safety of the Ziguran border, preferring to face the wrath of Xeroz, and the feared pronouncements of the High Priests of Taran than the pitiless swords and arrows of their Pylonian enemies. Many of them would not arrive…

***

Many thanks to Martin for another splendiferous (apologies, I'm running out of superlatives) battle report. Ziguran expansion may have reached its high-water mark? Perhaps it's time for Pylonia to strike back...? 

Collaborative Campaign Year 6 and Year 7: Part 1

 Campaign Year 6, the Year of the Dormouse, according to the Martarian Calendar*, was the first game turn in which no moves or random events took place; a rare year of peace that has allowed the expanding empires of Picenia and Zigura a chance to recruit and train forces and consolidate their grip over the territories they have taken. (*Marta is the Earth-Mother Goddess worshipped by the Picenians) 

Here's the Map as it currently stands.

 Year 7, the Year of the Petulant Pony, was to be more active...

Mark has documented events in Luss (text and game photos copyright Mark Cordone)

Events in the North:

The year of the Dormouse saw the Picenians consolidate their hold on the new provinces of Northern and Southern Lussatia by founding a large number of villas and plantations. 

Meanwhile Hadwyn had to fend off a number of challenges following his defeat at the battle of Bibracate. 

During the course of the year Rionach was treated with the utmost kindness and respect.  Once her period of mourning was over Hadwyn began a formal courtship.  He was a handsome and charismatic leader and Rionach gradually found herself yielding to his suit.  On New Years Day of the year of the Petulant Pony the two were wed.

Meanwhile, A high king had arisen among the Thulians, savage barbarians dwelling in the frozen lands north of the mountains.  Their new king, Odalric, sent an embassy south to meet with Hadwyn......

An old French educational poster borrowed
from the Internet (early 20th Century)

The battle of Hasta

The game was played using the Dominion of the Spear rules and my initiative, random activation and rally rules.

The year of the Petulant Pony saw a major raid into Picenian occupied Luss by the Wend chieftain Adalwulf.  His force was composed of some 1000 warriors and 200 cavalry.  Around 600 Luss, half of whom were slingers and javelin men.  (4 foot, 1 cavalry and 1 archers, all regular).  After a successful raid that saw a number of Picenian villas and plantations thoroughly sacked they were on their way home laden with the spoils of their victories when the Tribune Caius Atinius caught up with them at the strategic crossroads near the town of Hasta.  He had managed to cobble together a force of three cohorts (1,2,5) of the 8th legion, some 1000 men in all.  In addition he had about 300 limitari archers, also experienced and reliable. The 2 local limitari cohorts, unreliable troops, totaling about 500 men 100:of whom were cavalry were also present.

On the 4th day of the 8th month of the year of the Petulant Pony the two armies deployed for battle.  In the right sector Caius placed his archers on the fields only significant hill.  In the center the 5th cohort and on the left the 2nd.  In reserve he had the 1st cohort and the 3rd and 6th limitari cohorts.

Adalwulf placed his slingers opposite the archers and Wend warbands in the center and to the left.  In reserve he had his cavalry and a Wend and Luss warband.

The merciless sun beat down on both armies as the Luss slingers were routed by the accurate shooting of the archers on the hill.  On the left, the Wend warband were wiped out by the veterans of the 2nd cohort.  Things had not started well for Adalwulf!

A pattern of attacks on the hill, each beaten off by a hail of arrows then began on the right.  It was to continue for the rest of the day without a significant result.  On the right reinforcements from Adalwulf's reserve renewed the fight with both units being spent in the combat.  Adalwulf rallied some of his warriors but Caius was unable to bring any of his men back into the fight. 

Adalwulf then launched his cavalry at the Picenian center, and both units were virtually wiped out as a result.  Caius then ordered the 3rd limitari cohort to fill the gap in the center, but they refused to advance.  On the left, attacked from the front and flank, the 1st cohort gave way. The 5th limitari cohort took their place, but the 3rd still refused to budge.  As a result the 5th met the same fate as the unfortunate first and the battle was lost.

Adalwulf returned in triumph having added a great deal of Picenian war gear to his booty.

***

Thanks once again to Mark for another wonderfully narrated DotS game. In the next post we head South to see how the Zigurans have fared in their latest attempt at subjugating Pylonia...