An Ancient Campaign - Part 8

Returning to the campaign map for the next set of campaign moves. Before rolling any dice, the Carthaginian battle readiness token has been advanced by 1 square after their previous tabletop victory on the plains of Helios.

The campaign position prior to rolling the dice. On the left Carthage’s battle readiness token is advanced for its last tabletop win.

Starting from the city of Helios, Carthage rolls a 1, landing on the "Bribed Guards" square, which enables them to progress 3 squares, crossing the bridge. This is followed by a roll of 3, moving them forward through the Solara city square. Once the Carthaginian token passes through a city square, a tabletop battle will ensue.

2 dice rolls and the Carthaginian army marches across the river Aurelia and through Solara.

Finally, the Roman battle readiness token advances by two squares, with each dice roll contributing to its progression. Note, when I first drafted the rules I had the Roman battle readiness declining by 3 steps after each lost, but I have dropped this rule.

The campaign position after the dice rolls.

Planned tabletop battle…

For the next battle, I have chosen scenario 4 - "Take the High Ground" - from the One-Hour Wargames book. In this scenario, the complete Carthaginian force arrives, catching a small Roman force by surprise as they defend a strategically significant hill. The remaining elements of a Roman relief force are expected to arrive soon between the road and the woods. The primary objective for both forces is to gain control of the hill by the end of the game.

The tabletop all set up for the game.

Campaign narrative…

Having using bribery to cross the river Aurelia, Mago, the Carthaginian commander, led his army forward, pressing on without the elephants. Meanwhile, the remaining Roman force, still recuperating from a recent defeat, positioned themselves atop a strategic hill that overlooked the coastal road. They eagerly await reinforcements en route from Aurelia as they prepared to defend their position against the impending Carthaginian advance.

Orders of Battle…

Rome

Positioned on the hill:

• 2 heavy infantry units with supporting catapults

Reinforcements:

• 2 light infantry
• 1 cavalry
• 3 heavy infantry

Carthage

• 3 heavy infantry
• 2 Gaul Warbands
• 2 light infantry
• 2 cavalry

The next post will be of the battle report.