An Ancient Campaign - Part 9

We have reached the fourth tabletop game and the ninth post of this campaign. The campaign is drawing near its conclusion, with the Carthaginian forces steadily approaching the city of Aurelia, setting the stage for a final and decisive battle. However, before reaching that climactic encounter, the battle of Solara awaits. The question is - can the Roman forces secure a victory and stop Carthaginian forces from securing further advantages in the impending decisive battle?

Recent progress on the campaign map leading up to this battle.

Background

Having bribed his way across the river Aurelia, Mago, the Carthaginian commander, advanced quickly and now faces a small Roman force positioned on a strategic hill that overlooks the coastal road. A Roman relief force are expected soon from Aurelia. Control of this hill will provide victory to either side. 

The scenario is from the book One-Hour Wargames - see previous post for details.

Battle Report…

Upon encountering a strategic hill guarded by a modest Roman contingent during his coastal march, Mago swiftly deployed his forces. With the aim of outflanking the defenders, he positioned his cavalry on the left, ready to strike. On the right, the Gaul warband prepared to exploit the wooded terrain, while the heavy infantry stood behind the light infantry in the center, forming a formidable line of attack.

As the Roman relief force arrived on the scene. Carthaginian cavalry had already manoeuvred to flank the hill's defenders, while in the centre their light infantry pressed forward, launching ranged attacks on the hill. The battle for control of this vital hilltop had begun in earnest.

Carthaginian forces arrive.

The Carthaginian centre advances and their light infantry engage the defenders at a distance. While each of the flanks move forward.

Carthage’s cavalry begin to flank the defenders of the hill.

The Roman relief force arrives.

In a race against time, the Roman relief force swiftly marched to provide support to their commander Marcus and the valiant defenders atop the hill. Their lone cavalry unit charged forward, confronting some of the Carthaginian cavalry that posed a threat to their flank. Meanwhile, their heavy infantry marched towards the hill, their flanks guarded by a protective screen of the light infantry.

The Roman heavy infantry on the hilltop held their ground with remarkable tenacity, fending off the Carthaginian assaults, while some reinforcements arrived just in time to bolster their defence. The Gaul Warbands, having swiftly dispatched the light infantry, wasted no time in engaging the other Roman infantry units trying to reinforce the hilltop position. The battle raged on, with each side fiercely contesting control of this critical position.

Roman relief forces march quickly to support the hilltop defenders.

The assault on the hilltop is in full swing and the Gauls attack the light infantry.

The first of the Roman relief force arrives.

The initial Roman relief units were promptly thrust into the heart of the hilltop defence. Fatigued and on the verge of crumbling, the existing defenders desperately relied on these fresh reinforcements. However, the Carthaginian forces now held numerical superiority, allowing them to exploit their advantage and outflank the Roman units. The Roman position grew precarious, lacking any further reserves to reinforce their lines. In the face of this relentless pressure, the final defenders were ultimately routed. Tragically, the Roman commander, Marcus, suffered injury during the chaotic retreat.

Relief units arrive, but the existing defenders are exhausted.

Carthaginian forces with numerical superiority are able to rout the few remaining Roman defenders.

An entertaining solo wargame, incorporating chance cards that created both challenges and advantages to each side. These cards have been modified from the original ones found in Chapter 22 of One-Hour Wargames. As for the rules, I used OHW Ancient rules with additional rules concerning Movement, Gaul Warbands, and Catapults:

• Movement: Any unit that executes a pivot at the beginning and end of their movement will have their overall movement reduced by 3 inches. No deductions for just one pivot.
• Gaul Warbands: These units have a movement range of 9 inches and can move through woods and difficult terrain. In combat they roll a D6 + 2. They are considered unarmored.
• Catapults: Assigned to an infantry unit, catapults are capable of shooting up to 36 inches. Their attack hits are determined by rolling a D6 - 2, and they ignore armour. Catapults are removed from play as soon as the infantry unit they are assigned to moves or becomes engaged in combat.

In the next post, the focus will shift to the upcoming campaign and narrative.