Rematch of the Battle of the Tombs (Dōmyōji - 1615)

This battle report covers my second game of the Battle of the Tombs (Dōmyōji - 1615) remotely hosted by Jon of Palouse Wargaming Journal. In our first game from a few weeks ago (battle report found here) I commanded the Tokugawa forces, who were the historical victors. This time, we were switching sides and I would be leading the Osaka army.

If you've been following Jon's blog, you will know he has hosted this game several times with different wargamers. With the exception of one recent game, the Tokugawa army has been victorious every time. They do begin with the advantage of having an extra cavalry unit, and cavalry can be particularly powerful in these rules.

The game's objective is to reduce your opponent's army resolve, which can be achieved by:

• Destroying enemy units.
• Successfully pursuing after combat.
• Killing enemy leaders.

Additional resolve points can also be gained at the end of the game by controlling the tombs, making them potentially decisive in a closely fought battle.

The Rules

The game uses Jon's Samurai adaptation of the Basic Impetus rules. A few key features of the rules are worth noting:

• Successful charges, followed by pursuit, can wreak havoc on an army's battle line.
• Manoeuvring units is difficult and slow unless they are advancing or falling back (and disorganised units cannot fall back)
• The first activation is determined by a dice roll, while subsequent clan activations are decided by drawing coloured dice from a bag. Winning the initial activation can provide valuable attacking opportunities.
• Even when defending, you need to be prepared to counterattack and make full use of a unit's impetus bonus when charging.

The Plan

With these rule features in mind, my plan for the Osaka army was to refuse my right flank, withdrawing it slightly while repositioning my lone cavalry unit towards the centre, where it could hopefully launch a decisive counterattack. On the left flank, I intended to attack quickly in an attempt to disrupt the Tokugawa centre.

The starting positions with my planned opening moves in solid red arrows, and counter attacks in dotted red arrows. The original photo is from Jon's briefing pack. 

So, did the plan work?

Battle Report

Following a general advance by Jon's Tokugawa forces, I stuck to my plan and launched an attack with the Osaka left flank. The results were mixed. A Samurai unit was driven back after a bloody clash, but this opened the way for an Ashigaru unit to charge forward. They destroyed an enemy unit and successfully pursued twice before becoming isolated behind the enemy line, at which point they were swiftly cut down by the Tokugawa cavalry. 

Meanwhile, on my right flank, my lone cavalry unit continued its slow redeployment towards the centre.

The Tokugawa army advances and Osaka launches an attack from its left flank.

A unit of Teppo near the right-hand tombs inflicted damage on its Tokugawa counterpart, only to be charged and destroyed by Jon's second cavalry unit.

The Tokugawa army mops up the Osaka attacks.

After the initial charges on my left flank, Jon successfully reorganised his army and resumed an ordered advance. In the centre, I formed a defensive line. While Tokugawa's cavalry completed their destruction of my Samurai on the left flank. From that point on, my only real option there was to harass nearby enemy units with my archers positioned near the left-hand tomb.

A controlled retirement by Osaka units while archers harassed the enemy on the left flank. 

I was feeling a little bit apprehensive at this point in the game with my left flank all but lost. Although my right flank was still intact and my cavalry were yet to be committed.

Having initially fallen back, my right flank finally saw an opportunity to launch a counterattack (my only opportunity to attack). A unit of foot Samurai charged and destroyed one enemy unit and then drove back an Ashigaru unit. Unfortunately they were unable to follow up and finish the job. In the centre the Tokugawa continued to advance forcing back some of my units.

Tokugawa forces push forward in the centre and on their right flank with their cavalry.

My centre was now the focus and after initially giving ground they charged, lead by the cavalry, they forced back the Tokugawa line. Although one of my Ashigaru units was forced to retreat during the fighting. On the right, the foot Samurai charged again, this time destroying the remaining Tokugawa unit on that flank. 

The Tokugawa cavalry, having pursued so aggressively after destroying my Samurai, found themselves isolated and unable to influence the battle while they regrouped and turned back towards the fighting.

Tokugawa cavalry continue their pursuit, while the Osaka centre and right flank attack.

Sensing an opportunity, my centre attacked once more. This second assault destroyed another Ashigaru unit and drove back the remaining Tokugawa cavalry. These accumulated losses were enough to break the Tokugawa army's resolve, handing victory to the Osaka forces.

A final charge by the remaining Osaka units breaks the Tokugawa army resolve.

After game thoughts...

As much as I would like to say that everything went to plan, fortune certainly played its part in Osaka's victory. I won the initiative more often than Jon, allowing me to launch several timely counterattacks. Just as importantly, there were at least three occasions during the game when I rolled exceptionally well, resulting in Tokugawa units being either destroyed or badly mauled. By contrast, I cannot recall Jon enjoying the same run of good fortune. While the plan gave me opportunities, fate and the dice undoubtedly smiled on the Osaka army this time.

Here is a short poem of the battle. I did seek assistance from ChatGPT to help write this...

Beside the silent ancient tombs,

Where honour is echoed in the bones,

Banners met in clash and cry,

As arrows and smoke darkened the sky.

The battle swayed from hope to fear,

Each charge drew victory ever near.

The Tokugawa's strength gave way,

As Osaka seized the closing day.

The tombs looked on, unmoved by fame,

They cared not who would win the game.

For dust returns to dust once more—

Yet honour lives through battle's lore.

Next…

My next post will be a battle report from my Battle of Britain campaign. I opted to write about this game first as I have more notes on the Battle of Britain game to help me recall the events.