Wednesday 19 October 2016

Macedonians v Later Achaemenid Persians -To The Strongest at the NWS

Clash of Pike and Spear in the centre


Wonderful game of To The Strongest last night at the NWS with the Alexandrian Macedonians and Later Achaemenid Persians each having their first runs with the rules.  Running the Persians, my obvious concerns were...well lets be frank...they were Persians!  Not a great deal of quality in the list other than Greek Hoplite mercenaries, Apple Bearers and some decent cavalry.  Historically pretty accurate.


The Macedonians of Alexander have power and grace at every turn.  As they should!  It was going to be a tough ask however Marty and I were confident we could give it a good shake.



The initial set up with the Persians already looking a little bit too stretched in deployment whilst
the Macedonians are seeking to exploit their superior cavalry edge on the flank 

Phil's beautiful army painted by master artisan Chris

Marty's command on the Persian right flank

Central command containing the majority of the decent Persian foot


Mercenary Greek Hoplites watch the advance get underway

On the Persian left a brave unit of Slingers advances to take the rough ground ahead

Along the Persian lines - scythed chariots awaiting an opporunity

Though Phil's army is actually based and built upon being an Antigonid Successor one, they certainly
still look the part for this slightly earlier battle.  Just a few too many shields on the cavalry but who cares-
they are so beautiful to look at! 

Martin takes the initative and with the help of the "Take the High Ground" stratagem we had drawn
earlier, gets the jump on Steve's command.


In the centre the very impressive phalanx continue to press forward

The Persians decide to checker board - not sure why even now as I type!

The slingers have taken the rough ground whilst the King of Kings observes from the observation
deck of his red racing chariot.

Skythian horse archers clash with Macedonian light cavalry

The slingers are earning their pay.  They have already shot and eliminated a Companion unit and have
disordered a second.  Not bad for some press-ganged shepherds.


Persian Royal Guard cavalry hit some javelinmen but they cannot make the decisive breakthrough that
could expose the phalanx's flank/

More veteran pike advance upon the now very enticing Persian camp

Back on the right, a succession of very average activation draws has allowed the Macedonians to rearrange their
defensive position while the Persians have been unable to take advantage of their brave gambit

Crunch time!

Having at least swept away some light troops, the Persian cavalry cannot get the decisive second disordering
hit on the Macedonians.


Though some painting patchwork is required around some weapons, these old Vendel Persians are
still quite lovely sculpts and very well painted by a few different chaps many years ago.

The Persians lost two Generals dead at critical times in the battle.  Here we see the cavalry Commander
about to issue his last orders. 

These mighty slingers held their ground the entire battle despite overwhelming odds.  Well done lads!!


At this point the Persian Freelancer photographer decided to get on his stolen Arabian steed and hot foot it out of the camp.  The Macedonians in one two turn period captured eight victory medals and claimed a well deserved victory.  Great job Cookie and Steve.


For Martin and myself, we can only blame the fickle wargaming gods who allowed us a brief glimpse of superb chit drawing only to be replaced by a dark wave of disaster.


Despite that, it was a sensational game and a great deal of fun for all of us.

22 comments:

  1. Looks like a fantastic game Carlos, I'm sorry I couldn't make it. Cookie will be loving these rules by now :) Guido.

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    1. We waited and waited Guido...but the reserve command had a better offer obviously :^) Good game indeed mate. Lots of fun.

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  2. Outstanding visual! TtS is getting quite a bit of attention on the gaming table.
    Great job!

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    1. Thanks Jonathon. Yes we are certainly enjoying it at the moment that's for sure. Great to get the old ancients figures out.

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  3. A good looking game. Lovely figures. Persian troops might not be very good but what they lack for in quality they should more then make up for in quantity.

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    1. Thank you Paul - they needed a bit more quantity last night that's for sure.

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  4. Lovely looking game, two of my favourite armies in play and very nicely painted..
    Graham

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    1. Thanks Graham.

      I am going to need to work out a better plan for the Persians mate as those pike blocks made light work of the lads last night that's for sure.

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  5. Fantastic looking game Carlo and love the Greeks and Scythians.....nice work old boy

    Regards

    Nathan

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    1. Thanks Nathan - I knew this Scythians would take you back!!

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  6. Stunning pictures, close ups are outstanding!

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    1. Thanks Phil - the old Kodak camera I grabbed for Ben as a young boy takes a very good photograph.

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  7. Saw the game .. give the slingers a pay rise! love the new system for ancients.

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    1. Absolutely HA - they served their King well indeed.

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  8. Great pictures and report; TtS! is definitely dusting off old Ancients in many places!

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    1. Thanks Peter - well said on the old figures getting another run with these excellent rules.

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  9. A fine collection of figures and so many of them. Very impressive.

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    1. Cheers Pat - lots of great figures for sure and a favourite period.

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  10. What a great looking game! Some of the old Vendels were great mins.

    The Macedonian bases work extremely well with the mat! Perfect match.

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    1. Certainly were Simon. Hard to get a hold of these days. The Macedonians looked great!

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  11. Slingers taking out Companions; the gods really were tempting you with the spectre of victory!
    Trouble is that it is difficult to replicate such success against all those quality troops isn't it? As with Gauls, I guess the Persians need the gods to be with them all day?!

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    1. Oh yes Fish and the Gods decided this was to be a Macedonian day... in every sense!

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