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 |
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 |
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.
Looks like a fantastic game Carlos, I'm sorry I couldn't make it. Cookie will be loving these rules by now :) Guido.
ReplyDeleteWe waited and waited Guido...but the reserve command had a better offer obviously :^) Good game indeed mate. Lots of fun.
DeleteOutstanding visual! TtS is getting quite a bit of attention on the gaming table.
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
Thanks Jonathon. Yes we are certainly enjoying it at the moment that's for sure. Great to get the old ancients figures out.
DeleteA 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.
ReplyDeleteThank you Paul - they needed a bit more quantity last night that's for sure.
DeleteLovely looking game, two of my favourite armies in play and very nicely painted..
ReplyDeleteGraham
Thanks Graham.
DeleteI 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.
Fantastic looking game Carlo and love the Greeks and Scythians.....nice work old boy
ReplyDeleteRegards
Nathan
Thanks Nathan - I knew this Scythians would take you back!!
DeleteStunning pictures, close ups are outstanding!
ReplyDeleteThanks Phil - the old Kodak camera I grabbed for Ben as a young boy takes a very good photograph.
DeleteSaw the game .. give the slingers a pay rise! love the new system for ancients.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely HA - they served their King well indeed.
DeleteGreat pictures and report; TtS! is definitely dusting off old Ancients in many places!
ReplyDeleteThanks Peter - well said on the old figures getting another run with these excellent rules.
DeleteA fine collection of figures and so many of them. Very impressive.
ReplyDeleteCheers Pat - lots of great figures for sure and a favourite period.
DeleteWhat a great looking game! Some of the old Vendels were great mins.
ReplyDeleteThe Macedonian bases work extremely well with the mat! Perfect match.
Certainly were Simon. Hard to get a hold of these days. The Macedonians looked great!
DeleteSlingers taking out Companions; the gods really were tempting you with the spectre of victory!
ReplyDeleteTrouble 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?!
Oh yes Fish and the Gods decided this was to be a Macedonian day... in every sense!
Delete