The highlight of the Sassanian battle plan- initial deployment! |
Well folks it was always going to be one of those nights!
Steve had recently acquired Martins beautiful Gripping Beast Early Byzantine army as the latter continues to show discipline and rationalize his collections. "Common sense has no place here Marty" we consistently warn him however he continues to defy us and show intelligence and logic. The bastard!
Anyway...
The Sassanians, or Sassanid Persians as I prefer to call them, were dusted off and readied to take on the might of the Eastern Empire.
Lights in abundance - all Gripping Beast figures |
General and standard bearer are delightful A&A Miniatures |
Daylami to the fore and bowmen in the field to the right |
I went levy foot in abundance. What a mistake to make. |
Steve's excellent home-made resin bases negating the need to re-base his individual figures |
Lovely Byzantine spear and "Kavallarioi" |
Commander in Chief and even more bow and lance armed horse better known as Boukellrioi" |
On the extreme Sassanid right this blokes did sweet bugger all! |
Something about deep foot units of swill which give a false sense of security. |
To be fair Raw Deep foot in TtS are actually very good value troops |
Enjoy those gold coins whilst you can lads as they are soon to leave. A fool and their money are soon parted springs to mind. |
Great sculpts for the great King Carlo...this is obviously a dream sequence as the Byzantine general is on his knee to him. |
Large Byzantine force on their right flank |
Sassanid Zahdeyan Cataphracts |
Hand painted banner that has seen many years of wargaming action with these lads |
The advance of the raw Paighan foot commences ...much to the shock of the raw Paighan foot! |
On the Sassanid left the light cavalry advance through a gap, the heavier Saravan cavalry engage and we prepare to envelop the Byzantine right. What could possibly go wrong? |
A rushed war photographers angle on the grand plan. |
In the centre the Sassanids advance as they always have against these foes |
Light cavalry have turned on the flank, drawing a "2" on the chits. Victory will be mine as I draw...another "2"... |
...followed by a "1" next turn...oh dear. |
Still stuck there...surely they will be safe until things start rolling though. |
Keep up the heat lads |
Looking solid and strong at present boys...keep the faith |
Out of command radius and somewhat disinterested, the reserves watch on. Did someone say chocolates? |
Byzantine cavalry break on some Sassanid skirmishers |
The Byzantines withdraw whilst the Sassanids allow themselves to be drawn into the maelstrom |
The inevitable occurs as Steve launches his flank attack upon the lumbering foot |
The Veteran Zhadeyan have been destroyed (save on 5+ and then draw a 3 and a 4). |
The Sassanid light cavalry that for much of the battle have been frozen awaiting to attack the flank have now been destroyed and the Sassanid left is a mess of confusion, death and disaster. |
Looking a bit different now as a rare Sassanid victory in melee is cheerfully rejoiced |
The Paighan unit in reserve turns to bear with the speed of the USS Constellation however it is all too late |
Despite my ineptness it was another sensational game full of fun and merriment. Great game.