Who's Asculum?

As previously trailed there was some doubt about the viability for the proposed garden game. As it turned out we were okay, but I'd done some thinking about what we might play in SHQ instead if called upon. This meant that when the garden game finished with an hour or two before we were due down the pub, Tim M and I nipped into SHQ to set the figures out whilst everyone else tidied up the garden.

Tim's help was essential as there's about 200 figures a side on the table. This is a refight of Asculum, one of Pyrrhus' victories over the Romans. I've done it before, but with a lower turnout of players than expected. It was good to return to it with a full house. We haven't played one of these big games for quite a while. 

Martin had left for home, so we had Phil, Chris K and Tim M taking the Epirots, with Tim G, Steve, Richard and Chris A being the Romans. The pull of playing Pyrrhus was enough to make Phil move from his normal corner. Lucky too, as I hadn't expected to use SHQ, so I hadn't opened the windows meaning it was a bit warm in there, even with a couple of fans blowing, and Phil needed to be loser to the open door..

The basic rules from Neil Thomas' AMW are written on the white board. We're using inches instead of centimetres to get things moving. and some house rules.

The Epirots have first turn and launch their attack.

Undeterred, the Romans counter attack. 

Phil, as Pyrrhus, is swinging his cavalry out wide to outflank the Romans. His orders to his sub commanders are "attack the gaps when they open up". Ever the optimist.

The first elephant attack has mixed results, as it collides with a unit of light infantry. We are playing modified elephant rules. I've written about them before and they tone down the effectiveness of  elephants under the basic rules and make them vulnerable to light infantry if unsupported.

Each of the four Roman legion commanders seek glory. Some of them are even using tape measures.

Tim G, the architect of our previous game, is struggling with the small size of the figures.

Phil has come off better in the cavalry melee and has a half unit left to exploit the open flank.

This is what the battle is all about. First generation legions in early manipular formations against the classic Macedonian style phalanx. Behind the Epirot line their cavalry reserve is being despatched to cover a possible Roman break through on the Epirot left. You will see on the phalanx's left that the last elephant element of that unit that was fighting the light infantry has broken and rampaged into the end of the infantry line.

Chris A's cavalry on the Roman left is steadily crumbling away.

This is what we came for. Masses of infantry slogging it out.

Phil is explaining exactly what he wants to happen with he right hand phalanx. Chris K is showing that he's one of those people who has to pull out half a tape measure in order to measure 12". We all know someone like that.

Phil has finally got round the Roman left with his cavalry. Steve's infantry is in a bit of a pickle. His colleagues look on. No helpful advice is given.

The Romans look like they are finally cracking a hole in the centre, so Chris K moves up the elephant reserve.

Phil is riding down the velites covering the Roman rear left flank.

It's getting close to dinner time and the Roman legions have been severely mauled. I haven't covered the cavalry fight at the far end, but Northamptonshire Tim has the upper hand over Tim G. The Epirots have taken severe losses but the Romans have barely a coherent unit left. Another Pyrrhic victory.

What a way to finish off the day. Lots of dice rolling and frenetic game play. Great fun all round, then down the pub for some beer, food and good company.

Lovely.