Ten One Hour Wargames scenarios played with my own ancient rules

Introduction

 I solo play out the first 10 scenarios from One Hour Wargaming using my own ancient rules.

Background

I redid my spreadsheet playing Imperator to be even more automated.  I starting playing Imperator Scenario 2 (Assyria) but realised I was not enjoying it as much as I could – too much bookkeeping - even using a spreadsheet to make it so less tedious!  I may go back and simplify it one day.

After a couple of battles I was enjoying the revamped rules I was using, themselves based on the rules used for my first Imperator game (When Warriors Collide).  But the 8x8 grid was just not cutting it for me.  I did not mind 12x12 , it close to playing on a 60x60xm table with 40mm wide bases which is what my other ancient rules are designed for.  I saw I had two choices – go up to 12x12 or just abandon the rules.  I left it at that for a few months until I read Dale’s post on playing One Hour Wargames ona 6x6 grid.  I have always meant to give the scenarios a go so why not choose a third option and go down to a 6x6 grid? This would represent the smaller clashes that occurred between empires – those of 2,000-10,000 troops. I reduced movement rate and archery ranges (mostly by 1) and created some scenario sheets on paper to give them a go.  I could have used my 15mm figures but the boards are all busy with other projects so I happily got out my underused 6mm for some games. 

This post has taken longer to get out there as after playing the first five scenarios Dale and I started playing OHW scenarios using the OHW rules on a 6x6 grid.  The pandemic has freed up some weekend time to finish the rest.

Rules

The rules I use are based on the Bill Banks Ancients rules.

The latest draft of the rules are 6x6 When Warriors Collide on a grid v3.0e.  It used to include a programmed opponent but too hard to implement with such a small amount of space and units.   The main changes to the Bill Banks Ancients are missile fire is handled a little differently and movement is a bit more restrictive.

The rules play faster than OHW so all games are 6 turns, not 15. Also, armies can panic when about half the Combat Value is destroyed which can also end the game.  It is not too common for an army to panic within the 6 turn game, but it does happen.

Armies

I created six armies each of 6 units based around Assyrian times.

1 Neo-Assyrian: 1xHI, 1xHA, 2xLA, 2xCH

2 Neo Hittite: 1xHI, 3xMM, 2xCH

3 New Babylonians: 2xHA, 2xLA, 1xHC, 1xCH

4 Later Hebrew: 2xHI, 2xMM, 1xLA, 1xCH

5 Kushite Egyptians: 1xHI, 1xHA, 1xMM, 1xLA, 1xHC, 1xCH

6 Skythian/Hsiung Nu: 2xMM, 2xHC, 2xLC

I did use a draft point scheme to get the armies to be roughly equal in combat power.

Note: I have no idea why I used Skythians rather than Scythians.

For those not familiar with Bill Banks Ancients nomenclature:

HI: Heavy infantry. The main infantry of a battleline.

HA: Heavy Archers. Heavy infantry with bows e.g. Persian Sparabara. Equivalent to DBM Bw(X).

MM: Mixed Missile. Peltasts, armed with javelins. Equivalent to DBx Auxilia.

LA: Light Archers. Peltast equivalents with Bows. Equivalent to DBx Bow.

HC: Heavy Cavalry. The main battleline cavalry. Equivalent to DBx Cavalry.

LC: Light Cavalry. Skirmishing cavalry. Equivalent to DBx Light Horse.

CH: Chariot. Medium Chariot with Bows.  There is only one chariot type. A bit like DBx Cavalry but can shoot.

Base representations
Although the units are broadly middle eastern, they are representative of the nation and not usually an exact match for the troops.  Therefore, her is roughly how the unit type are represented with a base:

HI, Heavy infantry: 6 infantry figures to a base.

HA, Heavy Archers: 4-6 infantry figures to a base armed with bows.

MM, Mixed Missile: 3-4 infantry figures to a base, normally armed with javelins.

LA, Light Archers: 2 infantry figures to a base
HC, Heavy Cavalry: 5-6 cavalry figures to a base.

LC, Light Cavalry: 2 cavalry figures to a base.

CH, Chariot: A single chariot.

Leaders: Ofen a single figure next to a unit, or sometimes a 2-figure cavalry unit with a base.

Scenarios

I then randomly created matchups for the first 10 scenarios. The first listed is the Red side.

1: Skythian/Hsiung Nu Vs Neo Hittite

2: Later Hebrew Vs Neo Hittite

3: New Babylonians Vs Kushite Egyptians

4: Kushite Egyptians Vs Neo-Assyrian

5: Later Hebrew Vs Neo-Assyrian

6: Later Hebrew Vs Skythian/Hsiung Nu

7: Skythian/Hsiung Nu Vs Kushite Egyptians

8: Neo Hittite Vs Kushite Egyptians

9: New Babylonians Vs Neo-Assyrian

10: Later Hebrew Vs New Babylonians

And then created one page PowerPoint diagrams for each of the 10 scenarios.  My printer had run out of colour ink when I went to print out the first three so they are black and white printouts coloured in with pencil!

The first few games the figures are quite dark due to the light board but after the first three the lighting gets bettet.

Game 01  – Scenario 01 Scythians Vs Neo-Hittites

Objective

Cause the enemy to panic.

Troops

Red Skythian: 2xMM, 2xHC, 2xLC

Skythian

Blue Neo Hittite: 1xHI, 3xMM, 2xCH

Neo Hittite

Deployment

Scythians put the main battle cavalry in the centre. The Neo-Hittltes place the heavy infantry and a chariot in the centre, and one other chariot to the right.

Skythians on the left, Hittites on the right

Game

Turn 1

The Scythian have first turn and only advance the heavy cavalry with the rest moving to out of bow range.  The Light Cavalry and Mixed Missile are not great in combat.

Skythians advance

The Neo-Hittites advance along the line.  All bar the Heavy Infantry have bows with a range of 2, so the Scythians will need to do something other than just sit and take missile fire.

Hittites respond and advance their entire line.

Turn 2

The Scythians advance the Heavy Cavalry into melee and the other Heavy Cavalry up one in support.  The Chariot shoots at a Heavy Cavalry and disorders it.  So no melee for the Heavy Cavalry (would be at poor odds).  The other Heavy Cavalry with leader, depletes (DD) the opposing Heavy Infantry

The Neo-Hittites Mixed Missile on right and Light Cavalry in missile contest.  Light Cavalry loses and retreats.  The Mixed Missile and Mixed Missile (next on right) get into missile contest and Neo-Hittites Mixed Missile loses and retreats.

Chariot in combat with disordered Heavy Cavalry eliminates it but does not pursue.

Other Chariot+Leader advances to the Mixed Missile. Mixed Missile fires for no effect.  Combat sees the Mixed Missile depleted (DD).

Centre Skythian Heavy Cavalry eliminated.

Turn 3

Scythians cannot do much – advance the Mixed Missile and Light Cavalry would open them up to fire again.  Best to hang back.  The Heavy Cavalry and Infantry melee – Infantry gone.  Choose not to pursue.

Neo-Hittites: Chariot advances to flank of Heavy Cavalry+ Leader. Lucky 6 sees Heavy Cavalry+Leader depleted (DD). Other Chariot with Mixed Missile sees Mixed Missile eliminated (DE) and Chariot advances.

Hittite chariot flank attack on heavy cavalry was unsuccessful.

Turn 4

Scythians, from right to left:

Light Cavalry advances to Mixed Missile – Mixed Missile depleted (DD).

Heavy Cavalry turns in place – M result (both disordered) so Chariot disordered.

Light Cavalry advances to Mixed Missile – missile contest see Light Cavalry depleted (DD).

A few light units missing and the chariot/heavy cavalry melee continues.

Neo-Hittites:

Mixed Missile moves to flank of Chariot but odds are to great to combat, but will stop Leader moving away.  Chariot attacks Heavy Cavalry but is itself disordered.

Chariot turns on Light Cavalry and Light Cavalry is depleted (DD); does not pursue.

Turn 5

Scythians: Heavy Cavalry defeats chariot; no pursuit.

Neo-Hittites: Moves Chariot

Turn 6

Scythians: Heavy Cavalry turns to face Mixed Missile – Disorders it.

Neo-Hittites: Moves Chariot again but it is not enough for an outcome.

Although the Hittite chariot is eliminated, neither side panicked and the game is a draw.

Game is a draw!  Neither reached Panic after 6 turns.

Verdict

OMG I had so much fun!  I think mainly threefold: testing out new rules that mostly worked; small fast game with little setup and I had to think tactically and strategically during the game.   

Rules changes

The room to move is less with 6x6, and the movement rate for infantry is now only 1 square.  This threw up some changes required to the rules:

• Now can only melee units directly to your front (previously could  melee within the three squares to the front).
• Missile arc was directly to front but 3 squares wide.  Now only to front or one diagonal.
• Heavy units could not turn in place but need to be able to now to face an opponent. 
• With only 6 units, no need for command and control so need to clarify there is none.

Game 02  – Scenario 02 Later Hebrew Vs Neo-Hittites

Objective

Control the hill and the crossroads.

Troops

Red Later Hebrew: 2xHI, 2xMM, 1xLA, 1xCH

Hebrew

Blue Neo Hittite: 1xHI, 3xMM, 2xCH

Hittites

Deployment

Note: in my rules, Chariots are not great on hills so need to stay away.

Note 2: When taking a pause about game 5 I got to thinking this seemed odd so investigated.  It is an error on my QRS!  The rules themselves do not deny Chariots moving onto hills. Fixed it.  I did think it was strange.  So the rules from game 6 have chariots able to move onto hills.

Hebrews deploy 1 Heavy Infantry to defend hill and Heavy Infantry+Leader and Chariot to take crossroads. The Hill is more defensive (a terrain bonus).

Neo-Hittites place 1 Chariot to defend cross roads, 1 Chariot to protect hill attack with Heavy Infantry+Leader.

Hebrews on the left, Hittites on the right

Game

Turn 1

Hebrews advances along the line.

Neo-Hittites also advances along the line.  The Hebrews units are range of the missile units so will need to do something.

Both sides advance.

Turn 2

Hebrews:

Light Archers fires at Mixed Missile and misses, Mixed Missile auto moves up one.

Heavy Infantry charges Chariot, Chariot fires and depletes (DD) infantry.

Infantry melee with Chariot: M result (both disordered).  This will be good for next turn.

Neo-Hittites:
Chariot moves up 1, Heavy Infantry moves 1, Mixed Missile fires at Light Archers (no effect).

Battle at the crossroads.

Turn 3

Lots happening during the Hebrews turn:

Light Archers fires at Mixed Missile but in the missile contest are depleted.

Mixed Missile fires at Chariot; missile contest sees the Mixed Missile depleted (DD)

Chariot advances to the Mixed Missile; Mixed Missile is depleted (DD) and routs. Chariot does not pursue

Heavy Infantry+Leader melees with Chariot; Chariot depleted (DD) and routs; Heavy Infantry advances and controls Crossroads!

Neo-Hittites:

Advances the Chariot to Mixed Missile; Mixed Missile depleted (DD) and routs, Chariot pursues.

Heavy Infantry+Leader advances; melee with Heavy Infantry. 1:1; best roll (a 6) depletes (DD) the  Hebrew Heavy Infantry!

Hebrews control the crossroads..

Turn 4

Hebrews:

Chariot turns 180 degrees

Heavy Infantry turns to face Mixed Missile; melee sees Mixed Missile eliminated.

Lone Mixed Missile turns 90 degrees.

Neo-Hittites:

Turns Chariot to face the Heavy Infantry.  While no melee; Heavy Infantry is now flanked by Heavy unit so attacks are at x2.

Heavy Infantry+Leader attacks the Heavy Infantry on the hill.  Depleted (DD).  Routs. Heavy Infantry advances.

The Hittites take the hill.

Turn 5

Hebrew Chariot moves diagonally to melee other Chariot in flank.  Depleted (DD).

Neo-Hittite Heavy Infantry turns to face Light Archers and rolls worst die roll 1 – M result (both disordered).   And then rolls a 1 for leader incapacitation.  Yep.  A 1.  Neo-Hittites panics.  Will not be able to rally and recover in one turn to take the hill while panicking.   The Hebrews wins as has crossroads and Light Archers on the hill.

The Hittite leader on the hill dies and the Hittites panic.  The field belongs to the Hebrews.

Verdict

Another interesting game.  It is very interesting with only 6 units.

Rule pondering

I have the missiles ranges at 2 (for ‘B’ class) and 3 (for ‘A’ class).  This is to allow for shots at infantry who only move one and in my old rules you could get a shot in or two prior to be contacted for melee.  But…my old rules it was harder to disorder a unit and even harder to deplete them.  I am thinking of reducing ranges to 1 and 2. Actually spent a few hours thinking since that last sentence.  Will change ranges from 2 and 3 to 1 and 2 and see how it goes. Spoiler – worked well.

Game 03  – Scenario 03 New Babylonians Vs Kushite Egyptians

Objective

Control both fords.

Troops

Red New Babylonians: 2xHA, 2xLA, 1xHC, 1xCH

Babylonians

Blue Kushite Egyptians: 1xHI, 1xHA, 1xMM, 1xLA, 1xHC, 1xCH

Egyptians

Deployment

None deployed pre-game.

Game

Turn 1

New Babylonians roughly split forces into two and advanced. On right, Cavalry supported by Heavy Infantry to take their place, Light Archers to support.

Egyptians, after seeing the New Babylonian deployment, will use Heavy Infantry+Leader to break through the right ford. Hold on the other ford.

Both sides enter, Babylonians to the left, Egyptians to the right.

Turn 2

New Babylonians: Advance all and the Heavy Cavalry is at the ford!

The Egyptians advance 1 with all units.

Babylonian cavalry gets to the ford first.

Turn 3

New Babylonians all advance.  Heavy Cavalry+Leader advances over ford! And attacks the other Heavy Cavalry that is depleted (DD).

Egyptians:

Moves all up 1 except Light Archers and Heavy Archers.

Light Archers fires and other Light Archers are depleted and retreats 1.

Heavy Infantry melee over the ford.  M result (both disordered).

And the Babylonian Heavy Cavalry cross the ford!

Turn 4

New Babylonian Heavy Cavalry+Leader attacks Heavy Cavalry, routs.  Heavy Cavalry advances.  Heavy Infantry follows through, turns to face Chariot. Melee. M result (both disordered). Both disordered. Note I think it would have been better if the Chariot had turned last turn to melee the Heavy Cavalry.  Ah well.

The Egyptians turns the chariot.  Mixed Missile about faces and fires at cavalry with Leader, depleted (DD).

The Babylonians have broken though the ford and their heavy infantry follows. 

Turn 5

Egyptian Heavy Cavalry+Leader turns and melee Heavy Archers. M result (both disordered).

Heavy Infantry Vs Chariot. M result (both disordered).

While the lower ford is on Babylonian control the upper one is still contested.

Turn 6

Egyptians Heavy Infantry Vs Chariot;  Depleted (DD).  Heavy Infantry advances.  Oops. Why? The Babylonians move their Mixed Missile to ford entrance.

Neither sides controls both fords so the game is a draw

All fords are contested.  No one panicked either.  So a draw.

Rules musings

Reducing the archery ranges worked well in this game, but it could be because there was a river in the way and so there was only a little melee.

Thinking a leader loss causing panic is too much for such a small game. May do as per older other my rules and count leader as 2? 3? 4? extra breakpoints, and/or disorder all adjacent units.    Leaning towards 3 extra breakpoints.

Verdict

A good game, and one that deserves a replay.  I was too cautious and there are a number of possible game plays such as using missile fire to reduce units defending the ford, or aggressively attack one ford like I did with the right flank of the New Babylonians and head for the other.

Game 04  – Scenario 04 Kushite Egyptians  Vs Neo-Assyrians

Objective

Sole possession of the hill.

Troops

Red Kushite Egyptians: 1xHI, 1xHA, 1xMM, 1xLA, 1xHC, 1xCH

Egyptians

Blue Neo-Assyrian: 1xHI, 1xHA, 2xLA, 2xCH

Assyrians

Deployment

2 Kushite Egyptian units on hill – I pick the two heaviest –the Heavy Infantry and the Heavy Archers. 

Heavy Infantry and Archers defend the hill.

A closer shot of the Egyptian defenders.

Game

With the ONW rules the scenario is 15 turns with Blue entering turn 1 and remaining Red on turn 2.  In a six this is not realistic so have extended the game to 7 turns for this scenario.

Turn 1

Neo-Assyrians enter.  Note Chariots are depleted (DD) if they move on a hill (note this was explained previously and is an error I picked up after game 5) but can attack up a hill (at 1/2 effect).  I have entered using aggressive use of the Light Archers against the hill units.

Assyrians all enter from the right.

Turn 2

Egyptians:

Enter remaining forces.  Heavy Cavalry on the right.  May be a mistake and should have been a missile unit.  We shall see.  The reminder centre around the Chariot entering down the road.

Heavy Archers fires on Heavy Infantry.  Depleted (DD).

Neo-Assyrians:

Light Archers fires on Heavy Infantry. No effect.  Second Light Archers fires on Heavy Infantry.  Depleted (DD).

Heavy Infantry moves up to the Heavy Archers.  Heavy Archers reacts by firing. No effect. Melee. 1:1 M result (both disordered).  Not good as archers now on 1CV. Chariot moves up to next to Heavy Infantry.

Egyptian reinforcements enter from the left.  Hill still holds firm.

Turn 3

Egyptians:

Heavy Cavalry moves to melee Chariot. Chariot fires for No effect. Melee at 1:1.  Depleted (DD)! Chariot now at  1 CV.

Chariot and Mixed Missile move up diagonally and swap places.

Neo-Assyrians:

Light Archers fires on Heavy Infantry.  No effect.

Heavy Infantry melee with Heavy Archers. Depleted (DD).  Heavy Archers gone and Heavy Infantry pursue up the hill!

The Assyrians make it onto the hill (lower square).

Turn 4

Egyptians:

Heavy Cavalry Vs Chariot. Depleted (DD) and routs.  No pursuit.

Light Archers fire at Heavy Infantry on hill. No effect.

Mixed Missile move up road to encounter Light Archers.  Missile contest.  Light Archers disordered.

Neo-Assyrians:

So, the Heavy Archers I forgot about on the road! They are trapped.  Bad news there.

I move some Light Archers out the way to then turn the Heavy Archers.

The Heavy Infantry turn to melee the cavalry. M result (both disordered) so Heavy Cavalry now at CV2.

Turn 5

Egyptians:

Heavy Cavalry turn to face.

Heavy Infantry is flanked but has Leader and uphill.  So is CV2 x2 =4 Vs Cv 3 x2x2 = 12. Unshiftable. Except by the Heavy Infantry behind it!

Heavy Infantry turns. M result (both disordered) result.

Mixed Missile melee with Light Archers. Anything but a 1 will be good.  A 1.

Neo-Assyrians:

Heavy Archers move and wheel.

Heavy Archers Vs Heavy Cavalry. Depleted (DD). Heavy Cavalry routs.

Turn 6

Egyptian Heavy Infantry Vs Heavy Infantry.  Depleted (DD). Finally.  Heavy Infantry routs, as does the leader.

Neo Assyrian panic and the field and Egyptians have won.

Game ends with the Assyrians in the last turn kicking the Egyptians heavy infantry off the hill.

Verdict

A very interesting dilemma.   A scenario to come back to – I can see a few different strategies to try out.  I did not use the Neo-Assyrian Heavy Archer to very good advantage either.

Game 05  – Scenario 05 Later Hebrew  Vs Neo-Assyrians

Objective

Neo-Assyrians win if no Later Hebrew north or one square from the bridge.

Troops

Red Later Hebrew: 2xHI, 2xMM, 1xLA, 1xCH

Hebrews

Blue Neo-Assyrian: 1xHI, 1xHA, 2xLA, 2xCH

Assyrians

Deployment

Only one Neo-Assyrian unit at start north of the river – I will deploy a Chariot (no leader).  The sole Heavy Infantry will be required to help defeat the Later Hebrew Heavy Infantry units.

A lone Assyrian Chariot in defence.

Game

The scenario has the units of both sides coming on gradually over 6 turns.  I have reduced this to coming on over 4 turns and extended the game to 8 turns.

No units for these armies moves more than one square, although they will move two on the road.  The sole Blue unit has to defend the bridge but not prevent reinforcements from crossing.  Interesting.

Turn 1

Hebrew Heavy Infantry+Leader and Mixed Missile at point C.

Neo-Assyrians Heavy Archers+Leader up the road and the Chariot pivots.

Hebrews enter behind the hill, Assyrian Heavy Archers enter on the right.

Turn 2

Hebrews:

Heavy Infantry+Leader and Mixed Missile advance one.

Chariot and Heavy Infantry also enter point C.

Neo-Assyrians:

Heavy Archers advances and turns.

Heavy Infantry enters.

More Hebrew units enter behind the hill, Assyrian Heavy  Infantry enters on the right.

Turn 3

Hebrews:

Mixed Missile and Light Archers at point A.

Heavy Infantry moves onto hill.

Heavy Infantry Vs Heavy Archers.  Depleted (DD)!

Neo-Assyrians:

Leader leaves Heavy Archers to go to Heavy Infantry.  Heavy Archers routs due to leader leaving.

Heavy Infantry advances to face Heavy Infantry. Melee. M result (both disordered).

Chariot enters.

Chariot Vs Mixed Missile. Depleted (DD)!

The battle is on in earnest as the Assyrians defend along the road. Meanwhile more Hebrews enter at the bottom.

Turn 4

Hebrews:

Heavy Infantry on hill turns to flank of Chariot. M result (both disordered).

Chariot advances to flank of Heavy Infantry. M result (both disordered).

Neo-Assyrians:

Light Archers enter.

The Assyrians are a bit stuck – all attacks are at less than 1:1. I think they will concede the game at this point.

The Assyrians are out classed and so concede.

Rule musings

Need to ensure I clarify when a flank attack is a flank attack and whether you can rotate in place if attacked by two units.

Verdict

I need to rethink how to best deploy – I believe my chariot was one square too far and so could not react to units entering at point C.  The Assyrians were not deployed nor moved very well by me. Another one to try again with a better strategy – this one was not great.

Intermediate verdict

I am having so much fun I am going to somehow figure how to soon keep playing more.  There has been over 6 weeks since game 5.  I played a few games of Neil Thomas’s One Hour Wargames with Dale of Dale’s Wargames blog http://daleswargames.blogspot.com/ in the meantime.  We started by using a 24x24 grid but then moved to some games using a 6x6 grid…the same I grids I am using but not my ancient rules but a version of OHW translated to 6x6.  That has taken up most of my gaming time.  One thing did come out of it – I allowed movement on the diagonals but not attacking via a diagonal.  In the games we are playing we have both. It actually makes sense not to have one rule for moving and another for attack vectors.  I have now included diagonal attacks in the game.  I have also figured out a way to replicate exactly the Bill Bank’s ancient CRT using a die roll.  You still need to work out ratios but it is a single table to look up rather than a CRT.  I also worked out how to include Elite and Poor units into the game but will not be using them for the scenarios.  I am thinking about using these games for actually replaying historical games – by doubling the width to 12x6 you would be able to replay most battles, admittedly at a high level, but no worse than my other rules, Ancient Battlelines Clash (ABC).  I also really like the nomenclature of the Bill’s Banks units – Heavy Archers, Mixed Missile etc.  Just a little more evocative so may use them in ABC. Note: I did update ABC with this nomenclature after this.

 Game 06 – Scenario 06 Later Hebrew Vs Skythian/Hsiung Nu

Objective

Skythian wins if exits 3 or more units; else a Hebrew victory.

Troops

Red Later Hebrew: 2xHI, 2xMM, 1xLA, 1xCH

Blue Skythian/Hsiung Nu: 2xMM, 2xHC, 2xLC

Deployment

Later Hebrew puts Heavy Infantry on the road to block the exit.

Skythian puts Heavy Cavalry at the front to punch a hole though the Later Hebrews.

Skythians on the road, facing to the right. Hebrews blocking the exit and ready for flank attack.

A side shot of the Skythians in column.

Game

Turn 1

Skythian Heavy Cavalry charge at Heavy Infantry.  One is disordered.

Light Cavalry move to the east to take advantage of exiting the road if a gap is made.

Mixed Missile move to turn and face the flank attacking force.

Chariots charge into the flank of a Heavy Cavalry.  All the missile units advance ready to fire.  The reactive fire of the Skythian sees the Later Hebrews get the worst of it.

A mess as the Skythians try and force a exit while holding of the flank attack

Turn 2

Carnage for the Skythians – they lose a Heavy Infantry and a Mixed Missile!

The Skythians lose their flank defenders.

Turn 3

The Heavy Cavalry defeat the Heavy Infantry and advances.  Something I should have done earlier – advanced the Light Cavalry for a flank attack, although in the end did not need it this turn.

The remaining Hebrew Heavy Infantry advances and destroys a Mixed Missile, the Light Chariot was stuck facing the Heavy Infantry and so did nothing.

The Skythian Heavy Cavalry is at the exit.  Still a chance to get three units existing right.

Turn 4

Skythian Heavy Cavalry+Leader exits, Other Light Cavalry units get ready to exit.

Hebrew Heavy Infantry about faces (and DD - depleted), Light Chariot charges Light Cavalry but only manages an M (Melee - both disordered). But in melee so cannot exit!  Oops, forgot about that.

Turn 5

Heavy Infantry moves to the rear to attack.  But the Skythian Light Cavalry hangs on!

Heavy Cavalry exits but the Skythian Light Cavalry is preventing from exiting as it is in melee.

Turn 6

The inevitable happens and the Light Cavalry is eliminated.  A Later Hebrew win!

The Hebrew Heavy Infantry defeats the Skythian Light Cavalry and so the Hebrews win.

Rule musings

Even though I now have rules for diagonal melee, I did not need to use them.

Verdict

Forgot that the units could not exit if in melee.  This would have meant I should have used the Skythian Mixed Missile and Light Archers to stop the Hebrew units getting into melee with the units I had targeted for exiting.  A strategy to use if I play again.

Game 07 – Scenario 07 Skythian/Hsiung Nu Vs Kushite Egyptians

Objective

Skythian wins if only side on hill, else Egyptian victory.

Troops

Red Skythian/Hsiung Nu: 2xMM, 2xHC, 2xLC

Blue Kushite Egyptians: 1xHI, 1xHA, 1xMM, 1xLA, 1xHC, 1xCH

Deployment

This will probably not go well for the Skythians as the units are not really geared to defence. Spoiler: may have gone better for the Skythians than expected.

Skythians on the large hill while the Egyptians are ready to attack.

Game

Turn 1

Kushite Egyptian Heavy Cavalry+Leader charges Light Cavalry on hill, Light Cavalry retreat and Heavy Cavalry+Leader on hill.  Others move to attack except the Mixed Missile that shoots and depletes a Mixed Missile.

A Skythian Light Cavalry fires at Heavy Cavalry+Leader  and inflicts a depletion (DD).  Then leader wounded on a 1, which is rolled, so the leader is gone.  The Skythian Heavy Cavalry+Leader to the side turns and flanks the Heavy Cavalry and eliminates it.  The Mixed Missile fires at another Mixed Missile, depleted (DD) and forces it to retreat.

Big change of fortune here.

The Skythians have managed to not only hold onto the hill but inflict some casualties.

Turn 2

Light Chariot charges it way through the Light Archer and then the Mixed Missile to definitely be on the hill.

Heavy Cavalry charges Light Chariot and depletes it.

Mixed Missile gets in a missile contest with Kushite Egyptian Mixed Missile but is destroyed.

Light Cavalry gets into missile contest with Kushite Egyptian Heavy Archer but is destroyed.

Turn 3

Heavy Cavalry in melee with the Light Chariot.  It is destroyed.  Kushite Egyptian has reached panic point and so panics.  I do not think they will be able to recover from this and so will call it a win for the Skythians!

And two turns later it is all over, the Egyptians panic after having lost half their forces. Skythians hold the hill.

Rule musings

Some diagonal movement and attacking here.  Also remembered that shooting can occur diagonally.  Works really well.

Verdict

A very fast game.  The loss of the Heavy Cavalry and leader sealed the fate of the Kushite Egyptian to win.  I also think poor deployment in the Zone was possibly a cause – the heavy stuff may have been better going to the side of the hill rather than try and brute force onto the hill.

Game 08 – Scenario 08 Neo Hittite Vs Kushite Egyptians

Objective

Sole ownership of hill.

Troops

Red Neo-Hittite: 1xHI, 3xMM, 2xCH

Blue Kushite Egyptians: 1xHI, 1xHA, 1xMM, 1xLA, 1xHC, 1xCH

Deployment

Neo-Hittite Heavy Infantry and Mixed Missile on hill.

Hittite deploy two units on the hill.

Game

Turn 1

Neo-Hittite move Mixed Missile off the hill towards woods.  Should be able to reinforce hill with reinforcements before the Kushite Egyptian get there.

Kushite Egyptian bring on Heavy Cavalry and Light Chariot (Light Chariot only move one).  Note road does not increase movement.

The first Egyptians arrive (on the left). One Hittite unit moves off the hill to head towards the safety of the woods.

Turn 2

More units enter but there is a blockage at the Kushite Egyptian and cannot bring them on fast enough!

Mote Egyptian attackers arrive on the left while Hittite reinforcements arrive to the right.

Turn 3

Light Cavalry charge Heavy Cavalry and disorders it; Heavy Infantry then charges and eliminates the Heavy Cavalry, Heavy Infantry deos not pursue as defending terrain.

Mixed Missile in woods fires at the Light Chariot and forces it to retreat.  Leader dies!

The Egyptian Heavy Cavalry is eliminated by the Hittite Infantry on the hill.

Turn 4

Both sides move units around.

Moving around for position.

Turn 5

Neo-Hittite advance the Light Chariot down the road and eliminate a Mixed Missile.

Kushite Egyptian Heavy Infantry attacks the Mixed Missile in the wood and forces it to retreat onto the hill.  Kushite Egyptian actually has a chance as it has two units facing the two units on the hill.

Turn 6

Neo-Hittite does not manage to break anything.

Kushite Egyptian Heavy Infantry attacks Heavy Infantry on hill, even though cannot eliminate it.

Light Chariot attacks Mixed Missile but no effect of missile fire exchange but Mixed Missile does retreat and so Light Chariot advances! 

The Egyptian Light Chariot manages to get on the hill in the last turn but the Hittite Heavy Infantry is still on the hill.  A draw.

Draw.

Rule musings

Rules are holding up fine now.  I am even getting the swing of them.

Verdict

Everything moving 1 but the Heavy Cavalry in this mix of forces really hampered the Kushite Egyptian trying to get to the hill.  Another Heavy Cavalry or a Light Cavalry or two would have made a big difference to their chances.

Game 09 – New Babylonians Vs Neo-Assyrian

Objective

Assyrian win if either the Babylonians do not exit units in time or they control the town and exits 2 units; else the Babylonians win.

I will ignore panic in this game (as that will possibly help the Babylonians).

Troops

Red New Babylonians: 2xHA, 2xLA, 1xHC, 1xCH   

Blue Neo-Assyrian: 1xHI, 1xHA, 2xLA, 2xCH

Deployment

New Babylonians have no heavy infantry besides the Heavy Archers and the latter would be better suited to sniping across the river.  Heavy Cavalry in the town (will be doubled for attacks across the bridge) and Heavy Archers guarding the ford.  The two Light Archers are ready to exit the board to assist with the exit criteria.  Not sure how this will play out.

The Babylonians deploy to defend the river crossings and also exit some units.

Game

Turn 1

Neo-Assyrian move the Heavy Archers to fire at the Heavy Cavalry, Heavy Infantry to attack the Heavy Archers across the ford.  Light Archers brought on the fire on the units over the river.

New Babylonians move a Light Archer off the table. Heavy Archers fire at the Heavy Infantry for NE (no effect). Heavy Archers fire at Heavy Archers for NE (no effect).

Assyrians enter to attempt to force the bridge.

Turn 2

Neo-Assyrian moves up the Heavy Infantry to attack the Heavy Archers but is itself disordered.

The Heavy Archers fires at the Heavy Cavalry and disorders them.

New Babylonians move another Light Archers off the table and realises have 4 moves to get another one off, so about faces the Light Chariot.

Heavy Archers fires at the Light Archers and are themselves disordered in the missile contest.

Missile fire sees some disorder.

Turn 3

Neo-Assyrian:

The Light Archers eliminates the Heavy Archers across the river!

OMG!  Heavy Cavalry is eliminated by the Heavy Archers.  And the Light Chariot also disordered.

The last Light Archers firing at the Light Chariot does nothing.

New Babylonians moves the Light Chariot towards the exit.

The blocking Assyrian Heavy Cavalry and leader located in the town is eliminated.  Assyrian Light Chariot is racing up the road to the exit.

Turn 4.

I will call the game a win for the New Babylonians.  Everything moves 1 and so the Neo-Assyrian cannot reach the Light Chariot, nor exit two units, and the Light Chariot will reach the exit in time.  Just a few units that move 2 would make all the difference…

Rule musings

I forgot that the Heavy Cavalry with the leader could have rallied in the turn after it was disordered.  Rallying is so rare as usually a unit is required to do something (move, fire, melee).  The first time a rally opportunity comes up and I forget!

Verdict

An interesting scenario that in my play was hampered by the lack of units that moved 2 squares, and also roads not assisting movement.  Maybe extend the game from 6 to 7 (or even 8 turns) next time. The Neo-Assyrians were very lucky with their missile fire.

Game 10 – Scenario 10 Later Hebrew Vs New Babylonians

Objective

Control the town.

Troops

Red Later Hebrew: 2xHI, 2xMM, 1xLA, 1xCH

Blue New Babylonians: 2xHA, 2xLA, 1xHC, 1xCH

Deployment

New Babylonians deploys two Heavy Archers – one in the woods, one in the gap.  The Later Hebrew can only move 1 a turn so no issues reinforcement not appearing in time to block them getting to the town.  In fact, it may be difficult to get to the town in 6 turns if they have to move 6 squares.  So the Later Hebrew need to make the New Babylonians panic and therefore they will win.

Another game where having slow moving units changes greatly the tactics.

Two Babylonian Heavy Archers block the pass from the Hebrew enemy that will enter from the right.

Game

Turn 1

Later Hebrew moves on missile units to be able to return fire when the Heavy Archers fire.

New Babylonians Heavy Archers Vs Mixed Missile on road, Heavy Archers disordered.

Heavy Archers in woods vs Mixed Missile, Heavy Archers also disordered.  So unlucky.

Both defending Archers are unlucky and disordered.

Turn 2

Later Hebrew:

Moves the Heavy Infantry to face the Heavy Archers now they are disordered, the Heavy Archers is routed.

The Mixed Missile gang up on the Heavy Archers in the woods, at least for missile fire.

Note that moving units cannot fire but may return fire if fired at (with a -1 to the die roll).

The rest of the units enter.

New Babylonians:

Fires at the front Mixed Missile but is depleted in return and is routed.

New Babylonians has no units on the table!

The Babylonian Heavy Archers are eliminated.  Too fast!  The Hebrews still have all their units. 

Turn 3

Later Hebrew advance all their units towards the town edge.

New Babylonians Heavy Cavalry+Leader enter and charge the Heavy Infantry but both are disordered.  Light Chariot also enters.

The Babylonian reinforcements arrive just in time to stop the Hebrews taking the town.

Turn 4

Later Hebrew continue the advance. 

New Babylonians:

Light Chariot charges a Mixed Missile and manages to eliminate it for no damage to themselves.

Turn 5

Later Hebrew:

Light Chariot charges New Babylonians Light Chariot and both are disordered.

Heavy Infantry charges into the Heavy Cavalry+Leader but is disordered.

New Babylonians:

Brings on the Light Archers.

Heavy Cavalry+Leader routs a Heavy Infantry!

The Hebrews just cannot break through the Babylonian defence!

Turn 6

Later Hebrew Mixed Missile defeats the Light Chariot and advances.  Only one away from the town!

New Babylonians:

Heavy Cavalry continues to melee the Heavy Infantry.

The Light Archers has to fire at the Mixed Missile but they draw.  NE (no effect).

It was close but the Hebrews just do not manage to take the town.

New Babylonians wins.

Rule musings

No changes to the rules and worked really well in bringing this scenario to life and made it a lot closer than I thought.

Verdict

A much closer result than I thought it would be.  I really like this scenario with these rules.

Overall Verdict

The rules shaped up well with no changes, other the change to allow diagonal combat and reduction in missile range.  The aim was to produce a viable ruleset playable using the Bill Banks Ancient rules on a 6x6 grid. The use of the One Hour Wargames scenarios was to provide a framework for testing.  So I will go with a success result.  The overall goal was that these rules can then be used in Bill Banks Imperator game to carry out the battles.  One issue with Imperator was that I was attempting to play out all five empires as players.  Even though I have automated a lot into a spreadsheet it was still too taxing to play as five different players.  I am now re-jigging the spreadsheet to play just one empire and the other four as non-player major empires.  This latter is already accounted for in the rules (each scenario is playable by 1 to 5 players), I was just trying to make it harder for myself!