After a few days enforced R&R due to close-run-COVID incident caused by a Frenchman, our reporter once more headed to the North-East Balkans. Rumours were rife that the Goths were itching for revenge following their hammering by the Romans two weeks ago. This time Rob played the role of Roman Magister Militem whilst Phil assumed the Gothic Kingship following the untimely death of his predecessor following the last battle. Apparently the unfortunate died of his wounds and a mysterious large cut to his throat...
The Romans deployment was “interesting”. Light cavalry and Auxilia comprised their left flank with a legionary heavy centre, and cavalry also in the centre and right wing advanced in front of the Legions. Either inspired on insane, time would tell. The Goths deployed with an infantry heavy right and the cavalry left and centre.
The Romans advanced quickly with a general advance along the line. This reprised the tactics of the previous battle. The Goths responded in kind in particular pushing up their archers on both flanks. However the Roman plan quickly began to founder. The Cataphracts founds themselves in front of a marsh, and the core of Legionaries found no way past their cavalry brethren. The Goths struck on both flanks killing light cavalry with archery, and slowly began to pin the Romans down.
The Romans managed to inflict a few disorders, but landed no killing blows. In return the Gothic cavalry hurled javelins killing Auxilia in the centre tearing a hole in the Roman line between their left and the centre/right. Additional disorders caused by morale checks only added to the Roman misery. With their Legionaries impotent behind their cavalry they slowly tried to extend and re-order the line to cover more territory but too little too late.
More Auxilia died on the Roman left in a hail of light infantry archery, and on their right the most advanced... and exposed... Legionary unit died in a frontal and flank charge by two Gothic cavalry units.
The end was not far off as more Roman gold poured into the Gothic camp.
Dave then charged three cavalry units through the gap in the Roman centre. Tony replied with a blocking move by light cavalry archers but in vain.
Dave’s cavalry surged into the Roman camp and claimed victory.
A complete reversal of two weeks ago. A 12-0 victory to the Goths. In fairness the chits did favour the Goths. I have never seen a light archers unit inflict two disorders and kill a unit in a single move before. But c’est la vie as a COVID-infested Frenchman might say!
The Roman tactic of placing his Legionaries behind the cavalry backfired, as they were largely ineffectual yet comprised 30% of the overall Roman combat power. Rob claimed he didn’t know that they were “Legionaries with extra bow”, which may or may not have been true. Rumour has it that the Gothic feasting continued long into the night. Or was that just the rustling of crisp packets at Fort Banks.
Simon
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