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Post by timurilank on Sept 20, 2017 7:24:39 GMT
I have posted to the blog a brief description of the battle between Belisarius and a Persian column led by Azarethes.
This was played as a big battle game with Arab allies on both sides.
dbagora.blogspot.nl/2017/09/battle-of-callinicum-531-ad.html
Tomorrow, the full report with photos will be posted.
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Post by timurilank on Sept 21, 2017 7:04:04 GMT
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Post by goragrad on Sept 21, 2017 10:13:47 GMT
So a roughly historical outcome.
At least per the wiki article on the battle it was considered a Pyrrhic Sassanid victory.
Seems to be a case where the skoutatoi would be better as SP than BD. Which might explain why later lists have SP rather than BD.
At least when fighting against cavalry heavy armies such as the Sassanid at any rate.
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Post by timurilank on Sept 21, 2017 11:12:08 GMT
So a roughly historical outcome. At least per the wiki article on the battle it was considered a Pyrrhic Sassanid victory. Seems to be a case where the skoutatoi would be better as SP than BD. Which might explain why later lists have SP rather than BD. At least when fighting against cavalry heavy armies such as the Sassanid at any rate. The outcome did follow historical events. I have no doubt that if the Sassanid had rolled high pip scores from the start, the result would have ended differently. Moving forward, the Persian first line would have outdistance its reserve formations. This would present the Byzantine infantry on both flanks only the vassal light horse to deal with and possibly resulting in turning the Persian flanks. As luck would have it, the Persians had to temper their movement options and stick with their game plan; to ‘flat foot’ the Byzantines at the right moment. |
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Post by Baldie on Sept 21, 2017 14:28:50 GMT
Nice battle
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Post by paulhannah on Sept 27, 2017 22:18:23 GMT
Beautiful presentation, as always, Robert. Terrific terrain, fabulous minis, and awesome-looking flags.
Any chance you would be willing to offer suggestions on how this battle might be played as a standard-sized, DBA scenario? Terrain, OOB, starting-positions, special rules, etc?
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Post by timurilank on Sept 28, 2017 6:04:10 GMT
Beautiful presentation, as always, Robert. Terrific terrain, fabulous minis, and awesome-looking flags. Any chance you would be willing to offer suggestions on how this battle might be played as a standard-sized, DBA scenario? Terrain, OOB, starting-positions, special rules, etc? Battle of Callinicum, 531 AD
Byzantine Army
1 x Ascan (Cv), 1 x Kavallarioi (Cv), 1 x skutatoi (Bd), 1 x archer (Ps) - left flank
1 x Belisarius (Cv), 2 x Kavallarioi (Cv), 1 x Hunnic horse archer (LH), 1 x Lycaonian javelinmen (3Ax) - centre
Ghassanid allies: 1 x light horse (LH), 1 x camel rider (Cm), 1 x archer or slinger (Ps) - right flank
Sassanid Army
3 x Asavaran (Cv), 1 x vassal horse archer (LH) - right flank
1 x Azarethes (Cv), 3 x Asavaran (Cv), 1 x vassal horse archer (LH) - centre
Lakhmid allies: 1 x light horse (LH), 1 x camel rider (Cm), 1 x archer or slinger (Ps) - left flank
Terrain
Using a game board of 24 x 24 inches, the Euphrates (waterway) should be no wider than 2BW and the rising ground on the opposite side should have a maximum breadth of 4BW, extending the full depth of the game board.
A second strip (2BW wide) placed on top and adjacent to the side edge will help indicate a gradual incline.
The waterway and ‘gentle hill’ in two quadrants counting as two pieces are sufficient terrain for the smaller game. This leaves a little more than 9BW for a central plain devoid of terrain features.
Deployment
The Byzantine deploy first as defender and move first as per 3.0. Due to the restricted nature of the battlefield, both sides will find it necessary to position an element or two behind the main battle line. In actual fact, both sides did form a reserve.
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Post by phippsy on Sept 29, 2017 7:13:01 GMT
Thanks for the DBA3.0 standard game lists and terrain - will give that a try out. Peter.
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Post by timurilank on Sept 29, 2017 9:23:58 GMT
Thanks for the DBA3.0 standard game lists and terrain - will give that a try out. Peter. Do let me know how the game develops.
You should reach a decision earlier than the eleven turns needed for the big battle option.
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Post by jim1973 on Sept 29, 2017 10:34:41 GMT
Why do you write such good reports? Now I need to go to Lurkio and order Byzantines and Sassanids. The mountain keeps growing ...sigh...  Jim |
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Post by timurilank on Sept 29, 2017 11:12:14 GMT
Why do you write such good reports? Now I need to go to Lurkio and order Byzantines and Sassanids. The mountain keeps growing ...sigh... Jim Ha, ha.
I have had nothing else better to do for the past years since surmounting the lead mountain.
But not to worry, I have just received a small shipment from Legio Heroica.
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Post by paulhannah on Sept 29, 2017 15:50:21 GMT
Deployment
The Byzantine deploy first as defender...
Thanks, Robert. So, to be sure I've got it, the Byzzies' base-edge is that which has the Waterway on the right side-edge and the rising Gentle Hills on the left side-edge, right? And none of the Rocky Ground pieces show up in the Standard-sized game? |
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Post by timurilank on Sept 29, 2017 17:45:56 GMT
Deployment
The Byzantine deploy first as defender...
Thanks, Robert. So, to be sure I've got it, the Byzzies' base-edge is that which has the Waterway on the right side-edge and the rising Gentle Hills on the left side-edge, right? And none of the Rocky Ground pieces show up in the Standard-sized game? Almost.  The Byzantines face the Sassanid with the Euphrates on their left and the rising ground on their right. The group labeled Ascan is nearest the river, followed by Belisarius and then the Arabs who form two abreast, on the rising ground. The two Sassanid groups face the Byzantine and while their Arab allies face the Ghassanid. I mention ‘groups’ so their placement will match the historical deployment. Thereafter, there is no restriction forming groups for tactical movement/combat with the exception of the Arab allies. |
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