As it is not so easy to get the players for the Great Battles of History (GBoH) sometimes the best option is to play solitaire, trying to win against yourself! One of the greatest installments in this series is SPQR – battles of ancient Roman Republic. It allows you to re-play variety of engagements, and the latest Deluxe Edition covers all the expansions. As I acquired SPQR some time ago, it was already high time to get into this – and as for the scenario, I picked the one suggested by the designer – Bagradas Plains.
THE SCENARIO – Bagradas Plains (255 BC)
It is nearly end of the First Punic War. The Carthage is almost defeated – the Romans landed in North Africa! The Punic leaders being desperate hired a Spartan general, Xanthippus, who managed to actually organize the Carthaginian forces and plan for the best use of their assets.
And so the battle on the Plains of Bagradas River started – the Carthaginians initiated the battle with an attack by the elephants. That in result tied up the main force of Roman infantry which was quickly exploited by Punic cavalry (outnumbering the Roman counterparts eight-to-one). Legions had some luck on their left where they routed mercenary Celts, but once Carthaginian cavalry redressed their ranks and attacked form both flanks, the battle turned into slaughter. Only 2000 Romans managed to return to Italy.
Would history be changed and Romans manage to withstand tactically more able Carthaginians? Enjoy below photo-session report!
SET-UP
TURN 1
TURN 2
TURN 3
TURN 4
SUMMARY
Well, that was an interesting experience and much needed learning exercise in GBoH. Elephants proved to be a powerful but brittle and unpredictable creatures. The role of cavalry cannot be emphasized more – that battle shows this clearly. Another learning is that even if you are winning and pushing back the enemy, you should not overextend your forces (remember, they momentum advance) as they can get caught in ugly counter-attack – see the Phalanx case.
All in all that was great fun and you can expect further reports soon!
Great job with this; I always enjoy all of your AARs.
A couple of questions to clarify my understanding of the 4th ed rules I’m using to relearn the game:
In the photo of the Turn 1 of the Velites skirmishing with the elephants, how did the Velites incur their Hits from 2 hexes away? Missile range for the Mounted Javelins, Foot Javelins and Elephant Screens is 1 hex, no?
Also, I think you shorted the Velites a hit on the elephants; hits on the beasts are 2 CH, I think.
In the first Turn 2 photo, how did the two HA become depleted (indicated by the white stripe)?
I will admit – playing so many games I am making errors 🙂 Let me address your questions:
1) These were actually elephants attacking Velites with Harrasement action and getting hits as reaction fire (Velites approached first)
2) Yes, Elephants should get 2 hits, my error
3) In other modules of GBoH when you flip the unit that means it moved; depletion is in SPQR, it is not in Alexander nor Cataphract. I got used to flipping units once they moved. HC is by no means depleted.
Thank you for interest in my AARs. That gives me motivation to create more!
Ah, that explains it – thanks for the knowledge. I have the Alexander game but haven’t gotten it to the table yet, so I thought the stripe on the back of the counters all meant depleted. I think I prefer your way; I find placing the “moved” markers a bit of a pain (but this system is so outstanding, that’s a very small price to pay).
Yes, please do. I even enjoy reading your AARs of games I don’t have or don’t have a particular historical interest in. I appreciate the time you take to take the photos and provide the narrative. And the scope of your gaming interest is impressive. You’re definitely not “channeled” into one era or one type of game design. They’ve all been great wargaming reading during this global shut-down time. Thanks!
Great report! Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas!
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Thank you!
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I see two big errors at this placements for Carthage :
The x3 “IBERIA” LI, is not at the good line !
And the x9 “Carthage Levy” MI, is not units exact !!!
= replaced for the x9 MI Celtes.
Thank.
LT
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Thanks! Still, that was great fun!
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Michal,
Great job with this; I always enjoy all of your AARs.
A couple of questions to clarify my understanding of the 4th ed rules I’m using to relearn the game:
In the photo of the Turn 1 of the Velites skirmishing with the elephants, how did the Velites incur their Hits from 2 hexes away? Missile range for the Mounted Javelins, Foot Javelins and Elephant Screens is 1 hex, no?
Also, I think you shorted the Velites a hit on the elephants; hits on the beasts are 2 CH, I think.
In the first Turn 2 photo, how did the two HA become depleted (indicated by the white stripe)?
Many thanks; well done!
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I will admit – playing so many games I am making errors 🙂 Let me address your questions:
1) These were actually elephants attacking Velites with Harrasement action and getting hits as reaction fire (Velites approached first)
2) Yes, Elephants should get 2 hits, my error
3) In other modules of GBoH when you flip the unit that means it moved; depletion is in SPQR, it is not in Alexander nor Cataphract. I got used to flipping units once they moved. HC is by no means depleted.
Thank you for interest in my AARs. That gives me motivation to create more!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, that explains it – thanks for the knowledge. I have the Alexander game but haven’t gotten it to the table yet, so I thought the stripe on the back of the counters all meant depleted. I think I prefer your way; I find placing the “moved” markers a bit of a pain (but this system is so outstanding, that’s a very small price to pay).
Yes, please do. I even enjoy reading your AARs of games I don’t have or don’t have a particular historical interest in. I appreciate the time you take to take the photos and provide the narrative. And the scope of your gaming interest is impressive. You’re definitely not “channeled” into one era or one type of game design. They’ve all been great wargaming reading during this global shut-down time. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person