Aftermath...

 Where next..?

So, the fighting is over. It was hard-fought and genuinely could have gone either way at several points.

With the enemy in flight and his cavalry in pursuit Caesitius counts the cost of the battle.

From the legionary cohorts a centurion and forty nine men have died or been mortally wounded.

Seventy nine men were badly wounded, and thirty lightly wounded. This reflects the bitter fighting against the elite warriors at the top of their slope. 

The Nervii managed to get away with only about thirty guys lightly wounded, the Morini with twenty dead and about the same number badly hurt. The Dalmatian foot lost heavily: fifty men lost (some of their wounded abandoned when they broke), with thirty more suffering light wounds.

The cavalry casualties were ten Dalmatians dead, ditto the Tungrians.  The Gallic horse were left with twenty men lost (dead or overrun) and twenty with light wounds.

In all the Roman force lost 150 men dead or dying, 99 seriously wounded but likely to recover and 110 lightly wounded.

Caeog's men lost badly: three sub-chiefs died and Cyfwlch was wounded.

Some 98 elite warriors of the “knightly” class perished. 89 fell wounded and are in Roman hands. 50 got away with light wounds.  

The warriors of the second class lost 30 dead, 10 left on the field and 30 fleeing lightly hurt.

The levy lost 60 dead, seventy more left to the tender mercies of the enemy, and 110 wounded.

The skirmishers lost around 30 men.

Conclusion: 

The Romans certainly lost more than they might have done in an open fight, without that pesky steep bank. The Dalmatians and Gauls breaking (and abandoning their wounded) also pushed up the Roman losses.

From Caeog's point of view the battle COULD have been worse in terms of casualties, but his men are now scattered and roughly a third of his high status warriors are dead or in Roman hands. 

Cyfwlch, wounded, is disheartened. Cairbre also seems to have lost his fighting spirit. How many of his men, on the run amongst unsympathetic if not actively hostile septs, will rejoin the colours is another issue.

To add to Caeog's problems the zone where the battle took place, and two nearby zones, come out as clearly pro the Pax Romanum. He may not even know about the Roman force now at Leuca, but that could have been a final nail in the coffin.

Caeog, and those men he still has with him, vanish into the hills. The revolt is over...  

Well, that's another campaign done and dusted. The map work re. the Zone testing was a bit "sloggy" at times, and once the rebels failed to raise enough sympathisers in the early stages (due, to a very large part, by Caeog's indecision), it seemed as if the Romans were bound to win. But the narrative worked - and that last battle was, at times, a close-run thing. HAD Caeog won decisively things might have changed, but......

Where did the Post Battle Stats. come from?

For those unfamiliar with my post-battle shenanigans: for a game (and campaign) like the last one my wee guys who are rendered hors de combat during the fight (whether dead, wounded, cut about a bit, terrified, shamming or “Helping someone else”) and removed from the field are tested for again post battle.

This is a very simplistic method; a 1x6D throw per figure “lost”. 

On a result of one or two the guys represented by the figure are dead or mortally wounded. 

On a throw of three or four they are badly wounded; likely to survive with treatment, but needing help to move any distance (see “abandoned wounded” below) and requiring evacuation.

On a throw of five or six the chaps are wounded (cuts strains, bruises, minor upper body fractures), but not enough to prevent them from moving or carrying out basic duties if called upon. 

The only factor affecting the above is if wounded are at any time “Abandoned” - i.e. left on the field at any stage at the mercy (or otherwise) of the enemy. A unit which breaks is generally deemed to have left its badly wounded behind. Thus. If an enemy unit passes over the ground previously occupied by a unit as it broke, or if the enemy remain in possession of the field following a whole army breaking, the badly wounded MAY be deemed lost, either as victims of a ruthless enemy, or as prisoners of war (where culturally appropriate).

Last Comment:

Am taking break for a wee while as I'm off to Madiera for a week, but that will give me time to plan the next project before the fighting season kicks off (thus far Battles of Lewes, Bretten, Barnet, Bosworth, Evesham and Hastings are on my reenactment "to do" list for the season, plus some small, fun shows). 

As always, any comments, thoughts, ideas for projects and critiques are welcome; and encourage me to Carry on Blogging.. 

   

The Battle of the Leuca

To the Table:

So, we have a confrontation. Caeog has 2,770 men - more than he had at the Nida. His men are on a rise to the west of the river, with a thin skirmish line in front.

Again, he has organized his force into three "Battles". He commands the centre, with the bulk of the elite warriors and his scatter of pony riders under his direct command. Cyfwlch will command the right. Cairbre, the late Tewdrig's cousin, will command the left

The Romans have built a hurried marching camp on the rising ground THEIR side of the river, then deployed.

Caesitius has his own, 2nd, cohort (at a strength of 304 men), Flaccus's 8th cohort (280 men  - two centuries being left to man the camp), Albinius' 3rd cohort (likewise 280 - one century left at the camp) and Caninia's 9th (294 men - one century left at the camp*). 

(*Also at the camp are the servants attached to the various units and half the ballistae, so Caesitius is happy that he won't have to worry about it during the battle.)

He also has twelve ballistae to deploy, Burriana's Dalmatians (with 38 horse and 165 foot), and the 1st Morini infantry (300 foot), II Nervii (240 foot), plus turmae from IVth Gauls (90 horse) and 1st Tungrians (130 cavalry) 

This totals around a perfectly decent 1,158 legionaries, 705 auxiliary foot and 258 cavalry.

The only thing working against the Romans is the river (more a disruption than an actual obstacle) and the slope set well back from the riverbank, otherwise Caesitius feels confident. 

[Technical: I'll work on a 1:10 scale for the bods on the table.

On the Roman side the tactical unit will be the cohort or individual cavalry regiment/unit. However, foot cohorts above a strength of sixteen figures have sub-commanders and are, in effect, mini "formations" and can alter formation and "split" if desired.

The Silures the three "Battles" are likewise "formations" of units. They can alter formation, but cannot "split" voluntarily. They can be "split" by events.

Activation will be according to basic SP principles, with each Army commander having tokens allocated to activate them and each formation having an activation token allocated. Roman artillery have one token to cover all ballistae.

There are also SP "Command Tokens" for both sides (Romans have more), and an "Army Token" for each side - whereby an entire army can be activated that move, but IF so activated MUST move as if a giant "formation" (i.e moves as one and cannot "split" that move). If moved in this manner the unit cannot again be Activated, but unit commanders can be to remove Disruption. 

There is also a "Cohort Token" allowing the Roman player (only) to move any group of adjacent cohorts as if they were already a "Formation". Late, individual leader activation acts as above. 

The Roman advantages in tokens are there to replicate their superior command and control structure.   

There is also a Wild Token and two "Special Tokens" which, it revealed, are diced for on a 1x6D. On a throw of 6 the Token is Activated and its effect further diced for (see tables). The token concerned is then removed from the mix. If not Activated it is returned to the mix.

As usual, Technical Notes are in Italics and squared brackets.] 

The Game:

First Move and the Romans get a whole Army Activation Token, and throw their troops across the river. All units suffer Disruption from the crossing [Ave D throw], but nothing disastrous.

Caeog moves his skirmish line forward, and these cause more Disruption problems for the Romans. A few auxiliaries and legionaries become casualties - but so also does a centurion from one of the legion cohorts (THAT'S what comes of leading from the front when the stones start flying). 

Caeog also moves his centre to the "military crest" of the slope.

Suddenly, Cyfwlch, on the right, launches his whole wing at the Romans, catching one of their lead cavalry units (IVth Gauls) as they struggle up from the river and, after a brief but bloody fight, scatters them. His high status warriors engage Burriana's blue-shielded Dalmatian foot, who, though bloodied, hold their own.

Move Two: And the leading three Legionary cohorts push forward, as do the Tungrian cavalry on the Roman right, while the Silurian skirmishers get out of the way. 

Cairbre moves HIS wing to the "Military Crest", some distance from Caeog to counter this threat from the Tungrian horse, only to see the Morini, the Roman rightmost (Green Shields) cohort of Auxiliary foot push forwards towards him.

On the right Cyfwlch's warriors continue their struggle with Burriana's command, but his rightmost unit by-passes the fighting to their front and themselves reach the river, following the now withdrawing second (smaller) Roman cavalry unit (Burriana's mounted Dalmatians), while the already-scattered Gauls flee the field.

Behind the fighting the Nervii (Yellow Shields) auxiliaries angle back to protect the Roman flank and rear.

The Roman legionary cohorts' Command and Control advantage allows them to reduce Disruption, but things are by no means certain at this moment, especially when the stones and arrows rain in from Caeog's skirmishers.

Caeog shifts his small cavalry unit towards his right-centre. 

Move Three: The rightmost legion cohort pushes ahead, while the cavalry on IT'S right pull back a little to keep themselves out of reach of Cyfwlch's men.

Caestius brings his cohort across the river. 

The enemy skirmishers, who are keeping well away from the Roman shields, loose off some more volleys as they pull back; causing disruption and a scatter of casualties, but again, nothing to seriously worry about. 

It is on the Silure right that things are developing. The Roman horse are either pulling back or already scattered, and Cyfwlch's far right warriors are across the river. Although his prime warriors are suffering in their fight with Burriena's men Cyfwlch calls for one last effort - and suddenly the Dalmations are running; taking one of the ballista crews with them and abandoning their wounded.

The Yellow Shielded Nervii are shaken, but hold, but the whole Roman left is in chaos and the flank and rear of the legion cohorts exposed. Things are NOT looking good for the Romans - and nobody is more surprised than me....

Caeog mounts up himself, and moves forward to inspire his men in the centre.

Move Four: The Romans shake out their Legionary line, pushing forward to the bottom of the steep slope fronting Caeog's centre and extending their leftmost cohort to guard the flank of the legionaries. They get hit by shooting from the withdrawing Silurian skirmishers, which they can do without.

In the Roman rear left the Nervii withdraw a little, badly upset by the collapse of the cavalry and the Dalmatian foot, but the nearest ballistae loose in a flurry of action* causing chaos and casualties among Cyfwlch's densely-packed command (he himself having a couple of near misses).

[*Thanks to extra Command Points. The Romans have been lucky with these.] 

Although buoyed-up by their success Cyfwlch's command has by now suffered BADLY from accumulated Disruption, due to fighting over the river, casualties, heavy losses from the ballistae* and general disorganization in the heat of battle. Cyfwlch really needs to get his men in hand and sort this, or they will be in no state to attack successfully, and at a severe disadvantage if attacked.. 

[*Their biggest "clump/formation is deep - six figures on the table, so around eighteen to twenty men deep "in real", so every bolt has a greater chance of hitting someone - and with no saving throws this HURTS - and causes more Disruption/Shock than normal missile fire.] 

Suddenly part of Cairbre's wing goes into a spontaneous charge*, hitting the Morini - and driving them back! Cairbre moves his other unit to cover their flank, but this is another unexpected success. The Silures are feeling buoyant.

[*Special Event token draw. Which unit is affected is decided by dice test.]

Move Five: In a sudden rush two of the legionary cohorts in the centre throw themselves up the steep slope to get at Caeog's elite warriors, hurling their pila as they come and taking advantage of the gaps caused as they gain a foothold on the crest.

However, the clamber up the steep slope has caused some Disorder. There is a hard-fought melee, but although Caeog's men have been badly hit by the Roman missiles they are fresh - and, amazingly, the Romans are pushed back; halting at the base of the slope to regroup. No serious losses, but this is a setback for the Romans - their first one-two rush with pila if one of their advantages. That it failed to break the enemy is bad news. 

However, it is not all bad for the men from Tiberside; their artillery continues to rip though Cyfwlch's ranks and the Dalmatian cavalry on their left rallies behind the Nervii, who themselves get into order and adjust to meet any threat from the enemy right. 

Suddenly the far left legion cohort turns - and hacks into the rear of Cyfwlch's levies. This SHOULD be enough to break them but no! Once again the dice are against the Romans and despite causing casualties with their pila the actual melee is indecisive. It may just be a question of time before the levies break, but time may not be on the Romans' side.

Over on the Silurian left Cairbre pulls his better quality troops further back to guard against the Tungrian horse on the Roman right - who themselves have pushed to overlap round the enemy flank. 

Also on that side of the field the warriors fighting the Nervii are hurled back. The Nervii do not pursue - they have too much Disruption to risk it.

Caesetius shifts the angle of HIS cohort, the reserve, to threaten Cyfwlch's left flank, but he has spent to much time getting his ranks in good order to actually attack.

As the move ends there is still all to play for. Both sides have units which have suffered losses and Disruption - and I have the feeling that the first side to have a unit break will suffer a cataclysmic domino effect... 

Move Six: The Silure skirmishers shift forward and pelt the Roman legionary line, in the centre, causing some minor Disruption issues and casualties. The legionaries themselves spend their move removing Disruption, as do the Nervii to their right. Caeog spends his move steadying his men too.

Both sides seem to be taking a breather, but then, over on the Celtic left, while Cairbre pulls his levies back to the slope to recover, suddenly, with a thunder of hooves, the Tungrians charge his unit of higher class (middling) troops. Some of his men fall, but they hold. The Roman cavalry's advantage in a charge has not done it's job - and the Tungrians would be advised to pull back next move, if they have the chance.. 

Meanwhile, on the Silure, right the legion cohort which had charged the back end of Cyfwlch's command are still in melee. Amazingly the rag-tag-and-bobtail levy are still holding! If they continue to hold next move the Romans MUST pull back.

Not the decisive move it might have been, but interesting.

Move Seven: The skirmishers again pelt the Roman line. The Romans again try to remove Disruption. The melees are inconclusive.

An Event causes the rear units of Caeog's centre to spontaneously pull back. He in turn pulls back his elites, and tries to rally some of the Disruption from them. 

But suddenly the Dalmatian cavalry charge into the flank of Cyfwlch's elite warriors, breaking them. They in turn run up against the levies behind them - and both units flee. This freaks the small Celtic cavalry unit, who ride up towards Caeog. Cyfwlch manages to keep his other warriors in hand, and shifts them back slightly.

Move Eight: The Dalmatians pull back behind the legionary lines as these cohorts reorganize and try to get rid of the Disorder they have, despite more harassment from the skirmishers. The Morini do the same. In fact both armies are desperately trying to bring more order to their units.

The Nervii and Caesitius's cohort advance towards Cyfwlch.

The Tungrians turn to ride off from Cairbre's men, who do not pursue. 

The broken Celtic units continue their flight, while the cohort which attacked Cyfwlch's levies straighten line and wheel to face the enemy skirmish line.

Move Nine: The legionary cohorts get themselves organised, then get on the move.

Caesitius's cohort charges Cyfwlch's remaining unpanicked warriors, as do the Nervii; but the melee is indecisive.

The two right-hand legion cohorts, taking advantage of Caeog's men falling back from the crest, charge uphill at at them; but again, this only results in a slogging match. The steep slope to the crest always seems to disorder the Romans slogging up it enough to make them lose momentum. 

The same happens when the Morini charge Cairbre's levies.

Again, the skirmishers annoy the Roman line.

The small unit of Celtic horsemen charge the only unengaged legionary cohort - but again this becomes a half-hearted melee. Basically both sides are tired*, and with the legionary advantage of pila and charge expended there is nothing in any face to face encounter that's going to cause a major upset without Fate taking a hand.

[*And the dice uncooperative.]

The Tungrian cavalry reform.

Move Ten: Caeog throws his centre warriors at the Roman cohort facing him - and pushes it back !! The Romans who had forced their way up the slopes have NOT managed to pierce his line and are themselves looking vulnerable. 

Caeog's horse are still in melee and, surprisingly, still alive.

On his left Cairbre's men are, also surprisingly, holding their own against the Morini, while the man himself tries to reduce Disruption.

Only on Caeog's far right are things not going well for the Celts, as Cyfwlch's remaining warriors are forced back by the enemy leader's cohort and the Nervii. Almost incredibly the remaining Silures here haven't yet broken - almost entirely due to Lady Luck and Cyfwlch's inspiring presence. However, they are unlikely to survive into another move.

Or, indeed, this one: their moral shatters, and they, with Cyfwlch, flee the field.

Move Eleven: The Dalmatians charge the rightmost elements of the enemy skirmish line, and harry them into withdrawing, but causing minimal loss.

Caesitius organises his left wing, steadying his two leftmost cohorts and bringing the Nervii across the river. 

The enemy cavalry pull back, and hover on the hill facing Caesitius.

In the centre, Caeog holds his men in hand, but to his left, while the Morini engage their front, a cohort charges into the flank of Cairbre's levies. They break.

Move Twelve: In the centre Caeog's elites are engaged with a cohort. His men are exhausted and shaken, but they hold; shaking the Romans in their turn. This has been a hard-fought melee in the centre, with both sides unwilling to give up.

But the end is in sight. Cairbre's warriors, having seen their supports flee, are charged by the Morini. They fight them off, but start to pull back. Caeog's centre is being outflanked on the left, and the enemy cavalry are still hovering in the distance beyond the disintegrating left wing. Caesitius, with two cohorts and the Nervii, is advancing in good order on his right.

Move Thirteen: Cairbre pulls his remaining men off the field, as the Roman right creeps forward.

The skirmishers pull off the field too, followed by Caeog's reserve warriors, who have done practically nothing all battle, and who now back away.

The Silure cavalry likewise turn and trot off as Caesitius presses forward with his now dressed and steady ranks of legionaries and auxilia.

Caeog, his battered elites still screaming defiance at the exhausted Romans in front of them, slowly backs them off, carrying their wounded.

By pulling back in good order now, before Caesitius can bring his wing up to the ridge, Caeog seems to have avoided a rout - and pursuit off-table.

Move Thirteen: Or not.... The Roman central cohort surges forward in one last  one push, then, as Caeog's elites fight back, one of Caesitius's his cohorts slams into their flank. They break, finally shattering army morale.

While the bulk of Caesitius's men are exhausted or too far away to affect matters he still has his cavalry. They thunder off-table after the fleeing enemy. 

The battle is over.

Summary: That was tense and fun. I had no way of calculating which way that was going once  battle was joined.

From the outset, once their left side cavalry and Burriena's men had cut and run (!), Roman Army Morale was dented. This, and the stalwart (!!) efforts of Caeog's and Cyfwlch's commands, plus Cairbre's steadiness, added to the problem of the steep slope, prevented a Roman walkover.

With their first pilum-assisted rushes proving to be of no avail, the battle in the centre became a slogging match, and with Lady Luck helping to keep Cyfwlch's men on the table longer than they perhaps deserved, the Romans couldn't even rush the flank in the early stages.

The Silure skirmishers were MUCH more effective than they had any right to be (Fate again), constantly niggling away at the legionary Disruption levels, and most of the levies held up better than expected.  

As always, comments and queries welcomed. Next; the post-battle accounting and finding out "What Happens next"

More Siluria Shenanigans...

Or, "Will they won't they"...

Day 17 continued:

So, as we left it, Caeog was convening with his fellows to decide what to do, with the nearest Romans hunkered down in their camp. This was NOT a good meeting, and went on for nearly four hours.

Caeog was for pushing south to raise more zones (and men), Cyfwlch did eventually agree with him, but his sub-chief and one the late Tewdrig's surviving sub-chief were for scattering to the hills (had they heard rumours of the Roman forces nearby, but were keeping it from Caeog? We know that some of THEIR home areas were now back under Roman control. Was this a factor?).

One of Caeog's sub-chiefs wanted to attack the fort, but he was eventually, reluctantly, bought round to Caeog's way of thinking.

At one point it looked like the homesick sub-chiefs would walk out of the meeting, and take their men with them, but with both Caeog and Cyfwlch singing from the same songsheet, they eventually gave way. The army would march to raise the valleys to the south and west. However, what with the fight, the caring for the fallen, and the talking (talking, talking), it was early afternoon before they set out. 

[Technical Note: as usual, my "Council of War" playing card procedure was used, each "round" taking between half an hour to three quarters of an hour's discussion.]

Meanwhile: Caninia's men stood nervously at their ditch and stakes....

At Fort Ninednum Albinius was considering HIS options, having received Caninia's message about Caeog's army during the night. As dawn approaches his instincts were to press towards the known enemy. His men had rested, after their march the day before, and had had a peaceful, stress-free night in the security of the fort. If he asked them to march to the relief of their fellows to the north they would do so. Thus, at about 09:00hrs, Albinius marches to seek Caninia - and possible battle. 

Albinus has 3rd cohort II Augusta (actual strength unknown) and 1st Morini (paper strength of 500 foot) with him, along with the three turmae from Difforum, which he has retained.

An hour into Albinius's march a further courier arrives from Caninia, giving an account of the "battle" and updating that he is now holed-up in his camp, menaced by superior numbers. This changes things. Even with Caninia's men Albinius will be outnumbered. He hesitates - and calls his own Council of War, while pushing scouts ahead and sending a reassuring, yet noncommittal, message to Albinius.

[Technical Note: all of the above needed careful note-taking - basically an hour by hour War Diary - and dice tests for leaders, courier progress etc.]

At Albinius's meeting all of his legionary centurions are for pressing ahead, as are the majority of the Auxiliary centurions. However, those who are against proceeding have convincing arguments, and Albinius is indecisive. After nearly three hours Albinius is persuaded that his good name depends on acting aggressively. He orders the march to continue, but cautiously.

Towards mid afternoon he arrives at Caninia's camp. Apart from a few stragglers Caeog's men have already left, heading west and south for the friendly, upper valley of the Tawa - watched by Caninia's scouts.

The two Tribunes seem to have several choices:

a) To chase Caeog and bring him to battle (risky, as they are outnumbered).

b) To march for one of the forts.

c) To stay put, and try to get in touch with Caesetius, currently thought to be operating east of their position, bringing him to join them.

While these officers discuss how to proceed what they (and, indeed, I) do NOT know is that Caesetius is already marching.

Sweeping south and then west, by early afternoon he is in Hillfort Cluster XIX, and being informed of Caeog and Albinius passing though there the day before. He presses on, following the trail of the two forces: his own outriders approaching Albinius's camp late in the afternoon.

By evening he is with the other Tribunes. More by luck than judgement, the Romans now have combined their forces. 

The Tribunes hold a quick conference, but Caesetius (IInd Cohort II Aug.) who has seniority, presses for aggressive action. They will pursue Caeog on the morrow....

Meanwhile, unknown to EVERYONE a vexilliation (strength currently unknown) has been sent from Isca westwards. By nightfall it will reach Fort Bovium. 

[Technical Note: As throughout Caesetius's and other commander decisions are dice-driven, based on IMP options. The results were VERY lucky for the Romans..] 

Day 18:

Caeog leaves the Tawa valley and moves though the hills south westwards, trying to raise support. He succeeds in attracting another 150 men to his banner, moves on, then camps overlooking the Leuca Valley (leading to Fort Leuca,) and sends scouts to ascertain the garrison strength. When he stops to camp he does not know that there is a large Roman force behind him.

Caesetius's force follows Caeog's trail and erupts into the rebellious zone at the headwaters of the Tawa. The locals here scatter to their homes - but some individuals scurry west to inform Caeog of the Roman presence. Caesetius presses on, ending his march some four miles from Caeog's camp.

By nightfall Caeog knows that, again, he has an enemy force within striking distance. He has some idea of the size of their force, and still outnumbers them. Should he fight? Part of him says "Yes". Part of him says to push into the Leuca Valley to see if he can raise more men before confronting the enemy. He calls another Council.

The wrangling goes on into the night, but, despite some serious opposition, he gains a majority; the army will march into the valley and try to rally supporters. Two sub-chiefs are VERY unhappy; they want to attack the Romans at first light; but they are not daft enough to go it alone. 

The force from Isca arrives at Fort Ociamium at the end of the day. They will march for Leuca in the morning. Caoeg still doesn't know this.

Movements day 17 and 18

Day 19:

Caeog marches into the Leuca valley - but as with the hill zone he spent the night in, the locals do NOT want to get involved with the revolt. Caesetius is hard on his heels (the Romans got up nice and early and sent out a cavalry screen to stop any scouting from Caeog) having marched out an hour after Caeog had moved off.

The River.

Mid morning, aware the Romans are close on his heels, Caeog crosses the Leuca and forms line of battle. Most of the valley is pretty flat - Caeog has perhaps gone further south than he ought - and the river really no more than a stream.

However, he is confident, as are his chiefs. He finds a slope fronting the river and deploys his men. We have The Battle of The Leuca to fight.

The Battle of the Nida..(?)

Or Dulia...?

As we left it, Caeog's army had been following Caninia.

The Romans had crossed a river (locals inform him it is in fact NOT the Nida proper, but a branch of the Nida called the Dulia, or Julia, or Afon, or something. It really doesn't matter.) and have stopped to set up camp on the side away from the rebel army, the camp being sited on a low spur of the hills; close enough to water sources but reasonably dry.

Caeog had halted near the river to rest his men, hoping to catch the Romans as they continued their march. But as dawn breaks the Romans are seen to be drawn up and waiting for the Britons.

Caninia has his camp and his cohort of the IInd (about 30% under-strength; 344 men*) and Burriana's under-strength "expeditionary force" from HIS mixed cohort (38 auxiliary horse and 165 foot), plus around 110 servants.

Having been told overnight by friendly locals of the enemy force nearby he had his men fed, then deployed just before dawn. He did NOT want to be caught on the march.

[*Determined by dice throw per century, as usual.]

One very depleted legionary century (32 men) and a very low-strength century of Burriana's Dalmations (26 men), plus the servants have had to be left to guard the camp, in case the enemy make a sweep on it; leaving Caninia with 312 legionaries and 139 auxiliary foot, plus the horse, to fight with.

He thus faces odds of nearly six to one (Caeog has with him around two thousand seven hundred rebels) but doesn't know that yet.....

He is currently standing-to in front of the camp, with slopes on his flanks and to his front, and it looks like he has three reasonable options as the enemy organise themselves;

1) Rushing his men back into the camp and fighting from there. But if he does that successfully he is likely to be by-passed by the enemy (their experience with attacking forts has made them wary), with them pushing south or west into undefended areas, and possibly raising more men. While perhaps the sensible option that's NOT going to look good on his record.

Also, his men are low on supplies. If the enemy decide to sit it out (and ravage the local area) he has no idea if/when relief will arrive.

2) Staying where he is, stood-to, at the top of the slopes and letting the hostiles come to him (i.e. to draw them into the "wrong kind of fight" at a disadvantage).

However, as more and more noise is heard from across the river it seems clear that he is dealing with a bigger force than he had envisaged.

The third; to advance on the enemy - such as rushing them as they struggle across the river. This looks risky, and trying something clever like hiding some guys in ambush doesn't really seem to be an option (the woodland in the pic above is - again - modern plantation and, given mid/late Iron Age deforestation and cultivation/agriculture, what is now woody scrub on the slopes was likely more open than today).

At least he has 38 cavalry to keep as a mobile reserve.

Overnight the Romans had had a quick Council of War. Four of Caninia's centurions were for staying in the camp and sitting it out and one undecided, but Caninia's grizzled senior and one other centurion are for fighting in the open, as is he and Burriana (whose own centurions are equally divided). Hence his men standing to, fronting the camp.

[Ok.. So what scale will I use on the table. Again, this is really a large skirmish. I have enough Romans to do this 1:2, but do I want to set out around 1,300 odd Brits (most of whom will just be getting in each other's way or standing around wondering what's going on - or trying to get into the fort) for what will likely be a not over exciting fight? On the other hand, with the Roman force being so small 1:10 (let alone 1:20) seems iffy... I think about 1:5 might do it... However, given time restraints, I go for 1:10 - not least because the Roman will not be reverting to maniples, let alone centuries, as the "unit of manoeuvre, and the Silurian formations will be large.] 

Caninia had decided to stand on the hill. However, as the early morning mists disperse, and the enemy moves forward, the overwhelming numbers of the enemy become clear. Time for a rethink? Too late, as the Silures sweep forward.  

Caninia has placed his legionaries on his left in a deep line, with Burrenia's auxiliary foot on his right. Burennia's horse form the only reserve. Immediately behind them is an outwork protecting the north gate of the camp. 

However, the Celts seem hesitant at first, perhaps they fear some kind of trap?
Their skirmishers loose a volley, causing some Roman casualties, and the Romans drop a few long-range ballista bolts into the press, but to minimal effect.

Now the Celt foot advance, passing their skirmish line as if to charge up the slope.

Strangely, Caninia now splits his legionaries, moving two thirds of them forward and slightly to his right centre.

The Silures advance. Caninia splits his legionaries.

Then, as the Silures push forward, Caninia takes a real risk throwing his legionaries down the slope in a "flying wedge" to hit the enemy centre - and the lines of what pass for nobles and elite among the hill tribes. Is he trying to reach the enemy commander and settle matters at a stroke? 

The wedge hits home.

The Roman flying wedge strikes home, splitting the lead formation and taking down a number of their best  - or at least best equipped - warriors. This seems to give the whole enemy centre pause - especially as Caeog himself seems unsure what to do. However, although discomforted, the enemy centre does not break, but instead pulls back to reorganize. Meanwhile, the Silurian flank formations ease forward - threatening to envelope the Roman wedge.

The wedge fails to break the enemy.

As soon as it becomes clear the the wedge charge has failed to break the enemy centre, Caninia (close to the action) throws the remaining legionaries (in line and with a pilum discharge) at the enemy, to cover the wedge's left, at the same time angling Burriana's cohort slightly to protect the right flank. 

Again, a Roman charge does not bring anything decisive to the table, but at least it caused some more disruption and a few casualties, forcing the elite warriors back.

Believing this gives him a breathing space, Caninia therefore orders the legionaries to reform and slowly pull back in good order back up the slope. This COULD be the tipping point - and against an organised enemy would likely have ended in disaster.

Caninia's men reform and back up.

However, with Caeog indecisive, his centre disrupted and hesitant, and his sub-commanders lacking specific orders, the Silures do not take advantage of the situation. Their right advances a little more, but all Caeog actually does is mount up and move forward to rally his centre.

Seeing the threat of being flanked on both sides Caninia decides to pull back to the camp.

With his men back on the slope Caninia orders the cavalry to go right, and enter the fort's side north east gate. Burrenia is ordered to pull his men back, in good order, to access the north (front) gate, while the legionaries pull back last and the ballistas on the outworks carry on shooting; these picking off two unit commanders and a number of warriors. The Silures REALLY do not like the ballistas. 

The horse withdraw.

Again, a swift rush by the enemy could prove fatal to Caninia's force at this point - but again the Celts seem hesitant; not least because their centre "elites" have still not recovered from the shock of the wedge's charge and because Caeog seemingly lacks the spirit to push an attack home. Perhaps he is himself wary of the balistas? Who knows? Although he did mount up and push forward at one stage, most of the time he hangs about in the middle of the field, trying to get his elite warriors into order. This gives Caninia the chance to steady HIS guys and get rid of some of the disorder they have suffered.

The Romans start pulling back to the camp in a slow, orderly manner, facing the enemy.

Only as the last of Caninia's men pull back into the safety of the camp does Caeog and his escort push forward to shouting distance, and a Silure unit actually charge - the formation of warriors on Caninia's right under Tewdrig.

But as these reach the defences a balista bolt brings down that bold commander, and, having earlier lost another sub-commander in the advance, the attackers halt before the ditch; with a lot of noise, but very little action.

With the Romans back in their camp, and nobody on the Silurian side seemingly having stomach for an immediate assault on the camp, the battle on the table is over.

Now Caeog needs to decide what to do; invest or attack the camp - or move off to seek easier pickings. It is still early morning. A Council of War will be called. 

Technical: 

Unusually for me I did an "I go U go" game this time, since there were few options for units to go off to do their own thing and it was a small field.

Caninia was very close to the front line throughout, and so was able to exercise tight control of both his force and his subordinates; who (apart from the ballista crews at the camp) had no chance for independent action (i.e doing something daft or being too tardy).

He also had the advantages of a formal command structure and a strong officer to men ratio. Had he NOT had these advantages (to get rid of Disruption and ensure safe, steady manoeuvres), plus a well-drilled force, a withdrawal in the face of the enemy could have gone disastrously wrong. 

Caeog (again) put in a lacklustre performance. His personal actions (dice controlled - as were those of his subordinates) left him spending most of his time hesitating or trying to sort out the confusion of his centre units - particularly the elite warriors discomforted early by the Roman wedge (they had still not recovered their equilibrium even at the end of the battle. NOT happy bunnies..).

Cyfwlch, on the Silure right, made a lot of aggressive moves, but didn't actually attack after the Roman line charge against the centre.

Tewdrig, on the left, again, was inconsistent - seemingly keen one minute, less so (or simply conforming to the centre's actions) the next - until his final (and personally fatal) attempt on the camp outworks.

Aftermath: 

The Silures suffered ninety casualties, mainly due to the two Roman charges and the ballista bolts (no saving throws for the latter).

They lost three commanders, including Tewdrig (all to ballistas), plus nineteen noble warriors dead and another ten badly wounded. Of the "ordinary folk" there were thirty eight killed or mortally wounded, ten badly wounded and another ten with light wounds.

The Romans lost ten legionaries killed outright or mortally wounded, with ten more lightly hurt.

Both sides hung onto their wounded; the Romans withdrawing slowly in good order, the Celts holding the field.

While Caeog thinks about what to do now, what he does NOT know is that during the night Caninia sent a courier to Fort Nidenum to alert the garrison there.

In addition, neither he, nor indeed Caninia himself, knows that Albinius and HIS vexillation arrived at Nidenum only last evening. If Albenius is feeling bold (and he has acted so previously) he may push to join Caninia.

He may also have sent couriers to find and update Caesetius; himself only a days march away to the east. IF the Romans concentrate and bring Caeog to battle in greater numbers things could become interesting.

Watch this space......

As usual, comment and queries welcomed.

And so it continues...

 After...

A brief "medical episode" requiring hospitalization (luckily, being UK-based, the ambulance, tests, overnighting, medications etc. etc. are free at point of service: phew...) followed by a ghastly bug, more medico tests plus a dip into painting and modelling while recuperating, delayed things a tad.

So, where were we...?

Caeog's Progress.

Caeog pushes south west with his whole force, rushing through the Pro-Roman hillfort cluster at XLIII (no time to ravage), and making for the confluence/fork of the upper Nida valley; hoping to inspire a revolt here. However, the locals are NOT friendly (modified result of 17)

On the Roman side Caesetius marches to Fort Firmium to resupply. Caninia overawes two septs in the north. Albinius, at Fort Difforum is resting and resupplying.

Next day I (as Caeog now) have a choice: seek out one of the isolated Roman columns, move further into potentially Roman-friendly zones in the hope of prompting a revolt or to go ravaging.

I feel I need a victory against a Roman force to improve my chances of spreading the revolt. The alternatives (put my force out on a limb by pushing south/south west or west or wait for the Romans to concentrate and reorganise) seem riskier. Attacking the forts looks like a no-no. With the other two Roman detachments currently static I MAY be able to catch Caninia.

However, the Council decides to try to spread the revolt and so we move West - raising two districts (and about 100 men) but finding another hillfort cluster hostile.  

Day 14 - 15, and the Romans seem to be inactive or just resting up. 

To have any hope of seriously increasing the size of Caeog's army we really need to raise the more densely populated lowland areas to the south - but this means pushing towards the coast road (speedy movement for the Romans), the potential to be trapped against the sea AND being caught in country more suitable to the Romans.

On the other hand, there is still the chance of catching one of the Roman forces while they are isolated. 

Day 16: 

Caninia receives word of Caeog operating in his rear. He at once marches south, headed for friendly Hillforth Cluster XLIII (commanding access to the north and east), where he intends to camp.

Albinius too has been informed of the rebels' movements, and heads north west to Fort Nidenum.

Caesetius, unaware of developments, in the west, pushes to subdue more rebellious septs in the north and centre and reach the (isolated) friendly sept in the north centre to "show the Eagle" and reassure.

Isca does nothing. 

Caeog calls a Council. After two hours they decide to seek out a Roman force - and decide to head north, for Caninia's command. Moving north and then east they come across his trail in the region of Hillfort Cluster XLX and follow. At day's end they see the fires of his camp. They will rest-up, planning to swoop on him as he moves out the next day.

Day 17:

However, as dawn breaks, Caeog's scouts report Canina's command already standing-to before their camp, on the slopes above and across the River Nida (Neath). Friendly locals [Dice Test] must have informed him of Caeog's presence. 

With the other Roman forces both within a day's march of his position Caeog really has little choice. He drawn up his men opposite Caninia. The river is fordable here for most of its length, but it and its steep, wooded banks will be a nuisance.

We have a battle to fight: The Battle of The Nida...