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... 

After the Anticlimax Was over...

Day 13 - Unlucky for some..?

Caesetius continues whittling away the revolted areas in the east and pushes north. 

Caninia pushes up through the mountain gap to access the zones north of the mountain chain.

Albinius pulls back to Fort Difforum to resupply and rest his men.

In Isca the Governor puts together another vexilliation.

Caeog and Twrch's force meet up in Hillfort Zone XVII.

Rethink... Time to change horses..?

OK... After the last non-event, given the Romans now seem to definitely have the upper hand (even without my direct input) and after some thought, I've decided to "change sides" and play what is now clearly the underdog. From the next move I will therefore take the part of Caeog (who, let's face it, has been pretty uninspiring thus far).

For the sake of The Narrative let's say the now badly wounded Twrch, before "retiring hurt", has had himself carried over the hills by his warriors and shamed Caeog into more positive action.

Caeog now has a combined force of some 2,600 men, but the pincers, in the form of Caninia and Caesetius, are closing (only one hard day's march away).

It seems pretty clear to me that the only real hope for the revolt to go anywhere serious is for me to break out and take the fight to the enemy hinterland beyond the "border" of pro-Roman or subdued zones, and inspire more zones to revolt.

However, before doing so, do I feel that I can risk a swat at one of the Roman vexillations while they are divided and in hostile territory..? The nearest, and most isolated, is Caninia; I COULD swing north west and hope to catch him in the hills. Perhaps, even, ambush him... Hmm.....

I think this is a "goer", so summon a Council of War. Twrch is still with us, and he will likely support any active action. That leaves only Buan, Tewdrig and Cyfwlch to convince...

Council Culture Concerns:

So.. First Council round: Twrch will be for action, as will Caeog, so they will each hold on the first red card turned for them as being the "Strength of their Argument". 

For the first hour Twrch and Cyfwlch dominate the discussion, but all three minor chiefs are reluctant to engage the Romans again. As the talks proceed Caeog's eloquence fails him, and he barely speaks at all. Twrch, presumably exhausted by his wounds, begins to lose his powers of persuasion.

Only Cyfwlch is able to muster arguments of any merit - and those dwell on the fact that the Revolt has stalled - and that throwing themselves at the Legions will only result in further loss.

The idea of moving to attack an actual Roman force is kicked into touch.  

So, that leaves the motion to move into Roman territory, and trying to spread the revolt.

For the first hour things are touch and go, though Buan is brought on-side, as  Caeog musters his arguments with conviction and aplomb. Twrch rallys and Cyfwlch declares himself completely behind the venture. After one final hour of discussion Tewdrig reluctantly concedes that this seems to be the only way forward.

They elect to move south west into Roman territory... At dawn... Ish.... Well, before lunch anyway. It was a late night.....

Battle of Mynydd Maendy Fort - or Not..?

Hillfort Highjinks.

So, some research (usual sources:"Royal Commission on the Ancient and

Historical Monuments of Wales" website & similar, Google Earth etc.).

The fort is is a rough oval 110m x 98m, rubble-built, at the end of a ridge, with steep slopes to the north, north east and south east. Although a path from the valley winds up the northern elevations the only decent approach for attackers is from the south west.

Inside we have a smaller enclosure, but in engineering terms it seems pretty basic (from what we have remaining) with no obvious tower bases etc.

At first glance the locals seem to have placed themselves in a trap - but the steep slopes mentioned above will likely prevent a close pursuit if they cut and run.

The straight feature without and within the compound and the woodlands to the north are likely modern and can be ignored.

Given the difficulty of mounting the steeper slopes the Roman approach will clearly have to be from along the ridge. The nearby rise to the main ridge could provide a position for the Roman scorpions (albeit at long range) and a rallying place for the attackers if things don't go their way.

However, to make doubly sure, and since the Romans have a two cohort strength, have marched over ten miles and ascended more than a thousand feet [as assessed by the good old walking route website] it is decided to postpone the attack till tomorrow. The legionaries therefore dig-in on the ridge, in the vicinity of the spring line, overlooking the saddle between Maendy hill and the main ridge.

Doing so will also give the locals a view of what the Roman army can do ("They've only gone and built a fort, look you...!!!"), and their numbers; which MAY affect the rebel's confidence, desertions, will to fight etc. come the morrow. 

So, to the Table, or not...? 

Simple enough on the table. One needn't build the whole fort, just the elevations likely to be the focus of the attack. I don't have a rubble-built hillfort wall model, but I could use my "normal" palisade lengths.

HOWEVER....

With the locals now knowing they are clearly outnumbered, perhaps having been informed of Twrch's defeat overnight (bad news travels quickly), certainly having heard of Burriena's victory and of neighbouring zones throwing in the towel (plus now having seen the Roman military machine at work on their doorstep) it seems reasonable for them to have a rethink.

[I dice (1x6D) to see how many area leaders they have (three) and host another Council of War session (the usual card "game" process)...]

The arguments go on for four hours into the night.

At first the valley chief and one of the sub chiefs are for giving in, and only one for fighting on. But then the valley chief is persuaded to reconsider. He now plumps for fighting to the death... However, THIS prompts the more reluctant sub chief into digging his heels in even further - to the point of him storming out of the meeting, and leading his warriors out of the back of the fort and sending his people home. Oh dear.... 

With their forces suddenly reduced by a third this knocks the stuffing out of the remaining chiefs, and after reconsidering they decide to give in. At dawn they send an embassy to Albinus. However, he isn't in the mood for chat, let alone clemency, and sends it away [Dice test.].

While the Romans prepare for battle the chiefs and the bulk of the warriors make off down the steep north slopes and disperse, leaving only a scatter of die-hards, the halt and the lame behind in the fort.

With no opposition, the birds having flown, Albinus orders the remaining occupants of the fort dealt with, the huts burned and the walls slighted. He then unleashes his auxiliaries and horse to ravage up and down the valley, resting his men another night at Maendy.

So ends another day.....

Summary:

Such is campaigning... I thought I was going to have a battle, and then....

However, in retrospect, even if the Silures had made a sortie to pep things up, it promised to be a rather one-sided fight.... 

Version 1: Romans soften up with artillery. Romans assault. Enemy break and flee, or it dissolves into complicated, but one-sided, street fighting among huts.

Version 2: Romans soften up with artillery. Enemy make a sortie and are smashed. Romans assault. Enemy break or flee, or it dissolves into complicated, but one-sided, street fighting among huts.

I feel I would have been there before, with the mopping-up in my Judean revolt campaign. Given that I don't have enough 6mm Romans yet, which meant table action would be a 1/72 game (so a lot of setting up) or another board game exercise, I'm not overly disappointed - and I enjoy the research. Onwards we go...

Day Twelve:

Twrch flees north west, with what's left of the Silurian southern force. Caeog pulls east (to meet him - or has he just lost his bottle?).

Albinius ravages the Caenona Valley, using the camp at Maendy as a base.

Caesitius regains control of the hills east of Serovium.

Caninia, at Nidenum, moves his vexillation north east - i.e. towards where Caeog now ISN'T. 

Is it time I left Isca to take control myself? Perhaps so....

"This Aint Siluruia" Day Eleven Shenanigans..

 Day Eleven:

So... We have Roman forces setting about bringing zones "back into the fold"; thus far by one skirmish and "intimidation by marching" in those zones where there was likely to be no (futile) resistance against overwhelming force.

We also have two Rebel field armies operating in the area; one under Caeog ravaging their neighbours and fellow tribesmen (aka collaborators) in the north west, the other under Twrch sitting in front of Fort Serovium wondering what to do next (the latter rebel force having today been joined by 100 disgruntled locals).

After a LOT of discussion (a post-breakfast session lasting about two hours) it is decided Twrch's men will, with their best part of thirteen hundred warriors, attack the fort and its garrison (III Bracarii  - mixed cohort - and 2 detached centuries from 8th Cohort II Augusta). Hmmm.... Possibly biting off more than they can chew..

[Re. the Serovium business; I settle the decision for the Silure commanders with a Council of War, using my usual method - covered elsewhere - with cards for the three leaders and one for the local folk. As Twrch - as per initial dice throws - has been an active, reasonably aggressive leader we can assume he will more likely be for affirmative action.] 

Caeog continues ravaging the pro-Roman zone in the north west.

At Fort Nidenum no action is taken (again) Caninia sending messengers to Albinus suggesting an action plan, while Burriana's men recover from their march and get their wounded attended to.

At Firmium Caesetius decides on something risky. Leaving VI Nervii in place as garrison, he pushes with the rest of the vexillation southwards, towards Fort Serovium - even though he has no knowledge of Twrch's presence there - subduing two zones. This seems to be in order to make a cross-country communications route between the two forts, and further slip the central revolted zones. He will likely arrive at Serovium mid afternoon.

Albinus contents himself with advancing into the Caenona Valley to subdue the Hillfort Cluster there. There are some 600 resident warriors, plus some stragglers from the Pen Foel Aman fight, here, gathered at the Meandy hillfort. Albinus has 3rd cohort II Augusta and 1st Morini (foot 500) with him, along with the three turmae from Difforum; but not enough to intimidate the number of warriors assembled into submission. The rest of the Difforum garrison (part of 4th Gallic mixed cohort infantry) remain at the fort. As he is quite prepared to press the issue it looks as if Albinus has a fight on his hands.

Meandy Hillfort

The Battles:

So... We have two potential fights pending: Albinus in the Caenona Valley at the Meandy hillfort and the Silure attack on Fort Serovium.

Regarding Serovium, because I can see this will require a lot of table setting up for what I feel is likely to be a short action and a forgone conclusion (amateur warriors assaulting a Roman fort, without surprise or any equipment - with another Roman force on the way). I will therefore fight this as a board game; so a quick bit of research, Google Earthing and Paint Shop Pro 4* work,and we have a game map of Fort Serovium (an approximation of Pen-Y-Darren/Pennydarren Roman Fort).

(*Using my old 1990s program - and the best graphics program for my purposes EVER, in my book.. And I've tried at least six other makes/versions since. Intuitive (I don't think I ever read the manual). No pointless bells and whistles, which I'm never going to use, to confuse etc. etc.  Software as it SHOULD be for the layperson IMAO.. :) ) 

Fort Serovium

The Battle of Serovium:

The Silures approach from the south west in three bodies. The largest, under Twrch assaults up the slopes, hoping to catch the garrison unprepared, but the defenders are warned and waiting and the attackers are held by the auxiliaries on the wall and one of the legionary scorpions. 

Most of the rest of the force, under Tewdrig, swings round to where the walls of the fort are NOT fronted by the slopes.

Cyfwlch remains hovering off board.

Curtilius, the Roman garrison commander has kept back a good reserve, consisting of a century of his men, plus the horse, plus the legionary units. He has placed the two legionary scorpions on corner towers. His men on the walls are well supplied with stuff for chucking.

[Technical Note: I used the standard SPI Prestags rules - and counters - with the addition that Roman units, while on the walls and not involved in sorties or hand to hand, had a "1" missile capacity per unit. Note that I did not use "Contact" counters for either side when fighting over walls, but used the principles for "engaged" defenders; i.e. defenders were assumed to be "fixed" by an indecisive clash, but attackers could withdraw from one if desired.] 

Twrch himself leads an attack, supported by slingers, which causes problems for the auxiliaries on the south west wall. A sudden sortie by the Curtilius with a reserve auxiliary century, charges out of the south west gate, catching some skirmishers on the hop, and forces the attackers to pull back.

Meanwhile the attackers on the north west wall close, and cause considerable problems here. Curtillius pulls back to within the fort without interference, but leaves some if his reserve on the south west wall. 

Then another attack by Twrch, again supported by good work by the slings, scatters a half century of the auxilia, and the Silurian commander leads some of his men over the wall.

However, another counter-attack by Curtilius, this time with the legionary centuries, forces Twrch back from the walls, while a sortie by the garrison cavalry detachment discomforts Twrch's skirmishers.

The Silurian skirmishers have by now suffered badly, being caught on the hop by each sortie and Twrch himself has been slightly wounded. The attack on the south west wall has been effectively stopped

The main Silure attack now focuses on the more western wall. Twrch (and Cyfwych) also move to support this assault. In the battle for the north west wall neither side seems to be gaining much advantage.

Curtilius, having already pulled back his foot reserves into the fort, then swings his cavalry round the "blind" side of the fort and charges the enemy skirmishers on the far left of the enemy line. Twrch moves over to counter this.

The Roman commander then plays his trump card, and brings the legionaries out  of the north east gate to join the horse threatening the flank of the enemy attacking the north west wall. Twrch has no choice but to try to stop this threat. He moves, with Cyfwlch, to do so.

However, Curtilius charges and, supported with scorpion fire from the walls, hits Twrch's force; catching the enemy skirmishers and scattering them. In the melee Twrch is wounded and more skirmishers are cut down.

This is enough to push the Silure Army Moral to near breaking point, and so - with the forces from Fort Firmuium approaching, Twrch calls off the attack, and his men withdraw to the hills. Curtilius does not pursue.

Conclusion: 

As expected, the attackers made little headway against the (prepared) fort. 
However, the defenders lost comparatively heavily (when the coordination of slingers and assault troops on the south west wall led to the ramparts being briefly overrun by the attackers) with 20 dead or mortally wounded and 10 men with light wounds. However, the bulk of Twrch's close-quarter infantry got away unscathed.

The Silures didn't break, and so were able to get all of their wounded off the field (About ten walking wounded, and ninety or so badly wounded. They'd have lost all the badly wounded had they routed), but leaving some forty dead.

Twrch has been badly wounded. Recoverable, with care, but he is effectively out of the fight for a couple of weeks at least if he is to fully recover.

Next: the Battle of Meandy Hill...

 

Aftermath... And Day Ten.

The Butcher's Bill, and the Way Back...

Burriena counts the cost of the skirmish. Twenty four casualties, all among the foot.

Eleven men were killed outright or died shortly after the battle of their wounds.

Another ten have serious wounds and will need transport and treatment back at base. Nineteen men have minor wounds.

Of the officers a centurion and six NCOs have been lightly wounded, and a standard bearer killed.

The locals came off much worse. Some 50 of them lie dead on the field; killed outright or in "mercy killings" during the clean-up. Forty four others have been captured, all seriously wounded.

(Note: another 36, lightly wounded, were taken off by kin, managed to hide till the Romans left or staggered from the field).

[Technical Note; all dice tests as covered elsewhere.]



Flushed with victory Burriena is feeling generous. Gwaednerth, son of Gwaednerth addresses those locals captured, telling them left again that resistance is pointless and the future of their families lies in coming to an accommodation with the new world. He says that, as a token of goodwill, they will be released, to go down to their people in the Aman Valley.

Once the prisoners have staggered away a pile is made of the captured shields, clubs and spear shafts, and they are set ablaze. Discarded weapons and spearheads are collected, and those which cannot be transported, damaged/bent where possible, concealed by being buried in a pit dug in a nearby stream-bed and covered with stones.

Burriena now has to decide where to go. His men have already marched some thirteen miles over rough ground, and fought a battle. Going back the way he came will be too long a march. He plumps for risking crossing the hostile Caenona Valleyand and into the friendly hills to the west. His badly wounded can be put on horses or carried in makeshift litters from captured spear shafts.

On the map the distance to be travelled is about three to four miles. However, in reality, with doubling back, it is more like six. His exhausted men make a rough camp in the early evening in friendly territory. They remain unmolested on their march and overnight, and the next hard day's slogging takes them back to Fort Nidenum (end of Day Ten).

[Technical Note: I used an online walking route planner website for movement in the hills. Very useful.  Dice tests for any interference etc.]

Meanwhile:

Day Ten and further Zones test for revolt. The Ronda and Isca Valleys remain loyal, as do the hills north east of the Ronda.

The hills north east of Nidenum remain undeclared, but the news of the Roman victory, and the increased garrison in the area, will no doubt affect future tests.

The revolt is now pretty much contained (the central hills and the north) and, assuming no break-outs, it should just be a case of bringing the Romans' superior forces to bear.

At Fort Firmium Caesetius assumes the offensive, sending a Legion cohort and an auxiliary cohort on a "pacification swing" of around fifteen miles or so through the two nearest districts. Overwhelmed at the sight (and by the numbers) of the cohorts the locals disperse. 

Albinius, at Difforum, marches up the Diffa with his full cohort, subduing the lower valley and the hills to the west, again with the locals fading back to their homes. Here he learns, from local tribesmen, of Burriena's swing through the zones to the north. He then returns to Difforum, again, a round-trip of some 15 miles.

However, at Nidenum, Canina seems off-balanced by the disappearance of Burriena and his command, and takes no action at all. 

[Pacified areas marked in grey. As usual, all leader decisions etc. are down to dice tests.] 

On the Silurian side Caeog actually does something, advancing into the Loyalist zone in the north west corner, burning homesteads as he goes.

Meanwhile Twrch marches north east to join up with Cyfwlch. They both then move to pick-up Tewdrig, and their combined force of 1,160 warriors marches on Fort Serovium, manned by III Bracari and 2 detached centuries from 8th Cohort II Augusta. Arriving towards dusk, they rest overnight. They were spotted by any patrols, but no messenger leaves Serovium to inform Isca or Firmium .

And so another day comes to an end.

The Battle of Pen Foel Aman.

On The table:

Play interrupted by, well, a play (Six performances  over the weekend - plus a "public dress". Pretty exhausting.), but the forces are are in place.

I have gone for ratio of 1 bod on the table representing 2 chaps in "real".

I'll need to be doing a bit of fudging with the wee guys; I don't have 180-odd auxiliaries in the same kit. But then, we don't actually have any uniform plates (each century may have had something different anyway...).

The Battle begins....

The locals have taken up position on the higher ground, as expected. Both sides have opted to deploy in reasonable depth.The Auxiliaries approach in line of battle. The locals, divided into three kin-groups, with their combined skirmishers, acting as a separate unit, to the fore, wait on their hill.

However, Burriena has with him three locals from Hillfort Cluster XLIII, elders of that area. With an escort of two auxiliaries one of these men walks towards the hostile line carrying high a green branch of leaves, indicating a desire to Parlay. He is allowed to approach within shouting distance of the defenders' line; whereupon he calls on them to see sense and disperse to their homes.

"Men of Cmwaman and the Aman Hills and The Green Slopes of Taff, and to Eudaf, predominant chosen head of the men of Cmwaman and the Aman Hills and The Green Slopes of Taff. Many of you will know me, Gwaednerth, son of Gwaednerth of Duneath. I call on you to remember how, in days past, before the coming of the Steel Helms, brothers we have been. Together we have hunted head. From the Western Dogs, Rich in Sheep, to the Northern Dogs, the Hammer-Men, and The Women-Men of the River-Lands and the Lead Hills we have heads and booty taken, brothers in blood. For the sake and memory of that brotherhood I ask your trust when I speak.

For my people those days of raiding and head-taking have passed. As oath-sworn on sword fire and salt by our High King to the High King of the Steel Helms from beyond the Lead Hills, we to keep the peace have pledged, and so prospered without fear of raids from enemies or kin. It is to call upon you to honour that oath by our High King that I now speak to you.

Before you stood aloof, as was your right and your choice. But that was before the Steel helms came to your door. Now it is here that they are. Therefore I beg and urge thee, Eudaf, to come and to the prince of these Steel Helms speak in peace. And to the rest I say return to your crofts, and do not with the Steel Helms fight; for even in victory that will bring a black doom on the Folk of  Cmwaman and the Aman Hills and The Green Slopes of Taff, and upon Eudaf and all his house. For the Steel Helms are beyond numbering; and do not forget....."

Eudaf calls back - something short and offensive.

[Eudaf's reaction is diced for. Then I dice one ave. die to see how many factions there are among the locals, and get a 3. I then dice for each faction to see if they are affected by the speech. Oh boy.. I then dice for any reaction..]

The home team did NOT like Gwaednerth's efforts - and start throwing stones.

Worse (potentially) Eudaf's faction begins to move forwards - and it is only the actions of Eudaf himself, and the failure of their flanking brothers to move at all (Reluctant? Caught on the hop?), that stops Eudaf's centre from rushing down the hill.Gwaednerth is hurried back to behind the Roman line by his escorts.

So the battle begins. The auxiliary foot advance, but the line becomes slightly ragged (nothing to be worried about, and to be expected when moving as fast as is reasonable to cut down the amount of time under fire from the enemy skirmishers, on roughish ground). 

 As the foot advance Burriena decides (a bit late?) to move his leftmost cavalry over to the right, where the slope on the enemy flank is shallower, while the horse on his right push forwards to discomfort the enemy's left.

 

The leftmost of Burriena's centuries pulls ahead, clambering up (and taking disruption from) the steeper slope on their part of the field, and charging the skirmishers, who skip back.

However, as the Dalmations advance, still disordered by the steep slope, they are suddenly counter-charged by the Silurian right, and pushed back.

In fact, over the next move they will be pushed right back down the slope up which they have struggled.

But as the leftmost century are pushed back the rest of the Roman line advances, till a move by the Roman reserve onto the flank of the enemy right unit - now some distance from their fellows - and some rallying by Burriena encourages the Dalmations, and, after some serious hand to hand, the enemy right unit is forced to recoil.

Meanwhile, in Burriena's centre and centre right, the other two leading centuries have made a run up the slop; intending to scare off the skirmishers and charge the remainder of the hostile line - the left of which had angled back, for fear of the Roman right cavalry.

Here, again, the fighting of the defenders is fierce, and the lead century is pressed back. Things are not going as well for the Romans as planned.

Meanwhile Burriena, seeing the threat to his left, countermands the order to his left horse turma, and orders them to swing back to the left, and attack the now discomforted Silurian right-hand unit. They do so, and the enemy right scatters in panic.

To the enemy's rear the Roman right cavalry charge the hostile skirmishers, driving them down the slopes towards the Cwmaman Valley. But the horse keep themselves in hand, and do not pursue.

As all three first line centuries advance towards them, the Silurii centre and left make one last charge on the Auxiliary foot - and cause these to falter. But so focused are they on the wavering centuries that they ignore the horse to their rear.

An Optio falls, a centurion is wounded and Dalmations drop to the ground in the fierce fighting.

But losses among the Silurian leading men, and one last push by the Auxiliaries, personally inspired by Burriena, plus the auxiliary left century moving to rejoin the fray - and with cavalry hovering to their rear - the home side's spirit falters. 

They are forced back then, finding themselves molested by the Roman cavalry, break.

As the enemy left and centre scatter down towards the Caenoa Valley, and the unbroken skirmishers and broken right kin-group, pull down towards the Aman, Burriena orders the recall sounded.

It was a short fight, and there was no serious pursuit of the beaten side, so local casualties were not as bad as they might have been. 

On the Roman side, however, the Dalmation foot did not exactly excel themselves, and the action felt more touch and go than it ought. Burriena now has wounded to tend - and a decision to make....

Technical Notes: 

The battle was fought using SP tokens for unit leader and Overall Commander Activation, with ad hoc dice tests for detached friendly and Hostile decisions using IMP options. I used the "Stack and Stop" method (NMTB) rather than a SP-style token draw with Tiffin token process. Movement, Morale and Combat rules were my usual cannibalised House Rules.

As always: queries, thoughts & comments encouraged.