Scenario #1 – Argentoratum – 1650 years ago, the Germans teach those Spaghetti Lovers a Lesson

Disclaimers
1. I don’t think the Romans ate spaghetti.
2. I really like spaghetti. Especially with a nice rich bolognaise sauce with mushrooms and green peppers.
3. I also like spaghetti westerns.

Introduction

August, 357 A.D. Caesar Julian defends Gaul from the Germanic Invader, King Chnodomar. Marching out to meet the invader, Julian’s forces and the Germanic forces come line to line…

Julian’s left flank (north) is led by Magister Equitum Severus. Caesar Julian commands the right (south) flank. He has a few reserves, one legion and two light infantry, under the leadership of Praetorian Prefect Florentius.

The Germanic forces consist mostly of Barbarian Infantry. Their right wing (north) under the command of Prince Serapion. King Chnodomar commands the left (south) wing facing Julian. Germanic Heavy Cavalry is poised on the south.

The Battle

The Germans automatically have initiative on turn one (so they can initiate the historical Barbarian Infantry charge if they want to). But King Chnodomar hesitated (read: failed his activation roll)

So the Romans took advantage of this and both Severus and Julian advanced and clashed with the barbarian infantry, neutering their ability to charge.

The Roman archers fired (1 step loss) and the light infantry released a hail of javelins (for another step loss). But the Roman Legions…

On the left wing, Celtae Legion lost 2 steps (inflicting no damage).
Petulantes Legion, led by Severus caused 4 steps of damage, eliminating the Barbarian infantry outright. But in the clash, the legion took 2 steps and Magister Equitum Severus received a fatal blow!

On the right (south) wing, Julian’s Cornuti Legion inflicted two steps, while the Germanic Heavy Cavalry withdrew from Bracchiati Legion.

Total Score 8:6 for the Romans.

Chnodomar continued to hesitate.

Florentius began to advance his reserves and moved his legion behind the light infantry in the Roman Centre.

The Germans finally acted and hidden Barbarian Infantry filled in the wholes left by the withdrawn heavy cavalry and the eliminated unit.

The German Cavalry moved around the south into a dangerous position flanking the Bracchiati Legion which was pinned by Barbarian Infantry. The Roman Legion was completely destroyed.

The clash of shields and spears was great throughout the line and Both Severus’ Legions were reduced to small light infantry units.

In the centre, the Roman light infantry also took 3 hits…

Total score 12:18, a solid German lead.

The Roman commander, Dagalaif, takes control of the fallen Severus’ remnants.

Julian’s legion attacks the Heavy Cavalry (1hit each way) while his archers and light infantry are ineffective. (13:19)

Chnodomar fails his activation roll.

Dagalaif orders all his men to release missiles. All to no effect.

Chnodomar fails his activation roll.

The Roman reserves charge to the north to support Dagalaif. The Prima legion fails to inflict any casualties, but is reduced two steps! (13:21)

Chnodomar fails his activation roll.

Chnodomar finally succeeds in activating his whole line! And the Germans perform another all out attack!

From the North to the South:

The Prima legion is reduced a further 3 steps (now light infantry) while it utterly fails its counter-attack! (13:24).

The Light infantry and Barbarians exchange light damage (14:25)

The remnant of the Petulantes Legion is eliminated (14:26)

Dagalaif successfully defends the centre of the Roman line (15:26)

Julian’s legion finds itself face to face against Chnodomar, whose infantry is supported by two units of heavy cavalry. (Thankfully his own flank was protected by his own Scutarii heavy cavalry). 8 strength vs 11 strength results in 0 hits delivered and 2 sustained. The Cornuti legion is reduced to a light infantry remnant. (15:28) and the Romans have no Heavy Infantry remaining!

To add insult to the injury, the Germanic Heavy Cavalry eliminates the Scutarii Heavy Horse. (15:32)

The Roman Army collapses and Julian resigns. A complete victory to the Germanic tribe!

Afterthoughts – This scenario was not very interesting. With the two lines facing each other, there was little to do but clash and roll a lot of dice. I look forward to other scenarios where there are more combined forces and more maneuvering possible. Nevertheless, it was a fine scenario to learn the system and some basic ‘tactics’ without worrying overmuch about the grand strategy.