DBA Battle Report 02: Seleucid vs Galatian

The Armies:

II/19 Seleucid. 1x3Kn(Gene), 1x4Kn, 1xLH, 4x4Pk, 1x4Bd, 1xEl, 1x4Ax, 2xPs.

II/30 Galatian. 1x4Bd(Gen), 2xCv, 7x4Wb, 2xPs.

The Battlefield comprised two Ploughed fields, an area of Scrubby ground, and a road.

The Galatian force was set up on the left of picture: Blade General and Warband in the centre, Psiloi on the left, and Cavalry in reserve on the right.

The Seleucid army placed the Elephant in the centre, with Pike on the left and the other infantry on the right. Psiloi were deployed on the far flanks. The knights were kept in reserve.

Turn 1: The Galatian infantry pushed forward while the Cavalry took a position on the right. The Seleucid made a general advance, the cataphract knights moved out to the left, joining up with the Light Horse.

Turn 2: The Galatians threw their Psiloi against the enemy Psiloi while their Cavalry advanced on the other flank. The Seleucid General scared the enemy Psiloi away.

Turn 3: Both armies pushed on.

Turn 4: Much pushing and shoving ensued without effect.

Turn 5: The Galatians managed to destroy a Seleucid Psiloi, but lost two Warband against Pikes supported by more Psiloi.

Turn 6: The Galatian General broke through in the centre, and the Cavalry on the right destroyed the Light Horse. For a moment it looked like victory was in their grasp. However, the Seleucid Psiloi moved to assist a different Pike block who managed to destroy another two Warband. Game over.

Conclusion: The Seleucid won 4-3.

Assessment: A reasonably matched pairing. The push and shove in the centre was to be expected. Pike supported by flanking Psiloi is a great combination and won the game for the Seleucid. The Galatian victories were due to luck. Warbands are not very powerful, and need the extra +1 support to stay alive long enough for other elements to win the game for them.