Hail Caesar! Game 3 - The Retaking of Skidmarcus Tower
After the humiliating defeat handed to the Britons from the Romans (see Game 2), Bagotrix rallied up his surviving forces and decided to attack a Roman Watch Tower which contained a small garrison. A small skirmish broke out between Centurion Skidmarcus and the forces of Bagotrix. The Roman troops were wiped out and non survived save for one Optio Bigus Chickenus, who somehow managed to escape before the enemy Britons arrived.
Bagotrix lost over fifty percent of his survivors and returned to his homelands where he met his father Sacotrix, the chief of his tribe. Giving him the news of the now weakened Roman position, Sacotrix sends in his brother Boxotrix , Bagotrix' brother, who now leads the entire tribe to assault the Roman tower and destroy it. Bagotrix is demoted to commander of the baggage train due to his massive failures in the previous large battle, but retains this minor command position for having at least redeemed some of his honor in the watch tower skirmish.
With the defeat and death of the soldiers under the command of Centurion Skidmarcus, Bigus Chickenus flees for the closest Roman-Britannia settlement to warn the local garrison. Hearing of the news, Local Commander Hummus Disgustsus and his second-in-command man Colitus Maximus offer to rush back to the watch tower and fend off the remaining Celts. Bigus Chickenus agrees to this without any hesitation and immediately flees to.. I mean, quickly makes his way to Londinium where he promises to bring extra troops (well, actually he said "Maybe. MAYBE I'll bring more").
Hummus Disgustsus and Colitus Maximus calculate that after Bagotrix' losses, their garrison forces are much larger than Bagotrix' remaining warriors.. and so with their legions they quickly march to the Roman Watch tower where they plan to fend off the invaders and claim all the glory where Optio Bigus Chickenus and Skidmarcus failed to do so. But on their way scouts tell them of a much larger army of Britons is approaching. Much larger than they anticipated. Under Boxoftrix' an entire tribe is heading towards the watch tower and not just the ragtag survivors of a previous skirmish... Hummus Disgustsus and Colitus Maximums are now in for more than they bargained for! The Romans rush to the tower and fortunately arrive in time to defend it. . .
Roman Forces:
Hummus Disgustsus Division 1
(General Upgrade to leadership 9 )
x5 Legionary Heavy Infantry armed with Pila and swords
x 1 Veteran Legionary pila and swords
Colitus Maximus Division 2
x1 Aux Medium troops
x1 Auxiliary Medium Cavalry armed with spears / javelins
x2 Small archer units (none skirmish)
Briton Forces:
Boxotrix Division 1
x1 Fanatic Warband with swords and javelins
x5 Warbands with swords and javelins
x2 Units of slinger skirmishers
Legneedsafix Division 2
x1 medium cavalry
x1 light cavalry
x2 units of light chariots
The Roman left wing: One Unit of small archers, Auxiliary troops, Cavalry, and another unit of small archers. The entire right wing was all of the legionaries with the Veteran's in the middle of them all!
Opposing them on the opposite wing - There were two skirmishing units of slingers, a unit of Fanatics, and the entirety of the Celtic warbands, including ones off the table. On the right wing facing the Legionaries were one unit of Medium Cavalry and light chariots, with another unit of light chariots and light cavalry off the table.
TURN 1
The Romans had the first go, and all the Legionaries advanced forth as they were ordered to. Colitus Maximus was having issues and his left wing of auxiliary soldiers failed to adhere to orders.
The Roman forces suddenly realize that their left wing is currently very weak compared to the mass amounts of Celts charging across the plains toward them. Disgustsus sends some of his legionaries to the left to reinforce the lines as they march forth, and the rest of his legions continue on.
The Celts are all mobilizing now. The warbands get even closer thanks to Boxotrix amazing encouragements and the Cavalry division makes it on to the board and advances.
Colitus Maximus realizes his incompetence ... His weak division was poorly placed and he has made a grave error by leaving his Cavalry in line with his other troops, as if they were formed infantry. He risks ordering them to fly out infront of both lines and try to wrap around the britons to try and flank. The slingers see them traversing in front of them and manage to knock one of them down with a well aimed stone.
The Legionnaires position themselves again. The veterans and one unit of regular legionaries huddle between some woods and the tower, while the other troops move sideways towards their vulnerable left flank to reinforce it.
The Roman Cavalry do not stand a chance! The retaliate causing few wounds but the sheer amount of Britons crushes their forces and the cavalry break!
Here the Britons burst down from the hill and engage the legionnaires on the Roman left, while the rest of the warband moves into a messy mass. Some are within Javelin range and huck them at the Romans.
As for the fighting this round...
TURN 8
TURN 9
The Roman legions continued on with their tactics. The left side of the battlefield was won, but the winners were shook up and refused to join any other of the fights. The right suddenly ran into some difficulty, and were pushed back towards the watch tower! The light attacks from the skirmishers supporting the warbands tipped it just in their favor, it seems!
The Roman Legionnaires use all their strength and throw their short ranged weapons at the Celts.. but they miss entirely! Disgustsus and his surviving soldiers did not seem like they would make it in time...
But not a single wound is inflicted! The Romans are able to fend off the various array of projectiles that smash into their armor and shields but somehow hold!
TURN 14
And then the Roman's returned fire...
And broke one of the Celtic Warbands! A single wound caused the Celts to break and leave the field.
NOTE: I dropped my phone last weekend and had to get a replacement. The old phone had a very weak camera... and sadly this replacement phone has an even weaker camera.. so apologies for the poor quality photos. Hopefully when the wife gets her IPhone I can borrow that to get some quality back!!!!
Prelude:
After the humiliating defeat handed to the Britons from the Romans (see Game 2), Bagotrix rallied up his surviving forces and decided to attack a Roman Watch Tower which contained a small garrison. A small skirmish broke out between Centurion Skidmarcus and the forces of Bagotrix. The Roman troops were wiped out and non survived save for one Optio Bigus Chickenus, who somehow managed to escape before the enemy Britons arrived.
Bagotrix lost over fifty percent of his survivors and returned to his homelands where he met his father Sacotrix, the chief of his tribe. Giving him the news of the now weakened Roman position, Sacotrix sends in his brother Boxotrix , Bagotrix' brother, who now leads the entire tribe to assault the Roman tower and destroy it. Bagotrix is demoted to commander of the baggage train due to his massive failures in the previous large battle, but retains this minor command position for having at least redeemed some of his honor in the watch tower skirmish.
With the defeat and death of the soldiers under the command of Centurion Skidmarcus, Bigus Chickenus flees for the closest Roman-Britannia settlement to warn the local garrison. Hearing of the news, Local Commander Hummus Disgustsus and his second-in-command man Colitus Maximus offer to rush back to the watch tower and fend off the remaining Celts. Bigus Chickenus agrees to this without any hesitation and immediately flees to.. I mean, quickly makes his way to Londinium where he promises to bring extra troops (well, actually he said "Maybe. MAYBE I'll bring more").
Hummus Disgustsus and Colitus Maximus calculate that after Bagotrix' losses, their garrison forces are much larger than Bagotrix' remaining warriors.. and so with their legions they quickly march to the Roman Watch tower where they plan to fend off the invaders and claim all the glory where Optio Bigus Chickenus and Skidmarcus failed to do so. But on their way scouts tell them of a much larger army of Britons is approaching. Much larger than they anticipated. Under Boxoftrix' an entire tribe is heading towards the watch tower and not just the ragtag survivors of a previous skirmish... Hummus Disgustsus and Colitus Maximums are now in for more than they bargained for! The Romans rush to the tower and fortunately arrive in time to defend it. . .
Roman Forces:
Hummus Disgustsus Division 1
(General Upgrade to leadership 9 )
x5 Legionary Heavy Infantry armed with Pila and swords
x 1 Veteran Legionary pila and swords
Colitus Maximus Division 2
x1 Aux Medium troops
x1 Auxiliary Medium Cavalry armed with spears / javelins
x2 Small archer units (none skirmish)
Briton Forces:
Boxotrix Division 1
x1 Fanatic Warband with swords and javelins
x5 Warbands with swords and javelins
x2 Units of slinger skirmishers
Legneedsafix Division 2
x1 medium cavalry
x1 light cavalry
x2 units of light chariots
The Romans arrive on the scene.
As do the Britons
The Roman left wing: One Unit of small archers, Auxiliary troops, Cavalry, and another unit of small archers. The entire right wing was all of the legionaries with the Veteran's in the middle of them all!
Opposing them on the opposite wing - There were two skirmishing units of slingers, a unit of Fanatics, and the entirety of the Celtic warbands, including ones off the table. On the right wing facing the Legionaries were one unit of Medium Cavalry and light chariots, with another unit of light chariots and light cavalry off the table.
TURN 1
The Briton warbands advanced with no issue, psyching themselves up, ready to draw blood. The cavalry got off to a rocky start, though, and they remained in the back, not moving at all.
Villagers, Merchants, and other locals gather inside and around the watch tower, their only place of refuge.
TURN 2
The Roman forces suddenly realize that their left wing is currently very weak compared to the mass amounts of Celts charging across the plains toward them. Disgustsus sends some of his legionaries to the left to reinforce the lines as they march forth, and the rest of his legions continue on.
Some slingers manage to pelt the auxiliary and cause a few wounds!
(We decided to allow the small unit of archers to overlap the woods a bit. )
TURN 3
Colitus Maximus realizes his incompetence ... His weak division was poorly placed and he has made a grave error by leaving his Cavalry in line with his other troops, as if they were formed infantry. He risks ordering them to fly out infront of both lines and try to wrap around the britons to try and flank. The slingers see them traversing in front of them and manage to knock one of them down with a well aimed stone.
The Legionnaires position themselves again. The veterans and one unit of regular legionaries huddle between some woods and the tower, while the other troops move sideways towards their vulnerable left flank to reinforce it.
The Britons do not hesitate. The skirmishers make way for the main body of warriors (one taking cover on their side of the tower) and the warbands surge forth into the auxiliary troops. The auxiliary cavalry turn to face this deadly onslaught!
The British cavalry struggle a bit but do some re-positioning with their cavalry. You'll notice that Bagotrix has entered the field from the rear, leading his baggage train!
The Medium auxiliary troops get to see a lot of action this charge - with many of their own wounded! They manage to somehow survive the assault but became rather shook up!
The light infantry unit on the right side of the left wing is obliterated. The britons send their souls to hopefully a better place because the slaughter that they met was absolute! They Britons with their supporting unit make a sweeping advance and collide right into one of the units of Roman Legionaries. They end up pushing these Legionaries back, but the Romans hold them fast!
TURN 4
The Roman general Disgustsus barks out a powerful order and one unit of legionnaires, seeing their friends in dire straights, pivots completely and is able to smash into the flank of the britons pressing their buddies. Meanwhile, the legionnaires farthest from their general are able to turn, and also prepare to charge and flank.
Seeing his auxiliary soldiers about to crumble, Colitus Maximus throws himself into the fray in hopes he can help turn the tide!
The remainder of the forces remain in waiting, to see what transpires.
The Romans inflict heavy casualties on the Celts but are unable to break them. It ends up being a draw with neither side relenting on their attacks nor giving any ground.
Colitus Maximus adds his prowess to the fighting! But the auxiliary can hold out no longer, and the britons force them to retire. The small unit of archers assisting them are also broken and Colitus Maximus quits the field in utter disgrace! The weak division/ left wing was annihilated!
The Briton Cavalry move above a little more as if they were predators, waiting for the perfect time to strike.. still not yet charging against the Veterans that are staring them down.
Pluto's arse! With the auxiliary destroyed the Britons are able to charge through on the flank of the Romans that were planning to help their comrades in the other fight!!!!
Lots of messy fights this game! This battle was probably the most chaotic and intense thus far!
The Romans that were flanked give ground disordered.
This fight is intense. In the above two photos you see how well the Celtic leader was rolling and how he against all these odds of being flanked managed to somehow push back the Romans that were at his front. This could have been more disastrous, but the weakened unit had closed ranks and absorbed many of the better hits that the Britons dealt!
TURN 5
The Briton's were able to push back one of the Roman units, but Disgustsus has another wave of his legionaries rush in to support the unit that was flanking. His veterans and one legion on the other side of the tower continued to face the cavalry division.
The Roman unit that had flanked the Britons took few casualties..
But they ended up breaking the Celts that they were fighting and caused massive casualties upon their support!
As for this unit being flanked...
Against all odds they somehow repelled their attackers! They reformed as the warband withdrew to the top of the hill.
Here you can see on the Briton's turn they pulled out of the way of the incidental contact and line their warband up for another charge.
Commander Legneedsafix launches his medium cavalry forward with light cavalry following in behind to support them. Up until now, the Romans had been harassed by skirmisher stones that did little damage, but finally they were going to see some action.
Despite their valiant charge the Veteran Romans were simply too stubborn and stood against the assault along with the unit supporting them.
TURN 6
Instead of engaging, the Roman legionnaires take some time to assess the situation. Disgustsus notices that two of his Roman units risk being flanked so he has them back pedal behind the Watch Tower. The far left, weakened Roman unit advances toward the hill. Brave.
The Veterans fought hard against the Medium cavalry and caused them to break while only suffering two wounds. The supporting light cavalry unit gave ground as a result.
One of the Chariot units advance to the edge of the hill, and both javelin and stone fly from the enemies, but the Veteran's stubborn nature and heavy armor prevent an casualties.
The roughed up Roman unit outdid all the odds and managed to defeat the Celts! They pursued them up the hill, now pushing back the right of the Celtic masses. Derring-do and Bwavado I must say!
TURN 7
The Empire Strikes back! Seeing their wounded comrades push into the lines, Disgustsus orders his legionnaires to dash forward and charge the Celts before they charge them!
The Veterans, having been wounded somewhat, shuffle back behind their support unit. Having units that are both drilled is wonderful in Hail Caesar!
The fighting begins!
The Roman Legionnaires fling their Pilum into the enemy and smash them hard. They drive the Britons back!
And on the Roman Left side of the fighting, the Romans also win a victory, causing the Celts to give more ground. It seems that the Romans were turning this around at this point... but the centre of the warband horde was holding - perhaps the Fanatics war cries and support bolstered the unit in front of them to stay.
The Britons make good use of their chariots and charge in to the fresh legionnaires that switched positions with the Veterans. They're followed by another unit of light chariots that support them, while the skirmishers that were hanging out behind the watch tower also step in to support.
CHAOS! Most of the units were engaged and slashing and hacking away.
But on the Roman's far right beyond the tower Briton Chariot charge proved to be a futile attempt. The charge was repulsed with little effort and the light chariots broke! Little damage done to the Romans.
The supporting charioteers remained, but the skirmishers on the side of the tower decided to give ground and go check out if the warbands needed help.
As for these fights shown above..
The Romans on both the left and right side of the combat were again victorious and continued to pursue the foe they defeated!
TURN 8
The Romans this turn continued the fight. Disgustsus had his last remaining Legionnaire unit flank the Celtic warband that had not yet budged. But despite this somehow no side was able to get the upper hand nor were their any clear victors!
Briton skirmishers join the fights as supports where they are able, and the other Light chariot unit charges the Romans on the far right. The Light cavalry unit fails to adhere to their orders!
The Romans once again beat back Briton light chariots but this time they only give ground. They do not pursue and plan to hold their line.
This time on the Briton turn the Romans were victorious against the middle line, then decided use their victorious move to advance into the Fanatics.
The messy, messy battle field!
The Briton light cavalry and chariots line up and harass the legionnaires with javelins. The Romans heavy armor and scutum did well to protect them, but the unit became disordered!
The above units had the longest fight in the game, with neither side giving up nor breaking. All units and supports were shaken... Both Boxotrix and Disgustsus join the fight to try and even the odds!!!
The fanatics are able to defeat the Roman middle and drive back the support unit! It seems that this fight could be anyone's at this point!
And the right side of the units didn't budge. Everyone was tired, and everyone was wounded but not a single soldier on either side was planning to give up quite just yet! The Romans held by closing ranks, causing their attacks to falter, but the extra defense saved them, for now! What a long scrap this one was!
TURN 10
The Roman turn did not result in much this go round. The legionnaire unit that had been driven back by the Fanatics stayed put, waiting to see what the enemy would do. In the large fight, the Romans and Celtic warriors held their ground ONCE AGAIN in the fighting. Neither side gave way. Both general's fought but neither could crack the other side!
On the Briton's turn, the Fanatics charged the Roman unit that was waiting for their next orders.
The cavalry continued to harass the Legionnaires on the other side of the tower, but little damage was done against the stalwart defense of the Roman lines. Didn't even use Tetsudo!
But it was clear who the victors were after this fight! Jupiter struck all the Romans down and both units were obliterated! The unit that had been fighting for so long had to give ground - but there was no ground to give as the watch tower and enemy Fanatics fighting other Romans were in the way, and so they were all hacked to pieces! And the Fanatics broke the other unit of Legionnaires! Everyone had fought well but the long fought out melee was going to the Celtic warriors this time! Hummus Disgustsus was also wounded in the fighting, having taken a slash to the sword arm, but he was able to pull out of the thick of things and continue on commanding.
TURN 11
All of the Celtic units were shaken, and the surviving Roman Legionnaire unit was too far away and too shaken up to do anything against the enemy! Disgustsus managed to painfully shout out his orders, and despite being out of range, the Roman unit had heard the command and were honestly quite glad to fulfill it. They flew out into the open plains and away from the warbands! 
The Veterans and the other Legionnaire unit had had enough of British pointy sticks being tossed at them. They charged the chariot unit, and caused so many wounds that it was utterly destroyed. Being that now over half of the Celtic Cavalry division was destroyed, the light cavalry unit made for the hills!
The Briton general decided to march forth his shaken units. They started out towards the scared and far flung Legionnaire unit.
Turn 12
At this point it was anyone's game! If one unit of the Roman's division broke then their division would be deemed broken and the Celts would be the victors! If the Romans were able to just break one Celtic unit, then the Romans would win! It had been an epic battle on all fronts but it really looked like the Romans would lose, as the surviving Celtic warriors and slingers began advancing upon the crippled Legionnaire unit.
The Roman Legionnaires decide to stay . . . perhaps the Veterans and the other unit of Legionnaires would somehow miraculously arrive to save the day?
The Romans and Disgustsus try to follow the remaining Britons! But will it be too late?
TURN 13
The Roman Legionnaires use all their strength and throw their short ranged weapons at the Celts.. but they miss entirely! Disgustsus and his surviving soldiers did not seem like they would make it in time...
The Celtic General orders his men to throw javelins and hurl stones at the Romans. Just one wound caused by any ranged weapon here could cause the Roman legionnaires to flee!
But not a single wound is inflicted! The Romans are able to fend off the various array of projectiles that smash into their armor and shields but somehow hold!
TURN 14
And then the Roman's returned fire...
And broke one of the Celtic Warbands! A single wound caused the Celts to break and leave the field.
The rest of the Celts had had enough. Seeing what little resolve this heroic band of Legionnaires had against all odds and the Veterans charging in from behind, Boxotrix and his men all left the field!
It was a Roman Victory! And I daresay a Pyrrhic Roman Victory! All those men on both sides lost and wiped out, all to guard a watch tower that had been the target of Bagotrix' little skirmishes...
The surviving Romans attended their wounded General and camped around the Watch Tower with the local civilians. Soon relief forces would arrive and Hummus Disgustsus would return to Londinium to be treated for his wounds.... As for Bagotrix, Legneedsafix, and Boxotrix, they all disappeared - for now. Perhaps they'll return in a future battle to seek vengeance upon their losses inflicted by Disgustsus.
Whew. This game at first, seemed to be going along quickly, and I was sure as the Roman's I would be handed my third defeat. However, Legionnaires are tough cookies! They totally saved my rear end when my left division was obliterated , and having them close ranks and take more hits than inflict them actually turned out to be the best strategy. The Veterans position between the impassable tower and woods was perfect, and being able to have drilled units switch position with no issue is wonderful.
Honestly, this was anyone's game. If the Briton warlord had rallied one of his units, I would have had my Roman unit continue fleeing if possible and hopefully the other units I had would catch up...it was either that, or destroy one of the shaken units before he had a chance to rally. Roman armor seemed to be the saving grace in the end of it.
Before this fight was on, I'd like to point out that these were the pants that I wore to this game.. and I think I should have been the Celtic commander seeing as I was more in character this time. Haha, Just a little thing someone pointed out to me prior to the game.
Anyways, I will be the Romans for the next game. Every single game we have played thus far has involved choke points or more scenery that the Romans seem to be able to take the most advantage of. They've won every game! Graham and I discussed this... So hopefully in our next game there will be no true terrain advantage for either side. Open field fight, most likely.
Our next game may not be until November as in October I myself will be rather busy, but if I can find a weekend we'll be battling once again soon.
Thanks for reading. I hope you have all enjoyed these battle reports thus far!
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