Battle for the Thymbris Plain : Blood in the Sand

Once more into the depths of history and a border conflict to the East of the known world. A time when land and expansion are on the minds of many of the ancient kingdoms rulers and tyrants. Reports have found there way back to King Nannacus II of Phrygia that his western borders have been raided by a force from Mysia. The enmity between the two kingdoms has existed for some time when the offer of marriage between the Kings sister had been rejected. Moving through the mountains this invasion is clearly intent on reaching the productive heartland of Phrygia so a sizeable force has been sent to meet the Mysians. Having manoeuvred for two days the armies have now faced off across the flat valley of the Thymbris River. There will be no subtly today both forces are intent on destroying the enemy and holding the ground for themselves.

The battlefield at dawn, although cut by the River Thymbris this will only slow any movement and is crossable it’s entire length

The Phrygian right flank a strong contingency of calm and horse archers

In their centre units of bowmen with large wicker shields two forest elephants and a single chariot

The Mysian left wing is predominantly infantry

The Phrygian line advances

....using its superiority in ranged weapons to weaken the Mysians

The Mysians are also advancing to try and get into combat

Inevitably the elephants from both sides start to push ahead

and are no close to clashing between the two armies

No one is sure if the blocks of infantry will be able to withstand the charge

Over the river Median spearmen are charging down the small incline

The chariot crashes home as well...

some time has elapsed here and the Phrygians are turning the Mysian left flank

The last elephant of the battlefield attempt to crush another unit

Mysian heavy cavalry has started to turn the Phrygian left flank and suddenly a lot of space has opened up

At this point the battle was drawing to a close the Phrygians have clearly dominated the right flank but have lost the left.

Our victory conditions were based on unit s which managed to get beyond half way, this proved to be the Mysians who when we added up had also lost slightly fewer units so a minor victory was awarded to the invading Mysians.

A trophy was duly set up on the battlefield by the Mysian General who also captured the two Royal princesses as part of the Phrygian camp. Clearly a rescue will be required and it is a long way home.

A fun game played over about 5 hours, we used slightly modified kings of war but added some complexity using bolt action dice for command, but not giving either side enough so difficult decisions needed to be made through out on where to focus effort. It worked pretty well but needed a little modification.

As I had them out I to9 a few photos 

The recently painted Phrygian/ Persian royal family

My current Persian army

A side shot of the Persians, I have plenty more to paint some skirmishers and immortals to start with

and a chance to put all my elephants in a line 😀 if nothing else it shows the size variations isn’t to bad all five were fighting in the battle.