The Caspian Rebellion Squashed In Fezian Pyrric Victory

 Two Fezian forces converged on the Caspian province sub division of H 151. The heat was oppressive, even for the 'cooler' months. The Caspian force was outnumbered more than two to one but would take advantage of the Fezian piecemeal arrival.

The Fezian flanking force whilst impressive for its two units of archers was capable of being defeated and, for this reason, the Caspian general decided to concentrate his preemptive strikes on it. It consisted of only three units and a half un it all being lights.

His heavy infantry stayed in the Temple of Cats and did not take part in the battle as the later arriving Fezian force from the Sultan merely blockaded the front of the temple. The sultan's force did not arrive immediately but most were present by move four.

Below is the Caspian General. Although his leadership value was not high he did exercise some sound strategic judgement and bravery as he led a number of cavalry charges before he was cut down.

                                                     Ebon archers in the Sultan's force

                                      Fezian plate armoured troops stand watch on the temple.

                                           Caspians peer from the temple opening.

                                    A thirsty elephant engages an enemy water wagon but kills the driver without damaging the precious barrel.

A strategic withdrawal by the Caspian general and his elite heavy cavalry.

                  Fezian water wagons arrive in the nick of time but not before an exhausted unit failed to charge as ordered.

                                                                    Blockade of the temple

Catapults atop the temple did considerable damage to one of the units at teh front and also wounded the elephants.

                                    The Fezian elephants move up in support of the infantry.

                       Caspian archers (foreground ) did much damage to the Fezian lights.

                      The Capian chariot made a great deal of destruction but lacked staying power.

                                                     Lone survivor of a Caspian cavalry unit

                                                   Caspian cavalry engage the flank force.

The Caspains eventually vanquished the flanking force but lost two heavy cavalry units, a chariot and a mounted archer unit in the process. The Fezians lost three archer units including those from the Sultan's force. The Caspian archers turned to face the new enemy and many a Fezian fell to Caspian arrows. The gallant elite heavy cavalry, led by the general also scored a number of victories but it was ground down in numbers.

The Fezian war elephants limbered up but at first, refused to charge. perhaps they were dazed from the catapult shots that had wounded them. 

CLOSE OF BATTLE

The Fezians had water in the nick of time, otherwise their battle ability and leadership would have declined. The Caspians were well supplied from appropriately placed barrels and the oases.

  The Caspian archers had been attacked by a war elephant but were holding their own. The general led his last charge and was the final member of his elite cavalry to die. At that point a full force of heavy infantry still held the temple and the two catapults were still placed upon it. The Fezians had a full archer unit and still held a two to one advantage.

As the Caspian general had died we called the battle in favour of the Fezians. Only later did I remember we were supposed t roll a dice to see if a new leader was selected or the army surrendered or retreated. It was move 14 and the game was due to finish so there was a chance that the Caspians would hold out. Too late. Game called! As a Fezian victory was called we rolled a D12 for the heavy Caspian infantry and a 12 would mean they offered their services to Fezia. This they did! The catapult crew refused and we can assume a dimmhistory for them. But the Fezians did have now, the two catapults.