An Iberian counter offensive 1340

The Marinid ruler of Morocco, Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn has called for a jihad against the great Iberian kingdoms, Castile, Portugal and Aragon – all of whom have conducted raids on the last surviving Islamic kingdom on the peninsula: Granada.

In this match, both sides deploy a large command of 24 elements with two generals.  To understand how this variant works, review Enlarging the Standard Command at the link.

https://dbagora.blogspot.com/2019/10/enlarging-standard-command.html

 

Match one

Castille took position on the right, Portugal on the left, both kingdoms deploy a second line to fend off any flanking attempts by the Berbers. The Berber army deployed a strong infantry centre with light horse on each flank..

Berber light horse harass Castille’s right flank, ahead of the infantry assault, scoring success against the Iberian.

Berber spearmen clashed with the Iberian infantry and are repulsed, continued assaults yield results as Spanish casualties begin to mount.

Castille, now under pressure, the Portuguese launch their attack on the Berber line to restore the balance. Disaster struck as Portuguese knights succumbed to camel mounted Tuaregs. The Iberian alliance, pressured on both flanks, flee the field (score 8-0).

 

Match two

A second test game was played in an attempt to restore Iberian honour. Armies deployed on opposite sides using the same terrain. The deployment of the Iberian alliance mirrored the Berber, a strong infantry centre and knights on the flanks, developing in a true test of arms.

Turn 3 saw a general clash along the entire front with the Iberian knights proving their value.

The battle raged on with both sides inflicting casualties at a steady rate, the Castilian CinC adding his effort to the tally. His impetuousness, however, brought him beyond the support of other knights, meeting an early demise. 

Despite the loss of their commander, the alliance prevailed nearly enveloping the Berber army. Avoiding the encirclement, the Berbers withdrew from the field (score 8-6).

Observations

The catastrophic defeat in test one was a result of poor deployment. Fearing flank attempts, reserve formations were spread thinly in the second line resulting in a pip drain later in the battle. 

Game two, deployed in three “battles”, the Iberian made effective use of their pip scores to create an aggressive game. After the fall of the Castilian CinC in turn 5, the Portuguese the sub-general assumed command. From an ideal position, the struggle could continue eventually leading to a victory.