Previous tests
of 3.0 have involved nothing more than single commands which gave little
opportunity to test LH rear support. Using the big battle option perhaps those
chances would be increased.
A breakdown of
commands.
Hungarian left
flank, 10 elements, Hungarian Central command 14 elements and Wallachians, 12
elements.
The Ottoman
Central command had 15 elements, near right 8 elements and far right 13
elements.
Photo one show
the terrain from the Wallachian and Hungarian perspective. To negate the
superior numbers of Ottoman cavalry, the allies would rest both flanks on the
woods. The ground between would be covered by infantry supported by Hungarian
knights and Wallachian Boyars. The allied left flank found the remaining
Hungarian knights and Cuman cavalry supported by skirmishers.
Faced with an
allied army situated between two woods, the Ottomans would place the central
command with all the infantry about the hamlet and fields and cavalry in reserve.
The remaining two commands of Ottoman cavalry, Serbian knights and Akinjis
would dedicate their efforts to rolling up the Hungarian left flank.
Photo two shows
the position of Hungarian and Ottoman deployment.
Bound one:
Both sides now followed their general strategy during the opening move. The
Ottomans took advantage of good dice to advance their Akinjis beyond the woods
(Photo three).
Bound two,
saw the allied infantry move forward. The Wallachians with their less impeded
infantry advanced further giving the overall Hungarian Wallachian battle line an
oblique appearance. In response, the Ottoman central command extended their
left and exchanged volleys with the Wallachian archers. With excellent die
rolls, the Akinjis were able to negotiate the woods and deploy on the exposed
Hungarian flank. The smaller Ottoman command struck the infantry line bringing
down two Crossbow elements.
Bound three, the Wallachians reformed their bowmen to launch a
devastating volley which evened the tally. Infantry spear seeing their crossbow
cut down fell on the Akinjis front and flank to give the allies their first
lead. Undeterred with poor pip throws, the Ottomans were able to close combat;
the Akinjis on the extreme right flank closed with the Hungarian skirmishers
and the remainder of the Ottoman cavalry charged the Cuman light horse pushing
them back. 5 – 3 for Ottomans.
Bound four, the Hungarian left under extreme pressure from
Ottoman cavalry, Serbian knights and Akinjis were attempting patch work
measures. Knights and Cuman light horse were dispatched to deal with the
Akinjis encirclement. To help bolster the recoiling Cuman lights, the General
and guard through themselves into the fight. The Hungarian infantry reformed
and surged forward creating maneuver room for supporting Hungarian knights and
Cuman horse. The Wallachians redressed their line and with concerted effort
eliminated the last of the Ottoman bowmen. Despite the loose of the Serbian
knights, the Ottomans held their lead. 6 – 5.
Fortuna smiled
again for the Ottomans a supplied better than average pip scores. The Ottoman cavalry
and Serbian knights formed line under the central command; Ottoman skirmishers
were readied to support a cavalry charge against the Hungarian and Wallachian
infantry line. Further to the right, the smaller command occupied the spearmen
denuding the main infantry line of their support. Ottoman Sipahi opened a gap
further by pushing back Cuman light horse. On the extreme left, the Akinjis cut
the last of the Hungarian skirmishers down. The ploughed fields to their left
were soaked with the bodies of more Cuman lights while both Generals were
desperately fighting in close proximity of one another. Among the furrows of
ploughed earth one stallion stumbled bringing its rider down and Sipahi ax and
mace finished off the Hungarian wing commander. 9 – 5 for the Ottoman and one
Hungarian command demoralized.
Bound five, found the central Hungarian command forming a
cavalry line in anticipation of an Ottoman assault from that sector. The
Hungarian left, although demoralized might still delay the expected assault.
The Wallachians discomforted by the news on the far left could bring no effect
with their archery.
Smelling
victory nearby, the Ottomans assailed the Hungarian and Wallachian line with
all three commands. On the far right, the slaughter continued unabated while
the smaller Ottoman command fenced with the Hungarian spearmen, managing to
have them recoil. Charging across the fields, the Sipahi and Serbian knights,
this brought the Ottoman CinC to a near death experience and delivered the
first Wallachian casualties.
Score 14 – 5 for
the Ottomans.
Bound six
and to the finish line. Good pip throws, however, with few reserves the
Hungarians and Wallachians could do little. The Ottoman central command was two
elements short of becoming crippled. Refusing to rout off the field, the Hungarians
of the far left remained defiant. The central command redressed their line. The
spearmen were able to push back the Ottoman cavalry. Further, Hungarian blade
made red the fields with Sipahi corpses. Triumph was only one element away.
Assessment
Up to now all
my games with the Ottomans were with single commands. This match was a
departure. Having more space to maneuver, the LH rear support proved very
useful, not so much for killing the opposition outright but bringing about timely
recoil.
The game flowed
nicely as there were no more delayed moments making intricate maneuvers or
flank charges. It has taken me longer to write up the report than playing the
actual game.
Ah yes, the
victor. Both Hungarian blades were in the thick of it. One wielding death and
destruction on the Sipahi bringing the Ottoman central command one element away
from demoralization. The irony came with the second Hungarian blade falling to
the Sipahi next in line to demoralize the Hungarian central command and game
won.
Ottoman 5 –
Hungarian 16.
Cheers,
