Saturday, May 15, 2021

The Battle of Argos - Another Hail Caesar Pre-Game Checklist

Yet another roll call of sorts in preparation of hosting games again this summer. This one is based upon the Battle of Argos, where Pyrrhus met his end with the assistance of a roof tile dropped on his head by the worried mother of an opponent. Most of the figures here have already been pictured in the two earlier posts; the exception are the two Spartan Hoplite units on the side of the allied Argive-Spartan-Macedonian army.
The allied army facing Pyrrhus with his elephants and pike phalanxes. Both sides have Gallic/Celt mercenaries.
The actual battle was fought inside the city of Argos; Pyrrhus having been secretly allowed in. He was killed within the walls of the city when one of his elephants was killed and blocked the gateway out.
The allied battle line from their right: 1 unit each of Gallic medium cavalry and Greek light cavalry - both with javelins; 2 large Spartan Hoplite phalanx heavy infantry.
The allied battle line from their left: 1 unit of Greek light cavalry with javelins; 2 units of Gallic light infantry slingers screening 2 units of Gallic/Celtic mercenary warband medium infantry with swords and javelins; 1 unit of Argive Hoplite phalanx heavy infantry.
The Pyrrhic army battle line from their right: Companion heavy cavalry with spears; 3 units of Epirote pike phalanx heavy infantry with 2 elephants interspersed between them; light infantry archers screening.
The left of the Pyrrhic army battle line: Gallic Mercenary medium cavalry with javelins; 2 units of Gallic/Celtic Mercenary light infantry slingers; 2 units of Gallic Mercenary warband medium infantry with spears and javelins; 1 unit of Greek Mercenary Hoplite phalanx heavy infantry.

The allied Argive-Spartan-Macedonian army arrayed.
The Pyrrhic army arrayed. In retrospect, I might give the Mercenary Hoplite unit to the allied army, and only keep the 3 pike phalanxes and 2 Gallic Mercenary warbands for the Pyrrhic infantry.
I may end up following the historical scenario by having less units fighting inside of the city - but this will require suitable terrain like small houses, etc. A lot of work, but would be interesting, I think.

Anyway, thanks again for allowing me to indulge myself with these "pre-game" setup photos. One thing I realize is I could use a few more command stands. Thanks again for checking out the blog and best to you all.

25 comments:

  1. Great stuff Dean, love the wedge of Companions!

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    1. Thanks, Mike. I don't think they had a chance to use it at this battle - particularly inside of the city of Argos, but it looks nice. ;) Kindest regards, Dean

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  2. Dude, this is so cool, but your not allowed to make three posts in 24 hours. One, your making me look bad, two I can’t keep up, lol 😂

    I’ve always been interested in ancients, and it’s nice to see the treatment your giving it. Too bad I don’t live a thousand miles closer as I would happily join your games this summer.

    Cheers
    Kevin

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    1. Thank you so much for the nice words and also visits, Kevin. You're right about the back to back posts. I couldn't help laying out the multiple armies as I was able to use many of the same figures. Warmest regards, Dean

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  3. Now I can see, what amazing minis are they!!

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    1. Ah, thank you very much again, Michal. You're too kind. Warmest regards, Dean

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    1. Thank you very much, Phil! Kindest regards, Dean

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  5. Awesome armies Dean ! I love your war-elephants !
    Greetings

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    1. Thanks, Mario - I got to show off the elies in two different scenarios :) Best regards, Dean

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  6. That looks grand Dean - looking forward to the game itself!

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    1. Thank you kindly, Markus. I'm thinking something closer to the historical battle; i.e. in the city of Argos, would be really cool - but again - the terrain will have to be acquired. Best regards, Dean

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  7. Another lovely ancients set up! The interior of a Greek/Roman city would be ace!
    Best Iain

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    1. Thanks, Iain. Yes, a set up for inside city walls with smaller sized units would be an interesting skirmish scenario. And allowing elephants inside (as it was historically) would be even better. Warmest regards, Dean

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  8. Stunning looking armies with plenty of cool warriors. Very exiting photos, battle is comming :)

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    1. Thanks, Dmitry! Appreciate the kind words and encouragement. Warm regards, Dean

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  9. Impressive looking armies Dean! You have been busy!

    Christopher

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    1. Thanks, Christopher. A lot of these figures were painted last during the lock down. Hope to get them into actual games soon. Kindest regards, Dean

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    1. Thank you very much, Simon! Warm regards, Dean

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  11. I agree with Kevin...on top of speed painting to incredibly high standards, now you are posting every five minutes....it's very hard to keep up Dean!

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    1. Lol! Thanks, Keith. Yes, since I could re-purpose a lot of the figures, went ahead and did multiple, back-to-back photo shoots of different armies/scenarios. Warmest regards, Dean

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  12. Formidable and beautiful looking forces Dean. I look forward to seeing them in action.
    Regards, James

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    1. Thanks a lot, James! Kind regards, Dean

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  13. Maybe not to a veteran table-top gamer, but to me a non-gamer, this spread of minis all at the same time looks super impressive. The good paint job helps of course :)

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