Early Roman Cavalry from Navigator Miniatures

1. Republican Romans vs Thracians (350 points a side)

In the cold hills of Thrace, Cory and I set our respective Thracians and Republican Romans to battle this Saturday.

The overconfident Romans advanced quickly in three groups, with Legate Deviticus bringing up the center with his bodyguard horse.  The cunning Thracian chieftain threw his light horse swarm at the right flank, swamping the cohorts and disordering them.  Disaster too followed for the Roman left flank as the Italian cavalry was swept away by the skillful Thracian peltasts who then turned like wolves upon the cohorts.  Unsupported and broken, the Roman left wing fled, only to die in the aforementioned cold hills of Thrace.

Sensing the desperation of his position, the Roman general was able to rally his right wing and drive away the persistent Thracian horse.

As his center made contact the Thracian horde was pushed back, giving ground slowly and stubbornly.  The noble Deviticus found himself hotly engaged with his bodyguard as impudent Thracian archers dared engage him personally.

As the battle drew to a close the Romans held the center and right.  Fearing the power of legions, the grim men of Thrace melted back into hills swearing oaths of vengeance.

There:  an account in the best tradition of Caesar himself...although, Cory might have a different story!

What did we learn with our first crack at VB?

1. Basing conventions does not matter all that much. Unlike the DBx rules which often generate 'woogie' moves for victory, I don't see those as much of a issue with VB.

2. Don't charge light horse with heavy foot...well duh.

3. Light horse:  fast, man0ueverable, flexible...but lasts two seconds in melee.

4. Orders will quite possibly save your troops.

5. Brigade composition is vital.

Look forward to playing again:  500 points next time!

Sean Devitt