PIKES vs PILA IN PONTUS

Having absolutely no competitive or friendly play experience with Tactica II and the same amount of experience commanding a Pontic army (circa 110-84 BC), it occurred to me that I might have gone too far by “building” 20 scythed chariots for use in an impromptu solo wargame wherein I would employ those very rules. The word building is in quotes because the models that would roll across my tabletop with the express intention of colliding with enemy formations and causing destruction as well as disorder looked nothing like the splendid models prepared by the admired, prolific, and recognized hobby standard-bearer Simon Miller. (Please see https://bigredbat.blogspot.com/search/label/Scythed%20Chariots.) Instead, I chose a functional, simpler, and less money as well as less skill/talent involved option. My scythed chariots would be represented by two-dimensional color counters. Furthermore, to make the most of a comparatively small playing surface, the base dimensions for 15mm chariot models (as listed on page 1 of the spiral-bound rules) would be reduced by half. The Pontic scythed chariots on my tabletop would be modeled with small squares measuring 20mm on each side. Referencing the army list on page L16, I divided these “models” into 6 squadrons of 3 chariots each. The leftover chariots were organized into a smaller squadron containing 2 chariots. Rather than deploy all of these “ancient guided missiles” into one or two divisions, I distributed the “one hit wonder” vehicles across a number of infantry and cavalry commands. 

My functional, inexpensive, and rather large Early Pontic army consisted of 7 divisions of cavalry and 7 divisions of infantry. The composition and organization was as follows:

Division - 4 units of Scythians / skirmishing cavalry / 9 figures per unit

Division - 4 units of Scythians / skirmishing cavalry / 9 figures per unit

Division - 6 units of Pontic Light Cavalry / 12 figures per unit

Division - 4 units of Pontic Light Cavalry / 12 figures per unit

Division - 2 units of Cataphracts / 27 figures per unit

Division - 2 units of Armenian HC and 1 unit of Rhoxalani HC / 27 figures per unit

Division - 4 units of Pontic HC / 27 figures per unit

Division - 2 units of Brazen Shields PH / 40 figures per unit, 3 units of Phalangites PH / 48 figures per unit and 1 unit of LI (light infantry) at 16 figures

Division - 2 units of Phalangites PH / 48 figures per unit, 4 units of Ex-Slave Phalangites PH / 36 figures per unit and 2 units of LI (light infantry) at 16 figures per unit

Division - 5 units of Galatians WB / 24 figures per unit

Division - 5 units of Galatians WB / 24 figures per unit

Division - 4 units of LI (Thureophoroi) / 18 figures per unit

Division - 4 units of LI (light infantry) / 16 figures per unit and 1 unit of LI (Thracians) at 18 figures

Division - 3 units of LI (light infantry) / 16 figures per unit, 1 unit of LI (Thureophoroi) at 18 figures and 1 unit of LI (Thracians) at 18 figures

There were 36 skirmishers armed with bows and another 36 skirmishers armed with slings distributed across the foot divisions. These groups of skirmishers were divided into 6 units of 12 figures each. 

According to my calculations, this “miniature” Pontic army added up to 8,991 points and contained 1,433 massed unit “figures.” Per the rules in Section 12.0, the Pontic force would be broken when it had lost 717 of those massed unit “figures.”

For the opposition, I drafted (using my ancient MacBook computer) then printed and assembled a Marian Roman army from the list found on page L14. This force was also fairly large but it was neither as impressive nor as numerous as the Pontic army. The following is a list of the various commands or divisions under the Roman eagles and standards.

Division - 3 units of HC (Tribal) / 18 figures per unit and 2 units of HC (Tribal) at 12 figures per unit

Division - 3 units of LC (Various) / 12 figures per unit and 1 unit of LC (Various) at 8 figures

Division - 4 units of LI (Allies) / 18 figures per unit

6 Veteran Legions of 88 figures each; 3 formations having a cohort of Auxiliary LI (18 figures) attached

1 Elite Legion of 88 figures

1 Militia Grade Legion of 88 figures

8 units of SI (Auxilia/Allies) / 9 figures per unit; 5 units with javelins, 2 with slings, and 1 with bows

A second set of sums was completed. The Roman commander would have an army valued at 7,061 points. He would have 968 massed unit “figures” under his control. This meant that the Romans would lose heart and run away when they had lost 484 “figures.”

Scenario Design

Initially, I thought I might borrow the terrain used for “The Battle of Korepsis Pass.” This engaging report is found in Chapter 5—in fact, it is Chapter 5—of Charles Grant’s excellent 1979 book, Wargame Tactics. I figured that the Romans would take the place of the Athenians, and the Pontic army would assume the role of the Aetolians. Then I thought I might consider the nearly geometric terrain featured in “A Return to Ancients.” This WRG 7th Edition contest, wherein 15mm Galatians faced off against 15mm Republican Romans, appeared in the October 1990 issue of Miniature Wargames and was authored by Chris Tofalos. The idea of having woods on the wings and the estimated problems the trees and associated terrain would cause to the Roman and Pontic cavalry formations gave me significant pause, however. After mulling it over for a few days, I decided to design a very plain looking tabletop. To break up just over 39-square feet of dark green cloth, I added six irregularly shaped patches of appropriately colored felt or specialty paper to add some “interest” to the terrain. These half-dozen areas did not indicate or represent woods, scrub, or bog/marsh; they were simply employed to add a bit of variety to the unbroken expanse of green. 

Initially, I thought I would stay with the numerical disparity between the opposing armies. Then, after thinking about this over the course of a few days as well, I decided to add another legion (albeit a Militia Grade one) to the Roman force. I also doubled their cavalry contingent. The revised numbers for the army of Flavius Status Asthmaticus (insert your own comical or serious Roman commander’s name here) were as follows: 8,359 points and 1,176 massed unit “figures.” This reinforcement changed the Roman breaking point to 588 massed unit “figures.” With this adjustment, the Pontic advantage was reduced from 1,930 points to just 632. Their advantage in massed unit “figures” was decreased to a more manageable 129 from a rather daunting 233. 

Deployments

I confess that due to the size of the forces involved, I did not strictly adhere to the deployment parameters diagrammed on page 8 and detailed in Section 3.1 fo the rules. Four units of Scythian skirmishing horse archers screened 4 units of Pontic light cavalry and 4 units of Pontic heavy cavalry on the right flank or wing. (There was a little less than 2 inches—actual, as opposed to scale—separating the right end of the Scythians and Pontic light horse from the right short edge of my tabletop.) There were 5 scythed chariots (in two groups of 3 and 2 vehicles, respectively) directly in front of the light cavalry. A small division of cataphracts (2 units) along with 3 more scythed chariots were placed in reserve on this side of the field/tabletop. The infantry of the army was arranged in the center. On the right of the deployment, 4 units of skirmishers screened a line of light infantry (peltasts and Thracians). In turn, the light infantry screened a fairly large phalanx of pikemen. (The pikemen were drawn up about 4 actual inches from the rear long edge of my tabletop.) On the right of this line were the Brazen Shields. To their left were the regular Phalangites, and to the left of these formations were the Ex-Slave Phalangites. Over on the center-left, there were 2 more units of skirmishers screening 5 units of light infantry. The light infantry screened two divisions of Galatian warriors, each command composed of 5 warbands. The rest of the Pontic cavalry was “crowded” into the remaining space on the far left. (Here too, there was about 2 inches of space from the end of the left-most cavalry unit to the edge of my pretend battlefield.) Again, 4 units of skirmishing Scythians screened 6 units of Pontic light cavalry (arranged in two rows). Three units of heavy horse (1 of Rhoxalani and 2 of Armenians) were drawn up in a column between the Galatians and the light cavalry. 

This aerial view shows a portion of the Pontic phalanx and main battle line. The Brazen Shields are at the bottom center of the photo. The rest of the phalanx extends to the left toward the top of the frame. The pikemen are screened by a formation of light infantry and scythed chariots. This formation, in turn, is screened by several groups of skirmishers.

Over on the other side of the field/table, the Romans assumed what might be called a traditional deployment. They placed their cavalry on the flanks and their legions in the center. There was a slight modification to this arrangement. On the Roman left wing, 5 units of auxiliary light infantry screened the cavalry contingents. Five legions, drawn up in ‘acies duplex’ formation, formed the center. These heavy infantry were screened by 8 units of skirmishers armed with either javelins, slings, or bows. Three legions were held in reserve. These formations were drawn up in a single line, with no gaps between the cohorts comprising each legion. Another legion, one that had just completed its training and so was classed as Militia Grade, guarded the off-table encampment. The formation could be called upon to join the battle, if it was deemed necessary. 

A view, if a bit out of focus, of a part of the Roman battle line. Skirmishers screen the legions, formed in “acies duplex” as well as in a single, long line of cohorts. The forward legions are drawn up with 5 cohorts in the first line and 5 more in support. (The larger First Cohort - carrying the eagle - is stationed on the right of the line.) The purple markers on each cohort indicate the pila volley ability. This marker is removed once the Roman heavy infantry discharge their pila immediately prior to resolving melee. 

A close up of the deployed light infantry and cavalry on the Roman left wing. Auxiliary foot form the first line. These troops are reinforced by a mix of light cavalry and heavy cavalry. 

Another aerial view, taken above the Pontic right. On the left of the photo, one can see the large formations of Pontic heavy cavalry and cataphracts. A portion of the Scythian light cavalry screen can be seen as well. The Pontic center (phalanx, light infantry and skirmishers) can be seen at the top left. The waiting Romans are on the right of the picture. 

Rule Revision for the Engagement

As I was playing with 7.5mm “figures” or representative units “built” with 7.5mm “figures,” I reduced the movement rates and missile ranges by 50 percent. Infantry could advance 4 scale inches instead of 8; cavalry could trot or gallop 6 scale inches instead of 12. Wheels were reduced to just 1 inch for infantry, chariots and elephants, and corrected to 2 inches for mounted units.  

Unfortunately, I discovered that I could not be consistent with regard to reducing the command radius of division commanders. Therefore, the command radius rules as written remained in effect. 

Summary of the Contest

The first several turns were spent advancing the numerous and various units of each army. The opposing lines had been set up approximately 4 light cavalry moves apart (i.e., roughly 24 modified inches or 40 centimeters). The Pontic commanders pushed forward on both wings, with the Galatian contingent, and with all the light infantry formations. The heavy infantry of the pike phalanx remained in place. The Romans countered by advancing their forward legions as well as the light infantry auxiliaries on the left. Being rather outnumbered in cavalry, the Romans held back on their right, initially, and were cautious on their left wing. 

Looking down the length of the tabletop from just above the Pontic right/Roman left. The opposing lines have started moving towards each other. Skirmishers from each side are readying their arrows, sling stones and or javelins for the inevitable exchange.

First blood of the day was scored by the Scythian light cavalry on the Pontic right, as their arrow shafts rained down upon the advancing ranks of Roman auxiliaries. As the opposing lines of skirmishers in the center closed, there were quite a few missiles being exchanged. It appeared that the Romans were getting the worst of these volleys. Over on the Pontic left, several groups of Scythians galloped forward and were soon loosing arrows on some reluctant Roman light horse. One volley proved especially effective; the targeted unit was forced into a missile halt.

A close up of the opening action on the Roman left wing, showing the scores of Scythian skirmishing cavalry annoying the Roman auxiliary foot. The red markers indicate casualties. This Pontic wing has scythed chariots, light cavalry and heavy cavalry in support. 

With regard to close combats, over on the Pontic right wing, a group of scythed chariots and a large unit of Pontic heavy cavalry made contact with 2 units of Roman light infantry. The contest against the chariots was fairly even, but the heavy cavalry literally rode over the enemy foot. This local disaster forced a couple of morale checks which saw the neighbors of the destroyed light infantry unit become disordered. It seemed that the Roman left wing was off to a poor start. 

A snapshot of the opening stages of the contest on the Roman right. Again, the Scythians “swarm” the Roman light cavalry. The red markers track unit casualties; the red d6 indicates the targeted unit has suffered a “missile halt.” 

By the end of Turn 8, recognizable formations of skirmishers were few and far between. On the Pontic left, the Scythians had been dispersed when the formed bodies of opposing light cavalry clashed. This contest went against the Romans; their troopers were rather discomforted by the presence of scythed chariots. The column of heavy cavalry, led by the Rhoxalani, made contact with a unit of Roman (Tribal) heavy horse, and a protracted melee resulted. The rest of the Roman horse charged into a line of Pontic light infantry. The cavalry was joined by a few cohorts from the closest legion. The Pontic foot did not fare well, even if they inflicted some losses on the Roman formations. 

Taken from above the Roman left-center, showing the collision of Pontic heavy cavalry against auxiliary light infantry and three cohorts of the VIII Legion. The yellow d6 indicates a unit in disorder, which puts it at quite a disadvantage when it comes to rolling melee dice. 

In the center of the field, the opposing screens of skirmishers either evaded as the lines of heavier troops closed or were dispersed by friends or enemies. The pila volleys delivered by the Roman infantry were generally ineffective or unimpressive. Their performance with the short sword and shield was much more effective. While the legionaries took some casualties, they made quick work of the Pontic light troops, carving a number of holes in the line screening the phalanx. Attempts by some scythed chariots to further annoy or disrupt the Roman line were only partially successful. 

This photo shows the developing action on the Roman right wing. Roman cavalry face enemy heavy horse as well as thousands of Galatian warriors. The slight physical contact between the Tribal auxiliary heavy cavalry and Rhoxalani heavy cavalry is evident. The supporting units of Armenian heavy cavalry are blocked by this melee. 

On the Pontic right wing, the Scythian skirmishing horse suffered a similar fate as their counterparts on the left. In this sector, however, the Roman light cavalry did better. This was because they were deployed behind a strong line of auxiliaries. These light infantry did most of the fighting and dying on this flank. As a result, the Pontic horsemen were rather weaker than the fresh Roman allied light cavalry. The ensuing melees were desperate as well as chaotic. In the space between the Roman left and the center of the field, the Pontic heavy cavalry was engaged in a mighty struggle against enemy heavy horse as well as some legionary infantry. Gradually, the scales started to tip in favor of the Pontic cavalry versus the enemy mounted formations, but the legionaries proved especially stubborn if not also capable. 

Taken from the Pontic left looking down the battlefield/tabletop. The Pontic light infantry have engaged a part of one legion and are facing off against some Roman heavy cavalry. At the top of the photo, two units of scythed chariots are rapidly approaching the Roman line. Numerous warbands of Galatians and several units of ex-slave phalangites wait their turn. 

An accounting of losses was made and at the end of eight turns of play. The Pontic army had lost 134 “figures,” while the Romans had lost 162. 

When the final sub-phase of the twelfth turn was completed, it was quite obvious that the gods of battle and fortune (or die rolling) were smiling on the Pontic army. The Roman right had been cleared of cavalry. There was one unit of heavy tribal horse still present, but its strength was so low that a sneeze from a light infantryman could have sent them scattering to the wind. The elite Fourth Legion had been fighting hard, but the combination of fierce Galatian warriors and stubborn ex-slave pikemen proved deadly. The First Cohort had succumbed to wave attacks and the legion was now at half-strength. In summary, there was nothing on the Roman right save for a reserve legion several moves away from getting into the battle line. 

The XVI and IV Legions are engaged by the Pontic heavy infantry. The Romans have been reduced by their initial melees versus the enemy light infantry. The ex-slave pikemen did rather well in the subsequent combats. They benefitted from better dice as well as from the depth bonus. 

Over on the opposite flank, two small units of Roman cavalry remained, but they posed no significant threat. The Pontic heavy cavalry (albeit damaged), two units of cataphracts, a unit of Thureophoroi, and two squadrons of scythed chariots were advancing into the Roman center-left unopposed. Again, there was a reserve Roman legion a few moves distant, but for the heavy infantry to stand and fight would have been foolish. 

A close up of scythed chariots colliding with cohorts of the XVI Legion. Again, the red markers indicate losses on the involved units; the purple markers indicate the pila volley available to the Romans. (If I am not mistaken, the Romans were not able to hurl these missiles at the scythed chariots. The second bullet point under ‘The Pila Firing Phase’ under Section 10.5 - Roman Pila, covers this procedure.)

The tide of the engagement turned sharply in the center during the eleventh and twelfth turns. One legion reached its breaking point and two more were being pushed, at the business end of hundreds of pikes, to their determined breaking points by the strength and stubbornness of the Pontic phalanxes. (The ex-slave formations were proving especially capable.) An impetuous charge by thundering cataphracts trampled three cohorts, breaking the legion posted on the left of the Roman battle line. 

Near the end of the wargame, taken above the Pontic center-right. This shows the local victory of the pike phalanxes against the Roman legions. The forward cohorts of the engaged legions have been broken/destroyed; the reserve cohorts have yet to become involved but a number of them have been disordered by their fellow soldiers running away.

This picture, also taken above/on the Pontic right wing, shows the result of the charge of the impetuous (green d6) cataphracts. The opposing Roman heavy infantry was trampled into the ground and the Roman left was essentially smashed. 

In order to clean up the detritus of the evolving action, a brief halt was called so that dice could be collected, broken units removed and sorted, casualties counted, and an assessment of the field made. The loss of all their auxiliary troops, the vast majority of their cavalry, and the damage to the legions put the Romans at 500 “kills.” This number was just 88 “figures” away from the revised army break point. Given the general state of the field (the Pontic army controlled the flanks and would soon advance into the Roman “zone”) and the advantage held by the Pontic army (even though the scythed chariot “corps” was a shadow of its former self and the light infantry had been severely mauled, they were 362 “figures” from routing), the Roman commander decided to concede and ordered his surviving formations to withdraw. 

Remarks

Compared to my previous effort, wherein “hundreds” of Byzantines did battle with “hundreds” of Sassanids, this was a slightly smaller project. In this engagement, approximately 16,000 points of “model” troops fought. In the ‘Battle around Behistun Castle,’ there were close to 20,000 points involved. This most recent tabletop engagement might be judged as more historical if only for the reason that the deployments of each army were more historical or traditional. Each force was arranged with cavalry on the flanks or wings and infantry in the center. From a visual standpoint, this latest effort was also more aesthetically attractive or pleasing than the “boardgame” battle staged in the Byzantines versus Persians contest. However, even if the overall look was improved (and this is an admittedly subjective assessment), this project still pales in comparison to the typical effort presented by hobby notables such as Simon Miller, James Roach, and Ron Ringrose, to name just a few. 

Even though I now have almost two dozen turns worth of experience with Tactica II, I make no claim regarding expertise. However, I do think that I am getting more comfortable with the mechanics and sub-phases of the game turn. At the same time, I find that I am still questioning and wondering about these same procedures. (Note: This questioning persists, even after studying two excellent articles in Slingshot. See, if you are able to, “Tactica II: A Personal Perspective,” by Simon Watson in Issue 329. See also, again if you can, “Tactica II: A Ruleset Analysis,” by Dr. Paul Innes in Issue 330. I have also had the good fortune to benefit from several emails providing additional explanation and remarks authored by Simon.) 

For example, I wondered why I was not able to save or conserve the numerous “figures” of skirmishing Scythian light cavalry on the wings. They had been set up as screens and directed to harass the approaching enemy formations with flights of arrows. While not entirely successful in this task, I was slightly disappointed that these horsemen were not able to find sufficient space to evade or simply withdraw behind their heavier or more organized friends and neighbors. Then again, it occurs to me that I very probably deployed too many points and units on my expanded tabletop. The Scythians would have been better used further out on each wing. In this way, they could have enveloped and better annoyed the opposing cavalry formations. 

For another example, I continue to struggle with the melee process as presented and explained in Tactica II. The one episode that sticks out from the recently completed if also fictional battle was when a large unit (27 “figures” arranged in 3 ranks of 9) of Rhoxalani heavy cavalry made contact with a unit of Roman (Tribal) heavy cavalry (18 “figures” drawn up in 2 ranks of 9). The right-most edge of the Rhoxalani touched the leftmost edge of the Roman unit. Despite this small intersection of the opposing formations, each unit was able to roll its full allotment of melee dice. To be sure, this “struggle” suggests a degree of inconsistency on my part, as I have never really had this “problem” when using Armati or Armati 2nd Edition. Perhaps the “feeling” is just compounded by the number of dice involved or required? 

As an extension of this “concern,” I find it unusual that the side winning the move option does not also benefit from being able to determine the direction of melees. Again, my prior experience with Armati and its sequels likely colors my perception or even makes me a little (or more than a little) biased. Further, I wonder about allowing missiles to be added into melees from friendly units that are not involved but appear to have a sufficient “field of fire.” I need to do some research on this particular question to find out if it happened historically, on a regular basis, and then some tinkering to find out the right balance of this interaction on my tabletop. Staying with the melee process or procedures, I wondered why barbarian units (warbands) and scythed chariots would have to roll for impetus. It seems to me that, historically, these types of units would almost always have some kind of impact on the targeted formations. Admitting that my knowledge of ancient military history does not begin to approach the doctoral level (or even masters level), perhaps it would be simpler to roll a single die and on a result of 1 or 1 and 2, perhaps, then impetus would not be gained.

For my final example, I could not help but notice that as the wargame progressed and as cohorts of the front line legions became more involved, especially against the pike phalanxes, the stamina of these cohorts was, at least in my opinion, unrealistic. To be certain, the Tactica II rules provide explanations for the modeling or abstraction of both Republican and Marian Legions, but it still struck me as odd (i.e., unrealistic) to have cohorts fight to the last man. One might think that if a cohort started a battle with a strength of 480 men and then lost 240 men during a stretch of intense fighting, the survivors (many probably wounded if not tired as well as stunned by the situation) would probably not be interested in staying around for further punishment. I also could not help but think about my previous “ideas” wherein I tinkered with the Tactica II rules on this specific point.   

Shifting to a broader assessment of the recently completed wargame, I note that like the previous effort, mistakes were made. However, on the plus side, the rule interpretation errors were fewer in number. This improvement can be directly attributed to communication and clarification received from helpful members on the Tactica II Forum. (Thanks again, gentlemen!)

More experienced players (at least those who take the time to do a close reading of this post) will no doubt find that a number of tactical mistakes were made. On reflection, it appears that I deployed an additional auxiliary unit on the Roman left wing. I rationalize this gaffe as a last-minute decision by the overall Roman commander to borrow a unit of light infantry from one of the legions in order to strengthen the left flank. I continue to mull over the arrangement of the first Roman line of legions, wondering if their deployment helped or hindered them as the engagement developed. While there is certainly a great degree of flexibility in having the individual cohorts separated, this formation also leaves them somewhat vulnerable to more concentrated enemy lines. 

Overall, I think that this Tactica II wargame was better than the previous one. Even though it did not reach an “official” conclusion, it appeared rather obvious which side would win the day at the end of Turn 12. I believe that it flowed better too, despite the additional troop types involved. 

As for what is next on my “wargaming calendar,” I cannot say for sure. However, I am considering or toying with a number of ideas or options. One of these choices is a large chariot-era battle using Tactica II. I am also looking at a solo campaign wherein I would fight 7 to 9 battles against myself using a different set of rules. As mentioned above, I am also revisiting the idea of staging a battle, probably something set in the Successor period, wherein I would employ a “modified” version of the Tactica II rules. Then again, I might run into something on a blog or in one of the many hobby publications that provides an idea or inspiration.