Another Test of Rein-Bow Warriors

Ian and I convened for another remote playtesting session of his developing Rein-Bow Warriors rules.  There were a few changes to the QRS emerging from our last playtest and subsequent group game but no radical changes.  Orders were introduced into this game for the first time.  

Movement rates for chariots were reduced, turn sequence clarifications made, and troop quality and status saw minor adjustments.  Overall, the core concepts remained relatively stable.  That is good.  Rules' stability allows one to begin testing and refining tactics.

Our session lasted about two hours and we fought through six turns with a winner declared.  Again, Ian commanded the Hittites and I took the reins in the Pharaoh's chariot.

Let's see how the battle unfolded.

Arrayed for battle. 
Egyptians in the fore.  Hittites in the distance.

Battle begins with a clash of chariots. 
 The chariots on each wing are opposed but the Hittites
 in the center find no chariot opposition.
Trailing dust clouds mark barriers to entry for foot.

Egyptian chariots are gaining the upper hand on the right

but are evenly matched in the chariot clash on the left.

Hittite chariots in the center pull up and caracole
 into the line of Egyptian bow.
Already one Egyptian bow is wavering.

And it breaks.
  Running toward the rear and safety (it hopes).

Chariot clash on the right sees the Egyptians
wearing down their opposition.
With chariot inferiority, it would be useful to take out
 a Hittite chariot or two to even the odds.

On the left, each pass of chariots causes more damage to both.
How long can this continue?
Not long.  All quivers are empty.

Hittite chariots exploit the gap
in the center of the Egyptian line.

On they storm but their quivers are almost depleted.
Pharoah looks on with concern.

Following up in the Hittite spearhead, infantry clash.

With quivers empty, Egyptian chariots return to resupply.

Battle continues in the center. 
 The Egyptians look to have the upper hand!

Seeing Egyptian chariots converging on the Pharoah,
the Hittite charioteers skedaddle out to safety.

On the far right of the battle line,
 enemy skirmishers are heavily engaged.

Resupplied, chariots return to the fray.

Another infantry clash as enemies pound one another.
  Who will break first?

Actually, the battle is breaking up all along the line
as troops flee to the rear.

When the dust settled and the bodies were counted, Battle Honors rest with the Hittites.  The battle was hotly contested and the Hittites won narrowly by forcing the Egyptians across their Army Breakpoint threshold one unit before the Hittites did likewise.  Congratulations to the Hittite King for a well-deserved victory.

A lot of action packed into a two hour session.  Play moved along at quicker pace as we both become familiar with the capabilities of the troops under command and the rules, themselves.  A number of questions arose and notes taken.  Clarifications and discussion occurred on the fly.  I have unanswered questions out to Ian for further clarification.

Great fun especially to see my Biblical armies out on the table in an almost regular fashion!