Mikata Ga Hara, 1572

Over the last two weeks, the gaming table has featured the Battle of Mikata Ga Hara between Takeda and Tokugawa clans on a hex grid.  The scenario is based upon the Samurai Battles' scenario. 

Four games have been played with Game #5 scheduled for later today.  All games have been contested remotely.  Thus far, the four games have yielded two victories apiece.  Tokugawa won the first two playings.  Takeda won the second two games.  No matter the outcome in Game #5, one great army will win three of the five contests.

Battle of Mikata Ga Hara 1572
As Takeda Shingen moved his army south into Totomi Province, Tokugawa Ieyasu dismissed the advice of his generals and prepared to intercept the Takeda Army. Defeating Tokugawa was not the Takeda Army’s primary objective. Shingen was content with simply passing through the province on his way to bigger spoils. Still, outnumbered by Takeda Shingen’s army, Tokugawa Ieyasu would not permit Takeda to pass through the province unchallenged. To prevent Takeda’s passage, Ieyasu drew his army up on the high plain at Mikata Ga Hara. Although outnumbered in both foot and horse to Shingen, Ieyasu figured an early strike against the Takeda vanguard might catch the enemy by surprise and put the Takeda army off balance.

The stage is set for battle.

Order of Battle – Each army has three commands.

Tokugawa– Ieyasu (Army Breakpoint = 18)

4 x Ashigaru Spear (FL VBU=5, I=2, VD=3 Long spear)
1 x Ashigaru Teppo (T VBU=4, I=0, VD=2 Harquebus B)
2 x Ashigaru Bow (T VBU=4, I=0, VD=2 Longbow B)
2 x Samurai Foot (FP VBU=6, I=3 VD=3 Long spear)
2 x Samurai Bow (FL VBU=6, I=3 VD=3 Comp Bow)
1 x Samurai Horse (CP2 VBU=7, I=4, VD=3 Spear)
1 x Samurai Horse Archer (CM VBU=6, I=4 VD=3 Comp Bow)
3 x Generals

Takeda – Shingen (Army Breakpoint = 22)

4 x Ashigaru Spear (FL VBU=5, I=2, VD=3 Long spear)
1 x Ashigaru Teppo (T VBU=4, I=0, VD=2 Harquebus B)
3 x Ashigaru Bow (T VBU=4, I=0, VD=2 Longbow B)
2 x Samurai Foot (FP VBU=6, I=3 VD=3 Long spear)
2 x Samurai Bow (FL VBU=6, I=3 VD=3 Comp Bow)
1 x Samurai Horse (CP2 VBU=7, I=4, VD=3 Spear)
3 x Samurai Horse Archer (CM VBU=6, I=4 VD=3 Comp Bow)
1 x Command Tent
3 x Generals

Rules: Basic Impetvs 2.0+E
Figures: 15mm
Table: 4 inch hex grid
First Player: Tokugawa Army

Special:
Command Tent
It is garrisoned by one, intrinsic Ashigaru Spear unit (FL VBU=5,I=0 Long spear). General may not leave tent unless tent is captured. Tent ignores retreats. Considered difficult terrain.

Ambush
On Turn 1, only the three Tokugawa command Activation Tokens may be drawn for activation. When a Takeda unit is attacked either through fire, melee, or in an EZOC then that Takeda command may activate next. Once activated, Takeda Activation Tokens remain in play as normal. At the start of Turn 3, any Takeda Activation Tokens not in play are put into play and may be drawn for activation.

Time Limit: If time limit reached before one army destroyed, use the following ABC differential to assess victory:

0-2 Draw 3-6 Minor 7+Major

Which side will manage to be victorious in three out of the five contests?  Stayed tuned for results following the game.