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Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Battle of Tel Nebi Mend 1274BCE II

In a refighting of last week's Biblical battle (see Battle of Tel Nebi Mend), a fresh band of warriors took to the field in a remote game to contest the ground one more time.

Present in yesterday's contest were:
Egyptians
Chris (Horse and Musket Gaming) Pharaoh and Left Wing
Dave (St Cyr on Wheels) Right Wing
Hittites
Mark (Mud, Blood, and Steel) King and Right Wing
Tony (Prometheus in Aspic) Left Wing

Battle view from behind the Egyptian army.
With the armies drawn up for battle, we dive straight into the action.

As the battle opens, we see both armies advance.  Only the Hittite Right Wing chooses to hold its chariots in reserve.  The Hittite King, in the center, watches over the proceedings, motionless. Chariotry from both armies maneuvers around the southern end of Tel Nebi Mend.  Already, Hittite bowshots are raining down onto the approaching Egyptian chariots.  The Hittites push skirmishers up to take the high ground in the center.  Pharaoh counters by moving up his skirmishers below Tel Nebi Mend.  
The armies advance.
Harassing archery triggers a response
 from the Egyptian chariotry.
Annoyed by enemy archery against his chariots, the Pharaoh orders his Right Wing chariots to strike.  Below the rocky outcroppings, two chariots clash.  After a series of dogfights, the Egyptian is sent packing.  The Hittite, weakened by the exertions of prolonged combat, pursues.  After suffering more in the pursuit, the Hittite calls off the pursuit and retires. 
First chariot clash of battle.
After a long dogfight, the Egyptian breaks off.
After Pharaoh's skirmishers are beaten in futile attacks against the enemy on the high ground, Egyptian massed archers are sent forward. In hopes of outflanking the enemy as it moves up onto the high ground, the second Egyptian chariot on the right swings around the rocky high ground.  Interesting that this chariot opted to press on rather than finish off the retreating enemy chariot.
After losing the skirmish for the high ground,
massed archers are brought forward.
Egyptian outflanking maneuver
as Hittites reinforce the high ground.
Frustrated by the lack of progress against Tel Nebi Mend, Pharaoh takes matters into his own hands.  He sets his chariot into motion toward the high ground.  Easily brushing aside enemy skirmishers, he attacks up into the difficult terrain.  Despite being disordered, Pharaoh presses on. Pharaoh's attack yields success!  The enemy is pushed off from the heights!
Pharaoh's approach,
attack,
and success!
Pharaoh's success is fleeting.

In perhaps a pursuit too far, Pharaoh's chariot is stopped by the enemy as resistance stiffens at the foot of the high ground.  Pharaoh is compelled to retire.  Sensing now may be the time to strike, the Egyptian chariot rumbling around the rocky bluffs pitches into the enemy.  In a brief clash, the Egyptian veers off and heads to the rear.  Reacting quickly, the trailing Hittite chariot attempts to chase down the fleeing chariot.  Fortunately for the Egyptian, he makes good his escape before being scattered to the wind.  With threats from enemy chariots vanquished, Hittite foot advance to reclaim the high ground of Tel Nebi Mend. 
Pharaoh's attack, repulsed!
A second Egyptian chariot attack repulsed!
The chase but no catch.
Hittites reclaim Tel Nebi Mend.
What about the other wing of battle?  Well, the Egyptian Left and Hittite Right continue to approach each other with great caution.  Finally, the pressure building is too much and one Egyptian chariot charges into the Hittite line.  Unfortunately for the chariot, the Hittite line holds and the Egyptian is forced to veer off toward the rear.
Cautious advance on the Hittite Right.
Charge and repulse!
With the threat of immediate enemy chariotry gone (the second Egyptian chariot on the Left is bottled up in the center!), the Hittites strike!

The first target in the Hittite's sights is a body of enemy light infantry.  Leading with a storm of arrows, the Hittite crashes into the enemy foot.  Overwhelmed, the enemy breaks for the rear.  The Hittite pursues.  Pursuit carries it into a body of awaiting massed archers.  The archers fail to deliver a volley before they, too, are hit by the charging chariot.  Like their brethren, the archers break for the rear.  In hot pursuit, the Hittite easily dispatches the archers before turning its focus onto the retreating chariot.  Catching the enemy from behind, the Egyptian chariot is cut down.  The Egyptian Left is in tatters!    
One charge, one retreat!
A second charge, a second retreat!
A third charge leads to annihilation.
Egyptian Left is no more!
The attacks from the Hittite Left are not yet finished.  Exposed, the Egyptian baggage is overrun as the Hittites roam freely in the Egyptian rear.  As the second Egyptian chariot moves out from the center, it is pounced upon by another enemy chariot.  Wheeling away from the attacker, the Egyptian is caught from behind and quickly dispatched.  The Egyptian Right stalls, looking on in horror. 
Chariot dogfight sees the Egyptian attempt to escape.
Egyptian is caught and scattered.
Egyptian Right stands motionless...
as its army breaks.
Yikes!  The Hittites pulled off a very impressive and comfortable victory over their Egyptian adversaries.  With final Army Breakpoint Clocks showing Hittites 19 to the Egyptian's 0, this was a Hittite victory, truly of Biblical proportions.

Tremendous victory by Mark and Tony as the Hittites.  My condolences to Chris and Dave as the Egyptians. 

As umpire and figure-pusher, this was an exciting battle to watch unfold.  The devastation wrought by Mark's Hittite Right was remarkable.  Game lasted about three hours in playing time.

I encourage participants to offer up their reflections on the battle in their post-game retrospective analysis and commentary here.

Another terrific Biblical clash.  Thanks guys!

42 comments:

  1. Wow, that was a very one sided Biblical Armageddon to say the least! Those Hittite boys 'done good' with a 19-0 thrashing away from home (not sure where the battle was fought!). Great photos and AAR once again Jon:).

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    1. The battle and outcome may have been lopsided but it sure was fun getting there! Your encouragement on the BatRep always much appreciated. Thank you.

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  2. There will be much feasting in Hattusa after this victory! Again, fine pics and commentary, Jon.

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    1. Feasting in Hattusa and many empty seats in the Pharaoh's Dining Hall. Glad you enjoyed the report!

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  3. Wow. The Hittites certainly taught the Egyptians a lesson. Great report Jonathan.

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    1. The Hittites were at their finest in this clash. Thank you for your support of the battle reporting, Richard.

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  4. Really love your biblical battles Jonathan.
    Looking great!

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  5. One gets so carried away with the action and narrative that one forgets to mention how splendid both your armies are to behold

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  6. Great game and a tremendous victory to the Hitittes

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  7. Another excellent looking game and something of a change from your last version of this game, Thebes, Karnack, your boys took a hell of a beating!
    Best Iain

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    1. Thank you! Iain, this version was definitely played out differently than my game with Peter last week. I doubt Pharaoh will ever fully recount this action.

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  8. A very enjoyable game as always Jon. Those rules always make for a very tense experience and last night in particular I think it could have gone either way, both sides had their highs and lows. I don't think I ever really figured out how to handle that rocky ground on my wing. I ended up sending my chariots around it, partly because that's what Tony was doing and partly because I thought it would be tricky getting them through there. Then I was afraid of moving any of my units into the killing ground between the rocks, and we found ourselves a bit cramped what with Pharaoh's chariot having to manoeuvre in and out, so I think in the end most of my wing scarcely fired a shot in anger. Mind you I think Tony was having similar issues on the other side of the rocks.

    I have to apologise to Chris, it would seem that my old cursed dice have found a new home and he will have to find a way now to pass them on to the next unsuspecting victim.

    A very interesting scenario and a great gaming experience as usual. Thank you for hosting again and thank you to my fellow generals.

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    1. Thank you, Dave! I think the rules are working nicely and provide an interesting and quick-flowing game with action almost non-stop. I am really happy with how they are playing. Your playtesting really helps solidify everything in mind and has led to a few refinements.

      I wanted the rocky ground to pose a puzzle for both players on how to best deal with this obstacle. Using your chariots to sweep around the southern end was the right choice. You got a little unlucky in some of your combats but Chris was smacked by the Unlucky Stick hard. I am happy to see your dice plague move on to another but having it hit Chris was unfortunate for the Egyptians.

      I am pleased that you are enjoying the remote games no matter the period or rules I throw your way. Your flexibility is much appreciated!

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  9. Wowee! Hittites on the ascension! Very well general'd for a brutal result.

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  10. An amazing result and a bad day out for the Egyptians. It is fun seeing the wide variation in outcomes.

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    1. It was a bad day for Pharaoh, no doubt! When both armies have a chance at victory and fortunes tend to rise and fall throughout, the games offer much excitement.

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  11. Another bloody run out for the chariots 👍

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    1. Bloody for the Egyptians, for sure. I forgot to show the Dead Pile!

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  12. A nice summing up of events Jon. A woeful night for me as Pharaoh. I can't blame it on Lady Luck (she did eventually smile on me when I found I had a lucky, yellow die). No, I messed up by throwing my chariots in. No blame rests with Dave either. That gap between the rocks looked a bad place to be if you stayed there (hence my decision to pursue down the other side).
    Kudos goes to the Cereal Killers. Cocopops provided the anvil and King Muesli the hammer. I was impressed by the way Mark organised his lines with all units supported, and tempted me to stretch my forces thin with his skirmishers.
    To Dave, I have to say 'mea culpa'.
    Chris

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    1. Thanks, Chris! Hope you enjoyed the game too.

      While Dave and Tony wrestled with the rocky terrain and each other, Mark set himself up to spring a cunning plan. He positioned himself well and then waited for you to commit your chariots before he unleashed a devastating counter strike. Mark played a very good game.

      Glad to see you using the Cereal Killer puns. I was so tempted myself.

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  13. That was another epic looking game with two fantastic armies Jon and as you say, a defeat of biblical proportions, to be sure!

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    1. It was an interesting and exciting battle to watch unfold. The Hittites had a battle plan going in and it worked for them, handsomely.

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  14. The epics continue. The Hittite will was evident in the die rolling. The luck had abandoned the Pharaoh and his chariots and charioteers. Truly another fun read with great eye candy.

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    1. Thanks, Joe! Very good to see that you enjoyed the battle report.

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  15. That looks to have been quite a game! Great report and a real 'back and forth' sort of game, from the look of it.

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    1. David, it seems that every game produces “quite the game”! Glad you enjoyed the report. Too bad you had to miss this one.

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  16. Looks like the Pharaoh's forces were little more then a speed bump for the Hittites this time, but it looks great!

    Christopher

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    1. Yes, an Egyptian Speed Bump is an appropriate description.

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  17. Another splendid battle and report Jonathan….
    A lot of entertaining action across the battlefield… Unfortunately for Pharaoh none if it seemed to go his way.

    All the best. Aly

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    1. Thanks, Aly! Quite right! Pharaoh had a tough day against the Hittites. He will erect no reliefs describing this battle.

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  18. Ooh sorry I thought I’d posted a comment a few days back - but apparently not. Tony and I spent a little time o; line the day before working out how to play this. It didn’t work out exactly as we intended but the basic plan was tweaked a little over zooms chat function mid game. Basically we failed to factor in Pharoe’s mad - Ardennes style - charge through the central rough terrain which threw us a bit. I have to say that for all of Tony and my plotting the dice weren’t with Chris on the night. Dave did by far and away the most damage to us so kudos to him for a splendid and spirited effort. Another brilliant night in great company.

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    1. Thanks for returning to add in your thoughts, JBM!

      Having a plan going in proved very useful for your Hittites. Seeing Pharaoh charge up and into the rocks was a surprise to me too. Your wing tore into the Egyptian Left with no mercy. Watching your attacks cut through the enemy was like watching poetry in motion. Chris may disagree...

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  19. Another exciting game. The Egyptians certainly took a beating this time.

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    1. Correct on both counts, Vol! Very fun game to watch.

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  20. Hooray for the Hittites, an army I do not have!

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  21. I love these exciting Ancient battles. As always very interesting posting.

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    1. Thanks, André! The rules and the period provide for very exciting games.

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