Return to Marathon

In a last-minute invitation to join into a game, Scott convincingly drew me away from domestic duties to make the drive to Coeur d'Alene to join he and Dale for a gaming session and lunch.  I am glad that I accepted!

After a brief catch-up as we awaited Dale's arrival, we descended into the game room to see the Battle of Marathon laid out on the table.  Scott and I refought Marathon back in September (see A Marathon Marathon).  Hard to believe that this was our last miniatures game together.  More surprising that the battle was still on Scott's table!  As expected, the rules of engagement were Command & Colors Ancients (CCA) using Scott's beautiful 28mm armies. 

CCA Marathon

Since today's offering was a first for Dale, Scott and I played Game #1 to give Dale a feel for the game and its mechanisms.  In this game Scott commanded the Greeks while I headed the Persian Army.  Banner count needed for victory is six so first commander to eliminate six units wins. 

I find commanding a lightly armed Persian Army a difficult task when facing the heavy Greek infantry.  When the Greek heavy infantry make contact, they can cut wide swathes through the Persians.  The Persians are not without hope, though.  In this first game, however, my Persians fell decisively to Scott's Greeks 6-3.  Not a horrible showing for my Persians but I never managed to truly bring the Persian firepower to bear.

In Game #2, I faced Dale in his maiden test with Scott ably assisting.  While the battle got off to a good start for the Persians with a successful playing of the "Darken the Skies" card, the Greeks came roaring back to lay waste to much of the Persian line.  Still, the Persians managed to pick off a few weakened Greek units to eke out a 6-5 victory at the last minute.  Hoorah!

Scott at the head of the Greek Army.

In Game #3, I faced the cunning maestro, Scott, as we swapped sides in a rematch.  Scott commanded the Greeks while I headed the Persian Army.  In a tense but quick game, my Persians overpowered the Greeks in a 6-3 victory.  There were anxious moments for the Greeks, though.  Scott successfully brought his cavalry across the river to cut up the Greek center badly.  Hoorah for a second victory!

With three games in the books, we broke for lunch.  After lunch I needed to return home while Scott and Dale continued with a game of What a Tanker.  Scott and Dale played the rules at the recent Enfilade! con in Tacoma in May and were anxious to bring that enthusiasm back home.  While I could not participate, Scott sent along a couple photos from that game.  Perhaps I will get to give these rules a try sometime?

For me, having spent a week away tending to family, this invitation for a half-day session was most welcome.  Now, back to catching up on domestic duties.

  

Thanks, Scott and Dale!

EDIT: A second post delayed from appearing in blogroll feed by about 20 hours!  This makes two posts in a row.