01/20/07

Scenarios and Historical battles:

Image from: http://www.macedonian-heritage.gr/HellenicMacedonia/en/img_D14g.html

Philip's Campaigns of Conquest

Scenario 3: Thrashing Thrace, thrice!

His successes against the Phocians had given Philip much clout in Greek politics. By 344 B.C. he was appointed Tagus of Thessaly, (leader for life). This gave him access to even more elite cavalry, as the Thessalians were the finest horsemen in Greece. Open conflict with Athens seemed more likely to occur so Philip turned to Thrace to clear his Northern borders. His ambition to ultimately lead the Greek City states in a coalition against Persia would be helped if he opened a route to the Hellespont. Attempting to subdue the city of Perinthus and Byzantium he faced a coalition of Thracians, Persians, and Athenians!
There were many sieges and actions against Thracian tribesmen during these years, but the Persians and Athenians never risked an open battle. Eventually Persian money and Athenian naval intervention forced Philip to call of his campaign. This scenario represents a running fight where Philip was wounded by a Thracian when his army was forced to retreat from Byzantium.

Armies:
The Macedonians must have Philip as their General, up to 1200 points may be taken from the "Macedonian Army" list of which only 25% may be cavalry. No other characters may be taken. No artillery may be used.
The Thracian rebels  may have up to 1200 points of troops taken from the Barbarian list in WAB. One Warlord, or Chieftain may be taken. All warriors must be "Mountain tribesmen", or skirmishers (up to one unit may have bows or slings). 0-1 Light cavalry unit, and 0-1 Noble cavalry units are allowed. No fanatics, Shamen, battle standards, or Warhounds are allowed. The Rebels may take 0-1 Hoplite or Peltast unit from the AoA Greek list.

Scenery:
The scenery is fairly rugged with plenty of hills and woods, up to one Heavy woods is possible, but no blocking terrain like rivers is permissable!

Deployment:
The Thracians may set up anywhere on a 4'x8' table at least 24" from the East edge. Any units deployed in woods are hidden until they move* or a Macedonian is within 8" of them at the start of the Thracian player turn. To denote hidden units, number all the woods then write down which woods each unit is in. All Thracians that begin the game hidden must be in skirmish formation. (Or fail a Warband check).

Turns: 
The game lasts until Philip exits the table either by being routed or  by reaching the Eastern edge. 

Who goes first:
The Macedonians go first, they start off the table and all units must enter the East edge on turn 1.

Special Rules:
Any unit may skirmish in this scenario. Macedonian Phalangites may have javelins and thrusting spears instead of Pikes.

Victory:
If Philip exits the west edge with more than 50% of his army then he wins... if he is killed then the Thracians win, any other result is a draw.

Campaign effects:
If Philip is killed then the Campaign is lost! If the game is a draw or lost then it may affect the next scenario. (See below). If Philip wins then proceed to the next game. 

The Battle's outcome: 
Philip recovered from his wound but would always walk with a limp. He began gathering his forces for the showdown with Athens. The Macedonian player may continue on the to the final scenario "Chaeronea", whether he wins or loses this game, however if he loses then the Athenians  may have Spartans instead of Thebans in their alliance!