115 Ipsus (301 BC)

** This thread discusses the Content article: 115 Ipsus (301 BC) **

Eric S. Raymond wrote some comments about this scenario on his webpage. CLICK HERE to read full article.

This was the so-called "Battle of Kings", a pivotal confrontation in the Wars of Alexandrian Succession. I played the Seleucids. Antigonus's cavalry-heavy right moved aggressively against my left, which is what happened historically and completely logical given the order of battle. Ahistorically, my left got handled pretty roughly but did not entirely collapse. The Antigonids later sortied against my right flank and knocked it around pretty seriously as well.
As in the original battle, moving my heavy infantry up the center proved decisive; they inflicted critical losses on the opposing line. My opponent cooperated by using a line command to move his center forward; I think, in retrospect, that this was an error.
I think my opponent's attempts at flanking were entirely correct. The Antigonids need to hit hard, fast, and early while the Seleucids have no retreat room. The OB gives the Seleucids a significant advantage in a general engagement, especially if they can deploy the elephants in their rear line effectively.

This scenario favors the Seleucids slightly, especially since they start with 6 Command Cards  to the Antigonid 5. I don't think I'd change it, though; good tactics and execution by the Antigonids can negate the Seleucid advantage, and that challenge is what this scenario design is about.

My frequent C&C:A buddy, Mikkel (Antigonus), and I (Seleucus) had a very exciting bout at the Battle of Ipsus.

After some initial maneuvers, the first significant clash of the confrontation occurred on the Seleucid left flank. I had boldly (or foolishly?) committed all of my left-wing light cavalry and light infantry in a forward charge in that sector. The effect was as intended, tempting my opponent to respond in force, drawing him up the field and evading his attacks.

The feint was not without sacrifice, as I lost a whole unit of light bow infantry, but the trap was sprung and he pressed on. I held Mounted Charge from the start and now a good chunk of the Antigonid right flank was within range of my left-wing heavy cavalry, chariots and elephants. The effect of this counter-strike was devastating, obliterating my opponent’s left-wing cavalry entirely. I also employed the Mounted Charge in the right wing, scoring a single victory banner against a unit of medium infantry. Still, Antigonus’ troops did go down fighting, and both of my squadrons of heavy chariots were destroyed by the time these dramatic flank clashes were concluded. I was up by 5 to 3 banners, but many units on my flanks had taken hits (with my right-wing heavy cavalry falling soon afterwards). Everything was still in the balance, but I was happy to keep an advantage in horses as well as elephants on both flanks.

After such an action-packed start, things slowed down as the two central formations tried to bait each other into action with careful maneuvering. I was weary to commit, holding an Order Heavy Troops and wanting to bring my elephants in against the heavily armoured phalangites. After some probes on the flanks with missile troops, I began to lose patience and commenced moving my elephants from the rear towards the left so as to bring them closer to the action. The Antigonid general seemed weary of my entire army moving up and pressing him towards his edge of the battlefield. Seizing upon holding both Double Time and Clash of Shields in his hand, he double timed forward with his heavy infantry, going for the kill. My line was tested with many a brave soldier falling, but only one unit collapsed in its entirety. Subsequently, I counter-attacked with both my heavy infantry and two of my elephants. The consequences were catastrophic for the courageous Antagonids and his potentially game-winning Clash of Shields never materialized. The mass of men and beasts crushed the advanced line of heavy infantry and all hope was lost when the 81-year old Antigonus was slain in the process.

Seleucus won 8-5.

Very entertaining clash with lots of different unit types and potential strategies. Mikkel was perhaps a bit too aggressive in the final advance, since I had the upper hand in slow-moving but hard-hitting cavalry/elephants that were so effective against the massed, heavily armoured pikemen. The most satisfying moment for me was wiping out his right flank cavalry, which I had deemed the biggest threat from the start (with history as my guide). But I do feel that this one can go either way and it is a good battle for an epic, relatively well-balanced feeling when there is not enough to time to play the game twice (as was the case this afternoon).

Solo play.

History changed with an Antigonus close victory 8-7.

Antigonus troops, lead by his son Demetrius, are able to break through on the right forcing Antiochus to leave the battle, but a resurgence of Seleucus army push them back with Light infantry fire and Heavy chariot attack.

On the other flank is Seleucos army that proves to be stronger attacking with Heavy Cavalry, Elephant and Heavy infantry.

Both sides suffers heavy loss and when it comes to the clash in the center Seleucos is the first to break throught without much of success, while on the counter attack Antigonus phalangites are able to deliver a deadly blow and achive 3 banners in row closing the battle.

Differently from the real battle here Elephants not played any major role, especially the Seleucos ones which were never able to reach the core of the battle.

Overall is a very balanced battle that requires mastery of the usage of all troops type.

To be played again with a real opponent.

This ends the series of the four Successors battles, which are all interesting and fun to be played.