Zama Grudge Match 2024 (Optional Roman Rule NOT used)
We gathered again to have an Epic Zama rematch two years after the Romans lost due to a mounted charge of elephants. This year we switched sides, so that now I was the commander of Carthage. I hoped to get a mounted charge or two to use at the right time. However, sometimes one should be careful for what one wishes. I got those mounted charge cards, but still lost due to bad timing. As Hannibal, it was all my fault.
Well, almost all my fault. The Romans used their cavalry units very well.
The battle started out with two army cards on both sides to order light troops. I welcomed this because I wanted my light out to screen the elephants so they would not get picked out by ranged fire. After this first round of positioning the Romans unleashed relentless pressure with their cavalry, especially the light cavs. There was a great duel on the Carthaginian left with these light mounted units. It was actually back and forth for several turns, but the Romans had a leader in their cavalry wing, whereas the Carthaginians did not. It showed. Eventually the Romans would grind down our mounted troops. On the Carthaginian right our mounted troops were scattered and the general Hano was killed. This left the Carthaginian right open to attack.
Meanwhile in the center I decided to unleash the elephants to disrupt the Roman center. Four elephant units attacked with only slight effect. Not enough swords were rolled to keep up the killing. Three elephant units were killed but only two Roman infantry were destroyed. I then looked to try to group the Carthaginian heavies to form a line for a double time and line command. But those Roman attacks on the wings continued. I also had almost no cards for the right flank and three one unit center cards.
As the Carthaginian flanks were collapsing, I pulled another mounted charge and tried again with two elephants. This time the results were better, but not enough. All five elephant units were destroyed.
The Romans were now on the cusp of victory. They used a Rally card to rebuild two Cav units for another attack on the Carthaginian right, and the two medium units were destroyed by combat and flags on the back row. However, the Roman general Laelius gave his life in the effort.
The Carthaginian center began to move, but it was too late. The last mounted Carthaginian unit on the board was destroyed for the game.
Rome won 14-9. Every single Carthaginian mounted unit was destroyed, and 16 of the 23 banners were mounted units. The main lines of the soldiers never engaged leaving a long tunnel of empty space between the armies. A rare event in my experience.
Two generals were killed. The “I am Spartacus” card was used twice by the Romans, the “First Strike” card was used once by each side, and the “Clash of Shields” card was also used by the Romans. There were four mounted charge cards used in the game.
We had five players and used a 3 vs. 2 format. We did not use the optional Roman rule.
I hope you will never left numbers deter you from playing CCA Epic. We have played 2 vs. 2,
1 vs. 1, 4 vs. 1, and 2 vs. 2. It is ALWAYS fun.
However, I wonder why the Carthaginians seem to win more in this scenario to give the ahistorical result? Does the optional Roman rule help? How many games have actually used the optional rule. If you use the optional rule, please put it in the report to help with the stats.
Enjoy the game!
See pictures and other great battles here
