Historical Background
By 318 BC the Successors had formed two competing alliances: the ‘Royalists’ who claimed to fight to maintain the empire for Alexander’s infant sons, and a rival coalition that sought to claim their own independent kingdoms. The opposing Successor Armies in Asia—one commanded by Antigonus, the other by Eumenes—met in battle at Paraitacene in 317 BC. Antigonus was by now the most powerful of the Diadochi, controlling most of Anatolia and the eastern satrapies. Eumenes had the backing of Alexander’s heirs and a large war chest, though the fact that he was a Greek and not a Macedonian was a major handicap. Antigonus fielded 28,000 infantry and 11,000 horse. Eumenes’ force of 35,000 foot and 6,000 horse included the veteran Silver Shields who had fought with distinction in all of Alexander's campaigns. The battle opened with Antigonus’ light horse attacking Eumenes right. This attack was wrecked by Eumenes’ heavy cavalry. Meanwhile in the center, the Silver Shields drove back Antigonus' phalanx. Antigonus’ army was on the ropes when he pulled off a stroke that evened the score.
He charged through a gap and was successful in routing Eumenes' left flank. Both sides at this point were exhausted and returned to their camps. Antigonus claimed victory but realistically the battle was a draw and a final resolution would be at Gabiene, a year later.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?
War Council
Eumenes Successor Army (Use Greek blocks)
• Leader: Eumenes
• 9 Command Cards
Antigonus Successor Army (Use Eastern Kingdom and Sparta blocks)
• Leader: Antigonus
• 9 Command Cards
• Move First
EUMENES’ ARMY
Leaders 3
Light Infantry 9 units
Auxilia 5 units
Medium Hoplite 3 units
Heavy 7 units
Light Cavalry 2 units
Light Bow Cavalry 2 units
Medium Cavalry 2 units
Heavy Cavalry 2 units
Elephants 4 units
ANTIGONUS’ ARMY
Leaders 3
Light Infantry 6 units
Auxilia 4 units
Medium Hoplite 4 units
Heavy 8 units
Light Cavalry 4 units
Light Bow Cavalry 2 units
Medium Cavalry 4 units
Heavy Cavalry 2 units
Elephants 2 units
Victory
15 Banners
Winning side must have a margin of at least 2 Victory Banners to achieve a decisive victory otherwise the battle is declared a draw.
Special Rules
• The hill hexes are impassable.
• Use the Medium Hoplite rules.
• The Silver Shields is a special unit. Place a special unit block in the same hex as the Silver Shields unit to distinguish it from the other units. The Silver Shields will score a hit for each leader symbol rolled in close combat and may ignore 1 flag.
all materials from C3i Magazine is Copyright ©Rodger B. MacGowan (RBM Publication)
all C&C Ancients Scenarios in C3i Magazine are Official and Approved by Richard Borg