Historical Background
After the Battle of Taginae, in which the Ostrogoth king Totila was killed, the Byzantine general Narses captured Rome and besieged Cumae. The newly elected Ostrogoth king Teia then raised an army and moved to relieve the besieged city. This was the occasion Narses was waiting for. He called back all his lieutenants and moved toward the Ostrogoths. The two armies camped near Mount Vesuvius for more than two months in close proximity to each other, without clashing directly. The situation changed when the Byzantines intercepted the Ostrogoth fleet which, through the river, supplied the Ostrogoth army. This forced the Ostrogoths to fall back on the Lattari Mountains. But soon they understood their mistake, being up there without any food for themselves and for the horses. Having no other choice, they decided to face the imperials in a desperate battle, descending from the mountains and attacking the enemy. The Ostrogoths fought with great honor, putting in difficulty the Byzantines, who, surprised by the sudden attack, were not properly deployed. Teia displayed his heroic value, undergoing constant attacks on his person. Only on one occasion was his chest uncovered, and on that occasion he was hit by a fortuitous dart, being killed. Despite this, the Goths fought until the next day. Eventually, Narses received some barbarian optimates who accepted surrender and submitted to Byzantium.
War Council
Ostrogoth Army (Use Tan blocks and Byzantine Inspired Action)
• Leader: Teia
• 5 Command Cards
• 3 Inspired Action tokens
• Move First
Byzantine Army (Use Purple blocks)
• Leader: Narses
• 5 Command Cards
• 3 Inspired Action tokens
Victory
6 Banners
Special Rules
• The Byzantine Heavy and Medium Cavalry units are armed with bows.