** This thread discusses the Content article: 111 Hydaspes (326 BC) **

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

Macedonion infantry and cavalry (with Alexander as a special leader) against Indians with archers and elephants. This is a big, fun brawl. Historically, this is the battle that gave the the Diadochi (Alexander's generals) a vast desire for elephants in their armies — and, in fact, the elephants are key to the battle. They will wreak havoc on the Macedonian mediums and heavies if the Macedonian player doesn't learn how to counter with light infantry harassment tactics.
Maybe the indian slightly exotic weapons mix (heavy on longbowmen and elephants) makes it more fun to play, but on the other hand the Macedonians have the Alexander leader unit. His bonus battle die and morale effects make the Companion medium cavalry he starts with pretty nasty, but there can be worse fates for the Indian player — as I found out when I shot the Companions to ribbons and my opponent moved Alexander onto a heavy infantry unit. A six-battle-dice attack is no fun to be on the receiving end of; it will chew opposing units up pretty fast even when they evade.

Overall, well balanced. In my opinion one of the best compositions anywhere in the GMT scenario books.

I played this one twice today, as both sides. In both games the Macedonians won, although by different ways.

As the Macedonians, I pushed my phalanx up early, using a double time card to present a solid front. Simon, my opponent, pushed his elephants forward to meet them. The phalanx failed. every single heavy infantry block was wiped out in the engagement. I had to pull back my centre, and used my left flank light infantry to clean up what remained of his elephants. Things were not looking good for Alexander, so I threw in the cavalry. Using both Companion units, one with Alaxander and the other with a leader, I smashed into the Indian left flank, carving through his cavalry and light infantry. He counterattacked with his remaining elephant, but I used a First Strike card to kiill it before it could have an effect. The Macedonians won 7 to 4.

We swapped sides, and the start was somewhat the same, with the phalanx advancing up the centre. I positioned my elephants to strike, and sent them in. This time he pulled out the First Strike card, and my elephants crumbled, followed by my right flank, the pikes of the phalanx sweeping all before them. Macedonians 7 to 3.

I think it is winnable by the Indians, if they get the elephants right. They need to get into the right position to strike, and cause as much damage as possible in their initial attack, because they do not last long. The Companion cavalry, particularly the one with Alexander, are a huge threat, four dice and can ignore two retreats and one sword dice. They should be the primary target of every light infantry unit in the Indian force to try and jag a leader hit against Alexander.

Bill

As this report shows the flip-flop way of playing a scenario gives both players a taste of each side and in one sided scenarios - victory (hopefully!).
I have to add that this so far is my favorite CCA scenario and can't wait to play it as an EPIC game!

Yes This one does appear a little one sided. Had a quick check of my results and solitaire was 4 games to 0 to Macedon and in a ftf with my brother he won 7-4.

It was 2 or 3 years ago but I recall him balking at all my elephants and saying how easily I would win. He had never faced them before and had seen me solitaire a game of Bagradas (Greg Blanchett) where the elephants had gone through the Romans like a hot knife through butter for a 6-3 win. I explained that Elephants can be very hit and miss, and my Indian Elephants on the Hydaspes definitely missed big time that day. My left wing cavalry fought a valiant comeback but from 3-0 down it was a lost cause.

But if the Elephants can do their stuff the Indians can win.

Played this solo reducing the Macedonian Command Cards to only 5. Macedonians still won 7-3 without real difficulty. Some poor card draws hurt Porus preventing the elephants from activating quickly.