River Stour 54 BC

Britons vs Romans

Historical Background
In 54 BC, Caesar launched a second invasion of Britain which was better planned and far more formidable than the first one. The invasion force consisted of five legions, auxiliaries, and 2000 cavalry, transported on 800 vessels. The Britons, awed by the size of the fleet, retired inland. This time the landing (near Sandwich) was unopposed. As Caesar moved inland, he encountered a delaying force of Briton charioteers and cavalry in front of the River Stour. The Romans found it difficult to come to grips with the elusive Britons at first, but in time they drove them back. The Roman cavalry played a key role in bringing the British chariots to battle. Post Battle: After retreating across the Stour, the tribal forces joined the rest of the Britons at an oppidum near Bigbury. Caesar promptly crossed the Stour, stormed, and captured, this fortified position.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. The rest is history.

War Council

Britons
• Leader: Unknown
• 5 Command Cards
• Move First

Roman Army
• Leader: Caesar
• 6 Command Cards

Victory
6 Banners

Special Rules
• The entire River Stour is fordable.

• Barbarian Chariot Rule is in effect.

• Julius Caesar Rule is in effect.

• Marius Legions Rule is in effect.

Tags: Banners: 6 Army: Britons Army: Roman Leader: Caesar Terrain: forest Terrain: river Special Rule: Barbarian Chariot Special Rule: Marian Legion Game Box: Expansion 2

Last Updated on Thursday, 15 July 2010 12:50

Discuss (1 posts)

King Billy

Re:218 River Stour (54 BC)
Apr 25 2010 00:29:43

Watched my son (Daniel, Britons) play this yesterday. He and his opponent (Peter, Romans) picked it because of the unusual nature of the British forces.

The early battle saw the British chariots thrashing the Roman light infantry. Pete got a bit of a rush of blood and lost a medium calvalry unit in a premature attack.

The PBI (poor bloody infantry) of the Romans had to slog forward, with the Britons evading every attack they could, but being pushed back towards the board edge.

The game changed when Ceasar, with a medium infantry unit, seperated from the battle line. Three chariot units attacked it, hoping to wipe out Ceasar. This was not to be. Ceasar urged his men forward, and with the benefit of an additional die to battle back attacks, wiped out the the chariots, taking loses as he did so, but coming out victorious.

Definately a game of two halves. The Romans just have to suck up the damage as his infantry advance, but then go in for the kill when the Chariots can evade no further.

Romans 6, Britons 5.

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River Stour 54 BC

Britons vs Romans

War Council

Other battles in Gallic Wars (59-51 BC)