Slitherine

I have the opportunity to purchase a Lydian Army in 15mm scale, should be 800 pts worth with the maximum Hoplites included.

I would very much appreciate comments on the effectiveness of the army from those of you who have fought with and against it.

Also are the Chariots used by any Lydian Generals out there ?


Thanks
Brian

I have used Lydians lot's of times. It is a very effective army. It is however, difficult to use.

the 32 Hoplites are pretty much a given - my advice is 4 BG's of 8. Take the thracians (1 BG of 4) and the other rubbish average foot (1 BG of 6) in order to provide rear support.

After that - you are on your own You can take the hoplites drilled or undrilled. The choice is yours... I do like the Cavalry as Superior, Armoured, Drilled, Lt Spear Swd. Used in conjunction with the LH JLS they are very powerful.

Take lots of LF, JLS as well. Put down wods of Diffiult Going and put hoplites in the gaps. I would not use an IC, whilst nice, makes the army to narrow and easy to get away from.

Tends to be a small army - 14 BG's at most. Is more effective the more points you play.

I would buy it (but then again, I own a 15mm Lydian army....)

I used Lydians in a tourney (Thanks Dave) and they did alright.

The armoured foot is good and you should push forward aggressively with it, even against the likes of Romans. As dave says get the cheap foot to provide rear support or to clear/trap skirmishers if playing against a cowardly light army.

The Cav seemed alright and the light horse was useful.

Never used the chariots.

A solid army and one I would use again.

Thanks for the replies, will give it a go. I did start building one years ago, even bought the War Dogs, but gave up. This army becoming available renewed my interest in the period, pity that War Dogs are no longer in the list.
Brian

Warlord wrote:Thanks for the replies, will give it a go. I did start building one years ago, even bought the War Dogs, but gave up. This army becoming available renewed my interest in the period, pity that War Dogs are no longer in the list.
Brian

You can still put the figures on bases with others though

War dogs would be a very cool addtion to some foot and horse stands for some real eye candy
I don't know anything about chariots - other than - I had a bad experience

you can use chariots for your Generals - that would be cool

Would the 15mm Essex Hittite Two Horse with two Javelinmen, code BS 40, be a good Lydian chariot model ?
Thanks

Light spear light chariots don't look great troops on paper, but do have their uses. See for example viewtopic.php?t=9079

Legionbuilder wrote:War dogs would be a very cool addtion to some foot and horse stands for some real eye candy
I don't know anything about chariots - other than - I had a bad experience

you can use chariots for your Generals - that would be cool

Put the dogs on general bases, even with the chariots for extra cool effect, and easy recognition. Going to do this with some of the splintered light dogs for dark ages generals.

Which Cavalry option would be best, Armoured or Protected ?
Drilled or undrilled ?
Just that points are 'tight as'
Thanks
Brian

Definately armoured. Drilled is not so important, unless you wish to skirmish. Being able to get in to 1 deep line and move becomes very important then. The cavalry, in period, are your decisive arm. They play on the flanks of the foot bullying the lesser cavalry/skirmishers around at the time. Once they have won the flanks they come into play.

Would the 15mm Essex Hittite Two Horse with two Javelinmen, code BS 40, be a good Lydian chariot model ?

Magister Militum make a Lydian Chariot, BAB019, and unlike Essex, there's a picture of it on their website.

kevinj wrote:Magister Militum make a Lydian Chariot, BAB019, and unlike Essex, there's a picture of it on their website.

Already been there Kevin, there are 8 MM models about ready for basing. The LF escorts have been based thanks to Madmike111's tips on a previous post re Lt Chariots.
Thanks
Brian