THREE CLASSIC ALEXANDRIAN ENCOUNTERS!

[alzado_77]

These scenarios for the battles of the Granicus, Issus and Gaugamela have all been extensively play-tested to ensure playability and interest for both sides. The Hydaspes [Alexander -vs- Pauravans], Gabai [Alexander -vs- the Eastern satrapies] and the Persian Gate [Alexander -vs- Persians in a Thermopylae type scenario] to follow after more play-testing...

All feedback appreciated.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ip0krlvplw415 ... ted%21.zip

https://www.dropbox.com/s/tteejvsrjuium ... ted%21.zip

https://www.dropbox.com/s/nackxgd64kkeh ... ted%21.zip

Enjoy!

[ZeaBed]

Thanks for the many scenarios! Congratulations for embarking on such a mammoth task. And I see that the dreaded Gaugamela scenario is among your contributions. This is a challenge for anyone. I look forward to your future scenarios as well.

[alzado_77]

Thanks! Yes the Granicus and Gaugamela are difficult ones to model. Hard to get the right balance between the Macedonians and Persians.

I like to use large maps to give players ample time to maneuver before contact, and this helps the Persian side especially at Gaugamela. Also I don't think the balance can be achieved by trying to replicate the Persians' numerical advantage [I tried ] so the Persian cavalry/Greek mercenary hoplite combo needs the quality 'nod' it probably deserves in any case, plus some terrain advantages.

There are plentiful tactical options at the Granicus and Issus, based on whether you decide to hold the river-line or not as the Persian player. At Gaugamela there is just enough of a decent Persian infantry component and terrain to make the cavalry arm viable.

[ZeaBed]

Thanks! Yes the Granicus and Gaugamela are difficult ones to model. Hard to get the right balance between the Macedonians and Persians.

I like to use large maps to give players ample time to maneuver before contact, and this helps the Persian side especially at Gaugamela. Also I don't think the balance can be achieved by trying to replicate the Persians' numerical advantage [I tried ] so the Persian cavalry/Greek mercenary hoplite combo needs the quality 'nod' it probably deserves in any case, plus some terrain advantages.

There are plentiful tactical options at the Granicus and Issus, based on whether you decide to hold the river-line or not as the Persian player. At Gaugamela there is just enough of a decent Persian infantry component and terrain to make the cavalry arm viable.

Good thinking there alzado77. Game balance is always a challenge. I too prefer a fairly complex scenario with a large map (with some exceptions) and, definitely, room to maneuver. I'm not a big fan of just a line of troop facing another in parallel formation with no space to maneuver at the side edges.

[alzado_77]

Another factor I've tried to key is the progression of Persian military thinking. The cavalry arm clearly gets heavier and heavier during the war against Alexander. The lance is taken up, horse and rider start to become cataphracted, the proportion of horse to infantry increases. It connects to the Parthian and still later, the Sassanid professional army. So part of the development is to break down the facile idea of a 'civilized' and disciplined macedonian force taking on the barbarian persian hordes...

[ZeaBed]

Some very interesting observations.

[alzado_77]

https://www.dropbox.com/s/nackxgd64kkeh ... ted%21.zip

The above is an alternate version of Gaugamela. The main difference is the Persian order of battle, which contains more light troops [especially light horse] and a higher proportion of mob-type levies, giving it more staying power over the long haul.