The Last Empire: Turn Six (300-290 BC)

Situation in 300 BC

The revolt dice (2-3) again land on IBERIA, but it is already independent.

Richard's Parthians are drawn first, and he attacks Mesopotamia, but 4 is not enough as there is a -1 modifier for attacking a controlled province.

The Romans attack Magna Graecia, but roll 3.

Andy's Carthaginians again attack ITALIA, but 4 is not enough.

I attack Persia and succeed with a 6.

I have slowed the Parthian revival

The Last Empire: Turn Five (310-300 BC)

Situation in 310 BC

The revolt dice (2-3) see IBERIA throw off Carthaginian rule.

Richard's Parthians are drawn first, and he conquers Persia with a 5.

Andy's Carthaginians take the interesting decision to attack ITALIA, but roll 1.

The Romans attack Magna Graecia, but roll 2.

I attack Persia, but roll 1.

The Parthian comeback is gaining momentum

The Last Empire: Turn Four (320-310 BC)

Situation in 320 BC

The revolt dice (4-2) land on Bactria, and so Richard's Persians are eliminated after all. If he ever manages to roll a 6 to free his homeland of Parthia, I will refer to his people from then on as Parthians.

Rome is drawn first and attacks Magna Graecia, but rolls 1.

Andy's Carthaginians also attack Magna Graecia, and succeed with 6.

My Macedonians no longer have Alexander the Great, but I get a +1 modifier for the next five turns for having recently had a great captain. I attack newly independent Bactria, and just succeed with a 3.

Richard rolls 6, reclaiming his Parthia homeland.

An eventful decade, with the Carthaginians gaining a foothold in mainland Italy, and the Persians being eliminated, only to return as the Parthians

The Last Empire: Turn Three (330-320 BC)

Situation in 330 BC

The revolt dice (5-3) land on independent Magna Graecia, and so have no effect.

This is the second turn in which, thanks to Alexander the Great, I get to launch five campaigns, all with a +2 modifier. I conquer Armenia (rolling a 4), Mesopotamia (2), Persia (2) and Parthia (4), but fail against Bactria by rolling 1.

The Romans are up next and they attack Magna Graecia, but roll 3.

Andy's Carthaginians also attack Magna Graecia, but their 4 is not enough as there is a -1 modifier for attacking outside of the original Carthaginian empire.

Richard's Persians, although not eliminated, cannot campaign as they only have one province, and it is not their homeland, so they try to free their homeland, but roll 4 (6 is needed).

Alexander the Great has given my Macedonians a fighting chance, even though I have not quite eliminated Richard's Persians

The Last Empire: Turn Two (340-330 BC)

Situation in 340 BC

The revolt dice (3-3) fall on independent Illyria, and so have no effect.

This is the first of two turns in which I get to launch five campaigns thanks to having Alexander the Great as a great captain. That gives me a +2 modifier and, providing I control Graecia, I ignore the usual -1 modifier for attacking a controlled province (other than a homeland). Naturally I start by conquering Graecia (rolling 5), then head east by invading Thracia (6), 'Asia' (5), Syria (2) and AEGYPTUS (2).

Richard is up next and he chooses to attack Syria, but rolls 1.

My regular opponent rolls 1, meaning he has consolidated control of ITALIA at the earliest possible moment.

Finally Andy attacks Magna Graecia, but 4 is not enough as he is outside Carthage's original empire.

My Macedonians have secured the east Mediterranean seaboard

The Last Empire: Introduction & Turn One

HAVING played three four-handed games of Philip Sabin's Empire, with each of us leading a different people in each game, we have got together to finish the series.

As before the players are me and my regular wargaming opponent, who does not wish to be named, together with our mutual friends, security consultant Richard Johnson and Andy, a serving officer in Britain's armed forces.

Here are the standings (four points for a win, three for coming second, etc) after three games:

ANDY

Game One: 4pts (Macedonians)

Game Two: 3.5pts (Persians/Parthians)

Game Three: 3pts (Romans)

Total: 10.5pts

ME

Game One: 3pts (Carthaginians)

Game Two: 3.5pts (Romans)

Game Three: 4pts (Persians)

Total: 10.5pts

RICHARD JOHNSON

Game One: 2pts (Romans)

Game Two: 1pt (Macedonians)

Game Three: 2pts (Carthaginians)

Total: 5pts

REGULAR OPPONENT

Game One: 1pt (Persians/Parthians)

Game Two: 2pts (Carthaginians)

Game Three: 1pt (Macedonians)

Total: 4pts

SCORES BY PEOPLES

Persians/Parthians: 8.5pts

Romans: 8.5pts

Carthaginians: 7pts

Macedonians: 6pts

So it falls neatly that in this fourth game Andy will lead the Carthaginians, I will have the Macedonians, Richard the Persians/Parthians and my regular opponent will lead the Romans.

The situation in 350 BC

TURN ONE (350-340 BC)

The revolt dice (3-5) land on Pontus, which throws off Persian rule.

I am drawn first, and I attack Graecia, but roll 2.

The Romans are next, but they cannot do anything as they first have to consolidate their rule in ITALIA, and to do that must roll a die number lower than the turn number.

Richard's Persians attack AEGYPTUS, but roll 3.

Andy's Carthaginians sail for Sicilia, making the naval crossing with a 6 and conquering the island thanks to rolling 5, which is enough despite a -1 modifier for attacking outside of the original Carthaginian empire.

Carthage is off to a good start

Summing Up My French Playthrough Of The Battle Of Sahagún

MY refight did not quite get down to the last turn, but it was an exciting finish nonetheless, with the battle very much in the balance to the last throw of the dice.

Both the Allied and French playthroughs of this battle were very different to the other engagements I have played from Mike Lambo's Battles Of Napoleonic Europe.

I cannot say I completely enjoyed the experience, especially the Allied playthrough, but then the previous battles set the bar very high.

Nevertheless I am looking forward to normal service being resumed, and am hoping to level our series as the AI now leads 5-4 (includes one scenario fought twice).

Battle Of Sahagún - French Playthrough: Turns Seven, Eight & Nine

Situation after turn six

TURN SEVEN

My activation dice are two 6s and 4.

General Debelle attacks the British cavalry, his two dice being reduced for attacking from a river hex. The die lands 6, reducing the enemy to two-strength.

The AI gets 5, 3, 2 and 1, which means the cavalry, who are in area 4, cannot be activated.

TURN EIGHT

I roll two 6s and 1, and so turn a 6 into 4.

General Debelle again attacks the British with one die, but this time rolls 2.

The AI gets two 5s, 4 and 3.

The cavalry attack my commander, their three dice being reduced for attacking from a river hex, and they roll 3 and 2.

TURN NINE

I roll 5, 3 and 2, so I reroll them all, again getting 5, 3 and 2, meaning Debelle cannot be activated.

The AI rolls two 6s, 4 and 1.

The cavalry attack General Debelle, their two dice landing 5 and 1, killing my commander.

Battle Of Sahagún - French Playthrough: Turn Six

Situation after turn five

My activation dice land 6, 2 and 1, so I turn wildcard 6 into 4.

My cavalry attack the British cavalry, their three dice increased by being next to General Debelle. I roll 5, two 4s and 1, reducing the British to two-strength and forcing them back two hexes.

Debelle advances one hex.

One more hex back and the British have lost

The AI gets 6, 5 and two 4s.

The cavalry roll 6, charging my cavalry. Their four dice are reduced for attacking from a river hex, but they roll two 6s and 2, eliminating my unit.

Debelle will have to work wonders to win this one

Battle Of Sahagún - French Playthrough: Turn Five

Situation after turn four

My activation dice are 6, 4 and 2, so I change wildcard 6 into 5.

My one-strength cavalry enter Sahagún and attack the enemy cavalry next to them, their two dice being increased for being next to General Debelle, and I roll an amazing three 5s, eliminating the British unit.

Debelle skirts round my other cavalry unit and attacks the remaining British unit, but rolls two 3s.

My two-strength cavalry attack the same target, their three dice being increased for being next to the commander. I roll 4 and three 1s, forcing the British back a hex.

The French have three units against one but my advantage in strength points is only 4-3

The AI's activation dice land 5, 4 and two 1s.

The cavalry roll 1, meaning they charge my one-strength cavalry. Their four dice are decreased for attacking from a river hex and for the target being in cover, but they roll 6 and 5, eliminating my unit.

And now the strength points are equal

Battle Of Sahagún - French Playthrough: Turn Four

Situation after turn three

My activation dice are two 5s and 1.

My one-strength cavalry attack the British left-flank cavalry, their two dice being increased for being next to General Debelle. I roll two 5s and 3, eliminating the British unit.

Lord Paget falls back one hex, then my three-strength cavalry fall back through Sahagún and charge the furthest forward British cavalry. Their four dice are increased by being next to the commander, I roll two 6s, two 5s and 3, eliminating the British unit.

The next half-turn promises to be crucial

The AI's activation dice are 6, 4, 3 and 2.

The forward British cavalry roll 4, meaning they move towards the nearest enemy, preferring to move vertically, and so attack my three-strength cavalry. Their four dice are reduced for attacking from a river. They roll 5, 2 and 1, reducing my unit to two-strength.

The other British cavalry roll 6, advancing on the nearest French, choosing the same target as has just been attacked as it is stronger than my other cavalry unit. Their four dice are reduced for attacking from a river hex. They roll 4 and two 3s, but there is no effect as the presence of General Debelle prevents retreating.

The battle around Sahagún is proving to be what the Battle of Sahagún is all about

Battle Of Sahagún - French Playthrough: Turn Three

Situation after turn two

My activation dice land 4, 2 and 1. I reroll 2 and 1, getting 6 and 5.

My three-strength cavalry charge Lord Paget, their four dice being reduced for being in a river hex and because the British commander is in cover, but I roll 5 and 3, killing him. General Debelle enters Sahagún, and my right-flank cavalry attack the British left-flank cavalry. Their three dice are increased by being next to Debelle, I roll 5, 3, 2 and 1, reducing the enemy unit to two-strength.

My other cavalry attack the artillery, their three dice being increased for being next to Debelle but reduced for attacking from a river hex. I roll 6, 5 and 1, eliminating the artillery.

The number of units is equal, but the British lead on strength points 11-8

The AI gets 5, 3 and two 2s, meaning all British units can be activated without any need for rerolling.

The left-flank British cavalry attack the French cavalry to their front. Their three dice are reduced for attacking from a river hex. They roll 5 and 4, reducing my unit to one-strength, but not forcing it back as being next to the commander cancels this.

The middle unit in area 3 charges my left-flank cavalry, their four dice giving them 5, two 4s and 1. My unit is reduced to one-strength, but General Debelle's presence means it does not retreat.

The forward cavalry in area 3 attack the same unit, their four dice being reduced for attacking from a river hex. They roll 6, 5 and 1, eliminating my unit.

The other cavalry in area 3 advance obliquely two hexes to their left.

The British right-flank seems to have arrived with perfect timing

Battle Of Sahagún - French Playthrough: Turn Two

Situation after turn one

My activation dice land 4, 3 and 2. I reroll them as 5, 4 and 1.

My forward cavalry advance two hexes and attack the artillery, their four dice being reduced for attacking from a river hex, and I roll a miserable two 2s and 1.

My other units also advance two hexes.

My aggressive plan of a quick attack looks about to backfire

The AI rolls two 5s and two 4s. One of each is rerolled, but become 4 and 1.

The artillery fire at my forward cavalry, their two dice being increased by one for being next to Lord Paget and by two for firing at short range. They land 6, 4, 3 and two 1s, reducing my unit to two-strength and forcing it back a hex. Lord Paget moves obliquely forward into the trees.

The left-flank British cavalry charge my right-flank cavalry. Their four dice are increased for being next to the commander but decreased for being in a river hex. They get 5, 4 and two 3s. My unit is reduced to two-strength, but does not have to retreat as it is next to General Debelle.

It was by no means as bad a half-turn as I feared

Battle Of Sahagún - French Playthrough: Setup & Turn One

IN this version of the 1808 Battle of Sahagún, the human gets General César Debelle and three units of cavalry.

The French start below the blue dashed line

I know the AI gets Lord Henry Paget, four units of cavalry and one of artillery, and that its units will be placed randomly, depending on dice throws.

I have placed all my units in one area, which I might regret!

In order to win I have to force all the British units back behind the red dashed line at any point after turn four.

The British have split into two forces, which might help me if I can attack one half of their army before the other half intervenes

TURN ONE

My activation dice are 6, 4 and 1, so I turn wildcard 6 into 5.

All my units advance two hexes.

The AI gets 4, 2 and two 1s. A 1 is rerolled, but becomes 6.

The forward cavalry in area 2 roll 4, meaning they close on my furthest-up unit, preferring vertical moves, of which they make one, before switching to oblique as a second vertical move would not take them nearer my lead unit. The other cavalry in area 2 roll 5, meaning they also close on my furthest-up unit, but preferring oblique moves.

The artillery roll 5, advancing one hex. Lord Paget also advances a hex, to be beside two British units instead of one.

It looks as if my hope of catching the British in two distinct formations will be foiled

Summing Up My Allied Playthrough Of The Battle Of Sahagún

THIS was a slightly unsatisfactory experience in that the outcome barely seemed in doubt, thanks largely to the passive programming of the French AI.

However, this rather accurately mirrors the French tactics at the real Battle of Sahagún, which makes for realism, if not for great fun.

And perhaps one should not moan if occasionally in wargaming a battle is very one-sided - this happens in real-life too.

Anyway, the good news from my view is I have levelled the score against the AI at 4-4, including one scenario fought twice.

Battle Of Sahagún - Allied Playthrough: Turn Eight

Situation after turn seven

My activation dice are 6 and two 5s. I reroll the 5s, getting 4 and 6, and I change my wildcard 6s into 3 and 2.

My artillery advance obliquely left, then Lord Paget enters the river and charges the French cavalry. His two dice are reduced for being in a river hex, and the roll is 1. Then my three-strength cavalry charge the French, their four dice being increased for being next to the commander. I roll 6, 5 and three 1s, reducing the French unit to one-strength.

My other cavalry also attack the French, rolling 5 and two 1s, eliminating the enemy unit.

Battle Of Sahagún - Allied Playthrough: Turn Seven

Situation after turn six

My activation dice are 6 and two 4s. I reroll one 4, getting 3, and change wildcard 6 into 2.

My artillery advance a hex, and my forward cavalry charge General Debelle. My four dice land 5, 4 and two 1s, killing the French commander.

My cavalry in area 4 move towards the remaining French unit, and Lord Paget moves right to be alongside them.

The French cannot possibly survive to the end of turn 10, can they?

The AI gets three 6s and 1, which means there is no point in rerolling.

The cavalry roll 3, charging my forward cavalry. Their four dice are decreased for being in a river hex. They roll 5, 3 and 2, reducing my unit to two-strength.

Next turn should see the end

Battle Of Sahagún - Allied Playthrough: Turn Six

Situation after turn five

My activation dice are two 2s and 1. I reroll a 2 and 1, getting 6 and 5. I change wildcard 6 into 4.

My cavalry in the river hex attack, their four dice being reduced because of their location. I roll 6 and two 5s, eliminating the one-strength French cavalry. The other cavalry in area 4 move two hexes obliquely forward to their left.

Lord Paget advances one square directly forward and one obliquely forward to his left. The cavalry next to him move through Sahagún and charge the remaining French cavalry. Their four dice are increased by being next to Lord Paget, and I roll three 4s, 3 and 3, but this has no effect as the retreats are cancelled by the French cavalry being next to General Debelle.

The Allied guns are far from the action, but it would be surprising if Lord Paget needed them

The AI gets 6, 4, 3 and 1. The 6 is rerolled, but becomes another 1.

The French cavalry attack my cavalry opposite them. Their four dice are increased by being next to General Debelle. They roll four 5s and 4, eliminating my unit.

The French are fighting back, but look doomed

Battle Of Sahagún - Allied Playthrough: Turn Five

Situation after turn four

My activation dice land 6, 5 and 3. I change wildcard 6 into 2, meaning I can activate all my troops.

My artillery fire at the cavalry opposite them. The two dice are increased for being next to Lord Paget. I roll 5 and two 4s, reducing the enemy unit to one-strength and forcing it back onto high ground on the edge of the battlefield.

My cavalry in area 5 advance obliquely left,

My left-flank cavalry advance one hex, and Lord Paget advances two hexes to be alongside them.

I will be stunned if I do not convert my advantage into a win

The AI gets two 3s, 2 and 1. There is no point in rerolling as that covers all its troops.

The right-wing cavalry roll 4, meaning they move down one hex.

General Debelle stands still as he cannot move nearer more friendly units.

The one-strength cavalry roll 3, meaning they charge my forward cavalry. Their two dice are increased for being on higher ground, but they roll 3 and two 2s.

Lord Paget is slightly askew on his hex, but otherwise all is going swimmingly for the British

Battle Of Sahagún - Allied Playthrough: Turn Four

Situation after turn three

My activation dice give me two 6s and 1. I reroll 1, getting 4, which is of no use, but I turn wildcard 6s into 3 and 5.

My artillery fire at the cavalry opposite them, the two dice being increased for being next to Lord Paget. I roll 6 and two 1s, reducing the enemy to two-strength.

My backward right-flank cavalry advance and attack the left-wing French. The four dice are reduced for being in a river hex, and I roll 4, 3 and 1, sending the French back a hex. My other right-flank cavalry advance and attack them, also rolling three dice. I roll 5, 4 and 2, eliminating the one-strength enemy.

Having created a numerical supremacy, I should probably now order a general advance

The AI gets 5, 4 and two 1s. A 1 is rerolled, becoming 2.

The right-wing French cavalry roll 2, which only has an effect if there are enemy within three hexes.

General Debelle cannot move adjacent to more units than is already the case, and so stands still.

Battle Of Sahagún - Allied Playthrough: Turn Three

Situation after turn two

My activation give me 6, 5 and 1. I reroll 1 as 2, and turn wildcard 6 into 4.

My right-flank hussars attack the French near them, rolling 6, 5, 4 and 1, reducing the French unit to one-strength and forcing it back a hex, the latter being unfortunate as it puts the unit out of the reach of my area 4 cavalry (I had not considered this possibility - if I had I might have turned the wildcard 6 into a 3 to activate my artillery).

I advance my area 4 cavalry obliquely forward one hex to their right.

I leave Lord Paget and the area 2 cavalry where they are.

The AI's cautious tactics are not paying off, at least so far

The AI rolls 6, 5 3 and 2. The 6 is rerolled as a 4, which does not help the French as they have no troops in area 4.

General Debelle moves left to be adjacent to his right-wing cavalry.

The cavalry in area 3 roll 2, but this only has an effect if there are enemy within three hexes.

The left-wing cavalry roll 3, meaning they charge the enemy nearest them. Their two dice are decreased for being in a river hex, and they roll 3.

The British are yet to lose a strength point

Battle Of Sahagún - Allied Playthrough: Turn Two

Situation after turn one

My activation dice land 6, 5 and 2. I reroll the 5 as 4, and turn wildcard 6 into 3, meaning I can again activate every unit.

My cavalry in area 4 effectively move two hexes to their right,

I move Lord Paget back a hex so he is supporting my artillery, and I leave my cavalry in area 2 where they are.

The cavalry from area 3 join my right-flank cavalry, and my artillery fire at the same unit as last turn, again with three dice. I roll 6, 5 and 1, eliminating the French unit.

Not a great start for the French

The AI's activation dice are 6, 5, 3 and 2. The 6 is rerolled, but becomes another 5.

General Debelle does not move.

The cavalry next to him roll 4 and so move down one hex.

The left-wing cavalry also roll 4 and move down one hex.

The AI is not distinguishing itself