The Forest Road: Turn V: Attack Phase

This has the potential to be a significant turning point in the battle

I start with my rearward archers, who attack the cavalry ahead of them, needing 9+. There is a +1 modifier for bowmen shooting while engaged, but a -1 modifier thanks to the presence of legionaries. I roll exactly the 9 needed, and since the enemy unit cannot retreat to a square that is not adjacent to a Roman unit, the cavalry are destroyed.

I suddenly remember that in the movement phase I meant to reposition my commander so he would be placed to give a bonus to an attack by Praetorians, but somehow I forgot.

Never mind, on with the battle, and my next attack is by the rear archers of the two units close to the commander. It needs 9+, and there is a +1 modifier for being bowmen attacking at range one. However, there are three -1 modifiers, thanks to friendly units surrounding the Dacian horsemen, and I roll 9. Just like their comrades, the cavalry have nowhere to retreat to, so the unit is lost.

My furthest-forward archers shoot at the Dacian cavalrymen directly ahead, needing 9+. There are no modifiers, and I come up short with 7.

My cavalry are next to activate, and I begin with the rearward unit, which needs 8+ against Dacian horsemen.. I roll 10, causing the enemy to retreat three hexes.

My other cavalry attack the warriors on East Hill, needing 6+, but with +1 for attacking from rocky ground. I roll 8, inducing the warriors to flee the high ground and seek shelter in the trees to the north.

The danger of my force being swept away by the mounted Dacian hordes has largely evaporated