Hill Of Watchfires - Turn IX

The Praetorians that arrived as reinforcements at turn VII are unlikely to get into the action

The start-of-turn-event die is a 1, allowing Dacian archers to launch a surprise attack at a range of three hexes. My forward cavalry fit the criteria for a target, but 9+ is needed, and there is a +1 modifier for attacking from lower ground. The AI's dice land, not for the first time, as a miserable pair of 1s.

The movement phase begins with the archers holding their position as they have enemy in range and line-of-sight.

My forward cavalry leave the edge of the hill and place themselves between nearby trees and rocky ground. My other cavalry remain where they are.

The forward Praetorians advance diagonally left to confront the swordsmen who have reached the foot of the hill. The middle Praetorians advance diagonally into trees, and the rearward Praetorians move straight ahead.

The swordsmen on the Dacian left move to the foot of the hill.

My legion advances diagonally left, for a reason that will soon become clear.

Both units of flaxmen stand still.

My spearmen advance into rocky ground on the edge of the hill, leaving a route for my commander to advance diagonally left three hexes, and so be in position to support my forward Praetorians.

The Dacian warriors advance diagonally right.

The Dacians have not given up, but the odds are stacked against them