Last weekend I made my way up to Pennsylvania to check out a local wargaming group that, while I've known about for some time, I've never had a chance to check out.
I was very warmly welcomed by the attendees, and even got a chance to play in a couple games!
My first game was Command & Colors: Ancients, run by Cy and using his fantastic 28mm miniature collection instead of the original wooden blocks.
A classic matchup of Carthaginians and Romans, both sides were looking to reduce the enemy force down to 8 units.
The Romans were mostly made up of Medium and Light Infantry and Cavalry. The Carthaginians had some Medium and Light troops, but also had a mix of Warriors and Heavy Infantry as well.
The first clash occurred up on the nearby hill, with Punic cavalry slamming into each other. Both sides managed to lose their generals, but the Romans ended up with the advantage (especially with some hot dice rolls).
With more Light Cavalry on the Carthaginian right flank, the Italian allies were reluctant to leap into the waiting spears of the heavy Libyan infantry.
In the center, I had hoped to use a card combination to get the jump on the Gallic Warrior warbands before they could, but I got Hannibal'ed and the Gauls surged forward into the Roman lines.
The Carthaginians absolutely slaughtered the Roman center, trading their Gallic allies for the Roman Hastati, Principes, and Triarii. The Romans also lost their center General.
It was a bloodbath on both sides, but the Roman flanks managed to eke out a victory. Allied Italians on both flanks (cavalry and infantry) caused just enough casualties to push the Carthaginians over the break limit.
I really enjoyed the game. C&C:A is very quick to learn, with Cy able to teach four new players in just two-and-a-half hours. I may have to finally pick up a set myself.
