Burgundians vs Indians

[HoaryCenturion]

GRAND TRIUMPH! scenario featuring the ahistorical match of Burgundian Ordonnance versus Classical Indian. So, a separation of approximately 1,200 years to say nothing of the geographical distance.

Terrain was similar to the Hydaspes, with a flat, verdant plain decorated with a few pieces of textured or coloured paper to break up the ‘great green.’ The river was to the Burgundian right, just off the tabletop.

Armies were 144 points each, divided into 3 commands. The Indians drew up from edge to edge, with bad horse and 4-horse chariots on the right, a mass of bow levy and a handful of elephants in the center, then a mix of bow levy and heavy foot on the left. Including the army general, there were 5 stands of war elephants on this wing. The Burgundians placed all of their knights opposite the chariots. There was some bad horse and reserve archers as well. Their center, composed of pikemen, artillery, and skirmishers made for a kind of ‘thin blue line.’ The Burgundian right consisted of pavisiers and archers in equal measure.

The Indian right soon found itself in serious trouble versus the Burgundian knights. By Turn 5 this wing was demoralized, and by Turn 6 it was completely destroyed. The Indian left was rather discomforted by effective arrow volleys, which cause no end of command and control issues. A series of combat saw 4 units of Indians (including an elephant stand) go away against just a single unit of Burgundian archers. In the center of the field, the Burgundian artillery gave a master class on finding the range and inflicting damage. Several units of bow levy were shredded by projectiles.

A tabulation of losses at the close of Turn 9 informed that the score was: Indians 68 to Burgundians 16. With just 4 points to go until defeat, the Indians conceded the field.

A testament to ‘modern’ arms over ancient, of good dice over not so good, something else, or a combination of the explanations?