Battle on the Plain - Ilium: A Game of Heroes

It is the tenth year of the Achaean war with Troy. The loss of Hektor has brought the Trojans low but, from the East, Penthesileia has arrived with a contingent of fierce Amazonian warriors and archers, rallying to the Trojan cause. On the plain between the city walls and the Achaean camp, the rival armies muster. Between the lines of the massed fighters, a number of heroes and their selected promachoi range about, seeking honour and the chance to inspire their forces with deeds of great glory.

On one dusty part of the plain, the contingents of Helenos, prince of Troy, and Penthesileia, the Amazonian queen, advance as a compact body. Opposed to them, Menestheus, King of Athens, and Idomeneus, King of Crete advance more slowly.

Early shooting by the Trojan promachoi archers proves accurate, as the warriors of Menestheus start to fall.

Seeing his favourites in difficulty, Poseidon assumes human form and stalks across the plain to take up position next to Idomeneus, replacing one of the Cretan shield-bearers. However, the steps of the Earth-shaker make all the mortals hold their ground, meaning the expected reinforcements from both sides fail to arrive. 

Despite some well placed Achaean arrows, the archery of Helenos and his promachoi is peerless and the Athenian king, Menestheus, soon finds himself without support and under assault from Helenos. The Achaean king hurls his spear, striking and wounding the Trojan prince, but still he advances and the two heroes join in a duel.

Arriving later than expected, Machaon, the Thessalian lord, brings his contingent up in support of the beleaguered Athenians. Having almost entirely destroyed the Athenians, Helenos' Trojan promachoi reform to face the new threat.

Across the plain, Penthesileia's Amazons have been advancing on Idomeneus and his Cretans, shooting their bows, but with little effect. The Amazon queen leads the charge, heading straight for Poseidon's human form, ramming her sword home and sending the god back to Olympos.

The queen then turns her attention to the Cretan king and attacks Idomeneus, supported by her warriors. Idomeneus falls, causing a shockwave to ripple through his supporters. Most remain resolute, joining the contingent of Machaon but, for some, the loss of their leader is too much and they turn and flee.

The Trojan reinforcements led by the Dardanian prince, Aeneas, sneak around the rear of the ruins on the Achaean left flank and finish off the last of the Cretan promachoi as Penthesileia turns her attention to Machaon and his Thessalians who, having just driven back Helenos' contingent, leave the Trojan prince and Menestheus still locked in their duel. Neither hero seems capable of landing a killing blow.

Penthesileia's fury fells the first of Machaon's men as she finds herself suddenly surrounded.

But it is all too late for the Achaeans. Menestheus strikes at Helenos, missing the Trojan and leaving himself open to a counter-attack. Helenos' thrust which penetrates the Athenian king's defences and leaves him bleeding on the ground. With the odds stacked against him, Machaon and his remaining promachoi break off the skirmish and return to the main lines.

***

At the end of five turns, the Trojans had secured three Kleos, one for the death of Idomeneus in the melee, and two for Helenos' successful duel with Menestheus. The Achaeans failed to accrue any kleos this time, and indeed were lucky to escape without have any of the armour stripped their fallen heroes.

This was a playtest game between Andy and Shane at Clare Gaming and Hobbies in Ballyclare. I'd like to thank the lads for having a crack, and for John for letting me take up a table!