Victorious in their last game, the Spanish start this battle with two tactical cards and one extra army breakpoint. In order to maximize their chances of damaging the battle harden legionaries they choose the tactical cards Furious Melee and Storm Of Arrows (Javelins in this case).
The army advantage chart didn’t come into play this time, as no doubles were rolled when dicing to decide who would be the attacker. Losing this roll meant the Spanish would be the defenders in the coming battle. Only one piece of terrain (a large wood) made it onto the table this time. Placed on the edge of the Roman deployment area the Spanish hoped it would prove problematic for the enemy’s heavy infantry.
Although, Rome had station some velites in the forest their true intention was to march the heavy infantry past the woodlands. Once clear of the trees they would expand their line and close to contact
The Spanish plan was two fold. Firstly, they would double move their skirmishers into missile range and engage the enemy battle line. If the Caetrati managed to disorder any Roman units a secondary missile and melee attack would then be launched by the Scutarii in the second line. The bulk of their efforts would be concentrated in and around the forest area while the deadly Triarii on the opposite flank would be avoided for as long as possible.
Turn one: The Spanish push their left-wing forward hoping to restrict the Romans ability to redeploy past the wooded area. Skirmishing Caetrati score a few early successes with their javelins, disordering some of the legionaries as they advance. On the right the Spanish choose to expand rather than advance their line of battle towards the elite Triarii units. The Romans choose to move their entire army forward as quickly as possible.
Turn two: Once again the Spanish steal the initiative and charge the disordered Roman centre before it can rally. This doesn’t go as expected for the Spanish and they are forced back with heavy losses. Following up on their good fortune the Romans launch a counter attack in the centre when the initiative shifts in their favour. On Rome’s left heavy missile fire disorders their cavalry and drives their light troops back towards the base line.
Turn 3: Initially things start well for the Spanish as they begin by destroying a unit of Hastati. They also manage to cause a fair amount of pain to Rome’s left flank with some more accurate missile fire. In response the Roman heavy infantry increase their pressure on the Spanish centre. A second round of hard fighting here has left several units in both armies close to collapse. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the forest elements of Scutarii charge two isolated Roman units. Despite heavy casualties the Roman infantry stands fast, driving off their attackers. Even a last ditch attack from the trees can’t shift these steadfast legionaries.
Turn four: With just five points left on the time clock the Romans finally win the initiative in the centre. They promptly dispatch three units of light infantry along with the Spanish commander and chief. On the left, Rome’s medium cavalry charge and rout the Spanish light horse while their Triarii destroy yet another element of Scutarii. These losses are not only enough to break the Spanish army, but they also prevent them from replying in kind.
Although they were defeated here, Spain’s total campaign score finishes well above what Carthage could manage even with one game in hand. Only Rome has any chance of topping the Spanish total now. However, to do so they would need a decisive victory over the Carthaginian army in the last game of the campaign.