It's Peter's fault. He likes working a problem until he cracks it, and getting Franks to beat Romans is a problem. Here's (https://wargamingwithoutdice.blogspot.com/2025/02/last-look-at-last-stand.html) his latest attempt at a solution.
:)
Interesting and well illustrated game report, with lots of pointers to how your rules work, which is always interesting.
I wonder if Peter's 'Frank' foot army, really needs to imitate earlier German armies that used terrain to conceal positions and numbers and help protect the army's flanks and rear?
It is a very open battlefield where Peter accepted battle and his limited cavalry arm, means he has limited time to defeat Roman centre before his flanks (or rear) are 'turned'.
I suppose Peter's oher option is to refuse a flank and attack in echelon, with his best warriors leading and their flank protected by their cavalry and perhaps a second line (or reserve line).
All enjoyable and thought provoking. Well done for persisting with your armies and game / rules design.
CarlL
According to the sources, Syagrius was eager to meet Clovis in battle and the defeat was a surprise. I could try the infantry wedge - it was something the Franks used later in Italy against the Byzantines at Volturnus. They successfully pierced the Roman centre but were hit in the rear by Roman cavalry, a bit like this game.
Infantry wedges are a special formation in Optio. One unit with the general/commander advances forwards and the units of the same battleline advance with it in echelon. Maybe I'll try a solo rerun of this battle using the wedge.