It was good to have P.I.G.S back in full action with all of the sty members present for the first time this year. Andrew W organizes a 15mm DBA game between an Arab Conquest army and a Thematic Byzantine army. As usual we organized a three game round robin which gives us an opportunity to play each other and use both armies and still get to finish our mid-week gaming at a reasonable time.

All of the figures were Andrew W’s, with most being Museum Miniatures painted by a variety of people over the ages.

The first game was between Andrew (Arabs) and David S.

The wily Byzantines held off their main attack until their light cavalry arrived from the left flank to provide an overlap on the extreme right. This exposed their left flank but David S hoped the Light infantry defending the fort would cause enough of a distraction to enable the battle to be decided on the other flank before their left was threatened.

An overview of the battle as the main battle lines come into contact.

The Arabs are initially repulsed but without damage.

Gaps appear in both lines as first Byzantine Skutatoi and then Arab cavalry heavy and light cavalry are destroyed. With the Arab flank turned it would only be a matter of time…..

Finally the Byzantines break through with gaps everywhere in the Arab line. A hard fought victory for the Eastern Roman Empire.

The next battle was between Dave S (Arabs) and Dave K.

(Dave M – a sort of mini Davecon of the past!!!)

The Byzantines were quickly on the back foot as a long range shot from the Arab archers killed the Eastern Roman Emperor with a six to one dice roll swing. With the Emperor counting as two of the allowed four victory elements lost and with all moves costing double “pip” points it was going to be difficult to pull this piece of bad luck back.

When the Byzantine light horse were destroyed the battle was over without the bulk of their Heavy Cavalry moving of the safety of their hill.

The final game was between Andrew W and David K (Arabs).

The armies face each other outside Constantinople (see top left of photo!!!).

Again it appeared that being the Eastern Roman Emperor was a CLM as not long into the battle the second Emperor for the night bit the dust – long live the Emperor!!

It was great to get back into some DBA gaming (and Suan’s much appreciated hospitality) with great fun being had by all.