Macedonians vs Persians ; tactics

Russ has been talking up his chances when we finally pitch Macedonians against the Persians.

The Late Persian Army comprises

* Darius (TC so only 4MU influence radius)
* 2 BG of Bactrian / Saka Heavy Cavalry (Superior, Armoured, Undrilled Cavalry - bow / swordsmen)
* 2 BG of Persian Heavy Cavalry (Average, Armoured, Undrilled, Light spear, swordsmen)
* 1 BG of Arachosian Light Horse (Average, Unprotected, Undrilled cavalry - javelins, light spear)
* 2 BG Hoplites (Average, Protected, Drilled Heavy Foot - offensive spearmen)
* 1 BG Persian crescent spearmen (Average, Protected, Undrilled Medium Foot - light spear)
* 1BG archers (Average Unprotected, Undrilled Light Foot - bow)
* 1 BG slingers (Average Unprotected, Undrilled Light Foot - sling).

However, he's been talking about having 12 bases of archers (2 BG) therefore I assume he's swapping his slingers for archers.

At first glance its a tough nut to crack.  A lot of good cavalry, some bow armed (allowing them to get some shooting in before making contact with enemy cavalry). 

But he's light in 'heavy' foot.  The Persians only field 3 BG of hoplites and Crescent spearmen will struggle in a face-to-face struggle with the Macedonian pikes - and the Macedonians also have Hypaspists and Hoplites in their ranks, making it 4BG vs 3BG.  In addition, note that his cavalry will be reluctant to hit the foot in melee as the spears / pikes will mean them fighting at a disadvantage.  The hope would be to get the skirmishing horse and Saka cavalry (with bow) in to degrade the foot through missile fire. 

The Persians (like the Carthaginians) have superior numbers in horses.  4BG of heavy cavalry against 2BG of cavalry and 1BG vs 1BG in light horse.  But the Macedonian Agema are Elite Lancers and should make short work of opposing cavalry they melee with (++POA in most cases) and the Thessalian Cavalry are no mugs either.  Could be interesting if melee does come into play as the extra Persian numbers could well overwhelm the limited numbers of Macedonians but the quality at impact could see those numbers whittled down before they can count.

The Macedonians have typically average skirmishing ability - javelins and slings.   This would meet the archers on a base for base basis (12 each) but the extra range of the archers could prove difficult to counter.  However, once in close combat the javelins have light spears so a + POA should start to degrade the archers once the stabbing starts.

Once again, therefore, I'll be favouring tight battlefields against open ones.  If I can pin his foot in place the Macedoninan heavy foot should smash his more limited numbers.  His horse will be reluctant to interfere but if they do then I have foot spears aplenty available.

The skirmishing should be interesting - I don't fancy taking on massed archers BUT I have to protect the foot.  I need to get to grips with those archers asap and get them into melee so I can get that firepower off the table.  This could be the key to most battles.

But there is an ace in the hole.  My Commander is Alexander - an Inspired commander.  12MU command radius and +2 on rolls.  I've suffered many a reverse from seeing Hannibal pull irons out of Carthaginian fires so it will be interesting to see if the reverse comes into play and I start making cohesion tests for fun.  So running the skirmishers forward with Alexander would mean getting stuck in without losing cohestion - then getting those lovely +POA's to bear.

The key is the horses.  I'm outnumbered but have better quality.  I might keep the horses by the spears on one flank so a BG of foot can steam in to tip the balance.  Or simply keep the heavy horse together to act as a battering ram at impact to reduce cohesion levels and bases.

Time will tell - but Russ will find it a very different challenge to the Carthaginians.  A lot more horse but less foot.

I'm really looking forward to this!