MrFarrow2u (plus Jack & Amys!!) DBA Page

BTGG2 - Khazars vs Arab Conquest

2009-07-19T17:36:00.014+01:00

We're back! So here we go Beyond the Golden Gate game 2. Khazars (Jack) versus the Arab Conquest (me). Both very heavy on the horsemen, Jack's plan was to have a big left flank of Cavalry & Light Horse. Whilst he centre had the Khazar Hordes, Arty & The 'Beg' in his War Wagon. I matched the Khazars with Cavalry & Warband. My left would comprise Light Horse, Bow & Warband.

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Da Battle Plan

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The Armies on the start line.

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Arab Cavalry ready to pounce.

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The 'Beg' & his War Wagon, Artillery and Hordes.

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Khazar Light Horse race along the flank.

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Arab slingers race for the rough.

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Khazar Light Horse clash with Arab Cavalry, advantage to the Khazars.

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The foot troops are far, far behind...

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It's one - nil to the Khazars....

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Plan of attacks at this stage.

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The Arab Cavalry now match the Khazar Light Horse.

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Now the Arabs press the advantage.

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New round and again the Khazars are forced back.

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Big Scrap coming up on this flank...

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The Khazar foot are slow to advance.

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I commit the Arab General & his bodyguard, hopefully they'll outflank the Khazar attack.

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The 'Faithful' get ready to engage....

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One day they'll arrive...

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Ha! Advantage to Jack, he manages to get the Khazar Cavalry to attack the Arab flank.

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Elsewhere it's an even match up.

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After many rounds of combat, finally some casualties.

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The Arab Warband get stuck in...

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Jacks die rolling is spot on, another Arab Casualty.

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The Arab line starts to 'bulge', will Jack be successful?

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At last a turning point, the Arab Horse fight back.

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No No Jack, Arab Cavalry versus Khazar Psiloi, a poor match up for him.

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On the extreme Arab Right Flank, I finally get the advantage.

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The foot troops are about to clash... Hoorar!

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Jack presses again, another Arab casualty.

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2 Arab Cavalry versus 1 Khazar Light Horse, come on!

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Arab Warband swamp the Khazar Cavalry.

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On the Arab left flank, Jack finally mobilizes his Light Horse, I just give ground.

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Yes, the Arabs are winning, Jack gives ground now.

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Lucky, Jack's Khazar Light Horse escapes....

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The Arabs close in for the kill....

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Whoops, I'd better get the Arab Light Horse back.

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Oh... It's looking good for the Arabs!

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No, Jack won't get through there...

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The Khazar Hordes launch an attack...

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The whole Khazar Cavalry are recoiled, victory must come soon!

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The Arab Warband take out a Khazar Horde!

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Jack's had enough, on his turn high PiP dice and everyone is piled in!

BISH! Down goes a Arab Light Horse....

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BOSH! The Khazar Hordes gang up on a poor Arab Psiloi.

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BASH! Khazar Psiloi wipe out some Arab Cavalry.

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However most of the Cavalry are forced back!

Jack deliberately leaves the Cavalry on the end of the line for the last combat....

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It's a bad position for him, if he's forced back it's game over....

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NO NO NO NO NOOOOOO! The dice are rolled, Jack doubles my score....

Off he goes arms aloft, running round the room, uttering victory chants.

My die reaches the statosphere as I throw it out of the window. boo hoo

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Final positions......

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He's pulled off another victory, but that was very very close! That final round was a corker.

A good Cavalry scrap, however we both should of waited for the foot troops to get involved. If I get to play the Khazars next, then everyone is staying in line with the 'Beg'.

How's it going MrF June 2009?

2009-06-30T12:59:00.003+01:00

Well, basically it isn't... Far too much to do, work, work, work, work & soon some holidays. No time for gaming or painting. Sorry folks but it will probably be the back end of July before there's anything new to report. Take care & happy gaming.....

BTGG1 Byzantines vs Sassanids

2009-06-11T10:49:00.013+01:00

The first game in our 'Beyond the Golden Gate' Campaign. Jack took the Sassanids (boo hiss) while I had to have the Byzantines. Double sized armies on a large table, plenty of Horsemen as well. It would be nice to see the large 6 figure Byzantine Cavalry elements in action too. One side of the battlefield had small hills, while rough terrain was placed on the other.

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Byzantines on the left & Sassanids on the right.

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Set-up & direction of attacks.

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A large open area dominated the centre.

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The Byzantine right had Light Horse & Psiloi, I'm after Jack's camp...

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The mighty Sassanid host, Clibinarii, Cataphracts & Elephants

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The Byzantine centre, Cavalry, Knight & Blades

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On the Byzantine right, the Horsemen manoeuvre for position.

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On the other flank, the Byzantine have the numbers, could I make them count though?

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Arrows fly across the field as the Horsemen clash...

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Ha Ha! Back go the Sassanids...

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The Sassanid lights race for cover...

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The centre lines are about to clash...

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Jack's got the numbers on this side...

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Boo! Down goes one of the big Byzantine Cavalry elements.

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Another round & recoils...

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The Sassanid line is in a nice shape, I'm struggling to adjust the Byzantine line.

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Come on... Hopefully the Byzantine Light Horse will 'do the job'.

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Wooaa Lovely pic... The centre engages....

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Bow & Lance, Man & Horse.....

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I'm banking on this one, the Elite German Horse seek out the Sassanid Hordes....

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The Sassanids get the upper hand in the centre....

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....and again another Byzantine goes down. The best I can do is force back the Sassanids.

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Gggrrrrr.... Back go the Byzantine Light Horse on the flank.

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The Sassanids bully the Byzantines...

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RaHOO!!!! The Mighty Sassanid Hordes get ready for action!!!

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The centre is all over the place.

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The Sassanid Light Horse get the better of the Hun Light Horse.

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Pile in everything!!!! Surely the Byzantine left flank can win through...??

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Even the Byzantine General is committed to the action.

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AAAAARRGGHH!! Just when the dice roll for me..

Jack 'invokes' the Sassanid General's special ability, Divinity.

He gets to re-roll the dice and.....down go the Byzantine Light Horse.

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I'm shaking my head at this point....

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At least the Byzantine General is fighting back.

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Down goes casualties 7 & 8, Victory to the Mighty Sassanids.....

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We finish off the turn... A small consolation for the Byzantines....

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Well on the scale of 'Whoopings' that has to be the Biggest Whooping of all time....

Jack is happy once more, he's back to winning ways. Cue the sound of 'EASY EASY EASY'

Procedure for an EASY (Cocky teenager teasing their father)

1. Place both arms, out-streched to the side

2. Bring both out-stretched arms together overhead & clap hands.

3. Throughout shout EASY EASY EASY!

4. Repeat.... Getting faster & louder!

Oh the shame! My Byzantine generalship is truly appalling.

III/51 Normans

2009-06-06T12:11:00.006+01:00

Here's our Norman army just to finish off our dip into the realms of 1066. Very heavy on the Knights, with Cavalry, Spear & Psiloi. We've had to dig deep into our Early Crusader army just to make up the quota of Knights.

III/51 Norman or Western Frankish 888AD - 1072Ad
1x3Kn(Gen), 5x3(Kn), 1x3Kn or 3Cv or 2Lh, 1x3Kn or 3Cv,
2x4Sp, 2x2Ps or 3Bw

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The Mighty host.....

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The Horsemen ready for action..

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Duke William leads the Knights under the Papal Banner.

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The 'Heroic' Breton Cavalry, who caused so much damage in our Hastings game.

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Light Horse

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Norman Spears

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Bows

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Psiloi.

DBA Battle of Hastings 1066

2009-05-31T12:42:00.020+01:00

Right then, it's off to the Battle of Hastings, keeping the theme of '1066 the Battle for Middle Earth'.... Our intrepid heroes have just thrashed the mighty Vikingr. No sooner have they settled down for a cup of nettle tea, then news reaches them that 'The Orcs' have landed, the Normans have hit the shores of Middle-Earth.

To run this game we used the 'Battle of Hastings' scenario from the book on the left, Historical Medieval Battles by Peter Sides. It's basically full of famous battles set to DBA/DBM Army sizes. Well worth it, if you can get hold of a copy. In this scenario the Norman's have 26 elements to the Anglo-Saxon's 21. We set victory for the first 8 kills. Extra rules for the battle..... First, the Anglo-Saxon's would have to hold the hill in a Shieldwall & could not advance 'en masse'. Second, ...however if a combat resulted in an enemy recoil or any Norman element in contact retreated, then the Anglo-Saxon element would follow up (like a Knight). This would give a little realism to Anglo-Saxon's actions on the day.

Well Jack & Amy's 'bloodlust' was up & they opted for command of the Norman's, while yours truly would be 'pinned' to Senlac Hill........... Bring it On!!!

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The Battle of Hastings set-up

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Anglo-Saxon set-up

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The Norman's arrayed in three Battle groups...

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The Norman's Attack!

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Up the hill they come, Spear & Bow first.

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Harold's Huscarls stand ready...

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The Breton's advance, the Breton Cavalry is ready to help out.

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Arrows & Bolts fly everywhere, but only 1 element recoils.

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In go the Norman Spears.....

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RaHoo!!! Down go TWO Norman Spears..!!

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HA HA HA!!! Take the pain Jack!

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On the left it's pretty much stalemate.

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Overview at this point, the Norman centre is buckling,

while on the right it could be a bit tricky as the Anglo-Saxon

Shieldwall is getting dragged down the hill.

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Jack sees the opportunity & the Breton Cavalry advances.

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Norman Knights wait for an opening.

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The right flank, the Breton's give ground.

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In the centre, the Norman Knights advance to plug the gap.

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It's not good for the Anglo-Saxon's, as they get dragged down the

hill in the centre.

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The Norman's have the advantage in numbers on the right.

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A better view of the right flank.

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Aaaargh! The Breton Cavalry pounces....

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Booo! Down go the Heroic Fyrd.

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Some Huscarls are mega impetuous & push the Norman's right down the Hill.

Meanwhile the Norman Knights Charge!!!!!

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The charge of the Huscarls!

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However the supporting Huscarls are pushed back.

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The Breton Spears retire, dragging the Anglo-Saxons with them.

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Overview of the battle. The Anglo-Saxon lines are shown in dotted Maroon.

However the Shiedwall is broken in too many places (broad maroon line).

The Anglo-Saxon right flank is not looking good.

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Good Old Harold stands like a Rock.

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Jack is slowly picking apart the Anglo-Saxon right flank.....

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The Norman centre is steadied & the attack is back on.

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Come on! The Huscarls hack the Norman's to pieces...

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Nooooo! The Spear & Cavalry combo's are killing the Anglo-Saxon Right.

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Another view of the right flank.

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On the left flank, Amy sends in the Norman Knights.

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YES!!! What an opportunity, the MAD Huscarls hack their way through....

.....Duke William is in sight!

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The casualties are mounting for the Anglo-Saxon's.

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The Breton Cavalry is running the show.

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"It's Clobbering time!".....in goes Harold

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Amy's Knights gallop up the hill.

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Visions of a great Victory are..... dashed!

Duke William holds out & the MAD Huscarls bite the dust.

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The Anglo-Saxon's are still in the game... Come on!!

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ANNOYING!!!! The pesky Breton Cavalry..........

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Go on our Harold!!! The Dragon Banner is flying in the wind.

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The right flank is a shambles.... From an Anglo-Saxon point of view!

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'Harold & the Fyrd' could swing the battle!

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I quickly form a defence on the right.

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Another Norman is thrashed in the centre...

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It's carnage, but it's close.... Casualties all over.

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NOOO!! The Normans take the day 8-6...

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However.... Our Harold isn't a casualty....

Edith Swan-Neck, on a white charger, gallops to Harolds rescue.

They leg it from Senlac Hill......... To raise another Army????

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The horror's are whooping loudly, The Normans win our version of Hastings, just like history. However it was very close indeed. We felt the extra rules were spot on, the splintering of the Shieldwall worked well. It allowed the Breton Cavalry to make a big impression.

SO, does it end here? Who knows perhaps a Anglo-Saxon/Welsh/Scots Army may take on William the Conqueror next???

DBA Battle of Stamford Bridge 1066

2009-05-25T20:32:00.007+01:00

So... Off we went to the DBA table to re-fight The Battle of Stamford Bridge. A quick look round at existing scenarios reveiled two possibles, the first was from Peter Sides Historical Medieval Battles (we'll use this book for our Hastings Battle), a cracking book of DBA/DBM battles.

However we went with Arnstein Orten's scenario, here's a link to it..
http://folk.uio.no/arnsteio/DBA/stamford.html . Standard 12 elements each side, except that the Viking army has two units deployed on the opposite side of the river at the start of the game, these are a holding force. The main Viking force awaits Harold on the other side of the river. Plus there are two elements off table (guarding the Viking fleet). After Harold & his boys cross the river AND if a roll is made then these two elements are released. I played the mighty Vikingr & Amy played the Anglo-Saxons, she was eager to have Tofi & Leofric bash the Vikings!

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The set-up of the battle.

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The mighty Vikingr!!!

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Harold & the boys make short work of the Vikings at the bridge.

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The Viking Psiloi leg it across the river & take a position on the flank.

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Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to scrap we go......

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The Viking Psiloi get stuck in.

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The Anglo-Saxons cross the river & the Viking reinforcements are called for.

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The lines form up....

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Amy sends some Spears to aid the Anglo-Saxon Psiloi & duly takes out

the pesky Viking Javelin throwers.

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Kapow, thud, bop...... Both lines engage & recoils occur.

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Up-close to the action (Amy took this pic...not bad!)

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Same round...Different angles....

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Another round & this time casualties.

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An Anglo-Saxon Spear bites the dust...

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A Viking Blade....

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....and another Anglo-Saxon Spear.

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Amy rolls high PiPs & she reforms the Anglo-Saxon line.

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A couple more rounds & the fighting is back on....

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It's back & forth...

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The Vikings fight back...

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Amy manages to flank the Viking line & a chance for victory....

But the mighty Norsemen hold firm!

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WAAAaarrrrggh!! The Vikings fight back & the battle is evenly matched.

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OOO... A possible advantage on this flank for the Vikings??

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NOOOO!!! Amy sends in everything on the other flank & finally the Vikings fall.

Victory to Harold's Boys!

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A nice scenario, well matched & very close at the end. Well worth a try out if you like the period. Now we'll re-fight Hastings, let's see if Harold & the Huscarls can change history....

III/71 Anglo-Danish

2009-05-24T18:40:00.005+01:00

Cracking 2 part program on the box this week, 1066 The Battle for Middle-Earth, recounting the 3 battles that took place during the fateful year of 1066. A great watch, if you missed it or can't receive Channel 4 then here's a link to catch up TV http://www.channel4.com/programmes/1066/catch-up

SO.... Off we went to the DBA boxes & morphed a Anglo-Saxon army to battle the VIKINGR! Tofi, Leofric and Ordgar come to life on our battlefield & we re-fought the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Hopefully we'll re-fight Hastings against the nasty Normans later...

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The heroic Army ready to defend Middle-Earth

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King Harold

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King Harold & the Huscarls (Blades)

(sounds like a dodgy Boy Band!!! ooo eerr)

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Anglo-Saxon Fyrd (Spears)

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Psiloi

III/40a Viking

2009-05-16T16:31:00.008+01:00

Rowing.. Rowing.. Rowing.. Rowing.. Rowing..

Here's our Viking Army ready to raid the British Isles.... Coming from the North east of England there's lots of reminders of Viking influence, the city of YORK with it's JORVIK centre is just down the road http://www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/ . While further up North there's many more historical sites. It's a pity then, that we haven't played too many games with the Vikings. I can feel an game idea coming on....

III/40a Viking 790-849AD
1x4Bd(Gen), 2x4Bd, 8x3Bd, 1x3Bd or 3Wb or 2Ps

With a few extra elements we can easily morph the other options in the Viking/Leidang list.

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The mighty Vikings....

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The Viking Chieftain up close with his band of merry men

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Extra Viking Blades

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Viking Warband

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The massed ranks

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Viking camp, a wrecked ship on the beach.

Beyond the Golden Gate Intro

2009-05-09T18:26:00.006+01:00

I've always had a interest in Warhammer Ancient Battles (alright don't boo too much..), indeed it what we started with. However it didn't work out for our style of gaming, obviously DBA was the way for us. One thing continued though & that is collecting the WAB Supplements. No matter what you think of Games Workshop, you cannot fault any of publications for information & photo quality. One absolute favourite of mine is BYZANTINE: Beyond the Golden Gate. I've mentioned before that I love the Sassanid Persians, so.... here's our next campaign.

One check of the DBA Rulebook and in the Suggested Historical Campaigns is THE RISE OF ISLAM 633AD. We'll let the Byzantines, Sassanids, Arab Conquest & the KHAZARS battle it out. I had fancied using all six of the armies suggested but the III/1 Slavs looked very boring, so we'll stick with just the four. Of course we like to 'SPICE' things up, so as well as giving each leader an attribute.... we are going to use DOUBLE sized DBA armies too...... }:o)

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II/69 Sassanid Persians

1x3Cv(G), 8x3Cv, 3x4Kn, 2x2LH, 2xEl, 2x3Ax, 4x7Hd, 2x2Ps
(Instead of a 2nd General added an extra 1x3Kn)

KHOSROE II = Divinity, re-roll any dice roll twice per game.

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III/25. Arab Conquest
1x3Cv(G), 9x3Cv, 2x2LH, 8x3Wb, 4x3Bw

(Instead of a 2nd General added an extra 1x3Cv)

Saad Ibn Waqqas = SWIFT, +100 Paces to own Groups Movement

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III/16. Khazar

1xWWg(G), 6x3Cv, 8x2LH, 4x7Hd, 4x2Ps, 1xArt.

(Instead of a 2nd War Wagon +Arty, we've added 2x3Cv)

The BEG = WISE, +1 PiP per round

(The 'Beg' was the military leader of the Khazars rather like a Shogun)

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III/17. Maurikian Byzantine

1x6Cv(G), 6x6Cv, 6x2LH, 3x3Kn(Optimates), 4x4 Bd + 4x2Ps
(Swapped out the 2nd General for an extra 1x3Kn)

Heraclius = RASH, can make own group double move to end in combat
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Special ability (or disability) Chart

2D6 was rolled for each one & matched against the following chart.

2 SLOW = -100 to own GROUPS move

3-4 IDIOT = -1 PIP per round.

5-6 WISE = +1 PIP per round.

7 SWIFT = +100 Paces to own GROUPS move

8 RASH = Can make own group Double move but must end in Combat.

9 SCRAPPER = Extra +1 to Combat rolls (own element)

10 ROCK HARD = Any KILL result drops to a RECOIL (own element, once per battle)

11 DIVINITY = Re-Roll any die (1-3 times per game)

12 LUCKY = Roll two combat dice & discards the lower

DBA II/33 Polybian Roman

2009-05-03T13:17:00.005+01:00

Here's our Polybian Roman's, a superb army, probably one of my favourites because of it's simplicity, but still extremely effective. They have always done well in our games. This lot are by Essex Minis, very nice castings & easy to paint as well.

II/33 Polybian Roman 275 - 105BC
1x3Cv(Gen), 1x3Cv, 6x4Bd, 2x4Sp, 2x2Ps

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Massed Ranks ready for War.....

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Roman Cavalry & General

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'Hastati & Principes', the Mighty Roman Blades.

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'Triarii', the veterans of the army, Roman Spears.

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'Velites', the Roman Psiloi.

PUN6 Rome vs Syracuse

2009-05-01T20:12:00.007+01:00

Work.. Work.. Work.. Work.. Work....... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

..Finally, the last round of our Epic Punic Wars Saga. The Polybian Romans, led by yours truly against the Syracusans, led by Jack.

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The Syracusan & Polybian Roman line-ups.

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Plan of attacks..

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Jack rolls decent PiPs & he sends forward a group of Spears.

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'Err... What are we doing here lads?'

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I am bemused by Jacks move.....

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Lovely view of the Polybians.

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Oh it's looking good.

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'On they came in the same old style....'

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Clash of Arms all along the battle-line.

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Oh it's a Disaster for Syracuse!

First Blood to Rome, down go 2 Syracusans.

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Recoils & Flee for the Syracusan Horsemen..... Plus the 2 casualties up close.

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A fight back, the Roman Psiloi are repulsed.

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Jack matches up the Romans.

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The end is nigh!! The Romans batter the Syracusans.

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Final positions

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Well that wasn't a suprise! The Polybian Romans are an extremely effective killing machine. They are Kings of the Med. Final points total for our Punic Campaign...

Polybian Romans --- 9 + 10 + 9 =28

Carthage --- 1 + 9 + 9 = 19

Gallic --- 11 + 0 + 1 = 12

Syracuse --- 0 + 2 + 2 = 4

IV/80 Hussite

2009-04-24T14:47:00.004+01:00

Woe.. Work's been taken it's toll lately, so here's a quick update. Here's our Hussite Army, it did do rather well in one of our earlier games. Lots of War Wagons, just don't go charging your Knights into them....

IV/80 Hussite 1419-1434 AD & 1464-1471 AD
1x3Kn or 4Bd(Gen), 1x2Lh, 5xWWg, 4x4Bd, 1xArt

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PUN5 Carthage vs Gaul

2009-04-12T17:07:00.006+01:00

General Mago visits Gaul with his band of merry men, unfortunately for the Carthaginians snow has fallen early. Makes for a nice setting to Round 5 of our Punic Campaign. Jack played the Gallic Army & went with Light Chariots. Yours truly the Carthaginians & both Jumbo options. To spice things up, we agreed that the Carthaginians were not allowed to field any Warband. (Jack insisted that all the Gallc Warbands would not fight for Carthage against Gaul!). Instead Carthage had 4 elements of Psiloi.

Terrain consisted of a River Valley, one side dominated by a hill, the other a large wood. Two small patches of rough ran side by side with the river.

The Carthaginian plan was to simply hammer the Gauls. The Gallic plan was to use the Chariots a fast attack wing, while holding the centre with the Gallic Warbands.

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The Carthaginans & the Gallic Armies.

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The plan of attacks

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Jack's Chariots are off on the right hand side.

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Carthaginian Psiloi sweep the left. I mumble to myself, why did I put that lone Spear out there.

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mmmm....

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But I'm brought back to my senses, as Jack's Gallic blitz takes out the Carthaginian Light Horse.

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In response, I withdraw the Carthaginian General & turn the Spears.

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Jack's move, in go the Gallic Warband's, charging straight into the Jumbo's.

Whilst the Gallic General cuts off one of the Elephant's escape route.

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It could of been..... A great Victory, if the Dice had rolled for Jack.

However, one of the Jumbo's stomps the Warband. Whilst unluckily for Jack, the other recoils...

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Same combat - different view.

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My turn, back go those Spear's, don't want them 'stomped on' by a beserk Jumbo.

In go the Jumbo's and General Mago takes on the Chariots.

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Ah, I like these odds....

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General Mago takes on the Chariot.

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Back goes the chariot......

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.....SQUISH go the Gallic Warband. Victory to Carthage!!!!

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Final view of the Battlefield.

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Victory to Carthage, in the end the Jumbo's did the job. It would of been nice to see a Cathaginian Psiloi blitz on the left flank though. Next up, Rome vs Syracuse.

BBDBA II/78(a) Late Imperial Roman (Western)

2009-04-10T09:40:00.004+01:00

Here's the BBDBA version of out Late Western Romans. Lots of Blades & Auxilia, but now with lots of horsemen to deal with those nasty Barbarians.

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II/78 Late Imperial Roman (Western)

2009-04-07T15:21:00.003+01:00

It's ages since we posted a DBA Army, so here we are. Late Western Imperial Romans, ready to defend the Empire from hordes of Barbarians.

II/78(a) Late Imperial Roman (Western)
1x3Cv(Gen), 1x3Cv, 2x2Lh, 2x4Bd, 3x3Ax, 2x2Ps, 1x4Kn or Art or 4Bd

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The Romans arrayed for war.

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Roman General, Cavalry & Knights

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Roman Psiloi

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Roman Auxilia

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Heroic Roman Blades

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Light Horse

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Roman Artillery

DBA Medieval Germans vs 100YW English

2009-03-20T12:08:00.008Z

Now a little scrap between two Medieval Armies. Amy loves the Medieval period & has a special fondness for Knights. So what better than the Medieval Germans with 4 elements of Knights including the BIG 6KN elements. I've never got round to finishing off our French so I went with 100YW English. Lots of English Longbow to counter the host of German Knights. Also it would be a nice build up to our First World War armies that we are creating, so we'll also be doing a few other German vs English battles throughout history.

A very simple battlefield with some marshes & woods providing the cover. The English would be defending, knowing that Amy would charge in with the Knights, I would use the English Knights as bait & try to turn the Germans onto the English Longbows. Hopefully the battle would be over before the strong German Foot troops would be able to engage. Would it work...?

IV/13b Medieval German 1236-1450AD
1x3Kn(Gen), 1x3Kn, 2x6Kn, 1x4Bd, 1x4Cb, 2x4Sp, 2x4Pk, 2x2Ps

IV/62 100YW English
1x3Kn(Gen), 2X3Kn, 6X4Lb, 1x3Sp,1x4Bd, 1xArt.

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The Battlefield & element movements.

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The mighty Germans

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The Heroic English!!!
(Whoops... a Xb element has slipped into the English Army instead of a Longbow)

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They're off! The mighty German Knights fly across the field.

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There's the Bait, the Germans turn to face the English Knights.

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Just in case, the English Heavy Foot square up to the German Foot.

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The VERY Heavy German Foot - Pike, Spear & Blade.

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I would use Archers as a sneaky option...

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Oh no.... I get carried away & the English Longbows advance TOO FAR!

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The German Knights check their advance, the German Foot march on.

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Arrows fly but the dice are poor for the English.

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The English King sends the Knights to fight a lone German Knight on the flank.....

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The troops in the South are getting in position... Amy attacks with Pike & Blade.

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The English Artillery turn into Mobile Artillery many years before their time (D'OH!).

In a moment of madness I advance them too far, without Archer support.

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Arrows still fly, Amy holds her nerve & is patient.

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At last the Knights recoil, but can you see the opening for the Germans.....?

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More recoils...

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HA HA!!! With Blitzkrieg speed Amy charges in the German Duke....

Taking out the English Artillery.

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RaHoo! English Longbows take out the a German element. However Amy turns her Blades into Stormtroopers & they go hunting English Bows.

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The English King must come & save the day!

Another General vs General scrap coming up.

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With a mad frenzy unleashed, the German Blades carve up the English.

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GGGrrrrrrrrr... Another English casualty.

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At last a glimmer of hope... The line is steadied.

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The battle reaches a critical point, mini combats push each other back & forth.

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The Dice Gods abandon me! (that's my excuse anyway)

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The heroic English put up a mighty effort, but the Germans won't go down.

Finally the German Blades finish off the English Bows.

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Raise high the Black flags!!! Nasty looking German Blades win the day.

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I've been whooped with this one. Don't you love it when a plan doesn't come together? With hindsight, I should of gone with Blades instead of Knights. As only 1 out of 3 English Knights engaged in combat. However, I threw this one away by pushing the Bows & Arty too far forward. Plus the English Bows in the woods didn't help. But I'll take nothing away from Amy's victory... Well Done!

PUN4 Carthage vs Syracuse

2009-03-10T09:36:00.013Z

Carthage takes on Syracuse now. Jack took the Syracusan's & was on the defence. He set the table up with some woods, rough & a very large hill dominating one side of the board (sorry DBA purists!). Fortunately for me, I got the table edge he wanted! This time no Elephants, Carthage had a large Cavalry contingent. Jack opted for a defence of the bottleneck between the woods & rough. Against this Carthaginian Spears & Tribal Warband would be deployed. As Hannibal was cruelly cut down in our last battle, his brother Mago would be the new General. His ability would be the 'Divinity' option, which would allow one die roll to be 're-rolled' due to him being a devout follower of the Carthaginian Gods. Could the Carthaginian Cavalry sweep round the flank?

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The initial set-up & planned line of attacks.

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The Carthaginian Horde arrayed on the hill.

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Numidian Light horse advance.
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Jacks PiPs are poor, they would be throughout the game.

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Carthaginian Psiloi race for the rough ground.

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Ooooo Mummy! The Syracusan Light Horse are in for a scrap.

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Jack deploys the Syracusan Cavalry.

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Back go the Syracusan Light Horse.

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The battle develops into two distinct areas, the Infantry scrap in the centre & the Cavalry scrap on the Syracusan right.

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The Syracusan Spear is caught deploying.

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First blood to Carthage, down go two Spears to Warband!!

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The Syracusan king has to plug the gap. Jack retreats the Spears.

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The left flank would prove to a very dull affair, Jack just didn't have enough PiPs to exploit it.

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The Syracusan's steady the line in the centre & force back the Carthaginian Hordes.

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Evens in the Cavalry scrap!

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A Gallic Warband sneaks through the woods.

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Dum de Dum de Dum........ What's all the fuss about?

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Whoops, Warband vs Cavalry, another kill for Jack. General Mago gets ready....

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The Syracusan Cavalry is facing annihilation.

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General vs General, Jack throws in everything, knowing the end is in sight.

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It's no good though, Victory for Carthage!!!!!

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Poor PiPs killed Jack in this one, strangely mine have improved during the last few games. Those extra sacrifices to the Dice Gods must be paying off... A smashing little game, you can't beat DBA for these great little battles.

That puts the Romans in the lead of the Campaign, Carthage & Gaul coming next. Whilst poor little Syracuse is in the 'wooden spoon' position. Can Syracuse pull off a dramatic victory against Rome in the next round?

PUN3 Rome vs Gaul

2009-02-27T17:31:00.011Z

Game 3 in our Epic Punic Saga! General Scipio's victory celebrations, after beating the Carthaginians are cut short. News has arrived that the Gauls have built a fleet & crossed the Med in order to give the Romans a sound thrashing!!

Jack took the Gallic Horde & was the attacker. I took the Polybian Romans. The table had a tricky river running down one flank & some hills on the other. DA Roman Plan, hold the bottleneck between the river & hills. Sneakily I placed some units on the other side of the River. Lo & behold, Jack placed his Cavalry on that side of the board..... How would it go?

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The Battlefield & plan of attack.

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The Heroic Roman Cavalry go scout for Gauls!

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Jack takes the bait & off go the Gallic Cavalry

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Oh I do like the look of this Roman Battle line!

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WAAAAAAARRRGGH! Crazy Gallic Nutters getting a sun tan in the desert!

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It would be a two pronged Gallic attack.

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Back go the Roman Cavalry, on come the Gallic Horse boys.
In a last ditch bid, Chieftain Virdumarus tries to help out, but succeeds in being stranded.

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Down goes one Gallic Cavalry, the other is repulsed.

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The Romans attack & the other is swept away!

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The wild hairy Gauls get closer!

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In they go minus their Chieftain!

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Virdumarus is left helpless & can only watch....

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Off go the Roman Cavalry.... To pillage the Gallic Pig & Goat camp.

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Roman meat grinder tactics hack down a Gallic Warband & the rest recoil.

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CHARGE!! Scipio orders the line forward & is rewarded with victory.

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Nice view of the final battlefield.

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Scipio's position. HAIL SCIPIO!!!!!!

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Nice one, victory for the Roman meat grinder. Though splitting up the Gauls made it very easy, plus having your General float around didn't help!

UP next, Syracuse versus the Carthaginians...

PUN2 Rome vs Carthage

2009-02-21T22:15:00.019Z

Round 2 of our Punic Campaign, Jack took the Carthaginians & I the Polybian Romans. The Polybians would be the attackers so Jack set up the table. A nice open table, with a couple of hills & a rough piece of terrain. He went with a centre of Elephants flanked by Warband & Spears on the other. To face this I went with an 'odd' cutting edge of Psiloi, I just couldn't help taunting Jack with the possibility of being 'Quick Killed' by them.....

Plus we've also created some DBA markers, which will be used from now on. They'll help with the photo taking.

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The initial battlefield, Scipio versus Hannibal!!!

The Polybians advance

Hannibal urges on the Carthaginians

Slight advantage to Jack on the right

Trumpets, bugles, fanfare....

The lines clash

In go the Special Psiloi Elephant hunters....

General Scipio piles in, he has the 'Scrapper' ability (+1 to combat)

The Roman Cavalry are in for a hard time.

Back go the Carthaginian Spear

Ha!! Back go the Gallic Warband, Jack was counting on these to break through.

One of them is cut down by the Romans.

MMMM... The Psiloi plan is pants... They promptly leg it back!

Recoils all round...

Scipio takes out another Carthaginian,

in go the Roman Blades to fight the Jumbo's.

Jack fights back!

Hannibal plugs the gap, but it going to be a clash of Generals.

At last, a kill for the Carthaginians.

Even the Carthaginian Psiloi get stuck in...

The Warband get ready to take the flank.

Mega Clash, who would be the master?

Recoil... Recoil...

HOWEVER.... Scipio cuts down Hannibal.... Victory to ROME!!

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Nice one, after a long break way, it was good to play a nice simple game. I like the Polybian Romans, they are tough foe to beat, all those Blades. Anyway that puts the Romans & Gauls in line for a mighty clash. Now, the Carthaginians limp back to their capital with the body of Hannibal. A new General will have to be elected for the rest of the campaign....

New Site

2009-02-14T15:15:00.006Z

Hello Everybody!!

The DBA site has become too large, so we have now split it into two.

DBA related stuff will remain on this site.

DBA from 1500 onwards (DBA using the 1500-1900 extensions, DBN & upcoming De Bellis Horribilis stuff) will now be on:-

http://mrfarrow2udba1519k.blogspot.com

OR just click on the link on the top right of this site.

Phew!! It's hard work as well, moving half the contents. I'm from an IT background, but BLOGGER seems to have a mind of it's own.... ;o) Slowly, I'll remove posts relating to DBA 15-19K from this site. But don't worry they should already be on the other one.

Work has took it's toll lately as well, hopefully updates soon...

Cheers
MrF

PUN1 Syracuse vs Gaul

2009-01-10T19:20:00.007Z

First up, the mighty Syracusan's against the Gauls! Jack took the Syracusan's & promptly took all the Spears he could, EVEN though I warned him he would be up against Warband. Ah well, we shall see. Terrain was a hill on one side of the field. A wood & a 'Stonehenge' treated as Rough. The Gallic plan was simple enough, 'Line up the Lads & just pile them in..!!!'

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Set up & opening moves.

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Off go the Chariots on the right

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'Ooohh!' Syracusan Auxilia taking a moment to 'contemplate their surroundings..'

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The sound of Gallic shield bashing gets closer.

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Jack forms a protective ring around his 'Stonehenge'.

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Hhhmmm, strange one Jack. He stops his advance & waits for the attack.

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'Oh yes!' I fancy this one is going to go my way for once.

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A poor start, but not a disaster. The Gallic Chariot Boys get repulsed.

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The Gallic Chieftan Virdumarus watches the flank, a lone Warband crosses to field to help.

The rest of the lads get ready to pile in.

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Spear versus Warband, who would win through?????

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The Chariot Boys try again......

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'RaHoo!!!' Down goes the Syracusan Cavalry.

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In go the lads!!! LOOK at that open space on the flank.

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Not a peep from the Syracusan Light Brigade on this side of the field.

They would remain static for the rest of the game.

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Even losses this round, but the Gauls are winning the battle.

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OOOO so close.... The Syracusan King is on the ropes & LOOSES the combat. Luckily for Jack, King Hieronymus has the ROCK HARD ability, a KILL become a RECOIL......

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On his round, Jack takes revenge & quickly eliminates the Gallic upstarts.

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My turn & it's looking good!!!

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RaHoo!! RaHoo!! Victory for the Gauls.....

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HA HA HA!! Where's the LOOT!!!!

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Final view of the field from Jacks side of the table.

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'Look! There he is, quickly Vitomus blow your big horn at him!!!'

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Well, well, Jack is well & truly 'Whooped' in this one & he knows it. Spear vs Warband is a tough one. HEY, I can only beat what is put in front of me...... ;o)

Punic Wars Introduction

2009-01-08T12:25:00.005Z

Here we go again, another mini campaign. This time we've gone back in time to the 2nd Punic Wars. Again we've picked four nations to battle each other & again each General will have a special ability (which Jack randomly allocated by rolling the dice). This time we'll split the contests on either a lovely lush & green 'European' style battlefield OR a 'Desert' style battlefield. We've already ran a couple of games over Xmas.

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II/9 Syracusan 410BC-210BC
King Hieronymus - ROCK HARD = KILL drops to a RECOIL (own element, 1 per battle)
1x3Cv or 4Sp(Gen), 6x4Sp, 1x4Sp or 3Wb, 1x4Ax or 3Cv, 1x4Aux or Art, 1x2Lh, 1x2Ps

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II/33 Polybian Roman 275BC-105BC
General Scipio - SCRAPPER = Extra +1 to Combat rolls (own element)
1x3Cv(Gen), 1x3Cv, 6x4Bd, 2x4Sp, 2x2Ps

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II/32 Later Carthaginian 275BC-146BC
General Hannibal - SWIFT = +100 Paces to own GROUPS move
1x3Cv(Gen), 1x2LH, 3x4Sp, 1x4Aux, 3x3Wb or 2Ps, 1xEl or 3Cv, 1xEl or 2Lh, 1x2Ps
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II/11 Gallic 400BC-50BC
Chieftan Virdumarus - WISE = +1 PIP per round.
1x4Wb or LCh(Gen), 2xLCh or 3Cv, 8x3Wb, 1x2Ps

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Each General would have a special ability (or disability). A 2D6 was rolled for each one & matched against the following chart.

2 SLOW = -100 to own GROUPS move
3-4 IDIOT = -1 PIP per round.
5-6 WISE = +1 PIP per round.
7 SWIFT = +100 Paces to own GROUPS move
8 RASH = Can make Double move but must end in Combat.
9 SCRAPPER = Extra +1 to Combat rolls (own element)
10 ROCK HARD = Any KILL result drops to a RECOIL (own element, once per battle)
11 LUCKY = Re-Roll any die (1-3 times per game)
12 OMENS = Roll two combat dice & discards the lower (1-3 times per game)

KOH6 Crusaders vs Seljuks

2009-01-02T16:33:00.010Z

Finally the MONSTER clash between the Crusaders & the Seljuks to decide who rules the Kingdom of Heaven. After my truly dismal performances, I decided to sit this one out & act as a referee. Jack took the side of the Seljuks, could he repeat his 'Blitzkrieg' tactics displayed in earlier games. While Amy took the role of the Lionheart, commanding her favourite army the Crusaders.

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Opening set-up. Jack put the bulk of his troops in the centre with Light Horse on the wings. Amy went for the Crusader Steamroller tactics.

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The mighty Seljuks.

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Crusaders!!!

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It would take a few rounds for the Army's to manoeuvre together...

Both Generals played a safe opening.

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Strangely Jack didn't advance his Light Horse quickly.

Would he pay dearly for his caution?

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COOOEEEYY!!! Amy sends some Bows to cover the sparse rough ground.

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Still nothing from Jack....

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Amy's taunting Jack with tales of how the Seljuks will be destroyed...!!!

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Finally the battlefield erupts into action. On the rights Jack prepares a Light Horse for a deep strike mission. On the left Seljuk Light Horse take on a Bow/Knight Combo. A lone Light Horse engages a Crusader Spear & is promptly annihilated, 1 - Nil to the Crusaders.

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Advantage to Jack, could he make numbers count?

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One casualty each as the combat goes on, Crusader reinforcements arrive in the shape of Templar Spears. That probably saved the flank for the mighty Amy.

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Oh dear, Jacks banking on the centre for victory...

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HHhhmmm now a strange one from Jack. I try to warn him, but he's entered into 'Stubborn Teenager Mode', I'm not sure if it's right but I'm not going to argue. He moves to engage the Spears instead of facing off against the Hospitaller Knights. What's bad is that the Knights advanced after winning the last combat. He loses & recoils...

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....into the Hospitaller Knights. Amy laughs out loud 3 -1 to the Crusaders.

Various Charts are consulted by Jack & he admits the loss.. }:o(

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A new round. Oh Dear it gets worse for Jack.... His Seljuk Light Horse on 'Deep Strike mode' is promptly ambushed by a hail of Crusader Arrows.

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This should be GAME OVER, but in our humble abode, the rule is that we play until the end of the round (which usually is yours truly on the receiving end). Jack gets up to leave, but Amy dressed in her 'Jedi Knight' outfit unleashes her brand new plastic Light Sabre. A low 'VVVVVOOOMMM' is heard as she turns it on & promptly 'wacks' Jack back into his seat.

Down goes element number 5 for the Seljuks.

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In the centre is a disaster, two more Seljuks bite the dust.

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Final positions. I have a wry smile on my face at Jacks humbling!

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The MIGHTY Crusaders Kings of the Desert!!

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At Amy's request, Jack's casualties..... Ah Bless.

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All hail AMY 'JEDI' LIONHEART, supreme champion.

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Jacks accepts defeat & has a smile on his face. Ah the shame of losing to a younger sister. Never mind, I think he was too cautious with his Light Horse at the start. So the Crusaders prove to the hardest Army in our Campaign.

Final Standings for the Kingdom of Heaven....

1. Crusaders - 30
2. Seljuks - 19
3. Byzantines - 12

4. Ayyubids - 3

KOH5 Ayyubids vs Byzantines

2008-12-29T14:40:00.005Z

Game 5 in a 'Epic' mini series. This one featured General 'Amy' leading the Byzantines & yours truly leading the Ayyubids. Amy went for a strong centre, with her Light Horse on either flank. A lone Knight element also bolstered her right. For the Ayyubids I went for two big flanks of Cavalry & Light Horse, with the Foot sloggers holding a weak centre. My plan was to try & eliminate the Byzantine flanks.....

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The Initial Set up

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Plan of Attacks

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HA! Looking good, 4 versus 2 for the Ayyubids.

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The Ayyubid Foot would race for the high ground.

Amy senses the danger & diverts some Knights to her right flank.

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Good PiPs & good movement for the Ayyubids.

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MASS clash of Horse on the left!

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Advantage Amy & the Byzantines I think!

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On the other flank, the Ayyubids look good.

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Solid Arab Bowmen, hold the Ayyubid centre.

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CCCCHHHAARRRGGEEE!!!!!

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The Byzantine Emperor even joins the combat!

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THUD! BOSH! KAPOW! Down go two Ayyubid elements.....

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On my round the combats are draws, but on Amy's more success for the Byzantines!

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The Ayyubid Bowmen race to help out, but their arrows fall short.

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It's Death or Glory now, ALL pile in!!!

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One Ayyubid Cavalry element rushes to engage the Byzantine Light Horse.

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OH DOOOMM! Salah AL'Din takes on the Varengians.

Big Viking Choppers lash out, down falls the mighty Sultan & his Mamluks.

Victory to the Byzantines & so falls the Ayyubid Empire!!

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Final Positions.....

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Well MrF is the Xmas turkey, thrashed by the Mighty Amy.

I console myself with thought that it was a good plan, but the execution.... :o(

Bah Humbug!!!

2008-12-25T13:19:00.004Z

Merry Xmas! From Julius '3Fangs' GreyKat,

Hardest Cat in Middlesbrough.

'GGGGrrr, Hiss, who put this bloody hat on me head!

Come any closer & I'll scratch yer eyes out!!!''