Midgard: Late Romans v Saxons

I got together with Midgard author James for a game using my Saxon and Late Roman armies. James took the hairy invaders and I took command of the brave defenders of western Britain.

We were starting to playtest some campaign rules for Midgard. After a simple set of map moves we arrived at a situation where Artos of the Britons was attacking Aelle's invading Saxon forces as they pushed in to Devon.

The two sides faced off over a valley with a narrow stream rushing through.

Before the lines could clash Hussa of the Saxons bellowed a challenge. Bors picked up his spear and marched to meet the barbarian.

The Saxon force cheered on their hero

But foirst blood went to Bors, who struck the Saxon a powerful blow.

Both forces yelled encouragement to their chosen fighters.

However it was Hussa who prevailed, striking down brave Bors into the waters of the stream.

With that the Saxons surged forward.

However the narrow brook proved more of an obstacle than expected.

The Britons held their ground and jeered at their foe.

The Saxon lords urged their men on.

As the men of Dumnonia stood waiting.

The Saxons began to cross the waters and brave sliners raced down to meet them.

Arrows pattered down but did not slow the Saxon advance.

The Saxon right made best progress.

And finally crashed home into the British lines.

Battle began to be joined.

The Saxon were across the stream in numbers.

And Britons raced to meet them.

The British left held firm and slingers began to work their way on to the flanks.

Some of the Saxons still hadn't made it across the waters.

Aelle moved in for the kill as the British centre was hit hard.

Despite being thrown back the Saxon right regrouped.

British blood began to flow down the hillside.

However on the right the invaders were pushed back.

Artos led his men into the fray.

As Aelle found his way to the slaughter blocked.

The weaker British militia pushed up to the brow of the hill.

Javelins poured down on the Saxon forces.

Artos was laying waste to Saxon heroes.

But the hammer of Aelle was about to fall.

The Saxon warlord crashed home and punched through the British lines.

However as the battle drew to a close Saxon reputation was all but gone as the cup of Artos remained full.

This corner of the island would remain free of Saxons for a while longer!

A great game that was in the balance to the very end. British heroes fell cheaply early in the battle, however careful use of the ridge meant it was an, ahem, uphill struggle for the Saxons.

Here's a few more phone pictures

Also I made a video for those of you who like moving pictures

29 Let's Go Campaign: Delaying Action at Arthenay (2)

 So we reconvened to continue the fight.

Unfortunately, as the Americans began to close in on the objective they were caught in a murderous crossfire from a pair of MG42s and shock and casualties began to mount.

With teams pinned, then broken and a well deployed CoC dice American Force Morale hit break point and the game was up!

The game quickly over we reset and I began another attack, only with more support!

The first Sherman soon appeared and I began to build a firebase once more.

Plenty of troops on overwatch.

A squad began a push on the left but began to take fire from a tripod mounted MG in the nearest house.

A second Sherman arrived to add weight.

And I threw fire back at the Germans in the farmhouse.

Pushing another squad up on my right.

The tanks held back and waited.

Soon my left flank was well advanced.

The the tripod mounted MG destroyed, the Germans frantically deployed in the barn.

As the Americans drew ever closer. However shock was mountig.

Caught again by two German MGs, Americans were pinned and broken and morale began to fall.

The squad on my right was the least damaged.

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However the casualties taken on my left proved too much and once more the American assault was halted.

To be honest I'm finding this hard going. The Germans seem to have all the advantages of over and superior weaponry and I can completely see why the attackers in June '44 frequently halted and waited for The Navy, air force or heavy artillery to blast the buildings flat.

Of course it's also possible I'm just not very good at Chain of Command.

However it all looks great and is still pretty good fun.