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