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Post by jim1973 on Apr 21, 2019 10:19:45 GMT
I've embarked on a mini-campaign using my newly finished armies. I'll be using a combination of stevie's Mapless Wars, the Time and Weather Rules I cobbled together from DBM 3.2 and DBMM, as well as some "free form" GMing. I decided to consider Brittania as the the Viking homeland as it seemed to me that Leidang forces would defend Scandinavia. Here is the write-up for the first battle:
Hjor Hoskuldsson gathered his forces for a Spring assault on Northumbria. After landing his forces and securing supplies he headed inland to find the local settlement. His scouts identified the army of Aldhere and he set out to meet him in battle. Aldhere being a cautious man and did not rush to meet his enemy. He knew that he could outlast a raiding force on his own land. Finally, Hjor caught up with him and forced battle. But the day was getting long, and time was of the essence. He set off with the wind buffeting his flowing blonde hair.
Set up
Saxon Viking
Climate Cool Cool
Terrain Arable Littoral
Aggression 2 4
Season (if invader) Summer Spring
1st dice roll (tie) 5 3
2nd dice roll 3 6
Battle would occur in Spring on Arable land at 1700 hrs (5+3+3+6) in Strong Winds (6-3=3; Spring; Cool; no effect as no shooters). This provided only four turns each before Dusk. Then two turns each restricted by Dusk before Night.
Hjor pushed forward with his men as fast as he could. But his left flank was slowed by a fast flowing river (5 die roll). Aldhere stood off, choosing to remain near his camp to await nightfall. The main battlelines clashed with the leaders facing off against each other. However, no one gained a decisive advantage before nightfall and the forces broke off to lick their wounds. Aldhere’s men did manage to chase off a group of raiders (one 3Bd destroyed). An indecisive clash of arms occurred on the far side of the river before the sun went down for the night.
Aldhere gains 1 strategic point for staying on the field as the defender with his Camp intact. Neither army was routed so army composition is unrestricted. As this was an indecisive battle the forces will meet again this season.
Hjor is seeking redemption for his dead but Aldhere is wondering if he can knock the invader off his beach and back into the sea…
Next battle will have to wait until after a family holiday.
Cheers
Jim
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Post by Cromwell on Apr 21, 2019 14:07:17 GMT
looks interesting. Please keep us posted as to how the campaign unfolds.
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Post by hammurabi70 on Apr 21, 2019 22:55:41 GMT
Looking forward to learning more. Details on a blog? Pictures?
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Post by saxonred on Apr 22, 2019 6:47:22 GMT
What are the first and second dice rolls for?
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Post by jim1973 on Apr 22, 2019 8:19:00 GMT
Looking forward to learning more. Details on a blog? Pictures? Unfortunately, I can't upload any pictures as the site is full. "sigh" It may be time for a blog. Any thoughts on a host site? Jim PS Just deleted an older pic at 375KB but still couldn't add a 275KB postage stamp of the battle.
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Post by jim1973 on Apr 22, 2019 8:22:04 GMT
What are the first and second dice rolls for? The dice rolls were to determine the invader/defender as per regular DBA 3. The first roll was a tie. Normally this would be forgotten for eternity but the Time and Weather Rules use the rolls to determine the time of day. Cheers Jim
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Post by saxonred on Apr 22, 2019 18:56:22 GMT
What are the first and second dice rolls for? The dice rolls were to determine the invader/defender as per regular DBA 3. The first roll was a tie. Normally this would be forgotten for eternity but the Time and Weather Rules use the rolls to determine the time of day. Cheers Jim Thanks for the reply, now having found the Time and weather rules that all makes sense. However where can I find 'Stevie's Mapless Wars' - is this a publication or is it another download? Thanks Andy
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Post by nangwaya on Apr 22, 2019 20:42:36 GMT
The dice rolls were to determine the invader/defender as per regular DBA 3. The first roll was a tie. Normally this would be forgotten for eternity but the Time and Weather Rules use the rolls to determine the time of day. Cheers Jim Thanks for the reply, now having found the Time and weather rules that all makes sense. However where can I find 'Stevie's Mapless Wars' - is this a publication or is it another download? Thanks Andy IIRC, you can find Stevie's mapless war thing at the end of his Time Of Day Display.
I can't find the link at the moment.
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Post by jim1973 on Apr 22, 2019 21:10:26 GMT
I think you can find them on the Fanaticus Wiki. And yes, they are at the end of the Time Display rules.
Jim
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Post by hammurabi70 on Apr 22, 2019 21:34:40 GMT
I use WordPress.
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Post by hammurabi70 on Apr 22, 2019 21:35:14 GMT
Looking forward to learning more. Details on a blog? Pictures? Unfortunately, I can't upload any pictures as the site is full. "sigh" It may be time for a blog. Any thoughts on a host site? Jim PS Just deleted an older pic at 375KB but still couldn't add a 275KB postage stamp of the battle. I use WordPress.
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Post by jim1973 on Apr 27, 2019 10:33:52 GMT
Here is the next installment:
Hjor was in a rage after his first encounter with Aldhere. Not only had darkness fallen before he could force a result, but his troops had the worst of the fighting that did occur. Aldhere, for his part, was confident that he had the Viking’s measure and was eager to settle this matter and rid his land of the invader. He did not have to wait long for his opportunity. Hjor soon regrouped and advanced seeking redemption. In the mid-morning of a clear Spring day, after the mist had risen, their forces met on the battlefield…
Set up
Saxon Viking
Climate Cool Cool
Terrain Arable Littoral
Aggression 2 4
Season Spring (my decision for the narrative)
Dice roll 5 5
As the previous battle was inconclusive, I decided that the armies would meet again in the same season, Spring. The dice roll meant an Arable battlefield (72x72cm) with battle starting at 1000 (hrs), ample time for the morning Mist to clear (5-5=0; Sunrise 0600 hrs so would clear by 0900).
Aldhere took a stand near an ancient stone ring (Ediface) with a river on his right and a wood on his left. He lost momentum early trying to get the Great Fyrd (Hd) into line to cover his flank, their movement hampered by the woods. His other flank anchored to the river by his archers. Hjor in the meantime, was able to form his army in good order. His Vikings extending all the way to the river and he and his beserkers on the right flank opposite the Great Fyrd. The Saxon archers did little to slow the Vikings so Aldhere ordered his troops to advance. He and his Hirdmen started well, forcing back the invaders. However, he didn’t realise that Hjor and the berserkers had eventually broken the Great Fyrd. In addition, the Select Fyrd had multiple holes punched through the shieldwall and his archers were last seen fleeing into the river. Realising the day was lost Aldhere and his remaining men fell back and left the field to Hjor.
Hjor gains 2 strategic points for routing the enemy. In addition, Hjor will choose the composition of Aldhere’s army in their next encounter. This will occur in Summer given the size of the victory.
Hjor looks over the battlefield as night falls. Few Vikings would enter Valhalla that day. He laughs. He’d better find some gold for those that remain. Luckily, he is surrounded by Saxons that won’t be needing their possessions any longer. Aldhere will be back but not for some time. He’ll need to replace his losses. Then we will see who will rule this land. Now for some plundering.
Cheers
Jim
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Post by jim1973 on Apr 27, 2019 10:37:39 GMT
That was a wake-up call. The Vikings annihilated the Saxons, destroying 3xSp, 1xPs and 2xHd for no losses. I think I got a bit over-confident with the Saxons and will have to carefully think about strategy for the following battle. Happy for any tips to help the Saxons.
Cheers
Jim
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Post by Baldie on Apr 27, 2019 10:44:51 GMT
Roll high
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Post by jim1973 on May 1, 2019 13:23:47 GMT
Here is the final installment:
Aldhere regrouped deep in his territory. He sent messengers to his kin to come to his aid. But reports of pillaging, looting and murder kept coming in to his camp. He couldn’t wait for help. He decided to fight now with what he had or else all would be lost.In the middle of a glorious summer he set out to find his foe.
Set up
Saxon Viking
Climate Cool Cool
Terrain Arable Littoral
Aggression 2 4
Season Summer (previous decisive battle pushed next encounter into new season)
Dice roll 5 5
Aldhere’s army composition was chosen by Hjor as per the mapless campaign rules. He would have to make do with the Great Fyrd again. An identical dice roll meant once again an Arable battlefield (72x72cm) with battle starting at 1000 (hrs), more than ample time for the morning Mist to clear (5-5=0; Sunrise 0330 hrs).
Aldhere caught up with Hjor along the coast as he was returning to his ships. The small fields had been abandoned by the farmers for weeks. As the Saxon scouts came out from the woods, they saw the Viking camp. Hjor had turned and was eager for battle. Aldhere deployed his army in echelon as he was wary of the Viking’s seafaring ability. However Hjor was confident that he had the Saxon’s measure and deployed into line. Hjor found himself and his berserkers facing the Great Fyrd at the end of the line. Aldhere and his Hirdmen were there to help bolster the flank with archers also in place. The lines clashed and the initial push went in favour of the Select Fyrd but no breakthrough could be made. Aldhere pushed forward but as he turned he saw the Great Fyrd and archers routed by Hjor. Soon his Select Fyrd also gave way and Aldhere knew he had no choice but to take his followers and escape to friendly territory.
Hjor gains another +2 strategic points to go to a 4-1 lead. This gives Hjor a Major Victory in the campaign.
Hjor watches the green hills disappear over the horizon. His ships are slower than usual, weighed down with slaves and plunder. But he knows these waters well enough. He will soon see the fjords of home. For once, the bitter cold of winter will be easy to ignore. For he will busy enjoying his success and planning his return. But this time he means to stay.
Cheers
Jim
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