Back to Billhooks - The Battle of Rathmell Bottoms.

 For this weeks game we returned to playing another fictitious battle of 'Never Mind the Billhooks' set loosely in our local area. For this game the local Yorkists under the command of the Duke of Eldroth ( Phil aided by me ) were deployed just outside Rathmell waiting for the advancing Lancastrians under the Earl of Lawkland (Ian).  The Earl had to quickly deploy his troops along the Rathmell road with the River Ribble at his back. This area of land is always quite boggy so a few areas of marsh were placed mid table to make advancing more difficult; (this marshy theme was inspired by my daughter trying to get to work when some local roads were flooded the other morning). 

There was just over 160 points per side with 4x commands each. We were also trying out the veteran and levy rules for the first time. Otherwise, it was just a basic encounter battle. 

So Ian (Lancastrians) deployed his troops with a gap in the middle 

We (the Yorkists) went for a more connected line.

My Knights were keen to get into the action today as the last two games they just sat and watched. 

Ian sent forward his light cavalry (slowly) through the woods. 

The Yorkist plan was to protect the left flank with their Shire Levy but the Lancastrian Light Cavalry was looking threatening. 

This was going to be a vital moment in the battle. Thankfully Phil managed to repulse the light cavalry and secure the field, thus protecting our left flank. 

As my knights advance the Lancastrian artillery took shot and inflicted three wounds, ouch! 

Big clash in the middle that got very complex...

... Ian's (Lancastrian) Men-at -Arms gradually ground out victory over the enemy. 

Here are the victorious Lancastrian Men-at Arms duffing up some enemy billmen. 

It was around this moment that we ran out of time. Of the units remaining most were heavily damaged but the Lancastrian's seemed to have the least damaged units plus the only unit of longbow men with ammo left. Thus a hard won victory  was declared in favour of the Lancastrians. Funnily enough after a couple of turns or so Ian had looked to be in trouble so he really turned the game around. This was a really cracking game and we really seem to be getting a hold of the rules now. 

Earlier this year myself, Mister C and Merjin took part in a friendly medieval building project based on the Warhammer Townscape buildings. My building (a bakery) was aimed for use with Billhooks but also fantasy games. 

Merjin had already built most of the townscape so he created a ruined tower whilst Mister C produced a rather amazing Inn, a real centre piece for any gaming table. 

(tower in progress) https://another-wargaming-blog.blogspot.com/ 

(and a stunning Inn). https://periodicpainting.blogspot.com/

So now we have decided to have another go but with a slight twist. The challenge this time is to create a building for a non -human race such as elf, dwarf or goblin etc...I have elected to create a dwarf abode for my Oathmark dwarves and will record my progress on here. 

Chris (Mister C) has  very kindly put the details together below, and remember this is for fun with the main aim being to create a great piece of terrain for your own gaming table. If anyone fancies taking part please get in touch (and blog your progress). 

THE SECOND INTERNATIONAL TOWNSCAPE CHALLENGE – BEYOND HUMAN

AIM

To build a Warhammer model in the style of the Townscape appropriate for a non-human race.

RULES (more sort of guidelines really)

The building may be based on one of the Warhammer Townscape models or may be designed from scratch, providing it fits in with the Townscape style.

Other sources may be used (e.g. the 4^th edition scenario packs, Grudge of Drong etc).

You have until the end of December 2021 to complete the model.

You must post one blog post before the end of November demonstrating progress. Otherwise blog your progress however often you feel appropriate and link to each other’s blogs.

The challenge is designed to inspire and encourage. There is no prize apart from the congratulations of your peers, both in the challenge and on our blogs and as many pats on the back (self-administered) as is deemed appropriate.

GOOD LUCK