We got the 28mm Dark Ages figures out for today's game of Hail Caesar, a straightforward encounter battle to see how well this would play on a 6x4ft table. Forces were around 300 points each side with 3 divisions each. Nigel and I took command of the Normans whilst Ian was in charge of the Rebel Alliance, one division each of Irish (Ian had painted these), Vikings and Saxons. Using some ideas from the Shieldwall supplement I had written out a few random cards that affected leaders and each side chose one, but kept the effects secret until they were used.
(My photo's seem to have been jumbled as I uploaded them but I will try my best).
Ian, true to form, sent his Irish Light cavalry round on a flanker.
He sent his Irish warband on a rapid advance, the Saxons also advanced in support.
His Viking division refused to move for the first two turns, leaving the Irish a bit exposed.
This was the scene after initial deployment.
Incredibly, two Irish Warbands crash into some Norman archers and get repelled.
A good view along the Norman line, you can see the advancing Saxons and Irish at the top.
Nigel's Norman Infantry at the top did very well defeating the Irish Warbands.
The Normans advance to meet the Irish and Saxon rapid advance (top right), thankfully Ian really struggled to get his Viking division moving.
In a big melee, Noman divisional commander Drogo was killed and the Irish Commander was injured both in the same turn.
The Irish warbands come in again against Norman archers and crossbow and pushed them back. The Irish warbands were soon defeated and the their division broke.
Norman Knights crash into Saxon foot and defeat them.
It was looking bleak for the Alliance.
Bit by bit, the enemy Alliance was losing units and all looked good for the Normans.
In a desperate measure, the Viking veteran Huscarles tried to break the Norman Knights but were defeated. This proved to be the final break point for the Alliance.
...and so the battle ended with a resounding Norman victory.
As my games table is only 6x4ft we did wonder how well a game of 28mm Hail Caesar would work, would it all seem a bit crowded? With our reasonably small armies of around 300pts there was just enough room for a bit of manoeuvre but we were certainly in contact quickly. It was a really enjoyable game and I enjoyed getting the 28mm armies on the table.
Lovely looking Early Medieval armies.
ReplyDeleteIt does look a little cramped, but that's probably realistic?
Sadly I don't have room for a bigger table. I really enjoyed the lok of 28mm armies though.
ReplyDelete