Ianberht's Last Stand, a final game of Hail Caesar in our mini campaign.

 Ianberht's Last Stand: The Battle of Alverton Moor. 

Charlie, Ian and I were all looking forward to our final game in a loosely linked set of three games. Charlie's Norman Lord, Bohemond rides north to catch up with the Saxon Rebel Earl Ianberht (Ian) for a final battle.  Both leaders need to not just win the battle but also capture or kill their opposing commander. I based the table terrain around that of the 'Battle of the Standard 1138 with the Saxons and their Viking allies deployed where the English deployed and the Normans deploying where the Scottish force deployed. However the forces were quite different from the original battle and our game was just a straightforward encounter battle. Alverton Moor is just a made up name. 

Gathering his knights Bohemond rode north to confront his sworn enemy now gathered upon Alverton Moor, blocking Bohemond's route along the Great North Road.  

It was 600 points each in 4 divisions per side. Most leaders were Ld:8, FV:2 although we use some random cards to offer some random leadership values. 

Upon sighting his enemy Noble Bohemond swore an oath, "by oak and ash and bitter thorn we shall ride north to end the vile deeds of the pernicious Ianberht. By this, my right hand I swear you will soon see this Saxon rabble brought to nought. We will rule this land and our gracious leader, Duke William will be sworn as king by Michaelmass. Then his knights took up the cry 'Dieux Aide, Dieux Aide' (God aid us). 

Noble Behomond

Ianberht, Earl of Ripon summoned his loyal Thegns and all their levy to assemble upon Alverton Moor. This was perhaps his final chance to stop the foul Norman interloper Bohemond gaining control of the North. Upon hearing of the approach of the Norman forces Ianberht deployed his army across the Great Northern Road.

Then brave Ianberht began to arrange his warriors

Gave advice as he strode, told the warriors

How they could stand and hold their place

And bade that their shields they hold correctly

Fast in their fists and not be afraid

For this land was theirs. 

The Saxon army faced the approaching Normans and took up the cry of 'Ut,Ut!' (out, out). 

Ianberht, Earl of Ripon.

Such is the hatred and animosity between the two army leaders that they each share the same objective, win the battle and kill or capture their opposing leader.

Norman deployment with Noble Behomond and his knights deployed at the rear. 

Saxon and Viking deployment with Ianberht deployed at the rear.

Were the two leaders trying to protect themselves in some way? 

Normans to the left, Saxons and Viking allies to the right. 

Charlie was quick to get his light cavalry trying to get around the saxon flanks. 

The two forces approach each other. 

View from behind Saxon lines as they advance onto the central hill. 

At this moment it looked quite threatening for the Saxon/Viking alliance as there seemed to be masses of Normans and they were starting to use their superior missile power. .

Norman light cavalry threatening the Viking Bondi archers. Neither were very good at shooting as they were both still in this area at the end of the battle. 

More Norman light cavalry (who look suspiciously like Pictish light cavalry stand-ins) getting around the other Saxon flank. 

At last, combat ensued with this complex encounter. 

More units were fed in and after some truly awful dice throwing on both sides and a bit of head scratching trying to decide who should be taking 'break tests' the Normans were defeated and pulled back. 

The two forces are getting closer, it was getting a bit tense now, who would commit to the attack first? 

Noble Behomond and his division of Knights remain at the back with no gap appearing for them to ride through to help. 

Another view of the Norman cavalry (very intimidating).

View from behind the Saxon line, note the Norman cavalry still behind their infantry. 

The first clash of the main battle lines happened right at the top of the line. The Saxon infantry getting the better of the Norman infantry. 

In the centre the Saxon Huscarls defeated another Norman infantry unit and gaps were starting to appear in the Norman line. 

(The unit with the red flag were the victors, their foe has been removed). 

More Saxon victories in the centre of this photo and the Norman infantry divisions were getting seriously weakened. Earl Ianberht had rushed his division across to his left to support his Viking allies who despite fighting well were starting to look outnumbered. 

Ianberht and his Huscarls defeat more Norman infantry and suddenly most of the Norman infantry were gone and three divisions were broken meaning defeat for Noble Behomond despite him not ever entering the fray. Behomond turned his knights around and left the battle site, Ianberht was victorious and the North was free of Normans. I somehow suspect that Behomond may return? 

This was a most enjoyable larger battle. Before lunch Charlie (Behomond) seemed to have the luck of the dice but after lunch the dice definitely favoured the Saxon/Viking alliance. 

Our next game is in two weeks time with us moving on to the Wars of the Roses.