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Author Topic: War of the Thorns - a DBA Campaign  (Read 1569 times)

Offline von Lucky

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War of the Thorns - a DBA Campaign
« on: March 21, 2020, 09:21:51 PM »


The DBA players at the club decided to play the campaign this year that's slightly "what-if" and have it story driven (so no map). After discussing some ideas for a setting/time period we settled on the War of the Roses for the backdrop.

The campaign's starting date is 1471, after Edward IV (House of York) resumed the throne after being victorious at the Battle of Tewkesbury in early May of that year.

The two sides and cast of characters are:

House of York

Daniel (Carriage) - Edward IV of England (starts campaign as 'King of England') (IV/83a)


Karsten (von Lucky) - Diether von Isenburg, former Archbishop of Mainz with a German mercenary army (IV/13c)


Stephen (Stephen_C) - James III of Scotland (IV/16)

House of Lancaster

Peter (Spitzicles) - Edward of Westminster, Prince of Wales (IV/83a)


Django (leadgend) - Francis II, Duke of Brittany (IV/82)


Lyle (LyleD) - John of Islay, Earl of Ross (III/78 )

A little more on some of the campaign rules here:
https://donnerundblitzenwargaming.blogspot.com/2020/03/war-of-thorns-introduction.html

Suffice to say - there's a lot of what-if. Like a lot. So don't get your knickers in a knot. It's the War of the Thorns. lol

A request - does anyone know where the Grimsby Wargames Society War of the Roses banners are available from now? Their website doesn't seem to be active (links not working, etc).
« Last Edit: March 21, 2020, 09:47:24 PM by von Lucky »
- Karsten

"Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality."
- Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Blog: Donner und Blitzen

Offline von Lucky

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Re: War of the Thorns - a DBA Campaign
« Reply #1 on: March 21, 2020, 09:34:39 PM »
Battle of Loddington
9 June 1471: While attempting to flee to France, Edward of Westminster is ambushed by a German mercenary army.

Actual events:
After several years in exile in both Scotland and France, Margaret of Anjou (young Edward's mother) took the best opportunity that presented itself and allied herself with the renegade Earl of Warwick (the Kingmaker). King Louis XI of France wanted to start a war with Burgundy, who are allies of the Yorkist King Edward IV and Louis believed if Lancastrian rule was restored then he would receive help conquering Burgundy.

In September 1470 Warwick returned to England and deposed Edward IV, with the help of Edward IV's younger brother, the Duke of Clarence. Edward IV fled into exile to Burgundy with his youngest brother the Duke of Gloucester, while Warwick restored Henry VI to the throne. Edward and Margaret lingered behind in France until April 1471. However, Edward IV had already raised an army, returned to England, and reconciled with Clarence. On the same day Margaret and young Edward landed in England (14 April), Edward IV defeated and killed Warwick at the Battle of Barnet. With little hope of success, the inexperienced prince and his mother led the remnant of their forces to meet Edward IV in the Battle of Tewkesbury. They were defeated and Margaret and Edward were killed.

Where things diverge:
Against the odds and various rumours of his death, Edward survived the battle of Tewkesbury and was able to muster the remnants of his army in an attempt to make an escape back to France.

It is unclear the reason for the presence of Diether von Isenburg and his army in England. While it could be for religious or political reasons, most suspect Diether is there to raise funds to restart his conflict with Adolph II of Nassau for the Electorate of Mainz. He therefore fights for Edward IV, at least until the gold lasts.

Diether von Isenburg had been staying in Cambridge since Edward IV's coronation, to further his studies and quietly raise support for his cause back home. He had been invited to England by Edward IV, and was keen to ensure he stayed on the throne. When Diether's spies informed him that Edward of Westminster had survived the carnage of Tewkesbury, and was attempting to flee the country, Diether saw this as a perfect opportunity to gain favour from the king.

He ambushed the young Lancastrian on the outskirts of Loddington, west of Kettering. Both forces were relatively small, only a few hundred men per side. Eager for a quick victory, the knights charged the Lancastrian centre.






This would end up being a mistake as Edward's bodyguard and archers were able to stop the assault in its tracks.



Diether was lucky to survive, and fled back to Cambridge. Young Edward, against the advice of his minders and wanting revenge for the death of his mother, decided to remain in England to continue the fight to reclaim the crown.

Final result was Karsten (Y) 2 v 4 Peter (L).

Offline von Lucky

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Re: War of the Thorns - a DBA Campaign
« Reply #2 on: March 21, 2020, 09:44:11 PM »
Battle of Chelwood Common
21 June 1471: Edward IV defends against a Scottish Isles invasion in the south.

Actual events:
In February 1462 representatives of John of Islay, Earl of Ross concluded with Edward IV of England the Treaty of Westminster-Ardtornish, that envisaged nothing less than the conquest and partition of Scotland. The treaty was remarkably vague, saying nothing about the nature, scale and timing of English support. For Edward it was a diplomatic coup and it should have been perfectly clear that Edward was trying to create a diversion. Sadly for John it was not.

Even before the agreement was concluded the Islemen took to arms, advancing eastwards under the command of Angus Og, John's illegitimate son. The rebellion had the desired effect. The Scottish government, faced with rebellion in the north, and fearful of attack in the south, dropped the politically embarrassing Lancastrian connection. John, presumably now aware how worthless the Westminster agreement truly was, backed down.

Where things diverge:
With Edward IV back on throne in England, but weakened due to war, John saw his chance to seek revenge. He sailed with his large fleet and landed at Newhaven, marching north to London. Edward faced him on the fields of Chelwood Common.

[Details of the battle to follow]



Final result was Daniel (Y) 4 v 3 Lyle (L).

Offline von Lucky

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Re: War of the Thorns - a DBA Campaign
« Reply #3 on: March 21, 2020, 09:46:01 PM »
Battle of Aspatria
13 July 1471: A Scots Common army is able to prevent a French invasion in the north.

Actual events:
Only after the Battle of Tewkesbury did Duke Francis II become involved in the events of the War of the Roses, when he unexpectedly became the protector of England's House of Lancaster in exile.

At the time, the Tudors had tried to flee to France but strong winds in the English Channel forced them to land at Le Conquet in Brittany, where they were taken into the custody of Duke Francis II. Henry Tudor, the only remaining Lancastrian noble with a trace of royal bloodline, had a weak claim to the throne, and King Edward IV regarded him as inconsequential. However, Francis II viewed Henry as a valuable tool to bargain for England's aid, when in conflicts with France, and therefore kept the Tudors under his protection.

James' policies during the 1470s revolved primarily around ambitious continental schemes for territorial expansion and an alliance with Edward IV. While an alliance (and the marriage of his son to one of Edward IV's daughters) might have been a sensible move for Scotland, it went against the traditional enmity of the two countries dating back to the reign of Robert I and the Wars of Independence, not to mention the vested interests of the border nobility.

Where things diverge:
With Edward of Westminster still alive, and mounting a resistance, Francis II has sailed to England to take part in the war. He may or may not be harbouring the Tudors. Unfortunately he tries to be a little too cunning and lands in the north west of England, at Maryport. James, eager to show his allegiance to Edward IV, marched out of Scotland to meet the threat.

[Details of the battle to follow]



Final result was Stephen (Y) 4 v 3 Django (L).

Offline Shahbahraz

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Re: War of the Thorns - a DBA Campaign
« Reply #4 on: March 22, 2020, 02:29:01 PM »
Hmm.. let's see, Karsten, Django etc.. I know the cast of notables and reprobates. :)   sounds like a fun campaign.

All the best from Doug.
Wargaming since the dark ages...

---https://aleadodyssey.blogspot.com/---

Offline von Lucky

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Re: War of the Thorns - a DBA Campaign
« Reply #5 on: March 22, 2020, 10:09:46 PM »
Thanks Doug - also see you have escaped Canberra for sunny UK.

I fear the campaign is entering a winter of discontent, let's see if it can be made glorious summer by a sun of York. Or Edinburgh.

Offline Erik

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Re: War of the Thorns - a DBA Campaign
« Reply #6 on: March 24, 2020, 07:18:31 AM »
Impressive work. I always wanted to try out their campaign rules and have taken the rules down many times, but sadly always end up dropping it again.

I might give it another go.

Cheers
Erik

Offline von Lucky

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Re: War of the Thorns - a DBA Campaign
« Reply #7 on: March 24, 2020, 09:26:03 AM »
Whose campaign rules? This campaign is purely story driven (players state who they want to fight and why). The next battle has the two Scots siding against a German and French alliance. Yeah. I'm still working on the reasons for that lol

Offline Shahbahraz

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Re: War of the Thorns - a DBA Campaign
« Reply #8 on: March 25, 2020, 12:27:45 AM »
Thanks Doug - also see you have escaped Canberra for sunny UK.

I fear the campaign is entering a winter of discontent, let's see if it can be made glorious summer by a sun of York. Or Edinburgh.

Hi mate,
well, escaped Canberra not so much, parents in the UK got into their eighties, and it felt like I should go back for a while before it was too late. I get some games in (when we aren't in lockdown), but no DBA for a while. I see Dave L. is still running regular campaigns in Canberra too.

All the best, stay safe and well.