Gaming the Crusades

[OB]

Good to hear Mark. 

You didn't miss it, I haven't previously mentioned the rules I used.

The rules are my Crusades adaptation of Andy Callan's excellent "Never Mind the Billhooks".  A sort of "Never Mind the Ghulams" if you like.  I needed to add new troop types and new cards of course.  It all seems to work very well so far.

I need to play more games with different opponents Byzantines, Fatimids and so on.  I also want to try out the Military orders in melee.  That didn't happen in this game.

Thus far it's looking good.

[Mark]

Even more interesting! Now you have said it, I can see the NMTBH-ness of it.

I haven't had the opportunity to play it yet, but it looks good on paper and is getting excellent write ups - notably by Eric the Shed on here.

Good to see the engine works for other eras of medieval warfare - how many tweaks did you need to make? Presumably adjustments to light cavalry for the Turcoman horse etc?

[OB]

Lots of tweaks. 

New Special event cards. 

New troop types were Frankish crossbows (simple transfer from Billhooks Archers) ditto Frankish spears with Bill men. Knights are knights but Military Order knights are better.

Turcoman, brand new type move as light horse on both a Skirmish and a Leader Card.  They do nip about as they should. 

Ghulam light cavalry, medium armour can charge, evade and shoot. 

All horse archers 6 shots only.

There's more too Bedouin, Byzantines and what not.

I'm still thinking about Naffatun - obviously a terror weapon -one unit only and risks to both user and target.

I should do a blog post on it and some suggested army lists.

[Mark]

Definitely worthy of a blog post! I see the bolt ons are mainly for the Eastern forces, which makes sense. Nice idea for the Turcoman - two moves a turn (if lucky!) will make them nice and swift and I guess allows them to ride in, loose and retreat out of range.

[OB]

To do serious damage they can opt to remain in place and shoot twice but oh the damage those crossbow men can do to Turcoman light cavalry.  You have to decide to take the chance or not.

[MGH]

Question for you: where did you get your colorful Muslim banners?

[OB]

I've had them for ages MGH on an A4 sheet of paper. Strictly speaking the are not Ayyubid banners which should be yellow and then black.  I couldn't say where they originated so can't point you there.

[OB]

My first two Byzantine units.  They are from Outpost Wargames Services and are happily compatible with Legio Heroica which make up most of my Crusader armies.  I also use some Museum Miniatures infantry figures.  I'll do a post of side by side comparison pics shortly that might be of interest to those doing the period.

Anyhow, here are the Byzantines soon to be joined by the Latinikon, Pechenegs and Turkic Christians, Varangians and light troops.

[Atheling]

Gotta love a bit of Byzantine action 

[OB]

I've had these ones for over a decade.  I gave them a new bases and touched up the paintwork.  The rest of the army is in the post from Outpost.  Except the Varangians, I'm using Legio Heroica Anglo Saxon mailed axe men for them.  Hopefully the paint job will give them a nice uniform look. 

I'm wondering about the basing for the Varangians. You need a bit a room for effective axe fighting so I'll probably go for 4 figures per base as opposed to my usual 6 for heavy infantry.

[OB]

I’ve made a good start on my Byzantine Army for the Crusades.  I’m using figures from Legio Heroics and Outpost Wargames Services as they work well together.  The first 4 units are done, another 8 to do. 

I’ve updated my blog accordingly if you are interested in Byzantines here is the link.

https://youdonotknowthenorth.blogspot.com

[Codsticker]

Your project is coming along very well. I always enjoy your blog entries- keep up the good work!

[OB]

Thanks Codsticker  My next Crusades post will be on the Bedouin.

[OB]

I wrote a piece about the Bedouin in the Crusading period that might be of interest.  There are some pics of Legio Heroica and Outpost Bedouin too.

https://youdonotknowthenorth.blogspot.com

[MGH]

I just happen to be painting up Bedouin cavalry for the Crusades myself, love your paint jobs.
Also enjoy your blog, keep up the great work.