I had been looking forward to "Blood Eagle" rules from the Ministry of Gentlemanly Warfare to come out since they were announced a while ago and I was lucky enough to get a pal to collect a set for me from Salute. The following photos have been retaken in natural light because the in game photos didn't "cut the mustard".
The sleepy hamlet of Churls' Tun, a days ride from east bank of the River Saefern, suddenly became the focus of Jarl Hallgrim's attention ...The home team outside the big house ...
Left to right - Carileph the Priest, Snorri the Bold (Thegn), Leofrith (Fyrd Skirmisher), Hunwald (Huscarle), Winfirth (Huscarle), Stithwulf (Fyrd Skirmisher) and Ceadwalla (Fyrd Spearman).
The away team (who came in force) ...
Left to right - Thjodoft (Warrior), Sigbrand the Skald, Thirlak (Warrior), Jarl Hallgrim's, Odinkar (Veteran), Gaetir(Berserker), Hroald (Warrior) and Herlu (Warrior).
Hallgrim decided to split his raiders in to two groups and attack the hamlet from opposite sides; the larger group lead by Halgrim himself boldly stride forth along the dusty trackway ...
Whilst the smaller group lead by Sigbrand try to sneak in over the back fence, but are closely watched by Snorri and Stithwulf ...
Unsure of the raiders intentions, Carileph the Priest and Hunwald protect the women, children and livestock sheltering in the house ...
Sigbrand and Odinkar suddenly rush towards the fence line supported by Thjodoft who starts to harass the Saxons with some poorly aimed shots. They make the boundary fence Just as Snorri and Winfirth reach it and the clash of sword and axe on metal and wood rings through the peaceful hamlet ...
Sigbrand and Winfirth are both defeated; Snorri makes short work of Odinkar and then dashes for the other battle ...
On the other side of the house, Hallgrim has strode defiantly into the courtyard and several fights break out between his men and the Saxons. Gaetir's battlelust is building, but Carileph sees the treat and orders Hunwald and Leafnoth to face the enemy ...
The two sides clash in the courtyard - Carileph manages to curse Jarl Hallgrim, but a bloody battle ensues with Hunwald and then Leafnoth both falling to the murderous attack of Gaetir and Herlu, whilst Hallgrim defeats both Carileph and Snorri.
Hallgrim's crew reap the rewards of the hamlet ...
We enjoyed this game and it sets the scene nicely for the next one. The raiders were made purposely stronger than the Saxon group to give the feel of a desperate struggle against an uncompromising foe.
The miniatures are mostly from Crusader with a few Wargames Foundry and Grenadier miniatures for good measure. The buildings are Snapdragon and Gripping Beast, with fences by Renedra.
Enjoy.
RMZ
21 February 2011, 06:16:14 PM