solo hastings game

[Gilgawath]

if I remember correctly some one was asking if you can play solo using the H&H rules.

I put together this little teaser. Some of the lesser used rules in play.

Norman archers are skirmish troops (2 bases per hex, cannot start combat, can evade 1 if contacted)

Saxon infantry can form shield wall (quick explanation of shield wall - if flank secured by either terrain or regular troops on both flanks then unit is in shieldwall ie ignore all recoil results and do not need to advance due to combat)

Wooded areas are impassable for all troops.

Saxon troops 7 units of fyrd (B class attack 3+1) 2 units of greater fyrd (C class 6 bases per unit attack 2+0) 2 units of huscarls (A class attack 5+1) no missile troops

[Gilgawath]

then along came the Normans

8 units of 2 bases (skirmish) archers (C class shoot 7+ attack 2). 7 units of armoured spearmen (B class attack 3+1), 5 units medium cavalry (C class attack 3+1) 4 units of Norman Knights (B class attack 4+1)



I ignore the command range restrictions on this game as there is only 1 commander per side.
Played as Norman
Saxon rules - remain on the hill in shield wall. If a unit is pushed back off the wall select a unit in the back line to fill hole or combat enemy in the line. If advanced off the hill return as soon as possible. Saxon commander only commits to a unit if threatened (ignor ZOC restrictions - priority huscarls/select fyrd/fyrd)

[Gilgawath]

Now set the turn duration to ensure that you have to attack rather than just sit there shooting the line waiting for something to happen 8 to 12 turns dependant upon your experience. (Norman turn, saxon turn, turn adjustment)

Will try to post something of a write up of the game played.

[Gilgawath]

Normans advance into missile range, no effect.

Saxon no need to do anything.....shooting no effect despite 3 hits scored (as three hits on B class would force a recoil but due to shield wall there is no recoil)

Turn 2 Norman remain in place and shoot, 4 hits on Saxon unit next to the wood should be recoil disrupted 1 stand lost but since shield wall no recoil. this result negates the shield wall for the disrupted unit also the one to the right

Turn 2 Saxon no movement as hill line still intact. Shield wall now reforms

[Gilgawath]

Turn 4
Norman medium cavalry attack both saxon flank units, shooting causes 4 hits disruption the opposing unit and breaking the shield wall

As a result of the combat the saxon unit is forced back and the cavalry advance onto the hill

Saxon turn. As the line has been broken a unit is committed to try regain the line

[Norm]

Thanks for posting, enjoying so far and particularly like the simplicity of the shieldwall rule - very clever.

my current project is a 1066 Hastings game ..... with plenty of unpainted blisters in the painting queue to go before anything can get onto the table.

[Gilgawath]

Thanks for the comment Norm

Norman cavalry was recoiled and Fyrd take their place in the line reforming the shield wall. Picture after norman advance on next turn. shooting and combat ended in stalemate.

As time is turn 5 of 10 Normans commit along the front

After combat

Note lack of black dots on front line depicting shield wall and the Norman cavalry have again gained the ridge routing the Fyrd in he process

[Gilgawath]

Photos for next turn were not useable sorry.....


Normans continue to attack the Saxon line Cavalry on the left were opposed by the returning select Fyrd only to drive them back. Saxon infantry on the right force back the Norman infantry opposite and advance down the hill (no shield wall) only to be attacked by multiple units, while on the Norman right cavalry penetrate the line

Position with four turns remaining

[Gilgawath]

Final part of the game.
four turns to go and the Saxon flanks start to give and units are drawn down the hill to be killed

Three turns to go and sensing victory within his hands William comits to the battle

Two turns to go

Harold falls as during the combats his line of retreat was destroyed and his unit was wiped out

[Norm]

Enjoyed - thanks. Hard fought with nothing certain.