Rolf and Henri The Red – SAGA continues ... for some ...

Bart and me opted for a frollicking Dark Age, 28mm, Hail Caesar battle feast, as Bart finished some of his new Norman troops and milites. And you know that new toy soldiers cannot be denied their new entry!

Alistair was also press ganged into the havoc, partly as Henry the Red and his Ottonians while I delightfully opted for the peasantry and the supporting clerical role this time, hoping to recreate the success of Alistairs last bishopric performance.

As we recall last time Rolund and his Viking fiends were massively beaten as Henri followed them before their forces could unite. Now the Bishop and Henri were hunting down the remnants of Rolund to his "Markgraf" county border, not knowing that he already had sent (and paid!!) for reinforcements. Not only his men but also a new Viking associates. The trap was set.

We were out numbered and out classed on a battle field that looked much like a cross between Agincourt and Cannae, but that would not deter any red blooded knight, certainly not Henri! So the built up was slowly and mercilessly. Bart advanced with his foot troops and began to pepper our archers and foot knights. And the bishops peasants took their time to turn up.

Then came the first cavalry clash and the first part of Rolunds milites got a severe hammering. But that left Henries milites quite weak and battered as well, so the upcoming second division of Rolunds horse spelt doom for any Ottonian hopes of victory.

Then the trap sprung and another foe appeared in the rear of our army – more Vikings! Our soft Peasant army was literally melting away. Then the last charge of the battle came and Rolund clashed with his fresh troops again into Henries milites and slaughtered them comprehensively. Henri got wounded two times and was just able to retreat off the battle field.

In an act of merciful self censorship, we are unable to show images of the conclusion and aftermath of the battle as they were too brutal to present them in front of any audience.

Henri‘s reign will end soon, nearly mortally wounded and surrounded by field medics, his fate is sealed. Will his son Henri II take up the fight or will fate of the border realm or the Emperor himself surprise us?
... we will vow to truthfully and continuously report the deeds of this Saga ... watch closely!

Barts Norman Cavalry

Bart centre forces the archer and the infantry

... More of it ...

... and Barts NEW Norman Cavalry!!!

Rolund marches forward with his "Mannen"

Rolunds centre forms at the river 

Henri the Reds centre has difficulties of forming somewhat of a line

But Henris Cavalry waits for its moment to charge 

Finally the peasant army of Bishop "Luitdolf the Pimpled" arrives on field!

The two Norman/Ottonian armies are drawn up and poised to clash

Then before the Rolund horse could unite Henri the Red lures Rolund into a clash

Rolund has never fought down these East Franconian milites

slowly Henris army forms up

Badly beaten Rolunds milites retreat

But then ... what is this ... Rolunds Pagan allies, the Vikings attack the peasants rear guard

Wild and heavily armoured veteran vikings against unarmoured peasants ... the outcome is predictable

Yet again the other units of Rolund fresh new milites clash into Henris battered knights

... and surround them in a fierce fight

Henri is wounded two times and barely gets away with his own life