A Roset of Roses. Scots vs English during the War of the Roses

A Headless Body Production
Venue: Ferrell Fire Hall, Monroeville, NJ. Where 5G goes to die.
Event: Kozcon ADLG organized by Don Manzer.
Players: Phil Gardocki running Scots Isles, list 187
               Kevin Hatch running War of the Roses, list 247
Game System: L'Art de la Guerre, 200 points per side. Round 2
Scale: 25mm 

KozCon is held in memory of our good friend and avid gamer Dave Kozlow who passed away in 2012. If you've ever had the opportunity to play in one of his many games at HMGS events you know that he was not only a great person but also a notable credit to our hobby. In light of Dave's five year battle with cancer ALL proceeds from KozCon are donated to the American Cancer Society.

The Forces:

Scots Isles and Highlanders of 1182
Commanded by MacLeft, the Competent, MacCenter, also Competent and MacRight, who is only Ordinary.
Clans Jordan, Ramsay, Brantly and Clàrsach, Heavy Swordsmen 2HW, Elite
10 Other bands of Stalwart Islemen Heavy Swordsmen 2HW, 2 are Mediocre
2 Wee bairns, Light Infantry Bow
2 Levy Levy
4 Heilandr Archers Medium Swordsmen Bow
2 Irish Mercenaries Medium Swordsmen 2HW
Breakpoint of 24

 

War of the Roses, Lancastrian option

Led by Sir Andrew Trollope, a Strategist, Henry Beaufort, the 3rd Duke of Somerset, the Competent and Henry Percy, 3rd Earl of Nothumberland, who is Allied, Unreliable but Competent

1 Royal Bodyguard, Heavy Knight Impact, Elite
2 Currours, Heavy Cavalry, Impact
2 Northern Border Guards, Light Cavalry, Impact
1 Men-at-arms, Foot Knight
6 Retinue Archer, Medium Swordsmen, Longbow, Stakes
3 Retinue Billmen, Heavy Swordsmen, Polearm
4 Scottish Schiltrons, Pike, Mediocre
Breakpoint of 20

 

The list above is from the paper that Kevin handed me. He said he had to make adjustments to it and the pictures and memory disagree. The pictures have 2 Heavy Knights, and no foot knights. We will have to just roll with it.

Display Conventions: When you see a word bubble like "Ouch!" or "tha sin a' goirteachadh!" or "Douleur!"or "Mah poofy culur bahookie", this implies a disorder from missiles. Letters in parenthesis represent some value change for the specific unit. For commanders it is s for strategist, b for Brilliant, c for Competent and o for Ordinary, u for unreliable. For troops it is e for Elite, and m for Mediocre. Other abbreviations, Hvy Heavy, XB Crossbow, LB, Longbow, Jav Javelin, 2HW 2 Handed Weapons, B Bow, Kn Knight, HKn Heavy Knight, HC Heavy Cavalry, Md Medium, Sgt Sergeants, LC Light Cavalry, Chr Chariot, Cat Cataphract, Pa Pavise, LI, Light Infantry, HG Hand Gun, FKn Foot Knight, Hvy Spear, Heavy Spearmen.

Inappropriately capitalized words are used to highlight terms that are specific to the game. For example Brilliant, Competent and Ordinary have specific game values for the commanders.

"XX" implies a unit killed in that location on that turn.

Any inaccuracies and vagueness as to specific units is to be regarded as fog of war and should be considered as part of the fun.

A request for information.  I am looking for a vinyl mat of the appropriate size for 25mm games, 48 by 72 inches is close enough. Someone showed me the company for one, but that was so two weeks ago and I forgot. I am also looking for one sized for 300 point 15mm armies, 40x60 inches.

 

The Board:

The English win the initiative and elect to defend in the woods. 

 

An Observation

All my opponents were running Strategists this tourney. Coincidence? Fad? Trend?

Deployment: 

In the center of the board, the English deploy their right flank troops. It's Percy and his Scotsmen.

There is a short command of horse, then a large command of foot.

MacRight is hiding in ambush with his troops

MacCenter deploys with 7 units of Islemen.

While MacLeft deploys between MacCenter and a hill.

Turn 1:

MacRight leads his troops from ambush, racing up the left side of the board.

MacCenter advances, stopping at the 4UD mark from the ambush marker in the brush.

MacLeft advances a bit more. His bowmen closing the gap between the impassable (shoreline? lake?). He doesn't want the English to sneak their nights past.

The English redeploy their command of horse to face the Scottish Heilandrs.

The rest of their army advances in lockstep.

The Heilandrs advance and loose arrows to no effect

The cavalry in question, from top to bottom, are HC, HC, LC, and LC. All impact. The Heilandrs are in charge reach of the lights, but not the heavies.

MacCenter's single shooter scores a lucky hit on the Scots pike.

And MacLeft's bowmen also score a lucky hit on a Heavy Knight.

A break is called here to play a dice game that is popular at Kozcon. All participants buy as many dice as they want at 25 cents a piece. A number is called out. Usually it starts with 1. All dice are rolled simultaneously. All 1's are removed. Pick up dice and the next number is called, usually 2. All dice are rolled and all 1's and 2's are removed.

Repeat

The player with the last remaining dice gets to pick a prize.

All proceeds go to the American Cancer Association.

Lights Charge! The surprised Heilandr archers immediately rout.

Percy isn't going to wait for the Scots to set up flank charges with the Irish who are about to enter the brush. He orders his pike forward, winning 2 of 4 contacts.

The rest of the English were still out of range, and so watch the Scots attack with rye amusement.

Undaunted, the English set up for a flank charge of their own.

Turn 3:

The remaining Hielandr's line up for more archery, to no effect.

The ambush marker is a fraud, so the Irish move forward to support the Scot's line.

One Scots Pike routs, another is badly fragmented.

Arthur's knights do well. On the left, the French/Knights that say "Nee" are about to defeat their foes. Sir Robin and Sir Boors hold their ground against vastly inferior forces. While Arthur, Lancelot and Galahad on the far right, rout their foes

The English knights had hoped to turn the flank of MacLefts line, and now are mostly surrounded.

MacRights Heilandr's are mostly exterminated.

Percy's Scots continue to fight on.

Emboldened by Arthur and Lancelot's charge, "Nameless" Islemen rout their foe.

English Knights both charge. One Isleman is further disordered, but the Young Men, far right, hold their ground.

After 3 rounds the score is almost even.

The Scot's are at 12 of 24

The English are at 13 of 20

Turn 4:

MacRight abandons his Heilandr's and joins the Irish.

Who have turned the flank of Percy's Scots, just in time to watch them rout.

Clan Jordan, center is almost defeated, but there is help coming.

Another Isleman, just right of center, flanks the foes of the French, then pursues deep into the English line to support Clan Brantly.

Arthur charges a hapless bowman. MacLeft (3 Lions Or Rampant, on Vert) leads a charge on English foot.

The Young Men(m), far right, defeats their mounted opponents, and pursues into another knight, scoring the final point.

The Scot's score is 15 of 24

To the English's score of 20.

What went wrong?  Obviously the handling of the archer command went totally pants.  They were approached by cavalry, which consider Medium Sword their natural prey.  Instead of forming up a line, I challenged them by approaching in charge reach of the LC, but still out of range of the HC.  They then rolled poorly.  Missing two missile shots, and then losing by 4+ on melee to impact armed light horse. 

It was a clear case of hubris overwhelming prudence. They were even up in numbers which requires good tactics.  Instead they approached and relied on good luck.  Which was fickle.

Luck went both ways.  Some of the English's main line troops rolled poorly, leading to early failures in the main line.  My poor luck was concentrated in one command, his was distributed over about 15 elements. 

I was asked for a front image of the Monty Python's Holy Grail figures. My paint jobs leave much to be desired. To me, the painting is a means to an end, to play the game and not be embarrassed by primer.

We have from left to right. The first stand, Lancelot, Arthur, Arthur's patsy, and Galahad. Rear ranks are Squires and a Knight that says, "Nee".

On the second stand, Sir Robin and Sir Boors, their patsys, backed by Robins minstrels.

On the third stand are the French, backed by the Knights Who Say Ecky-ecky-ecky-ecky-pikang-zoom-boing-mumble-mumble. For better pictures look to Hayland Wargames.

Scots Going a Viking

A Headless Body Production
Venue: Ferrell Fire Hall, Monroeville, NJ.  Where 5G goes to die.
Event:  Kozcon ADLG organized by Don Manzer.
Players: Phil Gardocki running Scots Isles, list 187
              Kevin Swanson running Viking, the Leidang option, list 166
Game System: L'Art de la Guerre, 200 points per side.  Round 1
Scale: 25mm 

KozCon is held in memory of our good friend and avid gamer Dave Kozlow who passed away in 2012.  If you've ever had the opportunity to play in one of his many games at HMGS events you know that he was not only a great person but also a notable credit to our hobby.  In light of Dave's five year battle with cancer ALL proceeds from KozCon are donated to the American Cancer Society.

The Forces:

Scots Isles and Highlanders of 1182
Commanded by MacLeft, the Competent, MacCenter, also Competent and MacRight, who is only Ordinary.
Clans Jordan, Ramsay, Brantly and Clàrsach, Heavy Swordsmen 2HW, Elite
10 Other bands of Stalwart Islemen Heavy Swordsmen 2HW, 2 are Mediocre
2 Wee bairns, Light Infantry Bow
2 Levy Levy
4 Heilandr Archers Medium Swordsmen Bow
2 Irish Mercenaries Medium Swordsmen 2HW
Breakpoint of 24

The Leidang*

Commanded by Ragnar Lodbruk, the Strategist, Olaf Dimbulb, the Ordinary and Ivar Bone Spurs, also Ordinary, a strong force of men.
6 Huscarls well armored and armed with cruel axes and missile support
6 Bondi with spears and missile support
6 Bowmen
1 Levy
2 Returning Raiding Parties, Impetuous Swordsmen.
Breakpoint of 22

* From Wikipedia, "The Leiðangr was a form of conscription (mass levy) to organize coastal fleets for seasonal excursions and in defense of the realm typical for medieval Scandinavians and, later, a public levy of free farmers."

Display Conventions: When you see a word bubble like "Ouch!" or "ᛟᚢᚲᚺ!" or "tha sin a' goirteachadh!" or "Douleur!"or "Mah poofy culur bahookie", this implies a disorder from missiles. Letters in parenthesis represent some value change for the specific unit. For commanders it is s for strategist, b for Brilliant, c for Competent and o for Ordinary, u for unreliable. For troops it is e for Elite, and m for Mediocre. Other abbreviations, Hvy Heavy, XB Crossbow, LB, Longbow, Jav Javelin, 2HW 2 Handed Weapons, B Bow, Kn Knight, HKn Heavy Knight, HC Heavy Cavalry, Md Medium, Sgt Sergeants, LC Light Cavalry, Chr Chariot, Cat Cataphract, Pa Pavise, LI, Light Infantry, HG Hand Gun, FKn Foot Knight, Hvy Spear, Heavy Spearmen.

Inappropriately capitalized words are used to highlight terms that are specific to the game. For example Brilliant, Competent and Ordinary have specific game values for the commanders.

"XX" implies a unit killed in that location on that turn.

Any inaccuracies and vagueness as to specific units is to be regarded as fog of war and should be considered as part of the fun.

A request for information.  I am looking for a vinyl mat of the appropriate size for 25mm games.  Someone showed me the company for one, but that was so yesterday and I forgot.  I am also looking for one sized for 300 point 15mm armies, 4x6 feet is close enough.

 

The Board:

 

The Vikings win the initiative and elect to defend in the forest. So it is the Scots turn to "Drar til viking!"

Deployment:

The terrain fell where it lay.  All attempts to adjust it failed.

We both wanted the coastal area.  That means one of us was making a mistake.

Olaf defends the camp with a large command of 8 units, 3 elite and armored, and most with missile support.

Ragnar's forces are a near mirror of Olafs.

The remaining Viking command cannot be seen. 

This is Mr. Ivar Bone Spurs of Bugården 79, Bergen, 5003, Norway. He can not be seen. Now I am going to ask him to stand up. Mr. Bone Spurs will you stand up please
.

..

...

Mr. Bone Spurs has learnt the value of not being seen. However he has chosen a very obvious piece of cover.

The great leader, MacLeft, has taken a position next to the coast.  He has a force of nearly all Heavy Sword, 2HW.  With him are elite members of the Clans Jordan and Brantly.

Behind the hill is MacCenter.  He can be seen. His forces are bolstered by the Clans Clàrsach (Harp) and Ramsay.

In the wood on the right is MacRight and his forces.  He cannot be seen.

Most of you will get the references to the Monty Python skit, "How not to be seen".  If not, here is a link.

Turn 1:

Typical Scottish plan.  Charge forward and see what breaks.

The plan was actually more subtle than that  I intended to stage my attacks focusing on the Bondi first, where my 2HW has the advantage of winning ties.   And draw the Huscarls into counter attacking.

MacLeft and MacCenter are in lockstep on approach

MacRight emerges from the woods and can now be seen.  I forgot that the wood would slow down his march and he would have a tough time catching up with the main lines.

I also forgot to shift left on the march.  That came back to bite me later.

My ambush markers can now be retired.

The only good picture of the camp.

The Monty Python figures are no longer available at my source, Medieval Mayhem.  But are at other stores with a quick google search.

The Norse advance to a hail of taunts and minstrel tunes.

 

Loosed arrows strike Sir Lancelot's Patsy, Concorde.

Ivar Bone Spurs continues to not be seen.

Turn 2:

MacLeft approaches to charge reach

The lines are just about a perfect match.  The Vikings have more Huscarls, 6, that are better than my 4 Clans.  But my swordsmen are better than his Bondi, and a lot better than his bowmen.

MacRight finally gets the slide movement down and will soon be shooting at the Viking left.

The Viking main combatants advance, leaving their bowmen behind.

My original plan was to charge the perceived weaker units.  But this formation, while protecting the bowmen, is offering overlaps everywhere.

MacRights slow march is providing overlap potential against MacCenters right.

Turn 3:

Time for a bio break before the main assault.  This is Kozcon, and other games attract the eye.

Operation Crusader put on by Lee Sowers.  This is his own rules he has been working up.

With a great ululation, the Scots charge.  The French Taunters, bolstered by the Knights that no longer say nee push the waters edge.  But Clan Jordan and Brantly are both disordered in their charge.

MacCenter's command also charge.  Winning none, but losing none, of his opening battles.  The disorder markers you see are from earlier archery.

MacRight extends his line and offers desultory salvos of arrows.

With the lines solidly engaged, there isn't any movement.  A Bondi is routed, Clans Jordan and Brantly,  pick up more disorders.  So too the Taunting French and Sir Robin.

MacCenter has better luck.  One clan picks up a hit, but his axemen have put double hits on a pair of Huscarls.

Ivar Bone Spurs (still at Bugården 79, Bergen) can now be seen.  He has brought several lads from the local bowlers club.

And a minor miracle, MacRight's swordsmen hold.

 

Turn Next:  (the Moose ate my turn counter...)

MacLeft's command has a disaster as three units rout, exposing the flanks of several others.

MacCenter forces continue to hack with only minor effect.  Lancelot continues through scene 27 with a long run to the front...

Doctrine would normally have MacRight's archers just plink away with their bows.  But the surprise arrival on their flank is forcing they to engage directly.

Losing 3 units of heavy sword and all the disordered units has the Scots demoralization count at 15 of 24.  The Viking count is still in the single digits.

The sides trade units.  But the Vikings have punched a hole and are attacking the flanks.

 

The Scots have one unit in reserve, a mediocre heavy sword, but also with 2HW.  Unfortunately, there are two targets to choose from.

For MacCenter, fortune has turned.  2 Viking units rout, including a Huscarl.  Lancelot (next to the Ramsay banner (blue, center)), continues his long run into scene 28!

MacLeft is in a bad position, but is still holding somewhat.

The Demoralization level for the Scots hit's 20.

The Vikings are just at 11.

Turn Next after Next:  (Mynd you, møøse bites Kan be pretty nasti...)

As Sir Robin's minstrels music fades off the bottom of the frame, the battle becomes a whirling chaos.

One Isleman unit flank charges a unit, routing it, then pursues to near the shore.  The Young Islemen (mediocre) put two hits on a Huscarl.  Another Huscarl routs and Isleman into the Clàrsach Clan.

Clan Ramsay rout their opponents.  Lancelot rushes the guards in scene 28, slays both the gate wardens, dozens of bowmen and the Herbert's fiance.  Another unnamed Islemen picks up a 3rd rout for MacCenter's command.

MacRight's Irish charge the flank of the berserkers, but falter in the charge.

The carnage upon the viking this turn was enormous, adding 8 to their demoralization score to 19.  But to no avail as the Scots hit theirs of 24 for the game.

The game on the next table.  Normally I would say something about it being more interesting than mine, but no.  The English seem to have just forted up in the corner.

What went wrong?

First was I didn't pay full attention to the introductions.  I didn't know the Bondi units also had missile support.  So I was over confident there.

 

Then the approach of MacRight through the woods was faulty.  Failing the first turns slide meant I was in charge reach of the ambush out of the gully.  Which caught me in the woods for a -1.  Only great luck on my side kept the command intact on the opening charge.

 

But when he went to a saw tooth formation to protect his bowmen, I saw an opportunity to cancel his inherent advantage of better armor and missile support.  But the overlaps were not quite enough of an advantage on the initial charge, and then luck broke even and I never caught up on the left.  But it favored me in the center as I avoided damage on the charge, then my 2HW made itself felt.  Leading to 6 or more points in just one turn.

All in all a good game.