Enter the Leopard – Swashbuckling in the English Civil War

Meet Edward Clement, better known as the Leopard – spy, adventurer, diplomat… and perhaps a forgotten pretender to the English crown. He is the star of my forthcoming Pulp Alley campaign set during the English Civil War, and he promises to bring cloak-and-dagger intrigue to the smoke of musket fire.

Edward Clement, aka The Leopard, spy, adventurer, diplomat

 and a forgotten pretender to the English Crown.

But where did this character come from?

The seed was planted when I stumbled across Hans Holbein's famous painting of Sir Thomas More and his family. In the background, half-hidden in a doorway, stands a mysterious young man clutching a scroll. The art historian Jack Leslau argued that this figure was Dr. John Clement, husband of Margaret Giggs, More's adopted daughter, and, more controversially, that Clement was in fact Richard of Shrewsbury, the younger of the lost Princes in the Tower. 

Thomas More and Family with Richard of Shrewsbury

in the doorway to the right.

That idea lit my imagination. What if a descendant of Clement survived into the seventeenth century? A man of mystery, royal whispers in his bloodline, stepping into the storm of the Civil War? Thus, Edward Clement – the Leopard – was born.

The Leopard's Story

Edward Clement was educated in the Low Countries and at Cambridge before entering Prince Rupert's service during the Breda campaign of 1637. When Rupert sailed for England in 1642, Edward followed, quickly catching the attention of Edward Hyde, one of Charles I's most trusted advisors. 

Court gossip puzzled over his sudden rise. Whispers of noble blood surrounded him, but Hyde saw only a helpful agent – if one with dangerous ambitions. By 1642, the Leopard had become an indispensable spy, navigating the murky shadows of the King's quarrel with Parliament. 

In early 1643, he was dispatched west to aid Sir Ralph Hopton, taking up the role of chief intelligence officer. There he crossed swords with an old nemesis: Aaron Bell, the fiery Puritan preacher who had sworn to unmask him.

The Fellowship of the Claw

Of course, no pulp hero stands alone. The Leopard commands a league of loyal companions known as the Fellowship of the Claw – a ragtag band of allies, rogues, and survivors.

• Young Billy – a nimble-fingered street urchin with quick hands and quicker charm. 
• Fletcher – the Clement family's old gamekeeper, a deadly shot when sober, a liability when not. 
• Edgar – the family's secretary and fixer; once a courier of secrets and master cryptographer, now a dangerous old man who knows everyone's business. 
• Maarten van Asbeck – a bastard son of a Dutch noble, long-time comrade of Edward, hardened by the Thirty Years' War. 
• Milo Crumb – the hapless adventurer, often lost, often in trouble… and yet somehow always stumbling into discoveries, such as the coded Parliamentary note he found when his head struck a low beam. 

It's a cast straight from the pages of a penny-dreadful – perfect for pulp adventures.

The Leopard and the Fellowship of the Claw, from the right, Billy, Fletcher, 

Edgar, the Leopard himself and Maarten. Milo had fallen into a hole.

Bringing the Leopard to Life 

This campaign utilises Pulp Alley with only minor tweaks, many of which are inspired by the excellent community on the Pulp Alley Facebook group (special thanks to Ira Gossett and his Three Musketeers adaptation).

The Campaign Board

The backbone of the story will be a custom Snakes and Ladders campaign board. Each die roll pushes the Leopard and his companions closer to their ultimate goal – but hazards, detours, and dramatic trials lurk along the way.

The Scenario Generator

Initially, I wrote a dozen full scenarios to be played in random order, but that proved too rigid and sometimes broke the narrative. A sprawling table system followed, but that became clumsy and overcomplicated.

The final version is much sleeker: a single 3D6 table that generates mission, location, primary objective, and complications all at once. Optional tables for minor plot points and enemy leagues add spice to the game. The result feels flexible, surprising, and – crucially – keeps the narrative flowing.

Testing is underway, and I'll share the draft ideas soon. 

Enter the Leopard

The Leopard is ready to stride into history – rapier in hand, cloak billowing, secrets close to his chest. Over the coming weeks, I'll be posting more about the campaign's mechanics, introducing some other characters, including the stunning and cunning Amelie St. Simon, a noble spy, and her reckless brother, Andre. Then, the villain of our campaign, Aaron Bell, the Preacher, is a Parliamentarian spymaster with hidden ambitions. These introductions will be followed by a series of battle reports where Edward Clement and the Fellowship of the Claw take the stage. 

Adventure awaits. Will the Leopard rise as a hero of the King, or fall as another forgotten pretender?

Maarten and his love interest, Katie Reed. 

One-time prostitute now a kicken maid in Lady Hopton's household.

Mystic Britannia Campaign

In November 2024, James Morris unveiled Midgard Heroic Battles, a game that merges historical and fantasy battles featuring iconic heroes and leaders. This exciting release has sparked inspiration for my Mystic Britain campaign, set in a dark age Arthurian world infused with intriguing fantasy twists.

As we look ahead, the stage is set for a gripping saga that unfolds in the fifth century. The narrative begins with dark dwarves known as the Dûrlingar, who replace the historical Jutes. These exiles arrived from the North on iron ships, landing on Thanet Island. With their fearless leaders, Hengst and Horsa, they embarked on a campaign to conquer Kent and Southern England.

The Timeline

The timeline unfolds in five captivating phases or campaigns, each based on my original concepts that intertwine 'historical' events and elements inspired by Bernard Cornwell's Winter King trilogy.

Decade of Conquest

In the initial phase, spanning from the 449s to the 50s, the Decade of Conquests began as Hengst and Horsa forge an alliance with an enigmatic group known as the Witches of Tenet (Drýgmál). However, anticipation builds as Horsa meets a tragic fate at Aylesford, his death trailing whispers of betrayal during negotiations with Briton warbands. This pivotal moment will shape Hengst's resolve to lead their warbands in a quest to subjugate the native populations, setting the stage for the Age of Arthur.

Hengst and his Sons land at Chichester. Spot the family resemblance. Figures painted by Matt Slade

The Last Roman

In the following years, from the 460s to the 70s, the 'last Roman' Ambrosius leads a counterattack. This last representative of the Roman government rallied the Britons alongside the Western Tribes and launched a series of decisive attacks along the Thames valley. The alliance succeeded in halting the Dûrlingar's advance and establishing Ambrosius as the first Dux Britannorum.

Arthur

As we move into the years 475 to 85, the young Arthur is poised to become a centrepiece of our epic tale. Following the mysterious disappearance of Ambrosius during a campaign against the Picts, the Britons declared Arthur the guardian of Ambrosius's young son, Modred. Tension will rise as the Dûrlingar are defeated at Mont Bandon, yet they continue to gain strength in the east and along the southern coast. Arthur embarks on the ambitious project of founding New Avalon and harnessing the tribal structures to forge a New Rome.

Modred - Comes of Age

From 486 to 93, Modred comes of age and challenges Arthur to his claim to the throne. Anticipation builds as Modred allies with the Dûrlingar, launching an invasion from their stronghold on Vectis into modern Hampshire, marking the beginning of my first campaign.

Arthur and his Inner Circle on the Eve of Hengst's Invasion

The Faction of Mystic Britain

At this stage, many factions remain underdeveloped, but the foundations are laid for a rich tapestry of alliances and rivalries. Among those involved will be:

The Britons, heirs to the Romano-British civilisation, whose unity is fragile as they rally behind Arthur's banner but grapple with their tribal ambitions.

The Western Tribes, who remain fiercely traditional and cautious about Arthur's growing influence, yet join forces to safeguard their lands and their mystic culture.

Mordred's followers, who have chosen to ally with the Dûrlingar in a bid to reclaim his throne, are anticipating the ramifications of such a duplicitous alliance.

The Dûrlingar, a formidable race of dark dwarves, led by Hengst and the influential Oiscingas dynasty, now dominate much of southern and eastern England.

The Witches of Tenet (Drýgmál), whose ancient coven wields powerful sorcery, are poised to influence the tides of conflict with their mysterious abilities.

Picts of the North, whose ambitions for land in the North could bring them into the fray.

The Druids, who possess ancient magic and serve as guides and healers, stay ever present in the shadows. However, they look to regain their rightful place amongst the tribes of Britain.

The Shadows Whisperers are rumoured to be otherworldly entities living in the West, perhaps remnants of exiled tribes or mythical beings, adding layers of intrigue to the unfolding saga.

The Saxons, though less dominant than the Dûrlingar, still play a role in the conflict, either seeking personal gain or offering their services as mercenaries to the dwarves and Britons.

Whats Next

Mystic Britain is set to be a land rife with fractured loyalties and shifting allegiances, creating an anticipatory atmosphere as the factions pursue their visions of survival and domination. The unfolding war will hinge on whether Arthur can unite these diverse forces against the encroaching shadow of the Dûrlingar, with the outcome promising to reshape the future of this turbulent land.

For my first campaign, I have decided to play. Modred's 'Coming of Age' is set in the spring of 495 AD. The previous years had seen increased activity along the southern coast, and in the spring of 495, Hengst, with his army, crossed from Ynys Weith/Vectis and set up camp at Noviomagnus (Chichester). Observed by Artus spies, the British king knew the next few months would be more than just another raid but a fight for his crown and the fate of the Britons.

First Moves

The campaign opens when Hengst dispatches his sons, Osric and Penda, to find a crossing over the Avon and secure the bridging point for the main host. Here, he would meet with Modred and his men to start an attack on Arthur's stronghold at Aquae Sulis. 

Once Arthur obtained news of Hengst's advance, he dispatched his loyal lieutenant, the moor, Sagramoor, to harry the crossing.

Pynda 168 BC- Part 2- The Battle

In 168 BC, the Battle of Pydna marked a pivotal moment in the Roman Republic's conflict with the formidable Kingdom of Macedon. In a previous blog, I explained the preparation, research, and several potential 'What Ifs. The one played in this simulation was where the terrain favoured the Phalanx, with less broken ground.

The Historical Battle 

Had the following phases.

• Skirmish triggers deployment
• Initial clash - Phalanx gains advantage on flat ground
• Terrain disruption - As Phalanx pushes the Romans back, their formation gets disrupted.
• Roman exploitation - Manipular flexibility exploits gaps
• Macedonian collapse - Battle line collapses
• Rout

My Simulation

The Reluctant Advance

As the first light of dawn broke over the battlefield, two foraging parties clashed near the dry river bed. A brief skirmish ensued, during which the Roman light infantry was victorious, causing their Macedonian opponents to retreat in rout. This initial success would cause Aemilius Paulus a problem because the light infantry started to loot the bodies of their victims rather than retire to safety.

Whilst the skirmishes were fought, the two armies took cautious steps forward to support their companions. King Perseus of Macedon felt a heavy burden of uncertainty weigh upon him, causing him to hesitate. This reluctance fragmented his formation, with the Phalanx's left and centre surging ahead, leaving him and the right wing lagging behind. Seizing the moment, Aemilius Paulus moved his Legion forward, supported by the elephants on their right.

The Phanlanx and the Legions Advance

A Battle of Attrition

As the Phalanx rolled forward like a tide, Perseus finally regained control over his battleline, guiding them across the dry streambed in a solid line. Meanwhile, Aemilius Paulus faced significant setbacks. His advance was stifled by the remnants of the victorious light infantry, who seemed utterly absorbed in looting the fallen Macedonian soldiers rather than providing vital support to their comrades.

On the Roman right flank, colossal war elephants struggled against the uneven ground, their lumbering frames hindering the cohesion of Paullus' force and splintering any chance of an effective attack. In the ensuing chaos, Roman cavalry engaged in fierce skirmishes, pushing the Thracians back but inadvertently distancing themselves from the main body of their army. The Roman line had started to fragment.

The Phalanx pushes the Legion backwards. In the Middle of the line, the Roman Light Infantry 

Remained trapped between the two masses.

Impetuous Cavalry?

In a mirror image of the Roman troubles, the Macedonian right flank saw Perseus' heavy cavalry chase off the Numidians, only to find themselves unable to rein in the wild pursuit, creating a precarious imbalance as zeal surged within their ranks.

Collision of Forces

The moment of reckoning arrived with a visceral clash; the two armies collided. The disciplined Macedonian Phalanx drove forward, initially gaining the upper hand and forcing the Roman legions uphill onto the rocky, unforgiving terrain. Yet the Roman velites proved to be an insufferable thorn in the side of their advance, thwarting their every move and creating chaotic gaps in the Macedonian centre.
Perseus found himself grappling with a dual challenge as his victorious cavalry struggled to regain control, unable to shift their focus back to launch an attack on the Roman left flank and rear, while the battle line fragmented, leaving the Macedonians more vulnerable than the Romans to exploitation.

The Turning Point

As the sun began to dip low in the sky, the tide of Battle seemed to sway precariously. The Galician mercenaries, once a bulwark for the Macedonian side, turned tail under pressure from the relentless Ligurians, further unravelling the Macedonian lines. The momentum shifted as the Roman forces finally orchestrated their regrouping, turning the tide against the Macedonian onslaught, albeit with their cavalry still isolated from the main action.
The heart of the battlefield, the decisive ground where fate would be determined, pulsated with tension as both sides prepared for what could prove to be the calamitous conclusion to this struggle.

The Final Push

In a dramatic turn of events that seemed ripped from the pages of Hollywood, the Macedonian cavalry commander brought his men's battle lust under control and managed to re-enter the fray, charging fiercely into the flank of Paullus' Legion. Recognising the urgency of the moment, Paullus committed his triarii to the Battle, and while the Roman Legion held firm, they became disordered under the double Macedonian assault.
Now victory appeared to hang tantalisingly within Perseus' grasp, he called out "Homunculus Est," urging his troops to claim victory. Success, the might of the Republic had broken.

A Close Call

History would remember Perseus' victory as a close escape. Had the Romans made the call at the end of the previous turn, they would have seized a stunning triumph. Overall, the Battle was a hard-fought contest, where both sides emerged battered but unbroken. Unlike the historical engagement, the 3rd Macedonian War would not end in a Pynda. Rome would seek revenge, while Perseus might have released the purse strings to purchase more mercenaries.

The Final Moves. The fighting has broken into clumps, but at the top of the picture,

the Macedonian Cavalry has turned to attack the Roman Flank

Some Thoughts

Despite the outcome, the Battle followed the historical sequence of events closely. Besides some bad dice throws, the omens favoured Macedon. 

1. The Roman light infantry's early success was a curse to Paulus. A series of poor dice rolls meant they hindered the Legion's advance. In the end, Paulus sacrificed them so he could get his legions into action, although the delay was probably costly. The opening light infantry should occur on one of the flanks rather than the centre of the battlefield. 
2. The Macedonian cavalry played a more prominent role, fulfilling its intended purpose in Successor armies. In the historical Battle, they are invisible, and the sources do not answer why they did not play a prominent part.
3. Last, the reduction in broken ground allowed Perseus to keep the Phalanx together, even when pushbacks fragmented the line. The fewer gaps were never sufficient to permit the Romans to exploit their flexibility.