The Saga of Harold Halfdan & Oswulf Donothing

The Saga rules with several of its extensions have set on my bookshelf, so I thought it was time to try the rules. It is a popular rule set, widely played and used in many tournaments. My ‘learning game’ was very simple,

• I used two of the easier factions that matched my miniature collection, Vikings and Anglo-Danes.
• Four point armies, generally organised in the basic formations. The exception was the Viking herdsmen, who I merged a single unit.
• No objectives were used. I followed the set up procedure in 'Clash of Warlords' chapter. This led to a hill being placed close to the Viking deployment area and a wood that protected the Saxon's left flank.

Tactics and Deployment

Harold tactics were his favoured, and had brought him many victories - charge! Therefore, he combined his Hirdman and placed them in the centre of his line with a unit of warriors on each flank. The warriors on the left were deployed a greater distance from the main force, so they could defend the flat ground. The plan was simple, take the hill and use it to launch an attack at the Saxon lines.

Oswulf adopted a cautious approach. He placed his levy archers on his left where they were protected by the wood on their right the Fyrd (warriors). Next a unit of Huscarls completed the main force. Oswald and another unit of Husacarls took their positions on the far right, with the aim of turning the Viking's flank.

The map below provides an overview. 

The Battle

Harold Hirdman opened the battle by charging the Saxon Huscarls who the Vikings slaughtered. However the warriors (Bondi) proved less successful against the Saxon warriors and were repulsed with heavy losses.  Harold ordered his Hirdman to attack the stubborn Fyrd but they too were repulsed. Even when he joined the battle the Saxons remained stout in their defence. 

Meanwhile, Oswulf had advanced within charging distance of the viking Bondi whom Harold had held back to buy time for his main attack to be successful. The Huscarls charged and pushed the Viking warriors back but they held their line. So far the great Saxon thegn had been a footnote to the battle and this is how it would end. Whilst Oswulf struggled his main force had overcome Harold and his men fled back to the hill top for safety. It was the day of the warriors rather than glamour seeking elites.

The Mead Hall at Saxmundum would sing of the great victory of Oswulf Donothing.

Some Comments

This was my fist game of Saga and I enjoyed it. The game is more fantasy than historical, it is the 'Dark Ages' according to the sagas or Hollywood rather than a historical stimulation. Next I plan to play a full 6 point army and try Age of Magic. I also want to build in some solo options.

I will write a fuller review later and make some comparisons to other skirmish games. However, in the meantime a couple of enjoyable hours where you spent playing the game rather than having your head in the rules.