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 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.
