Time for the conclusion to our 1066 campaign as we fight The Battle of Hastings!
[Following feedback from pyruse on the Studio Tomahawk forum we decided to make a small amendment to the scenario rules for Senlac Hill. The hill functions as a steep elevation but reduces movement of mounted troops from L to M (rather than L to S). ]
Harold's forces were somewhat depleted and fatigued after Stamford Bridge and the long march south. But they stood determined and defiant.
Below them stood William and his Herald, Ivo Taillefer, together with a host of Norman cavalry, archers and crossbowmen.
Harold's left flank was protected by woodland, whilst a rank area of marshland was located to the right.
The Normans started their advance, but found the ground rough going with several units feeling as though they had become trapped in a mire.
Ivo's cavalry made haste and picked their way through the woodland. Although fatigued, they had manoeuvred into a good position for a flank charge.
Another mounted unit galloped ahead to scout out the hill.
Meanwhile, William signalled a general advance.
Missiles rained down upon Harold and his men, but casualties were light and the shieldwall held firm.
Ivo suddenly burst into song and his troops were revitalised. Sensing that a victory could be achieved with a frontal assault his cavalry surged forwards and positioned themselves directly in front of the hill. Harold's slingers reached into their pouches...
The Norman cavalry found themselves battered by stones. Where was their support?!
Norman crossbows quickly followed up, but Harold's men sensed that the Norman line was floundering.
"Hold the line you fools!" cried Gyrth.
But it was too late. Warriors charged down the hill towards the startled Normans!
William look on in amazement as the warriors crashed into the Norman cavalry like great Lords of Battle. But, whilst fatigued by the endeavour, the mounted hearthguard held their ground and inflicted heavy casualties on their assailants.
More English warriors started to stream down the hill. William's crossbows desperately tried to reload, but were beaten back.
The English warriors started to tire and suddenly they found themselves alone and isolated. Seeing the threat, the Norman knights regrouped and hacked the warriors down.
The English assault had been defeated, but not without some loss to the Normans. William took stock of his forces.
Harold and his huscarls stood defiant. The shieldwall may have thinned as the day progressed, but it remained a formidable barrier.
"But what of the fyrd?" asked Gyrth "Will they abandon us in our time of need?"
"Have faith brother", replied Leofwine "they will be here!"
William looked up at the afternoon sun and a shadow passed over him. Was there still time left to secure the crown?
Joining his knights, William positioned himself on Harold's flank and charged a unit of warriors who were trying to scramble back up the hill to safety.
William's knights trampled down the warriors. But as the frenzy subsided, William looked about him and realised that his knights also lay slain. By now it was late afternoon. With his knights dead, William cried out in despair. The crown of England was slipping from his grasp...
Harold gazed at the Normans below him. Some of the Norman cavalry were starting to retreat! Nightfall and the protection afforded by its darkness would soon be upon them.
"Shh! What is that?'
Gyrth turned to his brother in puzzlement. Harold cocked his head to listed. Above the din of battle a lone voice could be heard.
"Is that a song?"
Suddenly Ivo Taillefer rode from the lengthening shadows and charged up the hill. His song drove the English warriors before him. What remained of the levy slingers fled in panic and Ivo fell upon Harold and his brothers. Shielding Harold from the Norman, both Gyrth and Leofwine fell. Ivo raised his sword and brought it down upon Harold.
As he staggered backwards, Harold watched as one of his loyal huscarls threw himself in front of the bloodied sword. Ivo turned and hacked at the household guard.
Night was nearly upon them, but Harold stood alone. Before him stood Ivo, his expression and voice that of a madman.
As the weak October sun sank beneath the trees, William could be heard screaming "Shoot!". A volley of arrows rained down upon Harold.
But Harold lifted his shield above his head and stood firm!
"Protect the King!"
A loud cry was heard from the woods behind Harold's line and suddenly a great host of men appeared.
Squinting in the fading light, Ivo looked on in awe and his voice fell silent.
Night had fallen and the fyrd had finally arrived!
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What a finale! We all thought Harold was safe and secure upon his hill, but Ivo's late charge nearly won the crown for William. We played for eight turns. If the Normans had one more turn, then it is likely that Harold would not have survived. As it was, Harold survived until the end of turn 8 and so secured a minor victory. A great game and huge thanks to Anthony, Carl, David and Rob!
