WOTR 1464 - Hedgeley Moor - Scenario

 

Date: Weds 27th August 2025

Table size: 8x6

Context: Despite a complete victory at Towton in 1461, civil unrest in more than fifteen counties has caused Edward to concentrate on settling the South.

At about the same time, the Duke of Somerset, (re)declares for Henry VI and leaves Wales, his first intention being to head to Newcastle, meet with his retainers who currently garrison the city and take it by surprise. He hopes to stem the supplies to Yorkist forces, giving Lancastrians in Northumberland the advantage.

However, troops loyal to Edward IV got wind of this, secured Newcastle and interned Somersets men before his plan came to fruition.

With the failure of this planned takeover, Somerset changes direction, heads out for Banburgh.

The most urgent priority as far as Edward is concerned, is the threat from Lancastrians to the Anglo-Scottish talks due to be held in Newcastle. Accordingly, he despatches Lord Montagu to meet the Scottish envoys. On route to the border, his army meets the main Lancastrian force under the command of Somerset, some 9 miles north-west of Alnwick, at Hedgeley Moor.

Battlefield Map:

Objectives - Yorkist: Defeat the Lancastrian army. Engage and kill the opposing commanders. 

Objectives - Lancastrian: Defeat the Yorkist army. Engage and kill the opposing commanders.

Order of Battle - Yorkist: 6 Households, 1 Light cavalry, 1 Medium Cavalry, 2 Mounted Men at Arms,  1 Crossbows, 2 Men at Arms, 1 Handgunners

Order of Battle - Lancastrian: 6 Households, 1 Light cavalry, 1 Medium Cavalry, 2 Mounted Men at Arms, 1 Crossbows, 1 Handgunners, 3 Men at Arms

Scenario Rules: Lancastrian morale is low during this period, whilst the Yorkists are superbly confident.

The Yorkist CIC is rated command 9, whilst one of the Lancastrian commanders is rated at command 7. 

All other commands on both sides are rated at 8

Troll Country - Battle of the Barrows

 

Date: Weds 23rd October

Table Size: 8x6

Rules: Hail Caesar

Context: Following the (marginally) successful landing of his army, Orc warlord Borgrim has sent the main part of his force on march to the West, crossing the Tobol river, and trying to get through to take, then hold, Ziochenk, further west.

However, and unexpectedly on his front, Imperial forces from the south have been quicker to march than anticipated, alongside a rapid gathering of Norse allies joining them. 

To further compound this, word from outriders reaches the Orc column of a Dwarf army sallying out of the mountain ranges to the North, which looks to make contact with the other allied forces, blocking the way west.

Accordingly, and in true Orc fashion, Borgrim decides to meet the enemy head on and fight his way through. 

The two forces eventually meet at the southern edge of a barrowdowns, where the ground is reasonably open, allowing lines to be formed, but broken up by large rocks and scattered patches of pine. 

A dense morning fog has rolled in to cover the barrows to the North as the sides deploy, but leaving the main field visible.

Objectives - Orcs: Get in and destroy the army opposite. Have some fun whilst doing it, then get on with the march.

Orc Brigade 1 - Borgims Lads: 3 x Orc Line, 1 x Orc Archers, 1 x Bolt Thrower

Orc Brigade 2 - Shaggas Foot: 2 x Orc Line, 1 x Orc Archers, 1 x Trolls, 1 x Stone Thrower

Black Orc Brigade - White Hand Boys: 3 x Black Orc Line, 2 x Black Orc Crossbows, 1 x Ballista

Cavalry: 4 x Warg Riders

Objectives - Northern Alliance: Hold ground, destroy the invading force and prevent them linking up with any other forces they may have in the region

Ostland Imperial Brigade: 3 x Pikemen, 2 x Handgunners, 1 x small Greatswords, 1 x medium Cannon

Norscan Brigade: 2 x Hirdmen Units, 1 x Small Huscarls, 1 x tiny Berkserkers

Norse Dwarves - Clan of Duregar:  2 x Dwarf Clansmen, 1 x Ironbreakers, 2 x Crossbowmen, 1 x Bolt Thrower, 1 x Cannon

Imperial Cavalry: 2 x Ostland Household Cavalry

Peninsular 1810 - Battle of River Coa

 

Date: Weds 30th April

Table Size: 8x6

Context: Following the fall of Ciudad Rodrigo, the Light Division has been warned by Wellington that they should withdraw across the river Coa, so as to not get caught out by French forces. 

However, divisional commander Bob Craufurd has chosen to entirely disregard these orders and remain on the Eastern side of the river. Consequently, spotting an opportunity, Marshal Ney commits a sizeable force for an attack, whilst the overnight storm has turned the river a "boiling torrent" with the rocks and roads in a poor state.

Caught napping and vastly outnumbered, Craufurd has, for some reason, chosen to defend the bridge, before inevitably giving the reluctant order to retreat........

Battlefield Map:

Objectives - British: You must retreat from the field and cross the bridge to the South Eastern edge of the table.

Order of Battle - British:

CIC - Bob Craufurd 

Brigade 1 - 3 x British Light Infantry Battalion, 1 x Small 95th Rifles (2 stands), 1 x Portuguese Cacadores Battalion

Brigade 2 - 3 x British Light Infantry Battalion, 1 x Small 95th Rifles (2 stands), 1 x Portuguese Cacadores Battalion

Brigade 3 - 2 x Light Dragoons, 1 x KGL Hussars, 1 x Horse Artillery Cannon

Brigade 4 - 2 x British Light Infantry Batallions

Objectives - French: Take the fight to the British, cut off their retreat and capture the Light Division.

Order of Battle - French:

CIC - Marshal Ney

Brigade 1 - 6 x French Line Infantry Battalions

Brigade 2 - 4 x French Line Infantry Battalions

Brigade 3 - 4 x French Line Infantry Battalions

Brigade 4 - 4 x Cannons

Arrive Turn 2, Southeast of the Windmill

Brigade 5 - 4 x French Grenadier Battalions

Arrive Turn 4, North of the Windmill

Brigade 6 - 1 x Hussar Cavalry Regiment, 1 x Chasseur a Cheval Regiment

French Brigade 1 and 2 may advance deploy further onto the table, if they wish (see placement on map)

Scenario Rule:

Brigade commanders on each side may not give tactical advice, coaching or steer one another unless their brigade commander models are with 12" one another. Pre game chatter and planning all good, but either stay close or take independent command of your brigade. Own yr mistakes!

Hundred Days: Quatre Bras - Scenario

 

Date Weds 21st August 2024

Context: I think we all know this one, but......Napoleon, having escaped from Alba and needing to secure his return, advances to prevent the British and Prussian forces joining up, intending to defeat them in detail, first one, than the other. This with the intention of forcing a peace treaty from the wider alliance. 

Meanwhile, 99% of the Anglo-Dutch command is pissing it up at the Duchess of Richmonds ball. Consequently, word comes through of Napoleons faster than anticipated Northward advance, and the command promptly exits to meet the oncoming French force.

Ney is despatched to prevent Wellington from assisting Blucher, defeat him, then to turn and assault Bluchers flank. Ney arrives as Quatre Bras to find Dutch forces holding the crossroads, with Wellington arriving shortly thereafter and the main British forces advancing along the road.

Battlefield Map:

Objectives - Anglo Dutch: You must hold the main crossroads at all costs, allowing time to defeat the French and to move onwards to Bluchers assistance, if possible. The French must not be allowed to get between the two armies.

Order of Battle - Anglo Dutch:

Commander in Chief - Wellington 

1st Netherlands Division - 4 Line Infantry, 2 Militia, Jager Company, 3 Foot Artillery

2nd Netherlands Division - 2 Line Infantry, 1 Militia, 1 Foot Artillery

Arrive turn 2

British Guards Division - 2 Foot Guard

Arrive turn 3

British Highlanders Division - 4 Highland Line Infantry, 95th Rifles, 1 Foot Artillery

Light Cavalry Brigade - 1 Light Dragoon Regiment, 1 Hussar Regiment.

Arrive turn 4

Heavy Cavalry Brigade - 2 Scots Grey Regiments

Objectives - French: Concentrate the corps of Counts Reille and d’Erlon and that of Count Kellerman, who is just marching to join you. With these forces you must engage and destroy all enemy forces that present themselves

Order of Battle - French:

Commander in Chief - Ney

1st Line Division - 4 French Line Infantry, 1 Combined Voltiguer Battalion, 2 Foot Artillery

2nd Grenadier Division - 4 French Grenadier Battalions, 1 Foot Artillery

Brigade of Dragoons - 2 Dragoon Regiments

Arrive Turn 2

Light Cavalry Brigade - 2 Hussar Regiments

Heavy Cavalry Brigade - 1 Carabinier Regiment

Guard Cavalry - 1 Imperial Guard Chasseur a Cheval Regiment

Arrive Turn 3

2nd French Division - 4 French Line Infantry, 2 Foot Artillery

Troll Country - Orc Landing in Norsca.

Date: Weds

 26th June 2024

Game: Warlords of Erehwon

Orcs, being bastards, have managed to sail the Sea of Claws, head across the top of the Empire, skirt underneath Norscan longship patrols and the ice borders.......arriving on the coast just to the north of Erengrad. Captain Ruzzgut of the Orcimedes has well and truly earned his pay!

This led to much activity from the Norscan patrols along the coast, who quickly scramble to send for aid from Kislev and other Norscan settlements, before gathering a hasty force together to meet the incoming threat. As they begin to rally, Orc landing boats begin being rowed out to shore.........

Scenario Special Rules

Dice bag is capped at 12 dice.

When a dice is drawn, all units on that side activate at the same time.

Orcs have to row onto the shore, so units are deployed in landing boats:

• Boats have a capacity of 12 models/6 cavalry
• More than one unit can be put into a boat, if they all fit.
• If a unit breaks morale in a boat and attempts to flee, they are destroyed
• Boats move by being given an order dice to advance. They move 2D6".
• Boats can be given more than one order dice per turn.
• When a boat reaches the shore, the units deploy onto the beach where the boat lands.
• Boats get recycled to continue shipping Orcs into the battle, until all units have tried rowing out.
• A unit can be given an order whilst in a boat (e.g. shooting or magic), but the boat will not advance whilst this happens (the crew are doing something other than rowing/holding steady to allow whatever action to happen)

Deployment

Orc boats start 20" away from shore.

First defending force is deployed between 12" and 24" away from the shoreline.

The Second defending force is deployed up to 18" in from the table edge directly opposite the shoreline

The Third defending force arrives in turn 3 from a randomly selected table edge.

Order of Battle - Orcs

3 x 750 point armies, chosen from the Orc list:

https://thisgaminglife.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/erehwon-orc-warband-v2.1.pdf

Trolls may not be taken for this scenario (too 'eavy, and when they get seasick, they melt the fuckin' boat!)

The Orc fleet has support weapons available on deck, allowing the Orcs the following free units:

2 Small Bolt Throwers 
1 Small Stone Thrower

These will automatically fire as the first action of each turn, without requiring an order dice.

Order of Battle - Norsca/Kislev

3 x 500 point armies, chosen from either the Vikings or the Knights list:

https://thisgaminglife.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/erewhon-knights-warband-v2.1.pdf

https://thisgaminglife.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/erehwon-viking-warband-v1.0.pdf

No war machines may be taken by the defenders.

The three defending armies are deployed in accordance with the outline given above in the deployment section.

Victory Conditions

The Orcs need to establish a beachhead and ensure their forces are in good position. 

The defenders need to hold back the greenskins and destroy all enemy forces.

HYW - Agincourt - Scenario

 

Date: Weds 29th May 2024

Table Size: 8x6

Context: October 1415. After the surrender of Harfleur on 22nd September 1415, Henry V now faces a dilemma. The season is changing for the worse, he is surrounded by larger forces assembling, and the French barons are uniting against him. 

Henry assembles his council and tells them he intends to march for Calais, against the advice of his councillors, who consider this a foolhardy plan and one full of risk.

On 8th October 1415 the English army marched out of Harfleur to begin its 100 mile journey to Calais.

When reaching the Somme, there was no sign of expected support, and in its place is a French force barred the crossing. The French are gathering all around Henry, guarding the bridges and fords along the Somme for a considerable distance.

Henry marches south east up the left bank of the river, a French force keeping pace and opposing any attempt to cross. Finally the English army have been able to outstrip the shadowing Frenchmen by cutting straight across a bow in the river, crossing and resuming the march north east towards Calais. In the face of the gathering French armies Henry orders his archers to cut sharpened staves to form a barrier against mounted attack.

As the army marches, the scouts come riding back at speed with the news that an immense army has blocked the road. The French had managed to march past the English and cut across their route during the delay on the Somme.

Beyond the village of Maisoncelles the French come into sight, a mass of knights and men-at-arms spilling across the valley from the East. Seeing that he cannot not pass without giving battle Henry orders his army to encamp and prepare to fight the next day.

Battlefield Map:

Objectives - English: Deploy in a defensive line, hold the French and give no ground

Order of Battle - English:

Commander - Henry V

York - 3 units of Men at arms. 1 small skirmish unit of archers

Erpingham - 3 units of English Longbowmen

Camoy -  3 units of English Longbowmen

Objectives - French: Having finally caught and cornered the British, engage and destroy the army, taking as much ransom as possible.

Order of Battle - French: 

A lot! Roughly outnumbering the English 3:1, with a mix of light,  medium or infantry and light, medium, or heavy cavalry.

Deployments:  

The game is played lengthways along the table. The French deploy up to 24" from the Western edge, the English up to 18" from the Eastern edge

The weather preceding the battle has been foul and the central point of the table is a quagmire. The English have chosen to deploy in a space flanked by woods, making avoidance of the mud difficult for the French.

This is a 3x4 area which is extremely difficult to keep order in and any unit moving across this space will roll on the below table:

Light infantry need to roll 2+ to not become disordered when moving

Medium or Heavy Infantry need to roll 3+ to not become disordered when moving

All cavalry need to roll a 4+ to not become disordered when moving.

Even if becoming disordered, the unit will still carry out the order given, if the command roll is passed.

English longbows will have a 24" range and can fire in two rows of units and have the marksmen rule.

The English have fortified their position with sharpened stakes. All charge bonuses of all type are cancelled when charging a unit behind stakes. Cavalry automatically become disordered when charging against stakes, in addition to losing their charge bonuses.

East Gate of Karak Eight Peaks

 

(pic from the ever amazing Tulikoura on DeviantArt, who if you don't know, you really should!)

Dwarf Lord Belegar has tried to reclaim Karak Eight Peaks from the Greenskins, both to restore this lost realm and to use this citadel as a base to launch operations in the surrounding area. 

So far, he has been partially successful, but has reached an impasse, only being able to retake the main hold and not consolidate the wider area, still strongly held by the enemy.

To mitigate this, he has sent for aid from his kinsman Lord Duregar, who has answered by immediately gathering a force and marching South. This relief army has been confronted by, and defeated, a larger Orc force that attempted to intercept them, with the result that their approach is well known to the greenskin commanders.

The East Gate lays several miles within Death Pass, through a broad steep valley, studded with Dwarven architecture. As the Dwarves march towards the gate, they see that Orcs have fortified the ruined buildings before the gates, and have emerged from all sides of the valley in a coordinated attack, trapping the Dwarves.......

The battle will take part in the Eastern section of the above map, before the main East Gate.

Rules: Warlords of Erehwon

Dwarf Army: 1600 points, divided into two parts. The main Dwarf relief led by Duregar (1000 points) and Belegars Eight Peaks Force (600 points)

Orc Army: 2000 points, divided into two main armies of 1000 points. These armies should then be split into two roughly equal parts prior to the game, to represent the waves of attackers coming into the valley. Each 1000 point Orc force should be led by an independent leader. There is no requirement for leaders to be in the smaller divisons.

Deployment (Dwarf): 

Duregars main army is advancing westwards towards the gate. Belegars force will advance from the West, but the timing of their arrival is unknown.

Duregars army will deploy between 12" and 36" from the Eastern side of the table. They may not be deployed close than 9" to the North or South table edges

Belegars force will arrive as they sally out. However, their timing will be unknown and should be rolled for according to the below:

Start of Turn 2 - On a 6

Start of Turn 3 - On a 5+

Start of Turn 4 - On a 4+

Start of Turn 5 - Automatically.

It may be that Belegar arrives too late to help!

Their arrival should be rolled for as below:

Roll of 1 to 4 - from the gateway to the West

Roll of 5 - from the mines to the North

Roll of 6 - from the tombs in the South

Deployment (Orc):  

The army is divided into four parts. 

An initial force positioned at the East gate to block the Dwarves progress. 

The second force has been shadowing and harrying the Dwarfs as they progress through the valley and arrive onto the table during the first turn. They may be placed up to 9" onto the table when they arrive (as their dice is drawn). They can be given a fire order as usual or shoot, but cannot move. They will fight normally, if attacked in combat.

The third contingent has been lurking in the Northern slopes of the valley, and only moves once the Dwarves are in position. However, being Orcs, there is no guarantee they will coordinate properly or even know what the correct Dwarf position is.

Start of Turn 1 - On a 6

Start of Turn 2 - On a 4+

Start of Turn 3 - On a 2+

Start of Turn 4 - They've gotten bored and found something else to do, so don't turn up.

If Belegar arrives from the Northern mines, he has caught the Orcs unaware and massacred them, so they do not appear at all.

When arriving, the third contingent will deploy 9" onto the table from the Northern edge and can activate as normal. They may not deploy within 4" of a Dwarf unit.

The fourth force have hidden amongst the southern slopes and attempt an attack at the same time as the Northern Orcs.

Start of Turn 1 - On a 6

Start of Turn 2 - On a 4+

Start of Turn 3 - On a 2+

Start of Turn 4 - On a 4+

Start of Turn 5 - On a 6

Start of Turn 6 - Never!

If Belegar arrives from the South, he will destroy this force automatically before arriving on the table.

When arriving, the fourth contingent will deploy 9" onto the table from the Southern edge and can activate as normal. They may not deploy within 4" of a Dwarf unit.

NOTE: Both Orc forces cannot arrive from the North and South at the same time! Roll separately for each in sequence.

Victory Conditions: Fight to the death or until the end of turn 7, where night will fall and the survivors escape under cover of darkness.

Peninsular 1809 - Talavera

 

 Date: Weds 21st Feb 2024

Table Size: 8x6

Context: Summer 1809. Wellesley, exonerated, has returned to command the Peninsular forces and marches out from Portugal into Spain, intending to advance on Madrid with Spanish forces.

The French have opposing, yet equally aggressive, plans with their army now reequipped and restored after having been forced into a humiliating retreat from Porto during the British re-entry into Portugal. The orders from Paris are to decisively crush the British forces and discourage any further "interference" from London.

The British, however, have been hampered by a lack of coordination and cooperation with the Spanish forces, which allows the French to move and withdraw as needed, meaning that the chance to take Madrid passes.

The two forces finally catch one another at Talavera. The British intend to do what they do best and fight a defensive battle. The French, recognising the positions of the relative forces, deploy the majority of their forces against the British lines, intending to defeat them first and then turn on the Spanish.

Battlefield Map:

Objectives - British: Hold the line, engage with French forces in your favoured positions and prevent the French breaking the line, in turn breaking the alliance.

Order of Battle - British:

CIC - Arthur Wellesley

Brigade 1 (Guards) - 2 x Battalions of Foot Guard

Brigade 2 (Kemmis) - 4 x Battalions of Line Infantry, 1 x Cannon, 1 x Tiny 95th Rifles

Brigade 3 (Campbell) - 4 x Battalions of Line Infantry, 1 x Cannon, 1 x Tiny 95th Rifles

Brigade 4 (Cameron) - 4 x Battalions of Highlanders, 1 x Cannon

Brigade 5 (Langwerth) - 3 x Battalions of Line Infantry, 1 x Howitzer

Brigade 6 (Light Cavalry) - 1 x Regiment of Light Dragoons, 1 x Regiment of Hussars

Brigade 7 (Scots Greys) - 2 x Regiments of Scots Greys

Brigade 8 (Household Cavalry) - 1 x Regiment of Life Guard

Objectives - French: The Emperor demands an end to this Spanish ulcer. You are to advance, smash the British, then clear the way to advance and end this Spanish uprising. Defeat is not an option.

Order of Battle - French:

CIC - Joseph Bonaparte, King of Spain (Chief of Staff - Marshal Jourdan)

Brigade 1 (Ruffin) - 5 x Battalions of Line Infantry, 1 x Cannon, 1 x Small Voltigeurs

Brigade 2 (Lapisse) - 4 x Battalions of Line Infantry, 1 x Cannon, 1 x Small Voltigeurs

Brigade 3 (Leval) - 5 x Battalions of German Line Infantry, 1 x Cannon

Brigade 4 (Villatte) - 4 x Battalions of Grenadiers

Brigade 5 (Light Cavalry) - 1 x Regiment Chasseur a Cheval, 2 x Regiments of Hussars

Brigade 6 (Dragoons) - 2 x Regiments of Dragoons

Brigade 7 (Dragoons) - 2 x Regiments of Dragoons

Brigade 8 (Artillery) - 2 x Cannons, 1 x Howitzer

Peninsular 1808 - Rolica

 

Date: Weds 1st November 2023

Table Size: 8x6

Context: June 1808. The British government has received word of the Spanish uprising against the French, which they use as an excuse to send an expeditionary force to Portugal, thereby supporting their long standing allies. The mission was to expel the French Army, under the command of General Junot, from Portugal. 

This initial British force would be under the command of a young general who had made his reputation in India: Sir Arthur Wellesley.

The first British troops landed at Mondego Bay on 1 August 1808, and 4 days later had 13,000 troops ashore. This British was reinforced with 2,000 Portuguese troops, who were placed under the command of a British Officer. Once the organisation was complete, the Anglo Portuguese force begins its march on Lisbon.

The French commander in Portugal, General Junot, has received word of the British landing and sent General Delaborde to observe and, if the situation arises, attempt to contain the British force until Junot has concentrated his whole field army into a position ready to fight. 

Delaborde advances to Alcobaça, but could not find a suitable defensive position, so he withdraws to Roliça. 

The French army has been deployed on a low hill, where they await the larger British forces to attack.

Battlefield Map:

Objectives - British: You are to advance up the slopes and break through the French lines, taking control of the higher ground. Consideration should be given to the potential for a French reserve brigade arriving as relief.

Order of Battle - British: 

CIC - Arthur Wellesley

Hills Brigade -  3 x Line Infantry Battalions, 1 x Howitzer

Fanes Brigade - 2 x Line Infantry Battalions, 1 x 95th Rifles (tiny), 1 x Light Dragoons, 1 x Cannon

Nightingales Brigade - 2 x Line Infantry Battalions

Craufurds Brigade - 2 x Light Infantry Battalions, 1 x Cacadores Batalion, 1 x 95th Rifles (tiny)

Objectives - French: Although outnumbered, you are hold the commanding heights of the field for the duration of the battle and prevent the British advance. Word has been sent to Loison, but you do not know whether his division will arrive in time or not.

Order of Battle - French: 

CIC  - Henri Delaborde

Avrils Brigade - 3 x  Line Infantry Battalions, 1 Cannon

Brenniers Brigade -  3 x Line Infantry Battalions, 1 Cannon

26th Chasseurs a Cheval - 2 x Light Cavalry regiments

Loison - Brigade strength unknown

Deployments:  The French may deploy on the hill or in the surrounding rocky areas in the Southern part of the table. The British deploy on the Northern table edge. Craufurds brigade is held in reserve.

The British take the first turn.

Scenario Special Rules: 

The British may use attack column formation for this scenario.

Any units advancing up the heights, designated by the on table terrain, move at half speed and have -1 attack dice in close combat

When a British unit advances to the beginning of the heights, it rolls a D6. On a 4+ it makes one move directly forward at full speed as an impetuous move to begin advancing up the gullies.

The heights provide an excellent defensive position. Any French unit holding the hills gains +1 morale in addition to any other modifiers (.e.g, from attack column formation) and +1 to their combat resolution result.

All cavalry moving two moves or more during a single advance must roll for disorder, due to the uneven ground.

WOTR 1455-1461 - Towton

 

Date: Weds 21st June 2023

Table Size: 8x6

Context: Following the Battle of Wakefield, King Henry VI has refused to permit his Lancastrian army to enter London, fearing that its many paid soldiers from the Scottish border country would loot the city.

The Yorkists have stablished themselves comfortably in London and Edward, Earl of March, was declared by Parliament the rightful King of England, in place of Henry VI, whom Parliament declared to be a usurper.

Henry VI, Margaret of Anjou and the Prince of Wales retreated with the Lancastrian army north to Yorkshire.

While Henry, Margaret and the Prince of Wales remained in York, the Lancastrian army assembled at Tadcaster, intending to defend the line of the River Aire.

At Tadcaster, Lancastrian noblemen, knights and soldiers have joined the army’s ranks from across the north.

Edward, Earl of March, now proclaimed King Edward IV, smarting from his defeat at the Second Battle of St Albans, advanced north in pursuit of the Lancastrian army with the aim of both finalising this claim and taking revenge for his fathers death.

The Lancastrian army has taken up position on a shallow ridge south of the village of Towton, on the road from Tadcaster. Flanked to the west by the river, the short ridge chosen did not give the Lancastrian army much room to deploy. On their right lay Castle Hill Wood, where a force of Lancastrian lightly mounted men was concealed in ambush.

On 28th March 1461, the Yorkist army reached the village of Saxton, a mile or so south of the Lancastrian position. Edward, Earl of March, chooses to wait until the next day, before advancing to the attack, giving time for the stragglers of his army time to come up and allow the Duke of Norfolk’s powerful contingent to reach the main army.

During the Yorkist advance, Norfolk was consistently a day’s march in the rear. Palm Sunday, 29th March 1461, dawned cold and cloudy, with the wind blowing from the south. As the Yorkists marched onto the field, it began to snow...............

Battlefield Map:

Objectives - Yorkist: Defeat the Lancastrian army. Engage and the opposing commanders. NO QUARTER.

Objectives - Lancastrian: Defeat the Yorkist army. Engage and kill the opposing commanders. NO QUARTER.

Order of Battle - Yorkist: All the toys (no cavalry, no artillery). Some households and units must be set aside for Norfolk battle in the rear.

Order of Battle - Lancastrian: All the toys, 2 units of light cavalry (no artillery)

Deployments: Lancastrians deploy first along the Northern edge of the table, up to the edge of the hill and equivalent. Yorkists deploy along the Southern edge of the table.

Scenarion Special rule: Due to the prevailing wind behind them, Yorkist archers have 24" range for the duration of the game, outranging the Lancastrians.

WOTR 1455-1461 - Second Battle of St Albans

 

Date: Thursday 18th May 2023

Table Size: 8x6

Context: Following the Battle of Northampton in 1460, King Henry had been captured by the Yorkists leaving his queen, Margaret of Anjou, in charge of the Lancastrian cause. Having recently won a (disputed, in this history) victory at the Battle of Wakefield, the Lancastrian army now began its advance on London to consolidate their position, heading from the North towards the town along Watling Road. 

The Yorkists under the command of Warwick have moved to block the Southward march by Margaret, taking up position around and within the town of St Albans. The Yorkist force holds Henry VI Amongst their lines.

Battlefield Map:

Objectives - Yorkist: Delay and harass the Lancastrian forces.

Objectives - Lancastrian: Capture the town, engage and destroy any Yorkist forces on the table. If Henry is found, reclaim the royal personage.

Order of Battle - Yorkist: 6 Households, 1 Light cavalry, 1 Medium Cavalry, 1 Crossbow, 3 Men at Arms, 1 Handgun. 2 Cannon.

Order of Battle - Lancastrian: 6 Households, 1 Light cavalry, 1 Medium Cavalry, 2 Mounted Men at Arms, 1 Crossbow, 4 Men at Arms, 2 Pike. 1 Cannon. 

Deployments: Yorkists begin their deployment in and around the town. Lancastrians deploy onto table and advance, taking the first turn.

WOTR 1455-1461 - Mortimers Cross

 

Date: Weds 22nd February

Table Size: 8x6

Context: After the death of his father, Edward Mortimer sits safe in Yorkist territory awaiting the next move from the Lancastrians, which will inform his own decisions. Margaret of Anjou is the dominant force in the Lancastrian forces, following another mental health episode from Henry VI. Accordingly, she orders Jasper Tudor, his father the Earl of Pembroke, and James Butler, Earl of Ormond and Wiltshire (who brought his own French and Irish mercenaries) to march from South Wales and put down the Yorkists based in the Marches at Ludlow and Wigmore.

A foul winter, poor ground and delays cause issues for the Lancastrian forces amassing, which Edward uses to his full advantage. Choosing a site to give them optimal chances of success, the Yorkists move out and attack Jasper Tudor as he marches through the valleys.

Battlefield Map:

Objectives - Yorkist: Engage and destroy the Lancastrian forces. Orders have been given by Edward for the capture of any opposing commanders.

Objectives - Lancastrian: You must hold in good order and defeat the Yorkist enemy. The capture or death of Edward would be a prize indeed!

Order of Battle - Yorkist: 6 Households, 1 Light cavalry, 1 Medium Cavalry, 2 Mounted Men at Arms,  1 Crossbows, 2 Men at Arms, 3 Pike

Order of Battle - Lancastrian: 6 Households, 1 Light cavalry, 1 Medium Cavalry, 2 Mounted Men at Arms, 1 Crossbows, 3 Men at Arms, 2 Pike

Deployments: See above map.