Ambush in the Forest : Age of Wolf Campaign :SAGA

The next battle in our Age of Wolf campaign saw the Normans Campaigning, whilst the Vikings were raiding (we have tweaked slightly the selection of battles to give the poor Saxons a rest) we rolled up the random scenario and played one of the new scenarios from the campaign book. The Normans under Duke Baldwin are happily on campaign seeking to quel any local unrest and collect what additional revenue they can find.

The Norman retinue march in column across the British countryside. The woods in the North are home to deer and boar and the Duke is pondering the chances of some impromptu hunting.........

However, there are more dangerous things in the woods.....Ivar the Viking and his retinue are raiding hiding in the trees an 

ambush has been set for the unsuspecting Normans

A scream goes up from the undergrowth, Ivar orders his elite Hearthguard forward to the attack, focussing at the front of the column aiming to hold the column back 

What follows is a tremendously bloody battle and within a matter of seconds (2 turns) the Norman mercenaries are wiped out but this costs the Vikings dearly with a huge number of Hearthguard killed

The Norman knights attempt to break out on the right but amongst the thick forest undergrowth the cavalry is ineffective and they are slaughtered, Duke Baldwin somewhat deterred pulls back to the road. Whilst more Vikings appear towards the rear of the column.

There is nothing for it Duke Baldwin angry and frustrated chooses to attempt to charge down the road to kill the Viking leader, unfortunately his horse stumbles and Ivar supported by his bodyguard unhorse the remaining knights. This leaves the Duke isolated and despite a heroic attempt to escape he is wounded (his second wound in the campaign).

Another fairly minor win for the Vikings.......