Ambush on the border of Leon : Al Andalus

Our next venture into the colourful world of Al Andalus sees the ex-Slave Ruler of Badajoz Sabur al Saqlabi ambush Prince Alfonso (think they were nearly all called Alfonso !) from the Kingdom of Leon. The prince has been raiding with his force across the border and has collected much booty. He must get this back to the safety of the walled city of Toro. Unfortunately his force is mainly on foot and the Muslim forces are fast and mobile.

Alfonso leading his men home across the battlefield a mixture of olive and orange groves. To make the scenario just that little bit more challenging whilst each unit carries some loot (the green counters) neither side know how much each one is worth

The ambush is sprung light infantry charge out from the nearby village

They immediately come under fire from crossbowmen who easily find their mark at close range

Alfonso leading from the front, the unit in the foreground are fierce elite infantry who appear to be hiding in the long grass

The force from Leon heads across the table

Running through the olive groves

Unable to move and fire the crossbowmen choose to fire from the back

Muslim heavy cavalry have circled around the cliffs and charge the mercenary light infantry who soon break and run, you can never pay mercenaries enough

Muslim light cavalry lure the Leon Elite knights on a fruitless chase across the hills

Having driven off the mercenaries the heavy cavalry move into the open ground

The black guard are moving to the back to block the path to the city

Alfonso gallantly leads is remaining men forward

E Leon knights are continuing to chase the light cavalry to no effect

The Prince again leading from the front charges the light cavalry looking to clear a path

But he then becomes isolated and eventually killed in single combat with Sabur

Sabur has however been wounded

and the Prince’s Foot knights are able to wreak their revenge cutting off his horse

There are few troops left on the table but those that are have already passed a morale check to stay to the bitter end, the final unit of Muslim light cavalry blocks the way and use their skirmishing ability very effectively.

The final melee takes place in the centre of the field, surrounded by the dead the remaining Knights of Leon are gradually cut down by the light cavalry.

For a virtual game it played really well as a scenario was in the balance for much of the time but in the end a decisive win for Sabur al Saqlati (oh except of course he was dead !) You will see I managed to get the recently painted black guard on the table and Sabur himself did remarkably well considering his fresh paint. The most notable thing was Sabur only failed a single skirmish roll during the whole game and the light cavalry were tremendously effective the whole battle.

And now those random other photos...

With slightly more time on my hands and whilst putting away the 14th Foot the British marched on parade again two more full british Regiments waiting but I need a rest from the lace so some Americans next I think.

And mainly for those cyclists amongst you

Hope you are all well 🚴🏻‍♂️