I didn't want to come up with any special rules and wanted to test the Lost Battle system to see if it can manage Hastings. I feel like cavalry was probably very similar to their ancient counterparts, depending on closing and javelin throwing. One of the main features is the somewhat uncontrolled charge off the secure hill by the Anglo Saxons chasing down fleeing Normans. Instead of an involuntary charge rule the Norman Key Zone is placed on the Norman Left, thus if the Anglo Saxons want to strike a morale blow to the Normans they should try to take that zone. Or try to grind down the Normans from the hilltop but in doing so they allow the Normans to dominate most of the field. Also there is a risk that William can use his Brilliant Commander ability to intervene on a faltering flank with his turn flip flop. The field itself has difficult terrain on the flanks, the historical deployment would probably ignore the flank zones and funnel into the 3 central zones, but players can see if flanking forces can make a difference, or whether focusing commands on the attacks and not wading through marsh or navigating trees would be more prudent as the forces on the day found. This is the beauty and fun of Lost Battles you can experiment and tweak as you see fit. I'm certainly not an expert in the battle so I would love to hear suggestions or tweaks to the scenario or even your version of the scenario, its a classic British battle and we love to rake over it!
M: x1 AL:3
Anglo-Saxons:
King Harold Godwinson (Inspired Leader) attached to a VHI
8 VHI (Huscarls 2,000), 8 AHI (Select Fyrd 4,000), 2 LHI (Greater Fyrd 2,000), FV 72.
The Normans:
Duke of Normandy (Brilliant Commander)
8 VHC (Norman Knights 1,000), 4 AHC (French/Breton Cavalry 1,000), 8 AHI (Norman/Mercenary Infantry 4,000), 3 ALI (Bowmen/Crossbowmen 1,500), FV 95.
Approx. 300m per zone
Great to see LB being used to model Hastings.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing how this one plays out!
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