Mamluks v Mongols

A 13th century paring of the Mamluk Sultanate against the Mongol Ilkhanate using Lion Rampant wargame rules.

The two large cavalry forces faced off against each other on one flank, the infantry on the other. The mounted Mamluks eventually got the better of their opponents, even though they lost their commander. Likewise the Mamluk infantry was victorious, primarily due to their superior archery.

This is a very colourful period, with interesting troop types, little gamed by wargamers.

The Osprey rules were probably tested to their limit in this game, as they aren't really intended for larger battles, such as this. The shooting did appear to be overly powerful, which skewed the game somewhat. That said, everyone had fun, which is the main thing.

Monday Games - Byzantines Make and Appearance and Comets vs Panthers

There were three games at the club on Monday night - Medieval, using Lion Rampant and two Flames of War WWII games, one mid war, one late.

The Byzantines defeated the Normans in this classic medieval face-off. A German SS formation narrowly defeated a British Comet formation and a swarm of Honeys was witnessed in the mid war game.

Battle of Kulikovo, 1380 - Russia vs the Golden Horde

In this fun game, loosely based on the epic Battle of Kulikovo, we witnessed the Russian Principalities, under Prince Dimitry, 'throw off the Mongol Yoke'.

The Russian right flank defeated the Tartar cavalry before turning on the Golden Horde's centre, killing their C-in-C in the process. The Russian centre remained disciplined and managed to break a key unit of mercenary spearmen, sealing the Mongols' fate.

We used Lion Rampant rules, which aren't really intended for set piece battles, but worked surprisingly well in this case. The game mechanisms can be quite 'swingy' from turn to turn, which adds to the uncertainty and 'fun' of the game.

The low-light of the game, was the disgraceful display by the mercenary Genoese Crossbowmen, who failed, turn after turn, to shoot at the advancing Russians. When they did eventually roll to shoot, they didn't even cause one single casualty! Perhaps they hadn't been paid by their employers, or perhaps they'd bribed by the Russians - we'll never know. Either way, they were left to their fate, as the defeated Mongols retired from the battlefield.

Battle of Kulikovo Wargame

Battle of Kulikovo Wargame