From Athelney to Ethandun | Take the High Ground | The Crusty Colonel

Added: 2026-05-23

[00:00:06][music] [music] >> King Alfred was leading a fugitive life in the marshes of Somerset.

[00:00:24]He had nothing to live on but what he could forage by frequent raids.

[00:00:29]At Easter, Alfred built a fortress at a place called Athelney and from which, with the things of Somerset, [music] he struck out ruthlessly and tirelessly against the Vikings.

[00:00:42]Having won the first encounter in [music] Selwood Forest, the Anglo-Saxons have pursued the Vikings to Bratton Down.

[00:00:49]The Vikings will turn and fight while holding the high ground.

[00:00:55]In this scenario, there'll be three key points on the hill and sides will gain one reputation if it is held from the end of turn three for each of those points.

[00:01:06]The Vikings are the defender and 25% of their force will arrive on turn four and I'll be rolling for their entry point.

[00:01:15]Let's check out the two sides.

[00:01:17]The Anglo-Saxons have 296 points and eight reputation.

[00:01:23]They've been reinforced by Alderman Wulfgar of Hampshire who brought with him two more units of hearthguard and some spearmen.

[00:01:31]The other heroes include Godburch of Selwood, Leofhelm of Athelney, and Ceolwulf of Winchester, all survivors of the first encounter.

[00:01:41]In total, their units include two hearthguard, six spearmen, and two warriors with bows.

[00:01:49]The Viking force is 300 points with eight reputation.

[00:01:53]Halfdan Flatnose, One-Eye, and Gisli the Stout will be on the high ground to start with with two units of hearthguard and four spearmen.

[00:02:03]The reinforcements hurrying from Chippenham and arriving on turn four will consist of Osketel Ironhand and Niall Addertongue along with two units of spearmen and one unit of archers.

[00:02:17]As a reminder, I am paying campaign limited units, which affects the hearthguard.

[00:02:23]They're okay if they take stamina damage, they'll return to full strength for the following game. However, if they are destroyed, then they are gone forever for the campaign.

[00:02:33]And at the moment, the Saxons have lost one of their five hearthguard units.

[00:02:37]That could be critical.

[00:02:40]For the wheel of fate, all quiet.

[00:02:43]Life is refreshingly uneventful as troops clean their armor, sharpen their weapons, and prepare for battle.

[00:02:51]And here's the ground the two sides be fighting over, Bratton Down.

[00:02:56]Vikings at the top of the table on the high ground protecting those three key points as indicated by the stones. The Anglo-Saxons will be coming across the valley and straight up the hill.

[00:03:09]The Viking host on top of one of the hills on Bratton Down.

[00:03:13]Unusually for the Vikings in a defensive posture and that's because they had a failed raid and ambush by the Anglo-Saxons in Selwood Forest.

[00:03:22]And of course, they are massively outnumbered until their reinforcements arrive. Runners have been sent.

[00:03:29]So at the moment, it's just Halfdan Flatnose, One-Eye, and Gisli the Stout for their heroes.

[00:03:35]Can they hold out?

[00:03:38]And the Saxons across the valley to their front. On their right, we've got the bows.

[00:03:43]And as we move into the center, Ceolwulf of Winchester with his spearmen, Godburch of Selwood, the whole host is led by Alderman Wulfgar of Hampshire, and on the left, we've got old Leofhelm of Athelney with some more bows.

[00:04:03]And those bows are going to kick us off trying to soften up the Vikings before the rest of the Saxons pour forward.

[00:04:12]So second move for the guys on the right.

[00:04:14]Yep.

[00:04:19]And the bows with Leofhelm.

[00:04:25]Now, mighty deed having to be used here, a reroll.

[00:04:30]Away they go.

[00:04:35]Both of the bows now within range for firing, the rest of the host will move.

[00:05:04]Some of the Saxon spearmen are lagging behind there, but the front rank are doing well. They're holding the shield wall and grinding forward.

[00:05:11]Saxon shooting.

[00:05:12]Starting on the right, these chaps here within a three spear throws range of the Viking spearmen. Half dice only though because they're outside of the killing zone. So it's 2D6, but they are marksmen, so that's three. Hitting on fives.

[00:05:28]One hit.

[00:05:29]The bows have an armor of three, so it's no stamina loss. However, it is a command test which they fail.

[00:05:37]Now, I think at this early stage, old Halfdan will do a reroll.

[00:05:41]Doesn't want to break up his shield wall.

[00:05:45]So they remain there.

[00:05:47]Over on the Saxon left, again, just within bow range, the archers will have 3D6.

[00:05:53]Leofhelm is getting involved. He's also a marksman, so it's 5D6.

[00:06:00]Just the one hit.

[00:06:02]So as per the Viking left, reroll. Gisli will do that.

[00:06:09]Still a fail. Halfdan will pay his other mighty deed and they remain steady there.

[00:06:16]End of the Saxon phase.

[00:06:18]Viking movement. Well, it's no great surprise that the Vikings will not be moving. They will remain on the high ground. They don't have any bows at the moment. They're coming with the reinforcements. So there's not a lot they can do.

[00:06:29]No melees, no more shooting. End of turn.

[00:06:33]So once again, Saxons will be pushing forward their archers.

[00:06:38]They'll try and get them into the killing zone of the spearmen to their front.

[00:06:42]They obviously don't like the look of the Viking host. Leofhelm will have to gee them up.

[00:06:48]But they've obviously got the willies and will stay there.

[00:06:51]Bowmen on the right.

[00:06:54]Well, they don't fancy it either.

[00:06:57]Now, Ceolwulf is within two spear throws, so he'll play a mighty deed and get them moving forward.

[00:07:03]Huh, but again, no.

[00:07:06]So I'm thinking that Alderman Wulfgar can have a go. Why not?

[00:07:11]Can you believe it? Uh I think I'll leave it there.

[00:07:14]The remainder of the line will grind forward.

[00:07:19]Reasonably successful move forward by the Saxons there. Straight into bow action again.

[00:07:25]On the Saxon left, 5D6.

[00:07:28]Three hits. That's a bit better.

[00:07:31]Obviously, no risk to heroes. One stamina damage.

[00:07:35]Command test.

[00:07:37]They are steady.

[00:07:40]3D6 on the right against the spearmen.

[00:07:44]No hits and therefore no requirement for a command test. No melees. Viking move.

[00:07:50]As per previous, they won't be moving apart from the fact I'm just going to shuffle these chaps over here so they're within supporting distance of the spears to their right. No melees.

[00:08:01]End of turn.

[00:08:03]Turn three and I now think we're going to see some fireworks.

[00:08:07]Bows on the Saxon right.

[00:08:12]They'll be taking on the spears on the Viking left and hopefully stopping them giving any decent support.

[00:08:18]And the bows on the left will do the same, but they've got to nudge forward a bit more.

[00:08:23]Which they do.

[00:08:30]Now we're into the center. It's one spear throw's distance or just under, so it should be straightforward for contact here. Alderman Wulfgar of Hampshire will lead the charge.

[00:08:42]>> [screaming] >> Wulfgar picks up three reputation for charging in there. First combat of the game.

[00:08:49]Hero charging in and army commander charging in.

[00:08:53]Godburch gets two reputation, one for charging against the enemy army commander and one for charging into combat.

[00:09:01]Ceolwulf of Winchester picks up a reputation for charging in there with his spearmen.

[00:09:05]Spearmen on the right need a second move to get within support range.

[00:09:10]They manage that okay.

[00:09:19]Spears on the left need a second move to get into contact.

[00:09:22]Again, good move.

[00:09:25]>> [screaming] >> And final unit.

[00:09:38]Moved up okay there, but not in support distance.

[00:09:42]Saxon shooting.

[00:09:44]So the bows here now within the killing zone of those spears.

[00:09:47]46 plus one for marksman.

[00:09:50]Leofhelm's involved. He's a marksman.

[00:09:53]Seven dice.

[00:09:56]Three hits.

[00:09:58]No risk to heroes.

[00:10:00]Stamina damage, command test.

[00:10:04]Failed.

[00:10:08]That puts them out of support range for this group of spears here.

[00:10:12]Saxon bows on the right will hope to repeat that.

[00:10:16]Three hits.

[00:10:18]One stamina damage.

[00:10:20]And a command test.

[00:10:22]Oh, look at that.

[00:10:24]Retreating half a spear throw again.

[00:10:28]And that just puts them outside support range.

[00:10:31]Well done the Saxon bows.

[00:10:33]Into the melee. I think I will start on the Saxon right.

[00:10:37]And the reason being these spearmen have support and they have a hero here, whereas the Vikings do not.

[00:10:44]12 D6 for both groups of spears. Vikings get 2 D6 for spears as tribute. And of course support saves because they're on the hill. Tude is in for 1 D6. I think I'll leave his mighty deed for the moment, but two support rolls because of these spears here.

[00:10:59]And of course the Saxons are attacking, so we'll reroll ones.

[00:11:05]Four hits by the Vikings. Just a three from the Saxons, but they do have three rerolls.

[00:11:12]Four hits each. Saving rolls from the Vikings. 2 D6 because of the hill.

[00:11:18]Saves one.

[00:11:20]Saxons because of the spears in support.

[00:11:24]Also saves one.

[00:11:27]Risk to heroes for Tude.

[00:11:31]He's okay. One stamina hit each.

[00:11:35]And that combat is a draw.

[00:11:37]Next combat is hearth guard against hearth guard. Godbutch of Selwood against Halfdan Half-nose One-eye.

[00:11:45]Saxons are slightly down on dice here.

[00:11:47]Halfdan will put a mighty deed in.

[00:11:50]Vikings will have a support save because of the hill. Saxons support roll because of these spears.

[00:11:58]Big hit by the Saxons. Eight to the Vikings five. Saxons also have two rerolls.

[00:12:06]That's no further hits.

[00:12:08]Support save for the Vikings.

[00:12:11]One.

[00:12:14]Support save for the Saxons.

[00:12:16]Also one.

[00:12:19]So Saxons will win that combat, but both sides only take one stamina hit.

[00:12:23]However, I need to do risk to heroes first. Halfdan gets three dice.

[00:12:30]And gets a raven.

[00:12:31]And that will have to be a reroll for Halfdan.

[00:12:35]Minus one reputation.

[00:12:38]Oh, no.

[00:12:39]Dear, oh dear. Takes a wound. Down to level one.

[00:12:43]In the combat itself, both hearth guard units take a point of stamina damage each. And the Vikings will have to retreat half a spear throw.

[00:12:56]Saxons will follow up.

[00:12:58]>> [screaming] [cheering] >> And they have possession of that central salient point.

[00:13:05]In the next combat, Wulfgar with his hearth guard against Gisli the Stout with the hearth guard. No support this time for the Saxons though. Wulfgar will pay a mighty deed.

[00:13:15]Saxons rerolling ones.

[00:13:20]Big eight hits from both sides. Reroll those ones.

[00:13:25]No further hits.

[00:13:27]Support saves from the Vikings. 2 D6.

[00:13:31]Saves one. Critical.

[00:13:35]Risk to heroes. Wulfgar gets three dice.

[00:13:39]And a raven.

[00:13:41]Well, that's a reroll there.

[00:13:45]Saved himself.

[00:13:47]Gisli also gets three.

[00:13:51]It's raven-tastic.

[00:13:53]A mighty deed to reroll.

[00:13:57]Wow, can you believe it? Gisli has been struck down. What's happened to him?

[00:14:02]Food for ravens. Sorry, fella. You're gone.

[00:14:06]>> [groaning] >> Vikings lose another reputation for old Gisli going down there.

[00:14:10]They do, however, win the combat.

[00:14:13]One stamina damage on the Vikings.

[00:14:16]Two on the Saxons.

[00:14:18]Who have to retreat half a spear throw.

[00:14:23]And I think the Vikings are going to hold ground there. Because the hearth guard are drilled, no need to roll for a command test.

[00:14:29]Final melee on the left here.

[00:14:31]Fairly even, about the Vikings do have spears as tribute for two extra D6.

[00:14:36]Both sides do have 2 D6 for supporting saves.

[00:14:42]Six hits for the Saxons. Four for the Vikings. One reroll.

[00:14:46]No.

[00:14:48]Supporting saves for the Vikings.

[00:14:51]One.

[00:14:54]Supporting saves for the Saxons.

[00:14:56]One.

[00:14:59]Both sides take a stamina.

[00:15:02]And they remain locked in combat.

[00:15:05]Now into Viking movement.

[00:15:07]I think the spears on the Viking left will move up.

[00:15:11]And they'll be supporting those chaps there.

[00:15:14]The hearth guard in the center, they've done a good job so far, but they're leaderless. They'll remain there and support the spears to their right.

[00:15:21]And the spears to the rear will move up here.

[00:15:24]Clearly need a command test.

[00:15:26]Should they fail? They don't move.

[00:15:29]So it's back into the melee and we will start again on this side, the Viking left.

[00:15:35]Even Stevens last time, so there's no rerolls of any ones.

[00:15:39]Tude of Winchester is in for the Saxons.

[00:15:42]Vikings will have 4 D6 for support saves. One for the hill, one for the spears to their left.

[00:15:48]Saxons 2 D6 for their support to the rear.

[00:15:53]Five hits to the Vikings. Four to the Saxons.

[00:15:56]Viking support saves.

[00:15:59]Just the one.

[00:16:03]Saxon support saves.

[00:16:05]Again, one.

[00:16:09]Vikings win.

[00:16:10]One stamina point damage each.

[00:16:13]Risk to heroes for Tude.

[00:16:16]He's okay.

[00:16:18]Now of course the Saxons will have to retreat, so these chaps here are going to bang into them. So it's command test for both of them. Ones at the rear.

[00:16:26]They're okay.

[00:16:27]And the ones at the front retreating.

[00:16:30]Ooh, now. Nasty.

[00:16:32]Reroll.

[00:16:35]Okay.

[00:16:39]And the Vikings will follow up.

[00:16:41]>> [screaming] [cheering] >> Now into the big hearth guard off.

[00:16:48]Halfdan here who's now wounded. Against Godbutch of Selwood.

[00:16:53]Neither side will get their spears as tribute because they've got one stamina damage. Saxons be rerolling ones. They do have supporting saves.

[00:17:02]And this is the center line of the hill, so the Vikings will not.

[00:17:09]It's actually a poor roll by both sides there. One reroll for the Saxons.

[00:17:13]No.

[00:17:15]Supporting dice.

[00:17:17]No.

[00:17:19]Not enough hits to penetrate the armor, but there is a risk to heroes.

[00:17:23]Let's do Halfdan first.

[00:17:26]He's safe.

[00:17:27]Godbutch.

[00:17:29]Gets a raven.

[00:17:31]Has to do a reroll.

[00:17:33]Minus one reputation.

[00:17:36]That saves him.

[00:17:38]And the hearth guard are still locked in combat.

[00:17:41]Final combat on the Viking right.

[00:17:43]Spearmen here, of course they're half strength because of that stamina damage.

[00:17:47]They do have support from the hearth guard to their left.

[00:17:50]Saxons will also have support from the hearth guard to their [clears throat] rear right and the spears to their rear.

[00:17:58]Three hits for the Vikings, but five for the Saxons coming back. Let's do support saves for the Vikings. Two for the hearth guard, two for the hill.

[00:18:07]And they don't save any.

[00:18:10]Saxons.

[00:18:12]Well, check that out. That has just wiped out all of those hits by the Vikings. Hits wise, it's five nil.

[00:18:19]Another stamina damage.

[00:18:21]The Vikings will have to retreat, but of course they're on their last stamina and will need to roll a command test.

[00:18:27]They pass it.

[00:18:32]And the Saxons will follow up.

[00:18:34]>> [cheering] >> And will gain another salient point.

[00:18:38]So at the end of turn three, I am going to go back on myself here. Too generous to the Saxons because these two salient points are not really held by them. More contested, I would argue. So neither side will gain any reputation for that.

[00:18:53]However, the Vikings will get a reputation for the one on the right as we look. That is definitely under their control.

[00:19:00]It's turn four next. Ask it all iron hand is on the way.

[00:19:05]So away we go. Saxon movement first.

[00:19:08]The bows will stay here so they can fire at the Viking spears on top of the hill.

[00:19:12]Combat here. No move.

[00:19:16]The spears are supporting the hearth guard combat here. Again, no move.

[00:19:21]But Wulfgar will try and get his hearth guard into the Vikings.

[00:19:25]And I think because they're drilled, they're okay to move.

[00:19:27]No requirement for command test.

[00:19:29]>> [screaming] [cheering] >> So army commander into combat. Hero charging into combat. I do believe that's another two reputation for the Saxons.

[00:19:38]The spears in the rear will move in for support.

[00:19:43]And over on the Saxon right, these bows will just move up here.

[00:19:48]And we're straight into shooting. So we'll stay on the left. They're in the killing zone of these chaps here. Four dice for the bows, which is four.

[00:19:56]Marksman is plus one. Leofhelm is in with a mighty deed.

[00:20:00]Eight dice.

[00:20:03]Crunchy four.

[00:20:05]Which is another stamina damage.

[00:20:08]They're up to two. And of course we'll have to take a command test.

[00:20:13]They're okay.

[00:20:14]Bows on the Saxon right will have five dice.

[00:20:18]Three hits. Stamina damage.

[00:20:21]With a command test.

[00:20:23]And they are steady.

[00:20:25]So, now it's into the combat.

[00:20:27]This time I'll start with the Hearthguard off in the center.

[00:20:31]No spears as tribute for either side because of the stamina damage. And no mighty deeds being played at the moment.

[00:20:38]Just 2 D6 support for the Saxons, none for the Vikings.

[00:20:44]Four hits by the Vikings. Three by the Saxons.

[00:20:47]Support roll for the spears.

[00:20:51]No saves.

[00:20:53]Risk to heroes. God Bot first. Two dice.

[00:20:58]Safe.

[00:21:00]Halfdan.

[00:21:02]He's okay as well.

[00:21:04]Saxons will not penetrate the Viking armor with three. But the Vikings do cause a stamina damage on the Saxons.

[00:21:11]So, that's a win for them. So, the Saxons will have to retreat. So, the spears at the back will get pushed back.

[00:21:17]It's a command test for them.

[00:21:20]They're okay.

[00:21:21]But I don't think the Hearthguard have to roll because they are drilled.

[00:21:29]The Vikings will follow up.

[00:21:31]>> [screaming] [cheering] >> And regain the salient point.

[00:21:36]Over to the Saxon left flank.

[00:21:38]Rerolling ones here for the Saxons who are supported.

[00:21:42]Half strength for the Viking spears, but they're also supported. No support saves for the hill because they're on the top of it.

[00:21:52]Four hits by the Saxons. Two by the Vikings. One reroll for the Saxons.

[00:21:59]Another hit.

[00:22:02]Supporting saves from these spears.

[00:22:06]Is one.

[00:22:10]Saxon supporting saves from these spears.

[00:22:14]Two.

[00:22:16]No damage by the Vikings. A stamina hit on the Vikings. Which kills off that spears unit.

[00:22:23]Vikings lose two reputation. Down to four.

[00:22:26]So, the Saxons hold ground. However, you can actually move half a spear throw.

[00:22:31]So, they're going to nudge forward.

[00:22:34]I assume the supporting spears can move as well.

[00:22:39]And they have now definitely got hold of that salient point.

[00:22:42]Now we're into the Hearthguard off in the center with Wulfgar.

[00:22:45]Of course, the Saxons charged in so they will be rerolling ones. Wulfgar is in with a mighty deed.

[00:22:51]These spears are supporting. The Vikings have the hill.

[00:22:57]Five hits by the Vikings. Two for the Saxons with two rerolls.

[00:23:02]Becomes three hits. Supporting saves from the Vikings. The hill.

[00:23:07]Ooh, saves two.

[00:23:10]And the spears behind the Saxon Hearthguard.

[00:23:13]Saves one.

[00:23:16]Risk to heroes. Well, it's only Wulfgar there. Two dice.

[00:23:21]Picks up a raven.

[00:23:23]A mighty deed being expended for a reroll.

[00:23:27]And that saves him. But the Saxons don't do any damage to the Vikings.

[00:23:32]And get a stamina hit in return. They will have to retreat again. Spears at the rear command test.

[00:23:39]They're okay.

[00:23:40]Now, this time the Hearthguard are down to the last stamina. So, they do have to take a command test with 1 D6.

[00:23:48]And they've passed that.

[00:23:53]And the Vikings will follow up.

[00:23:55]>> [screaming] [cheering] >> Ding-dong on the hill.

[00:23:59]Final melee on the Saxon right.

[00:24:02]Both units down to half stamina. So, it's 66. Vikings have the hill and the support of the spears to their rear left. Saxons have old Chude here and the spears to support. Vikings rerolling ones.

[00:24:18]Which is just as well cuz that's a poor hit.

[00:24:21]So, two hits in total for them. Four for the Saxons.

[00:24:25]4 D6 support for the Saxons.

[00:24:29]Does nothing.

[00:24:32]4 D6 for the Vikings.

[00:24:35]Saves two.

[00:24:38]It's a draw.

[00:24:40]Both sides stay locked in combat there and the winning marker disappears.

[00:24:44]But before I forget, let's do risk to old Chude.

[00:24:49]He's okay.

[00:24:50]Anglo-Saxon phase.

[00:24:54]Oskitel Iron Hand is on the way. Let's see where he's going to come from. One, two on the right. Three, four in the center. Five, six on the left as we look.

[00:25:05]In the center.

[00:25:07]So, here they come.

[00:25:10]They've got to be over a spear's throw away from the enemy.

[00:25:14]But they can move normally during this phase.

[00:25:18]So, first of all, over on the Viking left, I'm going to get these spears moved up and chase away the Saxon bows.

[00:25:23]Command test required though because they have lost stamina.

[00:25:28]Yep.

[00:25:29]The bows will evade. Command test for them.

[00:25:33]Failed.

[00:25:34]I don't think I'll reroll that. So, the Viking spears are in.

[00:25:39]>> [cheering] >> But no reputation gained because there's no hero there.

[00:25:43]The new arrivals are going to crash into the Saxon spears over on the right here.

[00:25:49]>> [screaming] [cheering] >> Plus one reputation for Oskitel. Spears behind are supporting.

[00:25:58]And I think old Niall Addertongue can get in there as well.

[00:26:01]Not quite sure what to do with the bows.

[00:26:03]They're in a poor position here.

[00:26:05]I think I'll shove them over to the left.

[00:26:10]And again.

[00:26:11]Well, they don't move.

[00:26:13]Right, we're into the melees.

[00:26:15]We'll start on the Viking left. These spears here attacking the Saxon archers.

[00:26:20]Now, the spears are half strength, which is bad news for them. However, they have charged in and they do have the hill as the advantage. Saxon bows will get 8 D6.

[00:26:31]Just the one hit by the Vikings. Three by the Saxons. But there are two rerolls.

[00:26:38]Which is another hit. Supporting save for the Vikings.

[00:26:42]Double six-tastic.

[00:26:44]Cancels out those two.

[00:26:47]Vikings win.

[00:26:49]But it's no stamina hit because the armor of the bows is three.

[00:26:53]But the bows will retreat.

[00:26:57]And the Vikings will follow up.

[00:26:59]>> [screaming] [cheering] >> Now over to the Viking right as Oskitel crashes into the Saxons here.

[00:27:09]Niall Addertongue is involved. It's a mighty deed from Oskitel.

[00:27:14]Saxons have one supporting unit here.

[00:27:17]Whereas the Vikings will have two groups there.

[00:27:22]Big seven hit by the Vikings. Two rerolls.

[00:27:28]Goes up to eight. 2 D6 save for the Saxons.

[00:27:33]Saves one.

[00:27:36]4 D6 saves for the Vikings.

[00:27:40]Saves two.

[00:27:43]Risk to heroes for the Vikings.

[00:27:46]No.

[00:27:48]So, the Vikings take one stamina hit.

[00:27:50]Saxons take two.

[00:27:53]And will have to retreat. Clearly they'll bash into the spears at the rear. So, it's a command test for both.

[00:27:59]Rear one first.

[00:28:02]Take a point of stamina damage.

[00:28:07]And the retreating unit will have to roll 2 D6 I think. They're down to the last point of stamina and bashing into that gang.

[00:28:15]Always take the lower. So, that's a fail.

[00:28:18]And that is it I'm afraid. They are destroyed.

[00:28:22]Minus two reputation for the Saxons. The Vikings will hold ground. But as previous, we'll move half a spear throw anyway over to that salient point and regain that.

[00:28:33]End of combat.

[00:28:34]Over to the next melee with Halfdan.

[00:28:37]The Vikings are winning this one at the moment. So, it's reroll ones.

[00:28:41]Saxons are half stamina. But they are supported by the spears here. But the Vikings also have the hill to their advantage.

[00:28:50]Four hits by the Vikings. Three by the Saxons. Three rerolls.

[00:28:57]Well, check that out. Seven hits by the Vikings.

[00:29:00]Saxons do have two supporting saves.

[00:29:04]But neither of them are any good.

[00:29:06]Vikings supporting saves.

[00:29:09]Ah, double six-tastic. Saves them.

[00:29:12]One-way traffic there from the Viking Hearthguard.

[00:29:16]So, first of all, risk to heroes for Halfdan.

[00:29:19]He's all right. Good Botch.

[00:29:23]Double raven. And that I think is an immediate death.

[00:29:27]What's happened to him?

[00:29:29]Food for ravens.

[00:29:31]One reputation in the bin.

[00:29:34]Obviously a massive win for the Vikings here.

[00:29:37]Just one stamina damage inflicted though.

[00:29:41]But that takes them to three. So, they'll have to retreat.

[00:29:45]Bashing into this gang at the back there.

[00:29:49]They will take another stamina point of damage themselves.

[00:29:54]And the Hearthguard also have to take a command test down to the last stamina and bashing into them normally 2D6 reduced to one because they're drilled.

[00:30:04]But that's a fail.

[00:30:06]They lose another point of stamina.

[00:30:08]And that kills them off.

[00:30:10]That's a catastrophe for the Saxons.

[00:30:12]Another unit of Hearthguard gone.

[00:30:15]And Halfdan will hold ground there.

[00:30:17]So we're into the last melee of this epic round.

[00:30:20]Viking Hearthguard here have the advantage and they have the hill.

[00:30:25]Saxon Hearthguard here hard-pressed.

[00:30:27]Three stamina damage already. Ulfgar is here but there's no mighty deeds available.

[00:30:33]They are supported by some spears at the rear.

[00:30:38]Another murdering by the Vikings.

[00:30:40]Eight hits and three rerolls.

[00:30:44]The amount stays at eight.

[00:30:47]Supporting save for the Saxons.

[00:30:50]None.

[00:30:51]Supporting save for the hill for the Vikings.

[00:30:55]One.

[00:30:58]Three dice at risk to heroes for old Ulfgar.

[00:31:03]He survives that.

[00:31:05]But the Saxons don't do any damage here and their Hearthguard are cut down.

[00:31:11]Another three reputation in the bin.

[00:31:14]Ulfgar is going to run away.

[00:31:16]Which is another reputation in the bin.

[00:31:18]End of combat. End of turn.

[00:31:21]And there's certainly no argument about who owns the salient points at the end of that turn. They are all firmly with the Vikings here, here, and here.

[00:31:32]Three reputation for the Vikings and the Saxons have started to wobble.

[00:31:39]Turn five. We're on the Saxon right.

[00:31:41]Got a combat here and a combat here. So I can't do anything.

[00:31:45]Into the center. Ulfgar will get his spears here to charge the Hearthguard.

[00:31:51]Now they will have spears to their right and to their left for support. And they desperately need more reputation.

[00:31:59]>> [cheering and screaming] >> The spears to the right have to do a command test because they have one stamina loss.

[00:32:06]Oh, they failed. Mm, no.

[00:32:09]Right. One of these chaps used.

[00:32:12]And it's a second fail.

[00:32:15]Uh, crikey. Well, I go again. They have to.

[00:32:18]Right. Finally.

[00:32:23]Ulfgar picks up one reputation.

[00:32:26]And on the left here, these bows will just pivot there.

[00:32:29]Viking spears are now within their killing zone properly. We're straight into shooting. Leofwine will pay a mighty deed and it's a total of eight dice.

[00:32:40]Three hits.

[00:32:42]Risk to heroes. Old Oskitel is there.

[00:32:46]Picks up a raven.

[00:32:48]Right. Mighty deed.

[00:32:50]Vikings lose a reputation for that. The reroll is okay.

[00:32:56]Those spears do take an extra stamina damage there.

[00:32:59]No more shooting. Into the melees.

[00:33:02]Ulfgar leading the spears here.

[00:33:05]They have 12 D6 support from the left and the right. Ulfgar is in but no mighty deeds to spend.

[00:33:12]Defending Hearthguard.

[00:33:14]12 D6 plus two because of spears as tribute. The other Hearthguard are supporting and of course they have the hill as a reroll.

[00:33:25]So that's four hits each. Reroll for the Saxons.

[00:33:29]No.

[00:33:31]Four saving rolls for the Vikings.

[00:33:34]No.

[00:33:36]Four for the Saxons.

[00:33:39]He's one.

[00:33:40]So that is a win for the Saxons. Good effort there. Checking on risk to heroes for Ulfgar.

[00:33:47]He's all right.

[00:33:48]So it's one stamina hit each.

[00:33:50]Hearthguard have armor four and the spears have armor three.

[00:33:54]So the Vikings have to retreat.

[00:33:58]And the Saxons will follow up.

[00:34:00]>> [screaming] [cheering] >> So over to the Saxon right.

[00:34:05]Theod and his spearmen are fighting against the Viking spearmen.

[00:34:09]Both at half strength. Saxons have support here. And the Vikings have the hill.

[00:34:16]Three two to the Saxons.

[00:34:18]Saving rolls for the Vikings.

[00:34:21]No.

[00:34:24]Saxons.

[00:34:26]No.

[00:34:28]That is a win for the Saxons. They inflict one stamina damage on the Vikings.

[00:34:33]Check for Theod.

[00:34:35]Ooh, dear oh dear. It's a reroll. Saxons lose another reputation.

[00:34:41]Saved him.

[00:34:42]And the Vikings have to retreat. But they're down cuz they lost stamina.

[00:34:47]They're okay there.

[00:34:49]Apart from the fact they're going backwards.

[00:34:52]The Saxons will follow up.

[00:34:54]>> [screaming] [cheering] >> Final melee. Viking spears against the Saxon bowmen.

[00:35:00]Vikings rerolling ones and they do have the hill for support saves.

[00:35:06]Reroll on the Viking. Just one hit.

[00:35:09]Two rerolls.

[00:35:12]Second hit.

[00:35:13]Two dice for supporting save for the Vikings.

[00:35:17]Doesn't do anything.

[00:35:19]It's a stamina damage on the Vikings.

[00:35:22]Saxons win.

[00:35:24]Command test before they retreat.

[00:35:26]They're on the last stamina point.

[00:35:29]Fail.

[00:35:30]They are destroyed.

[00:35:32]Vikings lose two reputation.

[00:35:35]The bows will hold the ground but just move half a spear throw to their front right.

[00:35:40]End of combat. End of Saxon phase.

[00:35:43]We're looking along the line from the Viking left. Their bows will move to their left.

[00:35:50]They will engage the Saxons in a moment.

[00:35:53]The wounded Halfdan Flatnose One-Eye will lead his Hearthguard into the Saxons.

[00:35:58]>> [screaming] >> Army commander charging.

[00:36:01]And Oskitel will get his gang to charge these Saxon spears. Does need a command roll here.

[00:36:08]They're okay.

[00:36:10]>> [screaming] [cheering] >> Njal Adatongue will join at the Hearthguard here fighting the Saxons and Ulfgar.

[00:36:17]Spears here will push out for support.

[00:36:21]And I don't think there's enough room for that lot to get through the gap.

[00:36:24]I'll just nudge them up.

[00:36:26]But they fail to move. They've got two stamina hits already.

[00:36:29]Right. Missiles.

[00:36:31]Viking bows on the hill here firing at the Saxon bows. They're just within the killing zone so it's five dice cuz they are marksmen.

[00:36:40]Two hits. But that's no effect because the armor is three.

[00:36:45]They will have to do a command test though.

[00:36:47]They're steady.

[00:36:48]And the Saxon bows will fire straight back.

[00:36:52]Same result. No stamina effect.

[00:36:55]Command test.

[00:36:57]They're okay.

[00:36:59]Now into the combats.

[00:37:00]We'll start with Halfdan with his Hearthguard trying to smash the Saxon spears. Two support dice for the Vikings. None for the Saxons. Vikings rerolling ones.

[00:37:12]Four hits for the Vikings with two rerolls.

[00:37:18]Five hits. Two saving dice for the Saxons.

[00:37:22]Saved one there.

[00:37:24]Clearly that's a win for the Vikings.

[00:37:27]Stamina damage on the Saxons.

[00:37:30]Who will retreat.

[00:37:34]And the Hearthguard will follow up.

[00:37:36]>> [cheering and screaming] >> Next combat is Oskitel with his spears against the Saxon spears here.

[00:37:45]Oskitel has the trait today we fight and win.

[00:37:49]One mighty deed being paid for that. You can only use this once in a game.

[00:37:54]And the Vikings will get 1D6 extra dice in combat.

[00:37:59]Well, they'll take that.

[00:38:02]Vikings have the hill and spears supporting to their rear.

[00:38:06]The Saxons have neither.

[00:38:10]But that is a plucky effort by the Saxons there. Three hits each. One reroll for the Vikings.

[00:38:16]Four hits.

[00:38:18]And four supporting saves.

[00:38:22]Saves that. Which is handy because that's no stamina loss on the Vikings.

[00:38:27]They inflict one on the Saxons.

[00:38:30]What's happened to Oskitel?

[00:38:32]Oh, he's got a raven. Now I'm afraid you're going to have to burn off Halfdan's mighty deed there.

[00:38:38]And a reroll.

[00:38:40]And saved his embarrassment. Saxons retreat.

[00:38:45]And the Vikings advance.

[00:38:47]>> [screaming] [cheering] >> Ding dong.

[00:38:51]Viking Hearthguard with Njal Adatongue against Ulfgar and the spears.

[00:38:56]Now Ulfgar charged in with the Saxon spears so they do get to reroll ones.

[00:39:01]But the Vikings are just on the crest of that hill so we'll get supporting save of 2D6.

[00:39:09]Four hits each. One reroll for the Saxons.

[00:39:14]No effect.

[00:39:16]Supporting saves from the Vikings.

[00:39:20]Ooh, that's not good news for the Saxons.

[00:39:23]Saved one.

[00:39:25]So the Vikings will win that combat.

[00:39:28]Hearthguard have an armor of four so that is no effect.

[00:39:32]Saxon spears take a stamina hit.

[00:39:35]Risk to Njal Adatongue. One dice.

[00:39:40]Safe.

[00:39:42]Risk to [screaming] [cheering] [screaming] [cheering] Wulfgar, two dice. combat is a little bit complicated for my old brain.

[00:42:31]Firstly, the Vikings are hitting the flank and they're down to half strength because of the stamina hits there.

[00:42:38]Osk Ketil is in the fight and he will pay a mighty deed.

[00:42:42]The Vikings have the hill and support of these spears.

[00:42:47]Saxon spears half strength here, but the bows, which are also a primary fighting unit, have 8 D6 to add. And let's not forget Leofhelm as well.

[00:42:56]Right, now the Vikings will be rerolling ones.

[00:43:02]Which is just as well because they've been smashed there. Nine hits to two so far.

[00:43:10]Three hits for the Vikings. Four dice on a support save.

[00:43:16]Save one only.

[00:43:20]Right, first of all, let's have risk to heroes. Old Leofhelm gets one dice.

[00:43:26]He's okay.

[00:43:28]Osk Ketil gets three.

[00:43:31]Oh, he saved that.

[00:43:33]He's okay. Stamina hit on the Saxons.

[00:43:37]Two on the Vikings.

[00:43:39]Which destroys those spears.

[00:43:42]Vikings lose two reputation and the Saxons hold the ground.

[00:43:47]Good start for the Saxons there.

[00:43:49]However, not quite sure how it's going to go in the center fighting the Hearthguard. Neither of these melees is particularly good to start with.

[00:43:56]I think I'll go with the one with Wulfgar. He's already wounded and just has the one mighty deed left. Half dice for the Saxon spearmen. 12 D6 for the Hearthguard who have the hill. No mighty deeds being played.

[00:44:11]Five ones to the Vikings and of course, they do have a reroll of those two ones because they won the combat last time around.

[00:44:19]Takes them to six hits. There are no supporting saves for the Saxons. Two for the Vikings.

[00:44:26]Saxons end up doing no damage whatsoever. So, there's no risk to Niall Aethelstan. Two dice for Wulfgar.

[00:44:34]He's got a raven.

[00:44:36]That's a reroll.

[00:44:39]But, that has saved him.

[00:44:41]However, with two stamina damage here, that unit is destroyed.

[00:44:46]Saxon reputation drops to zero and Wulfgar is going to stand and fight.

[00:44:51]Final melee of the Saxon phase. Once again, the Vikings will overmatch them here. Rerolling ones and the hill for support.

[00:45:01]Well, it's a plucky effort from the Saxons there. Vikings have a reroll.

[00:45:07]No extra hits.

[00:45:09]Two saves.

[00:45:11]Save one.

[00:45:14]Let's check the risk to Halfdan.

[00:45:17]He's okay.

[00:45:19]That will do nothing cuz the armor is four for the Hearthguard. Two stamina hits on the spearmen.

[00:45:26]Which kills them off.

[00:45:28]Vikings will hold ground there and this is fast becoming a rout.

[00:45:34]So, into Viking movement. These bows will pivot.

[00:45:38]They'll be firing at the Saxon spears shortly.

[00:45:41]The Hearthguard here will turn to face the Saxon spears hit there. Normally command test, but they are drilled.

[00:45:47]However, because they've got one stamina damage, they do have to roll.

[00:45:51]They've done that okay.

[00:45:58]All got rather complex here. Not quite sure whether he should have stayed there or not. Anyway, he's going to get these spears to charge in to those spears. Can they do that with them on the flank? Not quite so sure about that. However, that's what we're going to do.

[00:46:11]>> [screaming] [cheering] >> Osk Ketil gets some reputation for that one. And the spear group to the rear finally passes a command test and actually can hit these Saxon bows in the side.

[00:46:24]>> [screaming] >> So, I'll break that fight off.

[00:46:30]So, Viking bow action hitting the spears with Ceolwulf.

[00:46:35]Two hits. Not enough damage for a stamina.

[00:46:38]However, Ceolwulf might have got an arrow in the eye.

[00:46:41]No.

[00:46:42]And command test for the spears.

[00:46:45]They fail.

[00:46:50]So, they're pushed back there. Now, let's do the final melees. Unfortunately for Wulfgar, he's going to be overwhelmed here. He's missed his opportunity for a single combat because he's not his go.

[00:47:00]But, I'm thinking Niall Aethelstan will issue a challenge. So, let's have a single combat.

[00:47:06]>> [cheering] [applause] >> And unfortunately for Niall Aethelstan, of course, Wulfgar is wounded. So, he's equivalent of level one. Therefore, obviously, he doesn't get an extra reputation for charging in here.

[00:47:19]So, for the first round, the Viking will get two dice because he'll chuck his mighty deed in and they can both reroll ones.

[00:47:28]First round is a draw.

[00:47:30]One reputation each. Second round, again just one dice each.

[00:47:35]No hits. Another reputation each and we're into the third and final round.

[00:47:42]Well, can you believe it? It's a hit by Niall Aethelstan on Wulfgar. So, it's one stamina damage on Wulfgar.

[00:47:48]He's already wounded.

[00:47:50]Gone.

[00:47:51]Aethelstan picks up another reputation and the Saxons lose two.

[00:47:56]Viking Hearthguard are happy with that.

[00:48:00]So, into the final couple of melees. Osk Ketil and his spearmen charging into the Saxon spears here. They're heavily damaged already. This could be nasty.

[00:48:09]Especially as the Vikings will also get support from the Hearthguard to their rear left and the hill.

[00:48:16]Plucky effort by the Saxons, but three rerolls for the Vikings.

[00:48:23]They don't get any more hits.

[00:48:26]Four saving rolls.

[00:48:29]Just save the one.

[00:48:32]Risk to heroes for Osk Ketil.

[00:48:35]He's okay.

[00:48:36]One stamina hit on the Vikings.

[00:48:39]Two on the Saxons.

[00:48:41]And that kills them off.

[00:48:45]Another minus two reputation. Vikings will hold ground and we're into the final melee.

[00:48:50]So, Viking spears here charging in.

[00:48:53]Vikings rerolling ones and they have the hill.

[00:48:58]So, no ones to reroll. Four hits to two.

[00:49:01]Two support dice for the hill.

[00:49:04]No effect.

[00:49:06]That's a win by the Vikings.

[00:49:10]Stamina damage. Bows will retreat.

[00:49:15]Risk to Leofhelm.

[00:49:18]The last roll of the dying, it's a raven. Can you believe it?

[00:49:22]It's a famous death, though, as he goes down.

[00:49:25]And with the Saxon reputation in absolute tatters there, they will stream away from the field and start to run back to Athelney.

[00:49:34]The The obviously hold the hill, get three more reputation for doing that. I mean, it doesn't really matter anyway.

[00:49:40]But more importantly for the Saxons, as well as losing some of their leaders, and perhaps they crawled off the field, we'll check for that later, they have lost two units of hearthguard, which are irreplaceable.

[00:49:51]This is absolutely catastrophic news for Alfred.

[00:49:55]The Vikings are cock-a-hoop, or Danish words to that effect.

[00:50:00]Right, what news of the prince?

[00:50:03]Well, unfortunately for the Saxons, it is not good news.

[00:50:07]Wulfgar, Leofhelm, and God Boerg have not survived. Ceolwulf of Winchester has just about, running away with the rest of the Saxon spears.

[00:50:17]Now, Wulfgar would have done really well, but he was cut down in that single combat with Niall Aderton.

[00:50:23]And he was army commander, losing two units of hearthguard for Alfred the Great. So, even if he had done well personally in the battle, he might not have been welcomed back in Athelney.

[00:50:35]Needless to say, better news for the Vikings. Halfdan, Oscetel, and Niall Aderton all survived. Gisli the Stout didn't, and his reputation wasn't much cop anyway, and he died as food for ravens.

[00:50:50]Halfdan and Oscetel pick up a nice bit of renown there, and of course the old Aderton, with his single combat victory against Wulfgar, is the hero of the battle.

[00:51:03]So, this time it's the turn of the Saxons to run like dogs, and they will move towards Wedmore.

[00:51:10]The Vikings will give chase, and [music] the next scenario will be Too Eager.