The historians debate whether Norman milites used an underhand or overhand grip. Did they strike with their lances or throw their spears. We may never be sure but Mr. James was sure, his “Normans ” had stopped off in Brittany and picked up javelins! Yes the new and revised SAGA would be javelin armed Normans versus those loveable reprobates, the Vikings led by yours truly….

After an initial burst of interest a few years ago, SAGA was pretty much ignored in Firestorm. The “armies” are small enough to tempt the dilletente and a wide range of periods are covered but the rules did allow the more “ambitious” player to royally cream an opponent unused to the boards. The Glamorgan campaign still holds fears of Agincourt style Welsh archers to participants in Martin’s campaign! However, the new version of the rules has been a great hit. Giac and I had a go at working through the rules and we were hooked.

The warlord is now central to your battle plan and can motivate those around him. Combat and shooting are clear and very bloody. In our initial clash almost every melee resulted in mutual destruction. Fatigue is even more deadly and has to be considered carefully. The real test would be a full six point army against Mr. James. 

I nestled my Viking raiders between two woods and intended to use two units of berserks and hearth guard to plug any gaps. My youthful archers set themselves up in the village allotments. Mr. James wasn’t falling for it though. His milites raced forward but only to use their javelins. He also brought his infamous “88 on a reverse slope” shooting position with cross men covering his feints.

But then my love affair began……..archery started to empty the Norman saddles. Bow shots are deadly and I was more than pleased with the exchange of missile fire. Mr. James was wise to the situation however and sent two conrois of warriors through the hamlet to flank my bowmen.

It would be left to my berserks to hold them off, inspired by Olaf Beerbelly the warlord ( no relation). The Normans ventured to charge and were beaten off. The berserks went back into the rough ground in case they fancied their luck again but the horsemen were content to lick their wounds and throw the odd dart from a distance.

 Let’s not go there!

And so the taunting began, Mr. James was running out of time and javelins no doubt. By skillfully questioning his manliness and insulting the parentage of his Normans, we faced their charges……

The combat in SAGA is so exciting for the dice fanatic. The Viking on foot acquitted themselves well and by the end of the sixth turn , honours were equal. It had been one of the most exciting games I had played for a long time and my financial restraint is sorely tempted. I kept my purchases limited to the Aetius supplement and upgrade for version two ( plus two sets of dice………and another set of rules for Giac😳). Friday afternoon at Firestorm was my next game against Chis X. Again, great fun and only twenty minis left standing at the end of a battle that started with over a hundred…..

This time my Anglo- Saxons had to face the wrath of the Norsemen and again we fought to a standstill. No losses in three games, this is definately the system for me. Join us on Friday afternoons if you are interested! More next on converting Muslim camel/ elephants and a Risk ancients variant. Now there is an offer.

Thanks for reading