It is 642 AD. The 'saintly' Oswald of Northumbria is looking to extend his power. The pagan Penda, King of the Mercians is an obstacle to this and Oswald supports Penda's brother Eowa's claim to the Mercian crown. He advances southwest into what is now Shropshire. Mercia and Powys have been allies for some time. In an attempt to block Northumbrian power and they join forces to meet the invading Northumbrians at Maserfield (modern location unknown but possibly Oswestry, Shropshire or Forden, Powys).
With the armies deployed on the field, King Penda of Mercia considers his options.
King Oswald deploys on the left of the Northumbrian line opposite Cynddylan ap Cyndrwyn’s Welsh. He believes that the Welsh will be weaker opponents than the Mercians and so plans to advance in echelon from the left to crush the Welsh, holding back on the right which face Penda’s men.
Oswald’s men surge forward against Cynddylan’s Welsh.
On the other flank Penda advances while the Northumbrians hold back.
Eager to settle matters quickly, Penda’s errant brother Eowa sends his champion forward to issue a challenge to personal combat with Penda. The Mercian king accepts in person and he and Eowa’s champion fight it out between the battle lines. Penda is victorious, severely wounding Eowa’s champion and causing the Mercian renegades to lose confidence in their leader and giving a boost to Penda's prestige.
On the Northumbrian left, Oswald’s men find that the Welsh are more serious fighters than they had counted on. When combat is joined the Northumbrians are pushed back.
One should never blame bad dice. When looking for a 5 or more to inflict damage on the enemy with four D10 and one D6, the Northumbrians could be forgiven from thinking that God has turned his favour away from them.
In the centre Coenwalh (Penda’s loyal brother) charges Eowa’s contingent. The odds are more or less even and some units fall back whilst others hold their ground.
On the Northumbrian right, Penda’s pagan Mercians charge the Northumbrians commanded by Oswald’s brother Oswiu. As the battle lines close a couple of psychopaths (berserkers) surge forward from the Merican line. The engagement flows back and forth.
The battle will be decided on the Northumbrian left where King Oswald’s men are struggling against the Welsh. Looking to turn the tide Oswald challenges Cadafael Cadomedd of Gwynedd (leading the Welsh infantry) to personal combat, The cards (and therefore also God’s blessing) are not in Oswald’s favour. The duel ends with Oswald killed and the Cadafael triumphant.
To make matters worse, Cynddylan’s cavalry are closing in on the (now leaderless) Northumbrian flank.
Scattering the Northumbrian light infantry screen, the Welsh cavalry close in on the rear of the Northumbrian heavy infantry. It is a clear Mercian/Welsh victory with Oswald killed as he was in the historical battle.
The game was played using Shieldwall Rules which I intend to use at the Society of Ancient’s Maldon Battle Day (30 March). A much earlier version of the rules is available as a free download on my website at https://www.legio-wargames.com/wargames-rules. The final version will be published shortly. The full scenario will also be put up on the scenarios section of my website https://www.legio-wargames.com/about-3-1 in the next few days.
It was a great game, Simon, thank you but the Holy Father definitely wasn't looking out for us Northumbrians 😰. The pagan Penda and his Mercians and their Wealas allies won fair and square it has to be said. At least you became a Martyr and later a Saint while I, Oswiu, became king of Northumbria and later avenged you by killing Penda at the battle of the Winwaed in 655. Job done! 😉