Vikings getting looted.

Game of Irish looting Vikings, the dark ages, makes a change from the other way around.

Pillage in 28mm.

Organized, using terrain and models by Leslie Tipping and Adam McGilton.

AAR by Adam McGilton

Players
Irish      : Leslie Tipping.
Vikings : Adam McGilton.

Myself and Leslie played our first game of pillage a skirmish Middle Ages war-game by Victrix. As we soon discovered Pillage is a brutal and unforgiving game, with deceptively simple rules. The toughest and most fully armoured warrior can be felled by a lucky stone throw, to create dramatic David vs Goliath moments.

To set the scene I played the Vikings who had made a settlement on the coast of Ireland, only to find it viscously and unfairly attacked by Leslie’s Irish jealous of its wealth. In order to win the game I had to stop Leslie from burning down more then three houses, or running off with my livestock and villagers. No easy task considering I had to hold out at least ten rounds. 

It started as always with me attacking that’s my style you see, whenever you defend it’s best to attack. Considering I had the numerical disadvantage you may believe this was unwise, but I had the advantage of a force outfitted with armour and two berserkers. While Leslie had a horde of warriors armed mainly with javelins and slingers, and mainly dressed for a summer holiday rather then a battle. 

Well needless to say I learned a lesson on overconfidence, pelted by rocks and javelins from turn two I charged up the settlement. Determined to pin down and defeat Leslie’s troops I charged in to hand to hand, many perished while I recreated Custers charge but we made up for it. The tide of battle was fierce, but I had my berserkers which was a fifth of my army cost. 

I had to make two rolls of a d6 to test the effects mushrooms would have on the berserkers, and from looking at the chart a roll of six would have them attack the closest enemy or friendly figure with great advantage. Well as luck would have it they both rolled a six, did I mention they were side by side. To my horror they fought each other and the fight ended with a badly wounded victor and a dead berserker. 

The Vikings fought well against the Irish, but were ultimately surrounded. Leslie capitalised on this and broke some of his warband away from the melee, capturing the sheep and villagers. With only one round to spare the Irish successfully destroyed the Vikings and took off with their loot. 

I would highly recommend a game of pillage to anyone who wants to try it, and encourage those to learn from my blunders!

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Photos curtesy of Adam and Gary.