The following wargame report is the first of a planned pair of narratives, each stemming from an original idea presented by Mr. Jason Monaghan in the May 1991 issue of Miniature Wargames. In "VAPNARTAK: Dark Ages scenarios with a difference!" (pages 14-15), Mr. Monaghan provides an introduction, guidelines and parameters for three battles or scenarios which formed the basis of an "Ancients" competition hosted by the York Wargames Club. In brief overview, the three battles or scenarios concerned: control of a bridge and two fords over an un-passable river; a raid for animal herds, wagons of loot and extra points for torching village homes; and finally, an open plain dominated by a large abbey. Being especially keen for subject matter related to my recently declared theme year (proposed Ancients as theme for 2004, please see article in Issue 127) and, being especially prone to "using" dated material for this same subject matter ... Mr. Monaghan's piece seemed completely appropriate. As Charles Caleb Colton (1780-1832) wrote: "Imitation is the sincerest of flattery." And, as Mr. Monaghan allowed, " Slightly modified versions of the competition scenarios are presented here, in the hope that MW readers will enjoy having a go at them." (14) After due consideration (and much drafting and redrafting of orders of battles), I decided upon the raid scenario for my first wargame adaptation. It turns out that Mr. Monaghan's sentiment was well placed, for it was a rather enjoyable albeit bloody time. The reader should run no risk of bloodshed however, in what I trust will be an enjoyable read. TERRAIN & FORCES The terrain for this scenario is shown in Map I. As indicated in the caption, the Viking forces were deployed off map on the left of the field. The Saxon forces that would contest this same field were arrayed "off board" on the right long edge. The ground is fairly nondescript, almost symmetrical in fact, in that across each baseline is a simple, low ridge. To the right front of each ridge or gentle hill, if you like, is a small wood. The focus on this terrain and for this particular scenario, were the houses, wagons and animal herds. (Houses denoted by traditional schematic; the wagons of loot with a capital W; and the herds of animals represented by the triangle with a lower-case "a" in the center.) Aside from these objectives, the field was unremarkable. Points for the houses, herds and wagons were as listed in the VAPNARTAK article. That is to recite: the houses were worth 10 points each if burned/put to the torch; the animal herds were valued at 10 points each if captured and taken away; and for the wagons of loot, an appropriate 20 points for each secured. While I did keep the same number of house and wagons as originally suggested by Mr. Monaghan, I altered the number of herds (or flocks) to just five (5). Furthermore, I moved the animals out from or off of the ridges. In the original scenario design, both sides are "allowed" to capture one herd or flock as they deployed. One of the underlying purposes behind Mr. Monaghan's arrangements was to force quick and friendly wargames, table top battles that placed an emphasis on objectives, points and historical plausibility rather than "deadly serious rule wrangling across a few pieces of sterile terrain." (14)  In the raid scenario, there were a total of 210 victory points available with respect to houses, wagons and cows, sheep or chickens. The other victory points would be determined by a comparison of casualties sustained and damage inflicted on the enemy force. In Mr. Monaghan's narrative, he describes 1,000 point armies based on the 6th edition of the famous WRG rules. Adapting a similar approach, I decided to use ARMATI / Advanced ARMATI and armies that were equal in point value. Essentially, the forces used were from the Advanced booklet (lists), and amounted to a core force plus all the supplemental units. Unlike Mr. Monaghan however, I did not debit each side for command elements. As indicated, it was only after much internal debate and drafts of orders of battle, that I settled on a contest which pit Viking marauder against Saxon defender. The Viking force consisted of 27 units, broken down into the following: 4 units of Huscarls (one of these being designated a veteran unit); 9 units of Bondi; 3 units of Bondi with bows; 2 Berserker war bands; and 9 stands of skirmishers: 5 armed with bows and 4 with javelins. This "army" was commanded by one very fictional leader, Raginor the Red. He was assisted by two, for lack of a better term, sub-generals. Basing the cost of unit types by what was listed in the Advanced ARMATI booklet, the Vikings added up to 72 points. For purposes of victory points, it seemed more logical to utilize the BP totals for each fighting stand/unit. For example, the Bondi and Huscarls were considered HI (heavy infantry), and so, four (4) BP (battle points) were assessed to each stand. If a unit of Bondi were broken in combat, those 4 points go to the Saxon victory point total. If however, at the end of hostilities, a Bondi unit was down 1 BP, then only 1 point from that unit's total would go in the Saxon victory point tally. As previously stated, the Saxon order of battle was of an equal unit point value. Their leader, an equally fictional King Harold I and his two, less capable subordinates, commanded the following: 5 units of Huscarls (one of these stands being veterans or the King's bodyguard); 7 units of Select Fryd; I I units of Lesser Fryd; and, 5 units of skirmishers: 4 armed with javelins and just one unit armed with bows. Raginor the Red and King Harold I would divide their forces into three divisions and so deploy them. Like the ground where these two would meet, their armies were almost symmetrical. AMENDMENTS Given the parameters of the scenario, I took some wargamer's "license" with the ARMATI rules. First, in addition to the commanding officer or "general" for both sides, I added two subordinate officers. The leaders of each force were given a +2 modifier for combat and morale rolls. Only one of the subordinates--an up and coming Viking prince-was allowed a +1 modifier. Second, it seemed logical that with three leaders on each side there should be three general divisions. That is to remark, I did away with the number of permitted Heavy and Light divisions permitted in the Advanced ARMATI order of battle. I also did away with the Army break point number as this particular wargame was based on the premise of points secured for property taken or destroyed and enemy troops defeated. The single value that was kept intact, was the Initiative rating. Here, the Vikings under Raginor would enjoy a +2 advantage. In terms of command and control, I "borrowed" a concept from another Ancients rules set and provided each leader with a ld6 at the start of each game turn. Based on this die result, he could move or command a number of units equal to the number of pips showing. And, just like in that other, perhaps more internationally recognized and played rules set, if one of King Harold's sub-generals had a formation of 8 units in line with base to base contact between all stands, then this would be considered as one element or unit and so, cost only one die pip to move or command. Finally, with respect to the purpose of the wargame, a brief rule had to be crafted that allowed for the "loss" of unit BPs when a wagon of loot or herd of livestock was taken. Accordingly, the troops assigned to guard the prize(s) would not be counted as battle losses. This subtraction would however, have an impact on combat. For example, if a unit of Viking Bondi were to secure both a herd of sheep and a wagon of treasure, then there would only be 2 of 4 BPs available to fight against any kind of Saxon attack. If these 2 BPs were lost as a result of the combat(s), then for all intents and purposes, the unit would be broken. As long as the guard stayed with the herd and or wagon and out of reach of the Saxons, then the prizes would remain in the tally column for Viking victory points. Aside from these few amendments and clarifications, the ARMATI rules were used as published. DEPLOYMENT Under the command of King Harold I, the Saxons formed for this engagement in three large divisions. Just behind the low hill or ridge on the west (right) of the field, the King deployed his gathered Fryd in three lines. On the far right on the formation, Harold placed one of his sub-generals with 4 units of Select Fryd and 2 units of Lesser Fryd. To the front of these men, a strong line of javelin men were arrayed. (The entire complement of 4 units allowed in the Advanced ARMATI order of battle.) On line with these skirmishers but deployed on the left of the army's front, Harold placed all the remaining Lesser Fryd. No less than 9 units took their station here; these men commanded by the other sub-general. About 200 yards to the rear of this long line, the King arranged his personal guard and house troops. This third division was comprised of 5 units of Huscarls and 3 units of Select Fryd. The Select Fryd were placed on the left of this line, while Harold stood in the right-center of the formation, in front of his men. A small unit of bowmen was deployed forward and just to the right of the King. In contrast, the Vikings were not deployed in depth. Raginor the Red divided the field into three parts: left, right and center. Of course, he took the center. On the right, there were 3 units of Bondi (1 of which was armed with bows as well as traditional weapons), 1 unit of Huscarls and I unit of Berserkers. In front of this "wing" there were 2 units of skirmishers, all armed with bows. The opposite flank was fronted by 4 units of skirmishers (3 armed with javelins and I with bows). Variously arranged behind this line were 4 units of Bondi (to include 1 unit armed with bows), a unit of Huscarls and the second band of Berserkers in Raginor's army. As mentioned, Raginor the Red held the center of the Viking deployment. He stationed himself in front of his veteran Huscarls. There was a second unit of Huscarls present, as well as 5 units of Bondi (1 of which included bows among it's long spears, swords and axes). The skirmisher screen in front of these bearded troops consisted of 2 units of bowmen and 1 of javelin men. BATTLE Given their advantage with respect to initiative rating and given the distance between the two forces, the Vikings were able to concentrate on securing prizes and putting villager homes to the torch without fear of interference. With the end of turn three, the Vikings had already set fire to three houses and were leading three teams and wagons back toward their baseline. Of animal herds, one was secured and another was about to be "captured." The Saxon host, despite its tardiness, had taken one wagon and were in position to protect two homes. On the right, they were also in position to spoil the Viking "plans" to round up even more cattle. The main elements of each side were still some distance apart. The main concerns of these bodies of Fryd and Bondi were negotiating the terrain and maintaining unit integrity as well as allowing the lighter units to withdraw through the ranks with prizes. What disorder resulted from these general and specific movements was soon resolved. The "phalanx" of Lesser Fryd was soon back in one great line. They were facing two large groups of Vikings, however. First blood was drawn in turn four, when the light troops of the Saxon right wing thwarted an attempt by some Viking youths to steal another herd of livestock. A volley of wellthrown javelins put a quick end to that idea, and to the lives of several score Vikings. Return fire from the survivors was not at all effective. Another group of Vikings did succeed in causing some casualties among the Saxon light infantry, however. Following up on the javelins and light spears, both sides dashed in to try and secure another wagon of "treasure." Both sides survived the initial rush to combat and so, the wagon remained intact, waiting for a victor to emerge. On this same flank, the Vikings moved their main force in support while the Saxon foot continued to struggle with poor movement rolls and terrain. Saxons on the left and in the center fared much better: the Lesser Fryd taking control of some animals, a wagon and a house, though at the cost of the men to guard these prizes. King Harold's division moved forward as well, coming into line along the front slope of the hill. Turn five witnessed an increase in victory points for Raginor and his men. No less than four wagons and two herds of animals were in their possession. Yet another house had been set on fire, much to the consternation of its owners and the apparently hapless Saxon infantry. On the right of Harold's army, the skirmishers were forced to withdraw when a unit of Berserkers came too close to the running fight. The Saxon javelin men threw a few more spears and then ran back to the heavier infantry line some 200 yards away. With respect to the main units on each side of the field, both commanders and their sub-generals seemed more concerned with making sure their men were in their ranks and prepared for the melee(s) that were sure to develop. On the Viking left however, the Berserkers had surged forward prematurely and split this "division" into several parts. The Saxon commander could not capitalize on this temporary disorganization though, as he had to get his men through or around the small wood on this end of the battlefield. The turn following saw the Vikings win, again, the initiative roll. With respect to missile exchanges, the Vikings won here as well, with one of their units of bowmen on the right scoring some hits against the line of Lesser Fryd. Arrows were exchanged in the center, too: the single archer unit on the Saxon side of the field firing indirectly into the advancing ranks of Bondi, but hitting shields and earth only. On the Saxon right, both sides threw more javelins. And both sides escaped harm. In terms of movement to contact, both sides also remained "free of harm" at the hands of their enemy. The Vikings did press forward on the left of the field, moving in on the Saxons who were traversing the small copse. In the center, Raginor split two units from his main line and moved these Huscarls to the left of the burning hovels. The main division of 4 units inched that much closer to the Lesser Fryd. And just as the Saxons were hampered by the wood on their right, the Vikings were having some difficulty in getting through and around the wooded area on their own right. However, the sub-general on this flank believed his men would shortly be in among the Lesser Fryd as well. The Saxons, in response, moved the front line units forward. The "reserve" under the direct control of King Harold I, stood well back of the Lesser Fryd, waiting for the battle to develop. Noticing the moves made by his counterpart, Harold peeled off 3 units from his line and directed these to adopt a better defensive position. Turn seven started very much like the previous turn in that casualties from missile fire were minimal and the Vikings, once more, secured the initiative option. However, it was the Saxon javelin men on the far right who rained pointed death on a unit of Bondi. The bearded warriors shrugged off these few losses and continued to move forward, as did the rest of the force on this side of the Viking line. In the center of the field, at least a part of the main bodies were finally met. The larger segment of Raginor's command (4 units) ran forward to engage a like number of units of Lesser Fryd. The relative ineffectiveness of the Lesser Fryd showed as in the first sharp contact, the advantage in BPs lay with the Vikings at 3 inflicted to I taken. Additionally, the sub-general on the Saxon side of the line suffered a severe wound in his thigh. The "free" units of the Lesser Fryd, 5 in number, angled to their left in anticipation of dealing with the enemy troops who were issuing from the woods on this edge of the field. Bow fire was completely ineffectual on the next turn of the wargame. The Saxon archers tried to shoot down a few of Raginor's Huscarls and the Bondi bowmen tried to inflict some loss before more units of the main divisions were embroiled melee. The poor shooting might be excused for just this fact: the men of both sides were more focused on the imminent sequence of charge and countercharge. As the Vikings maintained the initiative, their commanders controlled the evolution of the hand-to-hand combats. In addition to the continuing melee in the center between Bondi and Lesser Fryd, the Vikings "threw in" on their left. Bondi, berserkers and Huscarls were all involved against Saxons. Raginor's own troops bellowed a war cry and ran into the three units just deployed by King Harold. The sharp clang of sword against sword and sword against shield joined the cacophony of similar battle sounds along the entire line. Over on the right, the Vikings broke free of the hampering terrain and fell upon the waiting Saxon line: the berserkers being especially fervent in their attack. In brief review then, turn eight witnessed a table-wide melee. The Vikings, save a couple of units of Bondi here and there, were fully committed. Harold, a better student and veteran by 10 years over Raginor, was keeping his reserve close around him and out of this first general meeting. The band of berserkers on the Viking right was successful in breaking the Saxons placed against them. Exercising terrific restraint, the berserkers chased the survivors away and then turned on the exposed flank of Fryd. This poor unit was already engaged to its front. Elsewhere on this same flank, the Vikings outscored the Saxons by a factor of 2 BPs to 1. On other aspects of the field, the exchange was fairly even. The combat in the center between Lesser Fryd and Bondi resulted in 3 BPs against the Vikings, while and additional 2 BPs were scored against the Saxons. Raginor's troops held their own against the three units facing them, 2 BPs being taken on each side. The other unit of berserkers on the left did not break the enemy they were facing. However, the Vikings did enjoy an advantage of BPs inflicted. The Saxons lost two versus just one for the marauders. Map II shows the status of the wargame table at this stage of the contest. The four houses on the Viking "side" of the field are on fire and the points go to the raiders. Well away from the melees, the herds of livestock and wagons of "treasure" are being driven to the baseline. More points then, for the attacking Norse Men. In contrast, the Saxons are carting just two wagons away and are trying to protect the remaining homes. Previously, they did withdraw one group of cows. With regard to troop concentrations, A indicates the relatively disorganized combat taking place on the Saxon right. Raginor's contest is being waged in the area of B. The main engagement of the center is represented by the letter C. This is where part of the Lesser Fryd is taking on Raginor's other troops. The other part of the Fryd is in contest on the left of the line, E. King Harold and his 4 units of Huscarls (1 being classed as Veterans) and 1 unit of Select Fryd, D, constitute the reserve. The berserkers continued to wreak havoc on the Saxon left. Another unit of Lesser Fryd broke and ran. This time, it was the result of combined pressure: berserkers on its flank and tough Bondi spear men to its front. The "phalanx" of Lesser Fryd now numbered just 7 units and all of these were heavily engaged. In fact, four units were down to 50% strength. Under the direction of their wounded sub-general, they fought on with more heart than experience, taking a number of Viking BPs with them. By way of illustrating this, in the combat between 4 units of Lesser Fryd and 4 units of Vikings (3 of Bondi and I of Huscarls), the Saxons were down 8 BPs but had scored 6 BP losses against Raginor's troops. To the right (from Saxon point of view) of this melee, the tide of battle seemed to be turning against Raginor's detachment. His two units had taken nearly 50% losses while inflicting just 1 BP against each Saxon unit. The bloody but even contest was repeated on the Viking left, where the Saxons and their 6 units would absorb 6 BP worth of loss while scoring 5 BP against a like number of enemy units. On the next turn, the favor turned for the Saxon cause. The Vikings did continue to move their prizes off the field. Later in the day, there would be less men to share in the spoils, however. The even contest on the Saxon right went very much against the Vikings: each of the 5 units taking another full BP loss. The Vikings did almost break a unit of Lesser Fryd, being overmatched as it was in facing a unit of Huscarls under the direct command of the Viking sub-general. To the left (or right, depending on which way the board was viewed) of this vicious combat, Raginor's troops were on the brink of defeat. Both units had taken 3 BP in losses. His veteran troops could stand more punishment, but the "regulars" could not. Raginor was in the thick of the fight himself, and beginning to feel a bit tired from swinging his axe and sword. There were just too many Saxons. In the center of the field, there were not that many Saxons left. The Bondi pushed hard, but the men of the Lesser Fryd fought back determinedly and the battle was even. To be certain, there was a lot of blood spilled on the field in this particular melee: an equal and large number of Saxons and Vikings lay upon the now red grass. And while some success was enjoyed on the right of their line, the Saxons were not doing very well on their left. The berserkers were looking for another fight and an isolated Lesser Fryd unit looked to be next on that list. Other Saxon units on this same flank were in poor shape as well, for they were simply outmatched in terms of ability and arms. As quickly as fortune seemed to turn in favor of King Harold's troops, that fickle finger (or hand) just as rapidly pointed back to the Viking side of the field. In overview, this turn saw the collapse of the Lesser Fryd. No less than 5 units were broken by tired and bloodied Vikings, starting with the unit on the far left that was assailed in the flank by berserkers. The line that had been putting up a good fight in front of the King's reserve suddenly lost heart - it seemed - and one after the other, the units broke and ran. In his attempt to stem the rout, the sub-general of this force lost his life. This success came at a small price for Raginor however, as he lost two units of Bondi on either flank. The cost went up on the following turn, and especially on his left flank. Here, the berserkers and another unit of Bondi fell to the stubborn Saxon spear men. A fresh unit of Huscarls was moved up, but soon embroiled in combat with three units of Saxons. One of Raginor's units of Huscarls broke from the fight in the left-center of the field, leaving him and just a few veteran troops to take on twice their number. With the loss of the Lesser Fryd and the condition of his left flank, King Harold finally decided to commit his reserve to the fray. A unit of Huscarls and a unit of Select Fryd were ordered to advance on the left and shore up the crumbling line. The other three units, all of them Huscarls (one being his veteran classed troops), were ordered to establish a new line where the Lesser Fryd had held for a long as they could. Unfortunately, the King could not spare any men for the right of his line. Here, fortune stayed with the Vikings and produced disastrous results for three pressed units of Fryd. This division was in as poor shape as their friends on the opposite end of the line. The Vikings paid in more men for this local victory, however. Yet another unit of Bondi reached its limit and broke under the strain of combat. Though Harold's advance into the center was too late to save the Lesser Fryd, the move did much to save the field. Unable to contest the charge of three fresh units of powerful Huscarls, two units of Bondi were literally trampled underfoot. The one Viking unit that was able to withstand the attack, shortly found itself overwhelmed and broken as a result. On the other side of the still burning homes, Raginor and his band of veterans were finally cut down by sweat-soaked, grimy and gory Saxons. No more than 20 minutes after the Lesser Fryd had collapsed and the Saxon center threatened, King Harold had broken the Viking center and his men had killed Raginor the Red. The sense of this loss, if not the actual word of it spread rapidly across the field. Those Vikings still standing (many wounded), pulled back from the Saxon line and began their retreat to the gentle ridge that marked their starting point. The Saxons let them go. The men on either flank were in no condition to offer pursuit and King Harold had already decided that the field was victory enough. REVIEW & REMARKS Another scenario parameter set by Mr. Monaghan was `time limit.' To quote him again, "The game was played for 100 minutes, plus the move in progress. At the end, points were awarded for enemy casualties and objectives taken." (14) Coincidentally, Raginor died in melee as time ran out in this replay. The time limit provided for quite a bloody battle, indeed. If the basic rules of ARMATI had been followed, it seems that the battle / wargame would have ended rather quickly as the Lesser Fryd proved no real obstacle to the Vikings. However, this was not the case. A review of points secured by each force paints a fair picture of just how costly this battle was. Looking over the Vikings first, as they were designated the "attacking" force, one finds: 5 houses put to the torch 50 points 4 animal herds taken 40 points 4 wagons taken 80 points BPs scored against the Saxons 67 points This gives Raginor-or should I suggest the surviving Prince who commanded the left wing?-a victory point total of 237. It should be noted that I have not factored in any points for the Saxon sub-commander who was lost as these points were not figured into the original army totals. Turning to King Harold's side of the field, the following tallies are calculated: 2 houses saved 20 points 1 herd protected 10 points 2 wagons secured 40 points BPs scored against the Vikings 56 points King Harold I and his troops then, scored just 126 victory points. Again, a point total cannot be determined for the loss of Raginor the Red. Even if it were allowed that his value as a general was worth 50 points, the Vikings would still enjoy an objective/combat point advantage of 237 to 176. Looking at the totals from a purely troop value standpoint, the Pyrrhic nature of the Viking win is apparent. Raginor scored just 11 more points than were scored against him. If the focus is placed solely on the objectives, the Viking dominance is more obvious. Here, Raginor secured 100 more points than Harold. In large part, I think this lopsided result was a product of army composition. The Vikings simply had more light troops and so, these were able to move faster, torch or secure the prize and then withdraw without having to worry about facing an enemy unit in combat. The Saxon skirmishers were all deployed on the right flank, and so could only do so much with respect to taking wagons and sheep or cows. The Lesser Fryd had to assign 3 BPs of fighting men to these tasks. It may be concluded then that while this subtraction of BP was not a determining factor in their eventual defeat, it certainly did not help matters. With respect to battle plans, I think the nature of the scenario, the combatants and the time limit precluded any real consideration of strategy. Playing the Vikings, I simply tired to get my hands on as much treasure as possible before getting too involved in melee. Perhaps I was too greedy or confident as the wargame developed? In wearing the crown of Harold l, I think I was more concerned with the eventual clash of arms instead of the safekeeping of property. I think these approaches were reflected in the initial deployments. As Raginor, I had three "divisions" of very mixed composition. Each division did have a lot of light troops, however. With the forces of the King, I went with more of a "defense in depth" kind of plan, in that I placed the Lesser Fryd (fodder?) in the front, a strong right and then my best troops in reserve just in case. As the battle played itself out, the reserve did prove to be a very good idea. With respect to `tweaking' ARMATI command and control rules, I think this turned out pretty well. Three commanders a side, a six-sided die for each for movement and the loss of control over "divisional integrity" kind of takes care of itself. And yet ... there were times during the Pyrrhic process that I felt things were going a little too smoothly. That is to remark for instance, the line of Lesser Fryd units was rather long. How could the subgeneral keep command and control over these men? Is this really an issue to "worry" about, as once an object or body is set in motion, does it not tend to stay in motion? And then, what about the melee process utilized in ARMATI? There are allowances for units to be broken in the first turn of a melee round. But with the kind of troops fighting across this terrain and in this particular scenario, there was very little chance of first-round routs. In some respects, I guess it seems historical: the groups of Vikings fighting against fairly organized ranks of Saxon Fryd and Huscarls ... spears being thrust against shield and the close-combat of sword versus sword and sword versus axe. In other respects, it did seem that some of the melees went on and on and on. I've no comparable experience on which to draw, but 1 cannot imagine wielding a sword and shield on bloody ground for several minutes, let alone five times that number. Before I lose myself, again, on this tangent and over this familiar ground, let me stop. Overall, I think the scenario provided by Mr. Monaghan was a very good one. I would have been hard pressed to come up with anything similar. And so, I am in his debt for the idea. The emphasis on victory points was quite a nice change from the usual ARMATI process of concentrating on and trying to break key units. As Mr. Monaghan related in his article - he did a very brief write up of how the tournament went - in this particular scenario, it is "easy" to get sidetracked by the pursuit of these victory points (houses, herds and wagons) and so be vulnerable to more directed elements of the enemy on the field. In some respects, I think this happened with the Vikings. Their skirmishers did a great service in respect to setting torch to huts and taking a number of wagons and livestock. A "smarter" Viking would have been happy with these points and withdrawn from the field to fight another day. If the thought of withdrawal was unseemly, then perhaps sitting back on the baseline and waiting for the Saxons to come at their line? Either plan strikes me as out of character for the fictional Raginor and his forces. While the subsequent contest was indeed costly to the Saxon defenders (recall that the Lesser Fryd were essentially destroyed), one could say it was just as costly to the Vikings. In final summary, though a comparison of point totals indicate a Viking "win," I do think it was essentially a draw. I am curious to see what happens with the second part of the adaptation of VAPNARTAK. As a kind of preview, I will let the reader know that I am planning a wargame with Normans versus Saxons in the scenario involving the bridge and fords. The twist in this particular venture will be the use of Vis Bellica, a relatively new set of Ancients rules, produced by one Mr. Robert Avery. Thanks again to Mr. Monaghan for the inspiration.  Back to MWAN # 128 Table of Contents Back to MWAN List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 2004 Hal Thinglum This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com