A well-fought battle it was, though base treachery seemed the rule of the day! The debacle of Clantarf began with the Leinster Irish under King Maelmordha (Bob Richardson) and the Connaught, Muster & Dal Chais Irish under Murchad (Jimmy Herron) and Turlough (John Skolberg), advancing on each other in the center. Early success went to Maelmordha due to his forces superior missile fire and great number. His allies, Jarl Sigurd the Stout (Charles Ambren) on his left & Jarl Brodir of Man (Dwight Jones) on his right, advanced quickly in support and began to drive in the opposing flanks. Maelmordha's Norse patron, Sigtrygg Silkybeard (Don Wright), from the safety of his palisaded Dublin keep, carefully scrutinized the ebb and flow of the tide of battle. Early on, he dispatched his younger brother, Dubhgall (Ben Groff), who guarded the Tolku River Bridge, to reinforce the center rear. Meanwhile, the great high King Brian Born (Richard Higson), frustrated by the intransigence of his Scandinavian allies, Wolf the Quarrelsome (Ben Bauer) who was to advance the coast and seize the enemy fleet, and Jarl Ospeak of Man (James Scott) who was to advance on the right, made a hasty decision. Born sent in his own reserve "battle" to bolster his center in hope of overwhelming Maelmordha's center by combining forces with Turlough and Murchad. This later proved to be a fatal mistake! Even reinforced, Turlough, fighting desperately, was suffering heavy losses, and Murchad, his father, had to worry his flanks. They could not punch through the enemy center but they could steadfastly hold their enemies at the River Tolku ford. It was at this point that Malachy (Ray Phillips), self-styled king of the Meath Irish, decided to make his play! Malingering behind the Wood of Tomar instead of advancing in support of Wolf, along the coast, Malachy began an oblique movement, which was to bring his forces close to Brian Born's encampment. Here they turned upon the High King's Bodyguard and slew them with the utmost ferocity. In the ensuing melee, Born himself was slain! Amidst the confusion, a retreating Ospeak managed to rally his men and keep Malachy's forces off Murchad's back. But as it came to pass, it was in the center that the fate of this conflict would be determined. The Norse King Silkybeard, looking down upon the bloody battlefield, saw that his ally Maelmordha's forces were spent and depleted. Although they fiercely advanced, were checked, regrouped & attacked again, they could gain no more ground in the center. More than decimated, a resolute Turlough stood with his men in defiance of the death around him. Murchad's men took the places of the fallen and grimly slew their foemen! That Silkybeard, hearing the cry "born is slain, long live Murchad, High King", made his move. Fearful of his own candidate Maelmordha, distrusting the rival claimant Malachy and impressed with his enemy's son Murchad (whom he now perceived as weakened by heavy battle losses), Silkybeard made a surprising decision. He withdrew his support from his own ally Maelmordha, and declared for Murchad! The Dublin Norse under Silkybeard sallied forth and joining with Dubhgall's men, threatened their former ally's rear. Thus it came to pass that the Norse King of Dublin cleverly continued his rule & dominance of the Irish. Maelmordha betrayed, fled the field. His Viking mercenary captains, Jarls Sigurd & Bradir declared for Silkybeard. Malachy slunk off into the dusk, no doubt to plot further schemes. Bloodied & exhausted, Turlough and Born's Viking allies loudly proclaimed Murchad's High Kingship. As a veteran wargamer (has it really been 30 years?), I'd like to compliment all of the participants who resolutely accepted their player assignment cards & goals, and fought their very best despite often difficult circumstances. It was pure fun with fair play & good sportsmanship in abundance. This scenario brought together a diverse bunch of gamers, from novice to seasoned veteran who joined in to make this Battle of Clantarf enjoyable for all! Players completing their mission: Silkybeard, Dubhgall, Sigurd, Brodir and Malachy. Players not completing their mission: Maelmordha, Brian Born, Murchad, Turlough, Ospeak & Wolf. Victorious: Silkybeard (by guile), Murchad (by default) Voted by his peers "Most Accomplished Player" in a Dark Ages Scenario, in 1998 The Year of the Viking: Charles Ambren (Jarl Sigurd the Stout), who received a gift certificate from the game sponsor "Gripping Beast Miniatures" (of England). Next "Year of the Viking" Dark Ages Scenarios: Gate Fulford – 1066 to be fought at NashCon 98 Brunanburgh – 937 to be fought at Hurricon 98 Stamford Bridge – 1066 to be fought at Reunion 98 PS: Congrats to all the people who made Recon 98 the very best historical wargames convention held in La Florida! (Ed. Thank you for a great battle report! We look forward to another report after Hurricon) Back to Rebel Yell No. 11 Table of Contents Back to Rebel Yell List of Issues Back to Master Magazine List © Copyright 1998 by HMGS South This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com