HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
A possible location for the battle is at Merriton, on the banks of the River Stour, a few miles downstream of Wimborne, thus providing a simple journey by barge with the body of King Æthelred.
King Æthelred of Wessex and Prince Alfred fought against the Danes, who were probably under the leadership of King Halfdan, who had commanded many of the earlier battles that year.
The Chronicle tells us that the forces were split in two and that the Danes were initially put to flight, but at the end of the day and after "much slaughter" the Danes remained masters of the field. Among the fallen was Bishop Heahmund.
It was the last of the battles known to be fought by Æthelred against the Danes that year, and the defeated King is reported to have died on 15 April 871. Whether he died in battle, or as a result of wounds suffered in battle is unclear. Alfred succeeded to the throne of Wessex on 23 April 871.
War Council
SAXONS (Use Tan blocks)
• Leader: King Æthelred of Wessex
• 4 Command Cards
• 2 Inspired Action tokens
VIKINGS (Use Purple Blocks)
• Leader: Halfdan Ragnarsson
• 5 Command Cards
• 3 Inspired Action tokens
• Move First 
Victory
6 Banners
SPECIAL RULES
- The River is impassable
- Auxilia units Battleback with 1 extra die.
- Saxons use the Byzantine Inspired Actions
- Vikings use all Inspired Actions
- Replace the Mounted Charge Command card text to read
Boar’s Snout
Select one foot unit and up to two adjacent foot units. Each unit can move one extra hex and battle.
When battling, add 1 die to each supported unit. Ordered units may not engage in Ranged Combat.