HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
A party of Vikings led by Ubba, brother of Ivar the Boneless and Halfdan Ragnarsson, landed on the coast at Combwich with 23 ships and twelve hundred men. Odda, Ealdorman of Devon, called out the fyrd and gathered an army, mostly composed of inexperienced farmers and peasants, and occupied a defensive hill position known as 'Cynwit' position overlooking the beach. This location is usually identified as Countisbury Hill, but other sites such as Cannington Camp, Somerset, have also been suggested
Ubba and the Vikings proceeded to besiege the fort, expecting the English to surrender eventually from lack of water. Odda, decided he could not remain atop the hill indefinitely, and at the break of dawn he led his troops down the hill, taking the Vikings by surprise.
In the ensuing battle around a thousand Vikings were killed, as was Ubba himself, possibly at Odda's own hand. The raven banner was captured by Odda's men and a great victory was won and the English forces not only succeeded in killing Ubba, but they also captured the Raven banner called Hrefn.
War Council
SAXONS (Use Tan blocks)
• Leader: Odda, Ealdorman of Devon
• 5 Command Cards
• 4 Inspired Action tokens
• Move first
VIKINGS (Use Purple Blocks)
• Leader: Ubba
• 2* Command Cards
• 1 Inspired Action tokens
Victory
6 Banners
Viking Red unit is worth 2 Victory Banners (the Raven)
SPECIAL RULES
- The River is impassable
- Auxilia units Battleback with 1 extra die.
- Saxons use the Byzantine Inspired Actions
- Vikings use all Inspired Actions
- The Vikings are surprised. After the first 2 Viking turns, the Viking player draws
2 Command cards to a total of 4. - Vikings cannot use Superior Armor Class to cancel Sword hits.
- 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.