The 5th Century in Britannia Part 13: Arthur’s 11th Battle: The Battle of Mount Agned: Alt Clud ( Dumbarton Castle) June 490AD.

 This article is my personal interpretation of events at this time. Any mistakes are my own.

Once again at the Winter Solstice of 489AD, the Briton Kings take their places at the Round Table at Caerleon.. In attendance are:

Tutagaul Ap Ervin Ap Cinuit of Alt Clut ( dispossessed).

Einon of Gwynedd.

Cadell of Powys.

Gereint Ap Cador ( “ Llyngesic” Navarch of the British Fleet) and King of Cernow.

Iddon Ap Ynyr of Gwent.

Arthur arrives with Merlin and they take their seats on one side of the hall. Although Magister Militum ( Pendragon) of the Briton Commitatus, and Caerleon is his headquarters, he is not Royal so does not have a seat at the table. Arthur is now 22 years old. A seasoned and successful Commander with many victories.

The Kings praise Arthur and his battlefield success.The conversation takes on a more serious tone as Cadell raises the notion of disbanding the Commitatus.

His reasoning is that now that the Picts and Riartans are defeated and the Seaxons are fighting each other, the threat to Cambria has diminished.

As before, it doesn’t take long for arguments to commence regarding Land Rights and Sovereignty. Looking at Arthur, Merlin rises and walks slowly to the table. With that movement all goes quiet.  The power of Merlin’s presence has never diminished. The Kings are still in awe of a senior representative of the Old Gods even with the rise of Christianity.

Merlin tells the assembled Monarchs that although the Seaxons are fighting like Crows over a carcass, another leader like Aelle will surface. Their arguments another powerful reason why Arthur has control of the Commitatus.

Arthur then speaks of his plans. Tutagaul and his troops will go with the Commitatus. He needs enough troops to invest Alt Clut and be able to fight off any enemy troops attempting to assist Caw.The army must move at the end of March after the crops have been sown. It will take 60 days to march to Alt Clut….

They then have four weeks to take or destroy Caw’s grip on Alt Clut. The Fortress must be taken by the end of June and Tutagaul reinstalled as King. The army must return by the end of August to reap the harvest.

Arthur is also taking most of the fleet with him in order to invest the Fortress. June is when the Irish Sea is at its calmest.

As Arthur finishes his speech there is uproar in the chamber. Some accuse Arthur of wishing to expand his army to conquer Cambria for himself! Merlin bangs his staff on the floor three times. As all goes quiet He utters one loud sentence:

Support the Pendragon…. or perish by fire and sword…..

THE BRITON COMMITATUS: 13,000 = 13pts x 5 = 65pts.

Arthur: Magister Militum ( The Pendragon)    @ 3pts.

1 stand of Mounted Bucellarii  @ 3pts.

4 stands of Veteran Infantry  @ 3pts  = 12pts.

4 stands of  Auxilliary Veteran Archers  @ 2pts = 8pts.

Owain:   @ 2pts.

Cadwy:  @ 2pts.

Rogatainus:  @ 2pts.

2 stands of Ballista @ 1 pt =2pts.

TUTAGAUL: @ 2pts

8 stands of Infantry  @ 2pts = 16pts.

4 stands of Light Infantry Archers @ 1pt =4pts.

1 stand of  mounted Bucellarii  @ 2pts.

KING IDDONS MILITIA:

3 stands of Militia Infantry  @ 2pts = 6pts.

1 stand of Light Infantry Archers @ 1pt.

THE SHIPS:

15 ships each with 100 men = 1,500 men = 1.5pts x 5 = 8pts r/u. = 6 ships :  4 ships each with one stand of Archers @ 1pt.

2 ships each with 1 stand of ballista @ 2pts.

THE PICT ARMY: 12,000 = 12pts x 5 = 60pts.

Inside Alt Clut: 4,000 = 4pts x 5 = 20pts.

Niall ( fictional ) @ 1pt.

7 stands of Militia Infantry  @ 2pts = 14pts.

5 stands of missile troops  @ 1pt = 5pts.

RELIEVE FORCE: 8,000 = 8pts x 5 = 40pts.

Caw   @ 1pt.

15 stands of Warrior Infantry @ 2pts = 30 pts.

5 stands of archers  @  1pt = 5pts.

2 stands of Light Cavalry @  2pts =  4pts.

THE BATTLE

* The battle will be played for eight Game-Turns unless one side suffers a Morale collapse before the 8th Game-Turn is played out.

* Each side will note their morale total:

The Pict army is 30 points.( the field army and the Garrison).

The Briton army is 33 points.

* As a stand is removed from the table its points are deducted from its respective total.

* The Briton Army retains the Initiative Point for the entire 8 Game-Turns.

The Britons will move first on every Game Turn.

* The Britons will fire first in every Game-Turn.

* The Britons win any tied results.

* The trees block Line of sight. As you can see in the photo below. The archers on the left can fire at the Pict slingers. However the spearmen to the right cannot fire diagonally at the Pict slingers because there is a model tree on the front facing of the square.

* when moving through the trees, stands can only move one square.

* Any stand forced into the water will be lost.

THE PICT GARRISON:

* From the third Game-Turn onward, at the start of the Turn, a six sided dice is thrown for the Garrison: If a “1” or “2” is thrown the Garrison will leave the fortress in the following Game-Turns.

* Stands within the fortress ignore the “Move back” as a result of a die roll. However, the target stand must deduct 2 points if firing back within the same Game-Turn.

* The above rule also applies to ships archers and ballista crew.

* THE SHIPS BALLISTA: If the target rolls any lower score against the ships ballista shot. The target stand is removed from the board.

* The ships can only land at the jetty next to the castle. If they move into a square adjacent to the land they cannot move for the rest of the battle. ( They are grounded.)

VICTORY;

The side with the higher Morale tally wins the battle. If the Britons have the higher morale tally at the end of 8 Game-Turns, they have won regardless of whether they have taken Ald Clut.

If one side ends up with a Zero morale tally at, or before the end of eight Game-Turns, they have lost the battle.

THE HISTORY:

Historians cannot agree as to the location of Mount Agned. Most dismiss it altogether as part of Geoffrey of Monmouth’s fictional account of King Arthur.

Nennius says that a battle was fought at this place. Those who have given serious study to the debate have suggested Edinburgh Castle or Stirling Castle. Nearly all are sure it took place in Scotland.  So, why have I chosen Dumbarton Castle??

To me, “ Agned” sounds like “Alt Clut”. There could have been a misinterpretation of Alt Clut to Agned by Nennius. The “Mount” part of the name is also pertinent because Alt Clut, or Dumbarton Castle to give it its modern name sits on top of a natural volcanic plug of rock on the banks of the river Clyde. It’s not part of any range of hills. It is the oldest fortress in Scotland.

 I have been there. ( In 2005, before I had any knowledge of Arthur’s story.) it is indeed a formidable position. The Rock itself is unassailable , while those trying to break the doors of the entrance would face a storm of missiles from the twin peaks above.

One story has “King” Arthur in Scotland to combat a Scottish Noble. Caw did exist. He did usurp Tutagaul but the circumstances are not known. Caw managed to escape when Arthur took the place after a battle.

That’s how I came up with this scenario. Caw had to be outside of Alt Clut because he managed to escape during, or after the fighting. Arthur fought a battle and won at “ Mount Agned”. He couldn’t storm the fortress, knowing the casualties it would cause. He didn’t have time to besiege the place. Therefore he had to drive the Garrison out.

When the Romans left Britain they left behind training manuals so that the Britons could defend themselves. Shipbuilding was still happening. With Merlin’s knowledge of Latin, Ballista and/ or Catapults could be built and transported by ship. Smaller ones by the army.

The weather history for the 5th century swung wildly between flood and drought. The Irish Sea was relatively calm in June, which would give the fully laden ships a fairly safe passage from Cornwall to Alt Clut.

Alt Clut, was strategically important. The Saxons had infiltrated the East coast of Northern Britain and were moving slowly westward. The Dal Riata ( Scots-Irish ) were still active in the area and Alt Clut protected the Northern flank of the Briton Kingdoms.

Arthur also had unfinished business in the north previously failing to pursue the enemy after the Battle of  the River Croquet. He needed to prove to his enemies that he was still powerful.

 After Arthur took the fortress, it became known as “ Dun Breatann”, the “ Fortress of the Britons” with Tutagaul restored as King. This naming of the fortress did happen in the 5th century.

As before, nearly all the above is conjectural. However, there are some historical instances which lend actuality to an otherwise fictional story. Personally, I am totally convinced that “ Mount Agned” is indeed Alt Clut, the modern Dumbarton Castle.

CREDITS:

Nearly all the Picts are from Redbox. Some are Hat Industries Saxons. Tutagaul and his men are the Goths from Hat Industries.

Iddon’s Militia are from the Hat Industries Roman Light Infantry as are the small Ballista. Arthur’s Veteran Infantry and Bucellarii are from Newline Designs.

The ships are scratchbuilt as are the large Ballista. All the Ballista crews are from Hat Industries Roman Light Infantry. Owain is from the Hat Industries Heavy Cavalry on a Ceaser Miniatures horse.

The boat crews are from Emhar Viking Crew figures.

The Light Cavalry are from the Hat Industries Goth Cavalry. The Pict Standards are sticky labels attached to North Star Miniatures Javelins and hand painted.

Arthur’s standards and shield decals are from Little Big Man Studios.

The tiles forming the castle and flat ground, are made of cork tiles with flock. ( not a concise model ) The wall and fence sections are from Alternative Armies. The gate section was scratchbuilt from cardboard. The road is from thin cardboard. The trees are from various manufacturers, Guagemaster being one. 

The huts are from Peter Pig (?).

The round stands are 40mm mdf from Sarissa Precision. The 40mm square stands are cut from picture-framing cardboard.

The sea section is an ocean cover with 4” squares. A custom mat from Deep Cut Studios. The table is 3 feet x 2 feet ( 90cm x 60cm).

ADDENDUM; 14th May 2026.

It appears I have inadvertently “ done a Nennius”. In all my blogs on Arthur I have referred to Dumbarton Castle as ALT CLUD, or “ ALCLUD”  when in fact it should be ALT CLUT.

I shall go back through my blogs and correct the situation as much as possible. My apologies to Historians everywhere.

The 5th Century in Britannia: Part 9, Arthur’s battle of Cat Coit Celidan; Battle of the River Croquet, June 488AD.

 This article is my personal interpretation of the events at that time. Any mistakes are my own.

During the Winter Solstice of 487AD, Arthur, with Merlin in attendance meets with the Kings at Caerleon. They are;

Tutagaul, King of Alt Clut.( Dumbarton Castle).

Einon,  King of Gwynedd.

Cadell,  King of Powys.

Geraint Llyngesic,  King of Dumnonia.

Iddon Ap Ynyr,  King of Gwent.

At this time, the Seaxons were not staging any major incursions into Briton territory apart from sporadic raiding. Reluctantly, the Round Table Council have come to the conclusion that they cannot dislodge the Seaxons from the South and East coast, with more arriving every month. Arthur tells the Council that he cannot go on the offensive, lacking the troops to do so.

The decision is made to stay on the defensive with the border along the river Trent and Ouse being patrolled. King Geraint confirmed that his fleet would continue to cover the West Coast in order to deter Irish raiders.

As 488AD commences, the new recruits and Veterans are bought together at Caerleon for formation training. The Commitatus numbers 4,800 men. Arthur is still the Pendragon. By now the Suebians under Rogatainus are an established part of the Army

THE BRITON ARMY; 4,800 = 4.8pts  x 10 = 48 points.

Arthur,s Bucellarii = 400 = 0.4 pts x 10 = 4 pts. 1 stand of Heavy Cavalry @ 4 pts.

Light Cavalry Regulars = 400 = 0.4 pts x 10 = 2 stands of Regular Light Cav @ 2 pts = 4pts.

Line Infantry Veterans = 1,200 = 1.2 pts x 10 = 12 points = 4 stands of Regular Infantry @ 3pts = 12pts.

Auxiliary Infantry ( the Suebians ) = 1,200 = 1.2 pts x 10 = 12 points = 6 stands of Auxilliary Infantry @ 2pts = 12 points.

Regular Lt Infantry Archers = 800 = 0.8 pts x 10 =  8 points = 8 stands of Archers @ 1 point = 8pts.

Arthur @ 3 points.

Owain  @ 2 points.

Rogatainus @ 2 points.

Cadwy @ 1 point.

As the Army trains, raiding and counter-raids continue across the frontier.  Merlin is also using his powers of perception and network of spies to ascertain movements of the enemy. Merlin has quietly warned Arthur that Medreut with Cadwallons help, is fomenting discord among the Kings to the detriment of Arthur’s position as Pendragon.

As April turns into May of 488AD the relative calm at Caerleon is shattered by the unexpected arrival of Tutagaul accompanied by 300 of his Bucellarii and a troop of horse warriors from Gwynedd.

In a hastily assembled Council, Tutagaul relates the events in Alt Clut. Tutagaul has been deposed in a coup led by a noble named as Caw, assisted by his son Hueil. Both have gained the support of Drest 2nd, a high King of the Picts. Also supporting Caw is Loarn Mac Eric, the High King of the Dal-Riata ( the Scots-Irish ). Loarn has sent Briacat, Grandson of Hengist and son of Pascent!.

The conclusion is reached that Caw will not invade Gwynedd. Einon has a powerful army lately reinforced by troops loyal to Tutagaul. The “ Caledonian “ Army could head south-east to attack the territory of the Votadinii, a Briton tribe on the eastern side of Alt Clut. The possibility is that the Caledonians could ally with the Seaxons of Lindsey.

Arthur’s mind is set. He is aware that his army is not strong enough for a major offensive, but he cannot let the Caledonians rampage south or link up with the Seaxons. Five days later, the army is marching north to Luguvallium ( Carlisle ). Along the way Arthur has requested troops from Einon, who sends 1,000 Gwynedd Militia backed up with 1,000 troops of Tutagaul,s.

From Luguvallium, the army marches east to Onnum ( an old cavalry fort ). This position is between Lindsey to the south, and any army approaching from the north. Scouts are sent north along Dere Street and The Devils Causeway. It is not long before they come back on lathered horses. The Caledonian Army is a days march away, camped on the north bank of the Coccuueda ( river Croquet ) and spread out east to west across the Causeway road.

The next day Arthur orders a short march and encampment with the troops sleeping under arms. The following morning the army, in full panopoly appears at the river. Greeting them with a huge roar is an 8,000 strong Caledonian army of Picts, Scots-Irish, and bolstered by 2,000 Saxons. Once again, Arthur is facing an enemy army across a small river in desolate country, quietly praying that his men will prevail.———-.

THE ALLIED CALEDONIAN ARMY; 8,000 = 8pts x 10 = 80 points.

Chieftain;  Caw @ 2 points.

THE PICTS 2,300 = 2.3 pts x 10 = 23pts.

9 stands of Pict warriors    @ 2 points = 18 points.

2 stands of archers/crossbows @ 1pt = 2 points.

2 stands of Light Cavalry @ 1pt = 2 points.

1 Warleader, ( Hueil )  @ 1 point.

THE DAL RIATA ( Scots-Irish ); 3,500 = 3.5pts x 10 = 35 points.

12 stands of warriors  @ 2 pts = 24 points.

4 stands of Light Chariots  @ 2 pts = 8 points.

2 stands of Light Archers  @ 1pt = 2 points.

1 Warleader ( Briacat )  @ 1 point.

THE SAXONS; 2,000 = 2pts x 10 = 20 points.

9 stands of warriors  @ 2 points = 18 points.

1 stand of Light Archers  @ 1 point

1 Warleader ( Aelfhere )  @ 1 point.

GWYNEDD MILITIA: 1,000 = 1 point x 10 = 10 points.

4 stands of Militia Infantry @ 2pts = 8 points.

2 stands of Light Infantry Archers @ 1pt = 2points.

ALT CLUT MILITIA; 1,000 = 1 point x 10 = 10 points.

Tutagaul  @ 1 point.

2 stands of Light Cavalry @ 1pt = 2 points.

1 stand of Light Archers  @ 1 point.

3 stands of Militia Infantry @ 2pts = 6 points.

As the two armies face each other,the archers of both sides pepper each other with missiles. The Briton army wins the missile exchange. It is to much for the Picts, and Caw, seeing his warriors starting to surge signals his warriors to attack. As the Picts charge the Dal and the Saxons follow. The Chariots of the Scot- Irish try to skirmish and, although the river is shallow the chariots are either immobilised by missiles or forced away from the battle. 

Arthur’s infantry have the advantage of ground on their side of the river and after a long fight the Caledonians and Saxons start to tire. Finally the Caledonian army starts to break and Arthur unleashes his Cavalry.————-.

GAMING THE BATTLE.

* The battle is played for 8 Game-Turns.

* The Britons retain the Initiative Point for the entire battle.

* The Caledonian Army moves first on the first Game-Turn. Game-Turns 2 to 8 are diced for as given in the rules.

* The river Coquet does not impede movement. The river is very shallow in June. Stands may also fire and engage in Close Combat with no restrictions while positioned in the river.

* The Britons win any tied results.

HISTORICAL NOTE;

When Nennius wrote of Arthur’s seventh battle he said;

  “ Septimum in Silva Celidonis quae Bryttanicae cacoit celidan nominatur “.

This translates as; “ The seventh in the wood of celandine which is called the cacoit of Brittanicae celidan”.

All the established Historians put the battle north of Carlisle in the Caledonian Forest. I’m not so sure.

Celandine is a plant that looks like a giant buttercup. This plant grows in abundance on the eastern side of Britain because of the soil.

The word “Cat Coit” is given as Cacoit and I looked around the Ordinance Survey Map of Roman Britain, to see if I could find any similarity with Cacoit, and found the river Coquet. In a document called “ The Ravenna Cosmology” circa 700AD, the river is called the Coccuueda.

In a paper by the Bernician Studies Group published in 2021, the river was also called the Cocwudu. The river rises in the Cheviot Hills and flows eastward toward the east coast. As it does so the land becomes more open.

The Roman Road of Dere Street crossed the Coquet from Corbridge on Hadrians Wall, all the way north to the Antonine Wall. Dere Street ran through hill country. The Devils Causeway is further east, running from Corbridge, north- east, up to the Roman port of Certisnassa ( Berwick- upon- Tweed ). There was a further road running east to west connecting the two main roads. North of the Coquet the land gradually rises up toward Rothbury Forest and the start of the Cheviot Hills.

Why would the Caledonians fight here. My reasoning is;

* The Picts were concentrated on the eastern side of Caledonian and had the use of Roman roads which went through Briton territory.

* The Scots-Irish could not move by sea southward because of the Briton fleet guarding the west coast. They would move across country via Loch Lomond.

* The Caledonians would not want to move directly into Briton territory down the west side of Brittania.

* The ground within the Votadini territory was more open with settlements ripe for raiding.

* The possibility of joining up with Germanic groups to create a larger force to invade the Briton Provinces.

POSTSCRIPT;

Caw and Hueil are both historical characters. Pascent and Briacat are not verified although I have found their names given in historical listings.

During the last part of the battle Hueil was captured. Many of the Picts and Scots Irish were killed during the pursuit. Arthur carried on this action for two days before calling a halt. Caw and Briacat had managed to escape along with a number of Saxons. Arthur did not want the army to fragment because of the continual threat of Seaxon incursions.

On his return to Caerleon, Arthur encamps his army at Deva ( Chester ) where he meets up with King Einon. The King requests that Hueil be handed to him for royal execution. This is because Einon is of the Votodinii and wants revenge for the death of his kin.

Arthur was hoping to use Hueil as a bargaining chip with Caw, but realised that he needs to keep the peace with the Briton Kings knowing that treachery is ever-present. Einon has Hueil taken to Ruthin ( Castel coch yng Ngwern-for ) which is regarded as a mystical place. Tutagaul, in a ritual execution has Hueil put to death.

Note: There is a stone marker in Ruthin marking the place where Hueil was executed.

Arthur continues his march to Caerleon knowing he has only gained a breathing space for the Briton Kingdoms. Merlin has foretold of the storm coming once again.

Having made it back to Alt Clut, Caw calls all his supporters together. Realising that Arthur has not razed his territories, Caw uses the situation to point out how weak the Briton army has become. It can win battles but cannot win Wars! Now is the time to plan an attack on Arthur’s stronghold in league with the Seaxons and swears revenge for his son!

THE SET-UP;

The figures used are mostly from Hat Industries, using the Goth and Roman Medium Infantry sets. The Picts are from Red Box. The chariots are converted from Hat British Chariots..The Roman Light cavalry are from Hat and the Native Light Cavalry are from Hats Gothic Cavalry.

Arthur and some of the Roman light archers and the Bucellarii are from Newline designs, Nearly all the standards are homemade except for Arthur’s standard and the Bucellari shields which are from Little Big Man Decals. The shields are from Magister Militum.

The hills are a mixture of those made by Brian of Essex Miniatures and home made ones from cork tiles. The trees are made by various manufactures, Guagemaster being one of them. The road and river were cut from thin card. The battle was laid out on a 3 foot ( 90 cm ) x 2 foot (60 cm ) board of 2” ( 50cm ) squares.

The 5th Century in Britannia; Part 4. Uthyr, the Scots-Irish and the Battle of Deols.

As before,this is my interpretation as a wargamer, of events in this era.The numbers of troops involved are purely my own calculation. This is a long blog, mainly because there is a great deal going on. To leave anything out would disjoint the story.

In the story of the fifth century in Britannia,  events happened, but, because of the  lack of written testimony there is no accuracy in some the descriptions.   Therefore all of the battles written about in this blog are my " best  guess". 

 462AD found Octa and Ebissa and 900 of their battered and exhausted warriors taking refuge within the remains of Eboricum (York). After the battle of Conisborough, the Germanic warriors had been harassed by the Amorican cavalry during the retreat.That 700 Cavalry now took up position around the perimeter of the almost deserted town. Six days later Ambrosius arrives with 4000 infantryman. 

Realising the position they were in, the tribesmen petitioned Octa to ask for clemency from Ambrosius.This was granted. The warriors are  sent North to Tremontium as Foederati. The year ends with Ambrosius organising Garrisons north and south of Hadrians Wall. 

Einon Ap Cunnedda ( pro; Cunetha) is promoted to Dux Britannarium. He is given charge of Northern Britannia including Gwynedd. His famous father Cunedda Wledig ( Cunetha Wuledig) has previously been killed fighting Scots-Irish raiders. Ambrosius also visits Alt Clut (Dumbarton castle) which is at the western end of  what was the Antonine Wall.  He supplies the fortress and leaves a garrison of 500 men, 200 of which are cavalry. Five weeks later he is back at Caerleon.

There is a reason for the garrison at Alt Clut (Dumbarton Castle). The Del Riata or Scots-Irish have three major settlements on the west coast of Caledonia. Dunolli ( near Oban, mid Argyll ). Dunadd, the main settlement, near Kilmartin in mid Argyll. The third is Dunaverty , at the southern end of the Mull of Kintyre. Many of the Scots-Irish raids into Britannia started from these points.

Over the winter Ambrosius and Uthyr decide to strike back at the Scots-Irish homeland. Ambrosius knows that the Britons would not be enthusiastic about going to Hibernia. Therefore he asks Merlin to concoct a story. The army led by Uthyr is to travel to Dal Fiatach in Hibernia to recover some large stones with special magical properties.

 Really it is to attack the holdings of the young High King Gillomarius ( Lugaid Mac Loegairi ) and his father Loegaire. 

Ambrosius orders ships to be built at Caerleon and Menevia ( Cardiff ).

 In the Spring of 463AD, Uthyr takes 2000 Amorican regular infantry and 2000 Briton Militia infantry in 50 ships from Caerleon. When Uthyrs army arrives at Latharna, Gillomarius gathers 6000 warriors to oppose the landing.

Battle of  Coill Taobh.( fictional name).

Scots-Irish ; 6,000 ( 6 points x 6 = 36 points).

1 Chief ( Gillomarius ) @ 1 point.

3 stands of Light Archers @ 1 point = 3 points.

12 stands of Warriors @ 2 points = 24 points.

4  stands of chariots @ 2 points = 8 points.

The Briton Army. 4,000 ( 4 points x 6 = 24 points.)

Uthyr @ 2 points.

4 Stands of Auxilliary Infantry @ 2 points = 8 points.

2 stands of Light Archers @ 1 point = 2 points

.

Alfric (fictional character) @ 1 point.

5 stands of Militia Infantry @ 2 points = 10 points.

1 stand of Light Archers @ 1 point.

Note:

● The Briton army gets the Iniative Point every Game-Turn.

●The Briton army moves first every Game-Turn.

● The Briton army fires first every Game-Turn.

● Combat is simultaneous as described in the 2 player rules.

● The battle takes place over 8 Game-Turns.

 After a hard fought battle, Uthyrs army wins out, causing the Scots-Irish to retreat and fragment in the process. Ignoring the fortress of Knockdhu, Uthyrs army marches north, raiding as they go.

 Picking up some monolithic stones,Uthyrs army makes its way back to the ships. The Scots-Irish tribes are unable to unite against a common enemy. In sailing back to Carleon, Uthyr brings another 10 ships taken from the Scots-Irish. 

The result of this major incursion reduces the number of raids on the west coast of Britannia. However, small bands of Saxons, Angles, Jutes, Visigoths, Vandals and Picts are still raiding the south and east coast.

In Gaul in Soissons, The Visigoths make another attempt to invade the province. At the battle of Orleans, Childeric and Aegidius defeat the Visigoths led by Theodoric. In Hispania, The Visigoths are also skirmishing with the Suebians.

 464AD;  Pascent, Vortigerns surviving son appears at Dunadd in western Caledonia and eventually meets up with Octa and Ebissa.

 With their combined warbands they start raiding Briton settlements north of Hadrians Wall. Ambrosius with 600 cavalry and Einon with 1200 Infantry militia march from Deva to find Pascents army of 1500 Germanic and Scots-Irish warriors.

 Once again it is Ambrosius,s cavalry which tips the balance.In a series of skirmishes Pascents warband army is forced back to Dunolli. From there, the Warband Army takes ship to Hibernia, being welcomed by Gillomarius. 

 The late summer of 464AD finds Pascent with another raiding force of 800 Scots-Irish, Saxons, Angles and Jutes. This time it was a direct attack on Caerleon. The fleet sails up the Severn estuary and lands near Menevia ( Cardiff ). They launch their attack but Uthyr has 700 men to oppose them (500 regulars and 200 militia).

The two forces meet at Croes Carn Einon. ( The battle is fictional but the place is real ).

The forces involved;

Germano-Scots-Irish Warband; 800 = 8 points x 3 = 24 points.

Pascent   @ 1 point.

5 stands of Warriors @ 2 points = 10 points.

1 stand of Light Archers @ 1 point.

Logaire @ 1 point.

5 stands of Scots-Irish Warriors @ 2 points = 10 points.

1 stand of Light Archers @ 1 point.

The Briton-Amorican Army; 700 = 7 points x 3 = 21 points.

Uthyr @ 2 points.

6 stands of Auxilliary Infantry @ 2 points = 12 points.

1 stand of Light Archers @ 1 point.

Atgan (fictional) @ 2 points.

1 stand of Militia Infantry @ 1 point.

3 stands of Militia Light Archers @ 1 point = 3 points.

Notes;

● The Britons get the Initiative Point for the entire battle.

● The Britons get to move first each Game Turn.

● The Britons get to fire first each Game Turn.

● Stands that fight or fire within the Ford of the river do not suffer penalties.

Any stand that is within any other part of the river when firing or fighting does suffer penalties.

● The battle is fought over 8 Game-Turns.

Uthyr and his men win the battle and once again Pascent and his mixed war band are driven back to their ships. Loegaire was leading the Scots -Irish but he looses his life in this battle. Pascent sails back to Hibernia taking the lifeless Loegaire with him.

On the Continent, Anthemius is made Emperor of the West by Leo ( Emperor of the East ). Anthemius has a Senior General, Ricimer and two others, Majorian and Aegidius. Majorian wages successful campaigns against the Germanic tribes. Fearing Majorians success, Ricimer has him assassinated.

Aegidius launches several campaigns against the Visigothic ( Roman Foederatii) army led by Theodric but controlled by Ricimer. Theodoric the leader of the Visigoths is related to Ricimer.

( note; Ricimer is a senior Patrician in Rome. He cannot become Emperor himself because he is Aryan Christian. However he controls Anthemius ).

Aegidius died suddenly in 465AD. Some say Ricimer was responsible. In this year Syagrius, the son of Aegidius takes over in Soissons, the last Roman Province of the Western Empire in Gaul.

Syagrius is allied to Childeric, the King of the Franks  in the north of Gaul. To the south of Soissons there is the Visigoths, now led by Euric,who has murdered his elder brother Theodoric. Euric is also a nephew of Ricimer.

 There are also the Vandals ( by now, on the west coast of Hispania) led by Geiseric. Groups of Saxons are now in Normandy as they are gradually being pushed out of their original territory by the Franks.

465AD. Pascent sends Octa and Ebissa on another raid; 500 German tribesmen and 500 Scots-Irish. They head along the river Ribble and attack Bremetennacium ( Ribchester). Next, they head south in a lightning strike on Mamucium ( Manchester ). 

Learning of the attack while at Deva, Ambrosius, Gorlois and Einon gather a scratch force of 300 regular Cavalry, 300 regular infantry and 500 militia infantry and head to Mamucium.

Realising that he had missed the enemy. Ambrosius leaves Einon and the Cavalry at Manucium while he and Gorlois head south with the infantry. Ambrosius,s force caught up with Octa and Ebissa,s Warband at Aquaeanemetiae ( Buxton). During this battle Ambrosius,s infantry are pushed back and surrounded at Mount Damen ( said to be Ramshaw Rocks on the A53 ).

Overnight, Ambrosius and Gorlois decide on a dawn  attack with swords drawn. Covered by an early morning mist Ambrosius, Gorlois and the men attack. Added to this was the arrival of Einon with the cavalry. This time it is an overwhelming victory. The war band was completely broken.

Octa  @ 1 point.

Ebissa @ 1 point.

500 Germanic warriors = 5 points x 4 = 20 points = 8 stands of Warriors @ 2 points =16 points. 

2 stands of Light Infantry Skirmishers @ 1 point = 2 points.

500 Scots-Irish = 5 points x 4 = 20 points = 9 stands of Warriors @ 2 points = 18 points.

 2 stands of Light Skirmisher Archers. @ 1 point = 2 points. 

Ambrosius @ 2 points.

Gorlois @ 2 points.

9 stands of Militia Infantry @ 2 points = 18 points.

5 stands of Auxilliary  Infantry @  2 points =10 points.

Einon @ 2 points.

5 stands of Auxilliary Cavalry ( javelins) @ 2 points = 10 points.

The Fog;

●At the beginning of each Game-Turn the Britons are moved first. 

●The only stands that can fire during the entire game are the Archers and the Cavalry. These stands can only commence firing when there is no Fog marker between them and their target.

●When a Briton stand is moved into the square containing a " Fog marker" that fog marker is removed and a combat takes place. 

●The fog marker is not replaced once it is removed.

●No Germanic or Scots-Irish stands can be moved until the Fog marker is removed from in front of the stand or, the stand is Moved Back as a result of Combat.

The Briton Cavalry;

●These are placed in the wood at the bottom left of the battlefield.

●At the beginning of Game-Turn 3 and for every Game-Turn thereafter the Briton Player rolls a 6 sided die. On the score of 5 or 6 the cavalry are moved  on to the table where the road is ( bottom right of the battle map ).

● Once the cavalry are on the table, they can be moved along with the Briton Infantry.

Note; The Briton cavalry cannot be fired upon or engaged in close combat until they appear on the road.

● The battle is played for 8 Game-Turns.

Octa and Ebissa were captured. There was no mercy. Having already taken their oath Ambrosius is in no mood for clemency. Both Octa and Ebissa are put to death.

466AD. Easter at Carleon. Ambrosius gathers his Officers and Nobles to celebrate the Festival. It is here that Gorlois discovers Uthyrs affair with his Wife Ygerna. Gorlois leaves the Festival vowing no further support for the Amoricans in Dumnonia. Ambrosius has no choice in supporting his brother and declaring Golois  a renegade.

Note; This could have been an arranged confrontation. Golois was a redoubtable and brave leader who was popular with his warriors and the Dumnonians looked to him rather than Ambrosius.

Ambrosius sends Uthyr into Dumnonia to attack Gorlois,s holdings. Eventually, during a sally from Damelioc hill fort Gorlois is killed. Uthyr takes Ygerna as his Wife. Ygerna has a two year old son  by Golois named Medreut ( Mordred).

467AD.  In the early part of this year Ygerna gives birth to a boy who is given the name  Artorius ( Arthwys Ap Uthyr Ap Constantine :( Ap meaning " son of" ) or Arthur. In September a girl,Anna. 

There are still raids across eastern Britannia but no major incursions. Londinium is all but abandoned as are a number of major posts in the north, east and south east.

468AD. Ambrosius has political connections with the Patrician Syagrius, and Childeric, King of the Franks  He also has contact with King Rechimund ( Riothamus ? ) of the Suebians on the North-western corner of Hispania in an area called Gallaecia. 

( In this year at the battle of Mecurium, the Vandals destroy a huge Roman invasion fleet off the coast of Africa. This battle is said to be the death-knell of the Roman Empire in the West.)

This is because there is a Briton colony there called Bretona. Riothamus is pro-Roman and has allowed groups of Briton refugees to settle in Gallaecia. The Suebians are enemies of the Visigoths. Now possessing a Navy, Ambrosius can keep in contact with the Gallaecian colony.

469AD. In this year Ambrosius receives a request from Syagrius as does Riothamus for troops to fight the Visigoths. Syagrius carries the remit of the Eastern Emperor, therefore the order must be acted on.

Ambrosius leaves Uthyr 4,800 regulars including 300 cavalry to hold Britannia, while he takes 4,000 regulars and 500 cavalry in sixty ships. Riothamus has 8,200 infantry warriors (including 2000 Britons )in 90 ships. These two fleets  carrying 12,700 soldiers and warriors make their way to the Loire  river, and then down the river Cher to Bourges.

In July, Riothamus and Ambrosius, following the River Indre on their right, move forward on foot to Deols, south of Bourges. Here they camp to wait the arrival of Syagrius.

 However, Syagrius was betrayed by Arvandas, who informed Euric of the impending attack. Euric attacked the position of Riothamus  and Ambrosius before Syagrius had arrived.

The Gallacio-Briton army; 12,700 = 12.7 points x 4 = 51 points r/u.

The Britons and Amoricans; 4,500 = 4.5 points x 4 = 18 points.

Ambrosius ( inc bodyguard )  @ 3 points.

1 stand of Auxilliary Light Cavalry  @  2 points.

5 stands of Auxilliary Infantry  @ 2 points = 10 points.

3 stands of Light Archers @ 1 point = 3 points.

The Gallaecians; 8,200 = 8.2 points x 4 = 33 points r/u.

Riothamus ( inc bodyguard )  @ 2 points.

3 stands of Light Archers / slings  @  1 point = 3 points.

14 stands of Warrior Infantry @ 2 points = 28 points.

The Army of Syagrius ( not present but included for completeness ) ; 

8,000 infantry = 8 points  x 4 = 32 points,

2,000 cavalry = 2 points x4 = 8 points.

Syagrius @ 1 point.

4 stands of Light Cavalry ( javelin ) @ 2 points = 8 points.

7 stands of Regular Infantry = 3 points = 21 points.

3 stands of Auxilliary Infantry @ 2 points = 6 points.

4 stands of Light Archers @ 1 point = 4 points.

The Visigoth Army; 18,000 = 18 points x 4 = 72 points.

Euric  @ 1 point.

Ardo (fictional)  @ 1 point.

Genderic ( fictional)  @ 1 point.

5 stands of Cavalry @ 2 points = 10 points

5 stands of Light Archers @ 1point = 5 points.

27 stands of Warrior Infantry @ 2 points = 54 points.

Notes:

● This battle is played out as a normal two player game. At the start of each Game-Turn both sides throw a 12 sided die to determine which side gets the Initiative point for that Game-Turn.

● The battle is played out over 8 Game-Turns.

● Stands can only be moved in and out of the camp via the gate. Any stands within the camp can claim cover.

Note: It has been written that Arvandas, (a Praetorian Prefect ) under instruction from Syagrius, informed Euric of the impending attack hoping to wipe out Ambrosius and Riothamus and dismantle the  independant British Province.

 Ambrosius and Riothamus were forced to retreat back to Bourges with the remainder of their warriors  where the ships are moored. They had to reach open water before the Visigoths closed off the Loire.

Syagrius retreated back across the Loire at Orlean. Ambrosius and Riothamus return to their Provinces with their respective troops. Ambrosius now knows that the Roman hierarchy riven with political intrigue, cannot be trusted.

470AD,  Ambrosius returns to devastation. The army is down to 4,000 men commanded by Lott which has retreated to Silchester. The Picts led by Nechtan are raiding Northern Britain in strength. Pascent and the Scots- Irish are attacking the west coast. Dumnonia is in a Civil War between the supporters of Gorlais and the supporters of Uthyr, who has been killed by assassination.

Ambrosius contacts Lott to bring the army to Tintagel. Einon is to garrison all the forts along the frontier from north to south. He then rides with Cador, the new Dux of Dumnonia to Damelioc. 

Ambrosius threatens to put everyone in the fort to death if the leaders of the rebellion are not handed to him. The leaders are surrendered and put to death, whereupon the rest of the rebel Dumnonians swear allegiance.

Over the winter and into 471AD, Ambrosius with the help of his few senior officers trains up his army recruiting from amongst the young Britons. Eventually the army comes together at Carleon. The Army;

3,000 Regulars ( 2,500 infantry, 500 Cavalry in 6 Cohorts)

Cador, the Dux of Dumnonia ; ( 3,000 Infantry Militia, 500 Cavalry in 7 Cohorts.)

Einon of Gwynedd ; ( 5,000 Infantry Militia, 400 Cavalry.)

As Spring comes along Ambrosius finds out that a 500 strong warband of Germanic warriors mainly Saxons, have set up a settlement at Eboricum,( York) with new leaders, Colgrin and his Brother Baldulf. In May, the Briton army is assembled at Deva.

 Ambrosius has 2,000 regular Infantry and 500 regular cavalry. Cador brings in 1,500 infantry militia and 500 militia cavalry. He leaves 500 regular infantry to guard Carleon where Ygerna is living with the children. 

Einon,s troops are given the task of garrisoning the border.

Merlin the Sage is also there. Being part Druid his presence is resented by the Clergy but he is part of the Bucellarii of Ambrosius.

Ambrosius marches the army to Eboricum to confront the raiders. At first it was going to be another siege, because the Germanic tribesmen had cut trees to form a defensive perimeter.

 However,this time things were different! Word had come that a large fleet has anchored in the Humber estuary near Petuaria ( Brough). This army has 150 ships carrying 10/12,000 men, mostly Saxon led by a Chief called Cheldric.

This is a full scale invasion. Ambrosius is forced to retreat to Deva and back to Carleon. He needs food and troops. He sends a request to Hoel, High King of Amorica. The King arrives at Totnes three months later  with 8,000 men including 1,000 cavalry.

472AD; Ambrosius and Hoel set the army in motion toward Lindum. British scouts have located the main Saxon army in this area although there have been sporadic raids in the south-east. The British-Amorican army ;

Ambrosius ; 1,500 regulars = 1.5 points x 4 = 6 points.

1,500 Infantry Militia = 1.5 points x 4 = 6 points.

500 Regular Cavalry in 1 cohort. = 0.5 points x 4 = 2 points.

500 Militia Cavalry in 1 cohort. = 0.5 points x 4 = 2 points.

King Hoel; 7,000 Regular Infantry = 7 points x 4 = 28 points.

1,000 Regular Cavalry = 1 point x 4 = 4 points.

Ambrosius @ 3points.

1 stand of Regular infantry @ 3 points.

1 stand of Regular Cavalry @ 2 points.

2 stands of Militia infantry @ 2 points = 4 points.

1 stand of Militia Cavalry @  2 points.

2 stands of Light archers at 1 point = 2 points.

King Hoel @ 1 point.

8 stands of Regular Infantry @ 3 points = 24 points.

3 stands of Archers @ 1 point = 3 points.

2 stands of Regular Cavalry ( javelin ) @ 2points = 4 points.

Nechtan and his Picts; 4,000 = 4 points x 4 = 16 points.

Nechtan @ 1 point.

9 stands of Light-Armed Warriors @ 1 point = 9 points.

4 stands of light Archers @ 1 point = 4 points.

1 stand of Light Cavalry @ 2 points.

The Saxon Army; 10,000 = 10 points x 4 = 40 points.

Cheldric @ 1 point.

Colgrin @ 1 point.

Bardulf @ 1 point.

18 stands of Warrior Infantry @ 2 points =36 points.

1 stand of Light Infantry Archers @ 1 point.

Notes;

● The Romans retain the Initiative Point for the entire battle.

● The Romans move first on every Game-Turn.

● The Romans fire first during the firing phase.

● The battle is played out over 8 Game-Turns.

Ambrosius sends some of his cavalry in a sweep around the south-east to guard against any warbands coming ashore. The main army marches north past Lindum ( Lincoln ) and comes up on the Saxon army at Locodraco ( modern Dragonby, Yorkshire ).

Composed of 10,000 infantry led by Colgrin, Bardulf and Cheldric, who is the Bretwalda. They have also been joined by 4,000 Picts ( including 500 light cavalry) led by Nechtan.

The battle is hard but a charge by Hoels cavalry at the critical point decides the battle. The 6,000 Saxons retreat back to their ships on the Humber. As the Saxons move south and east out into open sea, Ambrosius and Hoel harass Nechtan and his remaining warriors back to Caledonia.

This time Ambrosius is caught out.  Instead of sailing to Normandy, Cheldric takes his fleet to Totnes!. Isca Dumnoniorum is devastated by the Saxons, who ravage the area eastward toward Lindinis ( Illchester ) where they make camp. For three weeks the Saxons continue to devastate the area. A message is sent  to Ambrosius who, four weeks later appears at Aquaesulis (Bath ).

Ambrosius has had to leave Hoel at Alt Clut with a garrison of 1,000 men because he is sick. The rest of the army marches with him. 

Cheldric, Colgrin and Bardulf have 8000 warrior infantry. When Cheldrics scouts inform him of the approaching Amoricans he knows he has to retreat to a defensive position because of the Cavalry. Cheldrics fleet has also been anchored at Lym Supra Mare ( Lyme Regis ) to take the baggage that had been looted.

Cheldric has his warriors take up position facing east on Ham Hill( Somerset ),which is  the site of an old hillfort. The ramparts have gone but there is a small village and the shell of a Roman villa.

Ambrosius and Cador along with Einon have 4,000 Amorican regular infantry and 800 cavalry. Ambrosius has 1,000 regular infantry, 900 militia infantry and 400 militia cavalry. 

Briton-Amorican Army.

Ambrosius; 7,100 = 7.1 x 5 = 36 points r/u.

4,000 Amorican Regulars = 4 points x 5 = 20 points =

5 stands of Amorican Regulars @ 3points = 15 points.

2 stands of Light Archers  @ 1 point = 2 points.

Ambrosius  @ 3 points.

800 Amorican Cavalry = 0.8 x 5 = 4 points =

2 stands of Amorican cavalry @ 2 points = 4 points ( javelin ).

1,000 Briton Auxilliary Infantry = 1 x 5 = 5 points =

2 stands of Briton Auxilliary Infantry @ 2 points = 4 points.

Cador @  1 point.

900 Briton Militia Infantry = 0.9 points x 5 = 4.5 or 5 points r/u.

1 stand of Militia Infantry @ 2 points.

2 stands of Militia Light Archers @ 1 point = 2 points.

Einon   @ 1 point.

400 Briton Militia Cavalry = 0.4 x 5 = 2 points.=

1 stand of Militia Cavalry  @ 2 points.

Germanic Tribal Army, 8,000 = 8 points x 5 = 40 points.

Cheldric @ 1 point.

Colgrin @ 1 point.

Bardulf @ 1 point.

17 stands of Warrior Infantry @ 2 points = 34 points.

3 stands of Light Infantry @ 1point = 3 points.

Notes ;

● The Briton- Amorican army retain the Initiative Point for the entire battle.

● The Briton-Amorican army moves first on every Game-Turn.

● The Briton-Amorican army fires first on every Game-Turn.

The ruined villa;

Stands can only be moved in and out of the villa via the East entrance exit. No missile fire can take place from within to targets outside and vice versa.

The battle starts with Ambrosius directing an advance against the Saxon tribesmen. Neither side gains the upper hand. However, Ambrosius knows he has to return to Alt Clut. 

Ambrosius launches another attack uphill at the Saxon battle line. Ambrosius is in the front rank to encourage his men. This time the Saxons are broken.  Ambrosius leaves Cador to pursue the Saxons back to their ships at Lym Supra Mare. Ambrosius returns to Carleon. From there he takes 3000 Amorican infantry and 800 British regular Infantry along with 600 cavalry in 60 ships and sails to Caerleon..

Toward the end of 472AD Ambrosius is back at Alt Clut. when he is informed that a large army of Scots-Irish under Gillomarius and Pascent  has landed at Dunadd. This army is estimated to be of 5000 men,and is marching toward Alt Clut. Ambrosius realises this is his one chance to break the Scots-Irish threat.

Over a two day running battle, Ambrosius and Hoel with 4,800 regulars and the 600 cavalry beat the Scots-Irish army around Loch Lomond, driving the remainder back to Dunadd. Both Gillomarius and Pascent are killed.

Ambrosius decides to put Caledonia to the fire and sword. He devastates the area up to Loch Ness ending the Pict and Scots-Irish threat to Britannia for a long while to come.

In August of 472, Ricimer passes away.  Into 473 AD, Ambrosius, although Amorican is undisputed Warlord of Britannica. He was 50 years old when he came to the country and he has been fighting for twelve years.

 Artorius Constantine (Arthur ) and his sister Anna are 6 years old. Mordred is 8.

Well that is the end for the moment. All the battles are played out on my board which is 3 feet by 2 feet ( 90 centimetres by 60 centimetres ).

Nearly all the figures in the pictures are Hat Industries 1/72nd scale figures painted by myself. Some are from the Newline Designs range.

The maps are my own efforts. The hills are by Brian of Essex Miniatures. The green and brown ground bases are from S and A Scenics.

The Tents in the Deols scenario are from Bauda, the wagon is from Ceasar Miniatures Roman Train. The earth work is cold modelling clay with bits of cocktail stick.

Finally, the trees are from various manufacturers. The round 40mm Mdf bases are from Minibits, and the square bases are cut from picture-framing cardboard. The fog sections, roads and rivers are of thin card.