The 5th Century in Britannia part 12: Arthur’s 10th battle : The River Tribuit June 489AD.

 This article is my personal interpretation of events in this era. Any mistakes are my own.

Having won the battle at “ The City of Legions” ( Caerleon, Arthur’s Headquarters.) Arthur sets his remaining warriors in pursuit of the Picts and Scots-Irish. Having started the pursuit, the Infantry take over from the Cavalry as the ground became more rugged.

 There are tough skirmishes as the Commitatus chases down groups of Picts and Scots-Irish.( known as the Del Riata). The tribesmen are following the route back to Aberaeron. There are no prisoners. Gradually the Picts and the Scots-Irish make it  to Ciliau Aeron. Here they are met by the 1600 warriors who were guarding the fleet.

As Arthur comes up with his men he calls a halt. The 1600 warriors from the Fleet have formed a battle line. They are joined by about 1200 Picts and 1600 Scots -Irish survivors from the pursuit. Arthur brings up his cavalry. He gives Owain instructions not to attack but to be seen to be ready. By doing so the Picts and Riartans dare not break their shieldwall.

On their south-western flank the Picts have the river Aerfon. On the north-eastern flank the Riatans have the slopes of Banc Y. Carnau. Once again Arthur rests his Army under arms overnight, with the Cavalry dismounted but ready to go at a moments notice. Arthur has lost roughly a thousand men in killed and wounded, still leaving him 4000 men to face the enemy.

As the sun rises over the mountains, both sides ready their weapons. For the Scots-Irish and Picts they know this is a fight to the death. The tribesmen are tired and hungry.They cannot outrun the Briton Commitatus.There is no escape. Already they  can see the smoke rising from their anchorage as the British fleet destroys their ships.

In turn Arthur knows he must have complete victory to owerawe the Kings who he knows are plotting against him.

THE BRITON COMMITATUS; 4000 men = 4pts x 10 = 40 points.

The Pendragon ( Arthur )    @ 3 points.

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

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

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

Cadwy  @ 1pt.

Owain the Cavalry Commander  @ 2pts.

Iddon,s Militia;

Rogatainus  @  1pt.

2  stands of Militia Light Archers @ 1pt = 2pts.

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

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

Arthurs Bucellarii, 1 stand @ 3pts.

REINFORCEMENTS:

12 of the Briton ships have come into shore and destroyed the Tribal boats. Now the 600 Warriors from the fleet led by Geraint Llyngesic ( the Briton “Navarch” ) are rushing to help Arthur in his destruction of the tribal Army.

600 men = 0.600pts x 10 = 6pts = 2 stands of Warriors @ 2pts = 4pts. 1 stand of archers @ 1pt. 1 Warleader ( Geraint ) @ 1pt.

* The reinforcements will come onto the table at the Tribal baseline from Game-Turn 3 onward.

* At the start of a Game-Turn, the Briton player will throw a 12 sided die. On a score of 7, 8, 9, 10,11 or 12 ,the reinforcements are positioned on the base edge across the road. The Briton Player can move them when the Briton Army is moved.

THE TRIBAL ARMY.;  4,300 = 4.3pts x 10 = 43pts r/d.

THE PICTS; 1,200 + 800 from the Fleet = 2,000 =

2.pts x 10 =20 points

Briacat  @ 1pt.

5 stands of Warriors  @ 2pts. = 10pts.

3 stands of Seaxon Warriors @ 2pts = 6pts.

1 Seaxon Leader ( Audulus: fictional ) @ 1 point.

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

THE SCOTS¬IRISH: 1,600 + 800 from the Fleet = 2,400 =

2.4 x 10 =24pts.

Laun Mac Eric  @ 2pts.

2 stands of Archers/Slingers @ 1pt = 2pts 

10 stands of Warriors @ 2pts = 20pts.

FIGHTING THE BATTLE:

* The battle will be of either eight Game-Turns OR when one side suffers a Morale collapse.

*Each side will note down the respective Morale totals of each army. However, the Picts and Scots-Irish morale totals are kept separate.

   The Britons ;       20 points.

   The Picts ;           10 points.

   The Scots-Irish ;  12 points.

* As stands of figures are removed from the opposing armies, their points are deducted from their respective Morale totals.

* If the Britons Morale total  is reduced to zero first, the Briton army will retreat and the Tribal Army is victorious. ( In historical terms I think the survivors would head for Aberaeron and take whatever boats were there back toward Alt Clud).

* If either the Pict or the Scots-Irish suffer a morale collapse, it is a victory for the Briton Army. ( this would mean the death of all enemy Warriors.)

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

* The Britons Move and Fire first, on the first Game-Turn. From Game-Turn 2 onward, each side will dice to see who moves and fires first.

* The Britons win any ties.

* Stands can be moved onto the hilly ground but stands can only be moved at one square distance if they do. Stands cannot be moved onto the area of Banc Y. Carnau.

THE HISTORY;

As with all the previous articles this is complete conjecture. The numbers involved are my own estimates. However I',m going to stick my neck right out on this one. The Welsh name that Nennius gives for this battle is Treath Tryfrwyd.  The AI says that the name is pronounced. “ Treh-ath Tru-vroo “ . It means "The strand of the pierced or broken place".

Given that I think the "City Of Legions" is Caerleon  ( Arthur’s Headquarters) and that Arthur pursued the enemy, the battle of the river Tribuit [ the name given to the battle ] could not have been far away. The Picts and Scots-Irish warriors would have followed the Roman Road back in their haste to get away from the pursuing Britons.

My reasoning for deciding on this location is firstly, that the river Aerfon has a lot of bends in the area of Cilliau Aerfon. [ Nennius: The Broken Place? .] it could be that in that time period the terrain was more broken despite the Roman Road. Ciliau in Welsh means “ corners”.

The village of Ciliau Aerfon has a long history possibly dating back to Roman times. The village is on the south western side of the river, so is not shown on the battle map.

Cilliau Aerfon sits in a "Cut" in the hills that form the southern end of the Cambrian Mountains in Wales.  These Mountains run south west to north east [ Nennius;" pierced through" ] with the mountain of Banc Y Carnau dominating the locality. The really tricky part is the river Tribuit.  My personal theory is that Tribiut is an interpretation of the Germanic word Tribut meaning tributary river.

Was that meant that the Aerfon was a tributary river?. ( the AI says that it is..) Plenty of very good theories exist about other battle sites. However there is no question that it was a personal victory for Arthur.  The action destroyed the Pictish and Scots-Irish threat to the Briton Kingdoms for good. ( I’ve strayed away from the established line that Arthur fought the Saxons at this battle ). The Scots -Irish and Picts were just as much a threat if not more so because of their naval proximity to the Briton Kingdoms, ( which I think were known collectively as Cambria).

In earlier times the Scots-Irish had dominated the area so this battle finally killed off any chance of that happening again.

CREDITS:

The Picts are a mixture of Redbox and Hat Miniatures. The Scots-Irish are from the Hat Miniatures Goths as are the Saxons.

For the Britons: Arthur’s foot veterans and cavalry Bucellarii are metal Newline Designs 20 mm as are the archers. The Briton Auxilliaries are from Hat Miniatures Late Roman Light Infantry. The auxiliary cavalry are also Hat Miniatures.

The Leaders of the Tribal army are all Hat Miniatures figures. The standards are sticky labels on Spears provided by North Star Miniatures and hand painted.

On the Briton side, Arthur is from Newline Designs 20mm Late Roman range. Cadwy and Rogatainus are from the Hat Miniatures Gothic set. Owain is a Hat Miniatures Late Roman Cavalryman on a Ceaser Miniatures Horse.

The Briton Standards are a mixture of Late Roman  Dragon provided from Hat, sticky labels on javelins from North Star and in the case of Arthur’s standards and the shield decals on the Veterans shields, these were obtained from Little Big Man Studios.

The square 40mm stands were cut from picture-framing cardboard and the 40mm round mdf stands were sourced from Sarissa Precision.

The hill sections were cut from self adhesive cork ( Which I finally got around to putting flock on! Sourced from Debris Of War) and from Brian of Essex Miniatures. 

The trees were from various manufacturers. The river and road sections were cut from thin card. The hedgerow came from Pendraken Miniatures.

Finally. The cloth is 3ft ( 90cm ) x 2ft ( 60cm) custom cloth from Deep Cut Studios.

The 5th century in Britannia part 10: Arthur’s 8th battle: Guinnion Fort: 489 AD:

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

At the Winter Solstice of 488AD, all the Kings are present once again at Caerleon for the Round Table Council:

Tutagaul: The usurped King of Alt Clut ( Dumbarton Castle).

Einon: King of Gwynedd ( and Tutagauls host).

Cadell: King of Powys.

Geraint Llyngesic: King of Dumnonia and “ Navarch “ of the British Fleet.

Iddon Ap Ynyr: King of Gwent and close ally of Arthur.

This is a critical meeting. Arthur’s failure to pursue the Scots-Irish and Picts after the battle of the River Croquet is seen as a mistake. As the chorus of disapproval continues, Arthur’s temper starts to rise. At this  point Merlin, sensing the red mist enveloping Arthur, makes his presence felt. Although elderly and frail his mind is sharp and his eyes miss nothing. People fall silent at the sound of his voice;

“ The Saxons, Angles and Jutes ( collectively known to the Britons as Seaxons ) are now established in the East and as far West as Vectis ( the Isle of Wight ). Caw will attack Cambria ( the Roman name for Wales).. None of those present are strong enough to face the Dal and the Picts alone. None are prepared to work in alliance. The Commitatus led by the Pendragon is the only force that can face Caw”. The Dal and the Picts wish to restore their authority here. They will come in force”.

Arthur’s request that his army be expanded to 6000 men is reluctantly agreed to by the Council. King Iddon sends 2250 of his own men to Arthur.

In May of 489AD, Caw is at Dunaverty, a Del Riatan settlement. It’s here that he meets Loarn Mac Eric, a High King of the Dal. He has bought 125 ships with 5000 warriors.. In agreement, Caw has also supplied another 5000 warriors with another 125 ships. Caw had nominated Briacat as war leader of his Pict army.

The three leaders are aware that the ships cannot make the trip down the West coast in one journey. Using the knowledge gained from warriors who have sailed the waters, a plan has been formed. 

In early June, the fleet sails from Dunaverty . The first landing is at Insulai Manavia ( the Isle of Man ). The warriors are told not to take slaves, only food and weapons. After the first trip of ninety miles, the next part of 54 miles is from Manavia to the Llyn Penninsular. Once there the fleet lands on the northern shore, just below the abandoned fort of Caer Gybi. Some warriors were once again sent ashore to gather what food they could find. On the next trip the fleet sails the 80 miles  to Aberaeron on the Gwent coastline,

As the warriors come ashore a camp is made. There is no opposition and no guards. On the third day, 8000 warriors start their advance South. The other 2000 are to guard the camp and raid the area.

At this time, Arthur is finally told of the enemy arrival. His suspicions have risen. Why had the Scouts not reported their presence?. On hearing the news Arthur orders the assembly. Light Cavalry were immediately sent out to find the enemy and report back. 1000 troops were assigned to defend Caerleon.

Within a few hours 5000 men of the Commitatus are ready to march. A few more hours and the Scouts come in to the fort. The word is, that the enemy are coming South toward Dolaucothi. Arthur orders the Army to  march to Brecon Gaer, a fort the Romans called Cicucium. This is where he will face the enemy. The fight for Cambria had begun.——————.

THE BRITON COMMITATUS: 5000 = 5pts x 8 = 40 points.

1 stand of Arthur’s Bucellari           @ 3 points.

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

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

4 stands of Light Archer Infantry  @ 1pt = 4 points.

3 stands of Auxilliary Cavalry  @ 2pts = 6 points.

Arthur  @ 3 points

Cadwy @ 2 points.

Owain  @ 2 points.

IDDON,S  MILITIA:  2250 = 2.250pts x8  = 18pts.

Rogatainus        @ 2pts.

4 stands of Archers  @ 1 pt = 4 pts.

6 stands of warriors @ 2pts = 12 pts.

THE SCOTS-IRISH ( DAL-RIATA ): 4000 = 4 pts x 8 = 32 points.

Laun Mac Eric    @ 2pts

4 stands of Archers/Slingers  @ 1pt = 4 pts.

12 stands of Warrior Infantry  @ 2 pts = 24 pts.

1 stand of Warriors on captured ponies.  @ 2 pts.

THE PICTS: 4000 = 4 pts x 8 = 32 pts ( inc 1000 Saxons ).

Briacat  @ 2 pts.

9 stands of Pict Warriors @ 2pts = 18 pts.

4 stands of Saxon Infantry  @ 2pts = 8pts.

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

HISTORICAL NOTES:

Nennius wrote that Arthur’s 8th battle took place at Guinnion Fort. At first, I thought it might refer to Gobannium ( Abergavenny ). However archaeologists say that this was a wooden fort that fell apart after the Romans left the area sometime in the 3rd Century AD.

Brecon Gaer ( Roman Cicucium ) was the main fort in the area. It was a substantial structure and was inhabited well into the 5th century. At the height of the Roman occupation, this fort was one of the strongest Auxiliary forts in Wales, the stone wall dressed in white plaster ( the White Fort ? ). Arthur made a stand here but must have suffered a reversal because the next battle is at Caerleon, Arthur’s headquarters.

I have stated that the Scots-Irish, ( the Dal Riata ), and Picts were Arthur’s adversaries in this battle. Caw was an historical figure. He became war leader of the Picts and he did usurp Tutagaul and take Alt Clut ( Dumbarton Castle).

The Seaxons had suffered defeats from both Arthur and his late Uncle Ambrosius. Therefore they were in no state to mount another major attack. There was a continuous stream of Jutes, Angles and Saxons heading for Eastern Britain. The Briton “navy” such as it was spent most of its time guarding the Western coastline.  The ships could cope with one or two raiders but not with a whole fleet.

The Seaxons were preoccupied with settlement rather than attacking Cambria..Even then Arthur could not ignore that threat to concentrate on the situation in the North.

Arthur’s lack of striking power would have been noted by his enemies. The Picts and Scots could not advance on land as they would run the risk of being cut off from their homeland and starving to death.

Better to attack by sea, where they had a superior numbers and could strike where they wanted. I haven’t ruled out treachery either, with some of the Kings and Nobility jealous of Arthur’s success. What would be the future for their personal power and prestige ?. All this, and Medreut in the shadows————-.

GAME NOTES.

Those historians that have studied Arthur’s battles are split on wether this battle was on Hadrians Wall or within Wales. As far as I understand the situation, Hadrians Wall had, by this time, ceased to be of any military value. The forts along the wall had either fallen into disrepair or were occupied by small groups of locals.

I have gone with the latter conclusion, with Arthur’s headquarters being at Caerleon. King Iddon,s personal fortress being Carwent. Arthur must have lost this battle because Nennius puts Arthur’s next battle actually at Caerleon, therefore;

* The Scots-Irish and Picts retain the Initiative Point for the entire battle.

* The battle is played for 8 Game-Turns.

* The Scots and the Picts move first on the first Game-Turn.

* From Game Turns 2 to 8, both sides roll their die to determine who moves and fires first, who determines combat and wins any ties.

* I have represented the fort with a normal wall, my thinking being that although strong some decay would have set in. The wall itself counts as “ trench” for firing and close combat. The huts within the fort block movement and line-of-site..There may well have been the remains of a double ditch around the wall impeding movement.

* The winner, after 8 Game-Turns is the side that has lost the least number of stands.

CREDITS:

The Saxons, Scots-Irish and the majority of the Britons are Hat Industries figures. The Picts are from Redbox. Arthur, his Bucellari and his Veteran infantry and archers are from Newline Designs 20mm figures. The Boats are scratch built and the crew are Emhar Viking Ships crew.

The Picts and Scots standards were hand painted. Arthur’s standard and shield decals were from Little Big Man Studios.

The base cloth was from Deep Cut Studios. Some of the scenery tiles were made by Brian of Essex Miniatures supplemented by homemade ones consisting of two layers of cork tile. The trees were from various manufacturers one being Guagemaster.

The roads and rivers were of thin card. The stands were cut from picture framing card 40 x 40 mm square. The command stands are 40mm mdf and supplied by Minibits. The large mountains are made from blocks of roughed up packaging.

The buildings are from Peter Pig. The stone wall is from Alternative Armies.