The Bernard Cornwell novels, the Last Kingdom, have proven a source of inspiration for the following dark age battles. Below are four clashes of the Norsemen in various forms.
III/24b
Middle Anglo-Saxon vs. III/40a Viking
Wessex
attempt to impede a Viking landing, but find their flank turned.
Shortly thereafter, the Saxon shield wall is breached sending Wessex from the field. A crushing Viking victory, 6-0.
The Vikings
continue their tour and land on the northern coast of Frankia. A surprise
landing catches the Franks scrambling to protect their right flank.
Frankish milites charge the Viking left ahead of their infantry assault, both conflicts become hotly contested. Yet, the Franks persevere and repel the Viking incursion, 4-3.
The Poles
utilise their cavalry superiority to turn the Rus shield wall.
The subsequent clash, the Rus spearmen prevail to defeat the Poles, 4-2.
III/63 Polish + Viking allies vs. III/48 the Rus
A renewed encounter,
the Poles are joined by a contingent of Vikings. The lines are not aligned,
prompting the Polish to advance in oblique order.
The struggle becomes desperate for the Rus as the Vikings have pierced the Rus shield wall and the ensuing mayhem results in the collapse of the Rus right flank. The Rus flee the field, 4-3.
Observations
Viking
allies can add an extra punch for a number of armies and for the Poles, they have
proven their worth.
Fast blade
can be deadly when facing another army solely comprised of infantry. They are
vulnerable against a mixed force of infantry and mounted.
