Wargame Rules

BLOG BACKGROUND AND WARGAME RULES
I have set up this blog for my wargaming interests in the Muscovite-Tartar Wars, Reconquista Wars, the Barbary Coast Pirates, and the early campaigns of the Ottoman Turks and Saracens. Some lesser known crusades will also be covered. Miniatures are mainly 28mm with a growing collection in 54mm. If my photographs serve to encourage others to complete their collections I shall be pleased. I will also be mentioning other sites with interesting collections on the above. Do join the 'Friends' if you like what you see.

I prefer to use my own rules which are kept simple and involve eight-sided dice. These allow for fast results with various types of weaponry. Morale dominates my games.


Tuesday 22 October 2013

Ottoman Turks v Mamluks Wargame

Recently fought a game at the Honiton Wargames Club. With less than three hours playing time, I wanted a scenario which had a chance of being completed. During the period 1485 to 1517 the Ottoman and Mamluk empires were at each others throats for control of much of the middle-east. Our scenario comprised a fortified town, with a ruler having informed both sides of his fidelity but also his inability to take an active part in the war. Accordingly, both empires dispatched a cavalry force, with baggage train, to secure their position. At this point I should admit my Mamluks were drawn from my Granadine, Almorhad, and Asiatic Turks. The distinction to this game was both sides fielding about 65 cavalry, of various quality and armour. Two units on each side were granted the right to use their composite bows. Victory conditions comprised the slaying of a commander, the destruction of the enemies baggage train, and/or the board area under your control at the conclusion of the game at 10pm. The rules worked brilliantly and, I believe, were quite accurate in their results. The Mamluks had initial successes, the Asiatic sipahi being no match for the Mamluks. But a turnabout took place when some 16 Mamluks and 6 Arab light horse attempted to charge near double their number, including the elite Suvarileri and Silahtars, and were beaten in the melee. Only 9 survived and understandably routed off the field. Although the Household Mamluks continued a steady advance against all that sought to oppose them, they even brought down by bow three enemy pack animals. Their slow advance allowed the Ottomans to secure the game by land grabbing just before the agreed end of time. This was a successful cavalry action enjoyed by all participants. As a footnote, the local Emir welcomed in the Ottomans, but unfortunately died the night following when he accidentally became entangled in his ornamental curtain tassels. MGB

2 comments:

  1. Great looking game, where did the dome come from?
    Cheers
    Stu

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    Replies
    1. Hi Stu, sorry, not much help, bought it about 15 years ago from a company clearing discontinued lines. Just a thought, see if you can pick up garden finials for fences etc? Made the top ornament from milliput and commercial beads.

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