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

Wargaming Constantinople 1453

Inspired by the epic historical event, the Honiton club were allowed to garrison Constantinople with as many 15th century medieval and warhammer figures they could muster (300plus), while a team from SKG3 took command of my near 600 Ottomans and their allies. Unfortunately for the Ottomans, most of our bombards facing the main wall cracked within a few shots, with no breaks on the city wall. Most of the best Ottoman troops were mounted, while the bulk of the foot were Azabs or colourful extras, on neither count of value attacking the defended walls. If that wasn't enough, we may have had six exotic tents, but hardly any siege equipment to cover our approach to the walls. Their garrison included some 50 English mercenary longbowmen, half of whom broke the final assault of some 90 janissaries attacking in column. Although the bombards facing the eastern walls made two breaches and brought down a tower, the two gallies and two rowing boats were insufficient to enable a major crossing to take advantage of the openings. Losses were no more than about 35 on the defenders, while we suffered about 100. Commencing at 8am, we concluded at 4pm, the Sultan unwilling to throw more lives against the city walls. We all enjoyed the game and I believe lessons were learnt on medieval tactics and the need for siegecraft. The rules were fast, fun, and realistic. Had the siege persisted and we had time to construct field works the result might have been different as most of the army was still intact, but ladders and dismounted siphari would have been vital. Sorry, most of the photos did not work out as well as hoped, but I'm confident the problems can be solved for future games.