Now the first half of the collection is painted (I have well and truly broken the back of the cavalry now - 240+ down and only 120 still to do) I feel there is enough to do a game. It will be a simple affair. Seljuk Turks versus Franks. We will be using a set of rules largely based on Piquet's Field of Battle by Brent Oman. The mechanisms used in this set of rules are fantastic but, as they cover 18th and 19th centuries, I have written my own version covering this specific period (covering the First Crusade up to the Second Crusade, roughly 1095AD - 1050AD) and called them Ager Sanguinis (Field of Blood); both FoB - I'll slap myself on the back.
The Franks have deployed in three 'divisions' with their right flank anchored on a hill and their left flank 'somewhat' refused. They have deployed their infantry in front. These are composed of five close order mixed spear and bow or crossbow units, and a unit of loose order crossbow armed Italian sailors. Their cavalry is deployed in support. It comprises three units of close order knights, two in small units, and two units of Turcopoles. They are led by the King of Jerusalem, who has persuaded the Bishop to join him with the True Cross.
The Seljuks are deployed in four divisions. In the valley on the Seljuk right, six units of wild loose order Turcoman tribesmen have deployed in two divisions - all in whirling mass unit formation. Next to them (centre) a lesser Emir with his close order Askar bodyguard and two units of loose order Seljuk horse archers has deployed facing the enemy centre. The Seljuk left has deployed on a hill overlooking the enemy. Here a lesser Emir with his Askar bodyguard and two units of Seljuk horse archers has deployed in front of his Commander-in-Chief, who stands in reserve with his own Askaris. The Seljuks have no infantry (none painted yet!) so must rely on speed and archery.
The deployment map below gives the full deployment.
As this is the first 'play-test' of the rules the victory conditions will be simple. To win, the Franks must either hold the field for six turns losing less than 50% of their units destroyed or routed, or drive the Seljuks from the field. Anything else is a Seljuk win.
The difference in troop types will either prove very tense and exciting, or terribly boring. Of course I hope the former, but the main 'saracen' army will be a Syrian one anyway with a good mix of cavalry and infantry. If the Seljuk end works it will be a big bonus! I'll let you all know what happens and if the rules work later in the week.