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Save the Sacred Tree
In 772, fed up with Saxon raids, Charlemagne launches an invasion of Saxon territory to bring them to heel. Charlemagne’s first target is...
Simon MacDowall
Sep 3, 20252 min read


Mad Swedes
It is July 1702. King Charles XII of Sweden has advanced into Poland aiming to crush the army of Augustus, Elector of Saxony and King of...
Simon MacDowall
Aug 31, 20252 min read


On the plains of Mesopotamia
With a revision of Comitatus in the works it is time for a play test. The battle chosen is Meshike (AD 244) with Persians attempting to...
Simon MacDowall
Aug 11, 20252 min read


Back to Sutton Hoo
For the third year in a row Wargaming the Anglo-Saxons returned to Sutton Hoo 26-27 July. Our group set up a simple skirmish game using...
Simon MacDowall
Jul 28, 20251 min read


Alala! at Devizes
Joining the Society of Ancients stand, I brought Alala! to the Devizes Wargames Show last weekend. I ran four participation games of...
Simon MacDowall
Jul 21, 20252 min read


A matter of honour
Confederate sympathies in Missouri have been gaining ground after several victories against the Federalists in recent months (see...
Simon MacDowall
Jul 2, 20253 min read


Rough Wooing
Seeking to unite the crowns of England and Scotland, King Henry XVIII of England has offered Prince Edward’s hand in marriage to the...
Simon MacDowall
Jun 4, 20252 min read


Wargames, the next generation
On 26-27 July Wargaming the Age of the Anglo-Saxons will return to Sutton Hoo. I have always been keen to find a way to introduce...
Simon MacDowall
May 25, 20251 min read


Storming the heights
It is 31 July 1759. Maj Gen Wolfe has ordered an amphibious assault against the French defences between Beauport and Montmorency, 5kms...
Simon MacDowall
May 7, 20253 min read


Sneaking Away
Our Sharp Practice campaign set in Missouri 1861 continues. Word has reached Col Sanders of the New Colchester Volunteers that his brave...
Simon MacDowall
Apr 16, 20253 min read


Then went forth the proud Thanes
The Vikings win the day at Maldon
Simon MacDowall
Apr 2, 20252 min read


Saxon Ambush
Orbis Poculum and Primus Flask are escorting a supply column to the Vicus of Deningtonum. The weather is fine, the road is in relatively...
Simon MacDowall
Mar 27, 20253 min read


Combat of Champions
The Battle of Maldon (991) opened with three Saxon champions holding the causeway against the Olaf's Viking champions. At the Society of...
Simon MacDowall
Mar 20, 20251 min read


The Vikings have landed
The Saxons hold their own against the Viking onslaught at Maldon.
Simon MacDowall
Mar 4, 20253 min read


Rebel Yell!
Another Confederate victory in the ongoing troubles in Missouri.
Simon MacDowall
Feb 4, 20253 min read


Pavia the other way round
The French fail in their attempt to take Pavia.
Simon MacDowall
Jan 23, 20253 min read


It was the Welsh wot won it!
Maserfield re-fought sees the death of Oswald of Northumbria at the hands of the Welsh.
Simon MacDowall
Jan 16, 20252 min read


Trouble in Missouri
Rivalries and conflicting allegiances break out into armed conflict in 1861 Missouri.
Simon MacDowall
Jan 8, 20252 min read


A Bad Day for King George
The French close the jaws on the British and Austrians at Dettingen
Simon MacDowall
Dec 9, 20243 min read


Spartans take to the water
The Athenians defend against a Spartan amphibious landing at Pylos -- an 'Alala! game/
Simon MacDowall
Nov 23, 20243 min read
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