Armies from 1066 or later at Irvine 2023
Ottoman Turkish vs Feudal Scots
Game 1 Ottoman Turkish vs Feudal Scots
Game 2 Ottoman Turkish vs 100YW French
Game 3 Ottoman Turkish vs Arab Indian
Game 4 Ottoman Turkish vs Norman
Game 5 Ottoman Turkish vs Albanian
Finally, after many years of dithering, I at last was now about to add yet another country to the roster of places where I've played ADLG (a list including England, Ireland, Wales, France, Greece, USA, Portugal, Italy, Germany and Spain..) - in the shape of Scotland!
Yes, an epic drive to the West Coast border town of Irvine, famous for being the site of Scotland's 12th century military capital and, at the time of David I, Robert II and Robert III, being one of the earliest capitals of Scotland
But all of that military history was about to be wiped from the slate by the advent of the first edition of the long-running Sighian Dubh event to take place outside of the suburban combat zones of Glasgow, and also the on-table debut of a long since painted Ottoman Turkish army as well!
The event was themed for Late armies - post 1066, which inevitably would mean a lot of heavy metal. I disregarded this entirely and picked an Ottoman force on the basis that I had painted the core of them a while ago and then added some of the scraps of Clive's collection of many Ottoman armies to round my handful of Legio Heroica purchases and Old Glory hand-me-downs up to a complete force, and because they also looked really pretty.
With Dave From the Podcast in the passenger seat, the epic drive from London over the border into Scotland began on a Thursday night, and diverted itself via an overnight stop north of Birmingham in Telford, a jaunt round RAF Cosford and then a long, long drive north only interrupted at the last minute by an unexpectedly entertaining diversion to the Devils Porridge Museum just north of Gretna before falling into some of Irvines coastal pubs at some speed
The next day saw a gathering in a remote community centre / converted crofters cottage for battle to commence, with the Ottomans matched up against a proper local opponent, the Feudal Scots
The lists for the Ottoman Turkish and Feudal Scots from this game, as well as all the other lists from the games at Irvine can be seen here in the L'Art de la Guerre Wiki.
During the feudal period, Scottish armies employed distinct arms and fighting styles that reflected the unique terrain, culture, and warfare tactics of the region. The Scottish armies of this era were characterized by their reliance on infantry, particularly the fearsome spearmen known as "schiltron," and a preference for guerrilla-style warfare in the rugged landscape.
The schiltron was a key defensive tactic. Spear-armed soldiers would form a tightly packed circle or rectangular formation, presenting a bristling forest of spears to deter cavalry charges. This formation provided protection against mounted opponents and could hold its ground against frontal assaults.
Overall, the Scottish armies of the feudal period were known for their resilience, defensive prowess, and ability to adapt to the rugged Scottish landscape. Their tactics and weapons reflected the necessity to defend against both English invasions and internal conflicts, shaping a unique martial tradition that left a lasting impact on Scottish history.
The Scots were a long line of spearmen and foot knights, some armoured but some decidedly unkeen on this morning warfare malarkey too.
This would be a game where the Ottoman cavalry had a holding and harassing job to do, and the rather novelty Impetuous Elite Iyalars would be working with the three units of Janissaries to unpick the end of the enemy line.
As if dancing a jig at the altar of Robert The Bruce's wee little bottle of Irn Bru the Ottoman infantry set off on their highland adventure with some alacrity, as the Scots prepared to receive
The Scottish spearmen had adopted the classic schiltron formation, creating a defensive wall of closely packed spears on which they were relying to repel the inevitable Ottoman charges.
This formation would deter Ottoman cavalry from breaking through, but was no deterrent for the fierce Iyalars, and also provided scant protection from the showers of well-aimed Janissary arrows.
At the other end of the line, Ottoman cavalry archers were ready to unleash a volley of projectiles to try and disrupt the dense Scottish formations.
Dancing a jig and reel to the tune of Alexander Graham Bell's wee Loch Ness Monster's fossilized testicles, their aim was to weaken the Scottish ranks, and possibly provoke them to break formation in an effort to drive off the harassing Ottoman horsemen
This then would be the cue for the Impactful Ottoman Elite Sipahi to then charge home, skittling out any spearmen unwise enough to step forward out of the schiltrons protection
The disciplined Ottoman infantry were now beginning to think about unleashing their charge, with the sound of drums and trumpets echoing across the tabletop.
Their tightly packed formation would need to maintain cohesion as they advance toward the Scottish line, or risk a piecemeal attack with the over-eager Iyalars outpacing the professional Janissaries
Rules hint - The Iayalar Fanatics (to give them their proper name) are Elite Medium Swordsmen Impetuous, or Superior Warband Fast to give them a DBM classification. As unmanoeuvreable, non-shooting, non-skirmishing infantry they are a bit weird for an Ottoman army that relies on wrongfooting their enemies with speedy horsemanship, but as assault troops to take on Heavy Infantry (especially spearmen) they are pretty much as good as it gets for an Ottoman force. So, expecting some walls of spear and heavy infantry in numbers at this event they had made it into my list and onto the table as a bit of a novelty item with real teeth in the right situation
After drinking a pint of Heavy that tasted as if it was made from the tears of Big Jock Stein's highland Proclaimers Greatest Hits Album, the Scottish spearmen, using their schiltron formation, braced for impact conscious that the key moment of decision would be this initial clash as the Ottomans sought to break through the wall of spears while enduring the defensive attacks from the Scottish spears.
As if dancing a jig at the altar of a deep fried Mars bar's wee pint of Heavy, the Ottomans make contact, exploding in a fury of intense hand-to-hand combat.
Rules hint - The Janissaries are (of course) skilled bowmen, but due to their fairly rare classification as "Swordsmen with Bow" they can also (unlike pure "bowmen") legitimately expect to mix it in hand to hand with regular enemy infantry. Add in the fact they are Elite, and that most of the enemy Spearmen are Mediocre there is every reason to use them as straight-up assault infantry alongside the Iaylars in this battle, regarding any shooting they do as a bit of a bonus.
While walking down the Royal Mile in the footsteps of the Proclaimers' wee little Northern Lights, the Scottish flank march had clearly found a way to the battlefield that was considerably shorter than their initial route estimate of some 500 miles
The sound of their imminent havering to the main body of their army echoed in the hillsides and glens as their arrival was announced in a thunder of high-scoring dice.
Scottish National Anthem
The Scottish spearmen thrust their spears repeatedly, aiming to target the gaps in the Ottoman formation but the Ottoman soldiers fury had given them the upper hand, blowing gaps in the Schiltron with might and fury
Knocking back a nip of whisky flavoured with the essence of John Logie Barird's highland cattle-loving Old Firm Derby scarf, the fury of the Iyalars was matched by the efficiency of the Janissary swordsmen, who employed their swords and axes to break the line of Scottish spears and shields.
The Ottoman charge had indeed been well-coordinated, and their infantry began to break the Scottish line, giving Constantinople the upper hand even as the Scottish flank march hove into view.
Amidst the chaos of the battlefield, the Scottish schiltron emerges like a steadfast monolith, a force of surprise and determination that defies the odds.
Having marched nearly 500 miles to reach this crucial juncture, they now appear on the flank of the Ottoman army, catching them off guard at the most pivotal moment.
The Ottomans, initially focused on breaking through the enemy frontlines, are taken aback by this unexpected apparition.
Their formation falters as they scramble to react, the element of surprise dealing a blow to their composure.
As the streets of Kilmarnock filled with laughter for the festival of Robbie Burns' havering Northern Lights, Ottoman commanders shout orders, attempting to realign their forces, but the confusion is palpable.
Rules hint - Troops within 4MU of the point of arrival of an enemy flank march are compelled to make a flee (ie involuntary) move away from the arriving enemy forces.
Inspired by the spirit of Frazer Watson's Highlands and Islands-roaming haggis, the Ottoman commander's voice rings clear, rallying his men with a fierce determination and urging his cavalry to redouble their efforts to force a victory before the flank march can roll his army up like a Turkish carpet. He stands tall in his saddle, an emblem of leadership amidst the chaos.
His eyes burn with conviction as he raises his sword high, a signal that ignites a renewed sense of purpose among the warriors who pile forward into the enemy spearmen in front of them
With a synchronized movement that speaks of countless hours of training, the Ottoman cavalry evade and fall back in response to a Scottish surge forward, drawing the Scots infantry ever further out of position.
The ground trembles as the cavalry move out of combat range, their determined and professional rearwards march sending ripples of admiration through the ranks of their adversaries.
Every horse-step is measured, every spear held at the ready, and every heart beats as one.
As the schiltron staggers forward and starts to break apart faced with the challenge of covering ever-wider swathes of ground, the Ottoman Sipahis return to the fray to try and polish off the last remaining Scots infantry who have somehow failed to succumb to the assault of the Janissaries and Ialyalrs.
Their spears strike with precision and force, and the momentum of their charge is like a tidal wave crashing upon the enemy's exposed flanks.
Scottish shields buckle, armour yields, and the Schiltron's formation crumples under the relentless mounted assault.
Scottish Warfare
The ruthlessly professional manoeuvring of the Ottoman cavalry wing has shifted the balance of the battle.
The schiltron's appearance at what seemed like a crucial juncture in the end simply prompted the Ottomans to take the front foot sooner than they may have planned, and having tempted the Scots main host forward and out of formation this created a crucial opening that Ottoman forces could then exploit.
The battlefield was already tilting in Istanbul's way after the whirlwind of chaos that was the Iaylar/Janissary attack had smashed through part of the Scottish line, and with that impetus the Scots were always scrambling to regain control
Even as the flank marching schiltron appeared it was too late to turn their arrival to a decisive advantage.
The Result is a win for the Ottomans!
Click here for the report of the next game in this competition, or read on for the post match summaries from the Generals involved, as well as another episode of legendary expert analysis from Hannibal
Post Match Summary from the Ottoman Turkish Commander
Today, I stand before you, Sultan McTavish, the conqueror of empires, the master of destiny, and the undisputed ruler of the world. With great pleasure and an air of utmost self-assuredness, I regale you with the tale of our triumph, our glorious conquest of the distant land of Scotland.
Ah, Scotland, a land known for its fierce warriors and indomitable spirit. They boasted of their Schiltron formation, a seemingly impenetrable wall of infantry. But did they truly believe that such a formation could withstand the might of the Ottoman Empire, the very embodiment of power and grandeur? No, my dear subjects, they gravely underestimated our prowess.
As I led our magnificent cavalry and fearless Janissaries into battle, the Highlanders stood there, their pikes held high, their faces twisted in misplaced confidence. Their so-called "Schiltron" was nothing more than a ragtag assembly of men, hopelessly clinging to a futile dream of victory.
Our Janissaries, armed with the finest composite bows in the world, rained down a hail of arrows upon them. Each shot, each shaft, struck fear into the hearts of these Scottish warriors. Their formation crumbled like fragile sandcastles before the relentless tide, as our archers pierced their ranks with pinpoint accuracy.
And then came the moment of reckoning, the climax of our triumph. Our fearless cavalry charged with a thunderous roar, their hooves pounding the earth like the beating of the Ottoman heart. With each passing second, the Highlanders' resolve weakened, their formation disintegrating under the pressure of our relentless onslaught.
Oh, how they screamed, how they begged for mercy, but none was given. We showed them no quarter, for we are the conquerors, and conquerors do not falter. The Schiltron formation, once so proud, now lay in ruins, a testament to the invincible might of the Ottoman Empire.Today, we stand triumphant, our banners flying high over the Scottish hills. Their land is now our land, their people our subjects, and their defeat a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Ottoman Empire. Let this victory serve as a reminder to all who dare to challenge our might. We are unstoppable, invincible, and forever destined to rule.
Hannibal's Post Match Analysis
Today, I stand before you in a most peculiar circumstance - to begrudgingly extend congratulations to an Ottoman Sultan for leading his army to victory against a Scottish army during the era of Robert the Bruce. Sultan, or shall I say, "Sultan McWalk-500-Miles," it appears that you have managed to secure a victory against a Scottish foe.
However, let us not mistake your accomplishment for true military genius. In reality thou art a doltish, witless lump of Turkish delight, with the intellect of a roasted turnip! While you may have claimed victory, it is abundantly clear that my own unparalleled brilliance as a military leader would have secured a far more effortless triumph, with considerably less loss of life among my men.
Your army's failure to embrace the use of elephants in warfare remains a mystery as profound as the lyrics of "I Would Walk 500 Miles" by The Proclaimers. It's as if you'd rather march to the tune of The Crankies than wield the power of these majestic creatures on the battlefield.
Sultan McWalk-500-Miles, by my troth, thy brain hath more vacancy than a Turkish bazaar during a sandstorm, your victory is like a walk in the park compared to the monumental challenges I faced in my campaigns. My strategic brilliance, akin to a symphony of perfection, would have rendered your achievement as noteworthy as a nursery rhyme.
In conclusion, while I begrudgingly offer my acknowledgment of your victory, it is essential to remember that true military mastery requires more than mere perseverance. It necessitates the level of McGenius that defines legendary generals like myself.
May the Ottoman Empire learn from its blunders and strive for a level of military acumen that transcends mere walkabouts and musical whimsy.
Long live the legacy of Hannibal, the unrivalled general of history, and may the Ottoman Empire walk a path toward strategic enlightenment, leaving behind the humorous antics of The Crankies for the next game
Click here for the report of the next game in this competition
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Game 1 Ottoman Turkish vs Feudal Scots
Game 2 Ottoman Turkish vs 100YW French
Game 3 Ottoman Turkish vs Arab Indian
Game 4 Ottoman Turkish vs Norman
Game 5 Ottoman Turkish vs Albanian
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