Later Crusaders versus Fatimid Egyptians

And for a while it looked like it was going to be the real late Crusaders.

An historical match using the Great Battles option with three players per side.

The Fatimids were commanded by, left to right, Mark Woods (his figures), Stephen and Simon.

The Crusaders (my figures) were commanded by me, Brad and John.

Hard to fit it all in one photo,

but this is what my army looked like.

Despite skillful placement of difficult terrain,

it immediately became clear the Crusader's flanks

were going to be threatened.

So an immediate change of plan was called for.

No waiting around, advance!

With a breakthrough imminent on the Crusader's left, 

a precious unit of knights was shuffled in an attempt to cover the approach.

The faith that the Crusader's had put in their crossbows,

was not forthcoming

The Foot Sergeants finally made contact,

it could have gone better.

The Crusader's left flank has been torn open.

Their knights have no option but to press on.

In the centre, the solid phalanx of spearmen has not produced immediate results

On the right the Fatimid light cavalry has also broken through.

The climax on the left flank came with this pitiful roll:

the knights scoring only one hit, but receiving four.

Everyone is fighting now,

it is slow grizzly work.

Those Fatimids on the right might be too late...

But on the left the Crusader command has been broken.

However the same fate had befallen the Fatimid centre.

While the Crusader's centre now has to recover order and turn to face the threat,

on the right the Fatimids are now round behind the knights.

But a loss to the Fatimids of their right wing commander's unit,

tipped them over break point.

A very close run victory for the Crusaders.

Great game!