Sweltering under the hot summer sun and the weight of the chainmail under their habits, Brother Orpheus and his fellow Brethren descended from Krak Des Cheavliers into the Gap of Homs. Although part of their daily routine the Knights Hospitaller dreaded these patrols to seek tribute form those travelling through their lands.

The kingdom of Jerusalem was rich and fertile and its location on the major east-west trade routes provided ample “taxation” to continue their divine calling. Not long after reaching the foot of their mountain stronghold the Brothers  spotted a caravan being escorted across the plain by Bedouin tribesman.

Concerned that many recent caravans had been carrying Christians for the slave trade further east he decided to investigate.

Upon seeing the Hospitaller Knights approach, the caravan fled. The escorts sounded a great horn which rang across the plain like some evil beast growling in its den. Dust clouds to the south could be seen to answer its call.

The game of Lion Rampart had begun.

To achieve victory the Mamluk army needed to destroy the Knights of St. John or ensure the caravan reached safety (opposite short table edge) without being destroyed in the process.

The Knights of St. John would consider it a success if they destroyed the marauders or captured the caravan without being forced to flee back to Krak Des Cheavliers.

Brother Orpheus’ 24 point patrol consisted of 6 Mounted Men at Arms accompanying him (6 pts), another 6 Mounted Men at Arms (6 pts), 6 Mounted Sergeants (4 pts); 12 Foot Sergeants (4pts), and 12 Crossbowmen (4 pts).

Brother Orpheus and his fellow Brethren

Brother Orpheus’ Retinue

The Mamluk escort (Egyptian List), led by Al-Malik opposed them with 2 Mounted Sergeants with bows at 5 points each, 2 Mounted Yeoman (spear) at 4 points each, and 2 Foot yeomen (spear) at 3 points each.

 

Al-Malik

Al-maliks Caravan Escort

The battle begins with the Knights of St John deployed at the base of Krak Des Cheavliers, the Caravan in the centre of the table with one Marmluk unit of light camels as escort, and the rest of the Mamluk’s hastily returning from foraging at the centre of their table edge.

The caravan is classed as (7+) for movement and cannot fight. The caravan is immediately captured if in base contact with a Knights of St. John unit that is in good order.

David K was playing with the Knights of St John and Andrew W with the Mamluks.

The foot Yeomen retreat whilst the two commanders battle it out with Al-Malik coming out worse for wear  with three casualties.

Al-Malik trying to place himself between the Caravan and Brother Orpheus’ Knights.

Brother Orpheus being slowed down by the Yeomanry, but they proved to be only a minor speed hump.

The Hospitaller Sergeants hitting Al-Malik in the rear.

At last the caravan was putting some gap between it and the Crusading infidels.

Brother Orpheus finally destroys Al-Malik and his Ghulams causing panic among his troops.

With safety just in sight the caravan is finally captured by the Hospitaller Sergeants.

Without his general’s plus for morale David K went through a series of poor activation roles for the Caravan losing the game within a move away from victory.

 Another  good fun Dan Mersey game.