It has taken me some time to get to a couple of Battle Reports which I hope to finish in the next few days. Back to our Lion Rampant campaign.

The besiegers move forward to attack.

Alliances have changed, shifting the balance of power in the region, and the glorious army of Gotiffredo Grimaldi, the Generale from Genoa, takes the field with the mongrols from Milan, united in their efforts to defend a key Milanese fortress from impending threats. The fortress, a symbol of resilience and strategic importance, stands tall against the skyline, its ancient walls whispering tales of past battles fought and victories earned.

As the troops gather their strength, the men and women of both factions exchange determined glances, ready to face the trials ahead, despite lingering doubts about their unity and the unpredictable nature of warfare. The sun rises on the horizon, casting long shadows as the soldiers prepare themselves for the challenges that await, hoping that their combined forces will be enough to thwart any advancing enemies and secure peace for their homeland.

Papal baggage camp.

Papal Artillery

The French Vatican emissaries taunt their opponents “I don’t want to talk to you no more, you empty-headed animal food trough wiper! I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!” GO!

Siege engines are pushed forward

The Milanese man the walls inflicting some casualities on the advancing seige towers.

Not content with defending the walls, the Genoan and Milanese knights, clad in their shining armor, charge out of the gates, their banners fluttering in the wind like vibrant flames of honor. “Sound the charge into glory ride!” they shout in unison, their voices echoing across the tumultuous battlefield, reflecting their unyielding spirit. With swords drawn and hearts ablaze, they plunge into the fray, determined to reclaim their land and honor, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead as the clash of steel rings out in the air.

Brave and stalwart Genoese infantry, clad in their shining armor and armed with formidable weaponry, stand resolutely prepared to face any challenge that may come their way as they man the battlements, determined to protect their homeland against overwhelming odds and fiercely defending their position with unwavering courage and fierce loyalty to their cause.

The scum advance.

Papal knights move forward to say “good night”!

Papal siege engines – the spawn of the devil! These formidable machines, crafted under the directive of the papacy, were not merely tools of war; they represented the might of the Church during tumultuous times, as they laid siege to cities and fortifications, instilling fear in the hearts of adversaries. With their towering wooden frames and the thunderous sounds of their operations, they were a testament to human ingenuity and a dark symbol of religious fervor intertwined with the brutal realities of medieval warfare. Whispers among the townsfolk labeled them as instruments of divine retribution, blurring the line between righteous intent and unholy destruction. The very sight of these engines would normally send chills down the spines of defenders, but not the Genoese, the mice from Milan – who knows.

Milanese knights causing chaos

Siege engines about to reach the ramparts.

The crucial moments in the battle are about to begin.

Where are the Milanese knights?

Papal dismounted knights clear the Milanese from the battlements

The crossbowmen of Gotiffredo Grimaldi stand firm to defend the breach in the flimsy Milanese castle wall, their eyes sharp and focused, scanning the horizon for any signs of the enemy advance. As the sun dips low, casting long shadows over the smoldering battleground, the air fills with the palpable tension of impending conflict. The men, clad in leather armor and bristling with an array of crossbows, know that the weight of their duty hinges on their unwavering resolve. Each soldier tightens their grip on the stock of their weapon, ready to unleash a hail of bolts that could deter the assailants and protect their territory. The echoes of distant clashing steel serve as a harsh reminder of the stakes at hand, fueling their determination to hold the line against any foe daring enough to breach their defenses.

Papal allies trying in vain to dislodge the Genoese infantry

Wimpy Milanese wusses retreating from the walls.

Genoan giant killers preparing to repel the papal upstarts.

Gotiffredo Grimaldi and his bodyguard riding down Papal knights.

With his Milanese allies unable to defend their own castle Guru’s Gotiffredo Grimaldi’s forces retired in good order having defeated all forces in front of them for the loss of only four casualties.

A great game was had by all using Lion Rampant siege rules.