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The First Battle of Settlers’ Green

Magnus (the Son) versus Roger (the Dad)
A 1250 Point Warhammer Fantasy Battle

Sir William Baptiste looked proudly at his assembled host. The colorful banners of his minor peers flapped in the breeze and their horses stamped the ground impatiently as dozens of peasant bowmen took up positions behind a nearby series of fence work. The Damsel Helenne Cleavauge stood nearby on her horse waiting to add her magical powers if needed. The Bretonnians would defend this part of the so-called “wastelands” with vigor and elan, if the Lady willed it.

It was in fact no wasteland at all. In the last few years, hardy settlers moving north out of the traditional borders of Bretonnia had hacked a prosperous little community out of the frontier, all the while braving wild animals, orcs, and goblins. They had done so under the patronage of Sir William and did not hesitate to either turn over part of their produce to him as their sovereign lord, or to call on his help when danger threatened.

In this case, the current threat was not savage orcish hordes, but a more subtle enemy: lawyers. Legal representatives from the Imperial Barony of Nordland had arrived from the north bearing patents that claimed ownership of the settlers’ lands. While Sir William’s counselors had to admit that the legal documents looked genuine, the Brettonian nobleman refused to recognize their authority. It is one thing to hold an ancient deed to a land, but does one deserve it if the fields are not sown? -If the forest is not cleared? Lord Baptiste had rejected the overtures of the imperial officials on the basis of what-might-otherwise be called “squatters’ rights.” He preferred the term “settlers’ rights” to be sure, but the conclusion was the same. His people were farming the land in question; the Nordlanders were not. What more was there to be said?

Of course the Empire rarely backed down once it got its legalese-dander up and it was no surprise when the farmers reported that a force of Imperial troops were moving south from the area of Lannen. Sir William mustered a couple dozen of his knights and travelled north to support the hardly, peasant settlers. He arrived a day before the Imperial force did and took up a position on the southern end of the village green, not far from the community watch-tower. On the following morn, Lord Baptiste allowed the Nordlanders to drawn up a line of battle on the opposite end of the field. He had permitted this first and foremost because he was a man of honor but he also hoped that by not initiating hostilities, an actual battle might be avoided in the end.

Suddenly a dull boom was heard as an artillery piece from the north end of the green opened fire. A fizzling mortar shell whirled down and exploded amongst the ranks of the Brettonian settlers’ peasant bowmen. As a number of groans and cries rose from the wounded amongst their ranks, Sir William reluctantly drew his sword. “Well, I guess if it’s a fight they want…” he thought.


Brettonian Knights calmly await the opening of hostilities.


Imperial Forces of the Grand Barony of Nordland prepare to eject the upstart Brettonian squatters.


Brettonian peasants feel the wrath of the Imperial Artillery


“Run Away!”


The peasants get their revenge on a Nordland mercenary company. (36 longbows firing simultaneously are brutal!)


An Empire volley gun vainly attempts to stop Sir William’s knights.


The Brettonians’ assault caves in the Nordlanders’ left flank!


The Empire can still save the day with a successful assault on the Brettonian mainline. (Tactics borrowed from George Pickett!)


Dad scores 12 hits! All he has to do is roll 4s, 5s, or 6s to wound…- Aggh! The god of dice abandons him.


Garrgh!!! Captain Salty and his Krewe try to stem the tide.


Tattered remnants of the Imperial forces flee the field.

Sir William’s hands gradually relaxed their fierce grip on his reins. He allowed the tension of the battle to slide away as the last remaining groups of Imperial troops staggered away in shock. The Brettonians had lost a dozen knights and probably twice as many peasants, but his enemy had been almost completely swept from the field. Sir Williams’ armored horsemen had been unstoppable, the bowmen had rained arrows upon their foes and Lady Cleavauge had dispelled most of the Empire wizards’ feeble attempts at sorcery. Lord Baptiste’s eyes were drawn to a torn, trampled imperial standard lying at his horse’s feet that bore the colors of Nordland. The northern men might be back eventually, but not anytime soon.

Fun Batrep. We'll have to fight soon. Glad to see Magnus stomping his old man I must say. I loved the story behind the battle my only critique is I didn't really have any clue what was happening in game. It was also nice to see 20979876 peasant archers show up for a settlement battle. I approve.

P.S. So Helenne Cleavauge just how big are we talking and did her presence maybe influence the fighting abilities of the empire soldiers?

Thanks for the report! Good pictures, good story. I quite like the Nordland painted theme. Nice to have another player in your household, I'm sure!

I've been thinking about playing Brets as they're rarely seen around here, and I like their concept. Just can't figure out how to do them in a unique and interesting way.

littleboyblues wrote:
P.S. So Helenne Cleavauge just how big are we talking and did her presence maybe influence the fighting abilities of the empire soldiers?

I'm sure I have no idea what you are talking about. Cleavauge is a noble family name. From her mother's side.


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Red_Zeke wrote: Nice to have another player in your household, I'm sure!

Definately! Even if he usually wiins...

Awesome batrep! Always good to have some pictures! I really need to finish my empire so I can get some games in, just can't make my mind up with a list!

What lores where being used?

I likied the story and the pics.

I wanted to know why weren't the Bret knights in a lance formation? They work much better in the lance with more attacks plus the horses. Since the horses in second rank don't give support. The lance also gives the rank bonus.

RB

I like it! Especially the narrative, I agree that some form of turn by turn would be the next step. Cool armies, and terrain

I liked it aswell, but run the knights in a lance. The knights will be more efficient.

Agreed, new FAQ = Lance owns face.

guardpiper wrote:What lores where being used?

Metal and Life, but almost everything got dispelled or just failed to make much of an impact.


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Thanks for the lance tip. My son had not played Brettonia for about 8 years and I guess he didn't know about the FAQ. He did pretty well using the old codex though. Not sure I want to tell him...

I loved this style of battle report. I think a lot of reports get bogged down in details. This edited highlights approach worked quite well for me. Great photos and some reallly nicely painted armies there

Great battle report! I enjoyed the narrative especially.

Nice batrep. I am a 40k player, but I'm thinking of finally jumping into WHFB with Bretonnia.

Nice batrep and a cool story line!

Question, when will the second battle for settlers green be documented?

Scrazza wrote:Question, when will the second battle for settlers green be documented?

+1!

Great battle report! I too wonder when the second battle for Settlers Green will take place.