Carolingian vs Norse Gael
Busy times with work and family have taken a toll on my gaming. However, I was lucky enough to introduce a friend to Saga. We played a 4-point game using the Norse Gael and the Carolingians. I explained how to use the Norse Gael board briefly and set up the battlefield with a small woods and a small field along the center line. I intended to keep it simple and give him some cover to approach the Carolingian machine gun.
The first turn, as usual, was spent moving units closer. I had two units of bow warriors flanking a unit of 4 HG, one on each flank. I had a unit of standard warriors on the right flank. He deployed a unit of javelin warriors (8), a unit of 8 Dane axe warriors, a unit of spear HG, and a unit of javelin levy (12). However, his mistake was to place the levy in the back. I tend to advance the levy unit first and then charge in with a unit of 5 Dane Axe warriors, 8+ javelin warriors, or HG so I can transfer fatigue onto the levy. With the levy in the back, this was not possible until late game.
I advanced toward his line pushing the 4 hearthguard forward to avoid any fatigue bombs. The ploy worked as he attacked with a unit of 8 Dane Axe warriors. He used the board well, playing howling axes, then clenched fist to load the combat pool. The Carolingian defenses held and the attack was a draw on VP points, but he needed to withdraw since he lost 2 figures to my one HG.
This allowed my archers to move into position and machine gun the Dane Axes. What should have happened is he should have attacked my archer unit with his Dane Axe warriors. If he had double-activated the warriors to charge a unit of archers, he would have faired better. My archers cannot close ranks and only have an armor of 3 in melee. The trick with winning over the Carolingians is to take out the archers first.
By turn 3 fatigue was building up and his levy unit was out of position, eliminating his use of Expendables. This is key when using Norse Gaels, move the levy out front, charge with another unit, and transfer fatigues. Unable to hit the bow warrior units, led to a slow attrition of figures through shooting, but they can still pack a melee punch with the right combo. The Carolingians made a charge late game when the dice roll yielded two rares. The powerful combo of Fortis and Domine removed 6 attack dice from his warlord and gave the 8 warriors 6 more attack dice for a total of 14 attack dice. Even with his combat bonus loaded, the Carolingian warriors survived with his reduced attack dice and they managed to kill the warlord.
Retrospective:
Many feel that one warband is stronger than another or this one is the best warband. The truth is it comes down to the experience of the player. Beginning players will have a tough time against experienced players. I was constantly beaten by more experienced players as I was learning. Learn the rules, then a faction, and then other factions. Once you master the rules, master a faction. You will become a better player, then learn other factions to become a great player. In reflection, I should have allowed the player to have more success. It would have been better for a new player to use an easier board, such as the Vikings. The Norse Gaels board is not easily mastered. I didn’t use any mounted troops except the warlord thinking it would be more balanced, but now I am not so sure. The foot Hearthguards could close ranks, enhancing an already strong defense. Anyway, the rematch is set. This time he will play the Carolingians and I will play the Norse Gaels.