Bruce played the Scots against Mike’s Vikings and Phil was the Umpire.
The Vikings formed up on the hill (anywhere east of the road) in shieldwall. Meanwhile King Malcolm prayed at the Kirk.
The Scots under the three Fated Thanes rushed forward across the Dullan Water and surged towards the shieldwall. At the clash of the forces the Scots fared badly losing 2 units of spearmen and one of their heroes in single combat. They did however manage to push some units up the hill and pursue with the Scottish Thegns (Huscarles). At this point the Viking King was held in reserve.
From the Kirk, Malcolm could see the disaster unfolding! His cup of reputation tokens was rapidly emptying whilst the Vikings were gaining! Soon all would be lost. So he prayed to God almighty to intervene on his behalf on the scenario prayer table! a good roll with 3 units/ leaders lost meant he gained a unit of Thegns and a mounted Champion arriving late to the battle field and was able to rally his remaining troops.
At this moment there was a lull in the fighting as both sides withdrew to their initial positions. The Viking shield wall reformed on the hill. The Scots redeployed all their forces in the meadow, now under the command of Malcolm the Destroyer himself.
Battle began again. The Scots outnumbered but not cowed formed facing the hill and advanced but did not charge. The vikings were tempted from the high ground and advanced down shields locked onto the meadow. With a mighty roar the Scots charged led by their King.
As in the legends Malcolm challenged the Proud Viking King to single combat. The Viking leader was slain, dragged from his horse and strangled in the last round of single combat. His troops too were pushed back. However not all the Vikings were defeated and were pushing forwards on the flanks. The Scottish mounted champion was killed in combat!
With their king dead though the forces began to retire to their second camp and it was clear the day was lost. So victory was awarded to the Scots when the Viking reputation cup was empty of honour!
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