Sacred Ground, Vikings vs Normans, 6 points

 This will be my first game with Bernard Harris, fellow SAGA enthusiast.
  Combatants are Harald Hardradda and his Hirdman warband against and unnamed Norman

 Vikings: Harald Hardradda, Hero of the Viking Age
                Varangian Guard, 12 man unit with banner and Dane axe
                2 x 4 man Hirdsman

Normans: Warlord
                 8 mounted Knights with banner
                 2 x Sergeants foot
                 1 Sergeant with crossbow
                 1 Peasants with bow

  Vikings set up on the left, Normans on the right, Normans move first. The hill is a flat topped hill, meaning that missile armed  units must be on top to target units, unless the units are on the edge. The hill blocks line of sight. Points are scored for units in terrain features at the end of the turn, totaled at the end of turn 8.

 Norman first move, two Sergeants move towards the wood, while Peasants take position to target Hirdmen.

Vikings Varangians  move twice gaining the hill, using their banner to rest. Hardradda to the base of the hill bringing a unit of Hirdmen. End of turn one, Vikings 12 v Norman 0 points.

Normans move one unit of Sergeants into the wood, and reposition their Peasants.

The Vikings bring the rest of their Hirdmen on the hill and prepare for the impending attack. End of turn two, Vikings vs Norman 4 points

Realizing that he must destroy the Vikings the Normans maneuver to assault with their Knights. Normans also move another unit of Sergeants into the woods

Hardradda turns his Varangians to face the Knights, and moves his Hirdmen to face the weaker Norman forces. End of turn 3, Vikings 68, Normans 12.

The Normans position themselves for a coordinated assault . The Warlord moves forward with the crossbowmen.

Hardradda positions his warband and braces for the impending assault! End of turn 4, Viking 96,  Normans 18.

The assault begins with the Norman Sergeants attacking up the hill, The result, 1 Norman, Vikings 0.

The Norman Knights charged the Varangians, inflicting 7 kills, but getting destroyed in the process. A huge loss for the Varangians, but more so for the Normans. Sorry, I forgot to take the engagement picture in the excitement.

 After witnessing the horrific carnage, Hardradda  and his Hirdmen rush from the safety of the hilltop, into the crossbowman. 

They annihilate the Crossbowmen , while only losing one of their own, and turn on the Norman Warlord.

The Vikings lose one more Hirdmen, but bring down the Norman Warlord, Bringing and end to this epic battle.

 Great tactics by Bernard Harris and his Normans!  Vikings are tanks, and must use their SAGA abilities, Ullr, Frigg, and Thor as much as possible, and at the right time. Hardradda and his Varangian Guard are a fearsome force, but not invincible.