Ichi-no-Tani - Gempei Rampant - Lion Rampant for Early Samurai Warfare

Here are some pre-game teaser shots of a scenario based upon the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani, where the Taira forces were holed up in their seaside fortress with sheer cliffs directly behind them. Minamoto cavalry led by Minamoto Yoshitsune surprised the Taira by descending the cliffs which was believed to be an impossibility. Minamoto foot at the same time approached the Taira by land. I've played this scenario several times in the past using a modified version of WAB with good results. The Victory Condition for the Minamoto is to destroy at least 50% of the Taira; the Taira achieve victory if at least 50% of their forces can get off table via the sea utilizing the watercraft available.

View of the Taira fortress at Ichi-no-Tani from the sea. Note the larger command vessel offshore with smaller craft beached along the the shoreline.

Mounted and Foot Serjeant's stats are used for the Samurai, with the addition of arming them with bows. The foot Samurai are also upgraded to Expert for an Attack Value of 4+. There are a couple of Warrior Monk (Sohei) units also classed as Foot Serjeants and given the Fleet Footed special rule. Incidentally, both Foot Samurai and Sohei units are 6-figures instead of the usual 12. Finally, the Chugen (an early form of Ashigaru) are ranked as Bidowers. Only one of the Chugen (Bidower) units is armed with bows and they are on the walls of the Taira fortress. A modification to the unit cohesion rule for this unit requires them to either remain at their respective posts on the walls, or if not to attempt to form up as normal if they chose to leave the walls. Their firing dice is halved on either side of the entrance gate.

View from the right Taira watchtower - Warrior Monks and Minamoto Samurai advancing along the shores.

The left of the Taira fortress walls with Minamoto Samurai and Chugen approaching - note the Minamoto standard bearing the gentiana clan mon.

Two units of mounted Minamoto Samurai led by Minamoto Yoshitsune surprise the Taira from the rear of their cliff side fortress.

Taira forces on foot attempt to respond to Minamoto inside of their camp. The red Taira banner bears the clan mon of a butterfly.

All the figures were painted a few years ago, and are mostly The Assault Group with some 1st Corps, Curteys and West Wind. The fence was also built a while back as the small watercraft. The hootches were picked up a local discount store, which sadly no longer carries them. Hope to have an actual battle report posted in the not too distant future, but I have a few projects needing my attention first - none of which are hobby related :)