Saga - Chosokabe Samurai vs. Normans

Played a Saga game today with my Gempei Era Samurai vs. my buddy's Normans. A bit out of period, but seeing how we used a sea mat, it really didn't matter. I hadn't used these Samurai figures for several years (last time in a Lion Rampant game day), so it was nice to get them out of the cabinet.

I used one of the factions from the "fan made" "Age of Samurai". I chose the Chosokabe factions as they use a lot of bows. I like a fairly shooty and mobile army, although I only had enough mounted bowmen for one hearthguard unit. My warband consisted of two mounted hearthguard (one each composite bows and katana); three foot hearthguard (two bow and one katana); and finally one unit of warriors (monks) with yari (naginata). I liked how they played out - even against Normans run by a seasoned Saga player. I may replace the one foot hearthguard with katana with another bow armed unit.

We played the "Kill the Warlord" scenario which did end at turn six with our two warlords surviving melee.

I went first and was able to kill two of his mounted hearthguard and one foot hearthguard by bow fire.

A unit of each of foot and mounted hearthguard - the Warlord in the background.

Unit of warriors (monks) wielding naginata, and another hearthguard foot unit with bows.

Since I used regular D6 I annotated the values on the battle board. My buddy sent me the files for an updated board with easier to read die markings - below.

There are about 7 or 8 different Samurai factions, but this one is the one using bows the best.

Unit of mounted hearthguard with katana. The Norman foot hearthguard in the distance already losing a figure due to melee.

Norman mounted hearthguard and Warlord.

Foot hearthguard with bows.

Near the end of the game. My Samurai down two units - one each foot and mounted hearthguard.

Samurai Warlord attacking enemy mounted hearthguard - he did well enough, but gained max fatigue.

The final clash of the game - enemy Warlord attacking the Samurai Warlord with max fatigue. They both survived the melee and the game was called a Norman victory as they retained all of their 8 units they started with. Otherwise, it was a close game and I plan on using this warband again - with a switch out for another foot hearthguard with bows.

As for Saga, my impression, after only 3 or 4 games, is that it is definitely one that is best played one on one. There is a bit of back and forth using the abilities on the battle boards (both yours and your opponent's). Definitely not a game I'd want to host (or play in) with multiple players - unless all were experienced Saga players (which I'm not). I will continue playing as it is with a bunch of buddies who regularly meet, and I need to get out of the house to give my wife a break from me now that I'm retired. I may try out a Roman warband in the future as my EIR figures are singly based (best for Saga). Well, thanks for stopping by and wishing you the best.