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Wednesday, 5 August 2026

The Battle at Castle Desespero - Hyborian Ladder Campaign

 The next "rung" of the ladder that confronted Conan, King of Aquilonia, was an attack on a defended place. The place in question was the ruins of Castle Desespero.

Conan's scouts reported that a force of Nemedian Knights, Regulars and some mercenaries had taken control of the ruined castle and now threatened the Aquilonians' flank or rear if they were not confronted. Taking personal command of part of the army, Conan marched swiftly to remove the threat.

In terms of the Dominion of the Spear rules, the ruins represent the Nemedian left flank and the occupiers gain a defence bonus.

Sir Malvolio (nearest camera on the left) led the Nemedian force,
 as far away from his opposing number as possible!
Conan led the attack on the ruins.

Castle Desespero saw the majority of the early fighting, as Conan and the Aquilonian infantry stormed the crumbling walls, quickly removing the defenders.



Attention then turned to the other wards. 


The Nemedian centre inflicted early casualties, however with Conan now able to out flank them, they were not going to last long. The Nemedian Knights gave a good account of themselves, but the writing was once again on the wall. General Malvolio and the remaining Knights made a tactical withdrawal, better to fight another day.




5 comments:

  1. Superb action. The ladder campaign and the Dominion rules really add to the Hyborian feel. If only Conan could remember that gal's name

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    Replies
    1. Cheers! The DotS rules (with Mark Cordone's Hyboria adds) do work well for quick campaigns - in reality the whole thing could easily be done in a couple of hours using them with small armies.

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  2. Nice report, MJT. The ruined castle defenders didn’t put up much of a fight, it seems. Is he unstoppable, this Cimmerian-Aquilonian?!

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    Replies
    1. It appears so Martin. To be fair, the two sides are balanced and I've given both leaders a bonus. The dice do seem to favour the Big Man!

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  3. Great report Maudlin Jack. Conan seems to be an unstoppable warmachine going wild. He must have gained a reputation by now

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