play

The system does not allow stacking and calculates combat based upon the differentials between 1 attacking unit and 1 defending unit (this is a little different than the usual multi hex attacks that appear in most wargames).

Disordering the enemy is important in the game as disordered units are more vulnerable to attack and destruction. As the number of eliminations amongst specific warrior classes increase, there is a greater chance that units of that class willl fail their morale checks and rout. Initially, this will cause localised problems but as the rigours of battle take their effect, one or both armies will slowly disintergrate, with an increased prospect of generalised routing.

The map measures
16.5 x 11.5 inches (A3) and uses 20mm hexes. This leaves plenty of room for the 13mm counters to sit comfortably on the board.

The game is suitable for 2 players and can be played solitaire. A scenario typically takes less than an hour and a half to play. The rulebook also includes a campaign narrative that helps set the scene and puts some of the rules into context.

Orri's Storm includes rules for Berserk Vikings and also employs 'untried units' in the Viking setup so that neither player knows their true combat value until they fight. This represents the fact that many Viking warriors had left their armour behind at their base at Riccall.

Orri's Storm is a wargame covering the fierce battle between Saxon and Viking forces in northern England, 1066.

Upon hearing the news of a Viking army having invaded northern England and defeating the local English forces, King Harold II moved rapidly, covering 190 miles in just 5 days, to bring the Saxon army north. His bold advance caught the Vikings totally by surprise, forcing them to accept battle at a time and place not of their choosing.

King Harald Hardrada and his Viking army arrayed themselves on the 'battle flats' near to a crossing of the Derwent River, whilst fast riders raced towards their base at the village of Riccall to gather reinforcements.

The basic scenario has a number of optional alternatives that explore other possibilities of the battle, including the assertion of the13th Century Heimskringla saga that the Saxon army attacked with cavalry.

The game has an A3 coloured map, a rules booklet, a coloured (self adhesive from the 2003 edition) counter sheet (best mounted onto card before play), an A4 double side, card with charts and tables for quick reference and a coloured front cover.