tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20637212115815013042024-03-12T15:51:06.431-07:00Wargames MusingsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04505139087570116304noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063721211581501304.post-28626466068908778162018-10-10T08:27:00.002-07:002018-10-10T08:27:41.371-07:00Moving to WordpressI've had a number of issues with blogger.com over the past few weeks, but the deal-breaker for me has been the total lack of iPad compatability, Google have even withdrawn their iPad app. So...I've made the decision to change platforms...<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04505139087570116304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063721211581501304.post-6347449972747134982018-10-01T03:17:00.001-07:002018-10-01T03:17:30.188-07:00Spearhead: Lebisey, 7 June 1944Another day, another Spearhead battle report - this time the battle at Lebisey on 7 June 1944 where 3rd Division tries to break through 21st Panzer's defences in the Lebisey woods to reach Caen. This was based on Scenario 2 of the Rapid Fire Normandy Battlegames/Battlegroups books, available via Wargames Vault. They are well worth a purchase, as they are balanced games with objectives that are achievable by either side.<br />
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<h3>
British OOB</h3>
Regimental HQ (Regular) <br />1 - HQ Stand<br />
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1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment<br />1 - HQ Stand<br />1 - 6pdr ATG/Truck<br />1 - 3" Mortar/Truck<br />1 - Carrier Platoon (Rifle if Dismounted)<br />4 - Companys (of 3 Rifle Stands)<br />1 - MG Platoon<br />
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2nd Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment<br />1 - HQ Stand<br />1 - 6pdr ATG/Truck<br />1 - 3" Mortar/Truck<br />1 - Carrier Platoon<br />4 - Companys (of 3 Rifle Stands)<br />1 - MG Platoon<br />
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East Lancashire Regiment<br />1 - HQ Stand<br />1 - 3" Mortar/Truck*<br />1 - 4.2" Mortar/Truck*<br />3 - Companys (of 3 Rifle Stands)<br />
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7th Field Regiment<br />4-Priest (2 batteries) - off table<br />2 - OP Team<br />
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Staffordshire Yeomanry<br />2 - Sherman 75<br />1 - Sherman Firefly<br />
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41st AT Battery (Regular)<br />1 - Achilles (17pdr)<br />1-M10<br />
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German OOB</h3>
Regimental HQ (Regular)<br />1 - HQ Stand<br />
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1st Battalion, 125th Panzergrenadiers<br />1 - HQ Stand<br />3 - Companys (of 3 Rifle Stands)<br />3-HMG<br />1-Sdkfz 251 37mm ATG<br />1 - Marder III<br />1- Grille 150mm SP Gun<br />1-SP AA Gun 20mm<br />
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2nd Battalion 915th Grenadiers (Regular)<br />1 - HQ Stand<br />3 - Companys (of 3 Rifle Stands)<br />3 - HMG<br />1 - Marder III (AT only at upper range at -1)<br />1-SP AA Gun 20mm<br />1-Sdkfz 251/2 Mortar Halftrack<br />
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352nd AT Battalion (Regular)<br />2-Panzer IVH 75mm (AT only at upper range at -1)<br />1-Panzer IIIF<br />
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At the start of the game, only one German Battalion was on-table...they deployed in line with the intention being that when the reinforcements turned up, they could form a second line and plug the holes!</div>
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It was the weakest British Battalion that came on first, and they focussed their attention on the(ir) right hand side, hoping to force the Germans to reveal all of their positions.</div>
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It is tricky for the British, as until the Germans fire, they needed to get within 300 Yards to spot them (i.e., 3"). As the gaps between terrain was more than that, it meant sending a squad across open ground. Fortunately, they had already spotted a German half-track, so didn't have to carry on the 6" per turn mandatory advance for being under attack orders.</div>
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Mind you, a change of orders would have been difficult to say the least, as the British Commander chose to walk directly up the road (never but your command arrow up the road!!!) shouting in a loud voice I'm here, shoot me....well it seemed like that, 'cos the Germans promptly did!</div>
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By the time the British reserves arrived, there were several holes in the German line.</div>
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Both sides deployed their indirect support, the British some 4.2" and 3" mortars, whilst the Germans had a 150mm Infantry Gun.</div>
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Unfortunately, that was it for the Jerries, the British, however, had access to 4 x Priest 105mm guns off table.</div>
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With both sides reserves finally on the table, the British worked on stretching the German defences where they could.</div>
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The Germans, on the other hand, advanced as far as the Chateau and Orchards. </div>
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Casualties on both sides began to mount up, and the German reinforcements took the fateful decision to counterattack on one flank, rather than wait for the British to break through.</div>
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The British first Battalion broke, but unfortunately for the Germans, so did their front line...it was a rather inopportune moment for the Germans, and their counterattack found itself out on a limb.</div>
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One of the two remaining British Battalions was able to advance unopposed towards their objective.</div>
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It is very difficult to undertake a retreating action in Spearhead, so that was it! Game over!</div>
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Conclusion</h3>
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Another excellent game, though I (as German C-in-C) felt I played like a muppet, underestimating how long the front line could hold for, and how long it would take me to redeploy if things went wrong.</div>
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Spearhead rally lends itself to this kind of "smaller" game - there is a different type of cautiousness as you try to protect your support assets. The British players did this particularly well.<br /> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04505139087570116304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063721211581501304.post-11470866356417553232018-09-21T03:21:00.004-07:002018-09-21T03:24:08.374-07:00Spearhead: Villiers-le-SecNext year is the 75th anniversary of a number of the major events of WW2, and always one to plan ahead, I have been working my way through several rule sets as part of the preparation for several large games I am planning to commemorate the events.<br />
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World War 2 is a particularly difficult period to get the balance between playability and realism right, so after several false starts, I have returned to one of the first sets I ever played - Spearhead by Arty Conliffe.<br />
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I've worked through a couple of small scale games to get my head around the rules, and iron out any problems - so now they were in my head (and it is amazing how much stuff I used to get wrong I have found given I have now actually read them!) it was time for a bigger game.<br />
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<h3>
Scenario: Villier-le-Sec, 6th June 1944</h3>
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I lifted the scenario from the Rapid Fire Normandy Battlegames book - it is scenario 1, which is a hold one village whilst attacking the other scenario for both sides. It involves the DLI, so has local connections for me, and and is interesting as it was the battle where Stan Hollis got his Victoria Cross - he was the only person to be awarded a VC on D-Day.<br />
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The table was 4' x 3', 1" representing 100 Yards. Rapid Fire scenarios scale very well to about half their table size. I double checked my measurements on Google Maps, and it was spot on.<br />
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The following two images show the road out of Villiers-le-Sec<br />
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This image shows the approach to Crepon:<br />
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You can see how difficult it is, in June with high crops, you can image the restrictions on vision!<br />
<h3>
Order of Battle</h3>
<strong>GERMAN</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Regimental HQ (Regular) - Arrive Turn 2<br />
1 - HQ Stand<br />
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6th Battalion DLI (Regular) - Deploy at Crepon<br />
1 - HQ Stand<br />
1 - 6pdr ATG/Truck<br />
1 - 3" Mortar/Truck<br />
1 - Carrier Platoon (Rifle if Dismounted)<br />
4 - Companys (of 3 Rifle Stands)<br />
1 - MG Platoon<br />
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8th Battalion DLI (Regular) - Arrive Turn 2<br />
1 - HQ Stand<br />
1 - 6pdr ATG/Truck<br />
1 - 3" Mortar/Truck<br />
1 - Carrier Platoon<br />
4 - Companys (of 3 Rifle Stands)<br />
1 - MG Platoon<br />
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9th Battalion DLI (Regular) - Arrive Turn 3<br />
1 - HQ Stand<br />
1 - 3" Mortar/Truck<br />
4 - Companys (of 3 Rifle Stands)<br />
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124th Field Artillery (Regular) - Arrive Turn 4<br />
2 - 25pdr (deployed to rear of Crepon) - 6 Fire Missions<br />
1 - OP Team<br />
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4th/7th RDG (Regular) - Arrive Turn 3 (attach to any On-Table Battalion)<br />
2 - Sherman 75<br />
1 - Sherman Firefly<br />
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41st AT Battery (Regular) - Arrive Turn 5 (attach to any On-Table Battalion)<br />
1 - Achilles (17pdr)<br />
1 - M5 Stuart (37mm) (Recee)<br />
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<strong>GERMAN</strong><br />
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Flak Battalion (Regular) - Deploy at Villiers-le-Sec<br />
1 - 88mm Flak (no tow)<br />
2 - 20mm Flak (no tow)<br />
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Regimental HQ (Regular) - Arrive Turn 2<br />
1 - HQ Stand<br />
1st Battalion 915th Grenadiers (Regular) - Arrive Turn 2<br />
1 - HQ Stand<br />
3 - Companys (of 3 Rifle Stands)<br />
2 - HMG<br />
1 - 81mm Mortar<br />
1 - 120mm Mortar/Truck<br />
1 - 75mm Infantry Gun/Truck<br />
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2nd Battalion 915th Grenadiers (Regular) - Arrive Turn 3<br />
1 - HQ Stand<br />
3 - Companys (of 3 Rifle Stands)<br />
2 - HMG<br />
1 - 81mm Mortar<br />
1 - 120mm Mortar/Truck<br />
1 - 75mm Pak 40/Truck<br />
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352nd Artillery Regiment (Regular) OP Arrives Turn 4<br />
2 - 105mm (off-table)<br />
1 - OP Team<br />
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352nd Pioneers (Regular) - Arrive Turn 2<br />
1 - HQ Stand<br />
3 - Engineers Rifle/Flame<br />
3 - Rifle<br />
2 - HMG<br />
1 - 81mm Mortar<br />
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352nd AT Battalion (Regular) - Arrives Turn 5 (attach to any On-Table Battalion)<br />
2 - Stug 75mm<br />
1 - Marder III<br />
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<h3>
The Game</h3>
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The British 6th Battalion deployed at Crepon, with defend orders, whilst the British 8th Battalion, supported by Ant-Tank units advanced under attack orders on (their) left flank, with the intention of sweeping left onto the village of Villier-le Sec.<br />
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The 9th Battalion, with armour attached, had orders to advance on (their) right flank as far as the hedgerow, then revert to defend orders, and give support fire.<br />
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The German 1st Battalion was ordered to advance into Villier-le-Sec, whilst on the German right flank, the 2nd Battalion and the Pioneers were ordered to attack the village of Crepon.<br />
<br />
Because the respective advances were down the same flank through cornfields (they look like plough in the images, but they represent crops) they basically stumbled into each other when they are 300 yards apart - once of the nice quirks about Spearhead is that you must follow orders until you sight the enemy, which because of the crops, meant 3"...!<br />
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The resulting combats were brutal, with all German armour destroyed, as well as the British Anti-Tank units...the last stug and the achillies, both stationary, destroyed each other at the same time!<br />
Losses mounted up on the German side though, and when they had taken 50% casualties, the 915th Grenadiers broke. The Pioneers were also approaching breaking point, and the German attack was nullified.<br />
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The other British Battalion, supported by Shermans, then advanced on the German village.<br />
We called it at this point, as it was a clear British victory.<br />
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<h3>
Observations</h3>
This was a fantastic game, everything I wanted from the rules - we learned a few things as well. Bob (the German player) realised early in the game that he has misdeployed his 88, and it didn't fire a shot in the entire game as it never had line of sight. <br />
<br />
Also, because he deployed in depth (Pioneers in the front, Grenadiers to the rear) he had numerous problems making his suppport units as effective as they should have been - in Spearhead, support units can fire through their original fighting Battalions...it is an abstraction to simulate the close co-operation between battalions and their support units.<br />
<br />
Lessons learned!<br />
<br />
For my part, as British player, I got the tactics just about right - support units (HMGs, Ant-Tank guns and tanks) all working well with mortars to nullify the Germans. 6th Battalion took heavy losses, but the British had 2 Battalions remaining to win the day.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04505139087570116304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063721211581501304.post-27602120913365117352018-08-03T02:39:00.000-07:002018-08-03T02:39:30.213-07:00Chain of CommandI've been looking for a set of WW2 rules for a couple of different scales, first for my 15mm figures I am looking for something which gives a game that is approx 1:1, and secondly, I am after something for larger combined arms games using my 10mm figures, of which I have gazillions.<br />
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<br />
I am settled on going back to Battlefront WW2 for the larger games, from the Fire and Fury guys, and will write about this later in the year once I've done some rebasing, but for now, I am taking a look at Chain of Command from Too Fat Lardies.<br />
<br />
I've been reading the Chain of Command rules now for a few weeks, and what I particularly like is that the ground scale is 12" = 40 Yards, meaning 15mm is 2 yards...almost exactly the correct groundscale for 15mm figures. Box duly ticked!<br />
<br />
I put together a small game as a rules tryout, using the Patrol Scenario (number one in the rulebook).<br />
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<br />
<strong>Forces</strong><br />
<br />
Germans were:<br />
<br />
PLATOON HQ: Senior Leader with Machine Pistol<br />
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SQUADS x3: Junior Leader with Machine Pistol, 1 Panzerfaust: LMG Team: MG34, 2 Crew, 1 Rifle; Rifle Team: 6 Rifle<br />
<br />
They had 3 support points, and took an adjutant and a Panzerschreck Team (2 man crew).<br />
<br />
Russians were:<br />
<br />
PLATOON HQ: Senior Leader with Pistol<br />
<br />
SQUADS x3: Junior Leader with SMG; LMG with 2 Crew; 7 Riflemen<br />
<br />
They had 6 support points and took a T34/76.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EHHWijRMbBs/W2Qhp1MI7TI/AAAAAAAAAPU/25TBLnqtVqwIRfpyuhIYDK9WPcgu18uLACLcBGAs/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EHHWijRMbBs/W2Qhp1MI7TI/AAAAAAAAAPU/25TBLnqtVqwIRfpyuhIYDK9WPcgu18uLACLcBGAs/s640/02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q6orYeSGv1M/W2QhqbeVZmI/AAAAAAAAAPY/hPe2Wqnt60McvUlVNx3dw1apu_hO5jjrQCLcBGAs/s1600/04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q6orYeSGv1M/W2QhqbeVZmI/AAAAAAAAAPY/hPe2Wqnt60McvUlVNx3dw1apu_hO5jjrQCLcBGAs/s640/04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>The Game</strong><br />
<br />
After the patrol face, and jump off points sorted, Russians took the first go - they managed to establish a very early firebase in the woods, covering quite a wide area. The Germans were always on the back foot, and the German player missed an opportunity to establish two firebases to target the woods.<br />
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It is easy to under-estimate how much this affected the game...the German player spent the rest of the battle playing catch-up, and lost numerous troops whilst trying to do this...the one bright spot being the destroying of the Russian tank with a panzerschreck, used in ambush with a CoC Dice....it wasn't just destroyed, it actually exploded showering an adjacent rifle team with bits of metal!<br />
<br />
Eventually though, the Russian fire ground down the Germans, and that was that.<br />
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<br />
<strong>Conclusions</strong><br />
<br />
I made a couple of mistakes in the game, the main ones being forgetting the German national characteristic, which would have helped with firepower, and also that the Panzerschreck team should have been included, so more support points were available than they had.<br />
<br />
Overall though, we all enjoyed the game - historical tactics are rewarded, and unlike some games, you can't just run across an open field, or use your tanks unsupported!<br />
<br />
Very enjoyable!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04505139087570116304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063721211581501304.post-61701734480292964892018-06-18T04:53:00.002-07:002018-06-18T04:57:09.451-07:00New Project & Evolving Painting StylesI am starting a new "force" to go along with my already completed Darkest Africa figures, this time the dreaded Force Publique...'cos everyone needs a bad guy to face, even the Arab Slavers...!!!<br />
<br />
I have bought one pack each of:<br />
<ul>
<li> <a href="https://www.wargamesfoundry.com/collections/darkest-africa-belgians">https://www.wargamesfoundry.com/collections/darkest-africa-belgians</a> , plus</li>
<li><a href="https://www.wargamesfoundry.com/collections/darkest-africs-askaris/products/da097-askari-mountain-gun">https://www.wargamesfoundry.com/collections/darkest-africs-askaris/products/da097-askari-mountain-gun</a>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
I've learned a lot over the last year painting figures from the 28mm Foundry Darkest Africa range, and my painting style has been evolving slowly from a Base Coat/Dip/Highlight style I've done in the past to a blended style.<br />
<br />
I have particularly been influenced by a book from Javier Gomez (better known as El Mercenario) called "Painting Wargames Figures" - honestly, I wish I had access to this book years ago, as it has proven invaluable for working out a colour pallet. You can buy the book at:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Painting-Wargaming-Figures-Javier-Valero/dp/1848848226/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Painting-Wargaming-Figures-Javier-Valero/dp/1848848226/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr</a>= </li>
</ul>
Read more at:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://sidneyroundwood.blogspot.com/2015/10/roundwood-recommends-number-2-painting.html">http://sidneyroundwood.blogspot.com/2015/10/roundwood-recommends-number-2-painting.html</a></li>
</ul>
Anyway, as much for me to remember what i did, as for anyone else, here is my test figure for the Force Publique, with the colour combinations I used. I mix paints as a rule, and blend on the pallet as the mood takes me, rather than paint from the pot.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<strong>Colours Used</strong><br />
<br />
VMC = Vallejo Model Colour<br />
VGC = Vallejo Game Colour<br />
All percentages are approximate...I go with what looks right!<br />
<br />
<strong>Skin</strong><br />
Base Coat - 80% VMC Hull Red & 20% VMC Black<br />
1st Highlight - 80% VMC Hull Red 20% VMC Light Brown<br />
2nd Highlight - Add more VMC Light Brown for final 2nd Highlight(s)<br />
<br />
<strong>Lips</strong><br />
100% VGC Tan<br />
<br />
<strong>Blue Uniform</strong><br />
Base Coat - 80% VMC Prussian Blue & 20% VMC Black<br />
1st Highlight - 100% VMC Prussian Blue<br />
2nd Highlight - 80% VMC Prussian Blue 20% VGC Off-White<br />
<br />
<strong>Red Sash and Fez</strong><br />
Base Coat - 100% VMC Cavalry Brown<br />
1st Highlight - 50 % VMC Cavalry Brown & 50% VMC Red (947, as there are more than one red in the range)<br />
2nd Highlight - 100% VMC Red (947)<br />
<br />
<strong>Buttons</strong><br />
100% VGC Polished Gold<br />
<br />
<strong>Gun Stock</strong><br />
Base Coat - 100% VMC Hull Red<br />
1st Highlight - 50% VMC Hull Red & 50% VMC Mahogany Sand<br />
2nd Highlight - 100% VMC Mahogany Sand<br />
<br />
<strong>Gun Barrel/Bayonet</strong><br />
Base Coat - 50% VGC Gun Metal & 50% VMC Black<br />
1st Highlight - 100% VGC Gun Metal<br />
2nd Highlight - 100% VGC Chainmail Silver (just the edge of the bayonet, and fine details)<br />
<br />
<strong>Gun Barrel Bands</strong><br />
100% VGC Polished Gold<br />
<br />
<strong>Leather Scabbard and Ammo Box</strong><br />
Base Coat - 100% VMC Black<br />
1st Highlight - 80% VMC Black & 20% VMC Neutral Grey<br />
<br />
That's it for now - hope you find it useful! I will post more at a later date, including information on my basing style, which I've been asked about a few times.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04505139087570116304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063721211581501304.post-87991564698346285512018-06-05T04:39:00.001-07:002018-06-05T04:39:31.023-07:00In Darkest Africa (Homebrew Rules)So, after lots of playing around with rules for the display game I am doing at our Wargames Show, I've decided on a mix of rulesets - I am using most of the "Congo" rules and mechanisms, but am also using the activation system from Donnybrook/Sharp Practice.<br />
<br />
We've had three test games so far, and it has been very successful...photos from the latest game are at the bottom of the page, and the rule amendments used are below.<br />
<h2>
The Main Rule</h2>
Use the Congo rules as written, except as noted below (by section).<br />
<h2>
General</h2>
Increase Measuring Sticks, so instead of 4, 6 and 12 inches, they will be 6, 12 and 18 inches.<br />
<br />
Add artillery as a unit:<br />
<ul>
<li>Range is L x3</li>
<li>No. of Dice as per Figures in Unit (start with 4)</li>
<li>Dice is d8 within 1L, 1L-2L d6, 2L-3L Half d6;</li>
<li>Reload</li>
<li>Cannons have a 45 degree arc of fire (from the barrel), they need a move action to turn</li>
<li>Units targeted by cannon fire draw 2 stress tokens</li>
</ul>
Characters now have there own shoot/combat/morale dice where applicable;<br />
<br />
Unit cohesion changes to 1";<br />
<br />
Line of sight - because units now have a cohesion of 1", units have an arc of fire of 45 degrees. If units fire to their side and rear, use half dice, as if it was an obscured target.<br />
<h2>
Unit/Character Activation</h2>
Remove section, and replace with Donnybrook card activation. There will be a card for each unit/character, and they will activate on the turn of that card;<br />
<br />
Characters can join/leave units on their card; As in Donnybrook, they are simply placed 2" away from the unit and can take a turn if not already activated with the unit; They cannot leave and joing a unit in the same turn; they can be targeted if they leave a unit...so don't do it when in line of sight!!!<br />
<br />
There is no reload card (this is now an order), but there IS a Turn End card, just to add unpredictability!<br />
<br />
On the turn of your units card, it gives one action:<br />
<ul>
<li>Move</li>
<li>Fire</li>
<li>Load</li>
<li>Charge</li>
<li>Rally</li>
<li>Opportunity</li>
<li>Terror Attack (performed only by units with a character only)</li>
</ul>
Opportunity Fire - a unit may be placed on opportunity as an order, it will remain on opportunity until its next activation. It can shoot at half dice in reaction to another units movement;<br />
<h2>
Movement</h2>
As written, other than references to the Congo Card Deck<br />
<h2>
Shooting</h2>
Revised Weapon Ranges:<br />
<ul>
<li>Rifle/Jezzail Range should be L x2, i.e. 36" (d6 to hit at more than 18"; if the unit has d6 ability, then half dice);</li>
<li>Spear Range changes to S, i.e. 6"</li>
<li>Pistol Range is M, i.e. 12"</li>
<li>Others remain the same;</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Melee</h2>
As written, other than references to the Congo Card Deck.<br />
<h2>
Running Away</h2>
As written, other than references to the Congo Card Deck.<br />
<h2>
Totems</h2>
Revised Totem Cards:<br />
<ul>
<li>DICE: Add dice to any roll;<br />ACTION: Gives the unit activated an extra action;<br />STRESS: Lose a stress token;<br />MOVE: Move x units 'S';<br />STICK: Add S to any distance;<br />INITIATIVE: Cancel a units activation;</li>
</ul>
<h2>
The Game Photos</h2>
Didn't get chance to do a write up, but the game itself was played with a 120 point attacker force, and a 80 point defender force. We have played two games like this so far, and it was one win each, so is well balanced.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04505139087570116304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063721211581501304.post-6230174400521866782018-05-11T03:28:00.001-07:002018-05-11T03:44:19.303-07:00Darkest Africa: DonnybrookAnother week, another set of rules - this week it was Donnybrook, from the League of Augsburg team - <a href="http://leagueofaugsburg.blogspot.co.uk/">http://leagueofaugsburg.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
I'm looking for a set of rules (a) to use for a display game at our clubs show (<a href="http://www.durhamwargames.co.uk/show/index.htm">http://www.durhamwargames.co.uk/show/index.htm</a>), and (b) to use as a generic skirmish set that we can dip into from time to time without having to spend time re-learning a complex set of rules every time we play.<br />
<br />
I'd heard good things about Donnybrook, which seems to me to be a cross between Sharp Practice and Bolt Act action, with a mechanic that I particularly like which is the different dice sizes to match different abilities (d6, d8, d10, d12). Though it is period specific, apparently it started out life as a Darkest Africa set, and is readily amendable in true toolkit fashion!<br />
<br />
I have added some more terrain and figures to my setup this week, including some native villagers, a corral and animals, a campfire and an extra foot of table (making 5' x 3') complete with dedicated village tile.<br />
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The game itself used some amendments I'd knocked up (liberally borrowing some ideas from the Chris Peers set 'In the Heart of Africa'.<br />
<br />
<strong>The Forces</strong><br />
<br />
Natives:<br />
<br />
1 x Native Chief (Character)<br />
1 x Witchdoctor (Character)<br />
1 x Warriors (in 5s)<br />
3 x Spearmen (in 5s)<br />
1 x Musketeers (in 5s)<br />
2 x Archers (in 6s)<br />
1 x Pygmy Archers (in 6s)<br />
<br />
Explorers:<br />
<br />
1 x Explorer (Character)<br />
1 x Allied Zanzibari Sheik (Character)<br />
1 x White Men (in 3s)<br />
1 x Soldiers (in 4s)<br />
1 x Heavily Armed Askari (in 4s)<br />
2 x Askari (in 5s)<br />
2 x Allied Zanzibari Askari (in 5s)<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Unit Statistics</strong><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%;" summary="Stats"><tbody>
<tr><td><strong>Units</strong></td><td><strong>Ability</strong></td><td><strong>Shooting</strong></td><td><strong>Combat</strong></td><td><strong>Morale</strong></td><td><strong>Weapon</strong></td><td><strong>Special</strong></td></tr>
<tr><td>Native Chief</td><td>d12</td><td>d10</td><td>d12</td><td>d12</td><td>Assegai: Heavy Weapon; Shield: Parry</td><td>Reroll misses in combat</td></tr>
<tr><td>Witchdoctor</td><td>d10</td><td>d10</td><td>d10</td><td>d10</td><td>Staff: Heavy Weapon</td><td>Curse</td></tr>
<tr><td>Warriors</td><td>d8</td><td>-</td><td>d8</td><td>d8</td><td>Assegai: Heavy Weapon; Shield: Parry</td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td>Spearmen</td><td>d8</td><td>-</td><td>d8</td><td>d8</td><td>Spear: Martial; Shield: Parry</td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td>Musketeers</td><td>d6</td><td>d6</td><td>d6</td><td>d6</td><td>Old Musket: Range 16"; Reload; Misfire; Hand Weapon</td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td>Archers</td><td>d6</td><td>d6</td><td>d6</td><td>d6</td><td>Bow: Range 12"; Move and Fire</td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td>Pygmy Archers</td><td>d8</td><td>d8</td><td>d6</td><td>d8</td><td>Pygmy Bow: Range 10"; Move and Fire</td><td>Treat soft cover as hard cover</td></tr>
<tr><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Units</strong></td><td><strong>Ability</strong></td><td><strong>Shooting</strong></td><td><strong>Combat</strong></td><td><strong>Morale</strong></td><td><strong>Weapon</strong></td><td><strong>Special</strong></td></tr>
<tr><td>Henry Morton Stanley</td><td>d12</td><td>d12</td><td>d12</td><td>d12</td><td>Rifle: Range 30"; Hand Weapon</td><td>Disciplinarian</td></tr>
<tr><td>Shiek Y'Aboute</td><td>d10</td><td>-</td><td>d10</td><td>d10</td><td>Big Chopper: Heavy Weapon</td><td>Re-roll misses in combat</td></tr>
<tr><td>White men</td><td>d10</td><td>d10</td><td>d8</td><td>d10</td><td>Rifle: Range 30" OR Pistol: Range 10", Move and Fire;</td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td>Soldiers</td><td>d10</td><td>d10</td><td>d10</td><td>d10</td><td>Rifle: Range 30"; Hand Weapon</td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td>Askari</td><td>d8</td><td>d8</td><td>d8</td><td>d8</td><td>Musket: Range 24"; Reload, Hand Weapon</td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td>Heavily Armed Askari</td><td>d8</td><td>d8</td><td>d8</td><td>d8</td><td>Rifle: Range 30"; Hand Weapon</td><td> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I decide to drop some of the dice a grade, to reflect some of the ideas I had about ability. The differences between Warriors and Spearmen in the native faction are there to reflect different styles of fighting...something I may tweak in future. Also, because the muskets were mainly modern, I judged that Misfire wouldn't be appropriate. We kept it for the poorly maintained native musketeers though, and reduced their range accordingly.<br />
<br />
I made up a set of cards using a double-sided colour printer, and some Ultra Pro Regular Toploaders (set of 25) which were excellent for the purpose.<br />
<br />
<strong>The Scenario</strong><br />
<br />
The scenario was essentially a rules learning exercise.<br />
<br />
The explorers were looking for safe passage for their caravan, and a group of Zanzibar Merchants had offered to show them the way.....of course, the Zanzibar player had a side mission, in that they were really slavers, and had to capture some of the villagers.<br />
<br />
The natives were aware of the slavers presence, and simply had to defend their village.<br />
<br />
<strong>The Game</strong><br />
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The natives deployed across a broad front, archers on the wings, with pygmy archers in ambush.</div>
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The Explorers and their Zanzibar allies entered the table in line, just in case their was trouble!</div>
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Stanley, and the group of white men (2 x pistols & 1 x rifle) accompanied the booty!</div>
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This is where the rules came as a bit of a surprise to one of the players - he had expected to get a shot off with his elite soldiers, but the random unit activation meant the natives were on him (they can really get a lick on, moving 12" - 6" move, and a further 6" in their charge phase)...three kills on contact (units charging fight first, a la Games Workshop/Bolt Action etc. Combat is simultaneous in future turns) before any response could be made, and the soldiers immediately routed...!</div>
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Progress for the natives wasn't as good on the other flank, and ta unit found itself surrounded by Zanzibaris.</div>
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Meanwhile, the supporting archers advanced into terrain, using their "move and shoot" ability to good effect.</div>
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On the other flank, the Zanzibari Sheik saw off all comers...</div>
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The villagers were oblivious to their impending peril!</div>
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The Sheik was finally cut down by the Warriors...specifically designed as character killers, with their heavy weapons.</div>
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The Pygmys sprung their ambush, advancing to shoot Stanley and the white men...</div>
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...and cutting down the white men with their fire!</div>
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Stanley faced the charge, as the Pygmys moved in for the kill!</div>
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The booty tried to get out of the way, not seeing the Witchdoctor in the forest...!</div>
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Meanwhile, Stanley beat off the pygmy attack...</div>
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The pygmys got their revenge by shooting Stanley down....he died peppered with arrows!</div>
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The Warriors, having cut their way through everything in front of them, killed the last remaining askari...</div>
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...and the booty was theirs...!!!</div>
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<strong>Conclusion</strong></div>
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An excellent game overall, Donnybrook is fast, furious and exciting...like any character based game, you get out of it what you put into it. I thought that the Explorers firepower would give them an edge, but by failing to form a decent fire line, and allowing the natives to get into combat, they blew their advantage. It was brutal...!</div>
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Definitely a game we will play again!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04505139087570116304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063721211581501304.post-77357559018169464312018-05-04T04:27:00.000-07:002018-05-04T04:49:20.420-07:00Darkest Africa: Smooth and RifledIt's been a while since I posted...however, the truth is I have been pumping all of my time into making terrain and painting figures...so far I've completed:<br />
<ul>
<li>around 150 figures, all from the Foundry range</li>
<li>4' x 3' of terrain tiles, using the <a href="http://wargamesbuildings.co.uk/epages/950003459.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/950003459/Categories/TerraFormers">Sally 4th Terraformers</a> range</li>
<li>loads of trees, all made using woodland scenic sprues and materials, together with some <a href="http://www.gamersgrass.com/">Gamers Grass </a>from the Portuguese based company</li>
<li>some native huts, all from <a href="https://www.grandmanner.co.uk/">Grand Manner</a></li>
</ul>
There are a few things I still need to do over the coming weeks:<br />
<ul>
<li>More terrain tiles (including a stream and a village base</li>
<li>native villager figures (these are done, I just need to base them!</li>
<li>domestic and wild animals</li>
<li>bric-a-brac....crates of food etc</li>
<li>oh....then there is a Force Publique army to paint up!!!</li>
</ul>
So I guess it is about time to start showing off some of the work, today using a set of rules called Smooth and Rifled, published by <a href="http://www.dadiepiombo.it/english.html">Dadi and Piombo</a>, and available on <a href="http://www.wargamesvault.com/">Wargames Vault</a> as a PDF.<br />
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There are also numerous period specific supplements all available for free on the <a href="http://smooth-and-rifled.blogspot.co.uk/">S&R Blog</a>.<br />
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The scenario was a simple one, as follows:<br />
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<strong>Scenario</strong><br />
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The Explorers have made a friendly alliance with a Native Village, and are enjoying their hospitality. The Zanzibaris are aware of their presence and wish to capture their supplies.<br />
<strong>Deployment</strong><br />
The Natives/Explorers must deploy within the central 2 squares of the 4’ x 3’ board.<br />
The Zanzibaris move on table from any table edge (and a minimum of two table edges)<br />
<strong>Victory</strong><br />
The Zanzibaris win by capturing the 4 x Bearers from the Explorer force. To capture, a figure must move into contact with the bearer, and lead him away. To lead him, he can only make 1 move per turn. 3 bearers captured means victory, any other result is a defeat.<br />
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<strong>The Table</strong><br />
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<strong>The Forces</strong><br />
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Zanzibar Force 1<br />
AV=2/2/3; C=4; Impetus, Fast Mob<br />
1 Leader, (Officer) small shield and sword, 24 pts<br />
1 Leader, small shield and sword, 19 pts<br />
5 Warriors, small shield and sword, Veteran, 5 x 17 pts = 85 pts<br />
4 Marksmen, small shield and sword, Arquebus (16/3), Marksman, Veteran 4 x 24 Points = 96 pts <br />
224 Points<br />
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Zanzibar Force 2<br />
AV=2/2/3; C=4;<br />
1 NCO (leader), muzzleloading rifle (30/2), sabre, 25 pts<br />
6 Askari, muzzleloading rifle (30/2), 6 x 18 pts = 108 Points<br />
10 Rugga-Rugga/Musketeers, muzzleloading musket (30/2), No Group Fire, 10 x 13 pts = 130 pts<br />
263 Points<br />
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Zanzibar Force 3<br />
AV=2/2/3; C=4;<br />
1 NCO (leader), muzzleloading rifle (30/2), sabre, 25 pts<br />
6 Askari, muzzleloading rifle (30/2), 6 x 18 pts = 108 Points<br />
10 Rugga-Rugga/Musketeers, muzzleloading musket (30/2), No Group Fire, 10 x 13 pts = 130 pts<br />
263 Points<br />
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Explorer Force<br />
AV=1/2/3; C=4<br />
1 Chief Explorer (officer-leader) with Breech-loading Rifle (30/1), 32 Points<br />
1 Second in chief (leader), muzzleloading rifle (30/2), 22 pts<br />
4 White Men, muzzleloading rifle (30/2), 4 x 18 pts = 72 points<br />
1 Civilian, Revolver (10/0), 11 points (C=3)<br />
7 Askari, muzzleloading loading rifle (30/2) 7 x 18 pts = 126 Points<br />
4 Porters, 4 x -3 points = -12 points (Group Move Only with Leader/White Man)<br />
Total = 243 Points<br />
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Native Force<br />
AV=2/2/3; C=4; Ferocious, Terrain, Skirmishers<br />
1 Leader (Leader/Officer), musket (20/2) 30 points<br />
1 Young Leader (Spear/Shield) 22 Points<br />
1 Witchdoctor (Standard Bearer / Musician), Curse (10/0), 24 Points<br />
5 Warriors (Spear/Shield), 5 x 17 Points = 85 Points<br />
6 Archers, Bow (16/0), 6 x 19 Points = 114 Points<br />
Total = 271 Points<br />
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<strong>The Game</strong><br />
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The game itself was an interesting affair, as we were learning, we decided not to use the morale rules....we would just finish when things looked bleak for one side!<br />
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The three Zanzibar commands entered the table on three sides, whilst the Explorers/Natives defended the village forming a perimeter round the Bearers.<br />
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Command inertia stifled the Zanzibar attack somewhat, but they were able to fire and reload from the treeline slowly picking off their opponents...however, a quicker re-loading time helped the defending shooters, and damage was done.<br />
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The Baluchi mercenaries charged home, and caught a few stragglers, however, they were shot down when stranded in no-mans land.<br />
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Eventually the Zanzibar Leader was shot down, and it was game over....but it was a close run thing!!!<br />
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<strong>Thoughts</strong><br />
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On re-reading the rules post-game, I noted that We did do a fair few things wrong which we will correct for next time, however, the main error was in army list construction...it is clear that Officers as well as NCOs are needed to move the game along with group moves...the Zanzibar players suffered from this, 2 of their commands only having an NCO;<br />
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I also need to include the Superior Leader for a game as big as we did, to add the extra initiative where needed....this would also have helped;<br />
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I do think movement/range is too short, 12cm isn't a lot on a big table for movement...I would work in 1/2" increments rather than cm in future i think and will make measuring sticks up accordingly;<br />
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Evades are a bit odd, as it doesn't seem possible to catch evaders...unless I am mistaken (we forgot about the tests to stand as well for the natives who were Skirmishers, but Furious);<br />
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<strong>Conclusion</strong><br />
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Excellent game all round though, with lots of promise...I have always enjoyed PiP based games (which is why I play ADLG regularly) and my regular gaming group enjoyed it too (there were 5 of us). We'll give it another go next week.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04505139087570116304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063721211581501304.post-87536560224276449582017-08-25T03:15:00.002-07:002017-08-25T03:15:40.342-07:00Legends of the Old WestA brief report today, mainly because I forgot my camera, so had to resort to the old iPad...!<br />
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We've been playing about with scenario-based 'Legends of the Old West' games, mainly so I could make sure I was happy that the system was suitable for large multi-player games at the club, and would be easy enough for new players to pick up.<br />
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I intend to write it up as a generic skirmish system, lifting elements from the 4 Legends of the Old West books, together with Legends of the High Seas, and also the Lord of the Rings: Strategy Battle Game set upon which LotOW was based. Once written, I will just produce army/weapons lists for whatever floats my boat (i.e. whatever I fancy painting!) - on the list at the moment will be more Darkest Africa, Border Reivers, Pirates and Indian Mutiny.<br />
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Anyhoo, to get people used to the rules, we've gone back to smaller 1-on-1 tournament style games for a few weeks. There were 4 of us (myself, Steve, Bob and Dave) - so we each played two games, the second game being the two winners and 2 losers of the first.<br />
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I was using a Lawman posse...<br />
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First game I played Bob - Bob gave himself a good defensive position, but given that most of his Cowboys had six-guns, and I had armed mine with Heavy Pistols, I out ranged him...so just sat outside of six-gun range and picked him off until he had to come out into the open.<br />
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I took down all bar his Leader, for the loss of just 2 figures...<br />
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We did get a couple of rules wrong (relating to the use of Fame and Fortune) which may or may not have made a difference, but as it was a learning exercise, it didn't really matter.<br />
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Second game, I played Steve (he beat Dave in his first game). This was a little more cagey as we manoeuvred for position...Steve had 3 troopers (from a Texas Ranger Posse) with rifles/muskets, and up close, all his figures were using knifes - something I hadn't thought of - so had the edge in close combat.<br />
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However, as he approached and stole initiative, he rather astonishingly missed everything in front of him....you know that scene in Pulp Fiction....well that was me, looking around as the hail of bullets whirled around...!<br />
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So pulling out our Heavy Pistols we took him down.<br />
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On My other flank, Steve was having more success as he had made it into close combat and started taking me down. A lucky shot caused a Head for the Hills test, and against all the odds, he failed it...so victory was mine, rather luckily I think, because had he hung around I was surely toast...!<br />
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Excellent set of games, enjoyed by all!<br />
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Observations: my initial concern was that close combat is a tad too random, and though I may still look at this, Steve proved that there is an edge to be found...and it does make a difference, so I will give it some thought.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04505139087570116304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063721211581501304.post-25843616013052859372017-08-18T03:43:00.000-07:002017-08-18T03:43:21.860-07:00More Darkest AfricaMore Darkest Africa goodness last night, using our adapted version of Legends of the Old West rules. We used a variation on the 'Avert the Massacre' scenario from 'Blood on the Plains'.<br />
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Native and Zanzibar figures are mine, British figures belong to Steve Hardy. The Native Village is an old Games Workshop piece from years ago....an Orc Village, but it looks entirely suitable for this!!!<br />
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<em>The British Surveying Party have been repeatedly attacked by natives in the area, and are determined to end it once and for all by burning the native village to the ground. The natives, however, have anticipated this attack and have sent word (and payment) to a force of Zanzibar Mercenaries who are on their way…</em><br />
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As usual, it is an ImagiNation scenario, so not really rooted in reality...!!!<br />
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The British aggressors, and the African Natives deploy on table, the Zanzibar Mercenaries are diced for individually every turn, so come on in dribs and drabs.<br />
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The attacker must set fire to all the native village buildings, or force the defenders to head for the hills in order to win. The defenders must prevent this from happening by making the attackers head for the hills.<br />
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The natives deploy to repel the British invaders...</div>
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The British line up....camel corps on their left flank...</div>
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The natives manouver into position....</div>
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The British advance...</div>
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The Zanzibar mercenaries arrive....will they help, or will they just enslave the survivors...</div>
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Native casualties are heavy...</div>
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...but they manage to get close to the British positions...</div>
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The camel corps find themselves surrounded, and are almost wiped out...</div>
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...as the Mercenaries redeploy...</div>
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The British start taking casualties</div>
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...as the natives hold their position!</div>
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Meanwhile, the native King is attacked by the last surviving member of the Camel Corps</div>
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Casualties on both sides are heavy, and they both break in the same turn....a well fought draw, but the Natives survive to fight another day....if they are not enslaved first......!</div>
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Another excellent game - the rules proving they are highly suitable to this sort of small to medium scale skirmish game. We had 1000 points per side, and the game was very well balanced.</div>
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Next week, back to the Old West........</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04505139087570116304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063721211581501304.post-66791117979104620292017-08-11T02:28:00.001-07:002017-08-11T02:28:20.446-07:00Darkest Africa - First GameWell, I've been painting up Darkest Africa figures as you know - I haven't got round to photographing each unit as yet, but will get to it soon. Tonight, we put on our first game at the club - I provided the Zanzibar Slavers, and my good friend Steve provided the British regulars.<br />
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For rules, we decided to use a variation of Legends of the Old West - now sadly out of print, though still the best game Warhammer Historical every produced...it is easy to play and suited to multi-player games.<br />
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I've been working on adapting it (using elements of the 4 LotOW books, Legends of the High Seas & the Lord of the Rings set which the system is based on).<br />
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We used the Dawn Attack scenario, from the Blood on the Plains book, and set the terrain up as can be seen below.<br />
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British set up is shown below, everyone was sleeping on the roofs, except for two sentries and the camels as the forces of Zanzibar approached to steal supplies.....!</div>
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Disaster strikes for the Zanzibar force as they were spotted in the very first turn, and the alarm raised.</div>
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The Zanzibar men suffered heavy casualties from the British repeating rifles...all high skilled troops, hitting on a 4+....!</div>
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The camel riders got to their mounts to try to protect the entrance to the town and ride down iscolated enemy troops...</div>
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The natives finally started to cause some damage, killing a number of British and reaching the walls...</div>
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The camel riders sped quickly towards where the breach was happening to support their foot troops, but were driven off by heavy bow and musket fire...</div>
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...as the fanatics finally breached the walls...!</div>
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But it was all too late, as the Emir of Zanzibar watched on, more of his troops died, and the remainder slunk back into the undergrowth...</div>
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An excellent game over all, very encouraging rules wise - everyone playing picked it up very quickly, and fun was had by all.</div>
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I will certainly be pressing on with my rules adaption, writing "proper" army lists up for the Dark Continent, and painting more figures...!!!</div>
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A brief report, but I'm off to Britcon in an hour or so......</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04505139087570116304noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063721211581501304.post-17774307174424346862017-08-09T08:22:00.000-07:002017-08-09T08:31:35.608-07:00Guilford Courthouse Project - Part 1I've been working on forces for Guilford Courthouse in 6mm (<a href="http://www.baccus6mm.com/">Baccus Miniatures</a>) for a few years now on and off - it kept stumbling because I have been unable to find a set of rules I was happy with that suited my basing. Black Powder just doesn't do it for me, and I've also tried Patriots and Loyalists, Volley and Bayonet, Principles of War and many others! I had pretty much settled on Principles of War until I picked up the new Polemos: RDG which I like very much.<br />
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Now cards on the table here, we played the Franco Prussian version when it first came out and I really didn't like it...it felt, to me at least, as though there were some great mechanisms (I like tempo in particular) but it felt very clunky, and too much like hard work....however, I always felt there was a decent game waiting to get out...so step up RDG!<br />
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Anyhow, I have worked out my army lists at 1 Infantry Stand = 100 Men; 1 Cavalry Stand = 50 Men & 1 Artillery Stand = 2 Guns.<br />
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So here goes:<br />
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<strong>British Army</strong><br />
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Lt. Gen. Charles, 2nd Earl Cornwallis<br />
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<strong>Webster’s Brigade (Lt. Col. James Webster):</strong><br />
23rd Foot (3 Bases)<br />
33rd Foot (3 Bases)<br />
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<strong>Leslie’s Brigade (Major General Alexander Leslie):</strong><br />
2nd Battalion, 71st Foot (3 Bases)<br />
Von Bose Regiment (4 Bases)<br />
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<strong>The Brigade of Guards (Brigadier General Charles O’Hara):</strong><br />
1st Battalion (2 Bases)<br />
2nd Battalion (2 Bases)<br />
Guard Grendier Company (1 Base)<br />
Guards Light Infantry Company (1 Base)<br />
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<strong>Auxiliary Troops</strong><br />
British Legion: Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton (5 x Legion Cavalry; 1 x 17th Light Dragoons)<br />
Jaeger Company: Cpt. Wilhelm von Roeder (1 Base)<br />
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<strong>Royal Artillery:</strong> <br />
1st section – 2 6lb field guns (1 Base)<br />
2nd Section – 2 6lb field guns (1 Base)<br />
3rd section – 2 3lb field guns (1 Base)<br />
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Now for the Pictures:<br />
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<strong>WEBSTER'S BRIGADE</strong><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvAQtUVpWR4/WYsm0PzVYaI/AAAAAAAAAEA/-1qqi4V5Z0EmXr1I3Ui0AL9Vfhq5HLBggCLcBGAs/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="800" height="75" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvAQtUVpWR4/WYsm0PzVYaI/AAAAAAAAAEA/-1qqi4V5Z0EmXr1I3Ui0AL9Vfhq5HLBggCLcBGAs/s320/01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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23rd Foot:<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTNJ-WHUGys/WYsm67czn5I/AAAAAAAAAEE/N9LvxoqAcdICSnUHpJ00tAIcY8leEGm3ACLcBGAs/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="800" height="113" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTNJ-WHUGys/WYsm67czn5I/AAAAAAAAAEE/N9LvxoqAcdICSnUHpJ00tAIcY8leEGm3ACLcBGAs/s320/02.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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33rd Foot:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ma8fTfxYKM/WYsnJwqDixI/AAAAAAAAAEI/92EJzBFl7ekfgc3seJnr4HX8OtZo92i8QCLcBGAs/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="212" data-original-width="800" height="84" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ma8fTfxYKM/WYsnJwqDixI/AAAAAAAAAEI/92EJzBFl7ekfgc3seJnr4HX8OtZo92i8QCLcBGAs/s320/03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>LESLIE'S BRIGADE</strong><br />
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2nd Battalion, 71st Foot:<br />
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Technically these should be wearing trousers, rather than kilts!</div>
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Von Bose Regiment:</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFmwxa7qOGM/WYsnpp4B9bI/AAAAAAAAAEU/GtaVKAIEWJgF4cSf06fPgiohj3ubxPX2wCLcBGAs/s1600/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="800" height="75" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFmwxa7qOGM/WYsnpp4B9bI/AAAAAAAAAEU/GtaVKAIEWJgF4cSf06fPgiohj3ubxPX2wCLcBGAs/s320/06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Hessians tended to have a standard per company, hence the way I've done it...I need to replace the flags, as these are not correct....just filler until i found an accurate flag!<br />
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<strong>O'HARA'S BRIGADE</strong><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5pmdn2IusSg/WYsn2x0f6kI/AAAAAAAAAEY/mSKxax2iVCAT9bntbQ7jrCJ4JPXkiHWxACLcBGAs/s1600/07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="237" data-original-width="800" height="94" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5pmdn2IusSg/WYsn2x0f6kI/AAAAAAAAAEY/mSKxax2iVCAT9bntbQ7jrCJ4JPXkiHWxACLcBGAs/s320/07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Guards Battalion:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXLdSWzUc28/WYsn_WYFESI/AAAAAAAAAEc/Du7rALnFKFwwfWx9GEHY1UEplb29UujrwCLcBGAs/s1600/08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="800" height="129" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXLdSWzUc28/WYsn_WYFESI/AAAAAAAAAEc/Du7rALnFKFwwfWx9GEHY1UEplb29UujrwCLcBGAs/s320/08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Guards did not carry standards in the colonies, so neither do mine!<br />
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Grenadiers and Light Foot:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cx9HyM-rrZk/WYsn_Xojs1I/AAAAAAAAAEk/atRAKt1IdHIBW_YJq17jio_JyDP0vGTOQCEwYBhgL/s1600/09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="800" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cx9HyM-rrZk/WYsn_Xojs1I/AAAAAAAAAEk/atRAKt1IdHIBW_YJq17jio_JyDP0vGTOQCEwYBhgL/s320/09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>AUXILLIARY TROOPS:</strong><br />
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Hessian Jagaers:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-GWkNGCKE8/WYsn_gMmWHI/AAAAAAAAAEo/g7DuNLQetXUgQgZYwwAG96SroeS90vdFwCEwYBhgL/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="800" height="174" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-GWkNGCKE8/WYsn_gMmWHI/AAAAAAAAAEo/g7DuNLQetXUgQgZYwwAG96SroeS90vdFwCEwYBhgL/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tarleton's Legion:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTqEiEgtFaQ/WYsn_-f_odI/AAAAAAAAAEs/wX4toF0BB88eqTTc_8N48abV-FvCvlzBQCEwYBhgL/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="800" height="69" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTqEiEgtFaQ/WYsn_-f_odI/AAAAAAAAAEs/wX4toF0BB88eqTTc_8N48abV-FvCvlzBQCEwYBhgL/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1wmp0pyRZA/WYsoAKhAxZI/AAAAAAAAAEw/DRpyhLSsxIgXfbBJR9SDbb0vTFCfN2XTACEwYBhgL/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="800" height="132" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1wmp0pyRZA/WYsoAKhAxZI/AAAAAAAAAEw/DRpyhLSsxIgXfbBJR9SDbb0vTFCfN2XTACEwYBhgL/s320/12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I chose 6 figures per base rather than 9, as I think of them as Light Cavalry, so prefer a bit more "space" on the bases.<br />
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That's it - I still need to paint up figures for the 17th Light Dragoons (only 1 Stand) and a Command figure for Tarleton himself...<br />
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The Continentals need about 8 stands doing and I am finished, so I will post pictures for these later...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04505139087570116304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063721211581501304.post-15216901500378459162017-08-07T02:28:00.003-07:002017-08-07T06:19:11.400-07:00Darkest AfricaRecently, I've been painting up figures for a Darkest Africa project - figures are from Wargames Foundry, and are the "Congo" packs to go with the rules of the same name.<br />
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Though I do intend to play Congo, it doesn't seem to me to be suitable for a multi-player club game, because it is "card" based...there are elements of a board game in the way it is structured. I'll probably end up using a variation of either Donnybrook or Legends of the Old West for club games, and Congo for 1-on-1.<br />
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Anyhoo, first unit finished....Young African Warriors!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FXXIsChIO0/WYgyuQjCSVI/AAAAAAAAADg/1MG1RYjXgKUdLXbW8My96LNSWMWz4NKCwCLcBGAs/s1600/Congo01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1200" height="161" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FXXIsChIO0/WYgyuQjCSVI/AAAAAAAAADg/1MG1RYjXgKUdLXbW8My96LNSWMWz4NKCwCLcBGAs/s320/Congo01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04505139087570116304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2063721211581501304.post-21202667741147564722017-08-03T09:59:00.000-07:002017-08-09T07:59:09.020-07:00Border Reivers!I'm about to make a start on a gaming project set in the period of the Border Reivers....small scale skirmish, maybe about 30 figures per side. I've picked up some excellent figures from Hoka Hey (<a href="https://www.timelineminiatures.co.uk/">https://www.timelineminiatures.co.uk/)</a>, together with some of their buildings...well let's be honest...all of their buildings...!!!<br />
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I will post some updates as and when I get the figures on the table (I am currently painting figures for a Darkest Africa project), but in the meantime I took the opportunity to do some research in the wilds of Northumberland with a visit to Black Middens Bastle House, an English Heritage site - see <a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/black-middens-bastle-house/">http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/black-middens-bastle-house/</a> for further information.<br />
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Anyhoo, here are some pictures I took of the site:<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04505139087570116304noreply@blogger.com0English Heritage, Black Middens Bastle House, Bellingham NE48 1NE, United Kingdom55.20365 -2.357979000000000329.681615500000003 -43.666573 80.7256845 38.950615