Simply Magnificent!

Not Just Old School Wargaming has the most magnificent After Action Report from the 1:3 (yes you read that right 1 to 3) scale game that was run for the 200th anniversary of Waterloo.

The full AAR has even more photos and links to the rules system that the lads used to run the game.

Here are a few eye candy samples:

Going to a show or convention with purpose

not just random happenstance

So a few weeks ago I asked, "What is the purpose for attending the games show, demonstration games?"  From the hobbyist standpoint.

Now I shall reveal some of my own thoughts and observations on the matter.

Going to a show with no plan to at least play in one particular game is asking the event to find you something in serendipity.  While this can be fun and I certainly have done this in the past, I could not recommend this now, for I have to ration the time and resources (especially funds) that I put towards these events.

That means that I shall go with a particular purpose in mind.

The principle reason for going to a show for me is to get into or host a game that I cannot be part of in any way at home.  If I could run the same game at my kitchen table or friend's basement I just do not see the reason to waste the time and effort of moving out all the minis and terrain and other bits and bobs when I could just as easily pick up the phone and have the game on in 20 minutes or less at home.

This means that the game(s) typically are larger in number of players or deeper into a subject battle or campaign era than I could normally do at home.  This most often involves more players than I can comfortably host at the home or friend's table(s).

For a while this meant that I really was not much motivated at all to go to shows since Jeff had an awesome setup where four to six players could easily take part, indeed we often did from 2008-12.

For my own part, in the past, I can recall really great games hosted by Kelly Jones at Salute and at Dak-Kon - a massive 1813 Hanau battle with 7 players on a 16'x9' table and so many Pirate and ole west town battles that the gun-smoke could hardly clear before the next 8 players were at the table ready to go again.

Hundred Days Map that players will have

Now I plan to run a Hundred Days Campaign over a Friday night and all day Saturday at this year's Salute, I have the minis prepared and a strategic map in 4'x6' full color ready to take on two tables in this year's event.  My aim is to both have the 3+ players AND go deep into the subject matter with a strategic part and a tactical element to test mind and body of the players.

I plan to have skirmish battles on Friday, when the kibitzing and talking tend to have higher priority then roll into larger tabletop actions on Saturday when the players tend to want more serious action.

May your next game have a full slate of players!  Game on!

Warr Without An Enemie - pickup game

There came the occasion to present the English Civil War to a new player via the Warr Without An Enemie rules set.

So I pulled out the rule-book about 30 minutes before he would arrive and rolled up the two forces, we then diced using the tabletop generation system from SHAKO for the European continent.

This set up a few woods, hills and a towne to conflict for and about.

As this was a pickup game and a first for my opponent, I let him choose the side he wanted and took on the other, as it turns out I ended up commanding Royalists.

battlefield layout, Royalists to the left and Parliament to the right

Parliamentary lines

Royalists at the ready (yes I know most of my troops are actually Parliamentary save for the Welsh at the moment)

So we had at it.

I learned that dragoons well situated in a collection of buildings are very nearly impregnable as only another troop of dragoons are the only ones that could really break them up.

In the early going the Parliament sought to run a column of pike and shotte into the town, which were promptly cut to ribbons.

Lines in turn 2

sakers were loud on both sides

though mostly they were much ado about nothing

A couple of turns later the Parliament had decided to press with horse.

by turn 4 there was a horse tangle-brawl brewing

while in the town the dragoons were hard at it

the Royalist foote were holding, waiting for the right moment to move forward

the horse were bouncing each other back and forth ...

My opponent needed to depart on a work call so the game had to be called.

There was much interest in the subject matter and the models and we may have found the right sort of scale of action for my opponent's interest.  He has stated he wants to do another game, soon.

Alpian Wars returns to Library

The game was actually played in February, however work and family needs have kept me from posting much about this game.

Knights Charge in deck 5

The Victory Without Quarter rules set was again used, and why not since the deck is well prepared to run the fun with this whimsy game.

The colorful miniatures painted by the late Jeff Hudelson were out on full display and straining action.

Once again it was Vile Stagonia vs. Noble Alpia.

Sadly Alpia did not send out their best commanders, they had an average CiC, with a buffoon and elite wing commanders.  While only average commanders were on the field for Stagonia.

Deck two and the troops just get into motion.

By deck 3 there were more close contacts.

Vile Stagonian Knights were truly vile in victory over many foote formations.

By deck 7 there were fewer troops on both sides, though Stagonia held the advantage.

In deck 10 there was a moment of hope for Alpia, then it was dashed when the buffoon commander decided to retire from the battle.

Vile Stagonian foote then delivered the crushing blow to the disordered remnants of the Alpian army.

Vile Stagonian horsemen did hit hard, yet their casualties were too high and they ended up withdrawing from the field.

Vile Stagonian foote won this day with a crash from their firelocks.

Again Vile Stagonia was triumphant!

Convention / Show Purpose and/or efforts?

Questions for you dear reader.

What purpose to you see in the 'playable' games at the games conventions or shows?

Why do you attend these conventions or shows?

Why do you put on the game demonstration (not the static or non-participatory games) at these conventions or shows?

Clearly for those who operate a store or game shop there is a method to the putting on of a game demonstration = to expose more folks to your product line(s).

I am asking for the hobby enthusiast.

Why?

I plan to give my own views in a week or so as I mull over my own proposed demonstration game(s).

Give your answers, as detailed as you like in the comments section, thank you.

Skirmish Series - Anglo-Dutch vs French: Campaign of Hundred Days

As part of the ongoing Campaign of Hundred Days there was a skirmish series called for, to both position the 'front line' at midnight on 15th June 1815 (fictional) and gather important data about enemy troop movements and formations.

This time it was the Brigades of Merlen and Grant that were facing off against de Hubert.


Game 1: Anglo-Dutch WIN
Game 2: Anglo-Dutch WIN
Game 3: French WIN
Game 4: Anglo-Dutch WIN

Leading  3-1 the Anglo-Dutch appeared to be on their way to an epic victory...

Game 5 crushing moment

 The French moved en-mass to quickly eliminate the Anglo 15th Hussars in Game 5, it was all over by turn 2 (very rare).

Game 5: French WIN

Undaunted and still only needing one more victory the Anglo-Dutch kept at their harrowing of the French in Game 6.  This time the battles lasted longer ...

Stand out moment in Game 6 as the 5th Belgian Light Dragoons shatter a formation of the 1st Chasseurs

 The effort was great and lasted till turn 4 (more normal) and yet still the French managed to keep the field!

Game 6: French WIN

 A titanic struggle was now in the offering as the Anglo-Dutch skirmish cavalry was being pushed back further and further towards their own hastily forming lines.  A final skirmish was fought out in the twilight of the 15th of June.

Once again it was the 5th Belgian Light Dragoons that were overcoming the better drilled veteran French 1st Chasseurs

 The battle devolved down to the detachment commanders facing off against each other and it took till turn eight (8) to finally end the match, the better skilled French Veteran finally prevailed over the brave and determined Belgians.

Game 7: French WIN

Final score French 4  :: Anglo-Dutch 3 

Now the French will learn more of what is going on in the Anglo-Dutch lines of battle as night descends on the Belgian countryside. 

REBELLION - Board Game

I had the occasion to want to see, handle and possibly use the pieces; particularly the space ships, from the new REBELLION board game.  In seeking access to the pieces I found that it was cheaper to order the full game than to just get a sample of the pieces.

Once the game arrived I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the total product.

I then resolved to play out a few games and see what potential the system had.

This Thursday we had a bring and play day at our library games space, so I announced to one and all that the game would be out and they could have access for a busy four player game.

the board fully laid out takes up the better part of a 3x6 table

control cards and simple logos make the game fast to learn and play

card driven mechanics allow for a cinematic experience while the map forces some physical reality onto the game players

the models include 'under construction' death star and all the big Rebel and Imperial ships

this game featured a destruction of the Rebel base and an Empire victory!

game mechanics include such things as taking Rebels prisoner

A fun game to play and because of the card mechanics and flexibility of the system no two games will ever really play out the same way.

Rise of Rome - DBA demo games

This past Wednesday was an opportunity to share my 15mm ancients collection with full terrain and put on a six army show.

Legion Italica

I had resolved that were my 15mm minis not put into action this year that my need for them had gone and it was time to move them onto a new, more active owner.

Thus it became imperative after I discovered that there was at least one other game player that was interested in the period and wanted to learn the DBA game system.

So for our first of three 'holiday bring and play' game days I was able to put on a show of this Rise of Rome game system.

campaign map, as seen at start of Spring year 1

six full armies ready for action

I managed to have six active players that threw themselves into the concept of the era and slammed into battle at ROME twice in the Spring move!

The main battle featured a potential five players with armies or contingents, only four managed to get onto the field of battle yet the tension was measurable.

There was at least enough interest to keep the15mm set intact and to potentially see it in action again.

Hundred Days Campaign Battle of Ath

The Campaign of the Hundred Days has begun last month, with a set of moves on the morning of 15 June 1815 (fictional).  Players in the 'map campaign' are spread from Australia to UK and North America.  We actually had one of the active players commanding in person as Ney!

This battle came in the afternoon of 15 June 1815 (fictional) and features Grouchy commanding a French Corps at the Belgian town of Ath.

French Marshal Grouchy at Ath

Outnumbered in foot and artillery by 1.5:1 while having a Cavalry advantage to put up against the French, Baron Chasse was going to have to hold the river crossing for at least six hours before more Dutch-Belgian troops or Anglo-Dutch Allied troops could arrive.

Belgian Baron Chasse at Ath

The Belgians had been pushed back earlier in the day from Leuze, and now Baron Chasse had determined that this river crossing at Ath would be the first stand off point to halt the French attack towards Brussels.

table at layout point of 14h00

The Belgian commander further directed that the retreating light cavalry of Ghingy would stand on the west side of the river to the north, while more light cavalry of Hannoverian commander Estorff would screen the road that the IV French Army Corps would be advancing on.

Dutch-Belgian forces deployed

The foot division would be arrayed on as wide a front as possible along the river near the town, while Dutch Carabinier Squadrons of Trip van Zoudtlandt were moved from the south east to the north flank of the town.

Infantry along the river, with Chasse and Trip behind

Bridge at Ath defended in force

Upon seeing the defenses Marshal Grouchy directed that the French 7th Light Cavalry were to take up massing on the French left, while the two artillery armed Divisions were to line up facing the Dutch, while the foot only Division took up position as a Corps reserve.

massed batteries of the Corps and 12th Division

Vichery's 13th Division was in open order on the French right, ordered to ready for the expected cavalry charge(s)

The table at the start, with all the troops neatly arranged

Within the first 1/2 hour artillery of the French had wreaked havoc on the Hanoverian and Dutch Light horse.

Hanoverian Hussars (seen to the left of the river on the right foreground) are scattered and disrupted from artillery and failed charges into French squares (seen on the left foreground)

French artillery were deadly accurate in early action

Dutch light horse make forlorne hope charges into French horse and foot

a Dutch battery of light guns was over-run by French Dragoons

Baron Chasse and the Dutch Carabinieers

a small hillock was in front of 12th Division, here we see where the Dutch horse was delayed by Voltiguers while Dragoons prepare to assault the light horsemen

Dutch horse artillery fired with some effect early on

Hanoverian horse were looking in terrible shape from the early bombardment

Then suddenly the French artillery 'luck' vanished ... where there was an opportunity to obliterate the Hanoverians, not a single gun hit.  Where the Dutch light horse could have been forced off the battlefield by artillery alone, again not a single hit.

While the Dutch could not strike into the French, they did gain time to recover their breath after the early losses.

field at 15h00

Hanoverian Horse get a chance to re-organize

13th Division taking hits from the distant Dutch artillery

battle looking good for Grouchy, who has now ordered the 7th Light Cavalry to assault on the left flank

view down the French lines looking north towards the 7th Light Cavalry Division

French Dragoons rest at the maximum range from Cavalry HQ (18" in SHAKO II)

Though still holding, the range of the French horse made their attacks inevitable

Likewise, once the French moved forward the Dutch Carabinier would be responding

Baron Chasse and the Dutch heavies

Dutch HQ at Ath, Chasse is informed of the loss of the Dutch light horse and orders the Carabinier to cover the left flank and the other river crossing

Now the horse forces were committed, and the Dutch had no other reserves to call upon.  Down by a score of 5-1 the Dutch must get some French Battalions or Squadrons to flee the field.

Field of action at 15h30 (click to view a larger image)

fully recovered now the Hanoverian Light Horse were ready to attack

their attack shattered a battalion of the 13th Division (that was covering an artillery battery)

while on the other flank of 13th Div, another square was taking a pounding, and the far battalion of the 12th (seen in the center) was likewise taking fire from the Dutch artillery on the other side of the river.

seeing that the hilltop would permit French artillery to blast away at the Dutch Carabineers 12th Div is seen here swarming over the hill - where Dutch light horse and French Dragoons had fought over only an hour before

Dutch heavy cavalry now re-deploy to cover the river crossing in the north

Dutch Jager forces make ready to exchange with French Voltigeurs across the river

the whole French line rolls forward

Colonel Albrecht von Estorff steadies his men for another charge into the French

With their lead suddenly cut to 5:4 now Marshal Grouchy was pressing for the 7th Light Cavalry Division to cross the river and hammer at the Dutch Heavy Horse with artillery ... only 4 more losses would win the day for either side right now!

High point of action 15h00 now the French 13th Division had failed morale and fled!

A huge gap on the French right, with 13th Div gone, now 12th Div must re-set to cover the guns

The Duke of Cumberland's Hussars move to threaten the center

Dutch line and French Voltigeur are exchanging fire over the river

7th Light Cavalry are making ready to deploy horse guns

12th Division moves to get artillery on the hilltop

while at the gun line 12th Div battalions are struggling under constant artillery fire from Dutch guns across the river

Forced to make the entire French advance work, 12th Division commander Baron Marc-Nicolas-Louis Pécheux surveys the hilltop, oblivious to the approaching Hannoverian cavalry danger ...

Dutch Carabinier again drive back French Dragoons

now Dutch artillery on the far left have no targets, so Chasse's ADC (blue horseman) delivers the orders to move the full battery to the center in order to support the Carabinier squadrons.

The French were pressing hard in all sectors, when a series of small victories by Dutch Jagers and then the Hanoverian horse turned the whole battle upside down.

turning point 16h30

fixated on the hilltop Pécheux cannot react in time once the Duke of Cumberland's Hussars have an open run to the Corps Artillery and Prince Regents Hussars take on a column of French foot that fail to form square

scene of the carnage just before the attack

I took this photo expecting the Hanoverian Horse to die in a final charge ... thus handing the victory to the French.  Little could I imagine that the French square would die to artillery fire and the column would fail to form square

Dutch Artillery limbered up to move

Dutch Jagers and French Voltiguers trade more shot across the river

Advancing over the ground strewn with dead Dutch light horse

The Dutch Jagers with a lucky hit manage to silence 1/2 the French horse guns, permitting the Dutch Carabineer to again throw back French Dragoons

Trip's entire Brigade of Carabineers

The ill-fated French column marching hard to the right flank to cover the hole left by 13th Division's hasty retreat

Great picture on the hill

looking down the river to the northwest at the active artillery and infantry, with the horse facing off at the river crossing ...

Doom moment for the French.

At the start of the turn, Dutch artillery broke a battalion that was covering the Corps Artillery, leaving three batteries exposed in front of the Duke of Cumbeland's Hussars.

Then with a parallel charge, the Hanoverian Prince Regent's Hussars hit a French infantry battalion in column, they failed to form 'hasty square'.

This was critical, for the column was right in front of Marshal Grouchy's command HQ.
The Hanoverian Prince Regent's Hussar, then charged right through the army HQ,  IV Corps had no more command as they had scattered in the face of this charge.  12th Division had suffered 1/3 casualties and also failed a morale roll, Pécheux was now at 'Desperation Morale'.  7th Light Cavalry had still not been able to hit any targets across the river.

field at the critical moment 16h45 after this time the French were in full retreat

Hero of the hour Colonel Albrecht von Estorff of the 1st Hanoverian Brigade

Prince Regent's Hussars slam into the ADC's and HQ of Marshal Grouchy

Duke of Cumberland's Hussars shatter IV Corps heavy artillery

7th Light Cavalry continued to be disrupted by Dutch Heavy Cavalry

Maurin was simply unable to get across the river in time.

the meat-grinder on the hilltop

had French infantry in 12th Div held on only one more turn more French artillery would have been pounding the helpless Dutch Heavy Cavalry, as it turns out these men would need to flee into the darkening night or become captured.

French Voltiguers at the tip of 12th Division

Dutch artillery was moving to get more shots in later, as it was the French were fleeing before these guns could re-position

Gap left in the Dutch line at the river from the guns moving

More of Estorff who could boast of 18 guns captured this day!

Prince Regent's Hussars at the height of their prestige

Duke of Cumberland Hussars as viewed by 14th Division commander, who would now have to form a rear-guard and permit the French to escape this rapidly devolving situation!

Butchers Bill:

French lost 13th Division, IV Corps Artillery and part of 12th Division foot and artillery, minor losses in 7th Light Cavalry.  The survivors of 13th Div will re-form with 12th Div to keep 12th Div at full strength.

Dutch lost Ghingy's Brigade of Dutch Light Dragoons and all artillery associated, one squadron of Light Dragoons escaped and will join the triumphant Hanoverians to keep them at full strength.

Battle Hero Colonel Albrecht von Estorff of the 1st Hanoverian Brigade

Dutch Victors:

Dutch-Belgian & Hanoverian Victors

Defeated French Survivors

7th Light Cavalry Division

Grouchy and the survivors of  IV Corps

Next up will be a series of game days at the library ... looking like some sort of minis games will take place in late December.