Two years ago I bought a load of 6mm Adler figures of our good friend BD, who in turn had bought them off JP (we address each other in simple terms here in Belgium). In that time, I painted up a few more regiments, made a little farm model and generally prepared for the Big Day when the figures would see battle. This happy moment occurred last Friday when a small group of us gathered in the sauna like atmosphere of GW's top floor gaming room to play a game using the Principles of War rules.
First a word about the rules. It is an elegant system, with an army list of units (you can choose what operational scale to play at - it makes no difference to the rules), each of which has a numerical rating (generally from 6 to 18) which represents its combat factor and morale factor. Weapons and doctrine may also be noted against the unit, defining what may be done by way of maneouvre, melee, firing range, etc. To give you an idea of how the game works, a volley of rifle fire from an average unit will do 1 or 2 hits at close range - thus the unhappy target unit may have a starting factor of 12 and this will go down to 10 if it is takes 2 hits. This is recorded on the unit roster. Every time hits are inflicted the victim unit must take a morale test. He rolls a D20 and if the score is equal or lower than the current roster score (in our example earlier it was 10) then the unit passes the test. If more, then the unit is shaken, if doubled, the unit retires, if trebled it flees from the game in disgust. So as the game goes on, attrition wears down a unit and at some stage it will break. There are of course modifiers, for example if a general is nearby, if you are hit in the flank. Important note - don't roll a 20 when testing morale, this automatically gives a result one level worse than would otherwise be the case.
Movement is simple and always has to be in conformity with the orders set for the unit. The distance you can move depends on the quality of your officer - the mechanic is a die roll per officer (who commands 3+ units, typically) and that is the number of units to move.
You get a D4 id a lousy officer, a D6 if normal or an average die if good.
Now I have bored you enough with the rules. The scenario is an action from 1864, a desperate attack by the Confederates against a flanking movement by Hooker's Union troops. I took it from the 'Charge' magazine on Magweb. Each side has roughly 20 units of infantry, with a big advantage for the Union in terms of artillery. I decided to give a couple of units of cavalry to the Confederates, even if historically they weren't on the field. why? I had painted them and wanted them see action and just to give the rebels a bit of a chance in what would be a stern ask.
The terrain is dominated by a three creeks that run from the confederate right to the centre of the table, where there is much marshy ground and a cornfield. On the left are woods all along the edge plus Kolb's farm halfway across the table. A road runs from the Confederate centre to the Union right. Each side is ordered to capture both ends of the road.
The Union plan is simple but effective, a concentration of their forces before the farm and across the table to the other side of the cornfield, leaving their left flank open. They are also allowed to place an ambush in the woods.
The Confederates split their forces. Two infantry brigades on the far right with orders to undertake a huge Napoleon style flanking move. Two brigades on the left with orders to capture Kolb's farm. The cavalry hold the centre. A solitary smoothbore artillery piece is to give support to the left flank.
With typical GW cunning, rather than use his Kentucky ambushers under Colonel Gallop, he asks me (in my GM role, though I am also playing the Confederate left due to the unfortunate but can't be helped absence of one of our players) if he can give orders to them and move them. Blithely I agree. From a Rebel viewpoint this is an error, as Gallop races out of the words to occupy the farm before I can get there. Damn.
On my turn, I march as fast as I can towards the farm, determined to take it. My supporting brigade finds a Grand battery in front of it and forms a firing line, spending much of the game firing at long range into the Union artillery causing sporadic casualties but not having much impact.
The story of the game is simple. A massive scrap for the farm, won by the Blues, thanks to their getting there first and taking advantage of the cover. I didn't help myself by entering into melee rather impetously and then rolling a couple of '20's on the dice at inopportune moments. Gradually I was worn down and one brigade eliminated. On the confederate right, progress was too slow and though eventually a firing line against the Union left was established no coordinated attack was possible. Our cavalry, alas, suffered indecision and did nothing the entire game.
At about Midnight, with the Union advancing on all sides, my troops surrounded and hopes on the right flank in tatters, we fled back to Atlanta leaving the now battered and burnt Kolb's Farm to a happy Union pair of players (Graham W and Graham K).
A very good game, very enjoyable and a final result very similar to the historical one - the confederates made frontal charges across the front, stalled in the marshes and were massacred. I definitely want to play with these splendid little troops again, so nicely painted by JP.
Sunday, 29 April 2007
ACW - Battle of Kolb's Farm
Two years ago I bought a load of 6mm Adler figures of our good friend BD, who in turn had bought them off JP (we address each other in simple terms here in Belgium). In that time, I painted up a few more regiments, made a little farm model and generally prepared for the Big Day when the figures would see battle. This happy moment occurred last Friday when a small group of us gathered in the sauna like atmosphere of GW's top floor gaming room to play a game using the Principles of War rules.
First a word about the rules. It is an elegant system, with an army list of units (you can choose what operational scale to play at - it makes no difference to the rules), each of which has a numerical rating (generally from 6 to 18) which represents its combat factor and morale factor. Weapons and doctrine may also be noted against the unit, defining what may be done by way of maneouvre, melee, firing range, etc. To give you an idea of how the game works, a volley of rifle fire from an average unit will do 1 or 2 hits at close range - thus the unhappy target unit may have a starting factor of 12 and this will go down to 10 if it is takes 2 hits. This is recorded on the unit roster. Every time hits are inflicted the victim unit must take a morale test. He rolls a D20 and if the score is equal or lower than the current roster score (in our example earlier it was 10) then the unit passes the test. If more, then the unit is shaken, if doubled, the unit retires, if trebled it flees from the game in disgust. So as the game goes on, attrition wears down a unit and at some stage it will break. There are of course modifiers, for example if a general is nearby, if you are hit in the flank. Important note - don't roll a 20 when testing morale, this automatically gives a result one level worse than would otherwise be the case.
Movement is simple and always has to be in conformity with the orders set for the unit. The distance you can move depends on the quality of your officer - the mechanic is a die roll per officer (who commands 3+ units, typically) and that is the number of units to move.
You get a D4 id a lousy officer, a D6 if normal or an average die if good.
Now I have bored you enough with the rules. The scenario is an action from 1864, a desperate attack by the Confederates against a flanking movement by Hooker's Union troops. I took it from the 'Charge' magazine on Magweb. Each side has roughly 20 units of infantry, with a big advantage for the Union in terms of artillery. I decided to give a couple of units of cavalry to the Confederates, even if historically they weren't on the field. why? I had painted them and wanted them see action and just to give the rebels a bit of a chance in what would be a stern ask.
The terrain is dominated by a three creeks that run from the confederate right to the centre of the table, where there is much marshy ground and a cornfield. On the left are woods all along the edge plus Kolb's farm halfway across the table. A road runs from the Confederate centre to the Union right. Each side is ordered to capture both ends of the road.
The Union plan is simple but effective, a concentration of their forces before the farm and across the table to the other side of the cornfield, leaving their left flank open. They are also allowed to place an ambush in the woods.
The Confederates split their forces. Two infantry brigades on the far right with orders to undertake a huge Napoleon style flanking move. Two brigades on the left with orders to capture Kolb's farm. The cavalry hold the centre. A solitary smoothbore artillery piece is to give support to the left flank.
With typical GW cunning, rather than use his Kentucky ambushers under Colonel Gallop, he asks me (in my GM role, though I am also playing the Confederate left due to the unfortunate but can't be helped absence of one of our players) if he can give orders to them and move them. Blithely I agree. From a Rebel viewpoint this is an error, as Gallop races out of the words to occupy the farm before I can get there. Damn.
DSC00945_edited
Above: the rebel columns attack Kolb's Farm
On my turn, I march as fast as I can towards the farm, determined to take it. My supporting brigade finds a Grand battery in front of it and forms a firing line, spending much of the game firing at long range into the Union artillery causing sporadic casualties but not having much impact.
The story of the game is simple. A massive scrap for the farm, won by the Blues, thanks to their getting there first and taking advantage of the cover. I didn't help myself by entering into melee rather impetously and then rolling a couple of '20's on the dice at inopportune moments.
DSC00949
Above: storm over the farm, and the confederate firing line.
Gradually I was worn down and one brigade eliminated.
DSC00950
Above: last desperate attack by the Rebels, they are destined to be massacred.
On the confederate right, progress was too slow and though eventually a firing line against the Union left was established no coordinated attack was possible. Our cavalry, alas, suffered indecision and did nothing the entire game.
DSC00951
Above: The Union left holds up the Rebel attack
At about Midnight, with the Union advancing on all sides, my troops surrounded and hopes on the right flank in tatters, we fled back to Atlanta leaving the now battered and burnt Kolb's Farm to a happy Union pair of players (Graham W and Graham K).
A very good game, very enjoyable and a final result very similar to the historical one - the confederates made frontal charges across the front, stalled in the marshes and were massacred. I definitely want to play with these splendid little troops again, so nicely painted by JP.
First a word about the rules. It is an elegant system, with an army list of units (you can choose what operational scale to play at - it makes no difference to the rules), each of which has a numerical rating (generally from 6 to 18) which represents its combat factor and morale factor. Weapons and doctrine may also be noted against the unit, defining what may be done by way of maneouvre, melee, firing range, etc. To give you an idea of how the game works, a volley of rifle fire from an average unit will do 1 or 2 hits at close range - thus the unhappy target unit may have a starting factor of 12 and this will go down to 10 if it is takes 2 hits. This is recorded on the unit roster. Every time hits are inflicted the victim unit must take a morale test. He rolls a D20 and if the score is equal or lower than the current roster score (in our example earlier it was 10) then the unit passes the test. If more, then the unit is shaken, if doubled, the unit retires, if trebled it flees from the game in disgust. So as the game goes on, attrition wears down a unit and at some stage it will break. There are of course modifiers, for example if a general is nearby, if you are hit in the flank. Important note - don't roll a 20 when testing morale, this automatically gives a result one level worse than would otherwise be the case.
Movement is simple and always has to be in conformity with the orders set for the unit. The distance you can move depends on the quality of your officer - the mechanic is a die roll per officer (who commands 3+ units, typically) and that is the number of units to move.
You get a D4 id a lousy officer, a D6 if normal or an average die if good.
Now I have bored you enough with the rules. The scenario is an action from 1864, a desperate attack by the Confederates against a flanking movement by Hooker's Union troops. I took it from the 'Charge' magazine on Magweb. Each side has roughly 20 units of infantry, with a big advantage for the Union in terms of artillery. I decided to give a couple of units of cavalry to the Confederates, even if historically they weren't on the field. why? I had painted them and wanted them see action and just to give the rebels a bit of a chance in what would be a stern ask.
The terrain is dominated by a three creeks that run from the confederate right to the centre of the table, where there is much marshy ground and a cornfield. On the left are woods all along the edge plus Kolb's farm halfway across the table. A road runs from the Confederate centre to the Union right. Each side is ordered to capture both ends of the road.
The Union plan is simple but effective, a concentration of their forces before the farm and across the table to the other side of the cornfield, leaving their left flank open. They are also allowed to place an ambush in the woods.
The Confederates split their forces. Two infantry brigades on the far right with orders to undertake a huge Napoleon style flanking move. Two brigades on the left with orders to capture Kolb's farm. The cavalry hold the centre. A solitary smoothbore artillery piece is to give support to the left flank.
With typical GW cunning, rather than use his Kentucky ambushers under Colonel Gallop, he asks me (in my GM role, though I am also playing the Confederate left due to the unfortunate but can't be helped absence of one of our players) if he can give orders to them and move them. Blithely I agree. From a Rebel viewpoint this is an error, as Gallop races out of the words to occupy the farm before I can get there. Damn.
DSC00945_edited
Above: the rebel columns attack Kolb's Farm
On my turn, I march as fast as I can towards the farm, determined to take it. My supporting brigade finds a Grand battery in front of it and forms a firing line, spending much of the game firing at long range into the Union artillery causing sporadic casualties but not having much impact.
The story of the game is simple. A massive scrap for the farm, won by the Blues, thanks to their getting there first and taking advantage of the cover. I didn't help myself by entering into melee rather impetously and then rolling a couple of '20's on the dice at inopportune moments.
DSC00949
Above: storm over the farm, and the confederate firing line.
Gradually I was worn down and one brigade eliminated.
DSC00950
Above: last desperate attack by the Rebels, they are destined to be massacred.
On the confederate right, progress was too slow and though eventually a firing line against the Union left was established no coordinated attack was possible. Our cavalry, alas, suffered indecision and did nothing the entire game.
DSC00951
Above: The Union left holds up the Rebel attack
At about Midnight, with the Union advancing on all sides, my troops surrounded and hopes on the right flank in tatters, we fled back to Atlanta leaving the now battered and burnt Kolb's Farm to a happy Union pair of players (Graham W and Graham K).
A very good game, very enjoyable and a final result very similar to the historical one - the confederates made frontal charges across the front, stalled in the marshes and were massacred. I definitely want to play with these splendid little troops again, so nicely painted by JP.
Tuesday, 17 April 2007
Romano British slingers
These are of course the [ex Pictish ones](http://www.nirya.be/snv/ttm/archives/000268.html), now painted.
These took me a bit longer than an hour apiece, for the simple reason that I lost momentum halfway through painting them (sick children and sick self), and it seems it is difficult to pick up again. Also, when I started painting them again, I slipped back in to 'full on' painting mode instead of my fast painting mode. I caught it quickly however :).
Next up are some command figures for my Romano British cavalry units that are still without.
Monday, 9 April 2007
Recent books read
I thought I'd bore you all by recounting some of the recent books I've finished, which might be of interest to all right thinking wargamers.
First, S M Stirling's excellent post-apocalyptic trilogy set in Oregon, which tells the tale of a world where suddenly one day electricity, gunpowder and other similar technologies stop working. Catastrophe follows but, happily for the wargaming enthusiast, small groups survive and start to find ways of coping with a world riddled by plague, cannibals and bandits. In fact, the three books tell the story of enterprising individuals who start to develop societies, gather resources, learn technologies, fight evil etc etc. I won't go into detail, because that would ruin what is in fact a well told tale. Anyone who has played Age of Empires, or a good build and conquer pbm game will enjoy this. It is well written and much less right wing and dogmatic than some of his books. And the title? 'Dies the Fire'.
Second, very different, a fascinating account of the Long Range Desert Group's activities, 'Providence their Guide' by David Lloyd Owen, who become the big chief of the group. Well written and enthralling, I learned a lot about the LRDG in the North African campaign and also, which I confess that I didn't know, their activities in Albania and Yugoslavia once Rommel had fled and left the Afrika Korps to abject surrender. I bought my copy from the amazing military bookshop in Erpe, De Krijger, but I'm sure you can find a copy on Abebooks.
Last, assuming you're not interested in the various detective novels that have been consuming my limited time on this earth, is a very amusing autobiography of a (very British) wargamer, Harry Pearson, called 'Achtung Schweinehund'. Great, but I wonder how well it translates to other cultures. It is very much a story of English childhood in the 1960s and 1970s and its repercussions on apparent adulthood later on in life. Hilariously funny in places, stridently dogmatic in others but what of course wins the day is a mention of our one and 'own' (I say this as an ex-pat who struggles daily with the Dutch language) 'Crisis' convention and the glory days of Bart's Schild en Vriend club. Definitely recommended to English readers of a certain age. Maybe it helps others understand the oddities of that race and generation?
First, S M Stirling's excellent post-apocalyptic trilogy set in Oregon, which tells the tale of a world where suddenly one day electricity, gunpowder and other similar technologies stop working. Catastrophe follows but, happily for the wargaming enthusiast, small groups survive and start to find ways of coping with a world riddled by plague, cannibals and bandits. In fact, the three books tell the story of enterprising individuals who start to develop societies, gather resources, learn technologies, fight evil etc etc. I won't go into detail, because that would ruin what is in fact a well told tale. Anyone who has played Age of Empires, or a good build and conquer pbm game will enjoy this. It is well written and much less right wing and dogmatic than some of his books. And the title? 'Dies the Fire'.
Second, very different, a fascinating account of the Long Range Desert Group's activities, 'Providence their Guide' by David Lloyd Owen, who become the big chief of the group. Well written and enthralling, I learned a lot about the LRDG in the North African campaign and also, which I confess that I didn't know, their activities in Albania and Yugoslavia once Rommel had fled and left the Afrika Korps to abject surrender. I bought my copy from the amazing military bookshop in Erpe, De Krijger, but I'm sure you can find a copy on Abebooks.
Last, assuming you're not interested in the various detective novels that have been consuming my limited time on this earth, is a very amusing autobiography of a (very British) wargamer, Harry Pearson, called 'Achtung Schweinehund'. Great, but I wonder how well it translates to other cultures. It is very much a story of English childhood in the 1960s and 1970s and its repercussions on apparent adulthood later on in life. Hilariously funny in places, stridently dogmatic in others but what of course wins the day is a mention of our one and 'own' (I say this as an ex-pat who struggles daily with the Dutch language) 'Crisis' convention and the glory days of Bart's Schild en Vriend club. Definitely recommended to English readers of a certain age. Maybe it helps others understand the oddities of that race and generation?
Sunday, 8 April 2007
A Saxon Raid
Bart and I met up in his fine wargaming attic to put our Warhammer Ancients armies into action again. We're both convinced that the new 'Age of Arthur' is one of the best gaming source books and inspirations around.
For his part, Bart has a splendid Arthurian army, led by Comes Bartholomeus Grassus, new Count of Britain (following the glorious exploits of his ancestors in darkest Germany) and foreshadowing great adventures of his successors in the distant future. Facing him are my Saxons, a little Alfredian in character it has to be said, but now at full strength (ie painted and based).
Bart set up a scenario from the source book, a Saxon raid on a British village (featuring Bart's very nice hillfort). Basically on the right side of the table is a village in a corner, leaving that are three carts of plunder that have to exit the other side of the table without being intercepted by the British. Defending them is the mass of the Saxon army.
I won't bore you with a blow by blow account of the battle. Basically, the Saxons set up a battleline with their elite armoured troops on the left, two massive units of Ceorls (peasants with spear and shield) on the right and some skirmishers in front. My 'plan' was to rush the baggage off table while attacking with my heavy infantry and holding with the rest.
Regrettably, Bart had a much better plan. He rushed his two cavalry units to my left (to where the baggage are racing) and quickly launched a dashing attack into my flank, sweeping away both my best unit and the King's brother, attached to them. On my right, a melee between my Ceorls and a unit of Arthurian spearmen was a bloody grind, my men holding out unexpectedly well.
Regrettably, Bart had in reserve some very good quality spearmen units which he proceeded to throw into the battle. They swept away my other unit of Ceorls and the subsequent rout led to my entire army panicking and running.
Yet another defeat for the Saxons. Well Rosemary Sutcliffe (author of the best Arthurian novels available) would be happy, I suppose.
For his part, Bart has a splendid Arthurian army, led by Comes Bartholomeus Grassus, new Count of Britain (following the glorious exploits of his ancestors in darkest Germany) and foreshadowing great adventures of his successors in the distant future. Facing him are my Saxons, a little Alfredian in character it has to be said, but now at full strength (ie painted and based).
Bart set up a scenario from the source book, a Saxon raid on a British village (featuring Bart's very nice hillfort). Basically on the right side of the table is a village in a corner, leaving that are three carts of plunder that have to exit the other side of the table without being intercepted by the British. Defending them is the mass of the Saxon army.
I won't bore you with a blow by blow account of the battle. Basically, the Saxons set up a battleline with their elite armoured troops on the left, two massive units of Ceorls (peasants with spear and shield) on the right and some skirmishers in front. My 'plan' was to rush the baggage off table while attacking with my heavy infantry and holding with the rest.
Regrettably, Bart had a much better plan. He rushed his two cavalry units to my left (to where the baggage are racing) and quickly launched a dashing attack into my flank, sweeping away both my best unit and the King's brother, attached to them. On my right, a melee between my Ceorls and a unit of Arthurian spearmen was a bloody grind, my men holding out unexpectedly well.
Regrettably, Bart had in reserve some very good quality spearmen units which he proceeded to throw into the battle. They swept away my other unit of Ceorls and the subsequent rout led to my entire army panicking and running.
Yet another defeat for the Saxons. Well Rosemary Sutcliffe (author of the best Arthurian novels available) would be happy, I suppose.
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