Friday, August 28, 2015

Rant: highway drivers and figure case disaster

One of my biggest peeves about driving is those drivers who see a police cruiser on the side of the highway and immediately slow down. OK, so if you can see him, he can see you and it's too damned late. And if the cop is out of his cruiser and already has someone pulled over, he doesn't give a damn that you're driving 20km over the limit as you go by. So why bother slowing down at all? Granted, you need to change lanes away from the pulled over vehicles but in most cases, slowing down does nothing other than to piss me off.

How does this relate to gaming? This morning, I experienced just such an occurrence. In this case, the moron driver didn't just take his foot off of the accelerator or tap the brakes. This was a full on brake, changing from 100km/hr to 40 km/hr in an instant. I was three cars back but the accordion effect of the following cars forced me to brake hard. Unfortunately, I had two cases of figures on the back floor and result was, I suppose, inevitable. For completeness' sake, I should've removed the cases yesterday but forgot. And they were securely placed on the floor in metal cases with magnetic bases on the figures; enough to avoid slippage/damage in normal braking situations. The incident this morning was far more than normal...sigh.

The result is below. I haven't delved into the mess to see the damage.



Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Black Powder - ImagiNation amendments

Thinking about Black Powder and how I'd like it to help represent my ImagiNation world, I've decided on a few amendments. These are, I think, playing with modifiers etc and not fiddling with the basic rules mechanics.

First up, artillery deployment...

In Last Argument of Kings, the BP 18th century supplement, it's recommended that once artillery deploys (i.e. unlimbers), it may not re-limber again during the course of the battle. This is meant to represent either the use of civilian drivers and their reluctance to stick around once the guns were deployed or the general lack of mobility of 18th century artillery. Whether the latter was a product of doctrine or actual difficulty in moving the pieces once deployed is debatable. There were some notable exceptions to this, including His Grace The Duke of Marlborough's artillery commander, Colonel Blood, who is famous for his ability to keep his artillery mobile at Blenheim. In my ImagiNation world, artillery may re-limber but must pass a command test to do so. Note: This does not apply to battalion guns, which may move with accompanying infantry as per usual.

And some new special rules (i.e. unit characteristics)...

Caracole
As BP has no specific rules suggestions for caracoling cavalry, I need something for the Pistoliere Dopplebock, my most recent addition to Das KaiserReich. As per my previous post, "von Wolkewitz chose the unusual, and perhaps anachronistic, expedient of arming and training his regiment with the aim of employing the caracole as the primary battlefield tactic. This involves the squadrons calmly riding forward in line, one behind the other, until a mere 50 paces from the enemy (cavalry, infantry or artillery). The lead squadron looses a pistol volley then wheels and falls back around the second squadron which then proceeds to repeat the exercise. The squadrons continue to cycle through this process, hoping to weaken the enemy force, before attempting to charge home." I will try the following rules for this unit: In order to counter-charge, a cavalry unit with the caracole characteristic must first pass a command test. If the test is failed, the unit will issue closing fire rather than charge. In order to charge, a cavalry unit with the caracole characteristic must first pass a command test. If the test is failed, the unit will stop at 6 inches from the target unit and issue fire.


Clergy
A commander with the clergy characteristic may, once per turn, attempt to rally any unit within 12"; however, the target unit must be outside 12" from the enemy. He may not issue commands to any unit other than rallyThis special rule is designed specifically for Arch-Bishop Ambroise de Chabichou du Poitou, who personally accompanies the army of Le Grand Duché de Gourmandie. In this case, the Arch-Bishop is rated as an '8' for rally purposes. 




Monday, August 17, 2015

Battle of Lugio - August 14, 1745 - the battle fought

Battle of Lugio - August 14, 1745

Pierre-Louis Grand-Duc de Gourmandie has chosen the late summer weather to move once more against Il Ducato di Libagioni in an attempt to annex the agriculturally-rich region of in the bend of the Caprera River. This area has seen much campaigning in recent years (through many generations, in fact) and Pierre-Louis' army commander, Le Marquis de Fromage, is intent on learning from past mistakes and failures. Rather than move directly against the region's stronghold at Castra Taurinorum, he has chosen the more difficult route through the Wood of Lugio. In this way, he hopes to then move onto Siscia and Stirpiacum, thus cutting off Castra Taurinorum from succour to the north. Le Marquis must only force the gauntlet of the Wood of Lugio to reach the open plains beyond. Unfortunately, Il Prinicipe Giuseppe Martellato, has received intelligence of the Gourmandie intentions and has moved forces south to counter the move on Lugio. And unbeknownst to the Gourmandie commander, Il Principe has received some welcome support from his neighbour, KronPrinz Friedrich Wilhelm!

Vidal and I gathered in Castra Cambridgionum on Friday past to fight the Battle of Lugio. Despite some rules gaffes (disorder? who needs disorder?), some truly appalling dice-rolling, and Vidal's gimpy leg, we enjoyed another game of Black Powder and pushing about toy soldiers.

 The village of Lugio.
The battlefield was fairly simple with only the woods in the four quarters funnelling movement toward the village.

Gourmadie's 1er Brigade under the watchful eye of  Phillipe Grand-Nez, Comte de Roquefort enter the field in column of march.

In the opposite corner of the table (north-east, for those keeping track), Primata Brigata of the army of Libagioni march toward Lugio. 

Libagioni Prima Brigata are caught in column of march by the quick-deploying Roquefort regiment (those of the red variety, top right of the photo). The Libagioni brigade is commanded by Barone Vincenzo Paradiso, a lowly '6' on the Black Powder command scale (average is '8'). It soon became apparent that is was far more expedient to use the army commander, Il Prinicipe Giuseppe Martellato, and his '8' command rating to command Paradiso's troops (although this kept his influence from having effect elsewhere).


A mixed force of Libagioni and KaiserReich cavalry move to support the infantry. 

 
KaiserReich infantry move to deploy to the left of the village while the Libagioni infantry on the right flank continue to try and sort themselves out. The unit and commander name tags were an experiment and probably not to be completed (except maybe for the commanders only). While an interesting thought, they tended to clutter the table unnecessarily.

The Libagioni infantry continue to try and shake themselves out into some semblance of order. The Roquefort infantry battalion, although well-situated to foil these efforts, was unable to make an appreciable impact, although one Libagioni battalion rolled a blunder ('12' on 2d6) and can be seen moving back away from its compatriots.

Meanwhile, on the opposite side of Lugio, Gourmandie artillery approaches and prepares to unlimber. Also in the bottom right of the photo can be seen the Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin finally entering the battlefield after two (yes two) consecutive blunders while trying to move onto the table (Vidal was less than pleased to say the least, but took the results with equanimity, as befits a gentlemen of the Enlightenment). This was the same unit that blundered in our first (test) game and precipitately left the field before even drawing their swords.

The Libagioni infantry have finally deployed into line and are preparing to move against Lugio (now occupied by a Roquefort battalion) and the other Gourmandie units anchored on the town. It is to the advantage of the Libagioni infantry to eschew any fire-fights and charge in because they have the Terrifying Charge and Bloodthirsty attributes. Both of these are exactly as they sound...terrifying and bloodthirsty. Any defending unit had better hold firm and pass its Break Test to receive the charge. In contrast, the Gourmandie infantry have the First Fire bonus, something their enemies lack.

 On the Libagioni left flank, the KaiserReich infantry advance toward the hapless  Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin (they of the double blunder...seems they may be downgraded soon...or perhaps their commander sacked?). The leading KaiserReich grenadier battalion has already dispatched a Boursin squadron with disciplined musketry. To the left of the picture, Gourmandie artillery has unlimbered.
  
A Libagioni charge (top right of the photo) has routed a Roquefort battalion and artillery unit (already removed). Vidal's dice-rolling was again abysmal here. Because of the Terrifying Charge attribute of the Libagioni infantry, the Roquefort battalion was forced to make a Break Test before issuing closing fire. Unfortunately, Vidal's roll was 'snake eyes' ...extreme failure and the unit broke! This also broke the Gourmandie brigade and given the poor performance of the Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin on the opposite flank, we chose to end the battle with a Libagioni victory.


The result...
Le Marquis de Fromage must retreat the Gourmadie army back across the Lower Cabrera toward Montagnac. Whether Il Principe will follow up his victory and move into Gourmandie territory in pursuit is a matter for another game. Perhaps Le Marquis will contest the crossing of the river. Yet, he may retreat further into Gourmandie territory in search of succour. 

Friday, August 14, 2015

28mm Boer War collection: up for sale!

Captain Dan over at Red Over Blue is considering selling his 28mm Boer War collection. He is looking for the right buyer so if you're interested, contact him through his blog. This is a magnificent collection which I've had the pleasure to push around the gaming table.




Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Battle of Lugio - August 14, 1745 - scenario notes

Preparations afoot for the next ImagiNations game at Vidal's. This encounter will see an appearance of the army of Il Ducato di Libagioni. (Note: This scenario is based mainly on Teaser 8 from Battlegames Tabletop Teasers Vol 1)

Battle of Lugio - August 14, 1745

Pierre-Louis Grand-Duc de Gourmandie has chosen the late summer weather to move once more against Il Ducato di Libagioni in an attempt to annex the agriculturally-rich region of in the bend of the Caprera River. This area has seen much campaigning in recent years (through many generations, in fact) and Pierre-Louis' army commander, Le Marquis de Fromage, is intent on learning from past mistakes and failures. Rather than move directly against the region's stronghold at Castra Taurinorum, he has chosen the more difficult route through the Wood of Lugio. In this way, he hopes to then move onto Siscia and Stirpiacum, thus cutting off Castra Taurinorum from succour to the north. Le Marquis must only force the gauntlet of the Wood of Lugio to reach the open plains beyond. Unfortunately, Il Prinicipe Giuseppe Martellato, has received intelligence of the Gourmandie intentions and has moved forces south to counter the move on Lugio. And unbeknownst to the Gourmandie commander, Il Principe has received some welcome support from his neighbour, KronPrinz Friedrich Wilhelm!

Situation

The tabletop battlefield represents the critical bottleneck through the Wood of Lugio.

Mission

To clear the town of Lugio and its environs of any enemy forces in order to move beyond into the open plains to the north.

Coordinating Instructions

Both sides will arrive deployed on a wide front but with units still in column of march.



Forces

Gourmandie (Jean Lafitte Roquefort, Marquis de Fromage)

1er Brigade (Phillipe Grand-Nez, Comte de Roquefort)
  • 1er/Regiment d'Infanterie Roqufort
  • 2e/Regiment d'Infanterie Roquefort
  • Artillerie Roquefort
2e Brigade (Cameron von Müller)
  • 1er/Artillerie de Gourmandie
  • 2e/Artillerie de Gourmandie 
  • Artillerie de Gruyère 
3e Brigade (Georges leRoque, Comte de Boursin)
  • 1er/Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin
  • 2e/Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin
  • 3e/Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin
Libagioni (Il Prinicipe Giuseppe Martellato)

Prima Brigata (Barone Vincenzo Paradiso) 
  • Battaglione di Sambuca
  • Battaglione di Campari
  • Granatiere dell'Amaretto
  • 1/Primo Artiglieria
  • 2/Primo Artiglieria
  • Cacciatore di Galliano
Seconda Brigata (Conte Immacolato Baldelli)

  • Regiment der Infanterie Krombacher
  • Regiment der Grenadiere Oettinger
  • Freikorps der Jagers Radeburger
Terzo Brigata (Freiherr Georg von Wolkewitz)
  • Cavalleria di Strega
  • 1/Pistoliere von Doppelbock
  • 2/Pistoliere von Doppelbock

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Chain of Command: artillery additions

In Chain of Command, artillery does not appear on the table. The game, after all, represents the sharp end of the stick where the infantry grunts are quite face-to-face. Artillery, and even medium mortars, have no place in such close quarters except as objective pieces. In-game off-board artillery represents medium mortar batteries at company or battalion level.  CoC does, however, provide a gamer the option for using a larger artillery or air strike pre-game barrage that can potentially disrupt the enemy's ability to move forces into the battle-zone (tabletop). I had a thought to model some artillery vignettes to remind players of the pre-game barrage (it lasts the entirety of the first turn). And I'm finding that vignettes add some much needed colour to a WWII tabletop battlefield. I contracted out to Captain Dan at Red Over Blue (as part of our Lend Lease program) for the pieces below and with his usual skill he has rendered some lovely pieces and figures. 

  This is the Warlord Games Sig33 105mm howitzer with crew, comfortably ensconced behind scratch-built sandbags (although I've just noticed that the epaulettes are painted with white piping rather than the red of the artillery).




 And for the Brits, the Warlord Games BEF 25lb gun with limber (I'm fully aware that the limber would probably not be so close to the gun but I claim artistic licence and lack of space). 




Das KaiserReich: 1. Große FeldArtillerie

A new addition to Das KaiserReich (the perpetual and implacable enemy of Le Grand-Duché de Gourmandie) is part gift and part scrounging. During our recent trip to Historicon, Bob Lehman gifted me with some painted artillery pieces for my ImagiNation project. Among these was the large mortar in the photos below. He painted this in the traditional blue of Das KaiserReich. I came home with this gift with some re-infused enthusiasm for the project and immediately went about pulling out artillerists to add. Within a couple of weeks I received a mystery package from Ken "All the King's Men Toy Soldiers" Cliffe that contained six wonderfully painted artillerists. Ken, who normally reserves his considerable painting talent for 54mm figures, has done a splendid job with these Old Glory figures. These were immediately drafted to man 1. Große FeldArtillerie and its 24lb mortar. I decided to base it more statically than the regular field artillery and cast about for some earthworks etc. I was lucky to find two resin gabion pieces that i had painted a number of years ago and then had promptly forgotten. Adding in a few powder barrels and Voila! Thanks to Bob & Ken for helping create a nice compliment to my ImagiNation forces.




Monday, August 3, 2015

ImagiNations - Black Powder style

I spent an enjoyable Friday evening with Vidal trying out Black Powder with my ImagiNation armies. We didn't try any specific scenario; rather since it was only my second time at the rules, we decided to just line 'em up and have at 'em! Le Grand-Duché de Gourmandie squared off against the forces of KronPrinz Friedrich Wilhelm of Das KaiserReich (topped up with a few mercenary units from Il Ducato di Libagioni).

Le Grand-Duché de Gourmandie

Le Grand Duché de Gourmandie is ruled over by Grand-Duc Pierre Louis. His armies are commanded by Jean Lafitte Roquefort, Marquis de Fromage. The Grand Duchy is a hereditary territory, having passed from son to son for more than 300 years. The ruling family is notoriously conservative and the Grand Duc normally sends the Catholic Arch-Bishop Ambroise de Chabichou du Poitou into the field with his army to ensure adherence to God's Will and the moral rectitude of the men.

Das KaiserReich

Das KaiserReich, a strictly protestant state, is ruled over by KronPrinz Friedrich Wilhelm, who also personally commands his army in the field. The state is rigorously controlled by an efficient and ruthless bureaucracy, at the head of which sits The Council of Twelve, a group of influential and wealthy burghers. Constant strain and tension between the hereditary rights of the KronPrinz and the economic and personal interests of The Council serve to limit the powers of the royal family. Thus, many of the regiments that make up the army are militia, raised and paid for by their Inhabers, landed gentry from the various districts of the Reich (most of whom are closely tied to the royal family by blood or obligation).

Il Ducato di Libagioni

Centered around the Vedicchio Lagoon, Ducato di Libagioni relies upon its sizeable navy to project it's regional power. Supported by multiple small colonies and settlements along the Nebbilo coast and overseas, the Duchy once held considerable economic power. Due to the rise of Le Grand Duché de Gourmandie to the south, the Duchy's holdings and territories have gradually shrunk. The soldiers of Libations are known for their eastern aggression and liquid courage.

 Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin magnificently arrayed for battle on the left flank of the Gourmandie line.

And...Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin running precipitately on the second(?) turn after Vidal rolled a blunder on their very first order activation. So proud, yet so.... cowardly!

Pistoliere von Dopplebock lead the KaiserReich cavalry at the opposite end of the field, backed up by the fearsome Cavalleria di Strega from Libagioni. 

The center of the KaiserReich line: Regiment der Infanterie Krombacher supported by Regiment der Grenadiere Oettinger.

 Some courtly music to accompany the dull roar of cannon!

 Regiment der Grenadiere Oettinger squares off in melee with the 2e/Infanterie Roquefort.

 Pistoliere von Doppelbock attempt to close with Gourmandie guns, the former attempting to win fame and glory on their first outing.

Von Doppelbock braving the fire and loosing a pistol volley. Unfortunately (but not unexpectedly), one squadron of cavalry vs supported guns did not turn out well for these newly raised horsemen.

All in all, a very enjoyable game! Thanks to Vidal for providing the venue and the company. I will definitely continue with BP for this project. Just need more infantry....and cavalry....oh, and guns.