Awaiting painting/finishing

Almost every wargamer collects figures that they take time to get round to painting. This is what is called the 'lead pile'. I am no exception to this rule.
We see articles in magazines, pictures in books and of course, advertisements that tempt us to part with our readies. Sometimes it is one or two figures other times whole units or armies. It could be that collecting things is a form of Obsessives Compulsive Disorder.
Be that as it may.
My pile was static for a long while as I neither bought nor painted figures, everything was in storage for about 4 years as my personal circumstances were in something of a flux. A few years ago I sorted things out and started renewing my gaming but it was a slow affair. Wargaming had not been the mainstay of my 'me time' for too long. Then last year it exploded into a rabid round of buying new figures (Irregular Miniatures, (http://www.irregularminiatures.co.uk/)  and painting.
First was the 25mm Sassanian army from Irregular which I had had for a long time. The figures are nicely rendered and look a bit 'rough'. They paint up really well. I am very pleased with how they turned out. Coincidentally, my painting skills seemed to improve when painting these figures. The light cavalry in particular I like.
Then came a succession of the 6mm Irregular ancient armies that I like so much, some of which have pictures on this blog. There were also other armies that I bought to paint and sell to see how well I could do them. Carthaginians in 10mm,

and Greek Hoplites in 10mm. 

Numidians from Irregular in 6mm which I bought on eBay. This was another army I liked painting.

I also had some Games Workshop (http://www.games-workshop.com/en-GB/Home?_requestid=16063382) Epic armies that I had painted and gamed with for some years. These included the Titan Legions boxed game with lots of Titans and vehicles of mass destruction. These I have now all sold with a few bits and pieces that haven't yet found a buyer.
This has funded my buying, to a degree, of both figures and books. But I still have figures that need painting. Projects long on hold and one or two new ones recently begun.
As pointed out in another posting, the Achaemenid armoured camelry were only completed recently due to finding the right camels for the riders. I have 6mm Napoleonic's, English Civil War and further figures to paint for the 25mm Early Achaemenid Persian army. I also have a few Greek Hoplites to round out the 25mm Greek army. These 25mm are mainly Minifigs (http://www.miniaturefigurines.co.uk/Home.aspx)
Greek Hoplites and Musicians

Greek Light Infantry

Persian Cavalry Officer and Musicians

Various Garrison Persian Infantry

So, lots of things to do to keep me busy. The important thing is that the pile is growing smaller each month if I paint.
That I will buy figures to expand or complete units and armies I have, is something I will be keeping in mind. That I will endeavour to paint more than I purchase is the main priority, especially now that I am actually getting figures on the table more often.

I started a new project that I will keep you informed of from time to time. This was going to be a Samurai army in 6mm. Now, though, it will be 25mm skirmish figures for the game of Ronin by Osprey Wargames (https://ospreypublishing.com/ronin-skirmish-wargames-in-the-age-of-the-samurai). These rules came out over a year ago and I never thought I would do skirmish gaming but have been tempted by the many blogs that do them.
I purchased some 25mm Dixon (http://www.dixon-minis.com/) Ronin figures. The rules state regular Samurai and other special types for the forces with Ronin as additions you can hire. I decided that I would start with 4 Ronin bands and progress from there. The following pictures show the 4 man bands I am starting with and another 2 figures that may become the town/village heads or something. I intend running this as a campaign but it won't be starting anytime soon. I expect it will take around a year to gather the accessories to make it appealing.

I bought the figure pack SCP1, Ronin in various poses, 18 figures in a pack for £19.95 which seems excellent value to me (http://www.dixon-minis.com/shop/samurai-25mm/SCP+1/). You will notice that 3 have an archer and man with a naginata or yari and 2 with katana. That is because I wanted a fair selection for each band. I have yet to buy an archer  for the other band but will do so when the painting of these is complete. You may not notice but those with the rain cape and those in the basket type hat are in the same units. This is because I wanted them to have a type to distinguish them easier.  I will also have to buy the excellent houses, temples and other accessories that I have seen to make a good visual impact to add to the pleasure of the games. I feel this is a must in skirmish games.

I actually started painting the faces on these first, unusual for me as this is not normally what I start on. I do prefer a white undercoat on the figures as it gives a brighter look to the colours. I know some prefer other colours, normally black, but this is not for me. I paint now using Games Workshop paints which I have used for some years. The water based paints are very versatile and with the new range out gives a lot of variations in colour.

It is good to be gaming and painting regularly again.

Hittites v Assyrians 6mm One Hour Wargame

This is the second of the wargames played with the One Hour Wargames, Practical Tabletop Battles for Those with Limited Time and Space., Ancient Rules. It is quick to set up, the rules are easy to use.

The terrain is TSS 1' (Total System Scenic http://totalsystemscenic.com/ ) squares which I have had a long time. It shows a road with another joining it in the bottom left of the picture. The rough patch with trees I classified as a light wood.

The Assyrians are Irregular Miniatures (http://www.irregularminiatures.co.uk/)
The Hittites I am not so sure about as I bought them on eBay as they were described as Irregular. I kept them as they are either Rapier Miniatures (http://www.rapierminiatures.co.uk/index.html) or Baccus Miniatures(http://www.baccus6mm.com/Home/)

The scenario is similar to seize the high ground, as the hill is the objective. But mainly it is to drive the opposing force from the area.

The Hittites mean to control the road between two cities by building a fortress on a hill near a road junction which happens to be in Assyrian lands.
They send a small force ahead to seize the hill in readiness for a larger force which is following.
The Assyrians get scant warning and muster a force to contest the invasion.

The picture shows the set-up. Hittites at the top of the picture. The hill is to the left and forward of the Assyrians position. A light wood to the right of the Assyrians and a similar one just to the north of the hill. They played no part in the battle due to the small size of the forces.

Dicing for forces:-
Assyrians 6
4 infantry
1 Archer
1 Cavalry (I chose to use Chariots)

Hittites 4
4 Infantry
1 Skirmish (Bow armed)
1 Cavalry (Chariots)

 

 

Turn 1
As the aggressor, the Hittites advanced into the Assyrian domain.
The Assyrians advanced to meet them.

 

As all the units had moved there was no shooting by the bows of both sides.

Turn 2
The Hittites halt to address the lines and allow the skirmishers to shoot their bows.
The dice were thrown to see if the nobles would charge ahead, but they were in control and stayed in line.
Skirmishers v Infantry 6. A total of 2 casualties after the deduction of 2 and divided by 2.

The Assyrian nobles are bolder and charge ahead into the static Hittites.
The foot halt and allow their archers to bend their bows.
Chariots v Chariots 6 casualties
Archers v Infantry 3
A mighty hammer blow to the Hittite nobles  as they reel under the fierce fighting of their enemies spears.

Turn 3
The Hittites are in a quandary, do they hold as planned to allow the skirmishers to inflict more casualties on the infantry? Or advance in case their flank is exposed to the Assyrian chariots who seem invincible?
They hold.
Skirmishers v Infantry 2 casualties
Chariots v Chariots 1 casualty! The shock and awe of Assyria has its effect.

The Assyrians advance to drive the Hittites from the land leaving the archers to shoot their bows.
Archers v Infantry 3 casualties
Chariots v Chariots 1. The Hittites mount a spirited defence.

Turn 4
The Hittites seize their chance and charge the Assyrian foot, the skirmishers holding to inflict more casualties on the infantry facing them.
Skirmishers v Infantry 2 casualties
Infantry v Infantry 1
Infantry v Infantry 2
Infantry v Infantry 3
Chariot v Chariot 5 The Hittite nobles rally and smite their foe!

The Assyrian Infantry charge into the skirmishers and the archers shoot.
Archers v Infantry 1 casualty
Infantry v Skirmishers 1 The skirmishers are too nimble for the burdened infantry to catch.
Infantry v Infantry 3
Infantry v Infantry 1
Infantry v Infantry 3
Chariots v Chariots 3

Turn 5
The Hittites infantry unit wheels to flank the Assyrian right wing infantry unit.
Combat all along the battle line.
Skirmishers v Infantry 1 casualty
Infantry v Infantry 1
Infantry v Infantry 1
Infantry v Infantry 1
Chariot v Chariot 4
A weak performance by the Hittite infantry lets the Assyrians breathe easy.

The Assyrian archers again choose to shoot rather than charging the emerging flank of the Hittite infantry.
Archers v Infantry 3
Infantry v Skirmishers 2
Infantry v Infantry 2
Infantry v Infantry 2
Infantry V Infantry 2
Chariots v Chariots 3
The Assyrians have the edge in combat so far.

Turn 6
The Hittites complete their wheel and crash into the right hand flank of the Assyrians.
Infantry v Infantry (flanked) 6. a bruising clash for the Assyrians.
Skirmishers v Infantry 2
Infantry v Infantry 3
Infantry v Infantry 3
Infantry v Infantry 2
Chariots v Chariots 6
From a poor start the Hittite nobles fight their way back and vanquish their foes with fearsome savagery!
A better combat phase for the Hittites.

The Assyrians look in real trouble.
The archers finally charge the Hittite flank to the  relief of their comrades.
Infantry  v Skirmishers 2
infantry v Infantry 1
infantry v Infantry 3
Infantry v Infantry 1
Archers v Infantry (flank) 4
Have the infantry lost heart now the nobles have fled the field?

Turn 7

The Hittite chariots move forward and manoeuvre for a flank attack on the archers. The infantry locked in combat don't turn to meet the archers, too busy hacking at their front. (I decided it wouldn't be possible for the whole unit to turn so left them fighting the flanked infantry. If it had been the old days with more stands/elements to the unit I would have turned part of them to face, come back 6th edition!)
Skirmishers v Infantry 1
Infantry v Infantry 2
Infantry v Infantry 2
Infantry v Infantry 3
Infantry v Infantry (flanked) 2 The flanked infantry succumb to overwhelming numbers.

The Assyrian infantry have failed to eliminate the skirmishers after hours of combat, weight isn't everything on the battle field.
Infantry v Skirmishers 2
Infantry v Infantry 2
Infantry v Infantry 3
Archers v Infantry (flanked) 2 The flanked unit is 1 short of destruction.

Turn 8
The Hittite Chariots wheel and charge the flank of the archers.
The infantry turn to face the archers and the infantry free of opponents, manoeuvres to flank the Assyrian infantry
Skirmishers v Infantry 1
Infantry v Infantry 1
Infantry v Infantry 2
Infantry v Archers 2
Chariots v Archers 8 The archers reel under the shock of frontal and flank assault. Their demise is not assured as their opponents are on 14 (inf) and 13 (Char)
The Assyrians need a killing frenzy!

The Assyrian response
Infantry v Skirmishers 2 The skirmishers flee the field.
Infantry v Infantry 2
Infantry v Infantry1
Archers v Infantry 2 The Hittite infantry die where they fought. Their names will be recorded for all time on the stele to be erected after victory.

Turn 9
The Hittite infantry attack the exposed flank of the Assyrians.
The Assyrian archers turn to face the chariots.
Infantry v Infantry 1
Infantry v Infantry 2
Infantry v Infantry (flanked) 6
Chariot v Archers 4
The archers are on 14 and the chariots on 13 it will be a close run thing.

The Assyrians are nothing if not stubborn.
The left wing infantry unit starts its long manoeuvre to re-join the battle
Infantry v Infantry 1
Infantry v Infantry 2
Archers v Chariots 6 The nobles rout!
The Hittites still have the upper hand, all they have to do is rout the infantry and reform to defeat the archers and 1 infantry unit.

Turn 10
The Hittite infantry charge the Assyrian exposed flank
Hittite infantry fight the Assyrian infantry 2 on one
Infantry v Infantry 1
Infantry v Infantry (flanked) 4
The Hittites are disheartened  and fight more defensively but still rout the flanked infantry unit.

The Assyrians continue to wheel whilst one lone infantry unit holds up 3 enemy units.
Infantry v Infantry 3 The right flank Hittite unit is on 14.

Turn 11
The Hittites move in for the kill. Once again flanking the Assyrian infantry, but blocking the left most unit who stand to get their breath back.
Infantry v Infantry 1
Infantry v Infantry (flanked) 4 They miss destroying the unit by 1 point

The Assyrians slowly turn their unopposed units.
The lone infantry unit battles on.
Infantry v Infantry 1 The Hittite right wing unit is now on 14

Turn 12
The Hittite infantry fight on.
Infantry v Infantry 2
Infantry v Infantry (flanked) 2
The Assyrians are hacked to death by the tired Hittites.

The archers continue their wheeling.The left wing Assyrian unit turns and charges the rear of the right wing Hittite unit in their moment of triumph.
Infantry v Infantry (in rear) 6 They die whilst praising Wurrukatte for their victory.

Turn 13
The Hittites start to manoeuvre having no enemies to their front.

The Assyrian infantry wheel to engage one of the infantry units and the archers seize a chance to shot.
Archers v Infantry 2

Turn 14
Whoops! The Hittite infantry turn and charge the archers. I didn't see that coming, too clever by half.
Infantry v Archers 1 but it is enough to see the archers off.

The Assyrians wheel and charge the exposed rear of the infantry unit who defeated the archers.
Infantry v Infantry (rear) 8 What is left of the infantry unit flee the field.
The armies are down to one unit each but needing to manoeuvre to face and charge each other. With only one turn left the battle is a draw.

Really close until the last couple of moves where events even surprised me.

A note on the archers.
The rules do not state the die roll for archers but I left it as the number rolled. This because of the area effect of massed bow fire as opposed to the skirmishers less dense zone.
Also, because the archers are not shielded or shieldwall I did not divide the casualties on them by 2

A note on movement.
Why can't ancient army units not about face? Is it always the case that the unit wheels 180 degrees rather than turn the whole unit? Or perhaps counter marching where the files march where the file turns as in a conga and marches opposite to the direction it was facing?

Thank you for viewing and I hope you enjoyed this battle.

One Hour Wargames.
This first encounter is between Thracians and Classical Indians. I wanted to post this first as it was a more enjoyable battle.
The first game is scenario 17, an encounter battle. Six units per side with 1 unit on the table from the start with reinforcements appearing on a roll of 4 or more on a 1-6 dice.

I diced for 6 units for each army and came up with the following:-
Indians a dice throw of 1
3 Infantry
2 Archers
1 Cavalry. I chose to use the cavalry rather than a chariot as I though that would be more appropriate.
Thracians
4 Infantry
1 Skirmish
1 Cavalry.
This seems a good match depending on the how the battle progresses.

I diced again for the first units positioned on the field of battle. I placed them 3'' on the board as I was playing on a 2'x2' TSS (Total System Scenic) tile.
Both came up with an infantry unit.

The set up

The Thracians are nearest to the camera.

Turn 1
Indians throw for reinforcements and roll 5 and 1 for an another infantry unit.
The unit moves 6'' and the other unit follows, moving 3 to align themselves with the first unit.

The Thracians throw a 5 also and a another 5 which meant the skirmishers appeared.
They also moved 6'' and again the other unit followed to form a line moving 3''.

 

Turn 2
The Indians throw 1 and no reinforcements.
They advance onto their side of the to claim it.

The Thracians throw a 1 also! No reinforcements for them either. They decide to stand.
I was wondering at this point whether I should allow the skirmishers to shoot but decided against it as the enemy were not over the centre of the hill.

Turn 3
The Indians throw a 4 and a 6. The cavalry arrive and move 12' to the side of the hill. The infantry hold position.

The Thracians throw a 5 and a 3. Another Infantry unit moves up along side the skirmishers. (I missed a chance here to shoot at the cavalry).
The Thracians hold their ground.

Turn 4
The Indians roll a 3. No reinforcements.
They decided that the odds were good and decided to attack. Was this a good idea? They thought so!

Cavalry v Infantry 1 casualty
Infantry v Skirmishers 6 The skirmishers are being severely pushed.
Infantry v Infantry 2. 

The Thracians throw 5 and 4. Another infantry unit moves up to flank the cavalry.
Infantry v Cavalry 3 casualties
Skirmishers v Infantry 0 casualties
Infantry v Infantry 3

Turn 5
The Indians throw 6 and 1. An infantry unit arrives, it is a long slog to the battle line. No forced marches here!
Cavalry v Infantry 3 casualties
Infantry v Skirmishers 4
Infantry v Infantry 4
A better round for the Indians who start to feel confident.

The Thracians throw a 2, No reinforcements
The infantry pivot 45%. Can they flank them or do they have to move completely 90%.
I will try 90% this time and 45 if there is another to see if there is much difference. I could be letting the Indians off here.

Infantry v Cavalry 5 Casualties
Skirmishers v Infantry 0 How do they hope to survive if they don't kill anyone?
Infantry v Infantry 3 casualties

There are a lot of minor casualties but only the skirmishers are more than half way to defeat.

Turn 6
The Indians throw a 1. No reinforcements
The infantry unit moves slowly forward.
Cavalry v Infantry 1 casualty
Infantry v Skirmishers 4 Skirmishers hanging on 14!
Infantry v Infantry 1
Is tiredness a contributing factor here?

The Thracians throw a 3. No reinforcements
The infantry unit pivot and charge the cavalry in the flank.
Infantry v Cavalry in flank 8 casualties. The cavalry are gone!
Skirmishers v Infantry 0 again! The highest throw so far for the skirmishers is 2. Take away 2 is nil casualties, the high point for the skirmishers.
Infantry v Infantry 3

Turn 7
The Indians throw 3. No reinforcements
The lone reinforcement moves forward again towards the battle.
Infantry v Skirmishers 7. The skirmish screen melts away under extreme pressure.
Infantry v Infantry 4 Hanging on with grim determination!

The Thracians throw4 and 4. More infantry arrive and charge to fill the gap left by the skirmishers. Just in time.
The other infantry unit sees an exposed flank, but the enemy infantry is coming towards them, Decisions, decisions. Charge!
Infantry v Infantry in flank 6
Infantry V infantry 2(8 casualties in one bound, ouch!)
Infantry v Infantry on the Thracian left flank 2. Now, the Indian unit is on 13.

Turn 8
The Indians throw a 3. No reinforcements
Infantry v Infantry 3 casualties
Infantry v Infantry 3. The Thracians collapse in their death throes giving respite to the Indians Infantry who now feel very exposed.

The Thracians throw a 1. No reinforcements.
Infantry v Infantry in flank 4. Now on 12.
Infantry v Infantry 4 Another Indian unit smothered by numberless Thracians.

Turn 9
The Indians throw a 2. No reinforcements.
Things look bleak for the Indians 2 units versus 3.
The infantry unit sweep onto the flank of the victorious Thracian unit. Should I have turned to face? That would seem unfair as they wouldn't be ready in my opinion. I give the Thracians the benefit of the doubt and let them turn. Will it turn the fortunes of war in their favour?
The right wing Indian infantry unit pivots and charges at 45%. I let this Thracian unit turn to face also as it seems

 

the right thing to do
Infantry v Infantry 3
Infantry v Infantry3

The Thracians throw 1. No reinforcements.
Infantry v Infantry 4
Infantry v Infantry 4 The right wing Indian infantry unit are pushed to extinction after fighting insurmountable odds.
Things are grim in the Indian camp. 2 units still to appear and 3-1 on the field of battle.

Turn 10
The Indians throw a 5, 1 archer unit appears and moves 6''
Infantry v Infantry 3 casualties

The Thracians throw 2. No reinforcements.

The Thracians units without opponents manoeuvre.
Infantry v Infantry 3

Turn 11
The Indians throw another 5! The last archer unit makes the battle field and moves 6''. Due to the fading light the forward archer unit pushes on to secure the objective, forgotten in the battle lust of both sides. They are still on their side of the crest so do not fire this turn.
Infantry v Infantry 3 casualties
Can the Indian infantry survive against 3 units?

The Thracians throw a 5 and the cavalry gallop onto the hill with all the panache that the nobles posses! Arriving and finding the archers they wheel 45% and prepare to charge.
The left wing infantry spurned on by the arrival of the cavalry charge onto the hill into the archers.
Infantry v Infantry 3
Infantry v Archers 4
I almost forgot ( I actually did forget that the archers are not infantry so had to go back and do the math again) that the archers are not infantry and don't halve the casualties.

Turn 12
The late unit of archers moves to the hill but are yards short. How did that happen!
The infantry and archers set to their opponents with desperation.
Infantry v Infantry 3
Archers v Infantry 3

Thracians.
Decisions, decisions. Should the cavalry turn to face the 2nd archer unit or take the archers on the hill in the flank. Going for glory, charge!
Infantry v Infantry 2
Infantry v Archers 3
Cavalry v Archers in flank 4
The infantry unit at the rear is manoeuvring to no effect. They probably can't reach an opponent in time to affect any combat.

Turn 13
The Indian Archer unit charges the cavalry flank
Infantry v Infantry 3 Both infantry units are on 12
Archers v Infantry 2
Archers v Cavalry 10! Was it a death wish that the Thracians had or were they inspired by some madness?

The Thracians grip their weapons and hack back
Infantry v Infantry 2
Infantry v Archers 3
Cavalry v Archers 2 The archers are butchered on the hill.

Turn 14
The Indian infantry fight on to save their skins
Infantry v Infantry 3 The Thracians infantry flee the field.
The Thracian cavalry turn to face the archers.
Archers v Cavalry 2

Thracians
Cavalry v Archers 2

Turn 15
The Indians are in no position to win. The archers have to fight a round of battle so could not move onto the hill this turn. Neither is the infantry in a position to threaten the forces holding it.
Great win for the Thracians on their first outing.

Thoughts.
I liked the dicing for forces,I often use it in my other games.
Giving the units numbers brought the fog of war to the table. I didn't want to choose the units as they became available as reinforcements.
We are used to having armies of units with varying factors. Having Indian foot comparable with Thracian foot seemed a little strange. We think of one as 'heavy' and the other medium or light medium with differing frontages. I classed them both as infantry.
How odd that the skirmishers and archers never fired a shot being in combat from the earliest possible time. The archers were unfortunate to come on so late so really had to come to close quarters quickly,negating their use of the bow.
The Indian decision to attack proved to be its downfall. Again the dice misled the Indians into thinking it was their destiny to win, only to let them down in combats and reinforcements.
Indecision on the part of the Thracians saved them from moving towards the hill, perhaps saving their infantry from trouble.
The Thracian cavalry gallop onto the hill was in the best traditions of the noble cavalry panache. So Polish Hussari!

I hope you liked the AAR as much as I liked the game.
Thank you for viewing.