Hi!
Another first!
My son bought me some wargaming presents this Christmas. He hasn't actually done that before! Birthday and fathers day yes, infrequently. I am rather pleased.
He bought me a Blackhat (blackhat.co.uk) 15mm Asiatic Horde, one of the army deals. This consists of mainly light horse, either bow or javelin armed, with command and a heavy and medium cavalry pack.
I guess I will have to fit it into the painting rosta, which I haven't made yet! I was rather hoping to restart the Napoleonics or ECW figures I have yet to complete. There are rather a lot of them.
My younger sons bought me the Vikings TV series I asked for. It had good reviews so I'm hoping for some quality TV for a change. It tempts me to look at Saga or Glut of Ravens or some such. Yes, another 40 figure skirmish small project! The Ronin are currently at 45 with more armed peasants, villagers ashigaru and sundry other figures needed. Like a lord, traders and a small number of samurai. That should take it close to 100 figures. An army worth of skirmish figures. Not including more buildings.
So. A plan for the new year.
Primary aim:-
1 division each of French, Prussian, Austrian and Bavarian.
That is a lot of painting. A division every three months so it will be hard work to keep going. As I'm going to Cuba for a month in February I will take some to keep me occupied when not out and about. I don't usually take figures when going to Cuba but having such a large number to paint I can't afford to miss so much time. Having said that, I don't know which rules I will be using and what size bases to use. I was thinking Blucher. My old units are of my own size and I don't know if they conform to any rules. I was using 'To the sound of the guns' and happily so. But a new dawn rises and it's time to move on. I just paint until I run out of figures and worry about the basing later!
Luckily, for reference, I have the collection of Delprado figures and booklets that were on sale weekly around 10 years ago. Also, other various Napoleonic reference books such as:-
Napoleonic Armies by Ray Johnson. Invaluable.
Armies of the Napoleonic Era by Otto von Pivka
as well as Men at Arms by Osprey (osprey) for various army branch and unit types
Secondary aim:-
Paint some ECW (English Civil War) units to match the armies of the Polish and Turks I have.
I actually have enough for two ECW armies as that was my original aim. But one will be enough for this year unless I have time.
Third aim:-
To paint the Asiatic Horde.
These may be easier to paint as they are the great unwashed so I feel muted browns and earthy colours. I will research before painting.
All the figures, except the Blackhat ones, are H&R (heroicsandros.co.uk). A few cannon are Irregular Miniatures (irregularminiatures.co.uk), I feel they look better than the H&R cannon for the ECW.
So, A plan for painting. Let's hope I find time to wargame also!
Stokesay Castle
Just a great place to visit
Friday, 30 December 2016
Sunday, 18 December 2016
Wargames Christmas list
Hi! everyone.
It's that time of year when we give our families a list of all the juicy wargames items we would like to have for Christmas. Usually my boys totally ignore my list and give me none wargames items. Occasionally I ask for money to put towards my preferred presents as at least it defers the cost of the hobby. I did that this year for fathers day and my birthday. I used it to offset the costs of the Ronin project. The last purchase for Ronin has been the village elders house by 4Ground (4Ground). As I've stated before, these are really excellent buildings. I also bought the carts to add to the village life scenes. I also want some other village scenics to add visually to the games.
On the list this year are:-
The Wargames Annual 2017
Frostgrave rules and figures.
Trust me, that's plenty!
The Frostgrave game has been something of a fascination for me. It reminds me of the games of Heroquest I played with my eldest son some years ago. Indeed, they were the years of Titan Legions and Space Crusade. Space Crusade was also liked by my younger sons with whom I painted their names on the sergeants banners.
Will my young Santa's heed my wishes? Only time will tell.
It's that time of year when we give our families a list of all the juicy wargames items we would like to have for Christmas. Usually my boys totally ignore my list and give me none wargames items. Occasionally I ask for money to put towards my preferred presents as at least it defers the cost of the hobby. I did that this year for fathers day and my birthday. I used it to offset the costs of the Ronin project. The last purchase for Ronin has been the village elders house by 4Ground (4Ground). As I've stated before, these are really excellent buildings. I also bought the carts to add to the village life scenes. I also want some other village scenics to add visually to the games.
On the list this year are:-
The Wargames Annual 2017
Frostgrave rules and figures.
Trust me, that's plenty!
The Frostgrave game has been something of a fascination for me. It reminds me of the games of Heroquest I played with my eldest son some years ago. Indeed, they were the years of Titan Legions and Space Crusade. Space Crusade was also liked by my younger sons with whom I painted their names on the sergeants banners.
Will my young Santa's heed my wishes? Only time will tell.
Saturday, 5 November 2016
6mm ancients - a few more
Hi!
These are the promised ancient British.
These are all Heroics and Ros (Heroics and Ros) British infantry, no Gauls here! The infantry are based on 80 by 40mm bases , some rules now call them elements. This, I feel , gives an impression of a warband of some size better than 4 of the 40 by 20mm bases.
This warband requires more figures which I will look at purchasing soon.
The chariots also require a few more to make them seem threatening.
In DBMM, rules from 'the wargames research group' (www.wargamesresearchgroup.net), I would require 40 elements (bases) of infantry, equivalent of 10 tribal warbands in my army.
I have tried to differentiate the warbands by giving them varying colour schemes for their shields, and sometimes in the colour of their clothing. Not easily seen the pictures.
Not shown in their own picture, are 4 bases of light cavalry.
More in the near future.
Thank you for viewing
These are the promised ancient British.
These are all Heroics and Ros (Heroics and Ros) British infantry, no Gauls here! The infantry are based on 80 by 40mm bases , some rules now call them elements. This, I feel , gives an impression of a warband of some size better than 4 of the 40 by 20mm bases.
 |
| The current army. |
 |
| One tribal warband |
 |
| A second tribal warband |
 |
| A third tribal warband |
 |
| The few chariots |
In DBMM, rules from 'the wargames research group' (www.wargamesresearchgroup.net), I would require 40 elements (bases) of infantry, equivalent of 10 tribal warbands in my army.
I have tried to differentiate the warbands by giving them varying colour schemes for their shields, and sometimes in the colour of their clothing. Not easily seen the pictures.
Not shown in their own picture, are 4 bases of light cavalry.
More in the near future.
Thank you for viewing
Friday, 4 November 2016
6mm ancients
Hello!
More small painting tasks that I assigned myself to complete. They are rounding off bits and pieces just to clear the pile and reinforce existing armies.
All the following are Heroics and Ros (Heroics and Ros) ancients range.
Roman artillery
Sassanid skirmishing bowmen
Ancient British warriors and slings
This last picture is woad painted warriors. Naked, mostly, of course! Not in the rules but I've based these as warband fast. A kind of fanatical unit who want to show how brave they are.
Most of the figures are actually from the Gaulish range. Not that they look a lot different. Even less so at this scale.
These will go with my larger warbands, cavalry and chariots which I have yet to photograph. Next time, with some of the Romans I have painted, Legio XV1, Flamia Firma. This legion was based at Sura on the Euphrates. An ideal unit to defend the empire against the Sassanids and Parthians.
More next time.
More small painting tasks that I assigned myself to complete. They are rounding off bits and pieces just to clear the pile and reinforce existing armies.
All the following are Heroics and Ros (Heroics and Ros) ancients range.
Roman artillery
Sassanid skirmishing bowmen
Ancient British warriors and slings
This last picture is woad painted warriors. Naked, mostly, of course! Not in the rules but I've based these as warband fast. A kind of fanatical unit who want to show how brave they are.
Most of the figures are actually from the Gaulish range. Not that they look a lot different. Even less so at this scale.
These will go with my larger warbands, cavalry and chariots which I have yet to photograph. Next time, with some of the Romans I have painted, Legio XV1, Flamia Firma. This legion was based at Sura on the Euphrates. An ideal unit to defend the empire against the Sassanids and Parthians.
More next time.
Monday, 10 October 2016
A little painting done for Ronin
I haven't been idle in the last few weeks. I managed to paint some more figures for Ronin.
These were Perry Miniatures, Japanese armed peasants advancing (Perry Miniatures) SAM 31. They paint up very well, and, whilst not yet based, will be a very good addition to my villagers collection. I could also use them for the Ronin bands.
Dixons have similar and I will be buying more of them I'm sure. The aim is to have as much individuality as possible in the games. Using the same figures over and over will get a bit repetitious I feel.
These were Perry Miniatures, Japanese armed peasants advancing (Perry Miniatures) SAM 31. They paint up very well, and, whilst not yet based, will be a very good addition to my villagers collection. I could also use them for the Ronin bands.
Dixons have similar and I will be buying more of them I'm sure. The aim is to have as much individuality as possible in the games. Using the same figures over and over will get a bit repetitious I feel.
 |
| 3 armed peasants |
 |
| 3 more |
I also painted some Dixon samurai (dixon samurai-25mm) I bought off eBay early in the project. I was not going to paint these until I had a some ashigaru, but decided to get them done and out of the way. Another small part of the lead mountain gone.
I will use all the figures except the one with the arquebus. It isn't something I want to have. Yumi yes.
Probably, it will end up on eBay in the near future.
Monday, 4 July 2016
One Hour Wargame, Polish vs Turkish. A Renaissance 6mm wargame
As promised some months ago, a renaissance battle.
A small Polish force rushing to stop a slightly larger Turkish force from crossing the river in numbers.
This is scenario 5 in the OHW (One Hour Wargames) book.
Bridgehead
Situation
The Turkish force has discovered a crossing into Polish territory and is aiming to secure it.
The Polish general is frantically attempting to mobilise every available unit to stop them.
I use one element to represent a unit instead of the two recommended by the book. The book has even forces but I thought that the attacking enemy would put more resources into securing the crossing. I have allowed 10 light cavalry to cross the river unopposed, in the book it is 1 unit. I justify this by the fact large scouting forces were employed by the Turks. The Polish will have heavier units to deal with these, as and when they appear.
Only one unit can cross the bridge each turn, nothing stipulated in the book. Again, I think there would be a delay in units crossing. This, I suspect, will help the Polish force to block the bridge before too many Turkish units can cross. Only time will tell.
1 x Hussari
2 x Pancerni
2 x Drab Infantry
1 x Cossack Infantry (axe)
6 x Cossack Light Cavalry
Turkish force
1 x General (Feudal Sipahi)
2 x Fuedal Sipahi
12 x Light Cavalry
3 x Jannisaries
2 x Light Infantry (Azabs & similar)
The Polish forces will come on as set out in the book. I have paired up units and two will enter each period as the die roll dictates. There are 3 locations of entry; 2 directly opposite the Turkish start point and 1 to the left which gives a flanking option
The Polish went first as response to incursion of light cavalry
Two Cossack units appear in the rear, left flank of the Turkish light horse. The Turks turn and charge the flanking unit causing a few casualties.
The Turkish column advances 1 light cavalry unit over the bridge. I had thought about the deployment and considered it right the light cavalry followed by the Sipahi; Jannisaries and light infantry was an appropriate order of march. I am not sure the Jannisaries would see it that way.
The Pancerni arrive, advancing through the village.
Two units of Turkish light horse charge the congested Pancerni causing them casualties and preventing them from exiting the village. Another 2 units turn and move to flank the village.
Another Turkish unit crossed the bridge and turns to flank the Cossacks.
The cossacks are not causing many casualties on the Turkish light horse. The Turks are only slowly whittling the Cossacks down.
The General and Hussari arrive to bolster the Cossack unit on the Turkish flank.
The Pancerni, blocked in the village, are too compressed to cause casualties on the light horse and suffer nothing in return.The left flank Turkish light horse move around the village hoping to catch the Pancerni in the rear.
The Turkish light horse flank charges the Cossacks in combat but fail to achieve anything, as the Sipahi start to cross and move north. I gambled here on the oncoming infantry to be enough to hold the bridge if the cavalry lost the action. I only had light cavalry in advance so thought to support these.
The General and Hussari flank charge the Turkish light horse and are equally ineffective. (A huge surprise given their weight and armament advantage on top of flanking)
Another Turkish light horse joins the fray as the column grinds its way across the river.
Cossack units arrive to the right of the village in support of the Pancerni.
The first Cossack units are near to breaking having suffered many casualties but not inflicting many themselves. The Hussari are making little headway.
The Drab infantry arrive with a Cossack unit and some Cossack axe men on the Polish left flank as the Turkish and other Cossack units prepare to contest the rear of the village.Almost no casualties suffered by any unit this turn
The newly arrived cossacks advance to stall the Sipahi while the infantry try to support the Cossack cavalry, who, are in combat with the Turkish light horse.
Cossack unit is finally eliminated leaving the General and Hussari under great pressure of numbers.
Turkish cavalry flank charge the Hussari causing huge casualties and they are gone!
With the infantry crossing the bridge and the general almost eliminated I credited it to a Turkish win. It was nine periods/bounds in the game with 6 left to go. I felt the Polish would have to be extremely lucky to pull this back.
Summary
It was an interesting game with lots of points where it could have given a different outcome.
The Turkish steady progress over the bridge seemed to be a disadvantage early on but proved to be better than the Polish hotch, potch arrival. It could so easily have been disadvantageous though!
I had thought to give the Hussari a bonus in the first charge but played the rules as written.
I could have used the Polish infantry a little differently. Perhaps creating a 'front' line or more in support of the struggling Pancerni, who never made it out of the village.
If the Sipahi had not advanced the Polish would have had a free hand with the reinforcing units which could have changed everything.
All in all, a very good game with problems and surprises coming steadily.
I fought the game over two weeks so not much of the 1 hour wargame!
Never mind, there was no rush.
I think I will refight this sometime in the future with similar forces but with a charge bonus for the Hussari. Maybe other tweaks also.
I hope you enjoyed the AAR as much as I enjoyed the game.
A small Polish force rushing to stop a slightly larger Turkish force from crossing the river in numbers.
This is scenario 5 in the OHW (One Hour Wargames) book.
Bridgehead
Situation
The Turkish force has discovered a crossing into Polish territory and is aiming to secure it.
The Polish general is frantically attempting to mobilise every available unit to stop them.
I use one element to represent a unit instead of the two recommended by the book. The book has even forces but I thought that the attacking enemy would put more resources into securing the crossing. I have allowed 10 light cavalry to cross the river unopposed, in the book it is 1 unit. I justify this by the fact large scouting forces were employed by the Turks. The Polish will have heavier units to deal with these, as and when they appear.
Only one unit can cross the bridge each turn, nothing stipulated in the book. Again, I think there would be a delay in units crossing. This, I suspect, will help the Polish force to block the bridge before too many Turkish units can cross. Only time will tell.
Polish force
1 x General Cavalry unit 1 x Hussari
2 x Pancerni
2 x Drab Infantry
1 x Cossack Infantry (axe)
6 x Cossack Light Cavalry
Turkish force
1 x General (Feudal Sipahi)
2 x Fuedal Sipahi
12 x Light Cavalry
3 x Jannisaries
2 x Light Infantry (Azabs & similar)
 |
| The view from behind the Turkish lines |
The Polish went first as response to incursion of light cavalry
 |
| Cossack units flanking the Turkish light cavalry |
 |
| 4 Turkish vs 2 Cossack units |
The Pancerni arrive, advancing through the village.
 |
| Polish village with orchard |
Another Turkish unit crossed the bridge and turns to flank the Cossacks.
The cossacks are not causing many casualties on the Turkish light horse. The Turks are only slowly whittling the Cossacks down.
The General and Hussari arrive to bolster the Cossack unit on the Turkish flank.
 |
| General and Hussari arrive Turkish light horse in the distance turn to flank the cossacks |
The Turkish light horse flank charges the Cossacks in combat but fail to achieve anything, as the Sipahi start to cross and move north. I gambled here on the oncoming infantry to be enough to hold the bridge if the cavalry lost the action. I only had light cavalry in advance so thought to support these.
The General and Hussari flank charge the Turkish light horse and are equally ineffective. (A huge surprise given their weight and armament advantage on top of flanking)
Another Turkish light horse joins the fray as the column grinds its way across the river.
Cossack units arrive to the right of the village in support of the Pancerni.
The first Cossack units are near to breaking having suffered many casualties but not inflicting many themselves. The Hussari are making little headway.
The Drab infantry arrive with a Cossack unit and some Cossack axe men on the Polish left flank as the Turkish and other Cossack units prepare to contest the rear of the village.Almost no casualties suffered by any unit this turn
 |
| Turkish horse moving north to counter the newly arrived infantry and cossacks. |
Cossack unit is finally eliminated leaving the General and Hussari under great pressure of numbers.
With the infantry crossing the bridge and the general almost eliminated I credited it to a Turkish win. It was nine periods/bounds in the game with 6 left to go. I felt the Polish would have to be extremely lucky to pull this back.
Summary
It was an interesting game with lots of points where it could have given a different outcome.
The Turkish steady progress over the bridge seemed to be a disadvantage early on but proved to be better than the Polish hotch, potch arrival. It could so easily have been disadvantageous though!
I had thought to give the Hussari a bonus in the first charge but played the rules as written.
I could have used the Polish infantry a little differently. Perhaps creating a 'front' line or more in support of the struggling Pancerni, who never made it out of the village.
If the Sipahi had not advanced the Polish would have had a free hand with the reinforcing units which could have changed everything.
All in all, a very good game with problems and surprises coming steadily.
I fought the game over two weeks so not much of the 1 hour wargame!
Never mind, there was no rush.
I think I will refight this sometime in the future with similar forces but with a charge bonus for the Hussari. Maybe other tweaks also.
I hope you enjoyed the AAR as much as I enjoyed the game.
Monday, 6 June 2016
Ronin set up
Hello,
Finally I have my PC back in something like working order. I have had 3 PC's over the last few weeks when I had problems accessing the hard drive. Yes, all my passwords were saved on that PC as well as all the pictures, documents etc. It's no fun when the PC goes down.
Here is the set-up for the Ronin game I am about to play:-
After some years of plying their trade on the road leading to Osaka, the Crane Gang have seen their ill gotten gains dwindling due to people claiming to have been robbed up the road. Not liking this at all they set off with the intention of finding out what is going on. After some days they see another group of Ronin robbing 'their' marks. Observing them for a few days to gauge whether they can take on these newcomers they decide to lay an ambush outside their cabin in the forest
The cabin, in a cleared glade in the forest, belongs to the father of the Shin'ichi of the Dark Shadows Gang.
The Dark Shadow Gang thought it easier to rob travellers than be honest Samurai. They lurked in the dark parts of the forest and waylaid the richer travellers, letting the poorer ones pass.
The Crane Gang arrive and set up their ambush.
For both gangs, the leaders are morale 4 and the ranks morale is 3. No attributes are given in this first game.
The Crane Gang win initiative and opt to go second. I roll a dice to see if the DS (The Dark Shadows) will roll to spot the CG (Crane Gang) before or after moving. They will roll after moving. 1 they spot them, 2-6 they don't notice anything unusual.
Having moved, they roll, a 1! They spot the ambush, and it's Katsu in the bushes they see. Mikio gets off a shot and causes a light wound.
The Crane Gang, now their cover is blown, attack. The move falls short and it's the DS who move into contact.
The CG retain initiative and Madoka causes a grievous wound to Shin'ichi! Who, fighting for his life, causes the same in reply!
Katsu gets the initiative in the combat against two attackers. He takes a more defensive role but still receives a grievous wound and dies.
The CG retain initiative but their morale drops to wavering after the death of Katsu.
Moving first, Hideo and Karasu (Hideo rolls 2 and Karasu rolls 3) each fail their morale test ,and decide to withdraw towards the forest! Madoka realises what is happening and breaks off to retreat also.
With Shin'ichi wounded the DS do not follow up. They are not rash!
Both Shin'ichi and Madoka survive their wounds, but are not yet ready to fight. Hideo will need to find a replacement, even if it's a couple of peasants. He will plot his revenge and take more care next time.
Summary
What did I think?
The game was pretty fast. Using the die to determine some aspects of what the figures did worked very well. I wasn't sure what they would actually do. That made for an exciting game.
The combats were quite brutal. Well, it was with swords! One dead and two seriously wounded tells the tale. Now to plan the next encounter. Die at the ready to choose the gangs.
Finally I have my PC back in something like working order. I have had 3 PC's over the last few weeks when I had problems accessing the hard drive. Yes, all my passwords were saved on that PC as well as all the pictures, documents etc. It's no fun when the PC goes down.
Here is the set-up for the Ronin game I am about to play:-
After some years of plying their trade on the road leading to Osaka, the Crane Gang have seen their ill gotten gains dwindling due to people claiming to have been robbed up the road. Not liking this at all they set off with the intention of finding out what is going on. After some days they see another group of Ronin robbing 'their' marks. Observing them for a few days to gauge whether they can take on these newcomers they decide to lay an ambush outside their cabin in the forest
 |
| The Crane Gang Hideo, the leader (in armour with naginata) Katsu with Katana and wakizashi (mustard) Madoka with Katana (in yellow) Aoi who goes by the nickname Karasu because of his raven cloak with Katana The gang have the basket type hats (except Hideo) |
The cabin, in a cleared glade in the forest, belongs to the father of the Shin'ichi of the Dark Shadows Gang.
 |
| Kenta and daughter Hanan tending the herb garden by their cabin |
 |
| Dark Shadows Gang Shin'ichi, the leader with the naginata Mikio with Yumi Kunio with Katana (in green) Jiro with Katana (yellow/orange) |
 |
| The path, with the Crane Gang in waiting |
The Crane Gang win initiative and opt to go second. I roll a dice to see if the DS (The Dark Shadows) will roll to spot the CG (Crane Gang) before or after moving. They will roll after moving. 1 they spot them, 2-6 they don't notice anything unusual.
Having moved, they roll, a 1! They spot the ambush, and it's Katsu in the bushes they see. Mikio gets off a shot and causes a light wound.
The Crane Gang, now their cover is blown, attack. The move falls short and it's the DS who move into contact.
 |
| Kenta and Hanan slink off to safety in the forest as the likelihood of fighting becomes apparent |
The CG retain initiative and Madoka causes a grievous wound to Shin'ichi! Who, fighting for his life, causes the same in reply!
Katsu gets the initiative in the combat against two attackers. He takes a more defensive role but still receives a grievous wound and dies.
The CG retain initiative but their morale drops to wavering after the death of Katsu.
Moving first, Hideo and Karasu (Hideo rolls 2 and Karasu rolls 3) each fail their morale test ,and decide to withdraw towards the forest! Madoka realises what is happening and breaks off to retreat also.
With Shin'ichi wounded the DS do not follow up. They are not rash!
Both Shin'ichi and Madoka survive their wounds, but are not yet ready to fight. Hideo will need to find a replacement, even if it's a couple of peasants. He will plot his revenge and take more care next time.
Summary
What did I think?
The game was pretty fast. Using the die to determine some aspects of what the figures did worked very well. I wasn't sure what they would actually do. That made for an exciting game.
The combats were quite brutal. Well, it was with swords! One dead and two seriously wounded tells the tale. Now to plan the next encounter. Die at the ready to choose the gangs.
Saturday, 14 May 2016
Campaign 2016
Hi! Everyone,
Catching up from a busy period of work, painting and gaming.
First, I went to the local wargames show that is Campaign 2016 in Milton Keynes Centre.
I would call this a small show, but it is open to all and free. Located in the shopping mall with access to all the big, and small, shops in the centre it draws none wargamers into its brace with deceptive ease. How else is wargaming to grow if it doesn't entice an audience not normally accessible in those out of centre places?
Any way.
The show is based around wargaming competitions with a few participation games and several regular trade stalls. I try not to spend too much, but you know how things are! This year, as last, my main aim was scenery/terrain to enhance the wargames table. This is something I have not gone in for a lot. I think it is due to wargaming ancients mainly. Not that it isn't possible to use it. Hills I use a lot and some trees to simulate woods but that's it really.
With moving to the 6mm scale and playing Ronin it is a different game. Literally.
There is space and it is nice to fill it with items to enhance the table and experience.
Saturday was a short visit due to work commitments in the afternoon so it was a look and see couple of hours. Some nice games set up with the Lance and Longbow Society setting up a game. As was the Society of Ancients, both regular attendees at the show. Milton Keynes Wargames Society set up the battle of Cannae with 6mm figures. Nicely done, as were the other games.
Sunday I spent time to buy things but my main aim was to see the competitions, especially the ancients DBMM. I did look at the Field of Glory competition games but they are rules I am not into. I do like to see nice armies though.
I stayed for about 4 hours in total. Spoke to a rather nice wargamer from MKWS (I think).
Perhaps the best part was speaking to the rules writer of Open Combat by secondthinder.com (https://secondthunder.com).
We went through the game and it is based in pre-gunpowder era. So, a skirmish game with added bits that seem quite interesting. I may have a look in a few months or so after I have what I consider the bulk of the Ronin figures and terrain I think I will need. On this I still need armed peasants and villagers as well as a few ashigaru. Perhaps, also, a few samurai and a Lord or two.
Well, that's it for now. More on the Ronin game and how it went next time as well as the ancients game I played in the mean time.
Catching up from a busy period of work, painting and gaming.
First, I went to the local wargames show that is Campaign 2016 in Milton Keynes Centre.
I would call this a small show, but it is open to all and free. Located in the shopping mall with access to all the big, and small, shops in the centre it draws none wargamers into its brace with deceptive ease. How else is wargaming to grow if it doesn't entice an audience not normally accessible in those out of centre places?
Any way.
The show is based around wargaming competitions with a few participation games and several regular trade stalls. I try not to spend too much, but you know how things are! This year, as last, my main aim was scenery/terrain to enhance the wargames table. This is something I have not gone in for a lot. I think it is due to wargaming ancients mainly. Not that it isn't possible to use it. Hills I use a lot and some trees to simulate woods but that's it really.
With moving to the 6mm scale and playing Ronin it is a different game. Literally.
There is space and it is nice to fill it with items to enhance the table and experience.
Saturday was a short visit due to work commitments in the afternoon so it was a look and see couple of hours. Some nice games set up with the Lance and Longbow Society setting up a game. As was the Society of Ancients, both regular attendees at the show. Milton Keynes Wargames Society set up the battle of Cannae with 6mm figures. Nicely done, as were the other games.
Sunday I spent time to buy things but my main aim was to see the competitions, especially the ancients DBMM. I did look at the Field of Glory competition games but they are rules I am not into. I do like to see nice armies though.
I stayed for about 4 hours in total. Spoke to a rather nice wargamer from MKWS (I think).
Perhaps the best part was speaking to the rules writer of Open Combat by secondthinder.com (https://secondthunder.com).
We went through the game and it is based in pre-gunpowder era. So, a skirmish game with added bits that seem quite interesting. I may have a look in a few months or so after I have what I consider the bulk of the Ronin figures and terrain I think I will need. On this I still need armed peasants and villagers as well as a few ashigaru. Perhaps, also, a few samurai and a Lord or two.
Well, that's it for now. More on the Ronin game and how it went next time as well as the ancients game I played in the mean time.
Sunday, 31 January 2016
Villagers and houses
Just a quick update on the progress I am making with Ronin.
I have started the buildings which arrived at the end of November (4ground-shogunate-japan). Christmas, and particularly work, has interrupted the completion of them but things are on track.
I bought some more villagers (Perry Miniatures Samurai range) from Perry Miniatures, Sam 52. They fit in well with the figures I have. I have almost completed painting them. I will be getting some more including some with weapons in March for planned scenarios based around the village(s).
I am also working through the rules to get a better understanding so the games run smoothly and there are less queries.
I am thinking about the scenarios to bring these games together as much as possible. How these disparate groups meet up. Will there be automatic friendship/animosity. Choosing territory to fight over.
The first scenario I have in mind is a hideout in the woods. One group holds it and another thinks it is ideal for their needs. There has to be a possibility of an unseen event or two as surprise makes for interesting gaming.
I will be going to Cuba at the end of February but will post as soon as possible thereafter if I don't post before I go.
Happy gaming.
I have started the buildings which arrived at the end of November (4ground-shogunate-japan). Christmas, and particularly work, has interrupted the completion of them but things are on track.
I bought some more villagers (Perry Miniatures Samurai range) from Perry Miniatures, Sam 52. They fit in well with the figures I have. I have almost completed painting them. I will be getting some more including some with weapons in March for planned scenarios based around the village(s).
I am also working through the rules to get a better understanding so the games run smoothly and there are less queries.
I am thinking about the scenarios to bring these games together as much as possible. How these disparate groups meet up. Will there be automatic friendship/animosity. Choosing territory to fight over.
The first scenario I have in mind is a hideout in the woods. One group holds it and another thinks it is ideal for their needs. There has to be a possibility of an unseen event or two as surprise makes for interesting gaming.
I will be going to Cuba at the end of February but will post as soon as possible thereafter if I don't post before I go.
Happy gaming.
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