Din of Battle

Cazadores de Mexico

2012-02-16T23:29:00.001-05:00

I've just finished painting the 1st and 2nd battalion of the Cazadores de Mexico of the Imperial Mexican Army. I really like the uniforms of these units and used ITA06 and ITA05 Piedmont Bersaglieri from the Italian 1800-1899 QRF 15mm line of figures as substitutes. The figures are close enough for my needs.

Link to QRF site:
http://quickreactionforce.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=438_472_651_652&products_id=6325

1st Battalion Cazadores de Mexico

2nd Battalion Cazadores de Mexico

Next I plan on painting two units of French Line Infantry and the French Imperial Guard artillery. My Historicon project is making great progress.

Eric

Here I Stand Results

2012-02-12T13:34:00.000-05:00

Hi,
As mentioned on my blog before, my group has been playing Here I Stand quite a bit. We just finished up a session where the Ottomans won on turn 9, the last possible turn after taking Rome! I've included a graph here to show the VP points from turn 5 (when I started keeping track) to turn 9.

Players:
Ottomans - Brian
Hasburgs - Eric
England - Jon
France - Hal
Papacy - Mike
Protestants - Jan

Jan, provided most of the commentary below of the game. It was a nail biter right to the end with everybody having a chance to win on the last turn except the Protestants who were too weak militarily to stop any of the Hapsburg advances. Click for larger image.

Protestant Diary by Jan Hope:

11/30/11Great game!! Turn 1 was played last week when I was absent, and even with the 95 Theses, the Diet of Worms, and the Katherina Bora card (!), I started Turn 2 with only 3 Reformed spaces and not even including Wittenburg, Luther's home space!! So it was Here I Stand, I can do no other in a Bible thumping crusade, with treatises and translations all over the place, fully translating the Bible in German, and making it to the New Testaments in English and French. By mid-Turn 4 I had converted about 30 spaces, taken all of the Electorates, made a significant in road in England, and even a few spaces in France!! On Turn 1, Carlstadt had been debated, lost, and was burned at the stake! The Pope called for a debate that I was able to cancel with a Wurtburg card, he called another debate that I actually won, and converted a couple of spaces although I didn't disgrace the Papal debater, then in a debate in the English zone, the Pope (Mike Johnson) played very strategically, selecting the committed debaters pool, excommunicated Cranmer leaving only Latimer, who had been committed for his Reformation bonus in England, and with his debate value of only 1 I didn't make any hits in defending in the debate, the Papal debater made two hits, so I lost the debate, suffered a couple of counter-reformations, and alas Latimer was burned at the stake! I think I've reached the high water mark of the Protestants and it's going to be downhill from here as the Papal debaters become stronger and the Popes more effective with Paul III about to arrive. We pick it up again next week at mid-Turn 4, and we'll see how it goes ... great fun!!

12/7/11What a game! Continuing the game from last week, we had a couple of impulses to go in Turn 4, and then onward to Turn 5, it was magnificent!! As I mentioned in an email just before we picked it up again:

"Ah, on the one hand perhaps the Hapsburgs will be fully engaged in saving the Papacy from the Mahometans and also protecting Vienna from falling to the Eastern hordes while leaving the League at peace, but on the other hand Pole and Caraffa are arriving on the next turn, and then yikes!, Loyola and Canisius along with the death of Luther are right around the corner ... meanwhile following the advice of Herrick I'll try to "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may" ..."

And I did gather a few rosebuds! Nearly getting into 25 VP territory for an outright win! Jon as Henry VIII was actually at 26 VP toward the end, and as Eric said in an email afterward:

"What a wild ride Turn 5 was! Holy smokes! Johnson, your Papacy is intact and you are still at war with the Ottomans. You have lost only one key. The Hapsburgs are now at war with the Ottomans too. Turn 6 will be a doozy! We made a big gaffe on VP tracking for England so that radically changed the outlook of the game in Turn 5. I think at one point the Ottomans, England and Protestants looked like they might win the game!"

To which I added:

"It was so magnificent! And the holy smoke was all those books being burned by the Papacy instead of my debaters for a change! And if only I had had a 2CP to play as my final card instead of only a 1, I could have finished translating the French Bible for a VP and perhaps picked up a couple of reformed locations in France putting Luther in the catbird seat sitting right next to Henry VIII, but then the Papacy's brilliant book burning counter-reformation crusade in England with the last two cards would still have knocked us both down together a couple of pegs below the victory spot! What a game! My hair still hurts!

And now of course the Mahometan is the wolf closest to the sled, so we followers of the true faith need to bend on all sail to keep them from a toe-hold in Europe that will last five centuries or more, even if that means that our religious differences might continue on into future decades, perhaps leaving it to our successor generation to resolve these doctrinal views through scholarly debate and erudite writings in an age later this century when the arts can flourish while the Asian warrior hordes might be well contained in the East."

Yes, Turn 6 will definitely be a doozy!! But alas, I'm on the downhill slope now with all those Papal debaters and Hapsburgs about to lay waste to the League, unless of course they will all focus on keeping the Ottomans at bay and allow me to coast for a turn, and by coasting I mean translate the Bible into French for 1 VP and get 6 Reformation attempts in France at +1 on the dice! I might be hovering around 20 VP or so, then seriously slide away on Turns 7-9, if we get that far ...

In encouraging the others to focus on defeating the Ottomans I also sent an email later saying:

"And as a man of the cloth, I'm completely consumed by my treatises and translations and thoroughly mystified by deployments and other military matters, so I'm eternally grateful for any advice on alliances! Also, Maurice of Saxony, apparently the most proficient among the League's military commanders, at least he has an air of authority perhaps not actually fully justified by his performance on the field, has been explaining the momentum theory to me and it seems to me that among we followers of the true faith, our Spring Deployment should be carrying the momentum in an Eastward direction rather than any of the other points on the compass rose!"

1/11/12(HIS postponed by bouts with the plague and a few weeks of The Napoleonic Wars with less than the full HIS roster able to attend)
What a game! Continuing the game from early December, we picked it up at the beginning of Turn 6. During negotiations, I made a "truce" with the Hapsburgs and played Egypt Revolt to pull off some Ottoman troops off the eastern front to cover the foreign war in exchange for minimal attacks on Electorates. We all went at it hammer and tongs, theological debates, treatises, burned books, Bible translations, battles, sieges, it was magnificent!! At one point I was at 27 Victory Points, but the Papacy whittled me down with debates and burned books, plus the Hapsburgs took one Electorate, leaving me with four for a five card hand on Turn 7, so I ended the turn below the 25 VP needed for automatic victory ... onward to Turn 7, starting with the Conference of Constantinople where all the powers except Hapsburgs and Papacy agreed to form a Grand Alliance against the Hapsburgs who were closest to the win, and we agreed that the Luther dies card held by the French would be played late after Luther had done what he was going to do. We went at it hammer and tongs again, I took back an electorate, translated the English Bible, had epic debates losing one debater burned at the stake, and going for two rounds in another to an inconclusive result. It was back and forth and toward the end Luther died ... We declared a temporary cessation of hostilities as the hour was late and the hands had not all been played out, Ottomans and Hapsburgs still have cards to play, the rest of us are done, and I'm at 25 VP, but the Hapsburgs are closing in to knock off an Electorate and bring me below the automatic victory point to carry the game into Turn 8, probably to be played out in February ... The momentum is shifting to the Papacy with Jesuit universities all over the place, tons of debaters in play, Luther gone, all my major events played out, so it looks like I'll be hanging on as best I can through treatises and debates. What a magnificent game!!! And then we have Virgin Queen coming along in the spring!

1/25/12What a brilliant game! As we resumed after the truce the Hapsburgs did in fact knock off an Electorate and took me off the winning spot, and then we moved on to Turn 8, where without Luther the momentum has definitely shifted to the Papacy, and on top of that I drew a very bad hand, one 3, three 2s, and a 1, very bad! Anyway, ever onward, and after titanic struggles back and forth with such a poor hand, the Hapsburgs captured another Electorate, the Papacy burned more debaters at the stake, and a devastating Council of Trent against four three-value debaters, but with an unlikely win in a defensive debate, and a few treatises, I managed to hang onto enough locations to hold at 20 VP, now lowest in the game. I have no clear path to victory, so now I'm thinking I might throw my lot in with the English to try to help Henry VIII win the power game, and perhaps finish with more locations than the Papacy so that I can at least claim bragging rights over the Pope, and solidify a strong England for what I can call an historic win for the Protestant as the Reformation propels the English to the strongest power position! We were only able to finish Turn 7 and complete Turn 8 before the hour became late, so we dealt the Turn 9 cards and called it a night before the Diplomacy phase. Turn 9 should be wild! I did draw the Book of Common Prayer card that is worth five conversion attempts in England if Cranmer can stay in play uncommitted long enough to get the card down! After that it is all downhill for the Protestants ... And again every card play brings in some new fascinating aspect of the game making it ever more magnificent! It's game on for next Wednesday!
2/8/2012
There I was as the Protestants, Hapsburgs to the right of me, Papists to the left of me, into the breach rode the reformers, the onslaught was relentless, reformation followed by counter reformation, throwing down for debate after debate, strategic play to publish a treatise in the French zone within two spaces of Geneva to commit Farel, then a second treatise within two spaces of Paris to commit Cop, leaving Calvin uncommitted to then attack the Papists in a theological debate as the only uncommitted French debater available (Olivetan having previously been burned at the stake while caught out in a debate after doing his duty in translating the Bible into French), but with the relentless assaults by Hapsburgs and Papists and without the leadership of Luther, Calvin was becoming fatigued and in seven dice managed only one hit against one of the lesser Papal debaters, losing the debate ... and so with the momentum now strongly in favor of the Jesuits, Loyola, Canisius, and all the rest, our Protestant fortunes sagged by the year, but wait!, we finished with 22 spaces reformed, the Bible translated in German, English, and French, the Book of Common prayer published, and 17 victory points, and while the lowest, it was a personal best, and a worthy accomplishment nonetheless, especially when the first turn way back in November didn't go very well at all, with the 95 Theses, the Diet of Worms, and even Katherina Bora bringing only three reformed spaces, not even including Luther's home space!, to the Reformation Cause, and when thinking about how high the mountain is to climb, consider the argument about which is the largest mountain, Everest or McKinley (or Denali as the native people call it, well actually Wendy sneezed while riding the bus out to the viewing point, so it's now known as Nali for short), anyway, the summit of Everest is slightly higher in elevation than the summit of McKinley, but then Everest is sitting on top of a 6,000 foot plateau, while the base of McKinley sits virtually at sea level, so the Alaskans will admit that Everest is the highest mountain, but McKinley is the tallest mountain, and so I say that I climbed from zero, yes zero, victory points all the way to 17, while the Papacy eased up from 19 to 24, and the Ottomans climbed from eight to 25, closely matching my +17, but increasing by only 300%, while I increased by, well an infinite percentage!! So it was a moral and spiritual victory for the Protestants whatever the power score turned out to be, and I have to tell you I was aghast, truly shaken to the core and left ashen faced, when the Hapsburgs and Papists, relentlessly attacking me whittling me down from 20 to 17 victory points, after having been at 25 earlier in the game, left the back door open and the Mohametan swept in from the east, wind and rain blowing hard, capturing Rome, yes MOHAMETANS CAPTURING ROME, a Pearl Harbor moment if there ever was one, and putting all those Christians to the torch, as a man of the cloth my heart was wrenched, even though I have to say that they did burn a lot of my debaters at the stake, so those who live by the fire, perish by the fire ... yes it was all magnificent, even in defeat! And yet, the Reformation is firmly established in Germany; Henry VIII, Calvin, and Cranmer still live; so the future looks bright for the advent of an Elizabethan age coming right around the corner!

Note: We have started another game of Here I Stand and we have all switched countries, so this should be quite interesting.

Eric

Blocks of Napoleon!

2012-02-04T15:09:00.001-05:00

Long ago I collected Adler 6mm Napoleonics. I thought they looked great in mass and loved 24 figures per unit. The only problem was everybody else collected Napoleonics in different scales so I sold my Adlers and have been pursuing more unique armies for me collection.

Then came Commands & Colors Napoleonics by GMT Games (Richard Borg). Not only is this a fantastic game on it's own, I'm going to use the blocks as "miniature" units to refight Napoleonic battles with Piquet's Les Grognards or Field of Battle 2nd edition. (I'm doing the opposite of many C&C gamers who like to use miniatures instead of blocks to fight the C & C game)

C&C Napoleonics has stickers on the blocks which make them about 10mm in scale which is perfect for what I have in mind for them.

Here is a picture of my Spanish Army (2 sets of the Spanish supplement). This gives me an enormous Spanish Army to fight with:

24 Line Infantry units (4 blocks each)
7 Light Infantry units (4 blocks each)
4 Grenadier units (4 blocks each)
6 Militia units (4 blocks each)
2 Cuirassier units (4 blocks each)
7 Dragoon units (4 blocks each)
10 Light Cavalry units (4 blocks each)
10 Batteries (2 blocks each)
9 Commanders (1 block each)

I plan on using the 1/4 inch diameter round markers I found at the local "Map Shop" to put a number on one of the blocks in the unit. Players can easily identify the unit based on the number and will correspond to a unit on the roster with a more official name like: "2nd Majorca"

This way I can I can fight Napoleonic battles without spending a fortune on figures and painting. Plus, I get to play the amazing C&C Napoleonics game to boot! They have Austrian, Prussian, and Russian supplements coming out in 2012! Can't wait!

Here are some units in their respective formations of Line, Attack Column, Square, etc:

More about terrain for this little project later. I have two sets of blocks from the main game, which gives me all the British, French and Portuguese I could ever need.

Pros: no painting figures, easy to transport, lots of units, ready made scenarios from the game!
Cons: terrain has to be more 2 dimensional rather thatn 3 dementional due to the blocks having a small footprint which may cause them to tip over more coarse terrain.

Cheers!

Maximilian Project in 15mm - Update

2012-01-21T10:35:00.002-05:00

Hi folks,

I'm attempting to get ready for Historicon (July) and I plan on running at least two Maximilian games at the convention.

Game 1 - Refight of Puebla 1862. French vs. Republican Mexicans
Game 2 - Imperial Mexicans vs. Republican Mexicans

Over the last week I have painted a Chausser a Pied (French Light Infantry unit), along with putting flags on 23 units!!! Created a C-in-C command stand for the French, and Major General Thun for the Austrian Legion!

The armies are really starting to take shape.

Need to order some Litko bases (40mm x 40mm) to get my artillery done and I have an order in with QRF for 2 more French Line units, French Imperial Guard artillery battery, and 2 more Cazadores Imperial units. They should be a lot of fun to paint.

I'll try to take some photos in the near future, but you can look at my collection via the "Maximilian" label in this blog.

Major General Thun of the Austrian Legion with his new Flag!

Wargaming Projects for 2012

2012-01-05T16:23:00.003-05:00

My "Projects for 2011" post did help me keep focused a little bit, so I thought I would start 2012 off with a project list and see how I do! In 2011 I was most happy to complete my Din of Battle ruleset for Piquet Inc, along with flocking most of my SYW collection! I'm going to shorten the list this time to see if I can get a sense of completion.

Latest Update: February 18th

Wargaming Rules
Write Vauban's Wars for Piquet Inc.: 85%
Write version 3.0 of Guns of Liberty: 50%

Wargaming Miniatures

Late 18th Century Armies
Long term project that I really need to finish. The Russians are nearly completed. The Polish I'm a long way from completing.
Paint Russian Infantry Units (1 of 4): 25%
Flock all Russian Units (4 of 30): 5%
Paint Polish Infantry Units (x of x): 0%
Paint Polish Cavalry Units (x of x): 0%
Flock all Polish Units (x of x): 0%

Maximilian Armies
This project is for my Historicon 2012 game(s). Just ordered figures from QuickReactionForce, which will give me two more French Line units, Imperial Guard artillery crew, and 2 units of Imperial Light Infantry.

Paint remaining French Units (1 of 7): 12%
Paint remaining Republican Units (0 of 3): 0%
Paint remaining Imperial Units (2 of 5): 40%

Seven Years War Armies
Paint Remaining Prussian Infantry Units (x of x): 0%
Flock all Prussian Units (9 of 32): 25%

Siege Warfare Armies
I'm thinking of running a playtest game at Historicon.
Paint Siege Guns: 0%
Flock Siege Guns: 0%
Paint Commanders: 0%
Flock Commanders: 0%

Wargaming Terrain
Finish making WWI trenches: 80%
Finish making siege parallel trenches: 80%
Finish making Gun Enplacements:
Base and Terrain Viking Villages: Buildings assembled
Base and Terrain Medieval Towns: Buildings assembled
Base and Terrain Epic Buildings: 15%

Here I Stand

2011-10-28T16:05:00.002-04:00

We have been playing Here I Stand by GMT Games.

http://www.gmtgames.com/p-248-here-i-stand.aspx

This is a thoroughly amazing multiplayer board game for first half of the 16th century. The history is amazing. The game-play is fairly easy, but the subtle roll of diplomacy and card play really make this game click!

We have six gamers playing next week. Our first full session was won by Brian Connolly (auto win for capturing enough keys) for the Hapsburgs!

I've been playing the Papacy, which has an entirely different set of victory conditions. I'm mainly focused on the Italian boot and burning heretics. Turning back the tide of Reformation!

Din of Battle 2nd Edition Available to Purchase!

2011-09-16T12:37:00.001-04:00

Well, I'm extremely excited that my wargaming rules are officially available to be purchased.

Link to the Piquet site:

http://www.piquet.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=29

Cheers!
Eric

Klash in the Kashmir - World at War Scenarios

2011-09-05T23:24:00.004-04:00

Hi folks,

Although, I love playing with miniatures, I cut my teeth on board games. I have recently, within the last year, fell in love with a series of games from Lock 'n' Load Publishing called World at War. I have all the products in the series, and I'm constantly looking for new ground in the series.

A good fellow named Sava, has made some add on counters for the game covering Indian and Pakistan troops from the mid-80s. I have taken his counters and have started to make some scenarios with them.

Klash in the Kashmir is my title for the set of scenarios I'm currently working on. The first of five scenarios in the set is called "Kashmir on Fire", which is the first strike moves made by the Indian army against the Pakistanis. Some of the later scenarios will see some unusual twists in the game.

The first playtest went well and wanted to share some of the photos with you.

Indian 78th Mechanized must move from the left side of the map all the way to the opposite edge. I'm using two maps (3 & 5) from the Line of Fire magazines. They have ten turns to get off the opposite edge.

Pakistanis must deploy in depth, garrisoning the two towns on the map (one on each map) and have a patrol near the final exit point.

Indians start with the initiative and drop HE rounds on the closest town and soften up the enemy, knocking out a Pakistani M113. Pakistani infantry scatter for cover!

Pakistanit HQ is running for the second line of defense. (in the center of the picture below with an Ops complete marker on him)

Turn 2 sees the Indians attempting to bybass the first town, knowning that follow-up units will mop up the remaining Pakistanis. One BMP-1 is distrupted by long range fire from the Pakistani M-901 ATGM.

Turn 3 sees most of the Indians bypass the town, but two platoons of BMP-1 loaded with infantry start fighting it out at close range with the Pakistanis. One Pakistani infantry platoon is distrupted.

M-901 can be seen at the top of the hill with an Opps Complete marker on him.

Turn 4 ends without either side moving. Turn five sees the Indians around the 1st town getting pinned down, while the rest of the command pushes on, taking pot-shots as they move.

Close up of Turn 5 around the second town. M-901 has been disrupted and the Indian 78th HQ is leading from the front to get better line of sight to the targets.

Turn 6: Indian 78th goes first and drops HE on the closest infantry unit which disrupts the unit. Then they drop smoke on the same location (see below). They then sprint around the mess, hoping to put some distance between them and the enemy.

Meanwhile the Indian infantry has dismounted, but took casualties. Both BMP and infantry are now disrupted by the spirited Pakistani defense.

Turn 7: Pakistanis drop HE directly in the bunched up BMPs of the 78th Mech!! This completely changes the complextion of the battle. Two of the four remaining BMP platoons are distrupted.

Pakistanis come out from the smoke and assault the rear of the Indian APC column destroying the BMP1 and their riders!

Another Pakistani infantry unit attempts to move forward only to be pinned down by the HQ and his attached BMP platoon. The M-901 shreds another BMP (wreck marker).

Turn 9: Indian infantry dismount and assault the M-901 destroying it, and driving back a platoon of M113, but their objective is too far and nearly all the Indian units have been shattered.

For my first scenario, this went pretty well. I think 10 turns is about right, but the Indians need to push harder as there is very little that can stop them at a distance except the M-901. Feedback welcome!

Heavy Seas - Letter of Marque

2011-08-28T12:11:00.000-04:00

Ahoy mates!

Stumbled upon this delicious Belgium style Dubbel from Heavy Seas brewery. Not only is it a wonderful beer, it is reasonabily priced ($5.99 for 22 oz), and has the added coolness factor of a great name and whallop (8%ABV).

I found this at Total Wine, and since this is a season or limited edition beer I'm going to have to go back and stock up on the beer this week.

Check out the wicked label from their website:

Here is the Heavy Seas website:
http://www.hsbeer.com/letter-marque

Drink well!
Eric

Pacific War - Samurai Dawn Battle Report

2011-08-17T18:55:00.000-04:00

Played this game several years ago. This was pretty interesting in that the battle began hours before dawn and started with a Japanese attack on the American positions. Once again this was fought using modified POA: Blitzkreig from Piquet Inc. Each unit is a squad or individual vehicle.

USMC Objectives

In the pre-dawn hours maneuver your forces to take the town. Inflict heavy casualties on the enemy. Secure the North road to prevent Japanese reinforcements from arriving. The caves in and around the gorge must be cleared. They provide too many areas for Japanese to stash weapons and equipment. Also, if you can find it, destroy the 88mm AA gun the Japanese have hidden in the area. It has been a thorn in the side of Marine Corp Aviation for weeks. Lastly the town must be secured at all costs. You have a large force of infantry, armor, and support for this task. Use them wisely.

USMC Victory Points:

Each VP Area = 5 points
Each Japanese Infantry squad destroyed or routed = 2 points
Each MG, Mortar destroyed or routed = 1 point
Each Gun destroyed = 2 points
Each tank destroyed = 4 VPs

Special Rules

The battle starts before day light hours. There are two turns of night (visibility only 4”). US units move at half speed and vehicles may not move unless on roads. No air, off-board, or indirect artillery may be fired at this time. Japanese foot units move at full speed and vehicles may only move on roads at half speed. The 3^rd and 4^th turns are dawn and have 8” visibility. All units function as normal, including off-board assets.

Japanese Objectives

Launch devastating Banzai attack in the pre-dawn hours. You must commit 6 infantry units (2^nd and 3^rd Platoons) to this attack. You will receive an automatic 3D6 amount of impetus to launch this attack. Destroy as many US units as possible, while maintaining control of the town. Keeping the North road open may allow you to receive additional reinforcements. Do not lose the 88mm AA gun as it is critical to air superiority in the area. Losing the AA gun will allow the USMC to have unrestricted air support. You may place the 88 on the board when you fire it for the first time or it is placed the first time the US uses air support. You still place it without the US players seeing your placement. It must be placed on the gorge terrain board. You do have one last Zero to come in assist once dawn has arrived.

Japanese Victory Points:

Each VP Area = 5 VPs (3 are in the town)
Each destroyed or permanently routed USMC unit – 2 VP
Each destroyed or permanently routed mortar, MG – 1 VP
Each destroyed or permanently routed USMC tank, SPAT, or Halftrack unit - 4VPs

Special Rules
The battle starts before day light hours. There are two turns of night (visibility only 4”). US units move at half speed and vehicles may not move unless on roads. No air, off-board, or indirect artillery may be fired at this time. Japanese foot units move at full speed and vehicles may only move on roads at half speed. The 3^rd and 4^th turns are dawn and have 8” visibility. All units function as normal, including off-board assets. Japanese units may “Banzai” when the Human Wave card is played. Once this card is played you may move multiple times per impetus. This card allows you to close assault without a close assault card. All Close Assaults are UP1 until the unit is wiped out. Banzai units never check morale and are not slowed down by suppression. They do fire at the normal reduction for suppressed stand. All suppressed stands still fight in close assault.

Here is the story of that fateful morning. (OOB can be provided in PDF format for anybody that wants them)

Japanese mass in the darkness for their attack! Only one in three US squads were on "guard duty" when the attack was launched.

Several squads of USMC rush to met the Japanese assault.

Hand to hand combat ensues.

On USMC squad routs unralliable! Japanese overrunning the command. The USMC throws in another platoon to halt the Japanese and they fade back into the morning gloom.

USMC tank platoon arrives and the 2nd platoon moves out with them.

Sherman destroys Japanese bunker right in the middle of the 2nd platoon advance.

Troops move through the open fields towards the objects and the rice paddies.

US mortars begin to fire smoke to cover the troops advance.

Japanese 88mm AA gun tucked into the jungle.

US airsupport (Corsair) destroys a Japanese tank.

Corsair moving off the table over the town (USMC objective)

boggy ground near the ridge line.

USMC ambushed by a Japanese pillbox (no more than 2 inches in front of them). The Marines were able to silence the bunker without too many casualties.

2nd Platoon reaches the outskirts of town. Red objective star in the distance.

Squad doesn't want to advance out into the open so they send the tanks first to draw fire.

Japanese mortars hit the Marine infantry.

Japanese AT gun hits Shermans in the rear (there was a cave that it was located in). We just put the model on the board once it fired.

Jap bunker pins the USMC crossing the rice paddies. (I knew I didn't want to go in there!)

Jap AT gun knocks out a Sherman.

Another Sherman takes a direct hit from a Japanese tank

Japanese tank advances out of the town area to attack the Americans.

US Sherman tank takes an objective, but exposes its weaker rear armor to the enemy.

Bad move! Objective returns to Japanese control!

More US artillery hits the ridge and cave system.

USMC squad moves through the rugged terrain of the ridgeline. The Japanese caves are nearby.

US 155mm guns hammer the town while an entire USMC platoon clears the town building by building.

US artillery support raining down death and distruction on the Japanese cave system in the ridge by the river gorge.

USMC squad takes back the objective (blue star).

Japanese Zero attempts to shoot up the USMC squad near the objective on the road.

Japanese received German aid in the form of beer. It wasn't enough. The USMC, with the help of the reserve tank platoon, take the town.

this was another great battle! Look for more in the coming weeks. I have a large amphibious assault battle report to put up next.

Pacific War - Battle of Dagami

2011-08-16T17:49:00.000-04:00

This is a game we played YEARS ago, but has lots of fun eye candy. I think this was around 2003 when we played. Brent Oman was visiting from Colorado and I wanted to break out my Jungle terrain.

USMC vs Japanese

Some of the photos have been labeled and others have not. Still lots of good stuff to look at. I have about 5 more scenarios worth of photos, but thought I would start at the beginning.

I used Piquet's Blitzkrieg supplement (squad level) with a few modifications (smaller sequence decks).

USMC Objective:

As captain of Company B, 1^st Battalion, 2^nd Marine Regiment you have been ordered to secure the town of Dagami as your primary objective. All Japanese forces must be removed from the town to allow the 2^nd and 3^rd Battalion of the 2^nd Marine Regiment to break-through. Dagami should be cleared within 50 minutes (5 turns) to coordinate efforts with the 2^nd Marine Regiment. As secondary objectives you must destroy or rout as many Japanese units as possible as this will make the break-through have a better chance for success.

Here you can see what the USMC is up against. Jap bunker, just in front of the reload marker at teh top of the photo opens up on the Marines.

Damn that is thick Jungle!

This time the Marines let the tanks go first only to be hit by another Jap bunker (just above and ot the right of the infantry)!

Jap MG was unspotted and attacks the marines at less than 20 yards.

Time to hit the ridge with Naval artillery!

USMC wins the game, but it was bloody costly and full of great tension!

Din of Battle 2nd Edition Final Layout

2011-08-07T20:31:00.001-04:00

Thought I would share some cover art for Din of Battle 2nd Edition. (This is the final layout)

Jeff Valent has upgraded my original design and I like what I see.

Publication should be around the corner. When I have exact dates I will post to TMP and the Piquet Yahoo Group.

Eric Burgess

Ukrainian Army - OOB - AUGUST 17, 1787

2011-08-05T14:16:00.003-04:00

Thought I would share this one with everybody. I have tried to get the names correct. My Russian is pitiful.

Russian Musketeer regiments were usually 2 battalions.
Russian Grenadier and Jager regiments were usually 2 to 4 battalions.
Russian Cavalry was usually 6 to 10 squadrons per regiment.

Army comprised: Advanced Guard, 2 Divisions, and a Reserve.

Army Commander - Count Rumyantsov

Advance Guard - General Porutchika

Cavalry Brigade - Major General of Cavalry Englehardt
· Leyb-Kirasirs Karabinary? (this may be the Life Cuirassiers)

Infantry Brigade - Major General Melgunov

            ·         Uglit Musketeers
            ·         Arkhangelogorod Musketeers
            ·         Vologod Musketeers

1st Division – General Baron von Elmpt

    1^st Cavalry Brigade – Major General Lang
           ·         Pereyaslovka Karbinary
           ·         Lluben Karabinary

     2nd Cavalry Brigade – Major General Salignav
           ·         Nezhin Karabinary
           ·         Sofia Karabinary

    1^st Infantry Brigade – Major General Vyazmitinov
          ·         Siberian Grenadiers
          ·         Novgorod Musketeers

     2nd Infantry Brigade – Major General Ladyzhenskiy
         ·         Smolensk Musketeers
         ·         Ingermanland Musketeers

     3^rd Infantry Brigade – Major General Shamshev
          ·         St. Petersburg Grenadiers
          ·         Vitebsk Grenadiers

2nd Division - General Kamienski

      1^st Cavalry Brigade - Major General of Cavalry Saltikov
          ·         Ryazansk Karabinary
          ·         Seversiy Karabinary

      2^nd Cavalry Brigade - Major General of Cavalry Isvanidov
           ·         Kiev Karabinary
           ·         Starodubov Karabinary

      1^st Infantry Brigade - Major General Vadkovskiy
           ·         Moscow Grenadiers
           ·         Apsheron Grenadiers

     2^nd Infantry Brigade - Major General Prince Shakhovskoy
          ·         Rostov Musketeers
          ·         Tula Musketeers

Arny Reserve - General Prince Volkonskiy

Cavalry Brigade - Major General of Cavalry Prince Prozorovskiy

· Chernigov Karabinary
· Glukhov Karabinary

Infantry Brigade - Major General Melling

· Malorossiy Grenadiers
· Belorussian Jagers

Source: P. A. Rumyantsev. Documents. [T].3. M. 1959

Historicon 2006 Boxer Rebellion Game

2011-08-04T16:40:00.001-04:00

Founds some pretty cool photos from a pick-up game I ran at Historicon about 5 years ago.

We were using Din of Battle (Piquet supplement) for the rules and had a lot of my Historicon "regulars" playing in the game. Since the game happened so long ago I can't remember all the details, but Jim Mauro won "Best Player" award and received a Boxer Rebellion medal (replica of the US Army medal for China).

Jim Mauro (left), Brian Connolly (in green), and Jeff Valent (laughing) before the game starts

Boxers going insane around the Catholic Mission.

Relief force arriving by river

Good shot of the Chinese town and the "Black Citedal" protecting the harbor.

HMS Kangaroo firing into the fort

Italians and Russians move to attack the Chinese city

Waters are getting think with gunboats and troop transports

Mike Bolling (the thinker), Howard Barasch, Tony, Jim, Brian (standing), and Ian drinking a beeer.

More Black Flag Boxers join the fight

Italians breach the city walls!

French are attack by the Black Flag Boxers

Russians and Italians take fire from Chinese regulars.

USMC and German Seabatallion storm ashore and wipe out the Black Banner Boxers.

Definitely good times!
Cheers
Eric

List of Battles for the Russo-Turkish Wars 1787 - 1792

2011-08-03T15:43:00.007-04:00

To show that I'm not crazy for selecting such a unique period of warfare I decided to compile a list of known battles (based on Russian and Austrian sources).

This will give you an idea of how large and encompassing this war was and there were many sieges during the war, which I can now fight using my Vauban's Wars siege rules.

This may not be a complete list, but will give everybody something to research if they so desire. Most dates are in the Russian Old Style. Alternate names used throughout.

Battle	Date	Details
Battle of Kinburn	Oct 1, 1787	17th May 1787: Battle of KINBURN(Ochakov) Suvorov & Prince of Nassau-Siegen beat the Turkish army and fleet under Osman Pasha & Hassan el Ghaisi, who had their landing party of 5500 men wiped out.
Battle of Batussan	March 21, 1788	In early 1788, General Koburg planned to take the fortress of Chotim; he advanced into the Moldavian region and on 21 March 1788, defeated the army of Ibrahim Nazir Pascha at Batussan. He then took the town of Jassy.
Assault of Šabac	April 25, 1788	Austrians storm the fortress of Šabac. West of Belgrade
Battle of Rohatyn and Bojana-Losy	April 29, 1788	Austrians vs. Turks: Koburg again beats Ibrahim Nazir
Siege of Chotim	May 15 – Sept 16, 1788	Koburg opened the siege of Chotim on 15 May of that year. The fortress surrendered on 16 September 1788, together with 200 guns and ample stocks of ammunition and supplies.
Naval Battle of Ochakov	June 17, 1788	Russian navy defeats Ottoman Navy
Naval Battle of Fidonisi	July 14, 1788	The naval Battle of Fidonisi took place near Ochakov. It was a Russian victory over the Sultan's fleet.
Battle of Szupany	Aug 7, 1788	Austrians (General Papilla) was defeated by the Turks at Szupany (2.5 km north of Orsowa)
Battle of Mehadia	Aug 25, 1788	The Turks crossed the Danube; defeated an Austrian army under Wartersleben at Mehadia (Meadia,Mendia)
Battle of Karánsebes	Sept 17, 1788	Austrians Rout their own army! Two days after the rout, the Ottoman army arrived to discovered 10,000 dead and wounded soldiers. The Austrians abandoned the Bergland and the Turks and their Romanian allies created havoc in 143 districts and 36,000 people were killed or carried off as slaves. (Near Slatina)
Siege of Novi	Oct 3, 1788	Koburg captures Novi Fortress from Turks
Battle of Hateg	Oct 9, 1788	Austrians (General Stader) repell Turkish attack on the town.
Battle of Gankur	Nov 1788	Russians (Kamienski) attacks Turkish (Ibrahim Pasha) camp. Russians left their entire heavy artillery train behind and moved by columns along three roads with a distance of 12-15 versts one from each another. They surprised the Turks and after double assault knocked them out of Gankura. Kamienski was rewarded with the Order of St. Vladimir of the first degree.
Siege of Ochakov	Nov – Dec 1788	Russians besieged the walled city of Ochakov and were commanded by Prince Potemkin and General Suvorov. All 20,000 of the Turkish garrison were killed, 15,000 Russians also died in the winter assault.
1st and 2nd Battle of Byrlad	April1 and April 6, 1789	On April 1, 1789 Korsakov met a 6000 strong Turkish force in Byrlad and without looking at the inequality of forces decisively attacked enemy and broke them. On April 6^th the Turks, after obtaining significant reinforcements under the command of Megmet Pasha, again went over to the offensive. By this time Derfelden had arrived with Russian reinforcements and they defeated the Turks for a second time.
Battle of Maksimen	April 16, 1789	Russians (Derfelden) defeats Turks (Yakub Pasha) in Maksimen [other names: Maximin, Maximovca, Maksimeny,Maksimovka] which is a town in Moldavia.
Battle of Galatz	April 20, 1789	Russians (Derfelden) defeats Turks (Ibrahim) [Other names: Galaţi]
Battle of Salcha River	Sept 7, 1789	Prince Repnin advanced with his division into South Bessarabia and attacked and routed a significant Turkish force on Salcha river on September 7th. (Salchi?)
Fall of Khadjibey	Sept 25, 1789	Russians vs. Ottomans Khadjibey (Gadzhibeya , Odessa) Taken by Russians.
Siege of Bender	1789	Suvorov takes Bender
Assault on Akkerman	1789	Russians take Akkerman. 90km from Khadjibey (Odessa).
Battle of Focsani	Aug 1, 1789	Russians (Suvorov) and Austrians (Friedrich Josias) vs. Ottomans (31st July 1789) Battle of FOCSANI in Hungary with Friedrich Josias, Prince of Saxe-Coburg. 40,000 Russo-Austrians; destroyed the Turks of Yasuf Pasha 55,000 (Osman Pascha)
Battle of Rimnik Battle of Martinesti	Sept 22-23, 1789	Russians (Suvorov) and Austrians (Friedrich Josias) vs. Ottomans 22nd September 1789: Battle of RAMNIK in Eastern Romania. Friedrich Josias, Prince of Saxe-Coburg & Suvorov Russo - Austrian army of 25,000 beat the 60,000 Turkish army of the Grand Vizier, totally wiping it out, ‘8,000 due to drowning. 23rd September 1789: Battle of MARTINESTI in Romania with Friedrich Josias, Prince of Saxe-Coburg. Russo - Austrian army beat the Turks under Osman Pasha, who lost close on 20,000 to a Russo - Austrian army loss of 720 total.
Belgrade	August 10, 1789	Laudon (Loudon) Austrians capture Belgrade from the Turks.
Orsowa	April 16, 1790	Austrians (Koburg) capature Orsowa (Orşova)
Siege of Bender	April 22 - Aug 6, 1790	Russians use mines to breach the fortress walls.
Battle of Babadag	June 15, 1790	Russians (Kutuzov) vs. Ottomans (???) Russians forced the Danube and defeated 23000 men strong Turkish corps near Babadag.
Assault on Kalafat	June 26, 1790	Austrians storrm the fortified town of Kalafat. (Calafat)
Naval Battle of Kerch Strait	July 19, 1790	Kerch, Crimea - Minor Russian Victory
Naval Battle of Tendra	Sept 8-9, 1790	The naval Battle of Tendra was a victory for Russia over the Ottoman Empire.
Battle of Takhtamyshe	Sept 28, 1790.	On 30 September 1790 he defeated the Turks and mountaineers on the heights of the Kuban, at the Tokhtamysh (Abazinka) and Podbakleya rivers, and put them to flight. He seized the enemy camp, taking all their artillery (30 guns), and capturing the seraskier. For this victory the empress awarded Herman the order of St. George 2nd class (21 January 1791) and 500 serfs in Polotsk Province.
Assault of the Fortress Kiliya (Kilii)	Oct 4 – 18, 1790	Russian Assault on Turkish fortress. Russians victorious
Siege of Belgrade	Oct. 9, 1790	Austrians take Belgrade. Laudon takes Belgrade after a three week campaign.
Bucharest	Nov. 9, 1790	Koburg takes Bucharest.
Siege of Ismail	March-Dec 1790	Suvorov was ordered to take the fortress by Prince Potemkin. He took the Fortress but it cost an estimated 150,000 lives in soldiers and predominantly civilians….
Assault of Anapa	June 22, 1791	Russians (Count Gudovich) vs. Ottomans (Shaykh-Mansour) Russians take the fortress on the 3^rd attempt. Russian forces 15 battalions of infantry, 3000 jagers, 54 squadrons of cavalry, and 2 Cossack regiments, with 50 guns, stormed Anapa on the 22nd of June. The garrison, numbering 15,000 men, was annihilated. The Russian losses were indeed heavy—93 officers and 4000 men killed and wounded, about half the troops engaged. The trophies taken included 83 cannon, 12 mortars, and 130 banners; but a prize more valuable still, perhaps, was Shaykh Mansur, who was the life and soul of the defense, was one of the few prisoners taken.
Battle of Măcin	July 10, 1791	The Russians were led by Nicholas Repnin and the Turks were led by Yusuf Pasha. At first, the victory was in doubt, but then the Turkish army was vanquished by a charge of the Russian left, under Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov.
Naval Battle of Cape Kaliakra	Aug 10, 1791	Naval Battle: Russians vs. Turks. Russians win.

Enjoy!
Eric

Russo-Turkish War 1787 - 1792 Project

2011-08-02T14:33:00.000-04:00

You may ask, "How do you fall into obscure projects like this?"

I love obscure periods of warfare and this is about obscure as it gets! Primary sources are either in Russian or Turkish, which makes it even more of a challenge. I was working with Mike of Quartermaster back in early 2000 and saw that he had a line of 15mm Russians in Potemkin helmets. (They are the only company in the world that makes those figures in ANY scale). I loved their uniforms and their helmet and since I already had a large Ottoman army, it sounded like a good idea to take the plunge into the period.

One painting really got me inspired to game in this period and shows the assault on Ochakiv by Suvorov in 1788!
Victory of Ochakiv, 1788 December 17 (December 6 by Julian Calendar), by January Suchodolski

Who was I to ignore such images!

Online Resources
Russian site:
Link isn't working today, but it is a site dedicated to late 18th century Russian warfare. Tons of information, but all of it is in Russian.

Wikipedia has some information:
Russo-Turkish War 1787-1792
What is even more interesting is that the Austrians also joined in this war, so you can use Austrians in Revolutionary style uniforms to fight against the Ottomans. I found a whole bunch of Austrians at a Historicon flea market so I'm sitting pretty for several scenario opportunities.

15mm Miniautres
Russians: only Quartermaster sells figures for this period.
Falcon Figures by the Quartermaster
Ottomans: There are a ton of companies selling Ottomans: Essex, Minifigs, AB, 19th Century Miniatures, Quartermaster
Austrians: Chariot Miniatures, AB, and Quartermaster (Falcon UK) has a new line of them.
Rules
As usual I use Piquet rules to refight these battles.

As you can see I have several battle reports featuring my Russians and Ottomans. I hope to continue to produce more! Cheers!

Eric

Massive Assault - Day 2 - Russians vs. Ottomans

2011-06-18T15:00:00.000-04:00

Day 2 of the assault began after the vicious fighting of Day 1 (see previous blog post).

Russians have taken the little and big redoubt, driven off the Ottoman cavalry, moved their heavy guns forward and are ready to try to storm the fortifications again.

Here is a pictorial history of the battle.

Overall battlefield:

Russian Rigth Wing command including some Albanians that switched sides after the first battle.

Massed Russian command in the Center:

Left Wing command of a small brigade of 4 regiments and a light artillery battery:

Russian Heavy guns fire at the Turkish lines. I really like this photo even though it is blurry.

One last shot before the battle begins:

Russian camp and supplies, with the Cavalry Reserve in the rear.

Ottoman heavy guns ready for the assault.

Sibirsk Grenadiers (flag) screened by Russian Jaegers in skirmish formation (all green)

The battle begins. The Russian center advances!

Russia's Lifland Jaegers fire and disorder the Arabs, but take heavy casualties from the return fire of the Sehkans and artillery.

Russian left flank about to get blasted by the steady Janissaries.

Russian Right wing begins their assault

The Center comes to grips

Sibirsk Grenadiers overrun the disorderd Arabs and rout then in melee.

The Russians advance on their right wing, can they breach the Ottoman lines?

Units are shattered by point blank fire!

Ottoman Albanians destroy the Russian Albanians in a point blank firefight.

Russians are hammered by Janissaries and light guns on the left flank. One entire Russian unit is destroyed (empty space in front of Janissaries)

Sibirsk Grenadiers breach the fortress!

Here you can see that all is not golden with the Russians. Three units are nearly out of the fight due to casualties.

Sekhans wheel into the Russian's flank in the center.

Russians push again on the left wing, but can't breach the walls.

What is left of the Lifland Jaegers moves to screen the assault.

Russian's Albanian allies are the only unit to breach the lines on the right flank. They are at the bottom of this photo.

Janissiers hammer Russian unit after Russian unit on the Russian right flank.

Although the Albanians breached the walls the Guard Janissaries are thrown in and rout the Albanians

The Russians came close this time with several breaches, but their casualties mounted and the army commanders lost their will to continue the fight. They will regroup for DAY 3's assault.

Archon 2 - Greeks vs. Persians Playtest

2011-06-17T22:35:00.000-04:00

This is an old one. This was circa 2001 I believe.

We fought this playtest game of Greek phalanx vs. Persians!

I love the look of my Greek Phalanx in Archon 2nd edition which I authored.

This next photo is just wicked! (Must flock these troops!)

Burn the Town - Fantasy Battle

2011-06-17T22:26:00.000-04:00

This was an early playtest battle pitting my Orcs vs. Dwarves & High Elves.

My friend Jim Mauro was in town from NY and we broke out the figures to fight a battle.

Once again, the game was a long time ago, but I think the Dwarves and High Elves repulsed the Orc attack.

WSS - Will You Go to Flanders game from August 2009

2011-06-12T17:39:00.000-04:00

Throwing some photos up of a game we played several years ago at Jim's house.

Too lazy to write a commentary, but you can see from the photos it was a great looking battle.

The Napoleonic Wars and Vauban's Wars

2011-05-16T09:34:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

We are going to play GMT Game's The Napoleonic Wars, which is one of my ALL TIME favorite boardgames of this period. Just a great multiplayer strategic game.

We will be playing with 4 players which is probabily the best combo. One player is France, another Britain, another Russian and another Austria. Prussia could be played by a human, but will be a Proxy for our game.

My friend Peter Anderson wrote up a nice report on my Vauban's Wars rules:
http://blundersonthedanube.blogspot.com/2011/05/siege-of-mantua-1796-97-vaubans-wars.html

Drop by and take a look!
Eric

Guns of Liberty: Battle of McCaskill's Farm

2011-05-14T16:57:00.000-04:00

Hi all!

About two weeks ago, Bob McCaskill hosted a Guns of Liberty game that I ran for the local lads.

The game was an introduction for most of the players as only a few had played my rules before.

We were playtesting some minor 3.0 version tweaks to the rules and just had a great time.

The British were on the attack in this fictional Southern Campaign battle. Bob has a spectacular collection of 25mm AWI figures with GMB flags.

The Battle of McCaskill's Farm

Deployment
The battlefield was broken into two fighting locations, with a large wood covered ridge in between the two sections. Players could move units, via trails, through the woods to the other side to help if they deemed it worthwhile. The British are favored to win in this battle, and the American's goal is to bloody the British before withdrawing.

British OOB

I've posted graphics of the Guns of Liberty rosters for those familiar and not familiar with the rules to see how unit ratings are done.

Left Flank (click to enlarge) - Joe commanded the 1st Brigade, and Jim the 2nd Brigade.

Right Flank (click to enlarge) - Royalist Brigade commanded by Dr. Bob.

American OOB

American Left Flank (facing the Royalist Brigade) - Commanded by Mike

American Right Flank - 1st Brigade lead by Leo and 2nd Brigade by Tim.

View from the British Right Flank

View from the British Left Flank

Great shot of De Lancey's regiment with the NC Royalists to their right

33rd Foot advancing

Delaware Regiment (3 stands) awaiting the British attack as a reserve unit

Initial Attack

The British plan was simple, advance on all fronts and punish the American rebels!

The British players deployed their units in Open Order line formation for the attack, with the converged Lights pushing forward on the right in skirmish formation.

View of the British attack on the left flank

View of the Royalist Brigade, Queen's Rangers deployed in skirmish on the right to counter the American riflemen behind the fence.

The American Left flank showing the rifles far left of the line on the fence and Lee's Legion Light infantry on the far right in skirmish formation. The rest fo the militia was held in reserve.

In the middle Joe's brigade of Grenadiers, Lights, and the 33rd advance forward, while Leo's bridage, moves to meet them.

Tim's American bridage "advances to the rear" to gain cover of the rail fence and await the assault by Jim's 2nd Brigade and the dreaded 1/71st Highlanders.

The Royalist Brigade screened on their right by the Queen's Rangers drives the rebels backwards.

Just before the point of impact

Meanwhile on the British left flank the 1st Brigade smashes into the Continentals (North Carolinians, and Marylanders).

In the thick of it! Love thos GMB flags!

British Lights had fallen back after drawing the Continental's first, and most effective, volley. Then the Grenadiers and 33rd are sent in to finish off the Americans

De Lancey's regiment drives Lee's light infantry back

Queen's Rangers form into Open Order and charge the riflemen! The riflemen are forced to retire and the rangers take the ground.

American light infantry in skirmish formation try to inflict some casualties on the large Highland regiment. They are not very successful.

The small 1st Delaware Regiment is forced to retreat by effective British musket fire.

Good view of the action across the entire right flank of the American line.

Another view

Dr. Bob's Royalist Brigade continues to punish the rabble driving them back from the fence line.

Leo's Continentals give the British a taste of their own medicine and this turns into a see-saw battle with muskets blazing!

NC Royalist regiment clears the fence and steam-rolls into the North Carolina and Virginia milita.

The Royalist Brigade is now completely engaged!

And victorious! The militia are routing, the American 3# guns are silenced, and this flank is well in hand.

British 63rd Foot overruns the American guns! Disaster for the Americans!

Dr. Bob, knowing his section of the battlefield was secure, sends Tarleton's Legion through the woods to attack Leo's left flank. This was the end for the Americans.

Well, the Americans were routing on their left flank and had to withdraw on the right after taking a pretty heavy beating along with Tarleton riding down their flank and then pursuing. It would be a hazardous retreat for the Americans.

We had a really good time and kudos to Dr. Bob for hosting the game and I thought he played the game extremely well.

Cheers!

Projects for 2011

2011-05-05T13:45:00.013-04:00

This is my first attempt at keeping track of my projects for a year. I hope it makes me more productive.

Latest Update: June 6th (10 more flocked SYW Austrian units! 90% flocked now)

I'm going to use some color coding with percentages:

0 - 20% complete
21 - 49% complete
50 - 75% complete
76 - 99% complete
100% complete

Wargaming Rules

Write Din of Battle 2nd Edition for Piquet Inc.:          100%
Write Vauban's Wars for Piquet Inc.:                         85%
Write version 3.0 of Guns of Liberty:                           50%
Write Epic FOB based on Field of Battle WW2:          50%

Wargaming Miniatures

Late 18th Century Armies
Paint Russian Infantry Units (1 of 4):           25%
Flock all Russian Units (4 of 30):                  5%
Paint Polish Infantry Units (x of x):              0%
Paint Polish Cavalry Units (x of x):               0%
Flock all Polish Units (x of x):                       0%
Paint Ottoman Cavalry Units (x of x):           0%
Paint Ottoman Infantry Units (x of x):           0%
Paint Ottoman Artillery Units (x of x):          0%
Flock all Ottoman Units (x of x):                   0%
Flock all Austrian Units (x of x):                   0%
Label all Austrian Units (x of x):                   0%

Seven Years War Armies
Flock all French Units (37 of 37):                                100%
Flock all Austrian Units (66 of 66):                             100%
Paint Remaining Prussian Infantry Units (x of x):        0%
Flock all Prussian Units (9 of 32):                               25%

Epic Sci-Fi Armies
Rebase all Eldar:                           100%
Rebase all Imperial Guard:           80%
Rebase all Space Marines:            100%
Paint New Eldar Units:                  0%
Paint New Space Marine Units:     0%

Russo-Japanese War Armies
Flesh Touch-up on all Japanese Units (x of x): 0%
Flock All Japanese Units (x of x):                      0%

Siege Warfare Armies
Paint Siege Guns:           0%
Flock Siege Guns:          0%
Paint Commanders:        0%
Flock Commanders:       0%

Wargaming Terrain

Finish making Parallel trenches:           80%
Finish making Gun Enplacements:
Base and Terrain Viking Villages:       Buildings assembled
Base and Terrain Medieval Towns:     Buildings assembled
Base and Terrain Epic Buildings:          15%

Eldar Stopped Cold on Vornex IV

2011-05-01T21:58:00.000-04:00

In my continuing attempt to playtest new FOBWW2v2 and my conversion of Epic 40k to FoB, we played another game Wednesday night.

Some things we tried out last night based on conversations here on the list.

1. No drift for off-board indirect fire. (Worked perfectly)
2. We used Asset desks for calling in assets. (FANTASTIC!)
3. No templates (just a D4 distance from the unit targeted), and this too worked great!
4. Defenders in town areas may choose to retreat suppressed if they want rather than hold their town section suppressed. This also worked great.
5. Close Assault in town that would not have ended, because the defender never has to leave, ends in exhaustion if the defender is pushed back 3 or more inches. Attackers then move into the town section with the defender. (Worked great!)
6. Off-Board counterbattery! This mechanic worked great. An artillery asset (Medium, or Heavy) can fire counter-battery. Roll the CC die of the asset vs a D8. If you win, you reduce the enemy’s asset points by 1.

Game Objective: Eldar to take the Space Marine Administration Center (large building with golden roof) The Administration Center was protected by an Ion Cannon. Our first attempt to add in units with shields to the game. The Ion Cannon had a 12+1 combat die, and D10 defensive die.

Eric played the Ultramarines, while Brian and Mike attacked with the Eldar. The game was very large in that there were 35 Eldar units, and 22 Ultramarine units on the table.

Space Marine Tactical Battalion (Mechanized) deployed in small city near the river on the Ultramarine's right flank

On the Ultramarine left flank armored companies remain in reserve, while Devastators defend the city, next to the Administration Center.

A battalion of Ultramarine Terminators are hunkered down in the Administration Center.

Shields up! Ion Cannon in rotating turret has two plasma shields up! Eldar Falcon Grav tanks loaded with Guardians in the distance.

In reserve, the Space Marines have a 3 company Assault Battalion.

The warhost of Eldar Exarchs saw some of the bloodiest fighting of the day.

Because the Ion Cannon dominated the terrain of the battlefield the Eldar were determined to destroy it. One of their first cards was the Command & Control card, which allowed them to call in off-board assets. Their first asset was a PLASMA MISSILE (D12+1 combat die)! Just my luck!

So, the Eldar targeted the Ion Cannon with a Plasma Missile. Litko plasma shield disks.

The plasma missile tears into the Ion Cannon knocking out both shields and inflicting one hit on the structure! So much for my lovely Ion Cannon!

View from Mike's position, looking at the Ion Cannon in the middle of the battlefield.

Using the large hill as cover, Brian advances his entire host into striking position...

Mike sends in his Swooping Hawks into the teeth of death!

The Swooping Hawks are smashed and pushed back with heavy loses!

Mike moves his Edlar Grav Tanks and Guardians into position to attack the Ultramarine right flank city.

The Eldar Exachs launch their first assault on the Ion Cannon

Brian's 2 Guardian battalions (6 companies), Striking Scorpions, and Dreadnoughts prepare to attack my left flank

Great shot of the dual between Ultramarine Devastators and Eldar Dreadnoughts and Bright lances.

Devastators start to take some loses, but manage to drive off both the Bright Lance company and Dreadnoughts.

Mike's Exachs launch another assault on the Ion Cannon, but the going is tough as the Ion cannon shatters the elite Eldar warriors.

Exarchs are pushed back with heavy loses, and even lose one company.

Eldar assault the Ultramarine right flank. Guardians disgorge from their grav tanks and begin to hammery the marines.

Exarchs rally and push in again. You can see a second hit marker on the Ion Cannon now.

Brian's Eldar launch their assault led by the Striking Scorpions on the Ultramarine's left hand city! My Ultramarines commit their armor to try and breakup the attack.

Here you can see how badly the Eldar were chewed up. Brian lost nearly every unit attacking my city from Land Raider and Devastator fire. He figured he would lose some, but not everything!

Exachs exact revenge and finally destroy the Ion Cannon, but the cost was tremendous.

My Tactical Marines on the right flank can't stop the Eldar attack and are slowly being pushed back in the city!

Ultramarine off-board artilery strikes a Guardian unit on the right flank!

Space Marines had hot dice and almost annihilated Brian's entire attack. (I rolled great, Brian rolled 1s) Eldar lost 26 of their 35 Morale Points after one turn, while the Marines only lost 7 of 22 morale points. The Eldar players conceded this battle.

The Eldar are going to regroup (bring new troops in and rotate some exhausted troops out) and attack again next week. We are learning a lot about tactics and strategies around off-board support, movement, and general game mechanics. We are still new to FoB so each game is a learning experience.

Din of Battle 2nd Edition Sent to Printers!

2011-04-21T08:21:00.000-04:00

Din of Battle Front Cover:

I'm proud to announce that Din of Battle 2nd edition is making its way to the printers as I write this. It was a long and fruitful journey for me to write and playtest the rules. I started writing DoB2 back in 2007 and have run the Plains War Campaign and the Boxer Rebellion campaing using the rules. I've also fought several additional battles using French Foreign Legion.

I truly believe you will enjoy the rules if you are a Piquet grognard or new to Piquet.

Din of Battle 2nd Edition Goodness

1. Rules weigh in at 96 pages!

2. 4 Quick Reference Sheets (2 for Battalion\Company scale, and two for squad)

3. The game rule section is only 37 of those pages.

4. Rules include three scales: Battalion, Company, and Squad.

5. Squad special rules are only 3 pages.

6. Optional rule section, includes the Rule of 1/3, optional Pursuit rules, etc.

7. Nearly all cards have their definitions directly included in the DoB2 rules so you don't have to switch back and forth between the Master Rules and DoB2.

8. There 13 jammed packed campaign musters with Quick Unit Rating Tables to make setting up the game quicker. This is 44 pages of GOODNESS!

9. All sequence decks for a Campaign Muster are located on the same page so you can quickly create your Sequence Decks.

10. Those familiar with my Campaign Muster style (Archon 2) will see I've done many of the same things; like include a list of all major battles in the war, recommended scale to fight in, suggested TAD decks, and muster special rules just to spice things up!

11. Army Characterization Table has been updated.

12. Stratagems have been updated to be more period specific! Natives have a Stratagem table and so do the Imperialists. New stratagems include: Mass Assault, Deadeye, Last Stand, Fanatic Push, Advance Unnoticed, Careless Ammo Storage, Desertion and many others!

13. Glorious color photos!!! Front and back cover! A color CENTERFOLD page (i.e. - wargamer's porn) along with about 5 or 6 color photos scattered throughout the rules to make sure you are paying attention.

Campaign Musters
Did I mention 13 Campaign Musters?

• 1st and 2nd Sikh Wars (1845 – 1846 & 1848 – 1849) - British vs. Sikhs

• Indian Mutiny (1857 – 1858) - British vs. Indians

• Sioux Wars (1865 – 1890) - Sioux Indians vs. USA

• 2nd Afghan War (1878- 1880) - British vs. Afghans & Pathan Tribesmen

• Zulu War (1879) - British vs. Zulus

• Sudanese Wars (1881 – 1885 & 1896 – 1899) – British & Egyptians vs. Mahdists

• Tonkin Wars (1882 – 1885) - France vs. China & Black Flags

• Italo-Abyssinian Wars (1887-1889 & 1895-1896) - Italians vs. Ethiopians

• Dahomey Wars (1892) - France vs. Dahomey

• Great Boer War (1899 – 1902) - British vs. Boers

• Spanish America War (1898-1899) - US vs. Spain, US vs. Filipinos

• Boxer Rebellion (1900-1901) - International Forces vs. Chinese Imperials and Boxers

• French Foreign Legion (1880-1914) – French Foreign Legion vs. Arabs

Din of Battle Back Cover:

Can't wait to see this "in the flesh"!
Eric

Epic FOB: Clash on Planet Vornex IV Rages On!

2011-04-17T16:57:00.000-04:00

Eldar continue their march against Ultramarine planetary defenses. This time the Ultramarines have some heavy ion cannon bunkers with protective shields. Think Maginot line type canopy gun positions.

Here we see an Eldar Titan shattering another city on Vornex as Falcons Grav Tanks, Guardians, and Jetbike recon lead the way!

View of the left side of the table from the Ultramarine point of view:

View of the right side of the table from the Ultramarine point of view:

Game to be played on Wednesday. Titan will not be involved, but eventually I will work out rules for the Titans.

Epic FOB: Battle at Shilan on Vornex IV - Part 2

2011-04-15T10:42:00.000-04:00

Part 1 can be found here:
http://dinofbattle.blogspot.com/2011/04/epic-pk-battle-at-shilan-on-vornex-iv.html

The battle for Shilan continued to rage even after 4 hours of savage fighting.

Space Marine commanders began requesting fire missions from the Orbiting Weapons Platform, 20 miles above the planet. Will the assistance arrive in time?

The Right Hook

The Eldar won a series of impetus rolls which allowed them to flip really nice and useful cards, while my Marines stagger through their deck. (My first card was Command & Control and like an idiot I forgot to rally my troops!).

Anyway, the armored right flank of the Eldar (Exarches, Falcons, Swooping Hawks, and Guardians) were ready to pounce on my exposed left flank. The Falcons disgorged their Guardian companies and then went on the hunt!

Falcons move and deploy their forces turning the Ultramarine flank

Falcon Grav Tank company and 4 companies of Swooping Hawks (hiding on the other side of the ridge) prepare to attack the city

On the Space Marine's right flank the Eldar commit another Warhost of Guardians to take out the Ultramarines!

The Falcons with Guardian support attacked and drive back the Land Raiders.

2UI and Suppressed!

The Kill!

City Fight
Three companies of Swooping Hawks moved into assault the city section held by a company of Ultramarine Devastators.

One Swooping Hawk company was smashed by the Storm Bolters of the 3rd Terminator company in an adjacent city section, leaving only 2 companies for the assault.

Three rounds of melee were fought and the Ultramarines were pushed back with heavy loses!

The 3rd Terminators launched a counter assault against the Swooping Hawks, but was quickly (and shamefully) repulsed by the Hawks!

The Swooping Hawk assault was supported by Falcons and Guardians, which forced my Predator company to retreat, forced my Assault troops to flee to the protective cover of the city, and the 95th Whirlwinds had to relocate or be brewed up! (Not a shining moment in Ultramarine History).

The Eldar attack

Pretty cool view from ground level. See the heavy loses my Predator MBT company has taken!

The Eldar Exarches really had trouble getting back into the fight. Their first battle in the woods versus the Assault Marines cost them about 5 UI, plus a couple suppressions. Their commander couldn't shake off the loses (rolled a 1 on rally twice, before finally getting some success late in turn two). The Exarches are the best soldiers the Eldar have, yet they couldn't rally enough to attack the city.

Exarches (orange units in the back near the trees) attempting to regroup to fight again

The Fight in the Center and Right Flank

As the fight for the city raged, the center and right flank of the Ultramarines so heavy fighting.

Guardian and Jetbikes attack the Ultramarine tactical company holding the center woods, driving them back

Mike sends in a company of Striking Scorpions to finish the Marines off!

The Guardian attack on the Ultramarines on the far right flank is shattered

Meanwhile the Land Raider (MBT) assigned to the Tactical Marine command destroys another Guardian infantry unit in a close quarters firefight.

Then turns on the advancing Striking Scorpions

Vortex Missile Strike
The Vortex Missile came screeching through the sky and landed right on the Swooping Hawk's position in the city! Two companies of Swooping Hawks were sucked into the void! The Void remained on the table chewing up the city section. Since this vortex could either disappate, remain in place, or move my Marines were extremely nervous about the situation (Next time I'm not going to bring down a Vortex missile that close to my own objectives and troops).

In addition timely artillery strike by the Marines hit more Eldar units

Conclusion
Field of Battle: WW2 does work with Sci-Fi miniatures with minor tweaking! I'm soooo glad to finally have my Epic 40K figures back on the gaming table with a ruleset I enjoy!

We all learned some valuable lessons in the playtest. The Eldar needed to push harder in some sections and reduce the action in others where they just needed to pin down some Ultramarines rather than run right into them. The Space Marines were ok, but I was so outnumbered I was thankful for every Eldar unit I could nibble out here and there to reduce their Morale Points to zero. When the fight got heavy (when I was outnumbered) it was hard for me to hold my position. Eldar needed to drop more off-board artillery on me to soften me up or at least make me freak out. The end of turn 2 had about 4 indirect barrages arrive for the Eldar, but it was too late.

We will likely play another battle next week, and I hope to have some Eldar Tempast Super Heavy Grav Tanks ready to rumble by then.

Epic FOB - Off Board Assets

2011-04-12T08:25:00.000-04:00

Due to the huge amount of leathal off board fire-power I have had tried to expand how FoB:WW2 uses off-board assets.

Epic 1st edition had some pretty cool missile types and I wanted to start thinking of different ways to put them into Epic Field of Battle (EFOB). This is just an open flow of ideas. Nothing in stone. Suggestions welcome.

Missile Types

Each missile will have an area of effect template. The old ones from GW were smaller circles. I'm not sure those are big enough for EFOB. I may put them on my scanner and enlarge them.
Haywire
A missile that will destroy electronics on vehicles, and targeting systems.
D12 vs DD versus vehicles. Vehicle circuits destroyed if Haywire wins. No effect on infantry?

Plasma
D12 vs D6 for target.

Stasis
Power statis field immobilizes all units underneath the template.
No firing in or out of the statis field. No moving in our out of it either.

Vortex
D12 vs DD
Win and target sucked into the void. No chance for survival.
Lose and unit is suppressed and moved to the edge of the vortex template.

Blind
Small ECM particals are dispersed in the air which disrupt targeting. Similar to 20th century smoke.

Gas
Some type of sarin gas attack or nerve agent.
D12+1 vs DD
Persistant cloud. Area denial.

Proximity Mines (air delivered)
Anti-Personel: D10 vs Inf, D4 vs Armor
Anti-Tank: D10 vs Armor, D6 vs Infantry

Off board Artillery
Heavy (Divisional Batteries) D12
Medium (Divisional Batteries) D10
Orbital Weapons Platforms (D12+1 or D12 or D10)
I'm thinking of creating an Asset deck. Players will draw from a deck of available assets, then add cards that are duds (Asset Request Failed). This will be the game's asset deck. When the Command & Control card comes up the player will spend asset points to draw from the Asset deck. Sometimes they will get an asset, sometimes they won't. They won't even know what asset will be available to then until they draw it from the deck.

Anyway, thos are some thoughts on the subject.
Eric

Epic FOB: Battle at Shilan on Vornex IV - Part 1

2011-04-09T10:28:00.001-04:00

The Eldar warhosts launched attack after attack across Vornex IV overrunning most of the Imperial Guard and Space Marine defenders. General Tarnak of the Ultramarines setup a defensive perimeter around the city of Shilan. Several towns and cities to the south lay in ruins, but the Eldar would be coming from that direction. Can General Tarnak's reinforced combat brigade put a dent in the Eldar assault so that more Ultramarines can be redeploy to face this threat?

Battle Report featuring my Epic scale Space Marines and Eldar using modified Field of Battle by Brent Oman. This is part 1 of the report. Game to be completed next Wednesday.

Initial Deployment

Per previous blog posts with the OOB, the Eldar nearly have a 2 to 1 force ratio. Brian and Mike were the Eldar players while I was the Space Marine commander.
The Eldar have 4 turns to capture the city of Shilan. It is an 8 section city with large skyscrapers.

Overall Space Marine setup

Mike took the "foot sloggers" of the Eldar army: 2 Guardian regiments (6 companies, plus recon, plus AT guns), Fire Dragon Regiment (2 companies), and Striking Scorpion Regiment (4 companies). He deployed this to the center and right flank of the Space Marines.

Mike's force, Marine right flank

View of the Eldar central position deployment

Brian deployed his Guardian regiment in Falcon Grav Tanks, along with the Exarches and Swooping Hawks on the Space Marine left flank.

Falcon Grav Tanks with Exarches backing them up.

The Space Marines deployed in their first line of defenses in the small hills and woods before Shilan, the Assault Regiment (3 companies) on the left flank facing the Exarches, and the Tactical Regiment (3 companies + Land Raider company) on the right flank. They left the center week, but completely covered by the Devastator and Terminator companies deployed in Shilan.

Space Marine left flank, with Ultramarine Assault troops near the woods (red jump packs)

City of Shilan, with Ultramarine Terminators and Devastators waiting for the Eldar

The remainder of the Space Marine Land Raiders, Predators MBT, and Whirlwind Missile Launchers, were in a mobile reserve location.

Opening Moves

Turn 1 (4 hours in real time) saw the Eldar press forward in an attempt to the clear the woods and ridges of the first line of Space Marine defenders.

Eldar off-board artillery fell quickly on a Terminator company hunkered down in Shilan, but had no visible affect.

On the Space Marine right flank the Eldar moved their Fire Dragons forward supported by a regiment of Guardians. In the center the Striking Scorpions quickly moved (triple move) to attack the lone Tactical Marine company holding the center woods. On the Marine left flank the Exarches jumped all over the Marine Assault companies located in the woods (Class II).

Guardians advance in their Falcon Grav Tanks, but wait for Exarches to clear the woods of Space Marine Assault companies.

Space Marine right flank seas the Eldar Jet bikes doing recon against 2 Tactical Marine companies in the woods.

With a triple move, the Striking Scorpions launch an assault against the lone Tactical marine company in the center woods.

The Tactical Marines in the center repulse the Striking Scorpions! Litko smoke marker indicates suppression, while the mini-blast markers indicate Unit Integrety hits. The command stand has one to indicate a need for survival check

The Space Marines, through in a company of Land Raiders to defend the right flank and it blew the Eldar recon to peices.

Next, the Marines focused on the Eldar Fire Dragons on the right flank and forced them to retreat.

Overall view of the Eldar attack

The Exarch Assault! The Space Marine Assault companies repulse 2 of the 3 Exach attacks, but the last assault at the bottom of the photo completely eliminated the Space Marine Assault company.

The Ultramarine Assault regiment is being overwhelmed. Their commander decides to fall back to the relative safety of the city

Near the end of the first turn the Space Marines deployed a air-delivered anti-personnel mine field on the right flank in front of their position in the woods, and dropped a Medium barrage (off-board support) which just missed a massed Swooping Hawk regiment. (I think my Forward Observer was sniffing glue when he gave the off-board artillery the coordinates, as I rolled my second 1 on a D12 for barrage drift!) So instead of my barrage hitting EVERY Swooping Hawk unit, it only landed on one, then preceded to do NO damage to them.

At this point the Eldar are closer to their assault on Shilan on the Space Marine left flank, but are still trying to clear out the Tactical Marines on the right flank. This was the end of turn 1.

To be continued ...

Epic FOB: The Eldar Army

2011-04-06T08:03:00.001-04:00

Finally finished basing, flocking and labelling the Eldar force that will be fighting my Space Marines tonight.

The Eldar Army

Each stand is a company, so this is a very large battle with nearly 30 companies of Eldar troops

Overall photo isn't the best, but the closer ones turned out ok. The playtest was kept infantry heavy the first time around, to keep things simple.

Better view of the army. Falcon Grav Tanks mounted on brass wire. Jetbike companies at the bottome right, and Army commander in the center.

Aspect Warriors! Two warhosts of Fire Dragons (light grey), 3 warhosts of Exaches (orange), 4 warhosts of Swooping Hawks, and 4 warhosts of Striking Scorpions.

Nice shot of the Falcon Grav tanks. The row that has the Jet bikes, Grav Tanks, and the Dark Reaper warhost will be assigned to one of the seven other command groups, player's choice.

Three regiments of Guards (9 total warhosts).

I'll be sure to take lots of photos tonight.
Eric

Epic FOB Battle - Scenario, Terrain, OOB, and Setup

2011-04-03T17:05:00.002-04:00

Hi,

Here are some photos of the game I plan on playing Wednesday night. Brian and Mike will be helping me out with this first playtest of Field of Battle: Epic.

This is my attempt to put my Epic Space Marines back out on the gaming table after 15 years! I just don't care for the Epic rules and wanted to use some of my favorite rules (Piquet & Field of Battle) to see how they could work in a Sci-Fi game.

Scenario
This scenario will have the Ultramarines defending a city with Eldar forces attempting to capture it. The city is in a strategic location, so the Eldar need to remove the Ultramarines so they can continue with their campaign. I will likely put a turn limit on the game, as the Ultramarines just need to slow down the Eldar long enough, so they can reinforce the sector.

Terrain
The photos show the layout of the terrain, with several large city blocks that the Ultramarines must hold on to. I don't have much in the way of "Alien" or usual terrain, but that will change if this effort works out.

City has just been based, and I haven't had time to detail it yet. Still looks ok.

Order of Battle
For Space Marines I'm going to use the word "cohort" instead of company, and for Eldar I'm going to use "Warhost" rather than company. Just because I like it. :-) Some of my HQ stands have not been flocked or labeled.

Ultramarine OOB
16 total units

255th Combat Brigade
Brigade HQ
8th Tactical Regiment - Mechanized: 3 Tactical Marine cohorts with Rhino APCs and HQ.
44th Devastator Regiment - Mechanized: 3 Devastator Marine cohorts with Rhino APCs and HQ.
15th Assault Regiment - Mechanized: 3 Assault Marine cohorts with Rhino APCs and HQ.

Support
2nd Terminator Regiment - 3 Terminator cohorts and HQ

Armor Regiment
Armor HQ
95th Whirlwind Cohort
5th Predator Cohort
1st Land Raider Cohort
2nd Land Raider Cohort

Eldar OOB
26 total units (Pictures will be taken at game time as I don't have them flocked or labeled yet)

Army HQ

3rd Warclan - 3 Guardian Warhosts and HQ (Falcon Grav Tanks attached)
4th Warclan - 3 Guardian Warhosts and HQ
7th Warclan - 3 Guardian Warhosts and HQ
21st Heavy Armor - 1 Tempast Warhost

Aspect Warriors
Striking Scorpions Warclan - 4 Striking Scorpion Warhosts and HQ
Exarch Warclan - 3 Exarch Warhosts and HQ
Fire Dragon Warclan - 2 Fire Dragon Warhosts and HQ
Swooping Hawk Warclan - 4 Swooping Hawk Warhosts and HQ

Setup

Here you can see the table, it is about a 6' x 5' area. There are two Eldar players and one Space Marine player. Space Marine player deploys first, anywhere to the right of the red line. Eldar deploy second, anywhere to the left of the green line.

Really looking forward to this game!
Eric

Converting Epic to Epic FoB

2011-03-29T14:05:00.003-04:00

One of the biggest challenges was taking the enormous amount of stats and special rules for Epic and convert them over to Field of Battle: Sci-Fi.

The first thing was converting movement. Here is how I adjusted the Epic stats to fit into FOB. Remember I'm only converting Space Marines, Imperial Guard, Eldar, and Tyranids for my gaming pleasure. Those with Squats, Orks, and Chaos Marines can use my guidelines below.

Movement Speed Conversion

15cm or less = Slow (8”) = S8"
20-25cm = Normal (12”) = N12"
30-35cm = Fast (16”) = F16"
40+cm = Super Fast (24”) = SF24"

Two Ultramarine Land Raider Companies (each stand is a company in FOB)

This is not an exact science and I allowed some leaway in adjusting movement. The best part about writing rules for only your group to play with is that you don't have to account for every detail. It is quite liberating!

Converting Weapon Ranges
FoB has one weapon range for all units, well that wasn't going to work for all the nasty stuff in Epic, so I changed the following.

Epic Range = FoB Range
<= 15cm = 4”

<= 30cm = 8”
<= 45cm = 12”
<= 75m = 16”

<= 100cm = 24”
> 100cm = 36”

In addition, to keep things simple, I used the following range calibrations to adjust fire quality:
(click for larger image)

So, if your weapon had a range or 24", then short range would be 6" or less, normal would be 6" -12", while Long would be 12" - 24". Simple.

Lastly each vehicle weapon was assigned a Weapon Level (WL). This tells you which row on the rating table to roll on when creating the Combat value of the unit.

Converting Armor
First, there was the issue with infantry in armor, like space marines. I gave them a special value of Heavy Body Armor, which is a bonus against other infantry fire, but not against artillery and large caliber weapons.

Next was dealing with vehicle armor:
Armor Save = FOB Armor type

4,5,6 = Light
3 = Medium
2 = Heavy
1 = Extra Heavy

I dropped Extra Light armor as it really wasn't something fits into the game as I envision it. That may change.
Ultramarine Infantry companies (each stand is a company) & Rhino APCs

Next, some special changes to match up with how FOB handles better quality units:

SCA = Superior Close Assault (3+), More than 6 I have to figure out something better

HFP = High Firepower Modifier (Attack Dice 2+, Save Mod. -3 or greater)
HBA = Heavy Body Armor (modifies infantry based attacks)

Here is a small sample of the ratings for Space Marines (click for larger image)

Note that I haven't actually played with these conversions, so I may have to make tons of adjustments, but I feel pretty confident with what I have done so far. Tyranids will be a challenge, along with Titans, but I will figure them out.

Devastator Companies (3), Assault Companies (4), Predator Company, and Whirlwind Company.

Feedback welcome.
Eric

Search and Destroy vs Apaches

2011-03-24T15:29:00.000-04:00

During my Din of Battle 2 playtesting (2007) we fought several early engagements between US cavalry and Apache Indians.

Thought I would share some of the photos. My attempt at some more rugged southwest US terrain.

What is going on in the War Room!

2011-03-16T09:08:00.001-04:00

Now that I have finished writing Din of Battle 2nd Edition for Piquet Inc, I'm going to finish working on a couple of other projects I have been tinkering with. DoB2 should be available by Historicon (July) of this year, likely much sooner.

1. Vauban's Wars (was Coehorn's War) which is 18th century siege warfare. I have a new playtest group which is helping with the rules. I hope to have this available in PDF format this year.

2. Get my Epic 40K figures back out on the table!

Photo of my War Room with my jungle terrain on the table!

The Epic 40K conversion to Field of Battle:ww2 has really receieved a lot of my focus. I'm putting 6 to 8 figures per Flames of War medium size bases, while two vehicles on a large base. If the vehicles are APCs I have been mounting them on a small base so that I can get more use out of them. You need a ton of Rhinos, etc to make your units mechanized! Superheavy tanks are one per medium size base which looks good.

With this basing scheme I literally have 100s of companies size units for Space Marines, Imperial Guard, Eldar, and Tyranids!

Since my Space Marines, Imperial Guard, and Eldar are nearly all painted, this will allow me to play immediately and I hope to put the figures on the table next week for a run-through.

I'm also basing all my Sci-Fi buildings on floor tiles, and I think they are going to turn out great!

I hope to share my conversion ideas and concerns on this blog so others can chime in. The first Ultramarine Terminators have rolled off the assembly line and look great. I'll post some photos next week.

Cheers!

15mm Amazons and Wemics

2011-02-22T09:58:00.000-05:00

These are some pretty cool shots of my Amazons moving through the jungle, along with a couple shots of the Wemics.

Boxer Campaign - Battle of Feng Go Forest - Part 12 of 12

2011-02-16T15:28:00.000-05:00

The Germans sent this top secret communique not to be shared with any allied player. Five fast couriers are to proceed to the Lutheran Mission under flags of truce. They carry an order that reads thus:

Honored Gentlemen,

I am aware that you have beseiged the Lutheran Mission near Mia Tuchin. An allied coalition force is prepared to attack and relieve the mission at once. We can assure you that our intentions are simply to spare the lives of those men, women and children that we are responsible for protecting. I beseech you to peacefully release these persons into our care at the earliest possible moment. We have been very impressed with your bravery and understand that you are men of honor. We asked that you comply with this appeal out of honor. In no way do we think you to be cowards. We understand that you are prepared to defend to the last, as we have seen evidence of your bravery on many bloody fields before. The resultant clash of arms will result in a great effusion of blood. If you allow us to gain custody of the missionaries, we give you our word that we will march north and out of this territory and will leave you in peace. I send a young German captain fluent in Chinese that will interpret and bring me your reply. If you answer in the affirmative, then we will work out a specific time to allow the missionaries to march out under a flag of truce. At this time, we will immediately march out of this area.

Respectfully,
Field Marshal Ludwig von Bolling

The appeal went unanswered and the you German captain never returned.

The Internationalist (Germans, Americans, Italians) have cut their ties with the railway and have launched an assault on the 2nd Chinese Imperial Army that has been shadowing their force from the south for over a day. The Chinese Western Trained army is also shadowing the force, but it is to the west and is dug in. The Internationalists are counting on their superior firepower and surprise to destroy the 2nd Imperial Army before they can unite with the Western Trained army.

The 2nd Imperial Army is deployed in Feng Go forest and will try to use the large woods to protect them from the Foreign Devil's artillery and rifle fire. Who's will will break today? Will the Western Trained Army abandon their trenches to help the 2nd Imperial Army? Even if they did would the arrive in time?

The battle was excellent and tense throughout, with USMC and one German unit taking heavy casualties, but pushing on and routing the less sturdy Chinese. Chinese 2nd Imperial Army had hidden deployment due to their positions in the Feng Go Forest. I'm sorry I didn't take more interactive photos.

USMC knocking out the first of the Chinese battalions!

Entire German army moving in.

General advance into the woods.

Chinese Western trained army arrives, but once again German and their mausers put them to flight.

US Marines (light blue pants), fight through the woods.

Italians get shot at point blank range by Chinese guns. (Will the Italians ever get a break in this campaign?)

Germans advancing into the woods to clear out the Imperial Chinese.

The veteran German Seebatallions are taking the fight directly to the Chinese.

Americans flank the Chinese line, rolling up the Chinese and putting them to flight.

With the smashing success of the International Forces at the BATTLE OF FENG GO FOREST the allies hastily pushed on to the LUTHERAN MISSION at MIA TUCHEN. The Boxers were no where to be found, but their handy-work was evident. The Lutheran Mission was burnt to the ground and the missionaries were slaughtered. Priests, nuns, Chinese Christians were all killed in horrible ways. The massacre appears to have been carried out a day or two before hand. The Germans, Italians, and Americans buried the dead and turned north to their journey home.

This ended the campaign as all effective Imperial Chinese and Boxer forces in the region had been defeated. The International armies made their way without incident back to the port of WIE LUNG HOO, where they evacuated the remaining Western civilians, Chinese Christians, sick, and wounded.

It was an extremely successful campaign, but many battles were in doubt right until the end. I think some of the International Commanders were thrilled just to be marching out of China, rather than coming out in a dead cart!

The final tally for the campaign VPs were as follows:

France   24   --- Winner!
Russia     20
USA       17
Italy        17
Germany 16

As the winner, Eric Cottrell, received a copy of Columbia Game's Rommel in the Desert, and every player received a reproduction Boxer Rebellion medal from the US Marine Corp!

Some of the commanders receiving their medals! Left to right: General "Mad Dog" Hood, Chinese General Johnson, Field Marshal Ludwig von Bolling, General Konnellovski.

From General "Mad Dog" Hood:

"I'll be setting up a "coffee" house in Hong Kong, writing my memoirs of the campaign. It'll be presented to Congress and read into the record."

As an umpire for a campaign, this was one of the most rewarding campaigns I have ever run. Players were active, they remained in character, they contributed to the drama, and we were able to successfully finish the campaign! A rare accomplishment in the wargaming world!

Cheers!

Eric

Boxer Campaign - Battle of Fusuchow - Part 11 of 12

2011-02-15T14:53:00.000-05:00

DAY7 of the Campaign

Some campaign details that the player's received, to give you an idea what kind of info I gave them:

MOON TEMPLE FORCE rests on DAY7 due to severe casualties. They can see units of the Western Trained Army maneuvering south of the canal, but there have been no attacks.

FLEET POSITIONS
Main fleet in WEI LUNG HOO
Gurbett and USS Monacacy at the Imperial Road Bridge on the SI HO River. (no enemy activity reported)

SI-LIAN Garrison remains in place and no enemy encounters are reported.

WENPO Garrison has been silent for quite some time. No word on their situation.

US\GERMAN SUPPLY COLUMN - Has begun heading South again, but will have difficulty when it encounters the main relief column as it will have to wait until it passes before continuing onward towards WUSEN.

RELIEF COLUMN - The night passes without incident and the camp forms up for the morning march. As the Cossacks approach the town of FUSUCHOW to continue the march north they encounter Imperial Chinese forces in strength. It appears that the Imperials slipped into the town during the night since none of the approaches to the town were guarded. The only road North goes through FUSUCHOW so the column will have to fight their way building-to-building in FUSUCHOW if they want to continue up the Imperial Road. Please take note of the terrain around FUSUCHOW. You are encamped west of town and any attack against FUSUCHOW will be funnelled due to the two sets of millet fields to either flank. This battle will be difficult, but will be a good chance for glory.

BATTLE OF FUSUCHOW

The Russians deploy for battle, with Fusuchow in the distance. Germans are just to their right.

French approaching along the railroad from the south. Large millet crops to the left.

French advance, while their guns start to hit the town.

AMBUSH! Black Banner Boxers jump on the Tonkinese Rifleman, which are routed.

The momentum of the attack sends the Boxers into the French Marines!

The Marine's discipline allows them to turn and defeat (rout) the Boxers!

Marines continue their attack into the town and run into an Imperial Chinese unit with Jingals. A vicious fire-fight ensues. Meanwhile, the other Tonkinese unit moves into the factory's coal field.

Good look at the Russian and German progress.

The French storm the factory grounds

Boxers fleeing the scene as French fight house to house.

Imperial Chinese pile out of the local buildings to attack the Tonkinese.

The Tonkinese rout due to fire and the French Sailors shore up the line.

French troops routing from the battle.

Russians begin their assault. The rocks indicate hits against buildings, in case Chinese are hidden in them. The International forces were allowed bombard the town.

The Marines clear another town section only to be attacked by more Imperial Chinese!

Boxers attack the Russians. The Cossacks take some surprising casualties!

As the Tonkinese flee they are ambushed by Boxers! French Colonel Frey looking on. More Tonkinese are killed by the Boxers.

Russians and Germans start to move through the town.

Marines disorder (green marker) the Boxers then rout them!

Colonel Frey overrun by Boxers. Not much left of his body.

Boxer's flip a Heroic Moment + Melee Resolution and attack the Russians!

Russians fall back from the Boxer attack

French Marines and Zouaves continue to clear out pockets of Boxer and Imperial Chinese resistance.

The Boxers continue to fight in a rage, but are driven back by the Russian Maxim guns!

After cutting up Colonel Frey, the Boxer's turn on the Tonkinese who had just finished rallying.

Collision!

The Tonkinese destroy the Boxers in melee!!

French Marines overrun the last of the Chinese forces defending the Coal Factory.

Germans begin to filter through the streats, not meeting much resistance.

I just liked this photo angle. :-)

Imperial Chinese are still fighting in the center of town. The Zouaves in column of companies attack the building.

Zouaves survive the point blank fire of the Chinese forces and melee them. The Zouaves rout the Chinese.

Germans finally encounter one of the last remaining Chinese units, which happened to be a battalion only armed with BOWS! (The Germans had it real tough in this one)

FUSUCHOW has been secured after nearly 4 hours of very bitter and short range fighting. The French have taken the worst of the beating and will not move from FUSUCHOW for the rest of DAY7. German reinforcements have arrived via train and the US\German supply column has arrived in FUSUCHOW which includes the German East Asian Cavalry Regiment and US 3rd Cavalry Regiment. All full strength. FUSUCHOW burns and smokes, with nearly half the town destroyed.

Casualty Results of FUSUCHOW

Russians
Amur Cossacks (2 stands) - 1 stand returns to duty, 1 stand lost for the campaign
Siberian Cossaks (4 stands) - 3 stands return to duty, 1 stand lost for the campaign.

French
Sailors of the 1st Naval Landing Party (3 stands) - 1 stand returns to duty, 2 stands lost for campaign
Sailors of the 2nd Naval Landing Party (1 stand) - 1 stand lost until day 10 of campaign.
1st Regiment Annimite-Tonkinese (2 stands) - 2 stands lost until DAY10 of campaign.
2nd Regiment Annimite-Tonkinese (1 stand) - 1 stand lost for campaign. (-1 on future battle quality rolls)
Colonel Frey was KIA.
General Cottrell was shot from his horse and had minor wounds.

Germans
Suffered no significant casualties

BATTLE HONORS
French 1/11th Marines wrapped themselves in glory
Russian MG fought a tenatious battle
Russian Section B 9lbr guns fought with distinction

Victory Points for the Battle of FUSUCHOW

Russians = 2 VP (Routed or destroyed 6 Chinese units, but two Cossack units were routed)
Germans = 1VP (Routed Imperial Chinese unit)
French = 0 VP (Routed or destroyed 8 Chinese units, but had four units Rout)

Look for the final campaign post in about a week.
Eric