VolleyFireWargames

Siege of Augusta XXI - Jan 20 - 22 2012

2012-01-26T02:20:00.000-05:00

Couple Pics from the recent Convention in Augusta GA - They had a good turnout all though the sudden death of local Atlanta gamer may have kept some folks away. next year plans are in the works for a potential game or two dedicated in the gentlemans memory.

I played in three games - Dwight Jones - Darkest Africa (The Sword and the flame variant) - once as Belgian and then as the Zanzibar Slavers - Next time I will put gun powder in the huts - (this would be an interesting game for Black powder.)

Game two (Notice the Chic Filet Cows laying wounded in the corral)

- Dwight allows you interesting options - I wounded the cows first -

and then we had a gorilla snatch one of the slavers and drag him into the brush .

by the end of the game the entire village was in flames and the

Zanzibars snatched a Phyrric draw out of the Belgians hands in the final turn of the game.

Zanibar musketry killed off all the Nordenfelt gunners,

As final charge saw 2 fanatic Zanzibar sword and shield

kill the cannon crew and its remaining defenders.

game one

Second and third games were with Bob Moon - ACW Peters Hill. (Union the first time - won a trophy for a fantastic charge) (Southern the second - almost won the game again but our Confederate Infantry charge in the center failed to sieze the day and reinforcements were delayed due to lost orders) While the Confederates cleared the right flank and almost captured three Union gun positions with an unusual flank charge. The Confederates failed to carry the day.

Tried too put on my own game that evening but by the time I got back from dinner everyone was pretty much set. Next year maybe.

More Iron Mitton Cartoons

2012-01-24T16:59:00.000-05:00

The caption on this one was really cool -

"Join the army, see the world they said...all I get to see is sand and arrows!"

Painting since 1983 (seems we both have been doing this too long.)

Proposed T-shirts for Siege of Augusta XXII provided Iron Mitton gives permission

2012-01-24T16:56:00.001-05:00

Based on what IMHO was a poor t shirt design for The Mike Baker Seige of Augusta 20 tshirt.
I have the following potential ideas for Seige of Augusta 22. These require final approval by both the creator Iron Mitton and the Seige of Augusta BOARD of directors.

This one and the one on the bottom are some of my favorites

Also I have a couple of other favorites on the previous entry - see the world they say!

More Black Powder on a Thursday night

2012-01-20T00:52:00.001-05:00

Well once again the French and Russian duked it out with the French getting the worst of it. The French forced several Russian units to retreat and captured to batteries but were unable to exploit their success as the Horse Battery was charged and chose to fire rather than evade, Caught in the open by Russian Line which broke and ran when countercharged by French Cavalry - French Cuirassiers doing aTerrifying Charge followed up in a sweeping advance but were unable to exploit the retreat. (Turns out I may have done the melees wrong - not enough dice for either the cavalry or infantry used the number of shooting dice for melee makes a big difference also i wonder what the modifier should be for infantry not in Square hit by Cavalry or Hvy Cavalry?) The Russians ended the day holding both villages on the flanks, Having broken 4 French infantry units including the French Hvy cav.

We utilized a couple of special useful rules - But made everyone 4plus on saving throws as we are still feeling our way around the rules. It went smoother this time even more. Pics to follow after I get back from Augusta.

Kennesaw Mtn Wargamers Game Day

2012-01-14T19:42:00.000-05:00

Dont have any pics but today was another day of gaming and socializing with the Kennesaw Mtn Wargamers. They had a huge turnout today 11 gamers plus one. From As far away as Alabama.
While Mark Luther ran a Sharp practice AWI game in 15mm - Bill, Greg and I discussed and organized our current and future forces for our French Revolutionary Wars - Italian Campaign 1796-1800.

Greg donated Austrian infantry in hasket? and Austrian Light Cav in hasket? to my Army of Austrians.
Bill gave me a Napoleon dismounted figure to put on an artillery gun base.
We are aiming for a sample game in early March or April using rules of either R2E / Black Powder or Die Fighting also depending on if we have enough troops for everyone to command.

More Black Powder! ATPD!

2012-01-07T22:56:00.000-05:00

Well got in a little Quick game of Black Powder agian today - It was pleasant getting in some gaming time on a Saturday. Steve came over again as well as my friend Daniel. I basically umpired and taught the system/modified per my nuisances. Using the SEWSC turn sequence with a bit of tweaking myself - The game ran rather smoothly. Since I wanted to try this out - I used my amended turn sequence and amendments - we rolled for units seprately but placed markers separetly for brigade orders - also the more I play it the more the rules (make sense) apparently you roll for melee saves on kills as well - I am simply applying the rally movement from CLS as FB 1, FB2 or rout move - it worked well (the melee support rule I still think needs tweaking) Made a couple mistakes - proximity moves are optional you may chose to or you may try to move more in the regular move phase. ( I prefer the locked in tactical phase - once your engaged it should be difficult to get out.)Because we only had the two players and limited troops (2 Brigades Infantry and a Brigade of Cav each - although the French Cav brigade never made it on the table (Poor maps of Russia) Russians were all stubborn and russian Hussars were bloodthirsty - We only had one blunder move the whole game - Daniel rolled for his 4 gun French Battery and it had to retreat one move almost all off the table.

French were taking advantage of the Russians inability to get his commands moving - The French maintained control of the village and the vital bridgehead until the end of the game. A Daring set of Charges by the Russians Using Cossacks as Shock Cavalry caught a French unit forming square in disorder. This was followeded by Flank and rear charges as the Cossacks and a smaller unit of Prussian Cav caught both Batteries deployed facing the wrong directions.

The Russian Holy Icon gave the russians a major morale boost at critical times. pics to follow. In spite of some mistakes on the part of the umpire (too many dice for meleeing a BUA) Disordered Cossack retreating past a French square (does that count as an advance?) Although the Russian medium guns finally got deployed (next to a french square facing the wrong direction) and never fired a shot the whole game.

The French 4 gun battery caught the Cossacks mentioned earlier with enfilade fire and only killed 2 Cossacks which were saved in the morale save - Only mistake I made was letting the Russian Cossacks on Morale saves from hits roll as 4+, when they should have been 3+ or 2+.

Anyway finally getting a handle on the rules and the nuances of some it makes since although I still prefer a clearer winner on the melees and support only counting for break test rolls.

Polish Legion link and Flags contains history of the Legon

2012-01-06T04:04:00.000-05:00

Found this on another gamers blogs French Rev War flags make it an interesting set of Polish infantry

http://blundersonthedanube.blogspot.com/2012/01/legion-de-la-vistule-vistula-legion.html

As I said I especially like the flag

More Black Powder?!?!?Actually changed the game a bit

2012-01-05T01:45:00.005-05:00

Once more into the breach - tba January 5th depending on schedules this time less river and less artillery. ANd perhaps more understanding of the rules - Really miss Bill Gilchrist's expertise on these rules. Who has provided remarkable clarifications even all the way from Scotland - Got a copy of issue 281 of Wargames illustrated and change the game a bit - Barry Hiltons Shervadino scenario complete with a Holy Icon and 2 priests and a Cossack foot commander left the table pretty much as is depicted on the map.

Same general objectives

The Redoubt - not shown

The Village

control access to the road network at the objective marker 4

Now the pics which again the french lost but had several Russian Units break

http://www.flickr.com/photos/48123396@N05/sets/72157628732457145/

First Break test of the evening

The Valiant French Legere in square that eliminated a Russian half battery

First Units of 2011-2012 Everybodies favorite

2012-01-03T21:56:00.001-05:00

Well no Pics yet first Units started at the end of 2011 moving into 2012

Are Prussian Silesions (inspired by Saxon Dog and one other Blog)

1st Silesian Regiment

posted by saxon dog at Saxon Dog - 2 weeks ago

Painted for Saxon Dog collection by Chris Meacham and based for R2E by Saxon Dog. 10th (1st Silesian) Regiment 1st and 2bns. Chris is painting up the Fusiliers needed to complete the full Regiment.

Followed by an excellent example of 10 Silesian Prussian Artillery

http://fuentesdeonoro.blogspot.com/2012/01/prussian-artillery.html

According to the painter -

The painter comments on getting completely confused now by all the rulesets I have been using, but I think I will probably add a cannon to each battery in the future. I have been primarily playing Black Powder and the one peculiarity about the ruleset is that it requires only one stand to make a battery, which I quite dislike. ( does anyone play Black Powder with 4 stand artillery, does it change the game?) Lasalle and most rule sets, It is believed, have one stand representing two guns. this so for most nations this is 4 stands to an unit aside from Britain and it some it's allies where there would be 3. I do not have nor plan to have Russians, but I believe they would be an exception. Generally most nations had a fixed ratio of howitzers to cannon, I usually like to put one howitzer to each battery. I also plan to have a caisson or limber for each battery. It would be way to expensive to have one for each gun, and one will suffice to represent a limbered battery.

3rd Silesian Heavy Foot Artillery

Here we have two 12 pound cannon and a 10 pound howitzer.

Myself I am painting

Silesian Grenadiers
Silesian Line (1 battalion) with skirmishers in landwehr uniform
Silesian Line (1 battalion) Elite minis
Silesian Lights (1 battalion)
Silesian Landwehr (2 battalions) Old Glory
Silesian Landwehr Dragoons
12 Silesian Gunners
2 smaller Silesian Battalions Hinchcliffe castings

NOTHING as fancy as Saxon Dogs but sold off all my other prussians

but inspiration can be a good thing

Also for tomorrow nights game painting set of 3 cossacks - 2 priests and 1 Captain for my Holy Icon for Shervardino from Wargames Illustrated #281 Republic to Empire scenario redoubt side table
mounted 8 polish horse artillery gunners - interesting the blog gives me the idea of using modified Russian gunners for Prussian - I have lots

No project lists but Early French revolution campaign in Italy is on the horizon

Napoleon in Egypt 1799

2011-12-31T23:28:00.000-05:00

http://wargamerabbit.wordpress.com/category/historical-game-aar/

Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays everyone a friend sent this too me its too funny

2011-12-24T17:08:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1qb-p05EBM&feature=player_embedded

Gives you a new since of getting lead in your stocking or

be careful what you wish for you just MIGHT GET IT

More Black Powder?

2011-12-20T16:38:00.001-05:00

Perhaps some more Black powder gaming before Xmas? Played an Abysmal game from the french point of view tonight - Rolled 3 blunder rolls in 5 turns - we did the artillery wrong forget the differentiation dice at close medium and long and probably had too many guns on the table. But I have all this artillery I hate to just sit there unused. Anyway Andy and I basically had to start over from scratch because we both had forgot everything we learned in 4 months since we played in August. Initial depositions for both sides

Russian Orders

The Four Bridges at Mantua – Brigadier General Tokeyesvich commanding
The year is 1794, and you command a force of 14 units moving to relieve the Austrian garrison besieged in the fortress Mantua you can expect no artillery support ort from the fortress as their supplies are running low. The Upstart French General Bonaparte has been making a name for himself at the expense of your Austrian Allies Situation - You have been at Mantua Mountain since early this morning. Your force has been sent ahead of the main Russian army with orders to seize the bridges and all crossings of the River Mantua at St. Mantua tuscany. You are supported by a force to the East, commanded by Brigadier Crown Prince Ifan, which is seeking to seize a ford over the Mantuasky tributary. Mission - Your mission is to seize the bridge crossing at Mantua, and thus allow the remaining army, which follows, to turn the French armies flank, and proceed with the march on Milano. Limitations - The Bridges must be taken intact – there is no bridging capability nearer than a week away. Reinforcements will not reach you for one day, and thus you must be able to hold the bridge, after taking it, against a possible major counter attack. Forces - These should be kept secret. These comprise about 14 units of mixed infantry and cavalry.
You ordered forward a scouting party onto Tuscany village last evening. They reported seeing the following troops – in the areas marked A, B and C -a mounted unit of hussars on the low, long hill opposite Mantua mountain, at least one enemy infantry unit in front of the bridge, and activity on and around the bridges. The Fortress Mantua is near the (A) Your troops arrived under cover of darkness, and but were delayed as you rested with your mistress in the Local tavern (4) but are deployed and are ready to march on in line and assume positions along the river entering the board on the south-west side. Bridge Preparation- Men appear to be preparing the bridges for demolition. Time is of the essence if your objective is to be achieved. Maps of the area are poor so accuracy of your dispositions is questionable – your troops are at 1, 2 and 3

Russian OB

1st Brigade - Left flank

2 Battalions of Grenadier infantry

deployed Skirmisher battalion

one light battery 2 guns

2nd Brigade - Center

4 battalions of Line

1 Light Battalion

1 Grenadier Battalion

4 Medium Guns

3rd Brigade - Holding right flank (3)

Lancer regiment

Hussar Regiment

2 Light battalions

1 Horse artillery battery - 2 guns

Reserves - diced for each turn arrived turn 5 - No impact on Game

3 Battalions - Line

2 battalions - Grenadiers

French Orders

The Four Bridges at Mantua – Brigadier General Bellasario commanding
The year is 1794, and you command a force of 14 units moving to stop the relief of the Austrian garrison besieged in the fortress Mantua you can expect no artillery support from the fortress as their supplies are running low. The Upstart French General Bonaparte has been making a name for himself at the expense of the Austrian and Italian Allies
Situation - You have been at Mantua Little Mountain since early this morning. Your force has been sent ahead of the main French army with orders to seize the bridges and all crossings of the River Mantua at St. Mantua tuscany. You are supported by a force to the West, commanded by Brigadier General Bonaparte, which is seeking to seize a ford over the Mantuasky tributary.
Mission - Your mission is to seize the bridge crossings at Mantua, and thus allow the remaining army, which follows, to turn the Allied armies flank, and proceed with the siege of the Fortress Mantua.
Limitations - The Bridges must be taken intact – there is no bridging capability nearer than a week away. Reinforcements will not reach you for one day, and thus you must be able to hold the bridge, after taking it, against a possible major counter attack.
Forces - These should be kept secret. These comprise about 14 units of mixed infantry and cavalry.
You ordered forward a scouting party onto Tuscany village last evening. They reported seeing the following troops – in the areas marked 1, 2 and 3 -a mounted unit of hussars on Mantua mountain opposite Little Mantua mountain, at least one enemy infantry unit in front of the bridge, and activity on and around the bridges. The Fortress Mantua is near the (A) Your troops arrived under cover of darkness, and but were delayed as Bonaparte rested with his mistress in the local church (3) but are deployed and are ready to march on in attack columns and assume positions along the river entering the board on the North East side – your troops are at A, B and C.
Bridge Preparation- Men appear to be preparing the bridges for demolition. Time is of the essence if your objective is to be achieved. Maps of the area are poor so accuracy of the enemy’s dispositions is questionable.

French OB

1st Brigade - Left flank

2 Legere battalions

3 Line battalions

1 Howitzer battery 2 guns

2nd Brigade- Center left

Cuirassier Unit

Hussar Unit

Light Cavalry Unit

1 Horse Artillery battery 2 guns

3rd Brigade -Center right

1 skirmished Light battalion

3 Ligne battalions

2 Foot Batteries - 2 guns each

4th Brigade Right Flank

3 Ligne battalions

Brief discription pictures to follow after map French forces advance to the river but were decimated by Allied artillery fire - Allies occupied their high ground positions. French Skirmishers in intial deployment broke on their first break test roll. Allied artillery fire broke unit after unit - First die roll was snake eyes - hussar unit broke immediately just from one phase of artillery fire. After that everything was down hill for the french. A total of 2 cavalry units broke from artillery fire break tests, as did 5 infantry units. We were able to do one melee which because of the 6 inch support rule the Allies won and the defeated Swiss unit broke.

Definitely need to use some modified version of these break test rules. Also blunder rules really put a hurt on deployment. One blunder move put my mixed cavalry brigade right in front of my 1st Brigade artillery as well as placing limbered horse artillery in the line of fire for artillery - which then broke on its break test from suffering artillery fire. Also initially the Swiss brigade failed to advance so the only Brigade that actually engaged was the Center Brigade with the 4 guns

As promised pictures of the awful French defeat - Blunder roles are featured - with adaptation amendments sure to follow in due course - only one blunder move per phase and a break test rally recovery rule as per amendments I have seen on line. Especially for units breaking with low casualties. Already wondering about markers for recoverying routers?

Extra command stands marked Rally on me similar to Follow Me rule!

the initial break test - Snake eyes from artillery fire only one casualty was inflicted

where the nicely uniformed Russian Hussar officer located

used to be a Russian Hussar Unit - granted playing as french.

the French Center brigade advances audaciously to seize the center bridges

The Skirmishing battalion that broke from its initial break test after recieving 4 casualties

French Brigade artillery finally getting into action

Spanish Elite battalion moving up to sseize the bridge crossing

the Spanish held off a column charge by swiss infantry

The Far right Brigade never got into action the entire game

The First BLUNDER MOVE right in front of the artillery

The Cuirassiers would soon be following the Hussars off the battlefield

The SECOND BLUNDER move roll

Finally the Third BLUNDER MOVE ROLL

Final total

French Units Broken

2 Cavalry

5 Infantry

1 horse Artillery

Allied Units Broken

1 Grenadier Battalion

2 Line Battalions

Allied victory

Save the Emporer part one

2011-12-20T02:03:00.003-05:00

Interesting little battle - Part One
http://onelover-ray.blogspot.com/2011/11/save-emperor-batrep-part-1.html

wargame toy movement storage

2011-12-19T00:17:00.002-05:00

Storage system for travel or home looks interesting

Spanish napoleonics in Scotland Gebora 1811

2011-12-18T01:44:00.000-05:00

Excellent battle for the French - especially the French Dragoon Flank attack - From June 2011

http://blenheimtoberlin.blogspot.com/2011/06/bp-peninsular-warbattle-of-gebora-1811.html#comment-form

Dragoons strike home on surprised Spanish left wing

Eventually the flank marching dragoons arrived behind the Spanish left flank and their attack and a renewed attack by the French infantry broke 6 Spanish units in two turns. Amazingly poor Spanish break test dice rolls saved the day for the French and turned what looked like a near disaster into a notable victory.

The game played well and everyone agreed that the revised turn sequence was a promising development.

Northern ridge swept free of Spanish troops

Just for Xmas Always have a Bigger Axe

2011-12-09T18:17:00.001-05:00

Or a French Napoleonic Santa Claus?

Scotland updates

2011-12-09T01:29:00.002-05:00

Posted Some more pics from my trip to Scotland this year.
Wargame pics will follow at some point over the holidays.

AWI - Brandywine - in Scotland

2011-11-15T12:54:00.004-05:00

Bill Gilchrist and company putting on a game of Black Powder AWI. You can see more of the battle on Bill's blog and flicker stream link.
Excellent terrain as usual and I am sure Hugh's wife Susanne fixed a scrumptious fare.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bill26048/sets/72157628061558768/

P1010286 : View of Patriot redoubts facing Chad's and Bristow's fords

Black Powder In Georgia

2011-08-19T01:32:00.002-04:00

Andy and I tried out Black Powder - he too thinks it has some wierd rules but as always his a gamer and like everybody compares it to CLS, Which seems to drive everybody crazy. Anyway will post pics from
the game. I know Bill Gilchrist from Scotland was very pleased that I was "converting" to these rules.
Nah its only a pick up game and was handy and I wanted to do something different.

Finally Pictures I found for this game -

the initial Brunswick Cavalry charge against my front line units

Andy Charged the horse guns running them over and breaking the battery

Where upon on my phase i turned half the battery and enfiladed the impetuous russian battalion with Cannister at close range and broke them withh devasting fire the survivors went screaming back to their lines in dismay.

The left flank held in spite of a surprise cavalry charge.

Peninsular Action Coruna 1809

2011-07-03T00:50:00.000-04:00

Saw thes links courtesy of Alte Fritz fantastic and awesome are just two words that hardly begin to describe the action contained herein

More Scotland - Calton Hill - Edinburgh April 2011

2011-04-17T00:22:00.003-04:00

Scottish Napoleonic War Memorial

Nelsons Monument

Arthurs Seat

Holyrood Castle

Rosslyn Chapel of Devinci Code fame In mid April 2011

2011-04-16T09:02:00.000-04:00

One Sunday I was able to talk Tima and he friend Eugenia to humor me on a trip to Rosslyn Chapel south of Edinburgh.

A Cemetary nearHaymarket train Station on Sunday

Cemetary entrance

A few markers and the road

headstones on the ground

More Markers

A church near the cemetary as seen across the cemetary rock wall

Tima on Sunday near Haymarket Station

On the bus we had to take several buses to get to Rosslyn Chapel

Local Pub and B& B in Rosslyn

Courtyard of Rosslyn Chapel

Exterior of Rosslyn Chapel

The Number 15 Bus to take us home

TIma

A humorous moment on the ride home

At Bella Italy Restaurant (off Princes Street) for dinner after Rosslyn Chapel

Edinburgh Castle as seen from the Street - Tima took this picture

Miscellaneous Scotland - Stockbridge -

2011-04-09T00:10:00.001-04:00

St Johns Church Princes Street

iron mitton at it again

2011-04-08T20:29:00.000-04:00

Napoleonic Peninsular Action iin the states

2011-04-07T01:21:00.000-04:00

Not a game i participated in (obviously since i am in Scotland right now)
but follow the link to a glorious French victory!
http://lairoftheubergeek.blogspot.com/2011/04/peninsular-campaign-battle-somewhere-in.html
Hope to post some of the Thursday night games from Edinburgh Wargamers soon.

Wargames in Edinburgh

2011-04-03T22:31:00.001-04:00

Various games using the "popular" although rather un-historical set of Black Powder rules popular in Edinburgh

Sikhs vs British Indian Mutiny I believe

Angus Konstam puts on a Black Powder Indian Mutiny Game

Colin Jack and his pulp game somewhere in the Italian Libyan desert? Circa 1930's

Angus Konstam with Hugh standing and observing the Indian Mutiny with pulp game in the foreground

Stirling Castle and Robert the Bruce and The William Wallace Monument March 2011

2011-03-16T23:12:00.000-04:00

Boer War statue (bloody war that broke the back of the British Empire

The Wallace monument can be seen from Stirling Castle and the bridge he defended is somewhere in between

The Wallace Monument - It was closed by the time I got there and I never made it back before I left in June.

More Scotland From my flat to N. Queensferry to Queens street to Stirling Castle

2011-03-08T23:42:00.001-05:00

25 Brunswick Road - My Flat

Forth Rail Road Bridge

North Queensferry Mural

Scottish National Gallery being renovated reopened November 2011

Wrought Iron Fenced PRIVATE Gardens on Queens Street

Train Trip to Stirling Castle

Edinburgh Scotland Castle Tour March 5th 2011

2011-03-05T03:38:00.002-05:00

Tima was kind enough to guide me around Edinburgh castle shortly after my arrival.

Tima outside the Castle

St. Giles Cathedral

me on the castle wall

Tima doing some heavy lifting

Arthurs Seat

Princes Street

Princes street Gardens

More Princes Street

Calton Hill including Nelsons Monument and the Balmoral Hotel in the foreground

William Wallace?

Chapel no pictures allowed inside - had a beautiful wood sculpture suspended from the ceiling

45th French Eagle in Edinburgh Castle

It was cold outside by the time we left and the gas brazer was keeping Tima warm we had dinner later at Pizza Express off North Bridge.

UK

2011-03-04T18:57:00.001-05:00

http://sites.google.com/site/tringwargames/wargames-shows

Borodino - Republic to Empire - Barry Hilton (Sunday)

2011-03-01T20:40:00.001-05:00

My own command eventually consisted of 2 Brigades of infantry with attached lancers and chassuers,
The 57th captured two fleches and a deployed 12 gun Russian battery, then the 1st of the 57th fought to the last drummer boy as Russian guard cuirassuer attacked our understrength square. The battalion skirmishers shot a Russian prince and the Cuirassier Division commander earning high praise from Napoleon, The brigadier of the 57th earned a Legion of honor for the regiments glory and is rumored to be in line for a battlefield promotion to General of Division. If not for the tight confines of the battlefield the supporting French cavalry would have eliminated the remainder of the Russian Cuirassier division.

The Chassuers (supported by French Lancers) caught the little Russia Cuirassier regiment from behind in front of the 85th Line in square and forced its surrender (without honors) to the Infantry Brigadier.
A little more manuevering room and the Lancers would have caught a Russian CUirassier unit caught standing in disorder as a French hussar unit charged it frontly. Unfortunately the French lost control of the destroyed Great redoubt and one fleche as the battle ended. This resulted in a Winning Russian draw.

Most of the days French grand battery fire was focused on the great redoubt and troops surrounding it.

Borodino - Republic to Empire - Barry Hilton

2011-02-26T03:09:00.001-05:00

Pics later today I command the Historic French 57th line and a battalion of the 111th line as we attack Bordino to drive the Russians before us.

Iron Mitton Cartoon

2011-02-19T19:01:00.000-05:00

Saw this great cartoon by Iron Mitten i find it reflective of my journey though i saw fish sharks and wet fields in North Scotland yesterday. I did see some manta rays so i guess they would be my 'arrows' More comments soon on my new blog volleyfireoverseas.

"Join the army, see the world they said...all I get to see is sand and arrows!"

Wednesday night Short game due to Preparations for Scotland

2011-02-10T21:57:00.002-05:00

Andy and I finished our Napoleonic Game tonight as we were beginning final preparations for my three month journey / adventure in Edunburgh, Scotland Scheduled departure February 15th 2011 arrive
UK February 16th. They say life begins at 50 - well 51 is a new beginning for me!

Stay tuned for dispatches on VolleyfireOverseas the other blog - I will have a new laptop to
document and download pictures and stories and such.

Now on to the game which may use R2E excerpts for the scenario. When we left our Prussian Hero's they were under attack in the fortified church by 2 French Legere battalions and One lone square stood defending
against Hussars and French/polish infantry. On the other side Prussian Hussars got the jump on a battery of French foot artillery

Jan. 8 Pirate game

2011-01-19T21:15:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, Jan. 8, my son Lucas and I headed over to Dave's for a session of pirate gaming. DAVE had cooked up another interesting and flavorful scenario.

This time, the marauding band of pirates wake from their alcohol-induced slumber in a tavern deep in the British town, far from their boats, and have the unenviable task of hauling their ill-gotten gains back to their ships before being stopped by arriving British reinforcements or bribed local militia deciding to go loyal again!

The game was played on Dave's huge gaming table, filled as usual with tons of awesome terrain. The one difference is that he was in the middle of playing a Napoleonic battle on the same table! So he covered the blocks of Napoleonic troops with cotton batting, and we played that those were banks of smoke rising from buildings that the pirates had torched during their pillagin' and lootin'.

The pirates began the game in a tavern, groggy from too much rum and ale. They could choose to use wagons to carry loot overland, or canoes to go down the river.

At the other end of the river, their ships await - ready to sail off as soon as the loot is loaded.

Oh oh! The first hurdle - one of the militia officers stops the pirates, and demand that they go back to the cemetery behind the tavern to collect that treasure. They'd need all of it to bribe the militiamen, so they decide to go back.

Meanwhile, closer to shore, the arriving British troops assault some of the turncoat militia in a small fort.

After that they advance on the main fortifications, defended by the bulk of the militia.

The pirates, meanwhile, begin their journey, deciding to hedge their bets by taking both the wagons and the canoes.

The militiamen took up positions in a cornfield and tried to hold off the advancing Brits.

After taking the small fort, the main British column continues their advance on the castle. The first unit to try the advance was shattered by the defenders fire, but succeeding waves of disciplined troops were able to take the walls.

The game was quite interesting, and took place on two completely separate fronts. On the one hand, the main pirate party was making good time down the river. The wagons went in a different direction as those pirates joined some militia trying to break through the British lines.

The canoes of the pirates arrive at the last obstacle, and will have to transfer the treasure from the boats to the mules for the last leg of the journey. They are accompanied by the militia officer, who decided to throw his lot in with the pirates rather than face British justice for accepting bribes.

At that moment, a British frigate decided to go a'piratin'.

At that point we ran out of time, with the pirates on one side of the table close to reaching their objective, while the other group found themselves in a stalemate against stronger and more disciplined British troops.

All in all, it was a great game, and lots of fun as always.

I have a couple of observations - the biggest one being that the board was a bit too large for a small-scale game. It took too many turns for the pirates to come to grips with the militia on the one side, and make their way down the river on the other. Also, we're caught in a sort of middle ground between a full-blown large scale game, and a skirmish game. I think we're using too many figures for a quick and dirty pirate game. But not enough to justify using large-scale horse-and-musket rules. Some things to think about before the next gaming session...

Alte Fritz action link and OB for latre refight Raid on the Bakery

2011-01-15T23:47:00.000-05:00

http://altefritz.blogspot.com/2010/12/raid-on-field-bakery.html

Austrians vs Prussians
Prussian Strike Force:

Von Zieten's Command:

5 sqds of hussars (60 figures)

1 horse artillery battery (2 x 6pdrs with 10 crew)

1 battalion of grenadiers

1 battalion of musketeers

Von Kleist's Command

3 sqds of horse dragoons (36 figures)

1 sqds of hussars (12 figures)

1 battery of frei korps artillery (2 x 6pdrs with 10 crew)

1 btn of elite Jagers (48 figures)

1 coy of frei korps jagers (12 figures)

1 btn of von Kleist Kroats

All of the Prussian units were rated as Veteran except for the Elite rated Jagers

Austrian Garrison at Borne

Croat & Light Troops Command (left flank):

1 btn of Croats (72 figures)

1 coy of Austrian jagers (20 figures)

1 battery of Austrian 3-pdrs (with 8 crew)

2 sqds of Hussars

Town Garrison Command (center and right flank)

2 btns of Austrian musketeers

1 coy of light piquets

1 Austrian battery ( 2 x 6pdrs and 1 x 12 pdr and 16 crew)

1 sqd of horse grenadiers serving as an escort for the garrison commander

5 sqds of Saxon dragoons (arriving on turn 3 or 4 , depending on a die roll)

The Prussian players were given a handful of yellow cards and instructed to write the name of each unit under their command on a card. They were given several spare cards to be used as "dummy cards" with no unit on it to provide some disinformation or fog of war for the Austrians. The Prussians began the game by setting their cards on the table in lieu of their actual figures. The Austrian players could only guess as to what units might be listed on the cards. So they had no idea of the forces that were descending upon the town of Born.

The Prussians were given two free moves to start the game so that they could maneuver and sneak up on the town's garrison. On Turn 3, the Austrian players had a 50% chance of activating their units with a D6 die roll (odd number - they don't activate; even number - they do activate). In the event that a Prussian unit moved within 16" of an Austrian unit, then the Austrian unit could automatically activate.

Snow in Georgia Again

2011-01-11T13:31:00.000-05:00

Well its snowed again got some pics from Sunday and Mondays Snow

Jan 21-23 Siege of Augusta XX Link

2011-01-11T12:04:00.000-05:00

http://siegeofaugusta.com/

Prussians vs French - Lubeck 1806

2011-01-04T12:43:00.001-05:00

French under Marshal Bernadotte pursue Bulucher into the Hanseatic Port city of Lubeck. A Republic to Empire scenario out of Wargames Illustrated May 2010 issue using ITGM

Pictured are the advancing French forces initially and devastated the column catching and putting to rout or retreat parts of the Prussian supply column. We had some problems with the morale failures causing several supply wagons in effect getting "extra" movement towards the town. I was able to put one unit in emergency square. And surprised Andy with the hidden units. The prussians in the walled church put a hurt on half of his French cavalry. He then has begun an assault on the Church with the Legere regiment.

I split the Prusian Hussars in half sending one squadron at the 95th French Line (poles) and the other squadron in the direction of musketry where the jaegers had engaged French skirmishers. As fate would have it The French had the misfortune of rolling for reinforcements and his heavy battery came on in the face of my
cavalry. But remembering an old CLS rule no unit should be charged coming onto the table - Not sure how Republic to Empire works this out of ITGM for that matter.

We did discover one thing after we played the first turn (I made the game table too long) its supposed to be an 8 x 6 game and I made the field more of a 10 by 6. We have doubled movement distance to make up for it. for a few turns.

Spent most of the evening discussing an upcoming trip (more on that later) We only got three turns in tonight.

White Xmas in Georgia

2010-12-26T01:00:00.002-05:00

pics to follow

Merry Xmas 2010 its that time of year again

2010-12-25T01:06:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone from Georgia - its snowing outside - But I still favor an Idaho Xmas so here's the University of Idaho greeting from last year.

Cannister and Grape-Raid on St Augusta Plantations

2010-12-20T19:04:00.004-05:00

Saw this on a site Cannister and Grape-
http://home.exetel.com.au/millsy/canister/scenarios/freeSanTurtia.htm
figured it might make an interesting battle.
British and assorted "Carribbean allies" are raiding a french plantations
for supplies and to free slaves and british policy is to undermine
access to the rebel Americans of slave labor during the revolution.

The British Forces
Column A - 3 German Line Battalions and a few rebel slaves
Column B - 2 Line Battalions, a Loyalist Battalion and 3 light artillery pieces
Column C - 2 Light Infantry Battalions and a Highlander Battalion

The French Forces
The Garrison - 2 Militia Battalions, the Governor's guard and a light artillery piece
The French Regulars - 4 Line Battalions and 2 light artillery pieces
The Landing Force - 3 units of Pirate cutthroats, 2 Light Infantry Battalions and 2 light artillery pieces

The Scenario

This scenario represents a slave revolt on the fictitious French Caribbean sugar Island of San Turtia during the American War of Independence. A proportion of the slave population has revolted, supported by the British and their German mercenary allies.

The Army of Earl Stone has seized the Port of Le Roy on the north shore of the island and is marching inland to crush the French garrison. The garrison has retreated to prepared positions near the Governor's fortified palace on the south side of the island. The small star fort which protected the southern approaches to the island was destroyed by a raiding party of British Royal Marines and sailors in 1781. The fort has not been rebuilt.

The island is garrisoned by a brigade of French regular infantry. In addition, the Governor commands a mixed force of militia and his personal guard. The militia have spent much of the past year attempting to suppress the slave revolt and have failed utterly. It is believed that these slaves will cooperate with the British advance.

The roads to the South are rough and narrow. To facilitate the advance General Stone has divided his force into three columns which are converging on the Governor's residence by various routes. Deserters have revealed that the morale amongst the Governor's troops is low. It is possible that the militia will surrender if seriously pressed.

Initial dispositions

The Governor's residence

The garrisoned town area

The British have the edge

The Action

The day opens with Earl Stone directing the Germans to take the Governor's residence and throw the militia out of the town with assistance from local slave rebels. At the same time he personally leads his remaining two brigades against the French line troops defending the remaining approaches to the town.

Initially things go well for the Allies. Good headway is made against the town by the Germans, with a flanking column turning the militia wing and causing some discomfort to the Governor and his family. The remaining British press the French and attempt to make their greater numbers count. Some accurate artillery fire by the French plus poor counter battery fire by the British slows and otherwise promising advance.

As the day continues the Germans find the resistance in the town more difficult to overcome than was originally anticipated. The militia keep up a constant harassing fire against the Germans and prevent them from entering the town in numbers. Despite this the Governor decides to personally evacuate the town and join the regular French troops. The British continue to struggle against the regular French forces although superior numbers are beginning to tell. The Highlanders begin a protracted musketry duel with the Governor's personal guard - a battle in miniature that is to continue for the remainder of the day.

Some time after midday the Germans eventually throw the militia out of the town for a small loss. The British light infantry have made serious inroads against the French gunners and one or two French battalions are starting to waver. As Earl Stone begins to contemplate an evening spent drinking the Governor's port an aide informs him of some unwelcome news. The three British ships which have been standing off the harbour have lowered their colours and raised the flag of a local pirate captain, known to be a some time French ally.

All three ships land troops on the beach below the Governor's residence composed of "organised" units of pirate cutthroats, interspersed with light infantry. In the space of minutes a promising situation for the British has turned into an increasingly difficult one. The British units are largely spent, many under half strength.

As daylight beings to fail the new French allies push the British back. Unable to make a stand the British begin to retire in as much order as can be managed. One line unit is eventually broken and flees leaving a somewhat exposed flank. Worse still, the relatively low class Governor's guard have eventually out gunned the Highlanders who are also withdrawing.

In a positive aside for the Allies the Germans have now occupied the town in detail and look capable of resisting any French attempt to retake it in the short term. Night falls with the French abandoning the pursuit and both sides taking stock. Neither side is in a position to claim a victory, although eventually it is assumed the French will succumb to superior numbers and surrender.

Pirates?!?!

They've landed!

The British retreat

The French pursue

The British Forces

Column A - 3 German Line Battalions and a few rebel slaves

Column B - 2 Line Battalions, a Loyalist Battalion and 3 light artillery pieces

Column C - 2 Light Infantry Battalions and a Highlander Battalion

The French Forces

The Garrison - 2 Militia Battalions, the Governor's guard and a light artillery piece

The French Regulars - 4 Line Battalions and 2 light artillery pieces

The Landing Force - 3 units of Pirate cutthroats, 2 Light Infantry Battalions and 2 light artillery pieces

off the blog Spanish vs French

2010-12-11T01:22:00.001-05:00

http://alex-alex-wargames.blogspot.com/search/label/NAPOLEONICOS
Spanish blog with Napoleonics unfortunately translations is required (rules wise)

italian magazine website Eutaw Springs 1781

2010-12-07T14:46:00.000-05:00

Found this from the TMP page (italian wargame magazine) but some things need no translation - http://www.dadiepiombo.com/dc06e2.html

Pearl Harbor --- "A Date Which Will Live in Infamy"

2010-12-07T12:00:00.003-05:00

These pics were sent to me today - as the son of a World War Two veteran who served with the American Army Air Corp in the Pacific Theater. I thought it fitting to repost three of them here. To remember the fallen
and wounded from that horrible attack and war. Never Forget!

ArmChairGeneral: WTNW Core II FINAL!

2010-12-03T17:36:00.000-05:00

At long last. After a year of everyone putting their hard work into it the When the Navy Walked Core II final edition is done!!! There is a color and a black and white pdf that I will be putting up for download on Wargamevault soon. In addition, BOTH the color and the b&w versions will be available for print on demand thanks to the efforts of our illustrious graphics layout guru! The final version of WTNW Core II features stunning original artwork by Eli Arndt and Arsenale Shipworks, full color photo spreads of VSF games in progress, a full 10 army lists depicting all of the great powers (except Japan), Quick Reference and Command Point Expenditure sheets, alphabetized Edges and Flaws and the History of the When the Navy Walked alternate Earth setting!

Thanksgiving Pirates at St Powders N. GA Irregulars

2010-11-27T22:42:00.000-05:00

The Maroon Pirates await the return of their inland raiding party, Little knowing Colonial troops and well armed sloops awaited off the horizon to take back St Powders and sink any Pirate foolish to leave it with any treasure on board.

Napoleonics Skirmish game Peninsular action 8 hours!!!!!

2010-11-21T12:11:00.001-05:00

Steven and I played out the skirmish portion of the ongoing main battle Andy and I are playing "next door", as such since there were only two of us I changed it to the Spanish Peninsula and a Spanish supply train.

Here is the AAR pics
the Napoleonic skirmish game was interesting we played for 8 hours with a break for lunch.

Spanish Partisans held off a Brigade of French - Polish and German forces in a village of isolated buildings

waiting for "regulars" of dubious quality to support them for the arrival of the Spanish supply train for the British forces and Spanish partisans.

While the German Infantry and dismounted dragoons with French skirmishers cleared out the local stone Church of Partisans first and then well delivered volleys from the German infantry cleared Sharpe and his rifles out of the Church after Sharpe heroically tried to hold it.

The Spanish infantry square held against two Polish Lancer Cavalry charges

Two charges by Elite Polish Infantry failed twice to dislodge British rifles and Brunswick light infantry from the Blue Tavern Inn.

The Allied commander had divided his reinforcements so 3 companies of British Highlanders, a Spanish infantry battalion of 4 companies a Spanish cannon, and Spanish cavalry arrived in a staggered order. The Cavalry commander was rash (he only had a small escort squadron of 120 light cavalry) He charged an Elite French infantry battalion which, although bloodied earlier, still managed to inflict 60% casualties on the Cavalry and resist the charge. The inital French attack only had a small 4 lb horse gun in support.

The remainder of the 3 British Highlander companies and 2 Spanish companies wandered in from West of the village to help rescue the supply train before the beleaguered, bloodied and disordered French allied infantry could capture it.

Pratzen Heights but circa 1813

2010-11-20T02:25:00.001-05:00

As previously mentioned the Russians and Prussians move to cut off a French division escaping from Leipzig - The French Guard may be present or is this Prazten 1805 with Russians and Austrians - Well either way it was a fun Friday night fights at the North Georgia Irregulars.

Saturday Skirmish Brigade Battle moving supplys

2010-11-20T01:07:00.000-05:00

Steve and I played 8 hours / with a break for Spanish meat pie dinner / has to be the longest Napoleonic "skirmish" game in one sitting I have played in a long time.

From last months Pirate game - the "pirate" treasure trove ended up being the Spanish supply train for the British - Spanish partisans as a means to resupply Spanish forces fighting Napoleon's forces in Spain.

Spanish Partisans held off a Brigade of French - Polish and German forces in a village of isolated buildings

waiting for "regulars" of dubious quality to support them.

While the German Infantry and dismounted dragoons with French skirmishers cleared out the local stone Church of Partisans first and then well delivered volleys from the German infantry cleared Sharpe and his rifles out of the Church.

The Spanish infantry square held against two Polish Lancer Cavalry charges -

Two charges by Elite Polish Infantry failed twice to dislodge British rifles and Brunswick light infantry from the Blue Tavern Inn.

The Allied commander had divided his reinforcements so that 3 companies of British Highlanders, a Spanish infantry battalion of 4 companies, a Spanish light cannon, and Spanish cavalry arrived in a staggered order. The Cavalry commander was rash (he only had a small escort squadron of 120 light cavalry) He charged an Elite french battalion which, although bloodied earlier, still managed to inflict 60% casualties on the Cavalry and resist the charge.

The remainder of the 3 British Highlander companies and 2 Spanish companies wandered in from the West of the village to help rescue the supply train before the beleaguered and bloodied French could capture it.

Maroon Pirates Raid on St. Powders

2010-10-26T15:13:00.017-04:00

from google.com 160th anniversary of Robert Louis Stevenson's birthday
Several weeks ago I began corresponding with Dave Cooper, who contacted me in response to a post on a Pirate gaming forum. It turns out he lives very close to my home (about 30 minutes away), but between family, work, school, church commitments and such, it seemed we were never able to get our schedules to match. Eventually, after several false starts, we were finally able to get together for a game.

Here are the pictures from the game at Dave's house last Saturday. It was great fun, even though I am not sure who, if anyone, won the game!

The basic premise was a couple of pirate crews raiding a town, where Dave and I each controlled one pirate crew, and the militia opposing each other's crew. The rules were a blend of Legends of the High Seas and some other sets that Dave had lying around, and when in doubt we just made stuff up!

Henry's ship (the Red Lightning) and crew (the box counted as below decks)

Dave's ship (the Grey Ghost) and crew

The unsuspecting town, behind a curtain of sea mist.

The pirate ships approach...

Brave militiamen row like mad to warn the town garrison!

Dave's pirates begin to disembark

The rest of Dave's crew disembark from his smaller ship.

Henry's ship approaches defenders hidden in the mist.

It's the governor's private yacht!

Board her ye scurvy sea dogs!

Meanwhile, Dave's brigands continue to move inland...

... and capture a cannon! Which they proceed to (ineffectually) fire at Henry's crew

Another band of Dave's pirates approach a building, eager for loot.

While Henry's buccaneers realize there's a cannon in their faces!

Nothing to worry about - the yacht and cannon have been subdued.

And the men are off after loot (in this case conveniently loaded on pack mules).

On the other side of town, the militia is quick to respond to the threat of Dave's pirates and prepare to open fire...

... only to be charged in the rear by yet another band of brigands!

Bring them back to the boats lads!

The loot is safely stowed on the captured yacht.

Meanwhile, some of the town militia troops manage to capture Dave's smaller ship (Cherue's Spirit) as it drifted...

And this was the scene after the final turn.

All in all, the game was very enjoyable, and it was a pleasure to finally meet Dave after several weeks of overly full schedules and too much "real life." I am very much looking forward to doing this again! Thanks Dave!

Captains Log October 1710- St Powders raid -

from Capitan' Meurte of the Grey Ghost - Your welcome Henry, lookng forward to it, yes we can agree on how much "real life" interferes with gaming - especially as we get older. Appreciate your patience as we gobbled together a set of rules. Excellent write up of the scenario Henry and the photos show just how good at photo journalism you are. Course shouts of "parley" were heard echoing from Henry's side of the village, which might explain the following totals for the Campaign. And the crew of the Grey Ghost were more than happy to attack the Militia when they gave us thar backsides. Using the Doubloon Campaign calculator the winner of this raid is clearly Henry and the crew of the Red Lightning. While the The Grey Ghost was busy killing and burning and gathering shrubbery, The Red Lighning made out like the true pirates and scurvy dogs that they were.

Red Lightning 520 doubloons with losses 475 doubloons. (plus 4 new Eureka Pirate recruits) makes that final total to be 495 doubloons.

The Grey Ghost 241 doubloons with losses 80 doubloons.

Governor Grandeur & Garrison at St. Powders 200 doubloons with losses negative 5 doubloons.

This does not include the damage incurred from the raid, those figures and these have yet to be assessed and confirmed by LLyods's of Tortuga Solicitors.

Saturday Set Up - Maroon Pirates Raiding ST. Powder

2010-10-23T23:35:00.000-04:00

Henry will post pics of the game - This is the Initial set up from Saturday morning - Andy and I will "eventually" add another 4 x 6 extension to increase the table to 6 x 16 feet

Republic to Empire game by Barry Hilton / Clarence Harrison at Historicon 2010

2010-10-22T00:00:00.003-04:00

Cool game of 25mm napoleonics - Greg is in the middle!!!!

you have to love the terrain in this game - makes you want to pick up the rules -

The French view

Gotta love the deployed artillery

And the vigenettes ohhhhhhhhhhh my God!

Here is a link to the a review from the General's Tent
http://tyler.provick.ca/?p=1018&cpage=1#comment-15962

WSS Kennesaw Mtn Gamers October 16th 2010 Top 21

2010-10-16T23:37:00.000-04:00

First French Cavalry Brigade

Pics from Saturdays game

Canvas Eagles / Blue Max - World War One - Larry Leadhead Website Rules

2010-10-09T11:55:00.018-04:00

http://www.eaglesmax.com/eagles_downloads.html

WARNING: Blue Max/Canvas Eagles is a fast paced, easy to learn and highly addictive game.

Blue Max/Canvas Eagles is a fast paced multi-player World War I (1914 - 1918) aerial combat game that is played on a hex game mat. Each game depicts a single dogfight in which each player controls a single aircraft, and attempts to shoot down as many enemy planes as possible without being shot down themselves. There is no limit to the number of players that can play in a single game.

Blue Max/Canvas Eagles is played on a hex grid game mat, with the players, using an aircrfat maneuver chart decide which maneuver their aircraft will perform on the following move. After all players have decided their moves, all the aircraft are moved simultaneously on the game mat. Players can shoot at another plane only if the enemy aircraft is within their fire arc at a maximum distance of 3 hexes. The game rules are very simple with most being contained within the game components used for game play. Referencing the rules manual is rarely necessary. After playing a few games, you can start using the campaign rules, which adds more fun to the game.

http://www.eaglesmax.com/

Looks like a great site with free downloads for the entire ruleset.
Also from the yahoo discussion group today -
Re: 10 section antennas for sale

"I checked this group today to announce something and found you guys talking about it already. So I'll just reply to this post here. I am modifying my hex flight bases to include a telescoping rod as well. It's a 5 segment with magnet on the end. The flight stand has a built in direction indicator and elevation indicator. I also finished my new magnetic mounts that can be used to indicate yaw, pitch, and roll. We use these to indicate the last turns move for instance a left turn with a climb so you can keep track visually more whats going on and it looks great.

Telescoping rods by themselves will be $3 each. 4" hex flight stands are $9 (I can make 5" if someone is trying to do 72nd scale) Magnetic mounts are $2.50 each for the small 1/144th scale stuff and $4 each for the larger 1/72nd scale ones. So for 1/144th you can have a setup for under $15. I was going to announce the mag mounts but I'm also placing an order for telescoping rods soon so if anyone is interested email me and I can add some to my order."

Mag mounts can be seen here:
http://www.corseceng.com/blog/2010/9/20/universal-magnetic-mounts-are-ready.html

Flight stands here:
http://www.corseceng.com/blog/2010/4/18/canvas-eagles-flight-stands.html

"The mag mounts can be attached to the rods I've worked out easy and secure ways for both sizes."

Jonathan Bowen - CorSec Engineering
http://www.corseceng.com/

ITGM + CLS Blended Napoleonics NEW charge, fire and melee system test

2010-10-01T01:20:00.001-04:00

Tonight based on discussions from our September game we are going to try a new "tactical charge" idea of Andy's that will be a multi bound phase - that starts a charge by infantry at musket range (tactical range)(16 inches) with various morale checks and musketry delivered over a certain range with a variable die roll for randomness of the final charge distance.

We got through half of the phase - interesting and a nice change - more randomness in two weeks

Terraining tutorial by Alte Fritz on Artillery bases 25mm

2010-09-30T12:11:00.000-04:00

http://altefritz.blogspot.com/2010/09/terraining-tutorial.html

This is an excellent and easy guide for flocking bases by Alte Fritz.

ITGM + CLS Blended Napoleonics First September Game 9-20-2010

2010-09-21T15:17:00.000-04:00

Texas Napoleonics Games

2010-09-02T12:23:00.000-04:00

This is the web link for some cool Texas napoleonics games in 25mm / 28mm
http://mysite.verizon.net/krista.smith/napoleonics.htm

Larry Leadhead my other favorite set of cartoons

2010-09-01T01:58:00.000-04:00

Here is the link to a neverending cornacopia site of cartoons
http://www.larryleadhead.org/

ITGM + CLS Blended Napoleonics First August Game 8-12-2010

2010-08-14T22:04:00.001-04:00

ITGM + CLS Blended Napoleonics First August Game

2010-08-02T15:06:00.001-04:00

Initial positions for upcoming Battle August 12, 2010

Thursday night Napoleonics blended rules CLS + ITGM

2010-08-02T14:52:00.000-04:00

Tired of the same ole fair - Today we did a mix of our two favorite rules with
fairly decent results. We both had fun Andy repulsed on combined arms attack
While The Polish lancers 2nd Squadron got lucky and crushed an Allied line
battalion that failed a critical morale roll.

Battle of Mincio River (Northern Italy) Feb 8 1814 CLS Napoleonics 26 foot table

2010-06-07T12:40:00.003-04:00

Battle of Mincio River (Northern Italy) Feb 8 1814

Excellent game OBs available as well

Here a few pics the Napoleonics organizer sent me from the convention held in Jacksonville Florida this past Saturday June 5th 2010. I understand they had 16 - 18 players for this battle of 1814 in Italy as Austrians attack Italians and French Allies - 4 villages and one wooded area comprise the majority of the terrain.
A historical recount of the battle can be found in "The defense of the Napoleonic kingdom of Northern Italy, 1813-1814" By George F. Nafziger, Marco Gioannini published in 2002 by Praeger publishers. From my brief read of it it has some excellent scenario ideas including British troops landing in Italy

Iron Mitten Cartoons

2010-05-15T23:29:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Iron Mitton

ArmChairGeneral: When the Navy Walked - Core Rules Released!

2010-05-13T16:37:00.000-04:00

When the Navy Walked is a miniature rules set that covers an alternate history from the 1872 Victorian era to the 1909 Edwardian Industrial Age. It is a springboard for imagination and a high-level game of tactics and battles set amongst the 'what if' world inspired by the classic authors of Victorian Science Fiction and Retro Science Fiction.

ArmChairGeneral: When the Navy Walked - Core Rules Released!

Port Corvo Completed as brunswick cav smashed french center

2010-05-08T03:37:00.000-04:00

War of Spanish Succession Thursday Night

2010-04-30T01:49:00.003-04:00

Bill Amick - Greg McCluskey - Dave Cooper
Two Brigade action
British Allied Phyrhiic victory as a French Battery was overun, But the Elite Kirke
Regiment lost an important melee, never rolled so many snake eyes
in my life tonight. Changing dice didn't help either.

Napoleonics Port Corvo day 3 April 20, 2010 completion delayed until May seventh

2010-04-17T01:12:00.001-04:00

ITGM melee chart as noted the LC failed to crush the isolated Russian Musketeer battalion

Port Corvo Day two April 16th

2010-04-16T00:17:00.001-04:00

start with volley fire phase turn three

French Infantry prepares to deliver fire into the Flank of the ill positioned Russian Jaegers

ArmChairGeneral: When the Navy Walked on Rorke's Drift Released!

2010-04-11T01:14:00.002-04:00

ArmChairGeneral: When the Navy Walked on Rorke's Drift Released!

ArmChairGeneral: Rorkes Drift VSF Final

2010-03-29T19:26:00.002-04:00

ArmChairGeneral: Rorkes Drift VSF Final

Yesterday we played Rorke's Drift all the way through to its completion! My playtesters helped me add some interesting elements to this alternate scenario including a native cannon battery that was helpful in defeating the steambots of the British. Here are some pictures. The British were played by my Dad and the Zulu Impis were played by Ray.

This introductory scenario for When the Navy Walked on Rorke's Drift will be available soon for download from Wargame Vault.com! As always, I welcome comments and feedback.

The initial positions of both forces.

The Zulu UDloko Iklwa sneaking up behind the kitchen and ovens. The British line this part commanded by Bromhead is ready and reinforced with a steambot.

Check out the rest of the battle over on Armchairgeneral1!

-Rob

Steve Page and Dan Hoodin FIW 25mm Fortress battle

2010-03-29T00:47:00.001-04:00

Dan Hoodin on Left and Steve Page at Far Right for Steve's FIW Fortress game from the SYW Convention held this past weekend in South Bend, Indiana

Port Corvo battle continues day one continues

2010-03-26T00:16:00.006-04:00

Friday Night Napoleonics French/Italians vs British/Russians Raid on Port Corvo

2010-03-06T01:20:00.003-05:00

Whitella's Corvo farm and timber

a suburb of Port Corvo

Russian forces deploy

Port Corvo town militia prepare

More Napoleonic action as British and Russians move on an Italian Port

In The Grand Manner Napoleonics Continued Part 2

2010-02-28T02:56:00.005-05:00

The conclusion of In the grand Manner first play test

Zulu's Rorkes Drift - Rick OBrian (the Flag Dude) & Kennesaw Mountain Gamers

2010-02-20T17:00:00.015-05:00

this wargame was sponsored by KENNESAW MOUNTAIN GAMERS - (War of Spanish Succession Gamers) -COWS OF FILET - and a special thank you to Rick OBrian (the Flag Dude)for a great game and Continental Airlines for getting him home in time to host the game.

And two hours sleep only saw him forget a couple of minor items.

Jim Schmidt

Rick OBrian

next to the board in this pic is an excellent mock-up of the interior of the hospital (we skipped that part of the game) and abstracted it out by having two trays of Zulus stationed against the hospital for 5 or 6 turns. Rick OBrian mentioned making the hospital fight a skirmish game by itself on a larger scale. I hope Rick emails me a pic of the mock-up so I can add it into this post

25mm Napoleonics in February Andy n Stephen try out In the Grand Manner

2010-02-19T01:23:00.014-05:00

more spanish troops moving

cordova's battalion moving along da creek

spanish militia finally moving

spanish light cav milling about recovering from a charge that failed to penetrate the french lines

polish infantry will these troops turn the tide

more french reinforcements

Spanish forces manuever to cut off the only french held road to our french line of communications

french reinforcements arrive? too late to counter the british and spanish attack - check back in two weeks

french still held the town in force before foolishly advancing to slow the british down oops we are outnumbered where are those reinforcements we were promised

french dragoons prepare to mount but did not quite make it

French infantry engage too quickly

Earlier polish lancers forced this battalion into square before the brunswick lancers arrived

British occupy second position half the town is theirs

the french commander watches with concern at his small detachment is quickly overrun

http://www.flickr.com/photos/48123396@N05/sets/

First play attempt with new rules I traded for from NobleKnight games. Andy really likes them,

I am looking forward to more play time with a new set of rules as we take a break from repairs
for a while. French troops occupied a minor town outside their fortress port o de corvo. Only a dragooon regiment, one line battalion the 32nd with attached skirmishers reinforced by a squadron of guard lancers and a company of italian grenadiers with a bavarian heavy artillery battery were available for Colonel Marbot. He was relieved by General divison Rauchebirt

as fresh French forces moved up to counter attack

In the Land of Invisible Women - A Female doctor's Jorney in the Saudi Kingdom.

2010-02-12T19:21:00.005-05:00

In the Land of Invisible Women - A Female Doctor's Journey in the Saudi Kingdom.

"the abbayah's" could be considered "such enforced incarceration of womanhood is a form of female infanticide, Throughout the Kingdom, short, tiny prepubertal girls could be seen tripping ober their abbayahs, well before Islam asks for female modesty to be protected. While these veils conceal women, at the same time they expose the rampant, male opression which is their jailor. Polyester imprisonment by compulsion is ungodly and (like the fiber) distinctly man-made."

this form of Sharia law is part of Wahabiism circa 1792 - pgs 29-30

finally finished the book very intersting especially the oppression she lived through in the
Kingdom. The events of 9-11-2001 especially revealed to the author the true nature of
Anti-Semitism even among her most educted colleagues, many educated in the west by Jewish doctors. Women within the society are fighting to free themselves of this opppresion of the veil and "abbayah's" - not to mention the ability to fight abuse of themselves and their children.

Perhaps the most amusing part is on her return to New York, when she discards the "abbayah"
in an overhead bin and is paged to come retrieve it as she deplanes at Kennedy. She laughs smiling to herself - "that she is finally free". Her return years later is fascinating as she is able to move around unveiled as the Muttaween influence slowly is becoming less pronounced and oppressive. She wonders when she will be able to drive herself to Mecca for Hajj

While the author became more aware of her own religious faith, she also realized that faith without freedom, from oppression such as she experienced in her years in The Kingdom is mute.

More Bad weather delays gaming

2010-02-12T15:33:00.001-05:00

the cylon pirate emerges carrying the yankee banner

not a self portrait

no iowa hawkeyes or idaho vandals so it was hook-em horns

our conservative snowman fell over a few minutes after this

this is on of the flooded homes from september - I am sure they wish it had been snowing

a local neighbor

the lake

too funny

the back yard

crape myrtle with snow leaves

better than flood waters

real snow felt like Idaho for a little while

Seige of August 2010 pics 25mm Pirates battles, French Foreign Legion, Napoleonics 25mm, Sword in Africa ACW and Ambush Alley various games from SOA 19- JANUARY 2010

2010-01-27T12:21:00.006-05:00

Seige of Augusta was a great Convention as usual they drew 170 participants - which in this economy is a good thing. Bob Moon, Dwight Jones and Rob Adams from Jacksonville, FL put on some great games. Also there was a series of French Foreign Legion games that looked great.

Bob Moon's ACW game

Bob Moon ACW game

Bob Moon explaining the charts to a gamer

Sunday Queene Annes War
Rob Adams Ship gets drilled by everybody

More Rob Adams Ambush Alley

54mm Alamo - All the Kings Men

More 54mm Alamo - All the Kings Men

Sword in Africa Village raided by my tribal bowmen - betrayal was the key here

Dwight Jones more Sword in Africa the Village in the fore ground was almost taken my Beserker tribal spearmen, wiped out almost all the Europeans in the camp

Dwight Jones more Sword In Africa - Dwight does a great job on his terrain

25mm Napoleonics Saturday Night

The Old Guard and Napoleon out flanked by a Militia German Brigade but not beaten

Dwight Jones - The Sword in Africa

Queene Annes War - The Governor Dwight Jones) moves in on some Pirates - The Bonaventure (Robert Adams) shielded the Governor's native allies - AS many Pirate ships (Michael Cohen)were burned and captured

Queene Annes War - Pirates

Rob Adams Ambush Alley

25mm French Foreign Legion

ArmChairGeneral: Gaming Room

2010-01-18T08:55:00.003-05:00

I said a while back that I'd give you guys a glimpse into my gaming room and office so today while I was getting everything ready for Siege I grabbed the camera and took some shots of both. You will notice that I keep most of my roleplaying stuff inside the house and most of my miniatures outside my gaming room.

Here are some pictures of the shelves in the game room.

25mm pirates Barnacle Bill and Foundry saturday and description of Saturdays Pirate game 50th birthday celebration

2009-12-26T13:05:00.003-05:00

Royal Navy reinforcements move in to attack the pirates from the rear as they skirt Zulu point island, but not before the Pirates had set fire to several structures including the Royal Governors vineyards. Pirates eventually gained full control of the town, Most destruction goes to
Ester and Grayson for burning the most structures in both games. But not before the Governors Artilery sank at least two of the offensive odeferous pirates near Skull islands point - As in Pirates of the Carribean, The Pirates stole the cursed silver plated skeleton and gor pounded by the slow loading artillery for their neferious deeds.

Andy's Pirates attack the towns defenders as they scurry for cover

The second game as new pirate commanders take over from the first game and continue to rampage and pillage the town. Stephen Sisk, Andy Austin and Grayson Wooland

Pirate Game continues as the Fort and town are attacked several (newbies) were participating!!!

The first Pirate game on the New table in the refurbished basement - pirates to be named later, But Andy is next to me as he arrived for my 50th birthday party held the same day.

PENINSULAR NAPOLEONICS 25MM ITGM or CLS

2009-12-25T17:10:00.002-05:00

PICS TO FOLLOW

Merry Christmas from an Idaho Alumni

2009-12-25T17:05:00.002-05:00

Holiday Greetings for a White and Joyful Xmas and a Happy New Year to all.

ArmChairGeneral: Ambush Alley at Siege of Augusta

2009-12-24T14:08:00.002-05:00

I am running Ambush Alley at Siege of Augusta for those of you who are able to make it.

ArmChairGeneral: Ambush Alley at Siege of Augusta

New wargame table completed

2009-12-16T02:44:00.002-05:00

Well hope to have pics here soon of action on Lake Lightway in the new Soaring Eagles gaming table. Andy and I are almost finished putting it together, its a great 12 x 6 gaming surface that
looks amazing. We added 1 x 4's the length all around for potential 2x2 terrain boards to be added some time in the future. In the mean time its great having a lip that keeps the figures from falling off the table edge.

First game out of the box will be a Napoleonic action set in the Iberian Peninsula with a British Expeditionary force makes a landing to reinforce their Allies as the French approach to muck it up for them as much as possible. The new table will be a blessing from all that happened as Andy and I continue to make minor repairs from the floods of September.

French and Indian War - Hobbytown Kennesaw GA

2009-09-20T20:30:00.002-04:00

pics to follow French defending Fort Rivers du Edgeville against the British

Victorian Sci FI - British Recon Team - ARMCHAIRGENERAL - JACKSONVILLE FL

2009-08-28T08:05:00.003-04:00

A British Recon Team Foot in Mouth Division lead by Lt. William "Steambritches" Devinshire encountered resistance on a routine trip through the ruins of Cairo when they encountered the German Skymarshalls and a small band of Martians. Unfortunately the Martian Wurm and the Martian Hounds took many brave lads with them as the British won another victory for Queen Victoria.