Late 19th Century games

 The week's gaming explored the amazing flexibility of the Volley and Bayonet rules. Having recently reviewed the latest scenario book featuring battles from the Nine Years War, this week we began by fighting the battle across the Modder River in the Boer War, the extreme opposite of the Nine Years war affrays. Adrian created some rules modifications that allowed the skirmish style Boers to stand against the British formed units.

The battle was fought using figures from Adrian's collections.

This was followed by a battle set in the Franco Prussian War, using Keith's 6mm armies.

A fascinating week's gaming.

A week in 'gaming ..

It's been one of those weeks. A return from a relaxing long weekend away, and then three Volley and Bayonet games. It happens sometimes.

The first game was a refight of a section of the Battle of Perryville with Andrew. The scenario had been downloaded from Keith's website in 2000 (the date is printed on the footer of the page). It is't currently available on Keith's revamped site. It's a small action, but I was fascinated by the nuance it captured. The game ended as a draw (neither side achieving its victory conditions before night set in), but the Union only survived because the turn limit was 5 turns, and the fact that last move was a night move. I didn't manage to capture photos during the game, so these photos are of the game at the end. The number of yellow and red disorder markers on Union stands reflects the chaos that had ensued. The game was played with my 15mm ACW armies.

The second game was a Franco Prussian war game. The armies are from Adrian's 15mm collection. The scenario was set during the later Republican phase of the war. I was one of the French commanders, and it would be fair to say the result was a French disaster, in part because of my inability to roll 6's with the dice.

The last game was a 6mm Napoleonic game, set in 1809, using Keith's 6mm armies. Again I didn't keep a record pf progress during the game, so the photos are really just eye candy to reflect beautiful figures on lovely terrain.

I feel somewhat blessed to have such great friends and 'gaming companions who are so generous in sharing their time, their expertise, their laughter, and their beautiful armies and terrain.

More variety in another week of 'gaming

Another week with a bit of varied war games activity. First was a game from the War of the Spanish Succession in the 1740's, an intriguing scenario in which the French and Spanish forces are retreating form the Austrian army, and are trying to get a supply convoy of four wagons across and off the table. The armies are from Adrian and Jon's collections, all 15mm.

Despite a massive encircling move from the Austrian cavalry, the cavalry were defeated and the convoy 'got away'.

The second was a game from the Franco-Prussian war of the 1870s. The Prussians are from my collection, and the French from Keith's, all 6mm Heroics and Ros figures.

Both games were played using the Volley and Bayonet rules. The small rules changes that are used to differentiate the sub-periods wokr amazingly well, giving two very different games that capture the feel of the periods.

A positive portent in troubled times

Some photos of what in better times would have generated much 'gaming activity. However the photos do mark the completion of two longstanding projects. The act of completion is of course symptomatic of the nationwide lockdown, something for which I much prefer the Māori word 'rāhui'.. a much gentler/kinder word.

Anyway... the projects:

1. The labelling of the bases for the French 1940 army for Spearhead. The first miniatures for this were purchased waaaaay back in the 90s for a different rules set. The expansion to a viable Spearhead force began last year, and the bases have sat completed in every respect except the labelling. With that done, the army is now playable, not that that will be happening any time soon but you get the idea.

2. The last remaining artillery batteries for the Prussian army for the Franco Prussian War (played using Frank Chadwick's Volley and Bayonet rules). The figures for this were originally purchased in the 200s, so have sat awaiting attention possibly 15 years.

All of these figures are 6mm figures from the Heroics and Ros ranges.

So now, as we face at least another three weeks of 'rāhui', I need to look into the stash and see what takes my fancy next. In common with any 'gamer, there's quite a bit to choose from. The completion of these projects is a positive portent, at a time when it is important to maintain hope, and an element of forward focus, in order to sustain positive wellbeing.

Kia tau te mauri.