GNW Maurice - Gross-Jägersdorf 1707?

Another game of Maurice as the team can't get together for Linden Way.

This time it is Gross-Jägersdorf about 50 years early. The Swedes being subbed in for the Prussians, the Russians being the Russians- duh.

This scenario is shamelessly nicked from:

http://www.edinburghwargames.com/syw.htm

It is a word document at the bottom of the page - thanks for sharing. Please read up the general dispositions and run up to the battle from there - saves duplicating it. I have kept the brigade commanders names to help with deployment but no other reason.

I do have another version of  Gross-Jägersdorf from an old 18th Century Notes and Queries which includes the battle on the Russians left flank - I plan to do that when I have a few more Saxons painted up (Needs about 22 battalions on the Russian side!).

The following changes were made to make it in "period" -

1. The Swedes have tried to catch the Russians unprepared for battle (sound familiar?). 

2. The Swedes have 4 Cavalry units rather that 3 in the scenario - looking at the unit sizes it seemed right).

3. The Russians have a unit of Cossacks in addition to the forces in the scenario.

4. Objectives:

Swedes (Prussians): To break both Russian infantry brigades and drive them from the field. This would plunge the rest of the Russian army into confusion and force it to retreat. There is also a Swedish objective in the Russian camp.

Russians: To drive off the Swedes (Prussians), while inflicting heavier casualties on them than they inflict in return. There is also a Russian objective in the village of Metschullen.

5. Forces as follows with points and National Characterists;

Swedes (Prussians)- 70 points and 18 points National Advantages (Cavaliers and a la Baionnette). Army Morale 10

Schorlemer -

2 Units of Elite Horse

2 Units of Line Dragoons

This differs from the Edinburgh set up with an extra unit of Dragoons - but it seemed right.

Dohna -

2 Units of Elite Infantry

4 Units of Line Infantry

Russians - 86 points. Army Morale 15

Gaugreben - 

1 Unit of Elite Dragoons

2 Units of Line Dragoons

Leontev -

2 Units of Elite Infantry

2 Units of Line Infantry

2 Units of Conscript Infantry

2 Artillery Batteries

Manteuffel -

4 Units of  Line Infantry

1 Unit of Irregular Cavalry (Extra Cossacks) 

The Map

DEPLOYMENT

Swedes (Prussians): the infantry brigade is deployed to the right (east) of Metschullen village, on the southern table edge. The cavalry brigade is deployed on the left of the village, on a north-west to south-east axis, facing towards the Russians to the north-east.

Russians: Manteuffel’s brigade is deployed along the northern table edge facing the Nordkitten Woods. The rest of the army is deployed on a north-west to south-east axis, facing the Swedish (Prussian) cavalry to the south-west. Tyutchev’s gun battery may be placed anywhere within Leontev’s deployment box – historically it protected the Russian brigade’s left flank. 

Off to battle - must remember the rules for pikes (or ignore them again!)

Battle Report to follow!

Morts

Linden Way musters!

First up the militia - 9 Spearmen, 11 with swords and 5 archers. Out front is Mayor Leofwine!

As already stated some of this lot are off to be a Lion Rampant retinue, while the Viking element will be off to join Saga warbands - just some touching up on getting a "uniform" styling on shields so that groups can easily be identified on the table (battlefield if you like). 

The mayor will become the Viking warlord - with the funky helmet! Don't care if it isn't historical. 

The people of Linden Way!

Back row from L to R: the Baker, the Busker, the Inn Keeper, the Inn Keeper's father, the Inn Keeper's daughter and the serving wench. 

Front row for L to R: the Storekeeper, the Storekeeper's wife, the Stable owner and the stable boy. 

Most of these are by Irregular Miniatures- not brilliant sculpts but fine for the job of civilians in game scenarios. Most are Greek/Roman/Celt - I do have some more civilians by Warlord to paint .. Sometime!

Been quiet for a while .....

Well it hasn't been quiet actually, hence not posting on the blog. Not that many read it. It is mainly written for my own egotistical benefit. As I am sure most blogs are.

There should be much to comment on such as the general election result - but I will save my ramblings to the pub it is easier to verbally spout my opinion rather than write it. 

Above my first attempt an making flags using Publisher - not bad will probably use the rest up on the rest of the "men of Anflas" Lion Rampant retinue/Warhammer warband. What to get this little dude painted ASAP.

I have put my pre-order in for Dragon Rampant on the mighty Amazon and I picked up a copy of the May Wargames Illustrated for the Dark Age rules. 

Next up will be a couple of Saga warbands - probably only 4 pointers ( some of the troops will be part of OGAM warbands). Trying to get the duplication to work in my favour. 

Should be having a game with Steedo on Friday - haven't decided what yet, but it does mean the blog will be updated fairly quickly.

Will try a Linden Way muster soon.  Unfortunately I don't think it will be getting to the table until the 3rd week in June due to the upcoming Village beer festival!

Been a busy week

Well no painting done .... Work has gone in the way, as has wild camping on the moor last weekend. Really enjoyed the 40km hike carrying all my kit! Shoulders ached but the pint at the Tors in Belstone was worth it.

On the back of the expedition I have purchased a new tent - will be giving it an overnight test on Friday 8th.

Been to the cinema and seen Avengers - Age of Ultron. What did I think?

It was ok - some of the CGI was obviously CGI - the attack on the Hydra base at the start and the bike chase in Seoul. I think special effects are good when you can't see them.

For me the film lack something - I just didn't really care enough about the characters - which baring in mind I liked the Thor and Captain America films was frustrating - ultimately it failed the achy backside test (for me a key factor in deciding if a film is good or bad). Perhaps it was too formulaic... Heroes fall out etc etc .... Too many characters too care about? Witch girl looks interesting - not sure about Paul Betany's character. 3 out of 5 seems fair - probably need to review how I score films, as this is the same as couple I watched when I was sick.

Legionary 2015

Saturday was the Legionary wargames show in Exeter - probably the only show I will get to this year. It is the first time in 5 years that I have been able to go (as the girls didn't do the Exmoor Challenge). 

I am not keen on the Matford Centre - the smell of dung from the livestock centre next door and the roof was leaking. The place lacks any atmosphere to be honest - I hope the Exmouth Club get a discount!

I was on a tight time table to look around and chat to people (and collect daughter) - took a little shopping list and got some of the items on it - but not all - and a couple of traders didn't turn up.

So still on the look out for some Viking berserkers (SAGA) and Samnite warriors (DBA allies). Rob Broom of Scrab Miniatures tried to sell me War and Conquest - but I want to get DBA 3 to the table and see how that plays - perhaps after Orc's Drift. A special shout out to Forlorn Hope games who opened up blister pack so I could get what I wanted - top customer service!

Some lovely games on show and most people were chatty - a couple of Bosworths and Bolt Action games. Nice to see Star Wars Armada in play.

Unfortunately for me the show was a little flat - possibly the fact it follows a week after Salute means that it can be tough to gamers and sellers to be up for a little show in the South West .... 

I really hope that the lads who organise Legionary keep going with it - hopefully at a new venue!

Breaking news - well possibly not but the sequel to Hawk the Slayer is on its way (as posted on frothers). Will it match the original?

https://youtu.be/3ykit7uiQOk

GNW Maurice Scenario

Last night got to play Sam Mustafa's Maurice 18th century rules for the first time in about a year. I really like Maurice as a game - the use of cards make change from must of the systems I play and I feel makes it very tactical. 

The scenario we played was from Miniature Wargames issue 140 called River Luhe 1626 based on a possible thirty years war engagement between the Danes and Imperialists, however it was transposed 80 odd years later to the Great Northern War with the Swedes and Russians taking the roles of combatants respectively. 

The Map

The river is fordable for infantry and cavalry. Objectives for Swedes hold the bridges. For the Russians take both the bridges or one bridge and the road junction in A5. 

Swedes can deploy anywhere North of the river. Russians arrive as indicated in army breakdown, but rolling to see if the brigade arrive on the Western or Eastern road.

The forces were as follows:

Swedes - 75 points and 18 points National Advantages (Cavaliers and a la Baionnette) Army Morale 9

5 regiments of foot (1 elite)

4 regiments of horse (1 elite)

Russians - 74 points, Army Morale 14

Turn 1 

2 regiments of foot (1 conscript)

3 regiments of dragoons

Arrives Turn 3

3 regiments of foot (2 elite)

1 regiments of dragoons 

1 Artillery battery 

Arrives Turn 5

2 regiments of foot (1 conscript)

1 regiments of dragoons 

1 Artillery battery

In retrospect the Russians should have had some points on National Advantages and/or an extra infrantry unit.

Starting positions

Swedes take up forward position with infantry in the centre and cavalry on the flanks - classic dispositions for the period. First Russian brigade arriving on the eastern road.

Russians begin to deploy - Swedes watch.

Turn 3

Very aggressive move from the Russians as 3 regiments of dragoons charge across the river - picking up a disruption marker. An inconclusive initial engagement where the outnumbered Swedes held their own. The battle was mainly fought on the eastern side of the battlefield.

The Russians second brigade arrive - unfortunately this is how they stayed for the entire battle apart from the artillery! Two elite units did nothing!

Turn4

Swedish counter charge devastates the Russians!

The aftermath - 3 dragoon regiments broken! With some poor dice rolling the Russian morale drops by 8 points!

Turn7 ish

The 3rd Russian brigade has arrived - bombardment has destroyed one of the Swedish Horse regiments. The other crossed the river to take the Russians in the flank, only to discover bad going which wasn't on the map! The Russians have sent a dragoon regiment far behind the Swedish line.

A turn or 2 later 

The Swedes have marched their elite cavalry from the western flank to engage the dragoons. This should have been over quickly but for the playing of Valeur et Discipline - which kept Russian dragoons in the fight and weeken the Swedish Horse. In the end the Swedish Horse were finished off by a bombard action and the dragoons by a volley after an about face by the foot at the end of the line. Russian volleys had also broken the Swedish Horse at the extreme eastern end of the battlefield. The Swedes army morale was down to 1 point the Russians were on 5.

Turn 9 or 10 could be 11 ....

Russians use Capture Intelligence card and take the Confusion card ... They use the Confusion card to bring a unit across the river - they plan to isolate and destroy it thus breaking the  Swedish army and winning the game. But they bring across the Swedish elite!

They wheel to take the Russians in the flank! With the aid of the thick smoke the survive canister in the flank!

No volley phase!

They charge into the flanks - that negative 6 is a real killer

High rolling meant the Russians lose their 5 remaining Army morale points .... A victory to the blue boys of Sweden.  A damned close run thing!

A couple of rules errors forgot the effect of pikes -1 for musketry and +1 for charging foot.

A good game and thanks to Steedo for being the forces of the Tsar. In retrospect the Russians didn't use their second brigade (apart from the artillery) which contained 2 elites - this was a big error as if they had been deployed I think Steedo could have won on the western side of the battle field. 

Losses were 3 regiments of horse for the Swedes, 4 regiments of dragoons and 2 regiments of foot for the Russians. 

What has been painted now!

A painting up date. Exciting I know so hang on to your hats. Or not.

For the on going Saga of Orc's Drift.

First up the new recruits for the Linden Way Militia. 

3 Archers. Originally Garrison Archers from the Harlequin/Black Tree Design Lord of the Rings range which was released before the Peter Jackson movies. I scraped off the Tree of Gondor from their chests.

8 Spearmen

These are also from the Harlequin/Black Tree Design Lord of the Rings range - but were the Men of Anfalas. I picked these up ages ago as I liked the Dark Age/Late Roman vibe they have got for a 1000-1500 point Warhammer army .... That plan got as far as the buying stage. With most being sold off unpainted, but I kept enough for a HoTT army - which was helpful when I decided to run the Orc's Drift scenario pack. 

Now they are going to from the basis of a Retinue for Lion Rampant and hopefully enough for a Dux Bellorum force as well. If I can sort the sabot bases rambled about recently.

I will do a muster for Linden Way a little closer to the game - when we have sorted a date.

Incidentally the figures are still available from Scotia Grendal Productions in the generic fantasy range.

These 3 are some of the civilians needed for Linden Way. From left to right a Black Tree monk, a Warlord Games Celtic boy and a Mark Copplestone sculpted mediaeval lady (I think was a give away with Wargames Illustrated years ago) who I picked up at a bring & buy ... Again years ago!

The final 3 are figures which have been half painted for 2 or 3 years. A couple of Asgard/Tabletop barbarians (still available from Alternative Armies) and a Satyr by Tin Soldier (bought from a HoTT army, but could now be used for Of Gods and Mortals, Song of Blades or anything else I think of).

Thinking of Of Gods and Mortals does anyone know when Croc Games Kickstarter Demi-gods will be available? Fantastic sculpts but I didn't do the Kickstarter so am still waiting :(

Any comments about the figures appreciated - I think I should have put tattoos on the barbarians... 

Next on to the painting list ..... Whatever I want ;)

Basing - dealing with duplication 2

Following up on the duplication ramble - basing and rule systems the bane of the wargamer.

Considering the time spent on painting minis for this game or that it would be nice to be able to cross over systems.

HoTT is 60mm frontage for everything but number of figures varies, Warhammer is 20mm or 25mm bases for individuals - excluding monsters. Then the Lord of the Rings SBG is 25mm or 40mm rounds 

.... I am considering creating some sabbot bases with 80mm frontage and 60mm depth with space for 3 by 2 infantry with any type of base (20, 25 squares and 25 rounds) and 3 cavalry on 25 by 50 rectangles or pils. It has to be said that some of the thinking behind this comes from having access to a laser cutter at work - all I have to do is supply the mdf and work out how to use the software. That bit is worrying as I can't work out how to put links on this blog - d'oh!

This will also be of benefit for the Vikings/Saxons for Dux Bellorum, Of Gods and Mortals and possibly SAGA if DK can get it together rather than buying a new boardgames every week ;)

I am not planning to change the DBA armies as they cover the same historical period - well roughly.

Greeks, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Thracians, Celts and Carthagian.

Images - well some poor quality rough sketches.

Any thoughts on this would be nice - before I work out how to use the laser cutter!

Obviously this will require a fair amount of work - taking things off bases and putting back on bases.

I think it will give a nice looking game with more figures per base. 

Well there is a plan - put with all wargaming plans it has yet to hit reality. And of course doing this stops painting etc.