More Ragged Veterans for the Dark Confederacy (2)
The next pair of ragged veterans to gather at Blackthorn Hall are men who always preferred to settle matters at considerably shorter range. Both had served with the 27th Virginia Cavalry, both had survived the collapse of the Confederacy, and both had learned during the war that when fighting moved into farmyards, lanes, barns and…
A Reprieve Is a Reprieve
The season is almost over, although before anyone starts thinking about winter I should point out that this is Melbourne, where winter does not actually end so much as temporarily go into hiding before returning unexpectedly sometime in November when you have finally put the heater away and confidently ventured outside without a jumper. No,…
More Ragged Veterans for the Dark Confederacy (1)
The next two ragged veterans to return to Blackthorn Hall are riflemen, men who learned during the war that patience, good ground and a steady hand could often achieve more than enthusiasm and noise. Both had served with the 27th Virginia Cavalry, both had survived the collapse of the Confederacy, and both had spent the…
Sun Rot: RPG, Skirmish Game, Board Game and Miniature Project in One Box
I recently came across Sun Rot, and it immediately caught my attention because it seems to have been designed specifically for those of us who are unable to leave well enough alone when it comes to games, miniatures and new projects. It is part roleplaying game, part skirmish game, part board game and part miniature…
Blade and Banner in 75mm!
There are battles decided by careful manoeuvre, clever positioning and a sound appreciation of the tactical situation. Then there are battles decided because one knight takes a look at his opponent, lowers his lance and decides that the simplest solution is to ride straight at the beggar. This was very much one of the latter.…
You Know You’re Getting Old When Your Grandson Needs Your Sayings Translated
I discovered recently that I am getting old. Not because of aching knees, grey hair, forgetting why I walked into a room, or making strange noises whenever I get out of a chair. No, the evidence came from my grandson. We were doing something together and I asked him to hang up the phone. He…
Ragged Veterans of the 27th
The five ragged veterans who now ride for Lucien Beauregard Saint Clair, master of Blackthorn Hall, are among the last remnants of the old 27th Virginia Cavalry still willing to answer the call of a Saint Clair. All are armed with pistols, partly because carbines, ammunition and decent equipment became scarce during the final months…
Second Dark Confederacy Posse
My second Dark Confederacy posse has its roots firmly planted in the old Virginia aristocracy, although in this case it is very much the sort of aristocracy whose neighbours learned that an invitation to dinner was best accepted before sunset. At its centre is Lucien Beauregard Saint Clair, master of Blackthorn Hall, an old plantation…
Why I Write Backstories for my Dracula’s America Posses?
Writing background stories for a Dracula’s America posse might appear, at first glance, to be an unnecessary addition to a miniature wargame. The figures have statistics, weapons and abilities, the rules provide scenarios and campaign mechanisms, and everything required to play is already present. Yet this treats the game purely as a mechanical contest. Dracula’s…
Modelling Combat Trauma in Wargame Design: Implications for Design Theory by David Smith
Abstract This essay examines how combat trauma can be represented in wargame design without reducing complex psychological experiences to simple morale penalties or diagnostic categories. It argues that meaningful modelling should distinguish immediate stress from accumulated strain while incorporating cohesion, trust, experience, recovery, leadership, and significant events. Psychological consequences should persist across engagements where they…
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