Wargaming – Skirmish wargaming on a grand scale

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Guru PIG

Medieval F.U.B.A.R using Schleich Knights.

Hi all I have finally had time to get this post on-line. Sorry about the delay.

20170215_203052 You would have seen from my previous posts that we are fast becoming fans of the F.U.B.A.R. “one page” rules systems. They have a great selection of Medieval versions that cover Dark Ages, Arthurian and High Medieval.

https://fubarwargames.wordpress.com/

Having organized a display game with some Schleich Knights some time ago I thought it was about time that they surfaced again as they would make a simple introduction to Andrew (of Count Andrew infamy) to the rules. The real advantage of Schleich Knights is the amount of time that it takes to paint them!! While the price is high at about $10.00 an infantry figure there are some “games” companies out their that are charging this for an individual 28-32mm figure.

If you need an excuse – the Grandchildren really love the knights and farm animals. They would be an excellent purchase so they can play with Grand Dad’s “special toys” on their next visit – honest!!!

Given we were playing with 90mm figures, a 6 feet by 8 feet table was used. Terrain was a combination of purpose built, and some “cheap” farm fences that were scrounged years ago from somewhere. A fair sprinkling of Schleich farm animals were scattered around the pens and fields for atmosphere. Some of you will remember the “attack of the killer geese” from our display game, but alas for this game the animals were only spectators.

Each figure was treated as a single unit with only one hit point. I will include a spreadsheet on the “Our Rules” tab of our blog that provides the statistics for each figure.

The one difference with the High Medieval version of the rules is that there is no suppression capability for units (figures). All unsaved hits are simply treated as wounds.

Retinues were basically the same with both the Red and Blue Knights having two mounted knights, a mounted sergeant, a long-bowman, a cross-bowman, a dismounted knight, and three dismounted sergeants.

Almost from the start of the game the Blue Knights imposed their superiority (good dice throws) and quick and fun game ended with two casualties to the Blue Team and the Red Team – well there was no Red Team

Wargaming – Dux Bellorum Game 8 February 2017

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Guru PIG

The peaceful Island paradise of King David was again going to be torn apart by a clash of armies, with the Imposing Cavalry Knights (Late Roman Army) of King David facing off against the Saxon army of the evil Count Andrew the Younger in a Dux Bellorum 15mm battle.

Count Andrew the Younger had slipped away from the previous battlefield with only his Hearthguard aware that he was still alive. The family hatred for King David was burnt into his very psyche and even now, defeated and bloodied his thoughts were firmly fixed on revenge.

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The Saxon Invading Army

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The Mad Count Andrew the Younger

Months later, the Count’s planning had now reached the stage where he was ready to return from exile at the head of another army – this time determined for revenge. Learning of the mad Counts arrival on his peaceful Island King David massed his army with the intent of destroying this troublesome family once and for all.

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King David’s Royal Army

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King David and his Companions

With many of his Knights organising the grain harvest on their estates King David was forced to use his garrison and household troops to repel the invader.

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After a cautious advance by the invader King David unleashed his cavalry against the enemies right flank.

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After some initial success the battle descended into a large complicated melee. Units pushed back and forward with and both armies were gradually being “fatigued” across the confused battlefront.

Units on both sides started collapsing, but it wasn’t until Count Andrew and his companions were finally ridden down that the battle was decided.

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For the first time the Kings army had been pushed to its limits and it was only the bravery of the King and his Companions that fought in close combat for the whole battle that kept the morale of the army together.

Another close Dux Bellorum battle that went down to the wire.

New “Hoth” terrain and Star Wars figures.

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Guru PIG

As I have said in the last few F.U.B.A.R. blogs I was really looking to utilize the rules for use with my old “25mm Westend Games” figures.

I have now rebased all of the figures I had painted and finished the terrain for the games. I just need to finish those pesky rebels he says sounding as if he is having an asthma attack. Photos of terrain and figures below. I am looking forward to games in the next few weeks.

Wampa Tunnels:

I have introduced a new rule for Wampa tunnels.

4 Wampa tunnels are placed in turn prior to deployment, two by each side.

Only characters can enter a tunnel with the following D6 effect:

6 Move to the entrance of any tunnel of your choice.

2-5 Move to the tunnel entrance that corresponds to the number rolled.

1 Attacked by Wampa roll again next turn (this may result in another attack).

Any hero or unit within 6 inches of a Wampa tunnel is automatically attacked if accompanied by a droid.

On subsequent turns an activated Wampa will roll for Initiative and activation as a new Indigenous Neutral Player. They will automatically move towards the closest unit or hero and attack if in charge range

Dragon Rampart Game 18th of January 2017

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Guru PIG

It’s not easy being green – even if you are riding a big flying thingy!!!

Darkness loomed over the village but not a cloud was to be seen in the sky. Suddenly the air rang with a blood curdling screech as a huge creature swooped on the village.

In the distance could be heard the rhythmic beating of war drums and the clanging of swords on shields.

Warwakka Rozgox was back this time riding the feared dragon Radgath the Red. Towering above the hills Baxnar the giant could be seen, the thump, thump, thump of his footsteps causing the very earth to shake.

And what was that stench? Surely not trolls as well?

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The villagers were cowering in their huts when a tottery, war-weary old man produced a handful of bones and rolled the runes. Studying them intently he stood up and took a horn from his cloak.

The most miraculous of sounds rent the air. Immediately the noise of the approaching army ceased. Hoping beyond all hope the villagers were soon plunged into utter dispair as the screech of Radgath the Red rent the air, and the din of the approaching army began once more.

No sooner had this happened and the roar of Warwakka Rozgox’s hoard was matched by one of its own.

The runes were indeed correct the war-horn of Thor had been answered!!

He was not alone.

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Joining the villages was not only the God himself but Midr the Valkyrie, Jolbrug the frost giant and a tribe of snow trolls. The day would only end with Thor or Warwakka Rozgox still alive.

Surely, with the God on their side, the humble peasants would yet survive this day……………

With this the Dragon Rampart wargame had begun.

On one side was the Orc army of Andrew W, consisting of Warwakka riding a dragon (flying mounted Men-At-Arms), two trolls and a giant (foot Men-At-Arms), two units of Orcs (Foot Sergeants), and some Orc archers.

Facing the Orcs was the Viking villagers “with a little help from there friends” from the “Norwegian woods”.

David K’s army consisted of Thor (Mounted Men-At-Arms), Midr the Valkyrie and Jolbrugh the Frost Giant (Foot Men-At-Arms), a tribe of Snow Trolls (Foot Sergeants), the village Huscarles (Foot Men-At-Arms) and the villagers (Foot Sergeants).

In the “strawberry fields” (no more I promise) the battle commenced.

Thor demanded the prime position on the armies right and immediately began the battle by charging the two trolls. Despite doing damage to the trolls David K decided that because victory would be determined by the army who killed the opposing general he should withdraw Thor from the frontline.

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Jolbrugh made short work of the Orc archers turning them into frozen sculptures.

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The meddlesome trolls were soon despatched by the Village huscarles and the battle began to look over for Warwakka Rozgox as his army was under pressure on all flanks.

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Having successfully fought off the Village Huscarles, the Orc Sergeants starting bickering amongst themselves (failed their bravery test), and retreated. Gork and Mork were not amused and deserted the sergeants as they failed another bravery test and routed off the board.

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With jibes from the game master, David S, about one player being a God and the other riding a dragon both commanders were still allowing their lesser mortals to do all of the fighting.

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With first Midr and then the Snow Trolls fleeing the battlefield the game was gradually being clawed back by Warwakka Rozgox.

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With only Baxnar and himself left Warwakka Rozgox attacked. Although fighting off successive attacks from the Villagers and Jolbrugh both he and Radgath the Red were almost spent.

Jolbrugh should have heeded JR Tolkein -“Never laugh at live dragons”.

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Thor, seizing the moment, charged and finished of both Warwakka Rozgox and Radgath the Red.

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A great game was had by all further confirming our “love affair” with Dan Mersey’s rules.

“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”

Neil Gaiman.

Dux Bellorum Game 11 January 2017

Posted on January 16, 2017 by Guru PIG

The plains overlooking the seaside town of Ryll became the location again for the clash of armies, with the Imposing Cavalry Knights (Land Raider Army) of King David facing off against the Roman army of the evil Count Andrew in a Dux Bellorum 15mm battle.

Having accounted for his evil father in a previous battle King David was determined to rid his kingdom of the evil spawn, Count Andrew The Younger.

The task would be harder as Count Andrew had trained his infantry warriors in close order tactics and turned his warriors into effective shield wall.

Riding at the head of his mounted knights, King David decided to act quickly to bring the “son of a usurper” to justice.

Surprising his enemy by moving his mounted troops through the forest on his left King David attacked the enemies right-wing cavalry.

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The “son of a usurper” stood in the centre of the field with his Companion foot.

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First blood went to the king who quickly routed the enemy knights who dared to stand up to him.

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The King and his Companions were charged by the remaining knight unit of that Usurper Count Andrew the Younger.

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The King was assisted by more of his knights who charged the enemy cavalry in the flank destroying them on contact.

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The momentum stalled very quickly as the king’s Companions became involved in a long drawn out combat with the “son of a usurper’s” shield wall unit that had also charged him in the flank.

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Both armies were loosing units as fatigue set in. Finally victory was almost assured when Count Andrew the Younger was slain and joined his father in eternal damnation.

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Unfortunately with only two units remaining on each side the King was forced to retire when a unit of knights broke leaving only the King and his Companions alone on the field against two demoralized shield walls. Unable to pursue the King retired to the safety of his castle.

A very close game which, with both armies almost broken, was decided by dice rolls in the end.

Mick Evans Memorial Wargame – Offa’s Dyke.

Posted on January 16, 2017 by Guru PIG

Every year during the weekend between the second and third weeks of January I join our Berwick Wargames Association colleagues to hold a memorial game for fellow war gamer Mick Evans.

Mick was an extremely funny, eccentric and likable guy who always regaled you with tales of missed opportunities, fickle dice, and sneaky tactics on the part of his opponent. Mick didn’t win many games but this didn’t seem to deter him as he fronted up next week with a brand new “sure-fire” tactic.

Mick is best known for his daring cavalry tactics, mostly unsuccessful, and his figure painting. His “conversion” of Airfix Africa Corps figures into Confederate Infantry with just a paint job still has us in fits of laughter. The club still holds these figures in honour of Mick.

Whilst most gamers would not want to emulate Mick’s painting prowess he said something to me one day that changed the way I paint. I was showing him some figures that I had just painted and was very proud of, when he said words to the effect of “hmm looks great, but they are all the same from four feet on the table top”. At the time I was a little offended but later realised that I am a gamer who paints to play not a painter who plays to show off his skills. I have since developed simple painting techniques that look effective but are quick and easy so I can game with the figures ASAP.

Thanks Mick, and as he would say let’s get to the game.

A fight over Offa’s Dyke (Clawdd Offa).

Needless to say when you get a bunch of middle aged wargamers together playing such a scenario, like teenage boys, much mirth was had about where to put your fingers, but enough said about that.

Peter R had gone to great pains building the dyke and like all gamers we started a vigorous debate about with side of the dyke the ditch should be on (even more mirth), Powys or Mercia. We googled to settle the debate but the pictures only help if you know which direction the photographer was facing.

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Finally that respected authority Wikipedia was consulted to settle the argument!!!

As this was a Mick Evans Memorial game it had to have a twist. This time it was a rampaging goat herd that once the goat herders (do I hear yodeling in the distance) lose control of them head off in a random direction causing mass carnage.

Whilst the Romano British eventually won the real winners were the goats!!!

Vale Mick.

Wargaming weekend 6th to 8th of January 2017

Posted on January 8, 2017 by Guru PIG

I had been looking forward to this weekend’s gaming with my good friend Blake and any of the resident P.I.G.S. who could make it for a long time.

The main purpose of the weekend was to catch up on some “modern” 28mm gaming using Chain of Command rules. Despite this we began the weekend with a Star Wars X-Wing game between the Imperials of Blake and the two Dave’s versus the scum of the honorary P.I.G.S.Ben and Koz (see a previous blog).

The fleets consisted of three 100 point Imperial fleets and two 150 point scum and villainy fleets.

The Imperial fleets consisted of the Tie Fighter squadron of David S, the Bombers of Dave K, and the specialist fighter wing of Blake M led by none other than Darth Vader.

Dave S attacked the right-wing of Ben and gradually won the day by keeping Ben’s ships in a continuous crossfire through having the first order Tie fighters and the academy pilots alternate between flying straight ahead and doing 180 degree loops.

Dave’s bombers in the centre did an excellent job of taking the shields off both of the scum fleets capital ships. This allowed us to eventually to destroy them one at a time.

Not much can be said of Blake’s specialist squadron. Containing the most up-to-date technology with state-of-the-art ships Blake lost one ship early and soon after Darth Vader was seen to be careening through space in an escape pod. Despite this Blake did show the best flying of the night when trying to avoid a multitude of friendly ships and bombs just dropped by Dave K he expertly threaded the needle.

When the victorious tie fighters were able to flank the remnant villainy and scum, ships the battle was over.

A panoramic view of the battle.

The rest of the weekend was a blur (aided by copious quantities of red, white, and sparkly) of modern gaming between the Afghan insurgents used by Blake and the British forces of David S. The battles all went down to the wire with very few victory points separating both sides at the end of each game. In the end the British won a marginal victory three games to two.

Unfortunately not all of the terrain was finished for the weekend but we still had excellent tables to fight over.

The first three battle were between a Tier 1 Insurgent force and a British 2006 platoon.The two next were between tier 2 insurgents and a 2010+ British platoon.

British platoon advances towards the cover of the irrigation ditch

Chain of Command works perfectly for “fire and maneuver” games and we cannot wait for the Too Fat Lardies “Fighting Season” supplement to appear.

Thanks to Blake, David K and Ben and Koz for a great weekend of, fellowship, fine food and fine wine (despite the cracked molar tooth I had!!!). Oh yes we also played some games.

Lion Rampart Game 4 January 2017

Posted on January 5, 2017 by Guru PIG

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From our previous blogs you will note that we are a big fan of Dan Mersey’ rule sets (Dragon and Lion Rampart and Dux Bellorum) This is our first blog on Lion Rampart.

The scene was set with Count De Moinee (David K) versus Sir Loin de Bake (Andrew W).

The hex terrain, originally designed for Command and Colors Ancients (with figures), was ideal for this 15mm encounter.The terrain was built up on 60mm hex tiles available from Back2base-ix http://www.back2base-ix.com/ and the mat was from a company that took nearly 12 months to fill a standard order so will remain nameless.

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The 24 point Crusader army of Sir Loin de Bake consisted of two mounted men at arms, mounted sergeants, foot sergeants and crossbows.

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Sir Loin de Bake was leading one of his Men At Arms units.

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The 24 point German army of Count De Moinee (David K) consisted of mounted men at arms, mounted sergeants with cross bows, 2 foot sergeants and crossbows with pavise.

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Count De Moinee (David K) was also fighting with his mounted Men-At-Arms.

The scenario was Bloodbath with the objective to destroy the opposing army. There were no additional leader skills or glory boasts used in this game.

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The battle began cautiously with both generals main attacking units deployed on their right flanks.

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A series of devastating Cross bow attacks quickly destroyed Sir Loin De Bake’s mounted sergeants.leaving their left flank without any cavalry support.

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Meanwhile as both Generals came within shouting distance Sir Loin De Bake was challenged to mortal combat by Count De Moinee (David K). Chivalry meant that this could not be refused and in the cente of the battlefield, watched by both armies, the two titans met in mortal combat. Unleashing two devastating blows to zero Count De Moinee made quick work of Sir Loin De Bake.The army was steeled by their loss and fought on bravely with no unit taken a backward step (they all passed their bravery test).

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Seeking revenge the Crusader foot sergeants charged Count De Moinee, and his Men-At-Arms, promptly dispatching them. With the Count also slain on the battlefield the rest of his army fled.

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The result was decisive with Sir Loin De Bake’s game points a maximum 24 to Count De Moinee’s 10.This would have given Sir Loin De Bake 5 Glory points had he survived!!!

Star Wars X Wing Game 28 December 2016

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Guru PIG

Vale Carrie Fisher

In honor of the passing of Carrie Fisher the two Dave’s joined honorary P.I.G.S. members Ben and Koz for a Scum and Villainy V Empire game.

Each player was allowed a choice of up to 100pts from their factions ships. No more than two upgrade cards per ship were allowed, and full tournament rules were used.

Koz’s untrustworthy scum of the galaxy and villainy fleet consisted of a scum Y-wing a Jumpmaster 5000 and a Z-95 Headhunter all tooled up as much as possible.

Ben’s dastardly scum of the galaxy and villainy fleet consisted of Boba Fet and his Firespray, a Z-95 Headhunter and an M3-A Interceptor again tooled up to the gunnels.

The Loyal and heroic Imperial fleet of David S consisted of 3 Tie Fighters, 3 Tie F/O fighters and a Tie bomber, all fielded without upgrades.

The other wing of the Imperial fleet was ably led by David K. His half of the fleet consisted of a Firespray (the Real Boba), a Tie Punisher and 2 Tie Bombers.

As the battle was about to commence the presence of Carrie Fisher AKA Princess Leia was felt by all.

The battle began with the Imperial forces using their numbers to attack in packs. At first this began to work as the galaxy was rid of the weaker scum vessels.

With the Y-Wing, z-95 Headhunters and the M3-A all turned into space debris the battle began to even up as the two larger scum vessels began to take toll of the lightly armoured Imperial fleet.

Soon the engagement was between was between 2 Tie F/O’s and an Imperial Firespray versus a badly damaged Firespray and a Jumpmaster 5000 (sounds like something being sold on late night TV, doesn’t it?), only slightly better off.

Although the Empire lost another loyal Tie Fighter pilot the battle was won when, first the Boba clone exploded, followed soon after by the Jumpmaster. The two Dave’s giving the honorary P.I.G.S. members a good thrashing.

With the game over all that is left to say is “Carrie, thank you for the legacy of a wonderful body of work”.

Saga Battle 23 November 2016 Part 2

Posted on November 27, 2016 by Guru PIG

Part 2 – The Welsh Escort

This little bard has now completed singing for his master and is free to finalise the sad, sad tale of Cunedda Wledig.

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CuneddaWledig leading his men to battle.

With most of his closest supporters dead Cunedda Wledig was only able to lead an army of warriors into battle, most however were mounted and able to attack quickly.

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The battle commenced with the Welsh forces rushing forward to threaten and press the Irish heroes. They advanced on three fronts dividing the wagons and their escorts across the three open pathways across the battlefield.

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Undeterred the Irish attacked. The Welsh right was the least defended and a Curadh and Rudraige mac Delacharged towards the Priodaur escorts. A short and bloody engagement left the Curadh and the bulk of the Priodaur slain. Rudraige mac Dela attacked, and making short work of the rest of the Priodaur, stood face to face with the wagoners. Bravely the wagoners charged but to no avail – the wagon was left in ruins.

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The Irish were well on their way to a second victory.

In the centre, still wary from the tales of mysterious ghosts attacking from the forest; both the Welsh mounted and dismounted Priodaur advanced, “supported” to their rear by another wagon and none other CuneddaWledig himself. Charged by the Irish mounted Fianna the Welsh cavalry fled leaving their foot companions outflanked and out-numbered.

The brave but foolish CuneddaWledig advanced to provide assistance but was showered with a storm of javelins from the Irish Bonnachts. When the skies cleared Cunedda Wledig lay dead, a pincushion for Irish javelins. The use of “Eagle Eye”, “Bansidh Whispers”, and “Fir Bolg” in conjunction with each other certainly sealed his fate.

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Whilst this was happening, on the left flank, the “Sons of Dana” again attacked from the shadows causing several of the Priodaur guarding the left most wagon to flee. A subsequent charge by the Irish Wolfhounds caused the remainder to flee, leaving the wagon in front of one of the mighty Irish Curadh. A brief charge by the Irish champion saw a second wagon in tatters.

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With two of the wagons destroyed, CuneddaWledig slain,and only a few Welsh Priodaur alive; the battle was all but over. For the second time there was much feasting in the halls of Rudraige mac Dela.

Guru Pig – the gaming Guru

Guru's thoughts on wargaming, life, and the universe!

Category Archives: Game Battle Report