Kingdom of Katzenstein

Security Forces

2012-01-30T14:54:00.000-08:00

More GZG figures...they are good for security forces, colonial police/militia, guards, or maybe as I painted them to be a peace keeping force.

Garn

2012-01-29T11:00:00.000-08:00

Mercenary Garn...three big boys and three smaller scouts. Tough looking figures great for skirmish gaming.

Ziva: Sci fi imagi-planet

2012-01-12T16:12:00.000-08:00

2012 will see lots of work on my sci-fi figures. I have all the on hand figures painted or primed ready for the next three months.

Once these are done, I will get the second round of figures and work on them as I start my ancients.

I have dubbed this project..."Ziva".

Got in my first two games with the figures I have painted so far...the first was a solo game and the second on the same board with my son.

Game 1:
A squad of Ripley Corporation reaction corps troopers (Khurasan Exterminators) is headed to investigate reports of a shuttle crash near a local settlement in the green zone. The shuttle crew survived and has taken refuge in the settlement. A nearby tribe of Chewks (Khurasan Chewks) is hell bent on capturing the crew for ransom and especially getting their hands on the droid they spotted.

Things go south for the squad as they quickly suffer some losses including the squad leader. Luckily the shuttle crew holds off a Chewk charge and manages to wait out the attacks.

Shuttle crew takes cover...burning shuttle behind the hill in the back.

Rescue squad moves into position.

Long way to the objective...area looks clear.

Ambush...charge to take the hill!

Enemy mortar fire on target.

Chewk machinegun suppresses the settlement.

Casualties mount on both sides.

Can they be saved?

Man down!

More Chewks attack from the North.

But can't make much of an impact.

With their support weapon taken out,

The Chewks retreat to fight another day.

Game 2: ---battery dies on the camera for this one
My son placed a squad (Khurasan Corporate Marines) in the settlement and I used a squad (Khurasan Control Battalion) to attack him. Four of the shuttle crew from the 1st game would attack us both.

Despite some bad activation rolls (we were using Flying lead rules) I got troops in a position to overwatch the settlement and used my armed drone to intimidate the enemy.

My son called in an evac shuttle and charged out with a small team (reinforced by two allied Chewks he claimed were para-Chewked in to help) only to be met with a wall of fire. [This little incident will provide some fodder for my campaign...who is arming the Chewks and why have they become allies?]

Called it quits at this point with heavy losses.

Control Battalion

2012-01-02T07:21:00.000-08:00

Another squad from Khurasan Miniatures. These are some of my favorites...a good mix of sci-fi and modern look. The drone is a nice touch.

Based them up to make it look like overgrown rubble.
PAINT
Prime/Uniform: grey
Eyes sight: Emerald
Guns: Gunmetal grey with gunmetal blue touch
Boots/gloves: black
Armor: black grey
Facemask: white
Gear: medium grey
Drone- gunmetal blue with brass and gunmetal grey touches

2011 Round Up and 2012 Plans

2012-01-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

A great year of painting and gaming. Completed my second Imagi-Nation campaign along with some skirmish games.

I brought four projects to maturity:
Katzenstein (horse and musket imagi-nation)
Krasnovia (modern imagi-nation)
Song of the Splintered Lands (animals)
Starmada (space ships)

These join the Flames of War project as generally complete.

Focus for 2012 will be on the ancients imagi-nation and sci-fi skirmish.

Other big tasks include painting a large batch of middle east buildings and texturing the bases on my painted figures. I also want to try making some scatter terrain to liven up the table.

I plan to attend the three HMGS conventions including a four day stay at Historicon. I played my first two convention games at Fall In 2011 and had lots of fun.

I posted the following three goals for 2011 last December:
Overall Plans:
1- Attend the 3 HMGS conventions ---- ACCOMPLISHED

2- Spend less- focus on accessories vs lead and terrain --- FAILED, I did buy less figures and I have cut down my lead stock...but I spent way to much money, especially on terrain (buildings). Will work to do better this year...figure purchases will be kept under control until I finish painting the figures on hand.

3- Complete several projects before starting any new ones --- ACCOMPLISHED

2011 Painting Points
J: 72
F: 196
M: 111
A: 85
M: 89
J: 98
J: 102
A: 66
S: 0
O: 133
N: 42
D: 39
2011 Total: 1013

2010 Total: 1389
2009 Total: 441

PROJECTS
Ancients
- Decide on a rule set...the pending Pulse of Battle is in the lead
- Begin painting...one unit a month is a good target

Sci Fi
- Paint all on hand figures
- Continue to expand...will make a round of purchases when done all on hand are done
- Begin looking at vehicles

Terrain
- Paint all buildings
- Put together the paper terrain I bought at Fall In 2011
- Build 12 terrain pieces (fields, rough)

Katzenstein
---I am planning a small expansion to the Katzenstein project. I painted up 3 white coated regiments as a semi-autonomous religious state and I want to expand the force since I liked the figures, I liked the simple white paint scheme, and I can't help myself from buying more figures.
- 1 Line Regiment
- flag bearers for existing 3 regiments
- 1 Grenadier Regiment
- 1 Light Regiment
- 1 light cav (Cossack) regiment
- 1 Horse Grenadier regiment
- 1 arty battery

- Ottomans ???

- 12 misc generals/colonels

Other Projects
- No plans for the other projects except to play more games

Future Projects- don't start any new projects in 2012! For 2013...
- 6mm Napoleonics and/or Civil War
- Pirates, figures already on hand
- Wild West

Exterminator Squad

2011-12-31T06:02:00.000-08:00

Another Khurasan Miniatures squad. These make for good "space marines". They are supposed to represent the marines from Aliens.

Corporate Marines

2011-12-30T06:49:00.000-08:00

A squad of the Khurasan Corporate Marines. My son selected these as his squad so I painted the shoulder patch the blue and grey like his US Infantry for Flames of War (29th Infantry Division).

PAINT
Prime- wolf grey/blue
Armor/helmet- dark seagreen
Guns- neutral grey
Belts/Packs- black and natural steel
Gloves/boots- german grey
Patch- flat blue and london grey

Space Pals Plus

2011-12-29T08:40:00.000-08:00

Han, Chewie and Boba Fett from Highlander Studios miniatures. Painted them to match the action figures my son has as best I could. Great character figures.

Other figures are from several different purchases...don't remember what sets.

Four Ursid Mercenaries from Khurasan miniatures. Love these guys with the big guns, glasses, and cigars.Not sure how they fit in my sci-fi world...most likely as mercenaries...also make good companions for characters.

PAINT
Fur- GermanCamo Medium Brown and Leather Brown on the claws/snout
Gear- Cavalry Brown and Brass
Gun- Neutral Grey and Tinny Tin
Glasses- Brass and Pastel Blue
Three other figures...can't remember what sets. Make for more good characters.

December 2011

2011-12-28T10:44:00.000-08:00

Not a huge month for painting but I did get in a few squads of sci-fi figures.

39 x 15mm sci-fi figures (mixed lot)

TOTAL: 39 points

Christmas loot included:
-2012 Wargamers Annual
-Wargaming in History V5
-Achtung Schweinehund
-a clip-on painting light

I also got my son the 150th Anniversary version on Battle Cry. Played the first scenario...he took the first victory point but I won 6-4. He did make very good use of the Reinforcement Card by placing an artillery unit near my rear...shot up 2 more units. He played the second scenario with one of his friends and won 6-4.

My son also set up two games this month. The first was a Flames of War beach landing...he got the idea to use the tan cloth.

The second game was Force on Force using a mixed bag of modern figures. He and a friend attacked my defenders in a the buildings. They planned out the set up on the dry erase board.

I have primed four groups of sci-fi figures...about 120 in all. I will try to tackle these in the next two months. I have a batch of GZG figures on hand and that will then finish up the on hand sci-fi figures. There are some more I want to get but not sure if I want to drive hard on the sci-fi project and then start the ancients, or work on both at once.

Peace in Our Time

2011-12-10T06:19:00.000-08:00

With the retreat of the Barony of Schluppity-Schlupp's remaining forces and the disintergartion of the rebel Army of Peace, quiet has fallen on the North as Winter arrives.

The Grand Duchy forces continue to round up bandits and monitor the border, but the rebelian has come to an end.

Most of the Alliance forces return home with only a small contingent entering Winter quarters in the Grand Duchy.

Diplomatic envoys from Schlupp arrive after the new year to forge a lasting peace. The exact terms of the treaty are kept secret but surly involve a large indemnity, the hand over of several small trading posts and colonial ventures in Afrika and The Indies, and the expulsion of the rebel leaders.

All eyes turn towards the crowned heads of the victoreous alliance. What's next for the powers of the North?

-----------------
My second campaign has come to a close. I will be focusing on two other projects in 2012, but Katzenstein will always be #1!

Battle of Gwernhoff

2011-12-09T15:25:00.000-08:00

15 June- MG Grumm's division advanced on Gwernhoff to attack the enemy rear guard. Grumm's forces outnumber the defenders, but the Schluppity-Schlupp troops are under good leadership and have chosen their positions well. The defenders have a line running from the enclosed orchard, through the central wood to the hill on the left flank with an advanced post in the woods further forward.

---I played this game with the Die Fighting rules. The basic premise is that each forces has a pool of "resource" dice that are used with "leadership" dice and "free" dice to resolve movement, combat, and C2 (rally). For a first outing, things went OK but I know I missed some things in the rules and I was not sure how to work out a few situations. Just went with my gut or used the "Rule of Six" to add 6 points and move on. Overall, the rules were OK and would be more fun once I memorized all the dice factors. I still prefer Field of Battle so Die Fighting will go on the shelf. I am looking forward to getting the Die Marching campaign rules that will use the same resource dice concept.

Katzian brigades advance on light with the militia on the right and the guards in the center.

Enemy troops using the enclosed orchard as a strongpoint.

The center and Katzian right...enemy advanced post in the woods on the far right.

The broad advance puts lots of pressure on the enemy (and uses up lots of resource dice).

Guns advance to a key position to bombard the orchard. They would shatter the enemy and force them into flight. (Enemy unit rolled three 1's when trying to rally and fled the table).

The Militia Brigade takes on the first enemy unit. They would win out and ultimately put the defending battalion to flight.

Cavalry cover the advance of the Guard Brigade.

The Cavalry Brigade would charge several times to take the hill but are held at bey despite using up many enemy resource dice.

Light cavalry forces back by fire as the dragoons move on the flank.

The victorious Militia Brigade!

Hard luck on the cavalry at the hill.

The enemy center is pierced and the woods fall to the grenadiers supported by Prince Noah's Regiment.

The orchard is taken quickly after.

A last ditch cavalry charge is defeated and the enemy begin to fall back.

Only one battalion and one regiment are in good order to cover the retreat.

The heavy hitting guns adjust fire to the enemy cavalry.

Chewks

2011-12-02T12:56:00.000-08:00

The first of the dedicated sci-fi troops. A 38 "man" platoon of Chewks from Khurasan Miniatures. They remind me of Jawas.

Organization

HQ
1 x Platoon Leader
1 x PLatoon Sergeant
1 x Medic
2 x Rifle Chewks

Weapon Section
2 x 2 Chewk Mortar Teams
2 x 2 Chewk Rocket Teams
2 x 2 Chewk Machinegun Teams

3 x Rifle Squads
7x Rifle Chewks

Paint
Robes-Cork Brown
Belts- Chocolate Brown
Skin- Sky Blue
Eyes- Gold
Weapons- Gunmetal Blue
Ammo- Black and Brass
Prime- Brown

Basing
Pumice mixed with brown on brown painted 15mm round wood 1.5mm bases with magnetic bottom.
Woodland Scenics fine ballast
Dry grass
Highland Tufts
Small rocks

November 2011

2011-11-30T18:21:00.000-08:00

Painting:

38 x Chewks= 38 points
Cargo Containers= 2 points
Walls = 2 points

TOTAL: 42 points

I have four small sci-fi groups primed along with 6 ancients units. Plan to focus on the sci-fi until the new year.

I also want to prime all of my building so they can be painted in 2012. Half done so far.

Overall November has been a slow month but I did get in some Force on Force games and another game in my main campaign.

End of the End

2011-11-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

10 May- Count Wilhelm personally takes to the field and leads a combined force of Hippo-Heimer, Keck, and Doft troops in a final bid to destroy the rebels and invading Schluppty-Schlupp forces. As word of the advance spreads, rebels begin to desert the Army of Peace.

19 May- The Katzian host, fresh from the victory against Poo-Boochen in the South, trecks North to put further presure on the rebels and their allies. Desertions increase and some areas fall into rampant banditry.

1 June- Count Wilhelm announces a general amnesty for all rebels that return to their homes within the week. Over half the rebels desert in the first three days while the remaining ring leaders try to forge the remainder into some kind of fighting force.

9 June- The combined Alliance forces rout a rebel divison along the Iller River road. On the same day, Schlupp forces begin retreating towards the border.

14 June- The Katzain army arrives before Gwernhoff to find the Schlupp rear guard and an odd lot of rebels arrayed for battle. The rebels have taken too the field when they found the dilapidated defenses of the town would not stand a seige.

15 June- Battle of Gwernhoff---to be fought with the Die Fighting rules.

Peace of Hampton's Crossing

2011-11-22T14:58:00.000-08:00

MG Grumm dispatched the light brigade and a regiment of hussars to pursue Schwartz's retreating command towards the border while moving the rest of the division to block the enemy lines of communication coming from Farthing Ford at the small river bridge of Hampon's Crossing. Burning the bridge and covering the downstream ford with entrenched troops and cannon, he patiently waited the oncoming Poo-Boochen forces. The dispirited enemy arrived the next afternoon to find their retreat route blocked. Initially deploying for battle, a flag of truce soon appeared prompted by the sounds of combat from the rear guard just a few miles North.

Trapped, Marshal Von Saxe of Poo-Boochen asked for terms and the campaign in the South came to an end.

The Peace of Hampton's Crossing-

- All Poo-Boochen forces would withdraw from the Grand Duchy in seven days.
- The main army would march out with honors of war.
- The border fort would be handed over on the third day.
- All Poo-Boochen forces would be removed from the Groening district along the border except for a single regiment of infantry and two squadrons of cavalry to keep the peace.
- Poo-Boochen would pay an indemnity of six million to the Grand Duchy and a further two million to Katzenstein.
- Poo-Boochen would raise a force of 10,000 men for independant action against the Barony of Schluppity-Schlup within six months.

The campaign in the North is still to be decided.

Battle of Featherstone's Farm

2011-11-14T14:14:00.000-08:00

1 May - Poo-Boochen forces took the initiative under General Schwartz's able leadership. His cavalry advanced rapidly to screen the follow on infantry and it appeared the Poo-Boochen forces would be able to move on line with the farmstead garrison. It was not too be...The Prax Prarie Cossacks and Wha Hoo Hussars launched daring charges that caught the Poo-Boochen horsemen unprepared. The Katzain cavalry routed both their opponents leaving many on the field and taking even more prisoners. Supported by the Boober Bay Uhlans, the Katzian cavalry forced Schwartz to deploy his infantry and guns short of the farm. This gave MG Grumm an opportunity to launch a brigade attack against the farm after blasting the defenders with close range cannon fire. Schwartz had one last chance to stave off defeat by bringing his eformed cavalry back into action. While they did overturn the Cossacks, the remaining Katzian cavalry proved too tough to break. With his cavalry in tatters, the farm lost, and his forces facing overwhelming cavalry numbers, Schwartz reluctantly ordered a retreat.

The river valley.

Forces of Katzenstein.

The light brigade looking for a crossing point...it was not to be.

The first cavalry clash won handily by the Katzian lights.

With the enemy cavalry neutralized, the attack on the farm begins.

Cavalry protect the flank and force the Poo-Boochen infantry to deploy.

Poo-Boochen Cavalry regroup.

The second clash...too little, too late.

The farm attack begins.

Victory!

Prince Noah's regiment fills in the gap in the center.

Time for a retreat.

Terrain

2011-11-13T06:08:00.000-08:00

Painted up a few of my new terrain items- cargo containers and desert walls.

Force on Force

2011-11-12T07:13:00.000-08:00

Played my first two games of Force on Force with my son. Kept it simple by making them all regulars but gave a TQ and MQ advantage to his forces and they wiped me out twice.

Still getting a handle on the reaction system but the basic game mechanics are fairly simple.

Krasnovian Reinforcements

2011-11-06T14:42:00.000-08:00

These are the last of my modern skirmish figures. A mixed bag of police, rebels, thugs, pimps, civilians, and others that can be used for modern battles and in my future sci-fi project.

Field of Battle 2nd ed - pre battle

2011-11-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

I used the pre-battle maneuver concepts from the new Field of Battle 2nd edition rules to help set up the next game in the campaign. This system could be used by itself for setting up a one-off battle, but it worked great to flesh out details for my battle.

The general scheme is that a Katzian division is marching to cut the line of retreat of the Poo-Boochen forces defeated in my last battle. The remaining P-B forces at the border have marshalled and are marching to stop this flank move.

The pre-battle system involves two parts. First each army rolls on some charts to come up with modifiers and some "key words" to work into the story. Then, each side assigns dice to roll off against each other in four catagories. The winner get certain advantages.

The catagories are:
Deployment
Recon
Strength
Tactical Adjustment

After making the roles, I worked up how they impacted the campaign story.

During the first part, the Katzian roles gave me: "march", "seize", and "consolidated". The P-B forces had "support distance", "cavalry screen", and "hasty (negative)".

The Poo-Boochen forces won all the role offs and gained some key advanatges... force the enemy to deploy two commands, gained one deployment zone, reposition forces in one zone, and an enemy command being delayed.

All this (done in a few minutes) worked nicely in the story.

The Katzain MG Grumm was quickly marching (march) his division along the valley road with the light infantry brigade screening the right flank across the stream. He planned to quickly seize (seize) a strong position across the enemy lines of communication. Mid-day saw the division approaching the objective with the troops formed up 9consolidated) ready for battle except for the light brigade still looking for a usable ford or bridge.

General Schwartz of Poo-Boochen had a small force protecting the critical border fort taken during the opening battles of the war. His grenadier brigade that had stormed the defenses was almost up to full strength, but there were few other troops available when word of the Katzian approach reached the border. Schwartz quickly gathered some troops and marched to meet the enemy. Luckily he had enough available troops (consolidated), and good intelligence from the two regiments of cavalry (cav screen). Schwartz's only weakness would be in the hodge-podge nature of his command (hasty)...a mixed bag of grenadiers, line regiments, and march columns.

The stage is set... a Katzian victory could place the Poo-Boochen forces in an untenable position and maybe even end the war in the South.

Fall In 2011

2011-10-31T14:03:00.000-07:00

Just back from the Fall In convention at Lancaster, PA.

I stayed overnight this time and got in two games. Had planned on being in a 3rd but arrived too late on Friday. Bought lots of stuff...mostly buildings. Unexpected snow storm looks like it effected attendance.

S-194 - Battle of Eggmuhl, 22 April 1809

Sat. 9:00:00 AM, 4 hrs, 6 players registered
GM: Steven Gelhard and the HAWKs
Napoleonic 15mm, Rules: Shako
Charles thought he knew where Napoleon's army was. He planned an attack with most of his Korps to envelop and destroy the French army located South of Ratisbon, Bavaria. The problem was that the French army was not there, but Davout's corps was and it was concentrating on Rosenberg's IV Korps, forming the Southern hook of Charles' pincer. Even worse, for Rosenberg, Napoleon was on his way there. How long can Rosenberg hold out?
---I was one of the two Austrian players and this was my first time with the rules. It was also my first group game and first convention game. Other than lossing two horse batteries because I did not understand the rules, it was a great game. Came down to the last turn when the French took the last two villages. I had bottled up one enemy division the whole game and made it a tough fight on the flank. We collapsed in the center early on and the broke down into two seperate fights. Good fun all around.

Looking at the Austrian position on the hill. The objective was to take all four villages.

French attack in my sector...I held these guys pinned in the corner all game.

But the Bavarians overran my horse guns (misunderstood the rule) and took one of the center villages.

The Genzers outfought the French skirmishers!

My light cavalry proved to be useless.

The right side of the line.

The cavalry moved forward to slow the Bavarians but only destroyed one unit. The enemy genral made good use of square formation supported by guns to cover his attacks on the towns.

The center getting hit hard. We did OK on the flanks, but the center crumbled quickly.

After my Jagers lost the town, I sent in a regiment to retake the town.

The French are about to crack the line.

Things are getting bad now.

My second set of cavalry charges failed.

But the left flank kept the enemy cavalry pinned in the back with no room to move.

I even launched a local counterattack to defeat the brigade on the far left flank.

12lb batteries pulled back to avoid being overrun.

Battle around the town went to the last turn.

I lost the town and had my counterattack force an inch short.

The second game was a Civil War action

S-166 - The Sound of Silence, Battle of Iuka 1862

Sat. 6:00:00 PM, 4 hrs, 6 players
GM: Tom Cusa
American Civil War 15mm, Rules: Carnage&GloryII
In an effort to crush half the Confederate army in Mississippi, Grant has divided his Army. As soon as Rosecrans makes contact the rest of the army will advance
---I was on the Federal side during this battle...1st time with the rules other than my solo play. We attacked early on but then by brigade took the brunt of the enemy attack. Held the line but were pushed back. I did use my cavalry to flank the enemy and slow down their reinforcing brigade.

Looking at the Union line; my brigade is marching up the road.

Our center.

I went right on the attack to draw the enemy towards me and give my partner a chance to attack the opposite flank. Plan worked but my poor quality troops were no match for the TX and LA troops.

I threatened the center and left to force the Confederates to commit to my side.

Lead regiments made it to the fence line.

10th Missouri got honors during the battle for defeating one attack and the holding the line.

Cav flanking action in progress.

10th MO trade a volley.

My guns were hit hard and lost two cannon.

The Cav run away after a successful delaying action.

October 2011

2011-10-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

After a poor month in September, I got back in high gear this month and finished my generic 15mm modern skirmish figures for what I call the Krasnovia project.

This project is now mature but I do see some nice new figures out there such as the SEAL team from Khurasan.

133 figures for 133 points

I still need to base (on order) and dip the figures.

I also started on my first sci-fi figures and primed two ancients units.

I attended Fall In for two days but more about that in another post.

Plans for November include working on some sci-fi figures and maybe my first ancients unit. I also have a whole batch of Blue Moon and JR Miniatures Middle East buildings to paint. These will be used with the ME buildings from Miniature Building Authority to populate my sci-fi world.

Drive for Victory

2011-10-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

26 April- The Katzian voctory at Mario's Ridge on the 21st has set the stage for a critical battle in the campaign. While the Poo-Boochen forces are retreating from Farthing ford towards the border fort, a second Katzian division has driven into their strategic rear and may cut off the bloodied Poo-Boochen forces. Scraping together all available forces, the Poo-Boochen commander marches out to meet the oncoming force in the Nieder Valley.

The stage is set for my next battle. Deciding if I am going to use Field of Battle 2 or Die Fighting. Will fight the battle sometime in November after attending Fall In at the end of October.

Krasnovia is Mature

2011-10-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

After accomplishing little in September, October has been turning out very well.

I have finished the last of my modern generic 15mm figures for my Krasnovia modern imagi-nation skirmish gaming. Several different groups of figures including more police, some mercenaries, civilians, and many others.

This makes the Krasnovia project mature. By that, I mean that my on hand figures are done and I will only add to the project as the mood strikes. I don't consider any projects ever complete...just mature.

Next up I am moving into sci-fi and ancients. Have some figures primed and will start painting the Chewks from Khurasan today.

Pictures of the Krasnovia figures will follow when my Litko base order arrives.

Jail Break

2011-10-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

After having some of the gang captured while trying to buy some new weapons, the King's Grand Legion under the infamous Black Death Seamus prepare to launch a rescure operation by attacking the government forces guarding the local jail and police barracks.

The prison in the bottom right corner.

Three teams start the attack.

Seamus and crew move up one flank using the buildings for cover.

The allied troops run into heavy fire in the middle and suffer some casualties.

Maurice takes up an overwatch position.

The speed of the attack catches the defenders unprepared.

The attackers move on the jail from three sides.

The last of the police surrender and all the prisoners are set free.

The renagade government troops that sided with the KGL have one returned to duty, one wounded, and one killed in the rescue operation.

Clone Wars, Battle of Noahland

2011-10-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

7th Airbone under heavy fire.

Man down!

Droid in cover.

SUPERS!

Second Wave.

Darth Sideous and support.

Commanders Cody, Green, and Fox.

Battle overview.

Some shots of my son's new clones in action on one of the side skirmish tables in the wargame room.

The Battle of Noahland initially went in favor of the Droid Army, but the Clones won for two reasons. The Droids underestimated the Clones and Clones outnumbered the Droids three to two. The images above are a small part of the mopping up operation at the end of the battle. Darth Sideous fled after the defeat of his Droids.

Sci-Fi Plans

2011-10-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

I am jumping on the 15mm Sci-fi bandwagon. This has been on my list of projects for some time and I did buy a few figures when purchasing some for other uses ...saves on shipping. My wife asked what I wanted for my birthday and since the buildings I had asked for are not in production right now, I asked for some Khurasan sci-fi figures. I got a mix of their line to see what I like.

The plan is to play sci-fi with Tomorrow's War and Flying Lead. One for Company/Platoon games and the second for smaller scale skirmishes.

I keep up on the 15mm sci-fi stuff on Dropship Horizon and TMP.
http://dropshiphorizon.blogspot.com/

I will have an "imagi-nation" set up...or is that "imagi-planet"? Lots of different factions to take advantage of the great figure ranges now available.

http://khurasanminiatures.tripod.com/

http://www.groundzerogames.net/mambo/

http://www.rebelminis.com/15mmscifi.html

http://www.15mm.co.uk/

http://www.stanjohansenminiatures.com/15mm.htm

http://www.criticalmassgames.com/default.asp?category=homepage

http://eurekamin.com.au/index.php?cPath=87_102_107

http://www.rafm.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=RAF&Category_Code=GRAV&view_perpage=30

http://www.zombiesmith.com/collections/quar15s/

http://www.fighting15sshop.co.uk/science-fiction-787-c.asp

http://bluemoonmanufacturing.com/index.php?cat_id=45

September 2011

2011-09-30T05:56:00.000-07:00

No figures painted this month. Had a hard time getting motivated and was distracted by playing a few computer wargames.

I did get some painting in a large batch (about 150 figures) I am finishing up for modern skirmish use. They can also double for use in sci-fi.

On that note, I am planning on starting 15mm sci-fi for use with Tomorrow's War. I have some figures on hand, and will pick up more in the next few months.

I played a big Field of Battle game with my Katzenstein forces and a few small Krasnovia skirmishes including some with my son.

I am attending the Fall In convention next month and will play in my first convention games. Signed up for two and plan on trying to get in two more when I get there. I don't expect to buy many figures, but I do have some books/rules on my list and I am going to get one of each of the 15mm JR Miniatures Middle East buildings.

For the second month I did not add to the mead mountain. My stock is actually under control. I have a small amount of sci-fi miniatures (and expect some more from Khurasan for my birthday this month), 18/19th century civilians, pirates, and my ancients. I will do the ancients and sci-fi in 2012. Trying to keep the mountain to a mole hill.

Comments: my apologies for not answering the comments...problem with blogger. Trying to resolve it now.

Rules

2011-09-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

I made a post a few months ago about the rules I use. I am still checking out new systems.

I used Carnage and Glory II computer moderated rules for my last Katzenstein Campaign battle. I liked that they provided the exact #s of casualties and tracked morale.

They will still be a contender, but Field of Battle holds the lead. There is a new FOB2 being published that I will pick up at Fall In.

I am going to try the Die Fighting rules for a game as well. I like the concepts such as use of resource dice.

I have Black Powder and have not played them but I think I will like FOB better. I do like the special rules that can be used to make units more period specific...would like to see that in FOB.

I was listening to the Meeples and Miniatures Podcast and heard more about the Too Fat Lardies rules. I will investigate them further.

----------------
Original post

I have been collecting and reading lots of rules the past few years but I think I am settling into what I want for each period/genre. I originally thought I wanted lots of detail, but in practical application, it just does not seem feasible.

ImagiNation (Horse and Musket): Field of Battle

---Blackpowder and Carnage and Glory II are contenders.

Individual Skirmish: Flying Lead and the rest of the Songs of Blades and Hereos series

Squad/Team Skirmish: Force on Force and Tomorrow's War for Sci Fi

WWII: Flames of War

Ancients: Clash of Empires

---Hail Ceasar and Piquet are options

Space Ships: Starmada

Pirates: TBD (most likely SOBH variant)

Wild West: TBD (most likely SOBH variant)

Father and Son gaming

2011-09-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

My son wanted to do a similar battle to my last Krasnovia battle on the same small board with the MBA Italian Village buildings.

He fielded a dozen soldiers in a three way battle with some law enforcement and masked gunmen.

He played well until risking a helo landing in the courtyard after I gave him repeated warnings. I commended his desire to not want to leave any soldiers behind. I did not get a good picture of the crash site!

Picking up supplies in the truck.

An aerial view of the battle zone.

1st box of supplies loaded.

Still doing well, but casualties starting to mount.

One of the cops takes down a soldier before getting hit in return.

The final butcher's bill...only two soldiers made it out in the HMMWV.

A very fun game. He has the Flying Lead rules down...just needs to exercise some judgement on when to risk it all.

Battle of Mario's Ridge

2011-09-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

We last left the weary armies fighting in the North entering Winter quarters with the lines stabalized. The Poo-Boochen victory at the second battle of Farthing Ford left a sour taste in LTG Von Struddel's mouth and some changes were in order for the Katzain forces.

The quiet Winter soon gave way to a pleseant Spring. In the far North, the Hippo-Heimer forces protect the line along the canal while the rebels and their Schlupp allies bivouac further West. In the Southern part of the Duchy, a Katzian division under the command of MG Van Fleck, the victor of the campaign in Doft two year ago, advances to find the Poo-Boochen forces.

21 April- Van Fleck's large division contains two advanced guard brigades, three infantry brigades, a brigade of dragoons, and a brigade of heavy cavalry. The division soon runs into a Poo-Boochen advanced guard division as both forces race for the dominant terrain along Mario's Ridge.

The Poo-Boochen force is of overall better quality, but is outnumbered especially in cavalry. This proves telling as Van Fleck aggressively moves his cavalry forward to seize the ridge and five brigades of cavary clash in the morning sun.

Cavalry advance to the ridge...Katzian's on the right of the picture.

Light cavalry initially seize the ridge but are soon forced back.

Poo-Boochen heavy dragoons are outnumbered but fight fiercely.

Katzian heavy cavalry crash into the Poo-Boochen forces driving away a dragoon brigade and over-running a battery.

The advantage in sabres takes its toll.

Katzain dragoons hold the ridge while the infantry advance.

The Poo-Boochen commander attempts to break the center while the cavalry clash on the wings.

Many saddles are emptied in an ill advised charge.

The attack in the center crubmles before superior musketry.

While the loss of the guns on the Poo-Boochen left leaves the infantry brigade totally unsupported.

The remaining dragoons try to stem any Katzian pursuit as the Poo-Boochen forces prepare to retreat.

The rear guard takes up position. The tired Katzian cavalry fail to pursue with vigor.

A stream of broken Poo-Boochen units head for the rear.

MG Van Fleck settles for a solid victory at Mario's Ridge. The cavalry performed adequately but missed some opportunities to finish off the defeat Poo-Boochen forces.

I played this game with the Carnage and Glory II computer moderated rules. More on that in a future post.
------------
Katzain Losses
[ 7%] 1113 men of all arms incl.[ 1%] 177 prisoners of all arms

[ 3%] 365 bayonets [ 15%] 748 sabres [ 0%] 0 artillerists
Honors: [ 162] Krupp Kurassiers

Losses include 1 General[s]: [ 112] Bart Cubbins - Lightly wounded

----------
Poo-Boochen losses
[ 44%] 4570 men of all arms incl.[ 9%] 1020 prisoners of all arms

[ 37%] 2715 bayonets [ 61%] 1655 sabres [ 50%] 200 artillerists 11 cannon[s] lost
Honors: [ 516] 13th Dragoons
Losses include 2 standard[s]: [ 518] 29th Dragons [1], [ 506] 1/33rd Line [1]

Losses include 1 General[s]: [ 506] Lanner - Lightly wounded

August 2011

2011-08-31T14:34:00.000-07:00

Got some painting done early in the month then trailed off. Looking for a good output in September.

Did not buy anything this month...only second month since I started three years ago.

61 x Splintered Lands figures: 61 points
1 x Blackhawk helo: 5 points

TOTAL: 66 points

Buy gone bad

2011-08-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

I played the first battle in my imagi-nation modern skirmish campaign. My rebel group, The King's Grand Legion, is at a small town to purchase arms and ammunition. A small group of unknown assailants shows up to ruin the buy. This is sure to be trouble with a Federal Police outpost just down the road.

The quiet town of Vodkagrad. The group is spread out pulling security while the negotiations get underway.

Roland leads the negotiations with Angela pulling security (more on the names later).

A trio of masked gunmen emerge near the orchard.

Things are going well so far.

Until a fire fight breaks out. Crystal goes down lightly wounded, but Kesha kills one of the attackers and knocks another out of the fight. The third tries to slip into town only to get blasted by Genessa.

All the shooting brings in some unwanted company.

Two Federals lead a six pack fo local fuzz.

A fierce firefight breaks out. Tommy goes down while Seamus ends up killing one cop and wounding another. Roland is caught in the open and captured.

Doc, Crystal, and Kesha also fall into Federal hands.

Maurice recovers from being shaken up on teh balcany just in time to jump out the window and run after the fleeing truck full of his comrades.

The end result is a busted supply buy and five of the crew taken into Federal custody. Two of the masked gunmen were killed and the other heavily wounded. One of the police officers is also heavily wounded and one killed. This is sure to bring some heat on the movement.

Seamus gathers the remaining members and takes stock of the situation. In order to gain some legitimacy, they will have to strike back...a prison break is in the making. The KGL will also have to find out sent the masked gunmen.

---------------------
Played this game with the Flying Lead rules from Ganesha Games.
---------------------

Krasnovia is my imagi-nation modern country that is crumbling with all kinds of rebel, independance, and criminal elements...plus the hard pressed government police and army.

The King's Grand Legion is a center-right group advocating for a return of the King in a constitutional monarchy with a strong senate.

The small core of the Legion consists of:

Black Death Seamus (code name): Q3, C2, automatic rifle +2, Hero, Leader ---Group leader and former officer in the Katzian army. Dedicated to returning the king to the throne.

Genessa, Dutches of Bartley: Q3, C2, automatic rifle +2, Hero, Leader --- Second in command; distant relative of the king.

Roland: Q4, C2, automatic rifle +2;

Tommy: Q4, C2, automatic rifle +2; Body Armor

Maurice: Q4, C2, automatic rifle +2; Marksman

Kesha: Q4, C2, automatic rifle +2

Crystal: Q4, C2, shotgun +2

Trixie: Q4, C2, shotgun +2

Angelina: Q4, C2, pistols +2; Fast (long move)

Shakira: Q4, C2,

"Doc" Holliday: Q4, C2, pistol +1; Medic

Charlie: Q4, C2, automatic rifle +2; Stealthy

[The names are inside jokes with my wife and son]

Project Update

2011-08-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

Since I just finished the Splintered Lands project, time to take stock of things.

MATURE
1- Imagi-Nation
2- Space Ships
3- Flames of War
4- Splintered Lands

--- I will add to these as I see something I like

IN PROGRESS
1- Modern imagi-nation skirmish

READY TO START
1- Sci-fi skirmish (1st batch on hand)
2- Ancients
3- Pirates

UNDER CONSIDERATION
1- WW2 skirmish
2- Wild West
3- ACW or Napoleonics (6mm)

Song of the Splintered Lands

2011-08-21T05:47:00.000-07:00

I have brought another project to maturation. The Song of the Splintered Lands range is from Splintered Light Miniatures http://www.splinteredlightminis.com/ . I am using the Song of Blades and Heroes rules from Ganesha Games http://www.ganeshagames.net/ . They have a specific supplement for these figures that is fantastic but I will modify the setting some to allow for more mixed warbands.

I have one of each of the figures from the whole range...188 figures total.

My painting skills are poor...these are actually super figures. Clean castings with lots of character. I strongly recommend them.

I made an otter fort for the figures and will add other terrain as the mood strikes. My son wants a fort for his hares. I am thinking about a small keep inside a protective hedge wall.

Here is a picture of all the figures together:

Note on basing-- 20mm round 1.5mm Likto bases plus a stick on magnetic bottom. Texture with Vallejo grey pumice mixed with craft brown paint. Green static grass and edge with course sand.

Splintered Lands update

2011-08-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

This is the last batch of the Splintered Lands figures. 61 figures. More info in the next post.

Another Ranger Platoon

2011-08-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

A platoon from Historicon. Can never have enough Rangers. My son is reading an old (1980) copy of "Darby's Rangers". It is well torn up as I have read it every year since I got it in about 1981.

A M7 Priest is in the back in support.

Recon Jeeps

2011-08-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

The 3rd FoW purchase picked out by my son at Historicon. I need to add some white stars to the front armor plate.

Raccoons

2011-08-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

A band of Roudy Raccoons. I like the fish standard and the whicker shields. The guy with the hand crossbow and tricorne is a great figure too.

Mice

2011-08-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

Mighty Mouse warriors!

Came out better than I expected, the white with bright red and blue gives them a sharp look.

July 2011

2011-07-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

A strong finish and plenty of time off helped get in another good month. I met my goal of painting the Flames of War figures in the month they are purchased.

Also made good progress on the Splintered Lands figures (animals). I have 60 left and plan to finish them in next two months to bring that project to a close. I strongly recommend this line of figures from Splintered Light Miniatures...great for getting younger kids into the hobby. I will end up with one of each pose for the whole range.

I also spent way too much money on a huge order of 15mm WW II US infantry from several companies. I am going to take one of each pose from all the ranges and make a unique company for my son for use with Flying lead, NUTS!, and Force on Force. This will be a Christmas present that I hope he will remember for a long time to come. I want to have him game a campaign and give some consideration to each man.

JULY 2011 PAINTING---

African Militia: 28 points
Mice: 19 pts
Raccoons: 16 pts
US Ranger Plt: 30 pts
8x Recon Jeeps: 8 pts
1 x M7 Priest SPG: 1 pt

TOTAL: 102 points

August plans are to work the SL animals and my generic skirmish figures. I am committed to getting these two projects doen before starting anything else. Lots of nice new figures on the market but I need to hold off until Fall In at the earliest...that gives me 90 days to get some good work done.

On a side project, I want to get the fort I recieved for Christmas painted. Will go well with the animals and lots of other uses.

The Katzensteiin campaign will continue as well. I am sticking with Field of Battle rules but I want to try the Carnage and Glory II computer moderated rules for a game after seeing them in action at Historicon.

Winter Quarters

2011-07-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

A series of severe Winter storms in early December has convinced all parties to settle into quarters. The sting of the defeat at Furthing Ford begins to fade as the Katzain leaders review the overall strategic situation. The Katzain Naval Division remains at Merlichetic to aid on the defense of Hippo-Heimer. A brigade is also supporting a mixed group of Hippo-Heimer regulars and local militia in the defense of Curfu. The main body of the Katzain army is in quarters at Great Bluff with a large magazine under construction at Vavode. It is expected that the main thrust of the Katzain army will be aimed at the Poo-Boochen forces to the North-West while the remaining Northern Alliance forces continue to hold the line of the Bunting Canal in Northern Hippo-Heimer. LTG Von Struddel has directed a general reorganization of the Katzain intervention force while MG Grumm has been banished to organize the supplies at Vavode.

The rebellion in the Kingdom of Didd's colonies in Merika continues and will likely prevent any Didd intervention in the conflict.

Baron Von Stinken's "Legion of Peace" is centered around Gwernhoff with some elements continuing to harrass Hippo-Heimer forces along the Bunting canal. It is not know how long Von Stinken can hold the rebel forces together after his failure to capture Merlichetic and the heavy losses suffered in the eventual capture of Gwernhoff.

The Barony of Schluppity-Schlupp forces in The Grand Duchy of Hippo-Heimer have suffered heavy losses due to illness. The army is in quarters along with the rebel "Legion of Peace" centered around the newly captured town of Gwernhof.

The Barony of Gluppity-Glupp's exit from the conflict after the ill conceived plan to blockade the river was unexpected but certainly welcomed by the Norther Alliance. The Baron reportedly offered the head of his principal military advisor in exchange for the ability to resume trade along the Iller.

The Principality of Poo-Boochen forces in Southern Hippo-Heimer occupy the fort at Sevillia with an advanced post at Furthing. These forces have been reinforced during the Winter after the short lived negotiations in which Poo-Boochen sought to gain the hill country along the border.

The County of Keck has provided additional forces to assist in the defense of Hippo-Heimer. The Keck brigade is located at Merlichetic with additional light cavalry picketing the canal to the South.

The District of Doft has taken a decidedly pro-Hippo-Heimer stance in the conflict and thrown off the usually conservatism of Doft politics. The Doft contribution now consists of a regiment of dragoons and two regiments of infantry.

Beach Musings

2011-07-23T08:00:00.001-07:00

I am on vacation at the beach and have been thinking about how I came to this point in the wargaming hobby.

I started with miniatures when I was about seven or so. I had some sets of 40mm or so German and US figures...the "green army men" that many are familiar with. I soon graduated to 20mm Airfix and others and even found two boys from friends of the family to play with. We mostly used unpainted figures with a few haphazard attempts at getting some color on the figures. We made up our own rules and started in on vehicles as well (these we painted in all kinds of cammp). Most figures were WW II but we were happy to incude other periods. I remember having a force of Vietnam era US troops allied to my Afrika Korps Germans. I also remember having a STUG I painted and a German halftrack with rockets on the side plus several German armored cars. STUGs and ACs are still my favorites.

While writing this I vaguely remembered the older boy trying us out with some AWI horse and musket figures. We played our games on a sandtable my dad built in my basement (8'x4'). Lots of figures, lots of fun.

I graduated to computer wargames (played with the same guys) and figures fell by the wayside. I had a brief resurgence in my teens when I picked up some Napoleonic figures after reading Chandler's Campaigns of Napoleon. I made my first "imagi'nation" with Austrian infantry, Russian guns, and some French Cavalry.

Sadly all these figures are now gone (I have searched my parents basement several times) but the board from the sandtable is still there.

I refound miniatures while working on a computer game. I wanted to design and publish (have someone else program) a Napoleonic tactical wargame. It did not turn out how I expected, but I did get linked up with Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and through tme I have been a part of publishing several games. I recommend our relaunched version of Horse and Musket. While researching my game design, I found The Miniatures Page and bough many sets of rules.

The final straw was broken when I purchased a mass of plastic Napoleonic figures just before I went to Iraq in 2008. I had them all boxed up ready to be shipped my way when I found lots of 15mmm metal figures online. I made the switch and have been at it for almost three years.

The first unit I painted was Austrian infantry in helmet (in imagi-nation colors) just like I did 20 plus years ago with the plastics.

I listed to View From The Veranda podcast on the beach this week. Always a pleasure along with the Meeples and Miniatures podcast. I am also reading old issues of Miniature Wargaming, MWAN, and Wargames Digest that I picked up for $1 each at Historicon. Great fun.

Counter-attack at Furthing

2011-07-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

30 November: Poo-Bochen forces launched a dawn counter-attack against the Katzian division led by MG Grumm. The atatckers advanced from two directions along the riverbank to storm the town of Furthing Ford.

The Katzian forces are well deployed with strong reserves.

But the town is garrisoned by second line troops.

They manage to see off one attack.

But the defenders are sent fleeing by cannon fire and a rapid charge by a battalion of Jager using the riverbank as cover.

Unexpected reinforcements arrive.

Von Finklestein's brigade counter-attacks to regain the town.

As Poo-Boochen troops rush to cross the ford.

And win the race.

Von Finklestein's white coats suffer heavy casualties.

While Prinz Noah leads his remaining battalion in the attack.

The town is recaptured for a time.

The enemy first brigade retires in the face of cavalry pressure.

As the Dutter Dragoons clear the streets.

The battle hangs in the balance as the Poo-Boochen forces mass for a second attack.

Capturing the town for the second time.

MG Grumm orders his forces to retire in good order with a strong rear guard.

The enemy is content to occupy the town and declines to pursue.

A hard fought battle sees the better led Poo-Boochen forces take revenge for the defeat earlier in the month. MG Grumm's failure to post defenders on the North bank of the river proves to be pivitol.

The Katzian forces retreat through the day as snow begins to fall. Pausing for the night at a small village to care for the wounded, Grumm orders the retreat to continue in the morning.

LTG Von Stroodel meets the division when it arrives at the main camp. While the units are generally in good order, the heavy losses of the twin battles at Furthing Ford are evident especially in the ranks of Prinz Noah's ad hoc brigade.

MG Grumm's fate will have to wait until Spring as the Army of Katzenstein enters winter quarters.

Battle of Furthing Ford

2011-07-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

06 November---Suprised to find an enemy force deploying rapidly in front of his division, MG Grumm ordered the light cavalry brigade to delay the large opposing cavalry force in order to give his brigades to deploy on either side of the road with Prinz Noah's brigade in reserve.

The Katzian force advances unaware of the enemy force approaching from the West.

The open ground on the right would see a see-saw cavalry clash.

Poo-Bochen troops advance rapidly to seize the near hills and array their cavalry for battle on the left wing.

Two Katzian light cavalry regiments charge the three enemy regiments counting on quality making up for quantity.

The Valing Valley Chassuers would scatter the lancers after a fierce melee.

The Zook's Zouaves see off the first charge of the enemy Chasseurs.

A mix up in orders sees Colonel Von Finklestein's white coated brigade withdraw behind Prinz Noah's reserves.

Zook's Zouaves are routed and suffer severe losses to renewed enemy cavalry charges.

After sorting out the mixed up orders, Von Finklestein's brigade advances under heavy fire supported by a battery of guns.

The Vailing Valley Chasseurs retire to reform.

The Poo-Boochen center holds.

But the right wing collapses unexpectedly.

Prinz Noah leads his brigade against the weakened flank.

With their lines of communications under threat, the Poo-Boochen forces prepare to retire.

Heavy musket fire sees off the Poo-Boochen rear guard cavalry.

MG Grumm snatched victory from the jaws of defeat due to some superb work by the 6lb battery on the left flank and the bold advances by Colonel Von Finklestein and Prinz Noah. Each side suffered heavy cavalry losses and significant infantry casualties but each force also still had an unengaged brigade on the field.

The Poo-Boochen forces withdrew a few miles to regroup while MG Grumm ordered the Ooblek Sappers and Miners to begin fortifying the town by the ford.

It is reported that LTG Von Stroodel flew into a fit of rage when he found out Grumm had failed to push an advanced guard ahead of his division and almost suffered a major defeat. LTG Von Stroodel calmed down long enough to send a polite note to Colonel-Bishop Von Finklestein and another private message to Prinz Noah.

Mercenaries

2011-07-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

A force of mercenaries/contractors guarding a VIP. More figures for the Krasnovian Campaign.

Masked Gunmen

2011-07-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

Group of masked gunmen...good for several uses. Rebels, insurgents, terrorists...you name it.

African Militia

2011-07-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

A large force of African militia. Armed with RPGs and AK47s.

Weasels

2011-07-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

A new batch of figures for Song of the Splintered Lands. Weasels in action.

Father and Son Gaming

2011-07-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

Flames of War gaming with my son.

He destroyed my STUGs on their first outing.

A shirt he got me from the Phili Zoo.

A Memoir '44 game he is playing with a friend. Recruiting a new gamer!

More M'44 stuff in the game room.

Mid Year Review-2011

2011-07-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

Half the year has gone by and painting progress has been right on schedule.
J-72
F-196
M-111
A-85
M-89
J- 98

Total So Far: 671 points
I completed the Starmada project and the Katzenstein project. These join the completed Flames of War Project.

I am working through the Krasnovia project now and making progress on the Splintered Lands animals.

When these two are done this year, I will start on 3 other projects for 2012:
Ancients
Sci-Fi 15mm skirmish for Tomorrow's War and Flying Lead
Pirates

I have kept purchases generally undercontrol except for one large restock on bases from Litko. This included the bases for the Ancients project and magnetic bottoms for all my figures. I am planning to improve all my basing in 2012 and arrange better storage by placing the figures on steel sheet in the trays. Also bought some 15mm Sci Fi figures from Khurasan when I got some other figs. Saved on shipping this way.

Historicon is coming up on 8 July. I have some planned purchases but not too many figures. I will have significantly reduced my unpainted lead this year.

I have played a few games this year and the 2nd Imagi-nation campaign is moving along well. Need to get more games in. Rome:Total War and the new Memoir '44 Online have been major distractions from my gaming.

June 2011

2011-06-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

June has been a fair month. Finished the Starmada project and made some good progress on skirmish figures.

I am working on a mid-year review so more later.

June:
27 x African Military
38 x Fighters (Starmada)
12 x Masked Gunmen
21 x Mercenaries/contractors

Total: 98 points

I am working on some Weasels for Splintered Lands...then come Mice and Raccoons.
Also have African Militia in the que for July.

Fall Thaw

2011-06-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

06 November: After a few days of snow and freezing temperatures, a general thaw has set in. With the unexpectedly warm weather comes some unexpected decisions by the Commanding Generals.

LTG Von Stroodel has decided to send a division under MG Grumm to occupy the critical ford at Furthing Ford to the North before settling in to Winter quarters. This strong defensive position could protect the main army's advance in the Spring.

Unbeknownst to the Katzenstein Commander, Poo-Bochen has also sent a force to occupy the ford to pin the Katzian Army in the South.

After delays in organizing his forces and repeated requests for additional troops, MG Grumm's division marches North and arrives near Furthing Ford on the 16th.

The Katzian forces consist of:
Pamplemoose Pandours
Fuddle Fusiliers
Zooks Zouaves
Velites of the Guard (Prinz Noah)
Royal Bleu Border Constables
Ooblek Sappers and Miners
Saint Rose Musketeers
Saint Polycarp Musketeers
Saint Clement Musketeers
Valing Valley Chassuers
West Bunglefield Chevau-legers

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Will be playing the battle with the Field of Battle (Piquet) rules. I have a nice new set of the playing cards from Brent Oman. This will be the first outing for several of my units. I rolled up the commanders and unit stats over the weekend...the Katzian forces are in for a tough time with an Abysmal Commander facing a Superior enemy.

African Military

2011-06-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

A set of 27 generic African Military figures. These will be used in the Krasnovia campaign. Painted them with a reflective green base and iraqi sand camo.

Starmada #4 --- fighters

2011-06-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

The last of the spaceships. This completes the project. Finished these on Fathers Day, 19 June 2011.

I painted each flight a different color by type:
6 x Fighters
6 x Interceptors
4 x Attack Craft
2 x Shuttles
1 x Recon Craft

Starmada Fleet #3

2011-06-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

A mix of civilian ships.

Starmada Fleet #2

2011-06-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

The second fleet. Painted up for my son. I have to figure out how to use my camera!

Krasnovia

2011-06-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

I am planning some structure to my 15mm generic modern skirmish gaming.

I was inspired by several things such as:
A Very British Civil War
Twighlight:2000
AK-47
Lebanon
Yugoslavian Wars
Lybia
Somalia
Post WW I Europe

So The Republic of Krasnovia is born! The name comes from the fictitious nation used by the US Military to represent a Soviet trained army for use during training exercises. It featured heavily in training at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA.

My Krasnovia is a mess. Lots of political, ethnic, religious, and other factions fighting for control of key locations. Most are focused around the capital, but some others will be included.

I will have a latter post with some of the locations and factions. Your feedback is always welcome.
I am planning on a simple association map instead of any specific layout. Easier to track a campaign this way.

The rules will be Flying Lead (SOBH) for individuals and Force on Force for any squad/team engagements.

The figures will be 15mm from several sources:
Peter Pig
Rebel Minis
Khurasan
The Scene
Blaze Away
QRF
GZG

Some of these will do double duty in my future sci-fi plans.

Some of the key areas/buildings are listed below.
Any other suggestions?

Refugee Camp

Woods/forest/wildlife preserve

Highway

Canal

Bridge

Church

Mosque

Farms

Reservoir

Newspaper

Cemetery Hill

Radio Station

Water Plant

Airfield

City Hall

Armory

Rail Road

TV Station

Rail Station

Bank

Mint

Treasury

Post Office

Downtown (commercial district)

Hospital

Barracks

Tele-exchange

Police Station

Fire Station

Suburb

Power Plant

Nuclear Plant

Mill

Industrial Section (petro-chemical)

Harbor

Lighthouse

The main countries in the area are listed below:

Republic of Krasnovia:

Islamic Republic of Parumphistan: Eastern neighbor that is exporting a violent form of radical Islam.

Republic of Mohave: Southern neighbor controlled by a corrupt government beholden to powerful drug gangs.

Republic of Atlantica: This is a regional power to the North that is intervening in an attempt at peacekeeping/peacemaking.

Regional Cooperation Council:

United Nations Mission-Krasnovia: (Force K)

Some of the various factions fighting for control (generaly listed from the far right to the far left):

Krasnovian National Party:

People's Phalange:

Royal Army of the People: A group of nobles advocating for a return of the king as a figurehead for the oligarchy.

Christian Coalition of Krasnovia

King’s Grand Legion: A center-right group advocating for a return of the King in a constitutional monarchy with a strong senate. [This is my main faction]

Government of Krasnovia: This is a weak coalition government that is slowly fracturing.

Mohave Cartel

Parumphian Brotherhood

Krasnovian Workers’ Union

Central Committee of Krasnovian Communists

African Rabble

2011-06-05T13:52:00.000-07:00

Some well armed African militia. RPGs, MGs, AKs...good firepower. Will serve as another Krasnovian faction.

Russians

2011-06-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

A dozen figures for use in Krasnovia. These can be used for several factions.

Police, agents, and rioters

2011-06-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

Three groups of figures for skirmish use.

Starmada Fleet

2011-06-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

The first Starmada Fleet. The glare is bad in these shots...I have tried matte spray a few times but keep getting the white film. Two basees broke, need to replace them with metal stands.

They are placed on a Hotz mat...looks good. I have two mats to cover the whole table.

Two more half size fleets to paint plus fighters. I did not enjoy painting these but want to get these project finished and play a game.

Foxes

2011-06-01T13:30:00.000-07:00

A band of fox warriors for Song of Blades and Heroes.

May 2011

2011-05-31T14:49:00.000-07:00

Started off slow this month (again). Seems to be a trend. I started work on the spaceships for Starmada but struggled as I don't like painting vehilces. Took a break from them after the 1st batch and switched to more 15mm figures.

Spaceships: 34 points

Song of the Spintered Lands-
14 x foxes : 14 points

Skirmish Figures:
12 x Russians: 12 points
6 x Police: 6 pts
8 x FBI Agents: 8 pts
4 x Rioters: 4 pts
11 x Militia: 11 pts

TOTAL: 89 points

I have 2 more batches of spaceships, 3 groups of SSL animals, and 4 groups of skirmish figures primed.

My June plan is to finish at least one groups of ships, one of the animal groups, and then some skirmish figures. This may help keep me motivated by mixing it up.

I got in one more battle for the Imagi-nation campaign this month and I took over the finished portion of the basement as the game room.

Rules

2011-05-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have been collecting and reading lots of rules the past few years but I think I am settling into what I want for each period/genre. I originally thought I wanted lots of detail, but in practical application, it just does not seem feasible.

ImagiNation (Horse and Musket): Field of Battle
---Blackpowder and Carnage and Glory II are contenders.

Individual Skirmish: Flying Lead and the rest of the Songs of Blades and Hereos series

Squad/Team Skirmish: Force on Force and Tomorrow's War for Sci Fi

WWII: Flames of War

Ancients: Clash of Empires
---Hail Ceasar and Piquet are options

Space Ships: Starmada

Pirates: TBD (most likely SOBH variant)

Wild West: TBD (most likely SOBH variant)

Imagi-nation army

2011-05-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

A few pictures of the Army of Katzenstein.

I have ordered magnetic bases so I can work a better storage system.

Next year I will terrain the bases and look at expanding the army.

Campaign Progress

2011-05-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

15 October- Katzian forces re-open the Iller to traffic after capturing the Glupp battery at the Battle of South Bend.

17 October- Katzian forces lift the siege of Curfu by winning a narrow victory against Poo-Boochen troops at the Battle of Sander's Fork. MG McPhail has commuted the sentances of six members of the Dookle's Deserter Battalion for their valiant service in the recent battle. He also promoted two cadets from the Roover River Academy to replace officer's lost in the Bumm Ridge Flanquers.

20 October- Breaking the string of Alliance victories, Schlupp troops and their allied Hippo-Heimer rebels manauver around the Hippo-Heimer forces near Gwerhof. The Hippo-Heimer forces retreat in good order during the night and march to take up positions on the East bank of the grand canal.

26 October- LTG Von Stroodel sends a small force to occupy the hill town of Potterford in anticipation of a general advance North into Hippo-Heimer.

01 November- The first snow of the year greets the forces fighting in Hippo-Heimer.The sudden storm dumps almost a foot of snow on the land to add to the misery of the campaigning troops and the war weary Hippo-Heimer population. The Spring floods and the disruption to the Fall harvests are sure to make for a long Winter. The engaged forces must now decide to continue the campaign in the freezing weather or to seek Winter quarters.

Battle of Sander's Fork

2011-05-21T18:50:00.000-07:00

17 October- A Katzian Division led by MG McPhail advanced to raise the siege at Curfu meeting Poo-Boochen forces for the first time. The Katzian forces consisted of:

BG Cubbins
7- Mount Crumpit Geibergs Regiment
8- Zoomba-Na-Tant Geibergs Regiment
9- Mount Zorn Geibergs Regiment
Mountain Artillery Battery

BG Van Itch
17- Herk-Heimer Fusilier Regiment
18- Terwilliger Tirailleur Regiment
29- Tobsk Tribe Regiment

COL Chan
20- Bumm Ridge Flanquer Regiment
39- Dookles Deserter Battalion
40- Roover River Cadet Ranger Regiment

COL Sanders
14- Lorax Lancers
15- Jivvanese Jagers zu Pferde

Katzian division moves to break the siege.

Poo-Boochen advanced post at the fork in the road.

Line troops with light infantry in the near by woods.

The mountain brigade and cavalry rapidly advance around the flank.

The situation looks grim for the defenders with Katzian cavalry cutting the road.

The storm is about to break on the defenders.

Jivvanese mounted jaeger's fail to close with enemy troops advancing in column.

Lorax Lancers charge impetously and sweep a defending battalion from the field...and pursue them off into the distance.

The light brigade and the reserve brigade their launch attacks after the Bumm Ridge Flanquers screen the attack and suffer heavy losses.

Roover River Cadets earn battle honors by routing their foe.

Dookels Deserter Battalion shrugs off heavy losses to seize the post house.

After an hour of close combat in the dense thicket north of the pond, the light troops finally route the enemy.

The leaderless Lancers continue the pursuit after Colonel Sanders falls.

A seemingly easy victory begins to slip from MG McPhail's grasp as enemy reinforcements arrive on the flank.

The light brigade begins to reorganize in the woods.

After the mountain artilley battery is smashed attempting to unlimber, BG Cubbins launches his brigade in an attack.

The Lorax Lancers finally regroup and return to the field of battle.

Dookel's see off a last ditch attack in the center.

While the enemy cavalry charge faced a wall of musket fire with expert shooting by the Tobsk Tribe.

The Mountain Brigade overruns the enemy guns forcing the Poo-Boochen commander to order a retreat.

McPhail lets the enemy retreat while he takes control of the field.

The 3rd battle of the campaign is on the books. Started out to be a quick Katzian victory with double move cards allowing the left flank forces to swing into the enemy rear. Things changed mid-stream with the arrival of Poo-Boochen reinforcements that caught the Katzian artilley limbered. Unable to respond to the artillery fire, things looked bleak for MG McPhail. BG Cunnins took it upon himself to save his honor after lossing his guns and launched a full brigade attack. This succeeded beyond expectations just as the enemy cavalry shattered themselves on the opposite side of the field.

After being down to -1 Morale Points, the pendulum swung back to end with a +5 to -7 Katzian advantage. MG McPhail made up for his earlier poor performance by keeping his troops on the field (passed two Army Morale Tests) until the enemy failed theirs by 10.

Imagi-nation army update

2011-05-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

My imagi-nation army is close to maturity. I am calling this Phase I as I do have some items I want to add over time, but they will come along slowly and after I finish some other projects.

Infantry: (60) x 12 figure regiments

Cavalry: (20) x 8 figure regiments

Artillery: (5) x 8 figure/2 gun batteries --- plus (22) extra guns

Leaders: (32) mounted and (15) dismounted officers and personalities

Trains: (4) Casissons, (3) wagons, (4) limbers, (2) ambulances

--------------

Future Plans

--------------
Infantry: (20) more regiments

- Use names from US MoH winners

- units from colonies in India, Africa, and Asia

- staff fusiliers and artillery fusiliers

- black hat egypt campaign

- The Duchess of Barkley's Own Light Infantry, Viva Voltiguers

- Foxin-Soxe

- Hortin-Heersahoo

Cavalry: (8) more regiments

- Doft Dragoons, Keck Kurrassiers, Herk-Heimer Hussars, Ish Irregulars, colonial light cavalry, camel corps, staff dragoons

Artillery: (56) figures and 4 guns
- enough figures for 5 more batteries plus 2 colonial batteries

Leaders: as needed and if I see something that strikes me

Trains: same

Civilians: bunch on hand that can be painted over time...also used with Pirates

Game Room

2011-05-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

With the grudging approval of the Countessa Genessa, I have moved the game room from the back unfinished part of the basement to the finished portion.

Closet shelf units are a plus along with better light and environmental conditions.

I have a painting area, the main table, plus 3 other tables...small games, Memior '44, and a spare.

April 2011

2011-05-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

Slow start on painting this month as I was not very motivated to paint my baggage train (hate painting horses). Got them done by the end of the month.

Imagi-Nation:
(2) ambulances, (4) limbers, (4) caissons, (3) wagons: 13 points
(17) figures for the baggage train: 17 points
(55) horses for the baggage train: 55 points

TOTAL: 85 points

The Imagi-Nation Project Phase I is complete! Will take a break from it for the rest of the year and re-evaluate early in 2012.

Gaming --- Great month for gaming
-Flying Lead game
-1st and 2nd games in the Imagi-nation campaign
-Flames of War battle

May Plans:
1) Space Ships
2) Splintered Lands figures...4 groups primed
Want to get these done over next two months and move onto finishing my modern skirmish figures in June.

Fighting the urge to paint my ancients. Been reading Simmon Scarrow's "Centurian" series and started playing Rome: Total War on the PC.

Some pictures from the Flying Lead game with my son. He was on the objective (retrieving the oil drums) but ran his HMMWV up to fast and crashed. I then took the building a slaughtered the crew plus retreating fire team. Called it at that point and set up a new game.

Objective in the building with the smokestack.

All female fire team moves up.

The fateful HMMWV acceleration.

A new set up for the next battle.

I have the main table 6'x8' in the back room (unfinished) of the basement, but set up a table in the finished portion for games and a second table for Memior 44.

Baggage Train

2011-04-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

The baggage train is done. Caissons, limbers, wagons, ambulances, pack mules, and the Royal Medical Corps.

Battle of South Bend

2011-04-23T17:56:00.000-07:00

15 October: Katzian forces based out of the District of Doft have won a hard fought victory against the forces of teh Barony of Gluppity-Glupp. The Katzian marine and naval forces, reinforced by some second line units, landed at the small village of South Bend and advanced on the Glupp battery blocking movement along the river.

One brigade of gg troops advanced rapidly to meet the Katzian Marines moving along the river. After severl volleys and some close quarters combat, Commadore Nizzond's Privateers charged the enemy to route a battalion. His blood thirsty troops advanced to the stream after taking the battalion's colors and destroying the unit.

Meanwhile, the second Katzain brigade moved to out flank the defenders but were met by redeploying Glupp troops. The Katzain troops slowly squeezed the defenders back towards the redoubt but suffered heavy casualties along the way.

The issue was in doubt until the end [both sides at 0 Morale Points] when the Floobertown Fencibles completed the encirclement of the defenses just as the gg commander fell in a devestating volley delivered by the Guarda de Costa. The Glupp forces broke en mass and threw down their arms.

The exhausted Katzian forces rounded up the prisoners and took charge of the battery. The River Iller was once again open to traffic as Admiral Buxbaum's depleted force sailed West on the 17th. The Northern Alliance could head into winter knowing Merlichetic would hold.

The Katzian landing force consisted of:

Admiral Buxbaum, Lake Winna Bango Squadron
COL Snape (Oif Prov. Marines)
10- Oif Provisional Marine Regiment
11- Lake Winna Bongo Provisional Marine Regiment
48- Nizzonds Volunteer Privateer Regiment

COL Beetle (Flobbertown Fencibles)
12- Provisional Naval Landing Party

47- Gee Hossa Ehat Guarda de Costa Regiment
36- Flobbertown Veteran Fencible Regiment
43- Garbledrum Garrison Regiment

The enemy forces consisted of six battalions of infantry. The guns played no part in the battle.

Village of South Bend on the right.

A mixed bag of troops scrounged for the landing.

The Glupp river battery.

Glupp forces advanced quickly to halt the Marines.

Colonel Beetle leads the flank march.

Nizzond's roudy bunch break the first line.

Halted by fire from the far bank.

The flank attack is met by heavy fire.

The Marines try again.

Slowly squeezing the perimeter.

Glupp troops repeatedly force the attackers back down the hill.

The fatal moment!

Glupp forces surrender en mass.

This is my second battle using the Piquet Field of Battle rules. A few mistakes, but I'll call that fog of war. This battle could have gone against Katzenstein...I was thinking of how that would effect the campaign when I rolled a 1 to kill the enemy commander. a Morale Test then followed and it spelled disaster for the defenders that had caused much heavier casualties to that point.

First Step - Clone Army

2011-04-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

All who post a comment on this post have earned the Elite ARF Trooper Medal.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My son has started building a Clone Trooper army using Lego minifigs. The first batch are below from the Clone Trooper Battle Pack.

4 Trooper and Jedi

Bomb Squad Trooper with sniper rifle

BARC Speeder

Campaign Continues

2011-04-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

4 October: The opposing forces are stalmated around Merlichetic with the Legion regrouping to the West and the Alliance forces improving the defenses around the town. Both are two weak to conduct an attack and must await further developments. BG Van Nuys is recouperating under the care of the buxom daughter of the mayor.

9 October: The rebels in Gwerhof continue to hold off the Hippo-Heimer forces in anticipation of the arrival of Schluppity-Schlupp forces from the North. The Schlupp corps advances slowly concerned about the situation around Merlichetic.

11 October: Katzian forces in the South are massing for a march to help their allies. One division is enroute to lift the seige at Corfu. Maintaining the fort at Corfu will be a thorn in the Poo-Bochen side and pin their forces near the border.

15 October: In an aggressive move, Katzian troops have landed along the Hippo-Heimer river bank and are advancing to remove the gg troops that have been blocking the river. A victory would reopen traffic on teh river and allow reinforcements to flow into Merlichetic.

The forces landed to attack the blockade force consists of:

Admiral Buxbaum, Lake Winna Bango Squadron-

10- Oif Provisional Marine Regiment

11- Lake Winna Bongo Provisional Marine Regiment

12- Provisional Naval Landing Party

47- Gee Hossa Ehat Guarda de Costa Regiment

48- Nizzonds Volunteer Privateer Regiment

36- Flobbertown Veteran Fencible Regiment

43- Garbledrum Garrison Regiment

1st Flames of War battle

2011-04-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

My son and I played our first game of Flames of War using the figures I bought at Historicon 2010 and finished painting in November 2010. We used the same general set up from the imagi-nation game I just finished.

I made this a simple encounter battle with 3 infantry platoons per side.

I drew first blood destroying a Ranger team and damaging my son's morale. I don't go for the kill on him, but I don't let him win all the time either.

We made some mistakes and started to get a good feel for the rules towards the end. I can't say I like the rules very much but they are fairly easy and fast playing...two valauble attributes when initiating a new wargamer.

I think back to my days playing on a sand table with 1/72 plastic figures using homemade rules...I wish I had known more about wargaming back then (I would have loved Charge!) and I would have been in heaven with the Flames of War troops.

Piquet: Field of Battle notes for Merlichetic

2011-04-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

For those interested (or not!) in the Field of Battle rules, you can see my notes below. I kept detailed notes so I could write the AAR and to help learn the game. I foudn where I made several mistakes and where I lost track of cards...fog of war helped by the occasional intervention of a nine year old boy.

This is a long post and those unfamiliar with the rules should not be put off...this kind of record keeping is not required and any errors are mine alone.
--------------------------
NORTHERN ALLIANCE FORCES

MG Krox: 10d, abysmal sequence deck

BG O'Dell: 12d+1

- Sneeches Seminary Regiment: 8d/4d, Raw

- McElliot's Kreikorps: 10d/4d, Rabble

- Hartuh Mawtch Musketeer Regiment: 10d/6d, Regular

- Poozer Pioneers: 10d/8d, Crack

- Hippo-Heimer Fusiliers: 10d/6d, Regular

- 6th Light Field Battery (6lb): 8d/6d, Regular

BG Van Nuys: 8d

- Vavoode Voltiguers: 10d/6d, Regular

- Hippo-Heimer Musketeers: 10d/6d, Regular

- Boober Bay Uhlans: 8d/6d, regular (poor roll on these guys!)

- Hippo-Heimer Dragoons: 12d+1/6d, Regular

Morale Points: 10 (ended with 3)

COALITION FORCES

Marshal Verdun: 12d+1, average sequence deck (this 12+1 would enable them to

survive several morale rolls)

Commander Frist: 10d

- 1st Legion: 10d/4d, Raw

- 2nd Legion: 10d/4d, Raw

- 3rd Legion: 10d/4d, Raw

- 4th Legion: 8d/4d, Raw

- Foot Battery (6lb): 10d/6d, Regular

General De Juer: 10d

- Finnegan Foresters: 8d/6d, Regular

- Hurst Highlanders: 12d/6d, Regular

- Lincoln Light Infantry: 10d/6d, Regular

General La Blanc: 8d

- Britannia Infantry: 8d/4d, Raw

- Luddite Light Infantry: 10d/4d, Raw

- Ribal Dragoons: 8d/6d, Regular

- Grover Dragoons: 12d/6d, Regular

Morale Points: 12 (<0 at end)

TURN 1

INITIATIVE 1

- 13 vs 10: <3 (the 1st # will be the Coalition, 2nd is the Alliance; <>

symbols indicate who goes 1st

C3

-Move: general advance by all units

-Infantry Fire: none

-Lull: < (this means they kept the initiative)

A3

-Tactical Advantage

-Leadership: 1st draw indicated a message was sent to the camp (Van Nuys'

Brigade)

-Lull: < (indicates the initiate switched to the Coalition)

-C, Maneuver: adjust attack columns

INITIATIVE 2

- 13 vs 5: <8 (I think I should have only made this a 12...have to check the

rules)

C8

-Manouver:

-Tactical Advantage:

-Movement: cavalry move to the 2nd bridge and prepare to charge

-----FIRE: Sneeches fire on advancing Highlanders...6d v 12d: 6 vs 3, no

effect!

--- Might be trouble defending the redoubt

-----FIRE: McElliot fire on 3rd Legion as they storm the hill...4d v 12+1: 3 v

12, 3 UI lost and rout

--- Great volley by this undisciplined unit

-Artillery Fire: none

-Melee: 2 battalions melee McElliot Freikorp (one forced to retreat by fire)

on the hill, 12+1 v 12 = 8 v 2; 2 UI lost and route!

-Leadership: rally 1 UI from 3rd Legion

-Army Morale: none

-Lull: <

-Infantry Fire: they advance without firing

--- Just realized I pulled 9 cards! Fog of War!

A8

-Lull: <

-C, Army Morale

-Tactical Advantage

-Lull: >

-Infantry Fire: see the results above...used this card to "reload"

-Maneuver:

-Lull: <

-C, Move (odd die roll so the cavalry could not use this to charge across the

bridge...key event in that area

-Artillery Fire: Battery fires on advancing 1st Legion, 4dv12+1: 4v11, 2

UIlost; this would allow McElliot to escape

---Only pulled 7 cards...must have pulled one from the other deck above!

INITIATIVE 3

- 9 vs 1 = <8

C8

-Army Morale

-Leadership

-Infantry Fire: still advancing with the bayonet

-Melee

-Tactical Advantage

-Artillery Reload: the battery is not set yet

-Leadership: rally 1st Legion and bring 3rd Legion back in command

-Move 1 Command: center brigade moves to surround Sneeches at the redoubt

-Lull: >

-A, not sure what I pulled???

---Looks like I miss-counted again!

A8

-Melee

-Move 1 Command: BG O'Dell orders the Sneeches Seminary Regiment to retreat

from the redoubt while McElliot's Regiment flee through the town and over the

bridge

---FIRE: Hippor-Heimer troops advance from the town and fire a volley at 4th

Legion; 4 v 12+2: 3 v 8; 1 UI and fall back

-Army Morale:

-Move:

-Lull: <

-C, Melee

-Move: Poozer Pioneers cross to the West back and deploy in line to protect

the Southern flank by the flooded ground

-Leadership: 2nd card...message arrives ordering Van Nuys to break camp and

defend the canal bridge

INITIATIVE 4

-4 v 10: >6

A6

-Artillery Fire: fire on the Legions advancing over the hill

-Artillery Fire: blast them again

-Infantry Fire: defenders reload and prepare for the onslaught

-Melee

-Lull:>

-Infantry Fire:

C6

-Lull:<

-Artillery Fire

-----------------------Last card in the deck, end of turn

TURN 2

INITIATIVE 1

- rolls gave 3 to Coalition

C3

-Leadership

-Movement: Dragoons charge Vavoode Regiment at the bridge---Vavoode fire but

no effect and are then forced back 2"

-Tactical Advantage

A3

-Movement: BG Van Nuys' troops rush to the bridge with the Uhlans in the lead

-Lull: >

-Movement: Vavoode fall back to allow Boober Bay Uhlans to change (used a Tac

Adv card) the enemy Dragoons

---Melee: 8d v 10d, 1 v 10= 3 UI lost, Dragoons lose their colors to the

Uhlans and their army drops to 0 Morale Points; BG Van Nuys falls during the

fight and is carried from the field [rolled a 1 on d12 on my next Army Morale

card]

INITIATIVE 2

- 6 vs 10: >4

A4

-Infantry Fire: Hippo-Heimer troops force the attacking 4th Legion to fall

back again along the river bank

-Melee

-Leadership

-Lull: <

-C, Move 1 Command: 2nd Dragoon Regiment counter-attack the Uhlans to try to

gain the bridge; Uhlans route them back across [they route out of range and

are done for the battle; Boober Bay Uhlans have broken two cavalry regiments!]

C4

-Artillery Fire

-Infantry Fire

-Leadership

-Army Morale: with units routing and at 0 Morale Points, they must test: 12 vs

2...pass easily...good commander!

INITIATIVE 3

- 9 v 4 = <5

C5

-Lull: >

-A, Artillery Fire

-Move: Legion battalions overrun the artillery defending the town but suffer fire from Poozer Pioneers. 4th Legion forces Hippo-Heimer Fusiliers to fall back to the town.

-Lull: <

-Artillery Fire:

-Lull: <

A5

-Leadership: O'Dell lets McElliot's troops continue to route and he heads back to the battle line.

-Army Morale: this is when I rolled the 1 on 12d to lose Van Nuys.

-Maneuver

-Army Morale

-Artillery Fire: nothing to fire after losing the guns!

INITIATIVE 4

-11 vs 10 = <1

C1

-Infantry Fire

A1

-Artillery Fire

INITIATIVE 5

-8 vs 3 = <5

C5

-Move

-Leadership

-Infantry Fire

-Maneuver

-Melee: 4th Legion routs the Hippo-Heimer Fusiliers; the town is in jeopardy

A5

- Hartuh Mawtch Musketeer Regiment fires and routes #2nd Legion to recapture the guns

-Lull: <

-C, Melee

-Lull: <

-C, Artillery Fire

-Melee

-Army Morale

-Move

INITIATIVE 6

- 12 vs 9 = <3

C3

-Army Morale : 9 vs 6...no effect

-Melee

-Maneuver

A3

-Tactical Advantage

-Infantry Fire

-Move 1 Command

------------------------------

TURN 3

INITIATIVE 1

-3 vs 8= >5

A5

-Lull: >

-Lull: >

-Lull: <

-C, Army Morale: 11 vs 7, still hanging on!

-Infantry Fire: Hartuh Mawtch Musketeer Regiment and Poozer Pioneers destroy 2nd Legion!

-Artillery Fire

C5

-Leadership

-Tactical Advantage

-Movement: 4th Legion continues to storm the town and forces Sneeches back.

-Tactical Advantage

-Army Morale: 11 vs 11!

INITIATIVE 2

-6 vs 3 = <3

C3

-Artillery Fire

-Melee

-Leadership

A3

-Lull:>

-Army Morle

-Movement: Sneeches charge and route 4th Legion to re-secure the defense line

INITIATIVE 3

- 11 - 7 = <4

C4

-Maneuver

-Melee

-Melee

-Move 1 Command

A4

-Infantry Fire

-Tactical Advantage

-Tactical Advantage

-Move: Hartuh Mawtch Musketeer Regiment advances and fires; General De Jeur is killed stopping the last major Coalition attack

INITIATIVE 4

-11 - 6 = <5

C5

-Army Morale: 1st brigade (Legion troops) breaks and begins to fall back after having come so close to taking the town. Heavy losses combined with the inexperience of the troops is too much.

-Lull: >

-A, Melee

-Move: 3rd Brigade falls back to cover the flank

-Infantry Fire

-Move

A5

-Lull: >

-Artillery Fire

-Lull: >

-Melee:

-Army Morale

INITIATIVE 5

-10 - 5 = <5

C5

-Army Morale

-Leadership

-Lull: >

-A, Move

-Lull: >

-A, Move

-Lull: <

A5

-Army Morale: Van Nuys' command is still leaderless and unable to exploit success

-Maneuver

-Infantry Fire

-Melee

-Leadership: Colonel Von Grouchy from the Hippo-Heimer Dragoons takes command of the 2nd brigade

INITIATIVE 6

- 5 - 4 = <1

C1

-Artillery Fire

A1

-No action ---- Coalition forces withdraw in good order without pursuit

Battle of Merlichetic

2011-04-06T08:22:00.000-07:00

I used the Piquet: Field of Battle rules for the game. I started by randomly assigning the leadership values. This gave a significant advantage to the Coalition forces as they had a 12+1 leader and an Average sequence deck vs the Katzian 10 leader with an abysmal deck. Additionally, several unit characterization roles went against the Katzians. (more on this in the next post)

The Order of Battle:
NORTHERN ALLIANCE FORCES

MG Krox: 10d, abysmal sequence deck

BG O'Dell: 12d+1

- Sneeches Seminary Regiment: 8d/4d, Raw

- McElliot's Kreikorps: 10d/4d, Rabble

- Hartuh Mawtch Musketeer Regiment: 10d/6d, Regular

- Poozer Pioneers: 10d/8d, Crack

- Hippo-Heimer Fusiliers: 10d/6d, Regular

- 6th Light Field Battery (6lb): 8d/6d, Regular

BG Van Nuys: 8d

- Vavoode Voltiguers: 10d/6d, Regular

- Hippo-Heimer Musketeers: 10d/6d, Regular

- Boober Bay Uhlans: 8d/6d, regular (poor roll on these guys!)

- Hippo-Heimer Dragoons: 12d+1/6d, Regular

Morale Points: 10 (ended with 3)

COALITION FORCES

Marshal Verdun: 12d+1, average sequence deck (this 12+1 would enable them to survive several morale rolls)

Commander Frist: 10d

- 1st Legion: 10d/4d, Raw

- 2nd Legion: 10d/4d, Raw

- 3rd Legion: 10d/4d, Raw

- 4th Legion: 8d/4d, Raw

- Foot Battery (6lb): 10d/6d, Regular

General De Juer: 10d

- Finnegan Foresters: 8d/6d, Regular

- Hurst Highlanders: 12d/6d, Regular

- Lincoln Light Infantry: 10d/6d, Regular

General La Blanc: 8d

- Britannia Infantry: 8d/4d, Raw

- Luddite Light Infantry: 10d/4d, Raw

- Ribal Dragoons: 8d/6d, Regular

- Grover Dragoons: 12d/6d, Regular

Morale Points: 12 (<0 at end)

I used my new terrain markers for the game and the dry-erase board on the wall came in very handy.

This was a fun battle. The rules supported a narrative style and were great for solo play. Each side had a general plan and when in doubt, I refered back to the plan to make decisions.

I have a short summary below with pictures. I will also post the notes I kept for every card turned in a later post.
------------------------

3rd of October-
The dawn fog has just started to burn away when the columns of advancing infantry can be seen heading West out of the flooded lands around Merlichetic. The Alliance forces are set up to defend the town with the Sneeches Seminary Regiment occupying a redoubt on the windmill hill and McElliot's Friekorps defending a low hill just North of the East-West road. MG Krox has posted his battery of guns astride the road just on the outskirts of the town supported by the Hartuh Mawtch Musketeer Regiment. The Poozer Pioneers are on the far end of the town and the Hippo-Heimer Fusiliers are in local reserve.

Further South, the Vavode Voltigeur Regiment defend the bridge over the canal [the only crossing point in five miles other than the town]. The Boober Bay Uhlans, Hippo-Heimer Musketeers, and the H-H Murky Dragoons are encamped at the village of Grenoble to the West of the bridge.

The oncoming Coalition troops were grouped in three columns. The Northern most consisted of four battalions of rebel Hippo-Heimer infantry. They were headed straight for the defending Friekorps with three battalions attacking the hill while one moved along the river bank. The central column headed for the windmill hill as the second element of the attack on Merlichetic. The Southern force consisted of two battalions of infantry and two small cavalry regiments. This force headed for the bridge.

The Coalition forces succeded in taking the two hills quickly and began attacks on the main defenses after almost surrounding the Sneeches Regiment and causing McElliot's Freikorp to route. These undisciplined troops did manage to get off one good volley and defeat the firts attacking battalion.

The Coalition 2nd Brigade would fail to force their attack as they looked for passages through the flooded fields. This left the Legion Brigade to attack into the face of the defending troops reinforced by a battery of 6lb guns. Despite heavy losses, the Legion troops almost succeeded in taking the town; their morale gave out after two battalions reached the town but could not dislodge the last Katzian battalion. The failure of the 2nd brigade to support the Legion advance is sure to be a hot topic in the Coalition camp...somewhat molified by the death of General De Jeur reportedly by drowning in the flooded fields.

The Coalition atatck on the bridge began well with a rapid advance and the cavalry even made it across but were caught by a counter charge by the Boober Bay Uhlans. The Uhlans destroyed one regiment and routed another but suffred the loss of BG Van Nuys to a saber wound to the head. He is seriously injured and recovering at the nearby convent. The General's loss did sow confusion in the brigade and they missed a chance to pursure the enemy and turn a tactical victory into an operational route.

A new day sees The Kingdom of Katzenstein again at war. MG Krox's forces are reinforcing the defenses around Merlichetic with the help of some Hippo militia and the local townsmen. He has posted piquets on all approaches and send the Boober Bay Uhlans with the Vavoode Voltigeurs to observe the Coalition Camp.

At the Coalition Camp, Marshal Verdun is building his own fortifications centered on a small redoubt covering the ford. The Legion troops are reorganizing after suffering grevious losses, but morale is still high. The loss of his cavalry puts the Marshal in a foul mood and he is relying on spys to report on the goings on in Merlichetic.

The battlefield from the Alliance side

Troops camped nearby

Vavoode Voltigues defend the bridge

Sneeches Seminary Regiment defend the redoubt in front of the town

McElliot's Freikorps on the next hill

Dawn sees the enemy advancing from the woods

And the Legion advancing along the road and riverbank

The defenders fire with little effect

Sneeches did not wait for the whites of their eyes

McElliot's troops route

4th Legion attack along the riverbank; they would reach the town after being repules several times

Coalition cavalry prepare to charge

1st line is broken

McElliot's troops prove unralliable

The defenders pour on the musketry

Vavoode Voltigues fail to stop the charge with fire

And are pushed back but not broken

Saving time for reinforcements to arrive

Boober Bay Uhlans charge!

Destroying the enemy dragoons!

And routing the 2nd cavalry regiment; this stopped the enmy flank attack

Another Legion assualt

4th Legion routes the Hippo-Heimer infantry and almost take the town

Katzian troops advance and catch the 2nd Coalition brigade as it finaly clears the flooded field

The Sneeches Seminary Regiment prove their bayonets are sharp by routing the 4th Legion

The Legion retreats to fight another day

Covered by the remaining troops of the 2nd and 3rd brigades

Alliance forces reform the line

And defend the canal bridge

------

March 2011

2011-03-31T15:05:00.000-07:00

A very good painting month. I was motivated to finish the imagi-nation units and to attend Cold Wars.

Imagi-Nation:
1 x 8 figure cavalry unit: 16 pts
4 x 12 figure infantry units: 48 pts
20 x generals and personalities: 35 pts

Other:
2 x HMMWVs: 2 pts
100 x game markers: 10 pts

TOTAL: 111 points

I have also primed and started on the limbers, caissons, and wagons for the baggage train. Target is to finish it in April. Painted the crew for this equipment too.

I have the 1st battle of the next campaign on the table...need to get moving. I am using the Piquet: Field of Battle rules for this...have played about half way through the battle so far.

Katzian Forces

2011-03-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

King Yurtle has directed that the Katzain Army be mobilized and disposed as follows-

IN MERLICHETIC:
Major General Carmichael Krox-

Brigadier General Alexander Van Nuys-

Colonel Conrad Cornelius O’Donald O’Dell-

14- Hartuh Mawtch Musketeer Regiment

19- Vavode Voltigeur Regiment

28- McElliot's Friekorps

41- Sneeches Seminary Regiment

44- Poozers Pioneer Regiment

11- Boober Bay Uhlans

IN DOFT:
Admiral Buxbaum, Lake Winna Bango Squadron-
10- Oif Provisional Marine Regiment

11- Lake Winna Bongo Provisional Marine Regiment

12- Provisional Naval Landing Party

47- Gee Hossa Ehat Guarda de Costa Regiment

48- Nizzonds Volunteer Privateer Regiment

CURFU FORCE:
Major General Angus McPhail-
Brigadier General Bart Cubbins-

Brigadier General Michael Van Itch-

7- Mount Crumpit Geibergs Regiment

8- Zoomba-Na-Tant Geibergs Regiment

9- Mount Zorn Geibergs Regiment

17- Herk-Heimer Fusilier Regiment

18- Terwilliger Tirailleur Regiment

20- Bumm Ridge Flanquer Regiment

29- Tobsk Tribe Regiment

14- Lorax Lancers

15- Jivvanese Jagers zu Pferde

FORT AT HIGH BLUFF (just inside Hippo-Heimer):
Brigadier General Herby Hart-

21- Fopswich Flanquer Regiment

39- Dookles Deserter Battalion

40- Roover River Cadet Ranger Regiment

42- Grinch Garrison Regiment

UNCOMMITTED FORCES:
32- Mulberry Militia Regiment
35- Yupster Yeomanry Regiment

36- Flobbertown Veteran Fencible Regiment

37- Royal Rouge Customs Constable Regiment

38- Royal Bleu Border Constable Regiment

43- Garbledrum Garrison Regiment

51- Colonial Regiment

52- Colonial Regiment

53- Colonial Regiment

54- Colonial Regiment

55- Colonial Regiment

56- Colonial Regiment

MAIN ARMY:
Lieutenant General Herman Von Stroodel
Major General Gregory Grumm-

Major General Johan Van Fleck-

1- Garde du Korps

2- Cavalrie Regiment de Pupilles

3- Zweiback Garde du Honneur

4- Krock Kavern Kurassiers

5- Krupp Kurassiers

6- Culpepper Carabiniers

7- Vail Valley Dragoons

8- Wah Hoo Hussars

9- Hinkle Horn Hussars

10- Hippono-Hungus Hussars

12- Prax Praire Cossacks

13- Drize Loyal Mamelukes

16- Ronk Ruin Rough Riders

17- Valing Valley Chassuers a Chevel

18- West Bunglefield Chevau-legers

19- Dutter Dragoons

20- Cattin-Hatt Currassiers

1- Liebgarde Grenadier Regiment

2- Countessa Genessa Foot Velite de Garde Regiment

3- Prince Noah Petite Garde Regiment

4- Eiffelberg Grenadier Regiment

5- Gekko Grotto Grenadier Regiment

6- Gwark Isle Grenadier Regiment

13- Whoville Volunteer Musketeer Regiment

15- Hifferback Highland Regiment

16- Loyal Legion of Estrangers

22- Salamasond Shutzen Regiment

23- Finnigen Fen Feld-Jager Regiment

24- Jorn Jungle Jager Regiment

25- Zind Janissierie Regiment

26- Nantaket Wilds Border Regiment

27- Pomplemoose Pass Pandour Regiment

30- Boola Boo Ball Landwehr Regiment

31- Bunglebug Bridge Landwehr Regiment

33- Mercedd Militia Regiment

34- Yerka Isle Yeomanry Regiment

45- Zooks Zouaves Regiment

46- Fuddle Fusilier Regiment

49- His Majesty's Native Infantry, Metedeconk

50- His Majesty's Native Infantry, Manasquan

57- Ooblek Sappers and Miners

58- Saint Clement Musketeers

59- Saint Polycarp Musketeers

60- Saint Rose Musketeers

Great Northern War

2011-03-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

The onset of hostilities in the north pits three groups of antaganists in combat.

The Northern Alliance consists of:
Kingdom of Katzenstein

Grand Duchy of Hippo-Heimer
County of Keck
District of Doft

The Iller Coalition consists of:
Barony of Schluppity-Schlupp
Barony of Gluppity-Glupp
Legion of Peace (Hippo-Heimer rebels)

The Intervention Army is from:
Principality of Poo-Bochen

Suprisingly, the Kingdom of Didd is sitting things out for the moment while quelling a rebellion in the colonies.

The situation as October opens sees the Iller Coalition forces advancing on Merlichetic and Gwerhof while blockading the Iller river with the forces landed in Hippo-Heimer [PINK]. Meanwhile, Poo-Bochen forces operate in two corps. The first sits outside of the fort at Curfu after having failed to take the defenses by storm. The second force has garrisoned the fort at Ragusa and is advancing to cut the North-South road through Western Hippo-Heimer [GOLD]. In response to the invasions, Hippo-Heimer forces are defending Merlichetic along with the Katzian expeditionary force. Additional Hippo-Heimer forces are locked in combat with the rebels at Gwerhof. The Katzian king has also ordered forces to advance into Southern Hippo-Heimer with elements headed towards Curfu and points further North [BLUE]. More Alliance forces are gathering in Doft for a possible move West up the River Iller.

Generals

2011-03-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

The last of the generals and leaders. These include the surgeon general, Colonel-Bishop Von Finklestein, some generic leaders, and five staff aides-de-camp. Plus two pack camels (???)!

Next up is the baggage train.

HMMWVs

2011-03-18T13:13:00.000-07:00

Two QRF brand HMMWVs requested by my son. He likes to bring in reinforcements during our games.

Markers

2011-03-17T17:08:00.000-07:00

Made 100 markers for use in Field of Battle (UI loss, route, leader in danger, silenced, out of command) and in other games. Can be used to mark IEDs, "hotspots", objectives, dummies, or anything else. I used some of all of the basing materials I have collected to try out combinations for when I go back and add dynamic basing to my units. The markers are on pennies, covered in pumice gel and painted brown.

Catin-Hatt Currassiers

2011-03-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

The 20th and last of the phase I cavalry!

Had planned on the Ish Irregulars, but I did not like the figures and I needed more heavy cavalry.

Infantry and cavalry now done...will finish the generals this month and then on to the baggage train in April.

Cold Wars 2011

2011-03-13T17:26:00.000-07:00

I attended the Cold Wars convention in Lancaster PA for a day. Only had a few hours on site, but did some shopping and looked at a few games.

Purchased less than expected and few figures:

Pack of Rebel Mini's "FBI"
2 x QRF HMMWVs
black hawk helo (Flashpoint)
brushes
restocked on about ten cans of army painter spray
dice (for Field of Battle)
grass tufts
new FoW Turning Tide book
cheap D-Day history book
MBA mid east buildings
10 plastic "army men" for my son

could not find a few items I was looking for and controlled my impulse buying. I want to get some more on hand lead painted before opening another can of worms.

I did confirm that I am happy with 15mm for all my projects. I can cover allmy chosen topics without going overboard. I did look at some 6mm stuff and find it is too small for me.

I pained up the HMMWVs today and worked on two examples of markers for FOB.

This week I will finish the last cavalry unit and I will knock out the remaining generals/leaders for imagi-nation project. I also worked on prepping for the 1st game in my second campaign.

Oobleck Sappers and Miners

2011-03-11T14:01:00.000-08:00

The men of the Oobleck Sappers and Miners are recruited from the Oobleck mining pits of the SouthEast. They are shown here hard at work in their undress-uniform.

This is Unit #60...the last of the phase I infantry!

Headed to Cold Wars tomorrow.

Saint Polycarp Musketeers

2011-03-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

The third of the three regiments of line infantry from the semi-autonamous Bishopric of Fahrvergnugen provided to the King in his role as the Prince-Elector of the territory. The unit is usually brigaded with the other two regiments and led by Colonel-Bishop Von Finklestein.

Saint Rose Musketeers

2011-03-09T15:57:00.000-08:00

The second of the three regiments of line infantry from the semi-autonamous Bishopric of Fahrvergnugen provided to the King in his role as the Prince-Elector of the territory. The unit is usually brigaded with the other two regiments and led by Colonel-Bishop Von Finklestein.

Saint Clement Musketeers

2011-03-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

The first of the three regiments of line infantry from the semi-autonamous Bishopric of Fahrvergnugen provided to the King in his role as the Prince-Elector of the territory. The unit is usually brigaded with the other two regiments and led by Colonel-Bishop Von Finklestein.

February 2011

2011-02-28T15:04:00.000-08:00

Fantastic month after not expecting to get much done.

11 x 8 figure cavalry regiments: 196 points !!!!

Also prepped some more figures for the next two months when we had a nice warm day.

Had a small change in my cavalry plans. One of my units was made up of left overs and was to be an "irregular" unit but I did not like it (luckily deciding before painting). This does mean I have to buy one more set of figures.

March Plan:
4 x 12 figure infantry units (started on first 3 units)
1 x 8 figure cavalry unit (just arrived in the mail)
13 x generals and personalities

If I can hit all these, the imagi-nation project will be almost mature. Have to finish the baggage and I have a bag of civilians.

Played a pick up game with my son on the floor using the Memior 44 figures and his home made rules...heavily favoring his attacking Russians.

Jivvanese Jager zu Pferde

2011-02-24T14:24:00.000-08:00

Mounted jagers in campaign dress.

The last of the Spanish-American War figures I got with some others in an e-bay deal. Also the 19th cavalry regiment...one left to paint.

Lorax Lancers

2011-02-23T15:54:00.000-08:00

The second unit of lance armed cavalry in the Kingdom. Recruiter from the cattle ranchers of the midlands.

Ronk Ruin Rough Riders

2011-02-21T15:04:00.000-08:00

A frie korps raised from ranch hands in the interior. Word that these men were found unfit for the Lorax Lancers is only idle gossip.

Hinkle Horn Hussars

2011-02-21T07:44:00.000-08:00

Dapper Hussars ready for action.

Hippono-Hungus Hussars

2011-02-20T08:23:00.000-08:00

Jaunty pinks and blues for this dashing regiment of Hussars.

Valing Valley Chassuers a Chevel

2011-02-16T14:15:00.000-08:00

Well dressed light cavalry without the maurading bent of the hussars.

I like how these came out, the blue and white is a nice contrast.

West Bunglefield Chevau-legers

2011-02-15T06:53:00.000-08:00

Simply dressed light cavalry without pretention. The rose colored facing is in honor of the flowers grown in Bunglefield.

Krupp Kurassiers

2011-02-14T16:46:00.000-08:00

The second regiment of armored cavalry.

Culpepper Carabiniers

2011-02-13T08:31:00.001-08:00

More heavy cavalry. Ready for the campaign in the north.