tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67723609116635220892024-02-20T17:22:36.617-08:00Santa Clarita WargamerA blog about miniature wargaming and my latest Piquet projects.Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-58647478953035074282013-04-27T08:32:00.001-07:002013-04-27T09:59:51.875-07:00Solo Piquet Tutorial Part 7: The Battle of Cross KeysThe battle continues. 12:00 p.m. turn.<br />
Confederates have 16 morale chips. Union have 3 morale chips.<br />
<br />
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 11 / Confederates 7; Union wins 4 IP.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Maneuver card (3 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Maneuver card (2 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Move in Difficult Terrain card (1 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Infantry Move in Open card (0 IP).</u> Hah! That's the card they were looking for!</li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 12 / Confederates 17; Confederates win 5 IP.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Musket Reload card (4 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Reloaded 13 VA for free.</u> (Previous Heroic Moment card)</li>
<li><u>Recharged an Opportunity Chip (3 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Fired 15 AL at the Union artillery (2 IP).</u> d12 Fire die (Medium range DOWN1 / Unlimbered target DOWN1) = d8 vs. d6. "3" vs. "6".</li>
<li><u>Union West Virginia artillery opportunity fired at 15 AL (1 OIP).</u> They are found to be Ready (d8/d4/d6). d8 Fire die (Target in Extended Line DOWN 1) =d6 vs. d6 defensive die. "6" vs. "2". 1 stand lost and 1 morale chip lost. Trimble is marked as at risk. Union artillery is unloaded.</li>
<li><u>15 Alabama reloaded (1 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Dress Lines card (0 IP).</u></li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 7 / Confederates 20; Confederates win 3 IP (Phase limit).<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Artillery Move card (2 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Heroic Moment card (1 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Officer Check card (0 IP).</u> Checked risk for Confederate generals. They all survived.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 5 / Confederates 13; Confederates win 8 IP.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Trimble successfully asserts command over the 3 out of command regiments in his brigade (5 IP). </u>Starts as a d20 (UP2 Superior leader / Far from enemy UP1) = d20+3 vs. d8. "20" vs. "8", "9" vs. "4", "17" vs. "7".</li>
<li><u>Elzey rallies the 13 VA from disorder using the free Heroic rally from the prior Heroic Moment card.</u> Starts as a d20 (Poor leader DOWN1 / Disordered DOWN1 / Rallying DOWN1) = d8 vs. d8. "5" vs "3". Confederates pay a morale chip for the rally.</li>
<li><u>Flipped Infantry Move in Open card (4 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Trimble's brigade maneuver-moves forward (2 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Elzey's brigade moves (1 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Dress Lines card (0 IP).</u></li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 10 / Confederates 7; Union wins 3 IP.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Stahel's brigade moved toward the creek in the center (2 IP).</u> Previously flipped Infantry Move in Open card.</li>
<li><u>Bohlen's brigade maneuver-moved toward the Confederates (0 IP).</u></li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQosoWm1orQa7Phj8XQDjHhrFUP3znD3xGIVfgszYouW5Go9qybc98fXmt-S3FuX2HG3wP-bwY4xZI70CnMk6WQpyRYxYzCB_CtycpIQLwpK1QroT73FWYPAO7NS6RkgNG9D0X4xfV9BQ/s1600/P1020268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQosoWm1orQa7Phj8XQDjHhrFUP3znD3xGIVfgszYouW5Go9qybc98fXmt-S3FuX2HG3wP-bwY4xZI70CnMk6WQpyRYxYzCB_CtycpIQLwpK1QroT73FWYPAO7NS6RkgNG9D0X4xfV9BQ/s320/P1020268.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bohlen's brigade advances against the rebels.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 17 / Confederates 14; Union wins 3 IP.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Recharged opportunity impetus pip (2 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Artillery Reload card (1 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Reloaded West Virginia battery (0 IP).</u></li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 17 / Confederates 1; Union wins 6 IP (Phase limit).<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Command Indecision card (0 IP).</u></li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 20 / Confederates 8; Union wins 12 IP.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Musket Reload card (11 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Fired skirmishing Girabaldi Guard at 25 VA (10 IP). </u> d10 Fire die (Target with Skirmish Superiority DOWN1 / Firer skirmishing in Open DOWN2 / Point Blank range UP1) = d6 vs. d6. "2" vs. "5". No effect.</li>
<li><u>Fired Bucktails at 13 VA (9 IP).</u> d12 Fire die (Point Blank range UP1) = d12+1 vs. d6. "12" vs. "3". 1 stand lost because that's all the 13 VA has. 13 VA is destroyed. Elzey marked for risk. Confederates lose one morale chip.</li>
<li><u>Reloaded Bucktails (8 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Fired 41 NY at 16 Mississippi (who had moved ahead of the 15th Alabama) (7 IP). </u> d10 Fire die (Uphill UP1 / Medium range DOWN1) = d10 vs. d6 defensive die. "6" vs. "4". 2 hits, not enough to lose a stand. Trimble is marked at risk. 41 NY is unloaded.</li>
<li><u>Reloaded 41 NY (6 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Artillery Reload card (5 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Fired West Virginia artillery battery at 16 MS (4 IP).</u> d8 Fire die (Point Blank range UP1) = d10 vs. d6. "5" vs. "5". No effect.</li>
<li><u>Reloaded artillery battery (3 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Dress Lines card (2 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Dress Lines card (1 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Dress Lines card (0 IP).</u></li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 17 / Confederates 13; Union wins 4 IP.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Infantry Move in Open card (3 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Stahel's brigade moved closer to the Confederates. The Bucktails crossed the creek to fill the gap left by the destroyed 13 VA (2 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Bohlen's brigade passed through the skirmishing Garibaldi Guards and his attack columns moved into contact with the 25 VA (1 IP).</u></li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGUJ5_YYShfyVkdDKboj0X-llTF-xnukjj1tHwCWLIOVcvWwQalMz76ZUbNJSG_CKpaK9wrD1lF2xry4ODvv2NP8iJFHXlHfbmgZ7_HqfRtJ1nz8nu8cQjH_zr3YZ4UFG1nSk8P0yNuHw/s1600/P1020269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGUJ5_YYShfyVkdDKboj0X-llTF-xnukjj1tHwCWLIOVcvWwQalMz76ZUbNJSG_CKpaK9wrD1lF2xry4ODvv2NP8iJFHXlHfbmgZ7_HqfRtJ1nz8nu8cQjH_zr3YZ4UFG1nSk8P0yNuHw/s320/P1020269.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bohlen's New Yorkers make contact!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><u>25 VA opportunity fired at 54 NY (2 OIP). </u>d8 Fire die (Attack Column target UP1 / 1 stand lost DOWN1) = d10 vs. d6. "4" vs. "5". No effect. The militia fired at Short range. Since they are militia, militia fire at the furthest range when they see targets for Opportunity Fire. </li>
<li><u>Flipped Melee Resolution card (0 IP).</u> Interesting!</li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 18 / Confederates 4; Union wins 4 IP (Phase limit).<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u>54 NY fired at 25 VA (3 IP).</u> They are elite and found to be Battle Weary (d10/d6/d6). d10 Fire die (First Fire UP1 / Firer in Attack Column DOWN1 / Point Blank UP1) = d12 vs. d6. "6" vs. "5". 1 hit.</li>
<li><u>58 NY fired at 25 VA (2 IP).</u> They are found to be Ready (d10/d8/d6). d10 Fire die (First Fire UP1 / Firer in Attack Column DOWN1 / Point Blank UP1 / Target has Skirmish Superiority DOWN1) = d10 vs. d6. "10" vs. "4". 2 stands lost (6+1 hits, 3 hits per stand). Confederates lose 2 morale chips. Both NY regiments are marked as unloaded.</li>
<li>Bohlen now has 2 regiments in contact with the battered 25 VA. The Melee Resolution card is still face up from the previous Initiative. I could initiate melee with both of them to get the Superior Numbers modifier, but that would leave both units unformed and out of command from the melee. Instead I choose to fight with one of them to start with.</li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicToRFgERBZthJb-tjN0_tBl2wEgCWnGwbMCxN0BTWn_E93anc7iQ-6tNcL1XGX03dDL8Kw8qoA6IsjU8qhmhoI9R5SILtstbCeK8hXMXWrKSiklJ-A0MmfVMmU0_En8zQ03qSIs97EMnR/s1600/P1020270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicToRFgERBZthJb-tjN0_tBl2wEgCWnGwbMCxN0BTWn_E93anc7iQ-6tNcL1XGX03dDL8Kw8qoA6IsjU8qhmhoI9R5SILtstbCeK8hXMXWrKSiklJ-A0MmfVMmU0_En8zQ03qSIs97EMnR/s320/P1020270.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The melee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>58 NY initiated melee with 25 VA (1 IP). 58 NY has a melee die of d8 (Initiate Melee UP1 / Attack Column in melee UP1) = d12. 25 VA(Ugh, Battle Weary militia) has a d4 Melee die (3 stands lost DOWN3) = d4. The lowest you can have is a d4. d12 vs. d4. "12" vs. "1". 25 VA is destroyed. 25 VA is routed (-1 morale chip), lost 3 stands (-3 morale chips), and lost a melee (-1 morale chip). Union gains 2 bonus impetus (3 IP). 58 NY is marked out of command and unformed. In Hallowed Ground, only cavalry pursue.</li>
<li>Flipped Officer Check card (2 IP). Checked officer risk for Bohlen and Stahel. Both survived.</li>
<li>Bohlen asserted command over the 58 NY(1 IP). d20 Leadership die (Skilled UP1 / Enemy is Far UP1) = d20+2 vs. d8. "8" vs. "6". 58 NY is back in command.</li>
<li>Flipped Artillery Reload card (0 IP).</li>
</ul>
<div>
So, a major breakthrough for the Union after some big impetus runs. Elzey's brigade is in trouble and attempting to move units to guard the left. Trimble might have to lend a few regiments to stabilize the situation. Current morale chip situation: Confederates have 6 morale chips, Union have 3 morale chips.</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWSZuOlIp6k_JeakJHqOOKsbyANE_pCG6iH47dxUvfsHr5FNhSBtwP1F9Dtqp51-pFBJGsySNuRNx5-vJF2W9NgbQOX_Bd7kR5FS1LJMC7li_HSjEzLqDOF9ogVLXWOvEOL9N3-kZAe11/s1600/P1020271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWSZuOlIp6k_JeakJHqOOKsbyANE_pCG6iH47dxUvfsHr5FNhSBtwP1F9Dtqp51-pFBJGsySNuRNx5-vJF2W9NgbQOX_Bd7kR5FS1LJMC7li_HSjEzLqDOF9ogVLXWOvEOL9N3-kZAe11/s320/P1020271.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The situation on the Union right flank.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncWEtVrkx9E4aE1PP27rFmhgNb3ZRBkyX0ysFVb0Wr3zDR_0fgGfjDuHinLplPkISgOsVV0vXMVRROEGpw3JghboIyP9Szj-r8LHxn_ICwqnaXRetwrtgKkRl8oXyj_qJGjn_LUVKSzMV/s1600/P1020272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncWEtVrkx9E4aE1PP27rFmhgNb3ZRBkyX0ysFVb0Wr3zDR_0fgGfjDuHinLplPkISgOsVV0vXMVRROEGpw3JghboIyP9Szj-r8LHxn_ICwqnaXRetwrtgKkRl8oXyj_qJGjn_LUVKSzMV/s320/P1020272.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bohlen urges his victorious infantry onwards.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-81154612641299149562013-04-26T16:37:00.001-07:002013-04-27T08:35:50.738-07:00Solo Piquet Tutorial Part 6: The Battle of Cross KeysThe battle continues. 11:00 a.m. turn. Start of the new turn.<br />
Confederates have 22 morale chips. Union have 4 morale chips.<br />
<br />
A new turn means the deck is re-shuffled, but before I re-shuffle, I add another Dress Lines card into the Sequence Deck for each unit that the <span style="text-align: center;">army currently has routing or destroyed. "Rules as Written" say you remove a card and replace it with a Dress Lines card. That's too much trouble, so I just add the Dress Lines cards. The Union have 2 Dress Lines cards added to their deck. Since the Union has units destroyed and routing, the Major Morale Check card is also shuffled into their deck. The rules also suggest discarding two Sequence Deck cards because Fremont is Abysmal. I ignore this also. Fun.</span><br />
<br />
1st Initiative of the 11:00 a.m. turn.<br />
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 17 / Confederates 15; Union wins 2 IP.<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Dress Lines card (1 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Move in Difficult Terrain card (0 IP).</u></li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 16 / Confederates 4; Union wins 12 IP.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnT0ONVaciPG6sOlz5AoglJTMB-oJwvzUqFCmhsrql-u3cFGDwf1ngi4pHkXLI6jDNftqW79iYVf65JZJLsLR_1Pj8Oj9sbnSh3FCUVyZCGeBRZNErSc4_9kk6ZmtDzjOCniqjL9Hd8re/s1600/P1020255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnT0ONVaciPG6sOlz5AoglJTMB-oJwvzUqFCmhsrql-u3cFGDwf1ngi4pHkXLI6jDNftqW79iYVf65JZJLsLR_1Pj8Oj9sbnSh3FCUVyZCGeBRZNErSc4_9kk6ZmtDzjOCniqjL9Hd8re/s320/P1020255.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bohlen's brigade arrives in march column.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafs6Bpx2Ce1Bs9_PhvI3SzMWc_GOlFdmVyAAmA-88_0zKlpxkek4_fvkFzeJZObNLGYkLMBxqCOGfjNGqqmEYlPYLDWP8939GCWjGZkpdhL6fEy7ZsQ5vKa3BUyKDMI6g4daBSjda6VwM/s1600/P1020256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafs6Bpx2Ce1Bs9_PhvI3SzMWc_GOlFdmVyAAmA-88_0zKlpxkek4_fvkFzeJZObNLGYkLMBxqCOGfjNGqqmEYlPYLDWP8939GCWjGZkpdhL6fEy7ZsQ5vKa3BUyKDMI6g4daBSjda6VwM/s320/P1020256.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garibaldi Guard and Bucktails advance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><u>Routers routed off the table (11 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Stahel's brigade made a reserve move (10 IP).</u> Since they are all in command the entire brigade moved for the cost of 1 unit. Out of command units have to be paid for separately.</li>
<li><u>Bohlen's brigade entered the table on a reserve move (9 IP).</u> </li>
<li><u>Flipped Command Indecision card (0 IP).</u> All current impetus is lost. </li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 12 / Confederates 13; Confederates win 1 IP.<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Melee Resolution card (0 IP).</u> No units in contact.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 7 / Confederates 7; Tied initiative!, turn ends. Reshuffle Sequence decks, which sucks for the Union since they already endured one of their Command Indecision cards and now the frigging thing goes back into the deck.<br />
<br />
<br />
1st Initiative of the 11:30 a.m. turn.<br />
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 2 / Confederates 5; Confederates wins 3 IP.</div>
</div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsmyndk-B9ptnd1fzsu2eRaucEdA_U1ecUkAtf66VEerQBw1QhXMOfGtTmMb6LDys0aNTJRIsxSLHdW39LPdpHSciH4rVXvK-QDBd9vWRACkO_bSWz7nsojKeDHIdi9aZU-iHw7HnT1O6/s1600/P1020257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsmyndk-B9ptnd1fzsu2eRaucEdA_U1ecUkAtf66VEerQBw1QhXMOfGtTmMb6LDys0aNTJRIsxSLHdW39LPdpHSciH4rVXvK-QDBd9vWRACkO_bSWz7nsojKeDHIdi9aZU-iHw7HnT1O6/s320/P1020257.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elzey's brigade advances off of the dusty road into battle,<br />
flags unfurled and flying.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Infantry Move in Open card (2 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Elzey's brigade moved onto the table as reinforcements. (1 IP).</u> </li>
<li><u>15th Alabama moved forward (0 IP).</u></li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 19 / Confederates 9; Union wins 10 IP.<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Bought back Opportunity Impetus Chip (9 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Command Indecision card (0 IP).</u> Impetus is wiped out.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdH7nW3cDN5OthfnGgeOMUjEsOnbNKol_DKK-ZZjpPS80QIUDTjX7RqZX_tUq27ahqDMvGQCPATDEaRU-8rcxZXm9IA9lYT8ak9_kKqSsh5MJJdvLGL9KtZoDpRdSfrtxv5pi2mkkd5mYD/s1600/P1020258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdH7nW3cDN5OthfnGgeOMUjEsOnbNKol_DKK-ZZjpPS80QIUDTjX7RqZX_tUq27ahqDMvGQCPATDEaRU-8rcxZXm9IA9lYT8ak9_kKqSsh5MJJdvLGL9KtZoDpRdSfrtxv5pi2mkkd5mYD/s320/P1020258.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elzey cheers on his Virginians!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Union 3 / Confederates 3; Tied initiative!, turn ends. Reshuffle Sequence decks.<br />
<br />
1st Initiative of the 12:00 p.m. turn.<br />
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 10 / Confederates 20; Confederates win 10 IP.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIPC6SVSxdJ-V8j7KCboYzK05AaXCq91I7fIH5eNMK9-3OYVZjSdS-d3ur6ds2Bzhks08uRJ_sIE9bygtKiHzSYBk1HzLA-7pDyzR_q1XQCwy-yR_sEgtzRuCmMzJA61tqz7WHJePn5Ps/s1600/P1020260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIPC6SVSxdJ-V8j7KCboYzK05AaXCq91I7fIH5eNMK9-3OYVZjSdS-d3ur6ds2Bzhks08uRJ_sIE9bygtKiHzSYBk1HzLA-7pDyzR_q1XQCwy-yR_sEgtzRuCmMzJA61tqz7WHJePn5Ps/s320/P1020260.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrC3EkQtiSE8a6MeLDgNR0Zp1T73m09VIg0kALW3zrny83XjOLpDA5Wx7WifTfLN_jYt4v-R-WjFZBtqusF8OQV9rduXV2Ew-Ll-IBQq9rKUVthpcBt7vYYRKDfP6xp1xC2rumNlNrxrH/s1600/P1020261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrC3EkQtiSE8a6MeLDgNR0Zp1T73m09VIg0kALW3zrny83XjOLpDA5Wx7WifTfLN_jYt4v-R-WjFZBtqusF8OQV9rduXV2Ew-Ll-IBQq9rKUVthpcBt7vYYRKDfP6xp1xC2rumNlNrxrH/s320/P1020261.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">General situation at noon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWK80_2SQKNg7jQefVwLr_w2rx1XmvhWzyu_FGRejN-p-buU_bOK1bgj4V2IAKPm-pHfj5GvMRvCpF8MOM3mTw9b6yWxmhqhJeXsVW_O3_L1rCMKzZ-JnNoTPfR3gEVF0hhnTu-GpXCwZ/s1600/P1020262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWK80_2SQKNg7jQefVwLr_w2rx1XmvhWzyu_FGRejN-p-buU_bOK1bgj4V2IAKPm-pHfj5GvMRvCpF8MOM3mTw9b6yWxmhqhJeXsVW_O3_L1rCMKzZ-JnNoTPfR3gEVF0hhnTu-GpXCwZ/s320/P1020262.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15th Alabama fires at the limbered Union battery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Artillery Reload card (9 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Artillery Move card (8 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Confederate Virginia battery moves onto the table as a reinforcement (7 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Dress Lines card (6 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Maneuver card (5 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Infantry regiment changes facing to create a field of fire for the artillery battery (4 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Elite Reload card (3 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>15th AL fired at limbered Union artillery battery (2 IP).</u> d12 (Medium range DOWN1, Limbered target UP1) = d12 vs. d6 defensive die. "1" results vs. a "6". No effect. </li>
<li><u>Reloaded 15th AL (1 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Move in Difficult Terrain (0 IP).</u></li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 10 / Confederates 16; Confederates win 6 IP.<br />
<ul>
<li><u>3 of Trimble's regiments moved out of the woods on the Difficult Terrain Move card (3 IP).</u> They were out of command because they were in the woods, so they have to be paid for separately.</li>
<li><u>Elzey's brigade made a reserve move on the Difficult Terrain Move card (2 IP).</u> </li>
<li><u>Elzey's out of command regiment moves in the woods (1 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Melee Resolution card (0 IP).</u> No units in contact.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 1/ Confederates 9; Confederates win 4 IP (Phase limit).<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Deployment card (3 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Reformed 3 Skirmishing regiments from Trimble's brigade into line formation. (0 IP).</u> They were out of command.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 17 / Confederates 2; Union win 15 IP.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdLkj6DrXR5OwNmPhhE5u_4yIuQc0Q9ICXjtD1zzfwh0oFnpnJoBqtM7ZAmR91ao12uLpmYDk7BDIk1aJVIzwBhZ-fwAc3Q5nKFMnLOXra11fivPUiyWznasN2NYlSta7kgRUgAXpVUIC/s1600/P1020264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdLkj6DrXR5OwNmPhhE5u_4yIuQc0Q9ICXjtD1zzfwh0oFnpnJoBqtM7ZAmR91ao12uLpmYDk7BDIk1aJVIzwBhZ-fwAc3Q5nKFMnLOXra11fivPUiyWznasN2NYlSta7kgRUgAXpVUIC/s320/P1020264.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firefight between the Virginians and Bucktails</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Infantry Move in Open card (14 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Maneuver-moved Stahel's brigade closer to the creek (12 IP).</u> Maneuver-move with infantry allows you to combine a 45 degree facing change and a half move, but you have to pay an extra IP.</li>
<li><u>Bohlen's brigade moved to the right flank (11 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Musket Reload card (10 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>27th PA Bucktails fired at 13th VA (9 IP).</u> 27 PA is Ready (d12/d8/d8).</li>
<li>13th VA declares Opportunity Fire. 27 PA has a d12 Fire die (First Fire UP1/Firer in Attack Column DOWN1) = d12 vs. d6 defensive die. "12" vs. "3". 3 stands lost from 13 VA. General Elzey marked for risk. 3 morale chips lost (down to 19). 13 VA is trained militia with muskets. They are found to be Battle Weary (d8/d4/d4). They must not be used to the grueling pace of war campaigning! 13 VA has shorter range too because they are armed with muskets but facing minie rifles. d8 Fire die (First Fire UP1/Attack Column Target UP1/Medium Range DOWN1) = d10 vs. d6 defensive die. "3" vs. "3". No effect. Both regiments are unloaded. </li>
<li>Union challenged the morale of 13 VA. d4 morale (Both flanks protected UP1/ 3 stands lost DOWN3/ Initial Strength was Full UP1/ Enemy is Near not Close UP1) = d4 vs. a d10 because 3 stands were lost on the fire. "2" vs. a "3". 13 VA is disordered. If they had been double or tripled, they would have routed. Confederates lost 1 morale chip for the Disorder (down to 18 chips). <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmLXws8rB3qqivWYnH5nB79yR0SzIC_bgzRYZsMwQv9y7ADGEwK9qRh7L4u2TYMar_KpfBJt1fF0Dnrc7SNdq-_z0zyCPUcRWGNiXXIGfxQeJUGfiP4iMP3Ax2KuHVaddLxwkt6VVrI76/s1600/P1020265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmLXws8rB3qqivWYnH5nB79yR0SzIC_bgzRYZsMwQv9y7ADGEwK9qRh7L4u2TYMar_KpfBJt1fF0Dnrc7SNdq-_z0zyCPUcRWGNiXXIGfxQeJUGfiP4iMP3Ax2KuHVaddLxwkt6VVrI76/s320/P1020265.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Here you can see the results of the firefight.<br />
Both Virginia regiments have been marked with<br />
stand loss markers. 13 VA is marked disordered and<br />
Elzey is marked for officer risk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul></ul>
</li>
<li><u>Garibaldi Guard regiment fired at 25 VA (8 IP).</u> They are Ready (d10/d8/d6). d10 Fire die (First Fire UP1 / Medium Range DOWN1 / Firer in Attack Column DOWN1 / Target has Skirmish Superiority DOWN 1) = d6 vs. d6 defensive die. "5" vs. "2". 3 hits = 1 stand loss (3 hits per stand). Confederates lose 1 morale chip. Union challenges the morale of 25 VA. 25 VA is found to be Battle Weary (d8/d4/d4). d4 Morale die (-1 stand lost DOWN1 / Full Initial Strength UP1 / Enemy is Distant (because of the intervening creek) UP2) = d8 vs. a d6 challenge die (1 stand lost). "4" vs "4". Failed, but Confederates burn a morale chip to re-roll their morale die. The new result is a "7" and the 25 VA passed. Union lost a morale chip for an unsuccessful challenge, but the Confederates also lost a morale chip for the re-roll. Current morale chips are: Union 3, Confederates 16.</li>
<li><u>Reloaded Bucktails and Garibaldi Guard (6 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Fired 41 NY at 15th AL (5 IP).</u> Back to the left flank, 41 NY is Ready (d10/d8/d6). d10 Fire die (First Fire UP1 / Target Skirmish Superiority DOWN1 / Medium Range DOWN1 / Firer in Attack Column DOWN1 / Firer Uphill UP1 / Extended Line Target DOWN 1) = d6 vs d6 defensive die. "1" vs. "5". No effect.</li>
<li><u>Reloaded 41 NY (4 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Bucktails fired again at 13 VA (3 IP).</u> No First Fire this time, so the fire is d10 vs. d6. "2" vs. "3". No effect.</li>
<li><u>Flipped Melee Resolution card (2 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Elites Reload card (1 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Reloaded Bucktails regiment (0 IP).</u> They are elite.</li>
</ul>
<div>
On the western side of the battlefield, things were developing well for Fremont. Ewell had sent Elzey's brigade of Virginians to that area to protect Trimble's left flank. Unfortunately, Elzey's troops were apparently Battle Weary militia armed with smoothbore muskets and they were being battered by the more accurate minie rifle fire of the Union regiments opposing them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 7 / Confederates 9; Confederates win 2 IP.<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Unlimbered the Virginia artillery battery on the Deployment card (1 IP).</u> This card was still face up from several Initiatives ago.</li>
<li><u>Flipped Melee Resolution card (0 IP).</u> No units in contact.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 5 / Confederates 4; Union wins 1 IP.<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped deployment card (0 IP).</u></li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 11 / Confederates 14; Confederates win 1 IP (Phase limit).<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Heroic Moment card (0 IP).</u></li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 19 / Confederates 11; Union wins 8 IP.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqKddX1_FOgwgTHCN_tQbL0lHAOiHDXijawQsXtEWLv3FzMXBxHp8lEG_Q13BxMleV9MK1S5tdEnuLJ2bmnoqOMDMbnor_wJ8tDMqVx6Sy4YYf8GIHzBgnlazwzi1fidJl8klOtj0AAYu/s1600/P1020266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqKddX1_FOgwgTHCN_tQbL0lHAOiHDXijawQsXtEWLv3FzMXBxHp8lEG_Q13BxMleV9MK1S5tdEnuLJ2bmnoqOMDMbnor_wJ8tDMqVx6Sy4YYf8GIHzBgnlazwzi1fidJl8klOtj0AAYu/s320/P1020266.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Union brigades deploy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>Union unlimbered the West Virginia artillery battery on the previous Deployment card (7 IP). Thank gawd! That battery was very vulnerable .</li>
<li>Deployed Stahel's brigade into Extended Line formation. Garibaldi's Guard shook out into skirmish formation (6 IP). </li>
<li>Deployed Bohlen's brigade into Attack Columns (5 IP).</li>
<li>Flipped Artillery Move card (4 IP).</li>
<li>Flipped Move in Difficult Terrain card (3 IP).</li>
<li>Bohlen's brigade made a reserve move toward the right flank (2 IP).</li>
<li>Flipped Major Morale Check card (1 IP). According to the optional Major Morale Check rules, this would be a Leadership test versus a challenge die based on the number of Union units currently routing or destroyed. This makes the challenge die a d6 (2 units). Fremont starts as a d20 but he is DOWN2 because he is Abysmal to a d12 (1) and then a d10 (2). People often forget you start with a d20 for these tests. So the Major Morale Check will be a Union d10 vs. a d6. If the d6 is higher, the difference will be the number of free morale challenges the Confederates can attempt on the Union units of their choice. The result is a "4" vs. "4", so there is no negative result.</li>
<li>Flipped Dress Lines card (0 IP).<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFIFv7dhfGO8RGITww5mHhOMI45EK3m89v0MWdFtfcVXrLgd_kfhNPW6wUFwct-T15TEH6Vs43wjS5hNcNmoDnA_o5B-sUvOakpS6sHvF-qtUfbNIBJghe_cYaNEwDUmGejpi4HjtaAh3/s1600/P1020267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFIFv7dhfGO8RGITww5mHhOMI45EK3m89v0MWdFtfcVXrLgd_kfhNPW6wUFwct-T15TEH6Vs43wjS5hNcNmoDnA_o5B-sUvOakpS6sHvF-qtUfbNIBJghe_cYaNEwDUmGejpi4HjtaAh3/s320/P1020267.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Bohlen's brigade advances in attack column. They mean<br />
business!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul></ul>
</li>
</ul>
Final morale chip count is Confederates 16, Union 3. The play time for the entire game was around an hour and a half. Typing up the turns takes about four times as long. I hope people are enjoying the reports. The quick turn ends during this report just illustrate how unsure players are about how much time they have to accomplish their objectives. Things are looking better for the Union, but the low morale chip total is a concern.<br />
<br />
The battle continues <a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2013/04/solo-piquet-tutorial-part-7-battle-of.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<ul></ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-6394502617365372062013-04-24T04:57:00.004-07:002013-04-26T16:38:07.479-07:00Solo Piquet Tutorial Part 5: The Battle of Cross KeysThe battle continues. 10:30 a.m. turn. New Initiative.<br />
Confederates 23 morale chips. Union 8 morale chips.<br />
<br />
Initiative Roll (d20)<br />
Union 16 / Confederates 3; Union win 13 IP<br />
<br />
At this point, Fremont needed to do a little soul-searching. His morale chips were low to begin the battle and now the Union were down to only 8 morale chips. I scrapped the initial idea of a quick rush across the creek because frankly, I didn't think the Union had the stomach to handle the losses. Instead, I adjusted my strategy and planned to move the Union artillery battery to a position where it could pin and damage the defenders at range while the Union attack columns would head across the creek to the west in an effort to outflank the 15th Alabama. Otherwise, the battle might be over before my reinforcements came on at 11:00. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Artillery Move card (12 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Limbered up artillery battery (11 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Dress Lines card (10 IP).</u> This a waste card.</li>
<li><u>Flipped Command Indecision card (0 IP).</u> Dang it! If you remember, this is one of two cards that were added to the Sequence deck because Fremont is Abysmal. It wipes out the remaining impetus and really hurts since the Union had a good impetus run going.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)</div>
<div>
Union 15 / Confederates 6; Union win 1 IP because Phase pool is down to 1.</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Melee Resolution card (0 IP).</u> No units in contact to melee.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)</div>
</div>
<div>
Union 9 / Confederates 16; Confederates win 7 IP</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Dress Lines card (6 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Move in Difficult Terrain card (5 IP).</u> Confederates are cycling through the deck looking for their other Musket Reload card.</li>
<li><u>Flipped Infantry Move in Open card (4 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Maneuver card (3 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Melee Resolution card (2 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Deployment card (1 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Artillery Reload card (0 IP).</u> Confederate artillery doesn't arrive until 11:00 a.m.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)</div>
</div>
<div>
Union 19 / Confederates 11; Union win 8 IP</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Dress Lines card (7 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Artillery Move card (6 IP).</u></li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPVZ8rgibTfy0nvoip1PCH_jRoUHNCvZwtpDx-tmGFlXH-nFHQvLuWGkymsXsIIB5H-M4PwQM1eBgkah_Ft1vlzmKznZ8IDYJq9RzF9iTnxp4xe7jBOBtJkvQOjfk5U856E-3_dTiQZj_/s1600/P1020249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPVZ8rgibTfy0nvoip1PCH_jRoUHNCvZwtpDx-tmGFlXH-nFHQvLuWGkymsXsIIB5H-M4PwQM1eBgkah_Ft1vlzmKznZ8IDYJq9RzF9iTnxp4xe7jBOBtJkvQOjfk5U856E-3_dTiQZj_/s320/P1020249.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limbered battery moves out in accordance with<br />
Fremont's whims and dreams.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><u>Moved limbered artillery battery (5 IP).</u> I moved the limbered battery down the hill to the left and left them behind the 45th New York Regiment. The 45th will stay there and screen the battery until I can get them safely unlimbered. The Piquet gods only know when that might happen!</li>
<li><u>Flipped Dress Lines card (4 IP).</u></li>
<li><u><u>Flipped Dress Lines card (3 IP).</u></u></li>
<li><u><u>Flipped Infantry Move in Open card (2 IP).</u></u></li>
<li><u>Move routed unit (1 IP).</u> Routed units have to move on all Move cards at a cost of 1 IP each, so that stupid routing unit just burned an IP I really wanted to use to move my infantry. I wanted to pay 2 IP and move the 3 regiments of the entire brigade's second line all together in a 45 degree maneuver/move to begin my flanking move. When units are "in command" you get a discount and can move the units together for the same cost of moving one of them. I have to burn this last IP, so my choices are to fire the 45th NY for 1 IP at the 15th AL or to just move one of the infantry regiments.
<div>
</div>
</li>
<li><u>Move an infantry regiment obliquely ( 0 IP).</u> Oblique movement is a normal move and costs just 1 IP. The Infantry Move card is still face up and in play, so I can use it to move other units when I get more impetus.<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XxNdwMSzea4tZZ4fmANTb8c1PXDR3df88XCVTy9DriyyUszAAcob4Ggmv48w74-cgsS1ow2n5y-Bw7eDKn1lp4UuueiJXO_FuBDsaOsldn_AXzKVk59RvRABtOU_rcOWLSXEHm-SU5XA/s1600/P1020253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XxNdwMSzea4tZZ4fmANTb8c1PXDR3df88XCVTy9DriyyUszAAcob4Ggmv48w74-cgsS1ow2n5y-Bw7eDKn1lp4UuueiJXO_FuBDsaOsldn_AXzKVk59RvRABtOU_rcOWLSXEHm-SU5XA/s320/P1020253.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Union movement.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
</ul>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)</div>
</div>
<div>
Union 6 / Confederates 13; Confederates win 5 IP because Phase pool is down to 5.</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Maneuver card (4 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Deployment card (3 IP)</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Musket Reload card (2 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Fired 15th Alabama at 45th NY (1 IP).</u> I have to check for the quality of the 15th Alabama again because the last result I rolled for them was Vacillating. I roll a d20 and get a "15" ("14" die roll +1 for Confederate infantry in 1862). This makes them Ready and is their quality for the rest of the game. Their dice will be Fire d12/ Melee d8/ Morale d8.</li>
<li><u>45th NY spends an opportunity impetus chip to opportunity fire at the 15th AL (1 OP).</u> After seeing what happened to the other NY regiment, the Union isn't going to just stand by and get blasted. Since they are opportunity firing against enemy fire, the effects will be simultaneous. I rolled quality for the 45th NY ( a regular regiment) and rolled a "19"! They are Determined! Their dice will be Fire d12+1 / Melee d10 / Morale d10. Okay, finally some luck for the boys in blue!</li>
<li>Confederate fire is DOWN1 for shooting at a target in Extended Line. No other modifiers. d12 Fire die modified down to a d10 vs. a d6 defensive die. "1" vs. a "6". No effect. Union fire is No Change with modifiers of UP1 for First Fire and DOWN1 for target in Extended Line. d12+1 vs. a defensive d6. "4" vs. "3". 1 hit but they need 3 hits to cause a stand loss. Trimble is marked for Officer Risk since one of his units took a hit. Both units are marked as unloaded, but....</li>
<li><u>15th Alabama reloads on the Musket Reload card (0 IP).</u></li>
</ul>
<div>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)</div>
<div>
Union 16 / Confederates 20; Confederates win 4 IP.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kYwpwpLTX2iuxY9rtD-7Zzw3pmhixPQl3ejDIzhuHZhbQ885pgF0ktTK68zVYYcnWo0wIbXcRltAWD0_B8OOGjgLe13RdZtPrLgFl3oq1C_ieNJeb7X9JPNtqywpNMW395_n5xIO-BvB/s1600/P1020251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kYwpwpLTX2iuxY9rtD-7Zzw3pmhixPQl3ejDIzhuHZhbQ885pgF0ktTK68zVYYcnWo0wIbXcRltAWD0_B8OOGjgLe13RdZtPrLgFl3oq1C_ieNJeb7X9JPNtqywpNMW395_n5xIO-BvB/s320/P1020251.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15th Alabama in action.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Melee Resolution card (3 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Artillery Move card (2 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Elite Reload card (1 IP).</u> This caused Fremont to groan since the 15th AL is an elite regiment and can reload on this card.</li>
<li><u>15th AL fired at 45th NY again! (0 IP).</u> Same modifier as the previous shot. 45th NY is unloaded so it can't opportunity fire even though the Union has 1 more opportunity impetus pip. d10 vs. d6. "9" vs. a "4". Difference of 5 means the 45th NY loses 1 stand (for every 3 hits). The Union army also loses another morale chip for the stand loss (down to 7). </li>
<li>Confederates challenge the morale of the 45th NY. 45th NY has a d10 Morale die. Modifiers: Both flanks protected UP1 / 1 stand loss this turn DOWN1 / Initially full strength UP1 / Enemy is Near but not Close UP1. Overall UP2 to a d12+1. d12+1 vs. a d6 because the Union caused 1 stand loss (d4 for no stand loss, d6 for 1 stand, d8 for 2, d10 for 3). "6" vs. a "5". They actually tied the die roll but the 45th NY passed because of the d12+1. Confederates pay a morale chip because they unsuccessfully challenged (down to 22).</li>
</ul>
<div>
<div>
Initiative Roll (d20)</div>
<div>
Union 5 / Confederates 15; Confederates win 10 IP. Brutal.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u>15th AL reloads on the Elite Reload card (9 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Heroic Moment card (8 IP).</u> This card allows to improve the quality of the next card in some way or it can be used as an UP1 to a fire action...</li>
<li><u>15th AL fired at 45th NY (7 IP).</u> This shot is now a d12 because of the bonus from the Heroic Moment card. d12 vs. a d6. "12" vs. "1". Difference of 11, 3 stands lost. 45th NY is obliterated. 3 more Union morale chips are lost (down to 4). And the limbered battery is now exposed, but 15th AL is marked as unloaded. Finally.</li>
<li><u>Flipped Officer Check card (6 IP).</u> No actions needed, but Trimble has to check for Officer Risk because 15th AL took a hit earlier. He needs to beat a "1" on a d20 and rolled an "18".</li>
<li><u>Flipped Move in Difficult Terrain card (5 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Heroic Moment card (4 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Dress Lines card (ignored because it followed the Heroic Moment card).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Infantry Move in Open card (3 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Move in Difficult Terrain card (2 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Artillery Reload card (1 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Artillery Move card (0 IP).</u></li>
</ul>
<div>
Confederates are done with their Sequence deck. The turn ends and it is now 11:00 a.m. The Sequence decks will be re-shuffled and reinforcements for both sides will arrive. Current morale chips are Confederates 22 to Union 4.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The turn was fun and actually played out in about 45 minutes of game time. I was able to drift in and out of the game room over the course of two days, playing a few Initiatives in short spurts of free time without the wife even realizing I was playing a wargame! There was a lot of cackling and laughing as various things went wrong just as I though they might be going right. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The hard part about solo play is I naturally start to favor one side over another as the game progresses. Piquet really, really controls this tendency. When I pulled the Command Indecision card, I groaned so loudly that my wife actually came in and asked what the heck was going on. Busted!<br />
<br />
The next report is <a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2013/04/solo-piquet-tutorial-part-6-battle-of.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8uJnuNcI7xAuIDGvl0_UZqvuzRfKAO6hWzUwQWERwnst1yoXYb3cGCOkNv4jRjJYjcaidb1bQO5XVuqUMMdObQhUdLSx5vvEsE1-hlmGEtb2AKOFpYjsE95wIxUVXWRnhgduMkw-6LRI/s1600/P1020254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8uJnuNcI7xAuIDGvl0_UZqvuzRfKAO6hWzUwQWERwnst1yoXYb3cGCOkNv4jRjJYjcaidb1bQO5XVuqUMMdObQhUdLSx5vvEsE1-hlmGEtb2AKOFpYjsE95wIxUVXWRnhgduMkw-6LRI/s400/P1020254.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The battlefield at the end of the 10:30 a.m. turn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-59042727237673016452013-04-23T05:44:00.000-07:002013-04-24T05:02:43.206-07:00Solo Piquet Tutorial Part 4: The Battle of Cross KeysWe are finally ready to start fighting the battle.<br />
<br />
In this scale of Piquet, Hallowed Ground battalion scale, the game is divided up into 30 minute turns.<br />
<br />
You begin the turn by shuffling your Sequence Deck. Each side then rolls a d20. The higher die roll wins the Initiative and gets the difference in the die rolls in impetus pips (IP). If the roll is tied or either deck runs out, the turn is over.<br />
<br />
This difference in IP is called the Initiative. The player can spend IP to flip a card (1 IP) or act on the currently flipped card. Players continue to flip cards and spend IP until the IP run out. The players then roll the d20's again and start a new Initiative. Theoretically, the same player could win the Initiative over and over again.<br />
<br />
The only restriction to the amount of IP you can win (from 1-19) is a Phase limit. Each Phase has a pool of 20 IP in it. For example, you and I each roll and you win by 16. You get 16 IP which leaves 4 IP in the Phase limit. On the next Initiative, we roll and you win by 1. You get 1 IP which reduces the limit to 3 IP. I win the next Initiative by 14, but I only get 3 IP because that's all that remains in the Phase. But then the Phase limit is recharged and we can again draw from a full pool of 20 IP.<br />
<br />
The non-Initiative player also has a small pool of IP that he can use when the other player is active called Opportunity Pips. I'll address these later when they are used during the game.<br />
<br />
Also, a unit can only act once on any given card, so the same regiment can't reload twice with 2 IP on the same Musket Reload card, but it could reload on a second flipped Musket Reload card.<br />
<br />
So it's 10:30 a.m. (Turn 1)<br />
<br />
Initiative roll (d20)<br />
Union 11/ Confederates 17 Confederates win 6 IP<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Flipped Musket Reload card costs 1 IP (5 IP)</u></li>
<li><u>Fired 15th Alabama costs 1 IP (4 IP)</u> (Units can fire whenever you want when you have the Initiative as long as they are loaded. It costs 1 IP to fire.)</li>
<li>15th Alabama fires at 8th NY across the creek</li>
<li>I rolled for the 15AL's quality, but I get a vacillating result which means the result will not be permanent. The re-roll for the temporary quality of the unit is Determined! This means the 15th Alabama will start with a d12 +2 for its fire die.</li>
<li>Modifiers: First Fire UP1/ Target in Extended Line DOWN1 (The 15th AL are armed with minie rifles so the shot is Short range (no modifier). Both regiments have attached skirmish stands (no modifier). The Fire Die is modified UP1 to a d12 +3 and DOWN1 back to a d12+2.</li>
<li>15th AL rolles an "11" modified to a "12" versus the defending d6 which rolls a "1". (The highest result you can get is a modified "12".) The defender always defends with a d6 unless it is counterbattery fire (d10))</li>
<li>Difference between the fire result and the defender result is "11". Defender takes 11 hits and loses a stand for every 3 hits. 8th NY is down to 1 stand. Union loses 3 morale chips for the stand losses. They are down to 9 morale chips.</li>
<li>Confederates take advantage of this devastating volley and declare a tactical morale check on the 8th NY. They are testing the morale of the damaged unit. </li>
<li>Now we have to roll the quality of the 8th NY. They turn out to be Average with a Morale die of d6. Modified as follows: Both flanks protected UP1/ 3 stands lost this turn DOWN3/ Initial Strength was Full Strength (before the fire) UP1/ Enemy is Near but not Close UP1. That is a total of UP3 and DOWN3 so the die size remains the same. </li>
<li>The Confederates roll a d10 on the Tactical Morale Check because they caused 3 stands in casualties. d10 versus d6. The result is a "5" versus a "1". Since the Union result was more than tripled by the Confederate result, the 8th NY routs and cannot be rallied. The rout costs the Union another morale chip (down to 8 chips) and gives the Confederates 2 bonus IP. The Union brigade commander is also marked for Officer Risk. </li>
<li><u>The bonus IP give the Confederates a total of 6 IP (4+2).</u> These bonus IP do not reduce the Phase limit. </li>
<li><u>The Confederates spend an IP to reload the 15th AL on the Musket Reload card (5 IP)</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Dress Lines card costs 1 IP (4 IP). </u>Waste card that allows no actions.</li>
<li><u>Flipped Officer Check card costs 1 IP (3 IP)</u> No need to rally anyone or move Trimble.</li>
<li><u>Flipped Infantry Move in Open costs 1 IP (2 IP).</u> No desire to move the 15th Alabama and they are the only Confederate unit in the open.</li>
<li><u>Flipped Officer Check card costs 1 IP (1 IP).</u></li>
<li><u>Flipped Melee Resolution card costs 1 IP (0 IP).</u> No units are engaged in contact so no chance for Melee.</li>
<li>The Initiative is over.</li>
</ul>
<div>
So the 15th Alabama fired a fierce volley that caught the 8th NY by surprise and tore through their ranks. The 8th NY fled in panic and will probably not return. The Union are down to 8 morale chips and Fremont is considering bringing his battery down from the hill to soften up the 15th Alabama before they attempt to force the creek. They just have to get the cards to let them do that!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I showed the impetus pips and cards below. I'm not going to do this for every Initiative. The turn continues in <a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2013/04/solo-piquet-tutorial-part-5-battle-of.html" target="_blank">Part 5</a>.</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMYkRwkYs1AB8XhUsSLTmKpie_zrRM1K8R2m7Ue4Tozipnae2j_1KmSTd5ES9WHSNkGLLxDJcfxzogqCqmkLsFhhAc1DRke8zxH6e0QPQqmpOi1FtX2mw7bpRjefKh1dhNAjDQobDznAb/s1600/P1020222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMYkRwkYs1AB8XhUsSLTmKpie_zrRM1K8R2m7Ue4Tozipnae2j_1KmSTd5ES9WHSNkGLLxDJcfxzogqCqmkLsFhhAc1DRke8zxH6e0QPQqmpOi1FtX2mw7bpRjefKh1dhNAjDQobDznAb/s320/P1020222.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8th NY routs from the firefight. 2 red arrows mark them<br />
as unrallyable.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJnX4v5gm5Sp46t8aUbz0O56Jkum9K-KLgZJp08BBIwujjvY8KEVxO54N7a7tgh9RBKZuMSDWmtYCyrFAjlRim1XmMBQRTkwcX5WB9u6FIfBZiEP1D7cxK0ODg0CEweTGQCBLoF6CizS1/s1600/P1020223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJnX4v5gm5Sp46t8aUbz0O56Jkum9K-KLgZJp08BBIwujjvY8KEVxO54N7a7tgh9RBKZuMSDWmtYCyrFAjlRim1XmMBQRTkwcX5WB9u6FIfBZiEP1D7cxK0ODg0CEweTGQCBLoF6CizS1/s320/P1020223.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brigade commander has been marked for Officer Risk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKN8Ns1qMPtbO_oC1bCrmenU-UIM6SUYp1gtVvv6MbU4K-_vD-wuIzwbdSYH3-EUMjtZWmO5xExyVSdHeqmm-urNLgKoT7Iv0UmxO8ENgb-icg6eQM4AbH8knKx_6Wrr2_MiTTngO-wK3/s1600/P1020230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKN8Ns1qMPtbO_oC1bCrmenU-UIM6SUYp1gtVvv6MbU4K-_vD-wuIzwbdSYH3-EUMjtZWmO5xExyVSdHeqmm-urNLgKoT7Iv0UmxO8ENgb-icg6eQM4AbH8knKx_6Wrr2_MiTTngO-wK3/s320/P1020230.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15th Alabama has been reloaded on the Musket Reload card<br />
with one of the bonus IP. <br />
Phase pool of impetus is to the left (14 IP left).<br />
I toss the IP markers in the plastic tower as I spend them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGY5FRbFTd4HLUyfyTCfLPf4ge7HXVNFrJXbg9ZLsJecX1eO8yoidDJAa6OD8sq1qz-e5bfiu8QqsSgTsVwR3NHjH0lOVYINJULtDHaNk8mT56ScyZ3BdAoKEvCb7XFl5W_MhCDbTKDZvA/s1600/P1020233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGY5FRbFTd4HLUyfyTCfLPf4ge7HXVNFrJXbg9ZLsJecX1eO8yoidDJAa6OD8sq1qz-e5bfiu8QqsSgTsVwR3NHjH0lOVYINJULtDHaNk8mT56ScyZ3BdAoKEvCb7XFl5W_MhCDbTKDZvA/s320/P1020233.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress Lines (4 IP)<br />
The 3 green stones are the Confederates' opportunity pips.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF4NCMZwe1zf4tKDVfe5A8dlxoGhKQbz7MDQcwluiVEy5qs7pouIb_3FvJvcLwZlD7ATksK2RA8FlJ1sda8EB-oD_wegxZpYQf6zd1SRnBi7sLewV1BEwZx1NurgdJTSSXY2ZSB0tQIhJ/s1600/P1020234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF4NCMZwe1zf4tKDVfe5A8dlxoGhKQbz7MDQcwluiVEy5qs7pouIb_3FvJvcLwZlD7ATksK2RA8FlJ1sda8EB-oD_wegxZpYQf6zd1SRnBi7sLewV1BEwZx1NurgdJTSSXY2ZSB0tQIhJ/s320/P1020234.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Officer Check (3 IP)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijBWBXFMiQsrm0gMbkJQ8dEdfUYo8hxSwmg-oUzZN-fLgtWVhaMRvf7ht6sEJS60pB_PMbix3gHYabR-XUmKmZc49IhdIQDUpK4uDo01wzJeBacU6dOmq5RTtIhDF2GTOgtNOidL3ouEO/s1600/P1020235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijBWBXFMiQsrm0gMbkJQ8dEdfUYo8hxSwmg-oUzZN-fLgtWVhaMRvf7ht6sEJS60pB_PMbix3gHYabR-XUmKmZc49IhdIQDUpK4uDo01wzJeBacU6dOmq5RTtIhDF2GTOgtNOidL3ouEO/s320/P1020235.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infantry Move in Open (2 IP)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxcXdom-Le6j8qzoonEluAzJnzEHcGvGsKda87UKbht1zSDvTgvrUVlh5ffbL14CVW6XSQJawDiyV7l2CRWVqvidiNpd9tQmZPj1bf48GKvt27cMMub-z5i_P2HMKazlGoG5nSGYhgBHC/s1600/P1020236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxcXdom-Le6j8qzoonEluAzJnzEHcGvGsKda87UKbht1zSDvTgvrUVlh5ffbL14CVW6XSQJawDiyV7l2CRWVqvidiNpd9tQmZPj1bf48GKvt27cMMub-z5i_P2HMKazlGoG5nSGYhgBHC/s320/P1020236.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Officer Check (1 IP)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDlKE8BznBnG1gO7rP-Oa3Z0m8JKHlLZgBq8SqZoVHbl-cQyJfgelRrSbSP5-ioarR7XS3xBj22j4_tAWgBcTuC4P_zy2X22yk8myl4IUAONO8vN_CkG-Mxw9YNLz9hVISwqEFAJQsS0A/s1600/P1020237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDlKE8BznBnG1gO7rP-Oa3Z0m8JKHlLZgBq8SqZoVHbl-cQyJfgelRrSbSP5-ioarR7XS3xBj22j4_tAWgBcTuC4P_zy2X22yk8myl4IUAONO8vN_CkG-Mxw9YNLz9hVISwqEFAJQsS0A/s320/P1020237.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melee Resolution (0 IP)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-23278129147463492662013-04-23T04:26:00.001-07:002013-04-23T05:52:06.456-07:00Solo Piquet Tutorial Part 3: The Battle of Cross KeysThis is obviously Part 3 of my Solo Piquet Tutorial.<br />
<br />
<b>SKIRMISH STANDS</b><br />
<br />
In Hallowed Ground, we also have to roll to determine how many skirmish stands will be present on the battlefield. I rolled high for both sides, so the Union will get 3 skirmish stands and the Confederates will get 2 skirmish stands. At this game scale, skirmish stands are assigned to particular regiments and they give Skirmish Superiority (a bonus to shooting) if your opponent doesn't have a skirmish stand. <br />
<br />
<b>OPTIONAL RULES</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Part of the fun in Piquet is all of the options that are available for your games. I will be playing with the following rules that are optional for Hallowed Ground:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Unformed - Units can become unformed due to general confusion or combat. This can be fixed with an Officer Check card or during a Move card used to reorder the ranks.</li>
<li>Reserve Move - The Difficult Terrain Move card can also be used as a Move card as long as the moving unit is never moves closer than 12" away from the enemy.</li>
<li>Morale Challenge - Only the side that loses a Morale Challenge pays the morale chip.</li>
<li>Risk to Officers - Based on the combat action of the subordinate units. Checked on Officer Check card.</li>
<li>Counterbattery fire - Makes it more difficult for artillery to fire on other artillery.</li>
<li>New Out of Command rules - The most current rules for Out of Command.</li>
</ul>
<b>THE BATTLE</b><br />
<br />
The battle represents Fremont's half of a two-pronged attack on Jackson's army. Poor Fremont ran into Trimble, an irascible, grizzled warrior who handed him his lunch. Ewell's Division is assigned to hold off Fremont while Jackson destroys Shield's Union force. The Union gets 5 VP for controlling each 1 foot wide length in the center of the south table edge. Basically the road exit and the area around the creek.<br />
<br />
The Confederates have to keep the Union from winning. They also get 5 VP's for each section of the east side of the central hill they control. This would mean they have to cross the eastern branch of the creek and climb the hill. <br />
<br />
Stahel's Union brigade is leading the attack. It has 4 Regular regiments and an Elite regiment. It is supported by an artillery battery. The front 2 regiments are in extended line and the skirmish stands are deployed. The 2nd line consists of 3 regiments in attack column formation. Its mission is to secure a bridgehead across the creek.<br />
<br />
Trimble's brigade is defending. It has 1 elite regiment (15AL) and 3 regular regiments. The 15th Alabama is defending the creek in extended line with skirmishers attached. The other 3 regiments are in skirmish formation defending the wood line. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ChiwumUBYWJBEusYVOClgOpEDrripy9RRPoCRKYHxkEPolAXwYa2nHonMj-10vFR-kqappoOjzLOAlAJOxjn4D57T-wOTpD0ontZTx_AL3WBkOyH2_vMOFn0HLjOQTT14mRjtkLWKv2F/s1600/P1020210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ChiwumUBYWJBEusYVOClgOpEDrripy9RRPoCRKYHxkEPolAXwYa2nHonMj-10vFR-kqappoOjzLOAlAJOxjn4D57T-wOTpD0ontZTx_AL3WBkOyH2_vMOFn0HLjOQTT14mRjtkLWKv2F/s400/P1020210.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15th Alabama grimly stares across the creek.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The woods are all Class III woods. Units must stop when they contact woods and they become out of command. They can only enter and move through woods on a Difficult Terrain Move card. They move half speed.<br />
<br />
The creek is Class II. Units stop when they contact it. Half move to cross it.<br />
<br />
Hills are Class II. Units stop when they contact the hill. Normal movement thereafter. <br />
<br />
NEXT, <a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2013/04/solo-piquet-tutorial-part-4-battle-of.html" target="_blank">Part 4</a>. Let's start fighting!Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-48432144485728108532013-04-22T16:53:00.002-07:002013-04-23T05:20:47.889-07:00Solo Piquet Tutorial Part 2: The Battle of Cross KeysThis is Part 2 of my Piquet Tutorial ACW Battle. <br />
<br />
<b>COMMANDER QUALITY</b><br />
<br />
The next step in preparing for the battle is rolling for the quality of the commanders. At Cross Keys, the Army Commanders were Ewell for the Confederates and Fremont for the Union. The Hallowed Ground supplement has modifiers for this d20 roll: -2 for the Union and +2 for the Confederates. <br />
<br />
I rolled a "4" for Fremont, modified to a "2". This makes Fremont an Abysmal Army Commander. He adds 2 Command Indecision cards to the Union Sequence Deck. These cards will wipe out the Union's current impetus when they are flipped. His command radius is only 8". This seems pretty historical.<br />
<br />
I rolled a "5" for Ewell, modified to a "7". This makes Ewell an Average Army Commander. He has no effect on the Sequence Deck and a 12" command radius. <br />
<br />
If I had rolled a modified "19" or "20" for him, Ewell would have been Superior and he would have added two Brilliant Leader cards and had an 18" command radius. Brilliant Leader cards are wild cards that can represent any card in the deck. Awesome, but sadly not for this game.<br />
<br />
There are 4 brigade commanders in the battle. Their quality ratings establish their command range and how well they can rally units under their command. The Union has 2 brigade commanders: Julius Stahel and Henry Bohlen. There are no modifiers for Union command group commanders for this period in Hallowed Ground. I rolled an "18" for each! They are each Skilled with a 12" command radius! Too bad they have to work for Fremont.<br />
<br />
The Confederates have 2 brigade commanders: Isaac Trimble and Arnold Elzey. Hallowed Ground modifies Confederate command group officers by +1 for this period. Trimble is rated by the scenario as Superior, so he has a command radius of 18". I rolled a "3" modified to a "4" for Elzey. This makes Elzey a Poor brigade commander with a command radius of 12".<br />
<br />
So that's it for the commanders. I would normally go through the same process to roll up the quality of the units in the battle. They are also modified by Hallowed Ground. For example in this period, Union artillery are +1, cavalry are -2, and infantry are +0. <br />
<br />
However, I like to wait until the unit actually does something in the game before I roll for its quality. Using my method, you never know whether that unit of elite Texans is Tired or Determined until they actually get into the action. So, we'll go over this when it occurs during gameplay.<br />
<br />
<b>ARMY CHARACTERIZATION</b><br />
<br />
Now we determine the Army Character using the Army Characterization Deck. This will establish whether the armies get any special cards, stratagems, additional sequence cards, combat bonuses, and how many morale chips they will have. Morale chips allow you to rally units, pass army Major Morale checks, and challenge the enemy's morale. You lose morale chips when you lose melees, your units rout or become disordered, or they suffer casualties, Once you run out them, you are in deep trouble.<br />
<br />
I added up the number of units in each army. Guard and Elite units count double. The Confederates have 9 units and 1 of them is elite for a total of 10. The Union has 11 units and 2 of them are elite for a total of 13. You then divide this total number by the card divisor number in the Hallowed Ground army list for this period (3 for Confederates, 4 for Union). Remainders are lost. So both armies will flip 3 Army Characterization Deck cards.<br />
<br />
The Confederates flipped a 9, a 4, and 10 for a total of 23 morale chips. That's a lot! They should defend the battlefield with grim resolve.<br />
<br />
The Union flipped an Extra Infantry Move card, a Cavalry UP 1 Die in Melee card, and a 5 card. You have to have at least as many morale chips as you have units if you want to keep the special effect cards. Since the Union have no cavalry, I gladly discarded the Cavalry Melee card and drew a new ACD card: a "3" card. Still not good enough, so I had to also discard my Extra Infantry Move card. The replacement card was a "4" card. Not great considering these cards range from 2-10 in my ACD deck. So the Union has 12 morale chips. More than the number of units in the Union army, but not good.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xUnefzecemjaqIOua94Y5QfnwJ4EzGbIR22058cfB8nJOZJMmAesRNm7qM6ba-WNfgujeI1X-aZ7atEJCKcIJ_5G6PbjqFqv1FaxIgf4lHMG3wMCS6jlJusC5iNXfGUc6SK2a5w80kMp/s1600/P1020207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xUnefzecemjaqIOua94Y5QfnwJ4EzGbIR22058cfB8nJOZJMmAesRNm7qM6ba-WNfgujeI1X-aZ7atEJCKcIJ_5G6PbjqFqv1FaxIgf4lHMG3wMCS6jlJusC5iNXfGUc6SK2a5w80kMp/s400/P1020207.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Army Characterization Deck cards from the deck I designed.<br />
ACD cards come with the Piquet rules, but they don't look like these.<br />
However since the basic Piquet rules are like $5, that's pretty good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So to sum up so far, Fremont is terrible (literally "Abysmal"), but his brigade commanders are really good. Ewell is average, Trimble is Superior and his partner brigade commander is Poor. The Confederates are well-fed, rested, and motivated by lots of morale chips. The Union army is high quality, but tired and brittle with low morale chips. We can probably blame Fremont for that also.<br />
<br />
Next, <a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2013/04/solo-piquet-tutorial-part-3-battle-of.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a>, a discussion of optional rules I'll be using and then we'll start fighting the battle!Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-83869919441773948242013-04-22T06:18:00.002-07:002013-04-22T16:54:13.666-07:00Solo Piquet Tutorial Part 1 : The Battle of Cross KeysWhile I've always felt that Piquet was a fun ruleset for wargaming, I think one of the best products of its card-driven action and unpredictable impetus is its usefulness as a solo wargame system.<br />
<br />
I'm going to be posting the step-by-step progress of an example solo Piquet game. I'm using the Battle of Cross Keys scenario from the Hallowed Grounds Scenario Book 1. The Piquet rules supplement will be Hallowed Ground. Cross Keys was fought on June 8, 1862 as part of Jackson's campaign around Port Republic. It is limited to around 8-9 units per side and the size should be ideal for this tutorial. I'm less concerned with the historical accuracy of this particular scenario than I am about showcasing the Piquet system.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8w96i3BSg4e2Q07w8w-rDjA4wRBlvA3CZp3oaItE2R_Lcc6GTsR84G_oOZvTrZnw8GpFtLAmya8h-ObaNwmXAjXeh-Ff-5Y2MeRXAzAk9LrxcIAG5DBAwbYLBw4UvPsXEeosF9shOaz7/s1600/P1020198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8w96i3BSg4e2Q07w8w-rDjA4wRBlvA3CZp3oaItE2R_Lcc6GTsR84G_oOZvTrZnw8GpFtLAmya8h-ObaNwmXAjXeh-Ff-5Y2MeRXAzAk9LrxcIAG5DBAwbYLBw4UvPsXEeosF9shOaz7/s400/P1020198.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross Keys battlefield. The play area ends where the creek at the bottom cuts off. <br />
The Union is attacking towards the camera and down the hill. <br />
They must cross a creek to get to the Confederates. Wooded hills<br />
are on either side. A road runs up the eastern (right) side of the table.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The first step in Piquet is to establish the sequence card decks for each side. I opened up the Hallowed Ground rule supplement and I went to the section on ACW-Eastern Theater 1861-1862. This gave me a breakdown on the cards that each side should have in their decks. I have no cavalry in this battle, so the deck will have no Cavalry Move In Open cards. Per the scenario, the Confederates get an extra Move in Difficult Terrain card in their deck. In the end, I determined that each side will have 28 sequence cards in its deck.<br />
<br />
The decks break down as follows (Union/Confederate):<br />
Artillery Move 3/2 ; Moves and limbers/unlimbers artillery.<br />
Artillery Reload 3/2 ; Reloads artillery so it can fire again.<br />
Deployment 1/2 ; Allows units to change formations.<br />
Dress Lines 6/3 ; Wasted card. Produces command delay.<br />
Elites Reload 1/1 ; Elite units can reload on this card.<br />
Heroic Moment 1/2 ; Increases the effect of the next card or can be used for a shooting bonus.<br />
Move in Difficult Terrain 2/3 ; Allows movement through difficult terrain (woods in this scenario).<br />
Infantry Move in Open 3/3 ; Allows infantry to move and maneuver at a higher cost.<br />
Maneuver 2/2 ; Units can change facing.<br />
Melee 2/3 ; Units can initiate melee against a unit they are in contact with.<br />
Musket Reload 2/2 ; Unloaded infantry can reload.<br />
Officer Check 2/3 ; Commanders can move, rally, and re-establish command over their units.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEavLg06n5G3DN9f9FqrL6iwyy36OROCoenIRXzFf9HwjGwWbUc-2yGO17k6YR9UnNUd9F_UDj1rb-W173LUXwi7vI7EuXraHM6DA6BbP24JLopNhEJX5gQgkhVE3J8RaNvzk2gAbNkuA3/s1600/P1020204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEavLg06n5G3DN9f9FqrL6iwyy36OROCoenIRXzFf9HwjGwWbUc-2yGO17k6YR9UnNUd9F_UDj1rb-W173LUXwi7vI7EuXraHM6DA6BbP24JLopNhEJX5gQgkhVE3J8RaNvzk2gAbNkuA3/s640/P1020204.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Examples of my cards. I designed these cards using a POD service, but basic cards do come with the Piquet standard rules.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So, looking at the cards in the two decks. the differences between them are pretty obvious. The Union has an advantage in artillery cards, so the Union artillery will most likely move, deploy, and fire more often than the Confederate artillery. The Confederates have an advantage in Deployment, Difficult Terrain, Heroic Moment, Melee, and Officer Check cards. The Confederates will most likely have more opportunities to change formations, move through tough terrain, fight in melee, and their leaders will be more active in keeping the troops rallied.<br />
<br />
In my <a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2013/04/solo-piquet-tutorial-part-2-battle-of.html" target="_blank">next post</a>, I'll discuss how these sequence cards work in the game, how you determine unit quality, and how you use the Army Characterization deck to figure out how strong your army's morale is.<br />
<br />
And now here are some general fluff pictures.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-IiVoU8zzGe6dJ5ogn7lbGykPSw6MTvTzO-v-vniTHGivNSDZNiijzKCztPdIQy0CAnM3jRt5JlBXznZQ2QRVCjZ4OlMSHknbz7fB-0H1AdN4qZNtElpg6W5xlHE4fF2Tl0oL26gokaR/s1600/P1020199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-IiVoU8zzGe6dJ5ogn7lbGykPSw6MTvTzO-v-vniTHGivNSDZNiijzKCztPdIQy0CAnM3jRt5JlBXznZQ2QRVCjZ4OlMSHknbz7fB-0H1AdN4qZNtElpg6W5xlHE4fF2Tl0oL26gokaR/s320/P1020199.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confederate reinforcements for the 2nd turn.<br />
Elzey's Brigade and a smoothbore battery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEThZ5GrNMdJf8f1ZVjXh_l7Mv3CnFfAi2MVzYKOcCQlHYYmNE6KoqrBHHLtuttVIM7i_EsrgPaECN4lpi2YHRUggIftrC-ElaRRsLuboKv2cXs4TMdPEABvH0isLUIgsRG1BO6aUMF5ix/s1600/P1020200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEThZ5GrNMdJf8f1ZVjXh_l7Mv3CnFfAi2MVzYKOcCQlHYYmNE6KoqrBHHLtuttVIM7i_EsrgPaECN4lpi2YHRUggIftrC-ElaRRsLuboKv2cXs4TMdPEABvH0isLUIgsRG1BO6aUMF5ix/s320/P1020200.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Union reinforcements for Turn 2<br />
Bohlen's Brigade.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisLkO4nIFdzS5odOweErWmcXuwMaazVUTX4O5MWbzN0JJIZZC_dqArKaf_PycybiWsF7-LFVJ986bG7eUq2L8SyF4GAyRSbII4KPGamoYmqxyao8SvK_yQctWz4v3owO3qC19viAVRBla/s1600/P1020201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisLkO4nIFdzS5odOweErWmcXuwMaazVUTX4O5MWbzN0JJIZZC_dqArKaf_PycybiWsF7-LFVJ986bG7eUq2L8SyF4GAyRSbII4KPGamoYmqxyao8SvK_yQctWz4v3owO3qC19viAVRBla/s320/P1020201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The starting forces face each other.<br />
These are their general locations. I might adjust positions<br />
and formations before the game start.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBunsKqAG2NRrtYBo7J8-VdXeFeyj95yReX7DiHBh6fT4TA_j_ySx-_WuY20QcyQVswvFYago6zeb-RDZ14cTWf4PVa_FnXZQ6j1FRROzcJJ3FMt-9NPpG94rUR6AzXZ6wH4C-toJrOaG/s1600/P1020202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBunsKqAG2NRrtYBo7J8-VdXeFeyj95yReX7DiHBh6fT4TA_j_ySx-_WuY20QcyQVswvFYago6zeb-RDZ14cTWf4PVa_FnXZQ6j1FRROzcJJ3FMt-9NPpG94rUR6AzXZ6wH4C-toJrOaG/s320/P1020202.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting Confederates.<br />
Trimble's Brigade.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaTepEADVbD9RycPWnBTp0W9RsDnPuWyIboq-zNJ-jDDprHlA3iT15AWdp4DmX_cpmKxqFD-3RVWfA8XO_G03f3ZckbJxIzSJzTnJ_lpubMTlzc-Sn1bAW5Wci-166aBj73dYXoDugfWA/s1600/P1020203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaTepEADVbD9RycPWnBTp0W9RsDnPuWyIboq-zNJ-jDDprHlA3iT15AWdp4DmX_cpmKxqFD-3RVWfA8XO_G03f3ZckbJxIzSJzTnJ_lpubMTlzc-Sn1bAW5Wci-166aBj73dYXoDugfWA/s320/P1020203.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stahel's brigade.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6k4WMYdHfDaJLHtGWJ77B2k_pGyLVd0RDuI1BZOcpZ9DL4Pe8aZWQFNZOIt0bmzejHXykAeDAVQgtrY_xXwgdgwJYyQU6EdneYnj_8F8esU4hLw3Qz1GdPL1a_Oc6_XFQNPw1-0xlelUj/s1600/P1020205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6k4WMYdHfDaJLHtGWJ77B2k_pGyLVd0RDuI1BZOcpZ9DL4Pe8aZWQFNZOIt0bmzejHXykAeDAVQgtrY_xXwgdgwJYyQU6EdneYnj_8F8esU4hLw3Qz1GdPL1a_Oc6_XFQNPw1-0xlelUj/s320/P1020205.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few extra cards that might show up in this particular<br />
game. There are quite a few other optional cards that can<br />
add flavor to different scenarios.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-90399620569745612042013-04-21T08:07:00.002-07:002013-04-21T08:08:07.414-07:00Gripping Beast plastic SaxonsHere are some pictures of some Gripping Beast plastic Saxons I painted up and double-based to form shieldwalls for Piquet: Archon. The variety of poses you can get from the plastics almost makes the annoying assembly worth it. Flag and shield decals by LBMS :<br />
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<br />Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-19342559757738633582013-04-21T07:20:00.001-07:002013-04-21T10:41:17.983-07:00Battle of Jakob's RibsJed and I fought a Hostile Realms "friendly" match yesterday between his Undead and my Middle Kingdoms knights. Jed wanted to try a new unit mix for his Undead army to see if they could cope better with the extra-heavy knights of the Middle Kingdoms. 1750 points each.<br />
<br />
The Undead fielded 24 units and leaders. The Middle Kingdom fielded 19 units and leaders.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwp6th21w0xElD1tslqiPuPpJm2AwyZKMyy15TyUl9teD9695B2zZ8IKfl_mgBYEc8IFmZRpTtPPWS5y0KMyvBtV0BSh5R9G62tUsXxWqjDizokerSPotpLaNBMVMkkCPNXH7gngi9YAD/s1600/P1020177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwp6th21w0xElD1tslqiPuPpJm2AwyZKMyy15TyUl9teD9695B2zZ8IKfl_mgBYEc8IFmZRpTtPPWS5y0KMyvBtV0BSh5R9G62tUsXxWqjDizokerSPotpLaNBMVMkkCPNXH7gngi9YAD/s400/P1020177.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left Middle Kingdon<br />
Right Undead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Undead army consisted of an undead dragon, wraiths, wights, vampires, a bone giant, zombie units, ghoul units, skeleton archers, infantry and cavalry, a unit of ghosts, and human minion cavalry. They were led by the Necromancer, a lich, and 2 wights.<br />
<br />
The Middle Kingdom army consisted of extra-heavy household and feudal knights, 2 pike blocks of mountaineers and civic militia, an organ gun, a red dragon, archers from the royal guard, crossbowmen, handgunners, and sergeant cavalry. They were led by the King of the Middle Kingdoms mounted on a pegasus, Jhone of Orc, and a priest.<br />
<br />
The scenario was that the town of Jakob's Ribs was besieged by the undead army and the Middle Kingdoms army was marching to raise the seige. In the pictures, you can see the brave defenders of the town in the top corner, barricaded in their burning city.<br />
<br />
I had 24 morale chips and I think Jed had 28 morale chips.We both rolled excellent generals, so each of us added the Brilliant Leader card to our decks. I added an extra Courage card to my deck because I was fighting the Undead and my final optional card was Look to the King. <br />
<br />
The Undead added a brilliant Leader card, an Uncontrolled Charge card, and a Superstitions and Omens card to their deck.<br />
<br />
So as the battle starts, each side rolls initiative dice. The difference between the initiative dice is the number of cards that each player can play from their decks. The types of cards pulled dictate what the army can do. Initially, the Undead had their typical trouble drawing Move cards, but then Jed drew his Uncontrolled Charge card. This sent the undead dragon and bone giant hurtling across the table and they crashed into the flower of Middle Kingdom chivalry before the poor knights could even get out of their deployment zone!<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibikhEGbc2xRBYR0S4J8zyFk3CzxZGnW1UF0_M0pAyd0P0JlAiM3kgO9uhLt154MUjFH8WOiTdRsUsYDgvNCjY356-iwVe4cKfQRzPhSO1wgxG_LNH7Q0P_NfWcp-R1cq7kU85ohnCE9SJ/s1600/P1020178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibikhEGbc2xRBYR0S4J8zyFk3CzxZGnW1UF0_M0pAyd0P0JlAiM3kgO9uhLt154MUjFH8WOiTdRsUsYDgvNCjY356-iwVe4cKfQRzPhSO1wgxG_LNH7Q0P_NfWcp-R1cq7kU85ohnCE9SJ/s320/P1020178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Undead dragon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKBz9KvNUQGDjLIH1sDXvLrNbd_kTwTVbmzzMIgzWVGPA_g2E6bvsAPR8w0bEae84m-NmvkHIsuTfO5GsprAsxFM6cOyVom_sjrDOLMexsNcq9078M9ZRnnex4q69HLU3hG77LaefCkRl/s1600/P1020179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKBz9KvNUQGDjLIH1sDXvLrNbd_kTwTVbmzzMIgzWVGPA_g2E6bvsAPR8w0bEae84m-NmvkHIsuTfO5GsprAsxFM6cOyVom_sjrDOLMexsNcq9078M9ZRnnex4q69HLU3hG77LaefCkRl/s320/P1020179.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghouls, zombies, and skeletons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA52P2fA_QIYgSz7I92Kikw5897zoGrmdGEYuQ83Q46kiy4uXg6PmiZAmlEKxmGi3I2FaZHAN4iR-WVXCE9NYRZaE1Bu5ZsWzv5WOGip86M72Fwciu_hyphenhyphen2vJNt1d0dUTP1HlstXHQfGB9r/s1600/P1020180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA52P2fA_QIYgSz7I92Kikw5897zoGrmdGEYuQ83Q46kiy4uXg6PmiZAmlEKxmGi3I2FaZHAN4iR-WVXCE9NYRZaE1Bu5ZsWzv5WOGip86M72Fwciu_hyphenhyphen2vJNt1d0dUTP1HlstXHQfGB9r/s320/P1020180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Middle Kingdom army is deployed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZUuR7caI9pzqNGc7mZH1IAjJhM_0YD3sS-jwyAbez_wSMVkmeySf0YeuZXgV4-Zuo6dyszF8MaHWosMT-gPIKxgzU8O3GyCB5q_boc4JHpfbgY21nDEIsh0PJn2B6uXc9b6N9ifpaJeQ/s1600/P1020181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZUuR7caI9pzqNGc7mZH1IAjJhM_0YD3sS-jwyAbez_wSMVkmeySf0YeuZXgV4-Zuo6dyszF8MaHWosMT-gPIKxgzU8O3GyCB5q_boc4JHpfbgY21nDEIsh0PJn2B6uXc9b6N9ifpaJeQ/s320/P1020181.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Defenders of Jakob's Ribs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehjZk71PaCHJfTfqy04t0bXuto4iQZDeP6yL6gxYMd7aCzsVj9zVpSpDEZ4-yexAWXWIV3gggbwgoJRnDrSxTTWRcFaYRBtX3RD1TKfxoPZZBAMQB4jc1FjZLPYJfVdckaOXLnx-x4EoG/s1600/P1020176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehjZk71PaCHJfTfqy04t0bXuto4iQZDeP6yL6gxYMd7aCzsVj9zVpSpDEZ4-yexAWXWIV3gggbwgoJRnDrSxTTWRcFaYRBtX3RD1TKfxoPZZBAMQB4jc1FjZLPYJfVdckaOXLnx-x4EoG/s320/P1020176.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the battle, the garrison looks out from their fortifications.<br />
The lord looks out from the church steps while archers in the tower<br />
seek out new targets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVdOFKA9sgxBMWLATZQ1bVwD6UXGGuZKp9LzlkuCkdiS2QzwuKpZBbPwWOAkT2OhUccBUsbDbdBK3CrajphyYgYx515AQggKStK9lJocNK8qwbQ6RikEPy8z0IisrG61GfRu_W4uWMuUZ/s1600/P1020182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVdOFKA9sgxBMWLATZQ1bVwD6UXGGuZKp9LzlkuCkdiS2QzwuKpZBbPwWOAkT2OhUccBUsbDbdBK3CrajphyYgYx515AQggKStK9lJocNK8qwbQ6RikEPy8z0IisrG61GfRu_W4uWMuUZ/s320/P1020182.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unit of ghosts. These were later breathed on by a red dragon<br />
and crushed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGOjP-ZKCJ-8pqPxCjyJ_ipJhWryFK-7N7htJrj-oTNcsdhR_R8y2_fys_MHcPSzC4YoX9v8b-dlGzb1tEtWVI1Ap6l56lIT4dTARhoddh9McIoErh1XPzxewt5LZTH-wHkAunDTczZwX/s1600/P1020186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGOjP-ZKCJ-8pqPxCjyJ_ipJhWryFK-7N7htJrj-oTNcsdhR_R8y2_fys_MHcPSzC4YoX9v8b-dlGzb1tEtWVI1Ap6l56lIT4dTARhoddh9McIoErh1XPzxewt5LZTH-wHkAunDTczZwX/s320/P1020186.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jed drew the Uncontrolled Charge cards from his deck<br />
and his bone giant began a charge toward the waiting knights.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxfdW-pm8YDphMxkm_RknVWRxi8m1l9XXeWqd2RM6J0kNec7oKyB8H9hhOr_JbOF_NPuwsj38Hox_gZoWkbbTV2pRBNkWlhJPmrSR0vZk8eeCd_49PFjJ8jH_hyKnC6Y8bdr5u6WmV-Su/s1600/P1020187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxfdW-pm8YDphMxkm_RknVWRxi8m1l9XXeWqd2RM6J0kNec7oKyB8H9hhOr_JbOF_NPuwsj38Hox_gZoWkbbTV2pRBNkWlhJPmrSR0vZk8eeCd_49PFjJ8jH_hyKnC6Y8bdr5u6WmV-Su/s320/P1020187.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The undead dragon joined the giant in the charge and killed<br />
two units of knights before he was driven off.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After the knights drove off the undead dragon, my own red dragon flew across the table and breathed fire on the unit of ghosts. The dragon then crushed the crispy ghosts and charged into a skeleton unit behind them. Behind the dragon, the cavalry and pike blocks of the main infantry command advanced.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrnAD-Ltxu052rRCYCAMn2v56TkQV3-HcL1zMji2W3kTfrdDR5bjLkVh5IYmGiL28jD14L7f-5kzGJCFvW5qSL3kc5QUQ0lPMeAN1f2RxEbhf5YPjoMZyT1DO9_JmrYGy2kErfvaXXbFZ/s1600/P1020189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrnAD-Ltxu052rRCYCAMn2v56TkQV3-HcL1zMji2W3kTfrdDR5bjLkVh5IYmGiL28jD14L7f-5kzGJCFvW5qSL3kc5QUQ0lPMeAN1f2RxEbhf5YPjoMZyT1DO9_JmrYGy2kErfvaXXbFZ/s320/P1020189.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My red dragon flew across the table and launched itself at the<br />
undead. After initial success, he routed after being flanked<br />
while disordered. Too exposed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNz5bKNjgm0q4hxpAeS7Jw3Or-WoDXyCtnYHrqimZtWWck539SV8Auj-QFHC4TDObbk2zI1OLWnrTYq1-1GTU7qvnt5OSTYbC1o84yujgkR1rVog9-Nq24uCg7KHwT76bIDQDIzPYRqMrp/s1600/P1020190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNz5bKNjgm0q4hxpAeS7Jw3Or-WoDXyCtnYHrqimZtWWck539SV8Auj-QFHC4TDObbk2zI1OLWnrTYq1-1GTU7qvnt5OSTYbC1o84yujgkR1rVog9-Nq24uCg7KHwT76bIDQDIzPYRqMrp/s320/P1020190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The knights led by their Rex grind down the bone giant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XWjFzOzOk3LjMCEfXbd_S-DNvxFUaysZFmCxMDaC9FIICyXfDF_PVcA-yF7yFMsYIdk_OqwbMW5FkFEtRTO4nIaxwUjv43zdWagR4o65TT6lInjiUL-5cij2eGiHRF_f1pcaVbMb9cph/s1600/P1020193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XWjFzOzOk3LjMCEfXbd_S-DNvxFUaysZFmCxMDaC9FIICyXfDF_PVcA-yF7yFMsYIdk_OqwbMW5FkFEtRTO4nIaxwUjv43zdWagR4o65TT6lInjiUL-5cij2eGiHRF_f1pcaVbMb9cph/s320/P1020193.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool shot from table level shows the chaotic fighting as the<br />
pike blocks and sergeants launch into the battle. In the background, <br />
the organ gun blasted a unit of wights, killing 3 of the 4 stands.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While the pike blocks fought very well, they faced a real challenge against the skeletons. Even though the skeletons lost wounds to the pikes, they wouldn't rout, and the human infantry gradually tired as they fought them. This was the first battle we fought where it really felt like the skeletons were fighting the way we imagined they would.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lHYRGnbOmNou-Fg36JCfYZlpFPdX-f9TW49iXi9J7hnS-WfPI8P7KZIbLEov-NLXhVK7XGefKsqDJFnyLK4UssxrNuaPqH7Lx2iG0OF45EK_YxQyiqPgjJwYzd7uXYSD5UrqOXo4HOcD/s1600/P1020194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lHYRGnbOmNou-Fg36JCfYZlpFPdX-f9TW49iXi9J7hnS-WfPI8P7KZIbLEov-NLXhVK7XGefKsqDJFnyLK4UssxrNuaPqH7Lx2iG0OF45EK_YxQyiqPgjJwYzd7uXYSD5UrqOXo4HOcD/s320/P1020194.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cavalry battle on the right flank swirls around the bone giant.<br />
He did a good job of blocking the knights and absorbing damage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcWTxTCAyZbmXuFtw54PQIgxVVirYEJt1Uww93-56Z3j92oEjaCbwZSff4aT-28oWq-iqUa-74HUk5LGgOFBK9P90Sw0J6KWZ5dWCUO6HFH6JQDJb1GojrxMNuEUARqh3oFW5JRgAswtm/s1600/P1020195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcWTxTCAyZbmXuFtw54PQIgxVVirYEJt1Uww93-56Z3j92oEjaCbwZSff4aT-28oWq-iqUa-74HUk5LGgOFBK9P90Sw0J6KWZ5dWCUO6HFH6JQDJb1GojrxMNuEUARqh3oFW5JRgAswtm/s320/P1020195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wraiths killed the organ gun, but the battle continues<br />
to be very confused. They are hesitant to attack the pikemen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW7UDMrcWapneedFPOHYF0kwiyukA-C7eoFVrsbUMevnK_LvezybD46RAjbbhXM4-u9j1prPvditZv0AVyhJs4SSLU-_85VfTTH3vxdlNbPrh7z-H9n5Ce2CkmlZ0EtlqVsfCmjyOwTC0/s1600/P1020196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW7UDMrcWapneedFPOHYF0kwiyukA-C7eoFVrsbUMevnK_LvezybD46RAjbbhXM4-u9j1prPvditZv0AVyhJs4SSLU-_85VfTTH3vxdlNbPrh7z-H9n5Ce2CkmlZ0EtlqVsfCmjyOwTC0/s320/P1020196.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long shot of the table. The undead lich has managed to<br />
rally the undead dragon while my dragon is fleeing off the<br />
table. Bad news for me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By the time we had to pick up the table, the Undead had run out of morale chips. Middle Kingdom was leading 12 -0, but the Undead had rallied their undead dragon and their vampires had just landed and begun slaughtering the missile troops of the Middle Kingdom infantry command. A unit of wraiths fought a knight unit, and because the knights didn't have magical weapons, they couldn't do any damage to the ghostly warriors. Eventually, the human knights had enough and they fled in fear from these invincible wraiths. <br />
<br />
The outcome was still in doubt, but most importantly, the undead showed they could hold their own against the knights of the Middle Kingdoms. The skeletons were great at slowing down the attack. The undead dragon and bone giant also used their "Might" special ability to great effect, smashing through the extra-heavy armor of the knights as if were tissue paper.<br />
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<br />Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-21886787488700348442013-03-05T16:15:00.001-08:002013-03-05T17:32:57.142-08:00Battle of Kasar River<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past Saturday, we fought another tabletop battle in our ongoing Hostile Realms campaign using Theater of War. Hostile Realms is a fantasy Piquet ruleset that uses custom-made card decks to determine what actions armies can attempt on the tabletop. Better armies have better decks.</div>
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The strategic situation is summarized <a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2012/11/campaign-turn-2.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Undead Jed brought his undead army and he knew he was facing a tough battle against a much more numerous Middle Kingdoms (MK) army. His army was also unsupplied from the campaign actions, but we forgot to include that in the army preparation.</div>
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The mounted nobility of the MK knights were massed on the left flank under the command of their pegasus-mounted King. The center was held by 3 solid pike blocks of civic militia and mountaineers led by Jhone of Orc and her Blessed Banner. This infantry command was backed up by a unit of minotaurs and several longbow units led by a priest. The Middle Kingdom had 30 morale chips. The Undead had 20 morale chips.</div>
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As the battle began, the Rex landed between the armies and challenged the Necromancer to single combat. The Undead Necromancer wisely declined. Grinning, he pulled out a magic flute and raised a thick forest in front of the Middle Kingdom cavalry. The knights would have to fight their way around the tangled trees and through a unit of blocking wraiths of they wanted to flank the Undead. Luckily they had been given blessed weapons before the battle to help them fight the magical wraiths.</div>
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After a few card draws and Undead spell attempts, the Middle Kingdom drew their Uncontrolled Charge card. This card triggered impulsive charges by the heavily armored mounted knights on the left and the pikemen from the center command. The mounted knights crashed into a unit of Undead wraiths, destroyed it, and continued on to rout several units of minion cavalry.</div>
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The Middle Kingdom pikemen rammed their pikes into the defending skeleton infantry and began to slowly push them back. The Undead attempted to stop the momentum of the Middle Kingdom army with their own charge, but the solid pike blocks proved resolute. Meanwhile the bloodthirsty MK knights began to turn and roll up the flank of the Undead army. After several units had been destroyed, the morale chip advantage was Middle Kingdom 40 to Undead 0. The Undead drew their Army Morale card and were forced to make an Army Morale check because they had no morale chips left. They failed it by 1 and the Undead withdrew from the field.</div>
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The Theater of War campaign rules classified the battle as a Decisive Victory for the Middle Kingdom. Neither of us concentrated on capturing the various victory objectives on the table. The Middle Kingdom was determined to crush the Undead with its numerical superiority and the Undead were content to wait and attempt to gain advantage through their magic. The current National Will for the Undead was 21 (54-21). The Undead stood to lose a minimum of 22 National Will for the defeat so they lost the campaign. This last defeat weakened the power of the Undead Necromancer so his forces were no longer able to resist the might of the Middle Kingdom.</div>
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This concludes our test campaign! We will have to reset it for a new one.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpSyY5ce2GNvcqUVn4XYukGTG43_WRc-4hhgeg7SC_rCJnfjRiguYt0PyJpoGz3Pe5rZ_9HS57JvF516LEMqMDy0fu3OM1UsIi8Q79Wo5_sxCNYN9hlyXjaCQtR7lmMK7LViSxLkIOJeQ/s1600/P1020137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpSyY5ce2GNvcqUVn4XYukGTG43_WRc-4hhgeg7SC_rCJnfjRiguYt0PyJpoGz3Pe5rZ_9HS57JvF516LEMqMDy0fu3OM1UsIi8Q79Wo5_sxCNYN9hlyXjaCQtR7lmMK7LViSxLkIOJeQ/s400/P1020137.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The MK center commands.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2IGUOJvN5LkkPJNega4oKLrC4yMW5Y3F-PQS0Xx62M0m940J_0hRKpfTCKxgyNUZGuY86Wv1648sPMYirsmt8CdZlIzZtpTzfQOB4iFA3GVq_T3y7Gk9RWlVSja7U4siK7kueejywFhf/s1600/P1020136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2IGUOJvN5LkkPJNega4oKLrC4yMW5Y3F-PQS0Xx62M0m940J_0hRKpfTCKxgyNUZGuY86Wv1648sPMYirsmt8CdZlIzZtpTzfQOB4iFA3GVq_T3y7Gk9RWlVSja7U4siK7kueejywFhf/s400/P1020136.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The battlefield seen from the end with the mounted knights.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyauCKkUsP90pr-VDj-YeP_9LefCSxYJauQzZHo16PCULWdPGFaZsKELy2oAt7Hz6KDIfYX7ZkseSJV1zoAndIoYWunNI0ky699vwfz-AFWg6Uc2yF6bsRj5w-CW4QZyjpi02qNdWauh7d/s1600/P1020139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyauCKkUsP90pr-VDj-YeP_9LefCSxYJauQzZHo16PCULWdPGFaZsKELy2oAt7Hz6KDIfYX7ZkseSJV1zoAndIoYWunNI0ky699vwfz-AFWg6Uc2yF6bsRj5w-CW4QZyjpi02qNdWauh7d/s400/P1020139.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Undead center.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmFLLDtgHWk5CEpukmgzYx-YL5P1yQX3lMfSyTlG1DmXKSkkuWV0B9b27gVFuhOC6bYetZxFy_YaIsoUenxA4OuRfXtE3xKsmmlJAKti6YV08bwnPEHj2HkgNEmAk63gubgfDJDIeG8ID/s1600/P1020140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmFLLDtgHWk5CEpukmgzYx-YL5P1yQX3lMfSyTlG1DmXKSkkuWV0B9b27gVFuhOC6bYetZxFy_YaIsoUenxA4OuRfXtE3xKsmmlJAKti6YV08bwnPEHj2HkgNEmAk63gubgfDJDIeG8ID/s400/P1020140.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up the mounted nobles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKXQBP5TybMVqMEFRuM0kQUgQQUkMSJ_Pb9aER4aKdslmo20uOo67DUSlJX5jctTGemhdqRj3_SWeYICoEKUdupc9ChyphenhyphendBQjtPHdGnhM-VgjCYnMdEu4eplSzr1MS8HbTmcDIQx0c-R4-/s1600/P1020142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKXQBP5TybMVqMEFRuM0kQUgQQUkMSJ_Pb9aER4aKdslmo20uOo67DUSlJX5jctTGemhdqRj3_SWeYICoEKUdupc9ChyphenhyphendBQjtPHdGnhM-VgjCYnMdEu4eplSzr1MS8HbTmcDIQx0c-R4-/s400/P1020142.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The impetuous pursuers charge into melee after destroying the wraiths.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MutxdP6Y16PakC9uKIDA-y8zRWzeUuYUPwJNdSsEYNefYnk_sC2Gf9kaetIJTrr-1fcpz3MFQ8KwI34GzoAHCPWIDVKpf5m_FkOSj2EVk2UaKQLx4n_8whwPRJIl8cTBLhyADi-JlxQj/s1600/P1020141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MutxdP6Y16PakC9uKIDA-y8zRWzeUuYUPwJNdSsEYNefYnk_sC2Gf9kaetIJTrr-1fcpz3MFQ8KwI34GzoAHCPWIDVKpf5m_FkOSj2EVk2UaKQLx4n_8whwPRJIl8cTBLhyADi-JlxQj/s400/P1020141.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pikemen clash with the Undead center.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50DZ7bCULHHguilm0EzzToEjQAfuY4vzbfYyavxf74vVNSkuwAowNwIZWBtvZiO8F9rVTK3JiPJSF99kxN0dVR909MtVg0bZp9PMVDKnFUwuDj_CIxd_k160qM91qSB1tjE9nyLvSLpkJ/s1600/P1020143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50DZ7bCULHHguilm0EzzToEjQAfuY4vzbfYyavxf74vVNSkuwAowNwIZWBtvZiO8F9rVTK3JiPJSF99kxN0dVR909MtVg0bZp9PMVDKnFUwuDj_CIxd_k160qM91qSB1tjE9nyLvSLpkJ/s400/P1020143.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rex skirmishes with some flying carrion.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSvbPcDb02NJTleVa9pPgsWcNuKslLtmJNoHf9DC7OyGhNmcnZnHsbg__FUm7rh8WfyMaCNR2Ak9EBfY9Z6tMH1lliTvkoAPXXg3CX_dEU8GB5SltJtAwmqtfTsbAHjUVBhRu6wHegZxV/s1600/P1020146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSvbPcDb02NJTleVa9pPgsWcNuKslLtmJNoHf9DC7OyGhNmcnZnHsbg__FUm7rh8WfyMaCNR2Ak9EBfY9Z6tMH1lliTvkoAPXXg3CX_dEU8GB5SltJtAwmqtfTsbAHjUVBhRu6wHegZxV/s400/P1020146.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More impetuous knights pile into the minion cavalry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNpePLTLqE9vN71CuzqQJVH58-ZcMmuENmFWnNV5Bc9BNOBO8Kt_tclJBDlXkUYxSbxPQBI5JhHNg3T2D7_WlxmzhX7QYJ0cxxyjSVYhnmmLj1bfPMZjwOc7xKzEKVPVE62rmm53pbIzv/s1600/P1020144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNpePLTLqE9vN71CuzqQJVH58-ZcMmuENmFWnNV5Bc9BNOBO8Kt_tclJBDlXkUYxSbxPQBI5JhHNg3T2D7_WlxmzhX7QYJ0cxxyjSVYhnmmLj1bfPMZjwOc7xKzEKVPVE62rmm53pbIzv/s400/P1020144.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Undead attempt to push back the pike blocks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJGlto3oGAbqHbOR-LDtqBi5XeQtQXZKQpe8_bywGSK6mM2fi2vhOUuFF-oqBVNr40MZXC5OYjzXsnE3dChrLHOJloaoir4dBx4ypembFhutNgK8rh4TOUH2Z9QUOW_6OLIVTUo7WZ784/s1600/P1020145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJGlto3oGAbqHbOR-LDtqBi5XeQtQXZKQpe8_bywGSK6mM2fi2vhOUuFF-oqBVNr40MZXC5OYjzXsnE3dChrLHOJloaoir4dBx4ypembFhutNgK8rh4TOUH2Z9QUOW_6OLIVTUo7WZ784/s400/P1020145.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reserve command. The Priest was never able to get these<br />
guys moving.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeq644tlbAS1JWj04x0_-oqk_Rm_RXrVqF812gV5jsVU0ZV781gDux0LHLrUTtpSYBoxy1K59xvFsw7EBINnkiUAwbkFu7Z41ZcFnodAqiSLpZzCU0CgHpal5BweYWJWG6IErVT-5P_1p/s1600/P1020147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeq644tlbAS1JWj04x0_-oqk_Rm_RXrVqF812gV5jsVU0ZV781gDux0LHLrUTtpSYBoxy1K59xvFsw7EBINnkiUAwbkFu7Z41ZcFnodAqiSLpZzCU0CgHpal5BweYWJWG6IErVT-5P_1p/s400/P1020147.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pursuit continues. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuqHyXMIFdba-dB3WIHn18-IOLxMs7kKqxpLFm2tky2lQH7TWjd1q82SUPxefBnRAMnc31GArf_PFi0z27uZwrxpEsScDz-LhZjJZWMfD8wGfI7v3_qmmsT4_NFNf8wr6FwlyI2HvrnOK/s1600/P1020149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuqHyXMIFdba-dB3WIHn18-IOLxMs7kKqxpLFm2tky2lQH7TWjd1q82SUPxefBnRAMnc31GArf_PFi0z27uZwrxpEsScDz-LhZjJZWMfD8wGfI7v3_qmmsT4_NFNf8wr6FwlyI2HvrnOK/s400/P1020149.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skeletons crushed under thundering hooves.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long shot of the battlefield mid-action.</td></tr>
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<br />Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-50898598030514681872012-12-29T16:14:00.000-08:002012-12-29T16:14:05.477-08:00Finished 28mm dragonsI bought these two painted plastic dragons from the internet after checking them out at my local Toys R Us. I finally finished basing them. The basing gave me a chance to practice my winter basing techniques and use two mounted knight casualties from my Old Glory HYW Casualty pack. The mounted guys just wouldn't fit on my normal casualty markers.<br />
<br />
To give you an idea of how big these dragons are, they are mounted on 100mm by 150mm bases.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTYTEzjjgGHChbCNagNQyNL8E0gyUzrPrO9wbpytlfocUbgy6i2OHSjacFTnoTVjV1r1HZUb0d4fa3_WmofzHltEjAW4zYxpdvZZlM-lDJA6irHJOIrUqogCsqOVICmh5ayaNUvvyR0HJ/s1600/P1020123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTYTEzjjgGHChbCNagNQyNL8E0gyUzrPrO9wbpytlfocUbgy6i2OHSjacFTnoTVjV1r1HZUb0d4fa3_WmofzHltEjAW4zYxpdvZZlM-lDJA6irHJOIrUqogCsqOVICmh5ayaNUvvyR0HJ/s640/P1020123.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I managed to get some snow on the horse too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM8YtXtI7ScUmdvLbjFPmKvMkNvapuaFgcH0GUSUZaZg9l2v_Ay8UvpCepM0DfnyJcd1-5ZVO4SiAwginGXpOKQqeYbvRJUnnucfNOlD0EjG2RAPebd0DABjhzHCaVU2Q5N1sE1MNPLHo/s1600/P1020124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM8YtXtI7ScUmdvLbjFPmKvMkNvapuaFgcH0GUSUZaZg9l2v_Ay8UvpCepM0DfnyJcd1-5ZVO4SiAwginGXpOKQqeYbvRJUnnucfNOlD0EjG2RAPebd0DABjhzHCaVU2Q5N1sE1MNPLHo/s640/P1020124.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This dragon looks like he wants to play with his food.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6OrVi-ivKZ2WRja22li_Oz7_BDXa_CP3C3Liz1H5zI00RM80Mjy2K5HbXH_eIEOFEhzE9NTzWXWWEOHIqRADaqXGOLR6daBPD3QKOpoA_p0OfwlKThtgbh_Q8G3i7YCnrvmUTcer97vR/s1600/P1020125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6OrVi-ivKZ2WRja22li_Oz7_BDXa_CP3C3Liz1H5zI00RM80Mjy2K5HbXH_eIEOFEhzE9NTzWXWWEOHIqRADaqXGOLR6daBPD3QKOpoA_p0OfwlKThtgbh_Q8G3i7YCnrvmUTcer97vR/s640/P1020125.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The knight is about to be pancaked.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxzofytYaniZyinXd0ywxtYbbAzBGVzbIU2FH46utHCuWTmusLjcXoIusExyuCz2ggHhLLbY1i-7rIkv4Y2xEOe_IApjjGmZOf1fo-FSsBOLlYVvdpzGiwHEYdYPuflun2jclcJ6Z9pgp/s1600/P1020126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxzofytYaniZyinXd0ywxtYbbAzBGVzbIU2FH46utHCuWTmusLjcXoIusExyuCz2ggHhLLbY1i-7rIkv4Y2xEOe_IApjjGmZOf1fo-FSsBOLlYVvdpzGiwHEYdYPuflun2jclcJ6Z9pgp/s640/P1020126.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tried to scorch the bottom of the horse a bit with some smoke.</td></tr>
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<br />Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-7836789108586631552012-11-25T10:06:00.001-08:002012-11-25T10:09:03.717-08:00Winter Goblins WIPHere are some pictures of the Winter Goblins I've been painting. The miniatures are from the plastic GW goblin spear regiment box set. I like how they've turned out. The box gives a lot of variety in posing and while removing the mold lines on the figures is annoying, for the most part, the sculpting is full of character.<br />
<br />
The little guys are very animated which made it difficult to base them 4 figures per 40mm square base. I plan on using the units in attack column (2 bases by 2 bases), so these guys will be the front ranks of two units with their spears pointed forward. There is no way I could use the spear forward guys in a second rank of bases.<br />
<br />
I'll paint and base two rear bases for each unit and use poses where they are holding their spears upright. <br />
<br />
I guess I assumed since they were small goblins that basing them wouldn't be a problem, but I'm obviously going to have to plan the basing very carefully to fit the guys onto the bases. Otherwise, the bases won't be able to line up and touch each other. I could use slightly larger bases for them, but I'd rather keep the basing consistent through my armies.<br />
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<br />Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-79212576468540872552012-11-13T16:30:00.002-08:002012-11-16T10:23:35.982-08:00Hostile Realms Campaign Playtest Turn Spring 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkQVCPBQgZWdCKYhpb_rWsyrR963VTMiHzYVHSXnTZqFozFCmCcE_1a1qPm-r-X8o2AXEsxCuNFbU2s3Jn27ASDdR1gS4Y0aRgjFBkWIDvJO7rScqf1LXWoCRUI6ULkTyP7Bhva1WnGxH/s1600/Full+Map+Turn+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkQVCPBQgZWdCKYhpb_rWsyrR963VTMiHzYVHSXnTZqFozFCmCcE_1a1qPm-r-X8o2AXEsxCuNFbU2s3Jn27ASDdR1gS4Y0aRgjFBkWIDvJO7rScqf1LXWoCRUI6ULkTyP7Bhva1WnGxH/s400/Full+Map+Turn+2.jpg" width="271" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">The complete campaign map. Middle Kingdom is tan.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Undead are gray blocks. The Middle Kingdom is on</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">the offensive.</span></td></tr>
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<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span>
<span class="s1">This is the second turn of our Hostile Realms Campaign we've played using Theater of War, Vassal, and Skype.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
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<span class="s1">I've been playing the Middle Kingdom and Jed is playing the Undead. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">The Undead were forced to retreat from the western city of Daniz after what we called a Marginal Defeat last turn. National Will measures your nation's desire to keep the war effort going. I believe the National Will starting amounts were Middle Kingdom 54, Undead 48. Jed lost 10+d8+d10 National Will for losing the battle and ended up losing around 27 points!!! So now MK leads around 54-21.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br />
In Theater of War, each side builds a hand of cards by drawing from their own campaign deck. It costs impetus points to draw a card, discard, play a card, and act on a played card. This is the Spring 2 turn, so each player's hand can be up to 6 cards. Hand size changes each season. Impetus is determined by a d20 vs d20 roll with the winner getting the die roll difference in impetus points. The loser gets nothing.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
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<span class="s1">As usual this game, my Middle Kingdoms armies did exceedingly well for impetus and I was able to initially cycle through the deck looking for the Officer Check card. Once I drew and played it, I built a supply depot in Daniz to provide a closer source of supply for my invading knights. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s2"><br />
</span><span class="s1">In the East, two of my Middle Kingdom feudal hosts (BG 2 each) held a war summit and agreed to put aside petty rivalries and join into a massive host under one leader (Officer Check). This new army became a Size 4 Battlegroup. This army then began marching north along the eastern coastal road. After they were shown some lightly defended fords by friendly farmers who had no desire to become zombies, the army crossed the Kasar River and entered the same road hex as 2 Undead Battle Groups who were guarding the eastern approaches to the Necromancer's kingdom. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s2"><br />
</span><span class="s1">I pulled the Supply card and Jed had some terrible luck rolling supply for his retreating army and one of the battle groups in the Kasar River hex. My army in the Kasar River hex was also blocking the easier road bound supply route for his retreating battle group. He had to trace across the desert, lengthening the path considerably. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br />
I tried to pull cards from my deck to build a good battle hand to engage in</span><span class="s2"> battle near the </span><span class="s1">Kasar River, but I had discarded quite a few useful battle cards while I was </span>searching for that damn Officer Check card. </div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s2"><br />
</span><span class="s1">Jed started to win more impetus in the middle of the turn. He had trouble getting the right Move cards when he needed them. He played the Scout card and was able to spend impetus to discover that some of my armies threatening his lands from south of the Salty Bog were actually just cavalry screens (dummy Battle Groups). I then scouted his Kasar River armies and discovered my BG 4 was on top of a BG 2 and a BG 1. The dummy Battle Groups will reappear on the beginning of the Summer 1 turn in hexes containing actual Battle Groups.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">Closeup of the action. The supply depot in Daniz is represented by my<br />
ship block in the West. The yellow dots indicate out of supply status. <br />
The red dot indicates that army was defeated in a previous battle. This <br />
is the army that lost the previous turn's battle in Daniz. The Kasar River <br />
battle hex is the hex with the two bridges leading to it. <br />
The skull castle block indicates a city that is controlled by the Undead.</td></tr>
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<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1">With only a few cards left in my deck, I won approximately 12 impetus. I searched</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s1">what remained of my deck and managed to pull an Attack card. My hand at the time consisted of Engage in Battle x3, Flank Attack, Strength, and Attack. Eager to take advantage of my numerical superiority, I played an Engage in Battle card to fight the BG2 at the Kasar River. I played my Flank Attack action card and Jed played a Retire card to avoid the battle.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Aaargh! Luckily, I had a few more impetus (and I had the 3 Engage in Battle cards in my hand almost the entire turn). I engaged the BG 2 again with my BG 4, played the Attack card this time and Jed opposed it with an Attack card. I think I had a Strength card and used the other Engage card as a Strength card to gain the battle advantage 3-2 (I believe Jed also had a Strength card).</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I had wanted to try a Flank Attack scenario this game, but Jed wouldn't cooperate. :(</span></div>
<div class="p2">
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<span class="s1">So with a BG size advantage of 2 and a battle hand advantage of 1, we drew our army strengths. I ended up with my entire campaign roster (25 slots) and Jed pulled 19 roster slots with 2 infantry choices and 2 cavalry/beast/large creature choices. It helped that I had a BG 4 because I was able to ignore a Numeric 3 card on my army pull and then drew an 8 instead.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Unfortunately for the Undead, Jed's battle group is also out of supply, so that will reduce the effectiveness of a few of his units. The battle will be a meeting engagement in light terrain. I expect Jed to choose a few more Level 3 and Level 4 spells this battle in an effort to overcome my advantage in numbers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Below are some new additions to my armies. Both the Realm and the Middle Kingdoms can field a dragon in their campaign rosters. I bought both of these Safari dragons for under $20 each. They came painted and I think they look pretty great! I only need to base them!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9F_Xe7q6as7Uyrr3cQ1sumklFORbJ8m8ySfyaJKOtpWkek8c-0_iN5CnHihbMzDtKEA9JkOuJJnnpnSDD6MUAAwnek_gzBkThLEwt5kq5aYEdoVouWKktmZMIqI7kkB5iiFvD0kpYohN/s1600/P1020092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9F_Xe7q6as7Uyrr3cQ1sumklFORbJ8m8ySfyaJKOtpWkek8c-0_iN5CnHihbMzDtKEA9JkOuJJnnpnSDD6MUAAwnek_gzBkThLEwt5kq5aYEdoVouWKktmZMIqI7kkB5iiFvD0kpYohN/s400/P1020092.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rex tangling with a two-headed fire-breather!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkS0P8kxO0c1zd5XPoZw3kGZpheueRmC3rXJ_K9xa3WBPaLq4zW2xFy02cgQTjJPyniAosE8qvWDnLRcVbxh4JvOaXOqg8VBbUPG5Uub3n18YBWS75ZBLbQad48gBBswdlGMNavc5XOBI/s1600/P1020093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkS0P8kxO0c1zd5XPoZw3kGZpheueRmC3rXJ_K9xa3WBPaLq4zW2xFy02cgQTjJPyniAosE8qvWDnLRcVbxh4JvOaXOqg8VBbUPG5Uub3n18YBWS75ZBLbQad48gBBswdlGMNavc5XOBI/s400/P1020093.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This dragon looks like it would be great for elves or the Middle Kingdom!</td></tr>
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Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-15289003786019625122012-11-04T10:58:00.002-08:002012-11-16T10:24:21.737-08:00Battle of Daniz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Hero!</td></tr>
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This is a battle report of the first battle we have generated with our test Hostile Realms campaign. The Middle Kingdom marched a Size 2 Battle Group into the lands of the Undead and engaged in battle with a Size 3 Battle Group belonging to the Necromancer's Empire. This battle took place near the undead city of Daniz, just west of the Salty Bog.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZ8ogB6eHuisOQ1BeW2nY8F8aMBn3sJNb_PPNg5jkIAItvhm29YjxpN-JWQ-acDxALI4N7dt12qpdJRV_MT7TX0nkrymRueY4tDHM0WFazFWa6yW3VjH7R28Z28yaeiMlMI_Lig2o4Pd-/s1600/Daniz+Battle+Closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZ8ogB6eHuisOQ1BeW2nY8F8aMBn3sJNb_PPNg5jkIAItvhm29YjxpN-JWQ-acDxALI4N7dt12qpdJRV_MT7TX0nkrymRueY4tDHM0WFazFWa6yW3VjH7R28Z28yaeiMlMI_Lig2o4Pd-/s400/Daniz+Battle+Closeup.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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The city is located in a Light Terrain hex. We used my terrain generation card deck to generate the terrain for the table top, assign the battlefield objectives, and deploy the commands.</div>
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In the view below, the Undead are deployed on the right in 2 commands. The Middle Kingdom is deployed on the left in 3 commands. The battlefield had a Class II creek that ran the length of the table. Otherwise there were some roads, a few Class II hills, a Class III village, and a Class III town. The battlefield objectives from front to back in the photo below were:</div>
<ul>
<li>small hill in right foreground ( 2 VP)</li>
<li>town in right center (13 morale chips)</li>
<li>long hill behind the town (4 VP)</li>
<li>village in left center at the end of the table (10 morale chips, 7 VP)</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KBbclTH-IvzUfbSjQ-gb9nWTC1AHwiaEHsysFAg6q-u4NfzsvjJ-r2C1eK5EczAcQI5BjN9eQPH0KLaI5WkyiV8H3lGPwMnW8b4Tez5j-aXmsGJQH4E0Ytmdvcxb7z1n9el2oQlYwA69/s1600/P1020072.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KBbclTH-IvzUfbSjQ-gb9nWTC1AHwiaEHsysFAg6q-u4NfzsvjJ-r2C1eK5EczAcQI5BjN9eQPH0KLaI5WkyiV8H3lGPwMnW8b4Tez5j-aXmsGJQH4E0Ytmdvcxb7z1n9el2oQlYwA69/s400/P1020072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Below is a photo of the tabletop from the other end. The Middle Kingdom army was divided into 3 commands:<br />
<ul>
<li>Left Flank Command: 2 feudal knight units, 1 sergeant unit led by the Count of Bovis, a mounted hero. I rolled his quality and determined he was an Average (D10) leader with good combat skills. </li>
<li>Center Command: Crossbowmen, hand-gunners, an organ gun, minotaurs, pike-armed civic militia, and a unit of household knights equipped with magic Horseshoes of Speed.. This command was led by Father Brutus. Father Brutus is an unusual-looking, short, grizzly priest whose family rushed him off to join the clergy early in his adult development. I rolled his quality and he was an Exceptional leader (D12+1), but a terrible spellcaster (D4 aptitude). Apparently, Father Brutus has alienated his deity.</li>
<li>Paladins Under the Rex's Gaze: 1 unit of household knights equipped with magic Wings of the Pegasus. They are led by Jean the Good, the Rex mounted on a pegasus. I rolled Jean's quality and he was Abysmal (D6) as a leader, but phenomenal as a warrior. His poor leadership as CinC also added a Command Indecision card to the deck. Does this surprise anyone?</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon5wozHNC6nnwdtZamBrpJ3r7ldZ8k1SPfcqEp6zo07qxLPoK_iVEYQWl6uUybQcKiwAWsWkFkej62QWrcm99dW4jrn4ptndtEbWvU6gsAQ5kgtOfpRksT02lg4cFGXVlyieVycXUkymN/s1600/P1020073.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon5wozHNC6nnwdtZamBrpJ3r7ldZ8k1SPfcqEp6zo07qxLPoK_iVEYQWl6uUybQcKiwAWsWkFkej62QWrcm99dW4jrn4ptndtEbWvU6gsAQ5kgtOfpRksT02lg4cFGXVlyieVycXUkymN/s400/P1020073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The council meeting in the Middle Kingdom's royal council tent was a scene to behold. The Count of Bovis, Father Brutus, and other leaders were standing around a map of Daniz when the Rex strode in and removed his helm. His hair was perfect and he flashed a winning smile to the nobles. He asked the assembled lords, "Are we ready to fight today?"<br />
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Brutus told the king, "Sire, the undead have skeletons and zombies, but our scouts report that they also have a bone giant, mummies, and a unit of magically protected wraiths. Perhaps we should discuss a plan to deal with these threats." <br />
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The Rex picked up his famed Mirror Shield and smirked at the priest. "You want a plan? Don't lose the battle until I win it." And he left.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1kT2vKqDSL9wV4E5eg_4jpA96Bta-JM1WoPV5_XeY9TI2Kb9BERlJ39EU0n8Gu83KgJ-Lvtx3HzOJv4vfG-r11kk1rAHA_61havY7VrAX9O4Rv2iBJ70mjj0sbv2CZqZxy-H0xBwXCcy/s1600/P1020074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1kT2vKqDSL9wV4E5eg_4jpA96Bta-JM1WoPV5_XeY9TI2Kb9BERlJ39EU0n8Gu83KgJ-Lvtx3HzOJv4vfG-r11kk1rAHA_61havY7VrAX9O4Rv2iBJ70mjj0sbv2CZqZxy-H0xBwXCcy/s400/P1020074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Center command commanded by Father Brutus</td></tr>
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The Count of Bovis' mounted command advanced and captured the small village on the left flank. The infantry command advanced to threaten the the town in the center. An Uncontrolled Charge card sent the minotaurs charging impetuously toward the center of the Undead line.<br />
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The Undead were carefully using their magic to Bless their units and magically improve their capabilities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUfcQMVTWLHGFArd3OwAKLFDHRosBkUBoHdKk-Su7yM309SEyWy3c0khhS0LJ8A0D2UHPs3evcoszzbu5vW02Hsu8_hRY9znDJZC04ojbjQst4nrRrTZFuH5tCnX0TGEBx9J6lnNqnUuT/s1600/P1020076.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUfcQMVTWLHGFArd3OwAKLFDHRosBkUBoHdKk-Su7yM309SEyWy3c0khhS0LJ8A0D2UHPs3evcoszzbu5vW02Hsu8_hRY9znDJZC04ojbjQst4nrRrTZFuH5tCnX0TGEBx9J6lnNqnUuT/s400/P1020076.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minotaurs charge the Undead</td></tr>
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The Middle Kingdom cavalry on the left flank moved to threaten the right flank of the Undead army. Meanwhile the Rex and his paladin bodyguard flew into the air and began to fly in a wide arc around the left flank of the Undead army.<br />
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The Undead moved 3 units of skeleton archers into the town in the center.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Tz68TiKjoNsuap2ex6QkSx_zqFah4mKlDGdmAAxpD0Xy3Ib6E7rMp1E_DELbhKCtubjY9JiTvRZ93bjnbwDerbK7PXmxWqgoWmbdDxorfTPDs5XQcm7MFpBGh946v6RcJDyxFNLo3d2x/s1600/P1020077.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Tz68TiKjoNsuap2ex6QkSx_zqFah4mKlDGdmAAxpD0Xy3Ib6E7rMp1E_DELbhKCtubjY9JiTvRZ93bjnbwDerbK7PXmxWqgoWmbdDxorfTPDs5XQcm7MFpBGh946v6RcJDyxFNLo3d2x/s400/P1020077.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MK knights moving against the Undead right flank.</td></tr>
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After some lucky Move and Heroic Moment rolls, the Rex overcame his own poor leadership qualities and dive-bombed a unit of skeletons behind the Undead front lines.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOypnNwlhHZ8EuRz_NgM9wbmTToXXr276B7f5HDI6XYziDXwaa8mVAh-MHvyJDGmNGECxqPAuJgaz2LL_i60V_MBiJHZTkU3vmZ0PFub-9IUwSPls1Ru0MtlBvvYNL9bxN9i96r0PnfXmX/s1600/P1020084.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOypnNwlhHZ8EuRz_NgM9wbmTToXXr276B7f5HDI6XYziDXwaa8mVAh-MHvyJDGmNGECxqPAuJgaz2LL_i60V_MBiJHZTkU3vmZ0PFub-9IUwSPls1Ru0MtlBvvYNL9bxN9i96r0PnfXmX/s400/P1020084.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Household knight equipped with Horseshoes of Speed gallop past the town to assist the<br />
Paladins Under the Rex's Gaze as they descend upon the undead in the background</td></tr>
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The minotaurs fled from melee after failing a morale check on a Courage card, but Father Brutus rallied them with some raw meat. They then promptly charged back into melee again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oSJ7VXmOXWLUTVExG9upzVDelqGCYuJk-uYVQwHteUWkVLUvaWr_6eVdJXgKjWmwHp5TKQQTnFhzDqII_wzKmi9dO2zj5cKuMKYT7x3e-ccGlyqRc2QfMYgvhIH_bE4ZHG4JYiLK6qnA/s1600/P1020079.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oSJ7VXmOXWLUTVExG9upzVDelqGCYuJk-uYVQwHteUWkVLUvaWr_6eVdJXgKjWmwHp5TKQQTnFhzDqII_wzKmi9dO2zj5cKuMKYT7x3e-ccGlyqRc2QfMYgvhIH_bE4ZHG4JYiLK6qnA/s400/P1020079.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CmInFDmgc0wrK1eQkhID6RGoxYLg4ORph9AzlHZNGBugTCIyahiSVRDnQm-A8VlE2pHR9exNGcfd3cHmBxQy2uQm87Aotn2MOSG6mO4I8WjzvjKtY0M0zO8LCW_jrOASGILt81eIVA92/s1600/P1020080.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CmInFDmgc0wrK1eQkhID6RGoxYLg4ORph9AzlHZNGBugTCIyahiSVRDnQm-A8VlE2pHR9exNGcfd3cHmBxQy2uQm87Aotn2MOSG6mO4I8WjzvjKtY0M0zO8LCW_jrOASGILt81eIVA92/s400/P1020080.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And lost and routed away again. Sigh! At least they look tough.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujmtShSGFfDZim1MI-q4Ks5okz6RW_By3EYIMp1qhgxTQ1iYwSfRjwcjPCMVbZ9-1qAYzRHQK5y7MkK7eef6q-VFQH3zmx4GlQiadOfiD9-JNlhy7fxMrKq739PK27e97cd5XyWqyD-_3/s1600/P1020083.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujmtShSGFfDZim1MI-q4Ks5okz6RW_By3EYIMp1qhgxTQ1iYwSfRjwcjPCMVbZ9-1qAYzRHQK5y7MkK7eef6q-VFQH3zmx4GlQiadOfiD9-JNlhy7fxMrKq739PK27e97cd5XyWqyD-_3/s400/P1020083.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see Father Brutus waving goodbye to his minotaurs.</td></tr>
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After another Courage card, the feudal knights in Bovis' command fled from a unit of wraiths. It's pretty understandable since they had no magic weapons and couldn't harm the wraiths.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KeUotrQZCoTA251Zu6Gv9SR4DFdtV_oC5Gsxo0GNfrXs6ewWVdATDQfY3hb0dWZXMy7a_8lRePxpvyLb2nmkEvk_ztN6NJj6bSSNUpolwEa5nyGFHHcW85aFEN3pjussu3TxZjX1492p/s1600/P1020082.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KeUotrQZCoTA251Zu6Gv9SR4DFdtV_oC5Gsxo0GNfrXs6ewWVdATDQfY3hb0dWZXMy7a_8lRePxpvyLb2nmkEvk_ztN6NJj6bSSNUpolwEa5nyGFHHcW85aFEN3pjussu3TxZjX1492p/s400/P1020082.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fleeing knights.</td></tr>
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Meanwhile the Rex and his paladins were starting to roll up the flank of the main Undead command.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lich's attempt to cast a spell is defeated by the Rex's Mirror Shield.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victory for the Undead on this flank</td></tr>
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The undead are winning on the right, but the Middle Kingdom household
knights have slaughtered their opponents and are moving behind the
Undead front lines, searching for new targets. They've killed several infantry units and a chariot unit.<br />
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At this point, the Undead commander had to go home and acknowledged that his forces had at least suffered a Marginal Defeat. The morale chip count was 13-0. The undead wraiths could probably take back the small village on the flank which was worth 10 Morale/7 VP, but I don't know if they could reach it before the pegasus-mounted paladins caught them. The Rex clearly did win the battle with the help of his household knights. Most of the other Middle Kingdom units were routing, routed off the board, or disordered. Jean the Good is obviously a strategic genius.<br />
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<b>Player's Notes:</b><br />
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Jed did a much better job with his magic in this battle. He used it to bolster his troops and with the poor magical abilities of my opposing priest, the Undead wizards were able to use magic very effectively on the battlefield.<br />
<br />
Having 3 commands to Jed's 2 commands was a real advantage. The deployment draw also forced Jed to deploy his 2 commands first. I was then able to see his deployment and place my troops where they would be needed most. Having that 3rd command allowed me to give the Rex his own personal command with which he could deliver his flank attack. Drawing the Wings of the Pegasus magic item was also very lucky since the Rex was already mounted on a flying steed.<br />
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I (the Middle Kingdom player) kept my weaker infantry away from the Undead. Neither the mummies nor the bone giant were even able to get into melee. I also used my mobility to pick and choose where the fights would be. The 2 units of household knights were very fast because one was flying (Wings of the Pegasus) and the other had Boots of Speed. Between the two mounted units, they probably destroyed 5 units and cost the Undead around 20 morale chips. <br />
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Since most of the Undead units don't rout or retreat, they would just get pulverized by the knights for their full 4 wounds. The Pegasus Knights were Melee D12+3 to start and the attached Rex would raise them UP2. By himself, the Rex was something like Melee D12+5. The only other effective unit I had was the organ gun that managed to vaporize an advancing skeleton unit at point blank range with a single shot.<br />
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I was also pretty lucky because the Rex's low Command die initially worried me a bit. With only a D6 for Command, I needed to roll well to move them. Otherwise, I was concerned the Pegasus Knights would take too long to make their flank attack. Some good rolls and well-timed Heroic Moment cards allowed me to bring the finishing attack in the nick of time.<br />
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The Undead had trouble winning melees against the heavily armored knights. Sometimes this was because Jed rolled poorly, but I also avoided the mummies and the bone giant, 2 units I thought would be dangerous to my knights in melee. The giant is Mighty and ignores armor, so I knew I had to stay far away from him. Jed's other excellent unit, his wraiths, scared off my feudal knights with Courage checks, but never caused any wounds, ended up out of command on a flank and was isolated from the rest of the battle.<br />
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The Undead caused very few wounds on my army because I kept my crappy infantry away from them. The most effective aspect of the Undead army were the Courage cards. They add an extra Courage card to their opponent's deck, so I was facing 3 Courage cards every turn. Almost every routed or disordered unit the Middle Kingdom had during the battle was the result of a failed Courage check. Since these full strength units would then rout off the table, they would only count as 1 morale chip lose against the MK's total.<br />
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The Undead army has a lot of units with excellent special abilities, but it can be very difficult to manage. Jed has really been developing his techniques, but his most recent challenge has been which leaders to bring to the battle. Wizard commanders are ideal for the Undead, but they can't use their spells when they're attached to units. If the Undead doesn't bring a warrior-type leader that can attach to units, the army misses out on the Heroic Moment card which allows a unit with an attached character to treat the card as a wild card. <br />
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I screwed up with my magical item assignment. I should have assigned the Magic Shield to the Count of Bovis so he could use its magical capabilities to make effective attacks against the wraiths who are immune to non-magical attacks. Oh well, in the end, the Rex bailed me out with his powerful ego.<br />
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<br />Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-18062777877765339652012-11-02T19:14:00.000-07:002012-11-16T10:24:21.738-08:00Pictures of the Middle Kingdom Rex<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Jed and I have our first Fantasy Realms campaign battle scheduled tomorrow. The gentleman pictured below is The Rex, Jean the Good. He is the titular king of the Middle Kingdoms and when present he "commands" their armies. </div>
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Jean earned his high position through birth and has held his status because he happens to be the best melee combatant in the Middle Kingdoms. He's no strategic genius, but when battle is joined, Jean knows how to take care of business...in person. </div>
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When the Middle Kingdom matches up against the armies of the Undead tomorrow, Jean will use his special personal challenge ability, land his pegasus between the two armies, and issue a challenge of personal combat to the Evil Necromancer. Typically, the Evil Necromancer rolls his eyes and writes Jean off as an immature show-off, but the courage Jean's antics show does serve to impress the manly mounted knights of his realm. Maybe this boost to their morale will prove to be the difference in tomorrow's battle? Or maybe Jean will get his "mano a mano" battle?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's still a little glossy from his varnish coat, but I'll have to decide if I want to<br />
dull cote him or not. The gloss coat works great to hold the decals on.<br />
(decals from VVV)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The base will also get the tall grass treatment once I know the varnishing is done.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't wash Rex at all. Just highlighting because frankly, he probably has<br />
plenty of servants polishing his gear before battle. Jean the Good has to look<br />
good, after all.</td></tr>
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<br />Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-71021704667882226272012-10-28T09:12:00.002-07:002012-11-16T10:24:21.753-08:00Middle Kingdom MinotaursWe've been building armies to fight our Hostile Realms <a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2012/09/fielding-hostile-realms-army.html">campaign</a>.<br />
<br />
Our Middle Kingdoms army list includes a unit of minotaurs, so I conducted an extensive search of the internet to locate suitable models. Since the minotaurs are a beast unit in the game, they would be based on 4 1-figure stands. Many manufacturers make great minotaur models, but very few have 4 variations of a similar model that can be used to form up a unit of minotaurs. I finally found some excellent candidates from <a href="http://www.dragonbloodminis.com/cavalcade/Fantasy.html">Cavalcade Wargames</a>. They offered a nice selection of minotaurs and had a great variety of poses.<br />
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So, here are four of the minotaurs are in all of their glory:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuuN1k2DW5iILBak4elhYQG_8GtJOpJC4KlVY0XXLSYylN32op0pkO3tsbt_cgUQFZv0NotyBej5giTO1SS2q7stwOKZz2ggcW1TfN0P1ysh3U3bUsx9s0EwqHOZ5cdni5pdZwWHZa8Xq/s1600/P1020054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuuN1k2DW5iILBak4elhYQG_8GtJOpJC4KlVY0XXLSYylN32op0pkO3tsbt_cgUQFZv0NotyBej5giTO1SS2q7stwOKZz2ggcW1TfN0P1ysh3U3bUsx9s0EwqHOZ5cdni5pdZwWHZa8Xq/s400/P1020054.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ranked up against a unit of Gondorian infantry. Quite the<br />size difference!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdzDEDeZ-RIw1w4RtLl_Ar2c0I72E-IKkbzX0m6KUMSeVUK9eCoulw8cxO106hXDJ1Ol7CMBP5Qw9jloobrZqXadbIGcJ6u4V0VoiULo9NOHIzDMVuFrUcf16rMc15Xi6MQuCMYp1j14P/s1600/P1020055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdzDEDeZ-RIw1w4RtLl_Ar2c0I72E-IKkbzX0m6KUMSeVUK9eCoulw8cxO106hXDJ1Ol7CMBP5Qw9jloobrZqXadbIGcJ6u4V0VoiULo9NOHIzDMVuFrUcf16rMc15Xi6MQuCMYp1j14P/s400/P1020055.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once I've finished the Midde Kingdoms and Gondorian armies, I plan to paint a Snow Goblin army for Hostile Realms. Here is my first snow goblin, fresh off the painting table. Giant yeti, ice trolls, snow ogres, and winter wolves, oh my!<br />
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<br /><br />Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-44860752377704509172012-10-12T18:22:00.003-07:002012-11-16T10:24:21.746-08:00Hostile Realms Campaign Playtest Turn Spring 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV0eLbFIzEeNbYBiP6MyhUIj9HT2TRkAzpP6swOC4P4RGBx0QT62Q2iAeE9rGBsY0_dpuGAZSNw2u99vp2VCEpaRKy2nP-mEiWnoTTguy91iF-i8hFOSynpoBw4C1CHJAfjmK3fE4oC4b/s1600/Wizard+Kings+Turn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV0eLbFIzEeNbYBiP6MyhUIj9HT2TRkAzpP6swOC4P4RGBx0QT62Q2iAeE9rGBsY0_dpuGAZSNw2u99vp2VCEpaRKy2nP-mEiWnoTTguy91iF-i8hFOSynpoBw4C1CHJAfjmK3fE4oC4b/s640/Wizard+Kings+Turn1.jpg" width="433" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The city on the island is my capital or base of operations. The brown units are my armies (the goodies). The gray units are the Undead (the baddies). The hidden blocks are armies (battle groups) and they started on my two northernmost cities. I now have 3 army groups heading for the lands of the Undead. One has reached the Undead city of Daniz on the left above the large number 3. This is the battle that ended the turn and it has revealed its strength.</td></tr>
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We've been planning a Hostile Realms fantasy campaign using Piquet's Theater of War (TOW) campaign rules and the Wizard Kings Vassal module online. Some of my other articles about this campaign are <a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2012/09/fielding-hostile-realms-army.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Undead Jed and I are running a playtest of the system to ensure that the Vassal module works the way we want it to. In this playtest, we logged on using Skype (Greg was an observer) and then ran the Theater of War turn using the d20 die roller built into the module to roll for initiative.<br />
<br />
The brown units belong to the Middle Kingdom (me). The gray units belong to the Undead. The visible castles merely mark control of populated areas (cities). Cities are useful because capturing them can increase the National Will (VP's) of your nation and make them more likely to continue the war. You can also build a supply depot on a city and use that new depot as a supply source for your armies instead of your capital.<br />
<br />
In TOW you draw cards from your deck and place them in your hand. Depending on the season, your hand size is restricted. This is Spring 1 season, so our hand size is 5 cards. You can play a card from your hand, act on a played card, or discard cards from your hand. All of these actions cost impetus.<br />
<br />
I rolled pretty well for initiative (d20 vs d20) and the difference between the rolls was my impetus. I had a few series of 12 or 15 impetus which allowed me to cycle through my deck and build a hand that would push my armies forward.<br />
<br />
I eventually pulled 10 impetus on a winning Initiative roll. I had a Heroic Effect card in my hand and a Light Move card already played. I drew another Light Move card and was then able to spend impetus to play all 3 cards in sequence:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 impetus draw Light Move card, </li>
<li>Light Move card was already played and up, </li>
<li>2-4 impetus: move 3 armies on roads in Light terrain, </li>
<li>5 impetus play Heroic Effect card from hand, </li>
<li>6 impetus play Light Move card from hand, </li>
<li>7 impetus move "heroically" (combined Heroic Effect with Light Move=double move) 2 hexes on road into Daniz city hex occupied by Undead army. </li>
<li>8 impetus draw Strength card into hand. </li>
<li>9 impetus draw Engage in Battle card into hand. </li>
<li>10 impetus play Engage in Battle card on the Undead army to battle for control of Daniz.</li>
</ul>
And now my hand had the following cards: Attack, Strength, Engage in Battle(Strength), and Officer Check.<br />
<br />
I was saving the Officer Check card in my hand because I hoped to build a supply depot in Daniz if I captured it. The Undead army in Daniz had not moved the entire turn and was completely immobile. I figured it might be a dummy or maybe a small force left to anchor the flank. Boy, was I wrong. The sneaky Undead had actually left a large Size 3 Battle Group in the city for reasons known only to the mysterious servants of death. My aggressive Middle Kingdom knights (Size 2 Battle Group) surged forward and and engaged a larger force in battle. Sneaky Undead.<br />
<br />
So, let's figure out the battle: <br />
<br />
We compared Battle Hands. Undead Jed had an Attack Battle hand with 3 cards (Attack, Heroic Effort(Strength) and Strength). I had the same size Battle Hand: Attack, Strength, and Engage In Battle (Strength), but his larger battle group size might cause me some trouble. We had both selected Attack as our battle strategy so the battle would be an Encounter battle. Since a battle was engaged, the campaign turn ended.<br />
<br />
We then drew cards from the Army Characterization Deck (ACD) to determine the size of our tabletop armies. Jed pulled a 4+3+7 for 14 units from his army campaign roster strength (not great, the card numbers could be from 2-10). His Battle Group size advantage (BG 3 to BG 2) gave him an additional pull from the ACD deck and he drew an artillery effect card. This effect card allows him to select ONE character from his campaign roster instead or using random selection.<br />
<br />
I pulled my ACD cards for the Middle Kingdoms army. My campaign roster contains 25 units. When I draw ACD cards for campaign roster size, I continue to draw cards until I've drawn a numeric force card for every set of 10 units on my roster. <br />
<br />
I drew:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>3 card, </li>
<li>Artillery Effect, </li>
<li>5 card, </li>
<li>Infantry Effect, </li>
<li>Cavalry Effect, </li>
<li>and an 8 card (reduced to a 5 card because the final numerical card can't be more than the 21-25 of the last set of 10 from my roster). </li>
</ul>
I was lucky that I drew so many effect cards on my search for my 3 numerical force cards.<br />
<br />
So my total is: 13 units (3+5+5(8 reduced to 5). Artillery Effect allows me to pick a character, Infantry Effect allows me to pick an infantry unit, and Cavalry effect allows me to pick a beast unit, large creature, or cavalry unit.<br />
<br />
The campaign roster for Middle Kingdoms is:<br />
<br />
*Champion General<br />
*Hero Sub-commander<br />
1. Household Knights<br />
2. Household Knights<br />
3. Household Knights<br />
4. Feudal Knights<br />
5. Feudal Knights<br />
6. Feudal Knights<br />
7. Feudal Knights<br />
8. Sergeants<br />
9. Sergeants<br />
10. Crossbowmen<br />
11. Crossbowmen<br />
12. Hand-gunners<br />
13. Mountaineers<br />
14. Civic Militia<br />
15. Civic Militia<br />
16. Archers of the Guard<br />
17. Mountaineers<br />
18. Civic Militia<br />
19. Civic Militia<br />
20. Ribaldequin organ gun<br />
21. Minotaurs<br />
22. Shire Archers<br />
23. Rex Champion Upgrade<br />
24. Jhone of Orc Hero Upgrade<br />
25. Priest<br />
<br />
<br />
I picked:<br />
<ul>
<li>Minotaurs (Cavalry Effect)</li>
<li>Rex Character Champion Upgrade (Artillery Effect)</li>
<li>Archers of the Guard (Infantry Effect) </li>
</ul>
The remaining 10 units will be chosen randomly:<br />
<ul>
<li>Crossbowmen </li>
<li>Feudal Knights</li>
<li>Civic Militia</li>
<li>Household Knights</li>
<li>Organ Gun</li>
<li>Priest</li>
<li>Feudal Knights</li>
<li>Sergeants</li>
<li>Handgunners</li>
<li>Household Knights</li>
</ul>
A very strange selection. A sub-commander will also be present automatically. I was happy to see the Priest included. He should be useful to the army. The army seems to be very cavalry-heavy. Is that good or bad? It all depends on what the battlefield looks like. And guess what, TOW will determine that for you too. That will be the next article.Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-53239470666579505042012-09-21T11:27:00.000-07:002012-11-16T10:24:21.750-08:00Hostile Realms Campaign Map<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnQrJue5bVP1G8KYA426HtoMVUo4LC51OI7P18phqx09bucek8u2lBQJDk7aS_cTUB3ln0NAza22IJIm58xPJxUF18UqvKhsnwVEJlEPKbwLrfBfXhN4_HbDwmnzeh5GmDKKZfiyaW9vx/s1600/HR+Campaign+Start.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnQrJue5bVP1G8KYA426HtoMVUo4LC51OI7P18phqx09bucek8u2lBQJDk7aS_cTUB3ln0NAza22IJIm58xPJxUF18UqvKhsnwVEJlEPKbwLrfBfXhN4_HbDwmnzeh5GmDKKZfiyaW9vx/s640/HR+Campaign+Start.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used the Wizard Kings Vassal module to design an interesting map for a Hostile Realms fantasy <a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2012/09/fielding-hostile-realms-army.html">campaign</a>. I've owned the Columbia Games' block game for some time and I always thought it would make a good fantasy campaign aid. You can mix and match the map sheets to your heart's desire. <br />
<br />
Each block represents a Battle Group. There are 4 player kingdoms. From lower left clockwise, they are: Undead, Goblins, Gonfor, and the Middle Kingdom. I imagine we could play on Skype and. I could move the blocks according to the players' orders while they watched online. I think the module only handles 2 players, but unlimited observers.<br />
<br />
Battle Groups move as follows:<br />
<ul>
<li>Light Terrain Move card:</li>
<ul>
<li>Enter a clear hex (2 MP)</li>
<li>Follow a road (1 MP)</li>
</ul>
<li>Medium Terrain Move card:</li>
<ul>
<li>Enter a desert hex (3 MP)</li>
<li>Enter a woods hex (4 MP)</li>
<li>Cross a wood hexside (4 MP)</li>
<li>Sail any number of hexes from a friendly city to a friendly city (3 MP)</li>
</ul>
<li>Heavy Terrain Move card: </li>
<ul>
<li>Enter a mountain (6 MP)</li>
<li>Cross a mountain hexside (6 MP)</li>
<li>Enter a swamp hex (5 MP)</li>
<li>Cross a river without a bridge (5 MP)</li>
<li>Sail to or from a coastal clear hex as long as the departure or landing hex is a friendly city (5 MP)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
Castle blocks will mark controlled cities. Occupation of cities scores points for the players. Supply depots can be built in cities.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The players will know what Battle Group strength their blocks are. For example, the Goblin player secretly knows his Orc block is Size 3, his Goblin block is Size 2, and his Troll block is Size 1.</div>
<br />Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-32050890293394068712012-09-19T15:53:00.001-07:002012-11-16T10:24:21.743-08:00Fielding a Hostile Realms army<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYie_LTlmau3qLNtSA9ljbD8z-l8HM6eH12cJiyfDU9UQZ_cJtUWl2Z7dR6NIdw7GHm5TRUUPB52H3aWIPb9H3lQx79TMHs6kbX2t7G1VhB7FemqlgZ8ZMN__KZW8gXE4UEOnlrgeVVVE/s1600/minotaur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYie_LTlmau3qLNtSA9ljbD8z-l8HM6eH12cJiyfDU9UQZ_cJtUWl2Z7dR6NIdw7GHm5TRUUPB52H3aWIPb9H3lQx79TMHs6kbX2t7G1VhB7FemqlgZ8ZMN__KZW8gXE4UEOnlrgeVVVE/s640/minotaur.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This is part of a series of articles I've been writing on converting Piquet's <a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2010/11/theater-of-war-campaigns-made-easy.html" target="_blank">Theater of War</a> campaign system for use with <a href="http://blundersonthedanube.blogspot.com/p/hostile-realms.html" target="_blank">Hostile Realms</a>, Piquet's fantasy rule set:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2012/09/hostile-realms-campaign-conversions.html" target="_blank">Part 1: Campaign deck conversion</a></li>
<li><a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2012/09/converting-hostile-realms-campaign.html" target="_blank">Part 2: Campaign Roster creation</a></li>
<li><a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2012/10/hostile-realms-campaign-playtest-turn-1.htmll">Part 3: Campaign Playtest Turn 1</a> </li>
</ul>
Now that we have the campaign roster established and you know how many units are on campaign with you, it's time to talk about how to determine which units are in a particular battle.<br />
<br />
Theater of War uses a Piquet Army Characterization Deck to select the units. You could also use a poker deck. Special Effect cards have the following effects:<br />
<ul>
<li>Stratagem (4 each) - Remove random enemy Effect card.</li>
<li>Army Effect (4 each)) - Pick any one slot for your army.</li>
<li>Infantry Effect (4 each)- Pick any one infantry slot for your army.</li>
<li>Artillery Effect (4 each) - Pick any one character or engine of war slot for your army.</li>
<li>Cavalry Effect (4 each) - Pick any one cavalry, beast, or large creature slot for your army.</li>
</ul>
Force Size cards are worth their normal value (4 each of values 2 through 10).<br />
<br />
In this example, we'll assume the army is Battle Group of Size 3 vs. an enemy Battle Group of Size 3. The Middle Kingdom player has no Advantage Level based on his Battle Card hand. We'll use the Campaign Roster I created in the last Hostile Realms article for the Middle Kingdoms:<br />
<br />
*Champion General<br />
*Hero Sub-commander<br />
1. Household Knights<br />
2. Household Knights<br />
3. Household Knights<br />
4. Feudal Knights<br />
5. Feudal Knights<br />
6. Feudal Knights<br />
7. Feudal Knights<br />
8. Sergeants<br />
9. Sergeants<br />
10. Crossbowmen<br />
11. Crossbowmen<br />
12. Hand-gunners<br />
13. Mountaineers<br />
14. Civic Militia<br />
15. Civic Militia<br />
16. Archers of the Guard<br />
17. Mountaineers<br />
18. Civic Militia<br />
19. Civic Militia<br />
20. Ribaldequin organ gun<br />
21. Minotaurs<br />
22. Shire Archers<br />
23. Rex Champion Upgrade<br />
24. Jhone of Orc Hero Upgrade<br />
<div>
25. Priest<br />
<br />
The player pulls 3 cards for his campaign roster size. He draws a 5 (Roster 1-10), Cavalry Effect, 2 (Ignored because his Battle Group is Size 3), 7 (Roster 11-20), Stratagem, and a 9 (reduced to a 5 because the roster only goes from 21 to 25). <br />
<br />
The total number of units is 17 (5+7+5).<br />
<br />
Since a Stratagem was drawn, the player can take away one of his opponent's random Effect cards. I use the Cavalry Effect card to pick the minotaurs since I'm pretty sure there will be plenty of cavalry chosen randomly from the list.<br />
<br />
So now it's time to pick 16 random units (the Minotaurs are already selected). I use poker cards assigned to each unit. The results:<br />
<br />
Mountaineers<br />
Ribaldequin organ gun<br />
Shire Archers<br />
Crossbowmen<br />
Priest<br />
Household Knights<br />
Rex Champion upgrade<br />
Feudal Knights<br />
Civic Militia<br />
Household Knights<br />
Hand-gunners<br />
Civic Militia <br />
Feudal Knights<br />
Jhone of Orc upgrade<br />
Crossbowmen<br />
Household Knights<br />
<br />
Interesting Army. <br />
<br />
The Rex will lead a mounted command of 3 Household Knight units and 2 Feudal Knight units.<br />
<br />
Jhone of Orc leads a foot command of an organ gun, 2 Crossbowmen units, a Civic Militia pike block (2 units), 1 Hand-gunner unit, 1 Shire Archer unit, and 1 Mountaineer battle order unit.<br />
<br />
The Priest leads...wait for it...a Minotaur unit. I can only imagine what the back-story is behind that command.<br />
<br />
And there you have it. I built this army while drinking a Bushmill's on ice with a few cards and a calculator while the wife watched the Real Housewives of Wherever.<br />
<br />
A fun army with a King who is a master of jousting and personal combat, but a commander of unknown quality leading a command of the brashest, best-equipped and wealthiest knights of the Middle Kingdoms.<br />
<br />
A young female hero who was raised as a child by Orcs, but now rallies the common infantry of the army with her Blessed Banner. The center of her command is a solid pike block of townsmen.<br />
<br />
And a mad priest who has emerged from the wilderness with a group of minotaur converts. Hmmm.<br />
<br />
Welcome to the wonderful campaign world of Hostile Realms. It won't match up against the art and printing quality of Games Workshop, but there's magic in this book.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2012/09/hostile-realms-campaign-map.html">Next</a> Hostile Realms campaign article...Making a campaign map.<br />
<br /></div>
Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-84399546976032840422012-09-19T14:20:00.001-07:002012-11-16T10:24:21.755-08:00Converting Hostile Realms Campaign Rosters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_urP7SyWnTovvW_hyphenhyphenhGwf6tASMY_DU1B5SFIb6xoYgvyoScIU4yPesvnBYTVCcIlY_1ltJWsU4axGpkOwwOvRFXh-Jh5yuXszxUdy-4_2_Qyb1PF9Om2YocjWRs6W9kfbdo0gK9pgCErz/s1600/Rosters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_urP7SyWnTovvW_hyphenhyphenhGwf6tASMY_DU1B5SFIb6xoYgvyoScIU4yPesvnBYTVCcIlY_1ltJWsU4axGpkOwwOvRFXh-Jh5yuXszxUdy-4_2_Qyb1PF9Om2YocjWRs6W9kfbdo0gK9pgCErz/s640/Rosters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This continues my efforts to convert Piquet's excellent campaign rules, <a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2010/11/theater-of-war-campaigns-made-easy.html" target="_blank">Theater of War</a>, into a format usable for Piquet's fantasy rules, <a href="http://blundersonthedanube.blogspot.com/p/hostile-realms.html" target="_blank">Hostile Realms</a>, that I began <a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2012/09/hostile-realms-campaign-conversions.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
One of the best aspects of Theater of War is that it is designed to prevent the battle size inflation that can often kill a fun campaign game. Once you have generated your campaign roster, the battles will never include more units than you have on your campaign roster. TOW uses a calculation of sequence deck card size, troop quality modifiers, and card divisors to figure out how many units each side can have. This doesn't work as well for Hostile Realms because the sequence decks are all the same size and there isn't a card divisor for army characterization used in the rules.<br />
<br />
Here is my solution. To illustrate it, I'll use the Middle Kingdoms army list.<br />
<br />
For this example, I'll start with a list of 20 units and a total roster points of 2000 points. You first have to fill in all of the minimum numbers required by army composition percentages. The list you make can be any size, but I do recommend your army point total should be 100 points per unit.<br />
<br />
According to the Middle Kingdoms army list, at least 30% of the army has to be mounted knights, Household and Feudal. However, there has to be more Feudal knights than Household Knights. So, you need 4 Feudal Knights and 3 Household Knights.<br />
<br />
At least 10% of the army has to be Sergeants. You add 2 Sergeant units.<br />
At least 10% of the army has to be Crossbowmen. You add 2 Crossbowmen units.<br />
At least 5% of the army has to be Handgunners or Skirmishers. I chose to add 1 Handgunner unit.<br />
At least 5% of the army has to be Mountaineers. You add 1 Mountaineer unit.<br />
At least 10% of the army has to be Civic Militia. You add 2 Civic Militia units.<br />
<br />
That does it for your mandatory units, so your campaign roster looks like this:<br />
<br />
1. Household Knights<br />
2. Household Knights<br />
3. Household Knights<br />
4. Feudal Knights<br />
5. Feudal Knights<br />
6. Feudal Knights<br />
7. Feudal Knights<br />
8. Sergeants<br />
9. Sergeants<br />
10. Crossbowmen<br />
11. Crossbowmen<br />
12. Handgunners<br />
13. Mountaineers<br />
14. Civic Militia<br />
15. Civic Militia<br />
<br />
The total points for this group is 1146 points. That gives us 854 points left.<br />
<br />
Your army will always contain a Commander in Chief Champion and 1 Sub-commander Hero. We allow the Commander in Chief to lead a command, so this allows you to have at a minimum 2 commands. They are listed first on the roster and they always appear in a battle unless upgraded to someone else. They cannot be unique characters unless upgraded. <br />
<br />
Middle Kingdom has a Prince Champion for 168 points and a Count for 104 points. That makes 1418 points. <br />
<br />
You can use slots to upgrade these leaders if you desire. The slot costs you the points difference between the mandatory leader and the upgraded leader. <br />
<br />
The Middle Kingdom can field as its general "the Rex" mounted on a flying beast for 220 points and Jhone of Orc, a unique Hero, for 128 points. The Rex upgrade costs 52 points (220-168) and Jhone costs 24 points (128-104). That's another 76 points (1494 points).<br />
<br />
Here is the current roster:<br />
<br />
<br />
*Champion General<br />
*Hero Sub-commander<br />
1. Household Knights<br />
2. Household Knights<br />
3. Household Knights<br />
4. Feudal Knights<br />
5. Feudal Knights<br />
6. Feudal Knights<br />
7. Feudal Knights<br />
8. Sergeants<br />
9. Sergeants<br />
10. Crossbowmen<br />
11. Crossbowmen<br />
12. Handgunners<br />
13. Mountaineers<br />
14. Civic Militia<br />
15. Civic Militia<br />
16. Rex Champion Upgrade<br />
17. Jhone of Orc Hero Upgrade<br />
<br />
Some of the army lists have additional mandatory requirements when certain units are selected. These requirements are satisfied by presence in the campaign roster, even if they are not ultimately selected to be at a battle. The choice of a Rex Champion Upgrade triggers the mandatory requirement that 2 Household Knights units and the Archers of the Guard be present if he is to be included. So, we add the Archers of the Guard for 126 points (1620 points total). The Household Knights are already on the roster. Done and done.<br />
<br />
So far, that does it for the mandatory units required on the list. Now we can do a bit of shopping.<br />
<br />
The army list has to contain 20 units, so we have to shop appropriately. Every 2 units of mountaineers and civic militia can be put together to form a pike block. A single unit can only form battle order. I like pike blocks, so I'll go shopping for some more infantry:<br />
<br />
1 Mountaineers unit (Max 4) 60 points<br />
2 Civic Militia units (Max 4) 66 points<br />
1 Ribaldequin organ gun (Max 1) 36 points <br />
Total points: 1782<br />
<br />
*Champion General<br />
*Hero Sub-commander<br />
1. Household Knights<br />
2. Household Knights<br />
3. Household Knights<br />
4. Feudal Knights<br />
5. Feudal Knights<br />
6. Feudal Knights<br />
7. Feudal Knights<br />
8. Sergeants<br />
9. Sergeants<br />
10. Crossbowmen<br />
11. Crossbowmen<br />
12. Handgunners<br />
13. Mountaineers<br />
14. Civic Militia<br />
15. Civic Militia<br />
16. Archers of the Guard<br />
17. Mountaineers<br />
18. Civic Militia<br />
19. Civic Militia<br />
20. Ribaldequin organ gun<br />
21. Rex Champion Upgrade<br />
22. Jhone of Orc Hero Upgrade<br />
<br />
I'm at 20 units and I still have 218 points to spend on anything I want as long as I don't go over army maximums for the 20 unit army size. I could buy up to 5 units of orc warriors for Jhone of Orc to command (an option when she's on the roster). I could buy up to 2 units of foot knights (77 each) to stiffen the infantry. Or maybe 4 units of Peasants (14 each) as a cheap way of increasing the morale chips for my army.<br />
<br />
Instead, I opted for:<br />
<br />
Level II Priest (126 points) The High Priest is much too expensive (242 points!!).<br />
Minotaur unit (65 points) This army allows dragons and minotaurs.<br />
Shire Archers (27 points) The army can have a max of 2 longbow units. The Archers of the Guard count as one of them. The Shire Archers aren't as good, but they both get overhead longbow fire which can be pretty effective.<br />
<br />
So, here's the final campaign roster:<br />
<br />
<br />
*Champion General<br />
*Hero Sub-commander<br />
1. Household Knights<br />
2. Household Knights<br />
3. Household Knights<br />
4. Feudal Knights<br />
5. Feudal Knights<br />
6. Feudal Knights<br />
7. Feudal Knights<br />
8. Sergeants<br />
9. Sergeants<br />
10. Crossbowmen<br />
11. Crossbowmen<br />
12. Handgunners<br />
13. Mountaineers<br />
14. Civic Militia<br />
15. Civic Militia<br />
16. Archers of the Guard<br />
17. Mountaineers<br />
18. Civic Militia<br />
19. Civic Militia<br />
20. Ribaldequin organ gun<br />
21. Minotaurs<br />
22. Shire Archers<br />
23. Rex Champion Upgrade<br />
24. Jhone of Orc Hero Upgrade<br />
<div>
25. Priest</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's a pretty strong campaign roster in terms of troops, but it is a little weak on command. I would have loved to purchase another Count, but I blew too much money on my mounted knights and the Rex upgrade. Also, the characters in this army are expensive. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In most battles, it looks like the General and the Count will lead two commands, most likely 1 mounted command and 1 foot command. If I get lucky and draw the Priest, I could always give the Good Bishop a third command to lead.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2012/09/fielding-hostile-realms-army.html">Next article</a>...selecting the troops for battle.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-37325242394678742852012-09-16T11:52:00.002-07:002012-11-16T10:24:21.745-08:00Hostile Realms Campaign Conversions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xCHUBRmxPJ-NjnfCoXIB2PMed4dCyoI4ECebEDS16J-wlpy2B1NSYiovojcdIqPxy_mcCFy_oz0W69t8I9j2ZTsWHgfFldMEaOMvp-W7sKm691SfBjYJ1arATn_m0u2ii-5GGAbxqeS-/s1600/middle-earth-map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xCHUBRmxPJ-NjnfCoXIB2PMed4dCyoI4ECebEDS16J-wlpy2B1NSYiovojcdIqPxy_mcCFy_oz0W69t8I9j2ZTsWHgfFldMEaOMvp-W7sKm691SfBjYJ1arATn_m0u2ii-5GGAbxqeS-/s640/middle-earth-map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Since we've been playing a lot of <a href="http://blundersonthedanube.blogspot.com/p/hostile-realms.html" target="_blank">Hostile Realms</a> lately, I've been thinking about how to use Hostile Realms and Theater of War to run a Hostile Realms campaign. Theater of War (my review<a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2010/11/theater-of-war-campaigns-made-easy.html" target="_blank"> here)</a> allows you to convert Piquet sequence decks into campaign decks that can move your campaign armies and decide the size of the forces in the battle. The sequence decks in Hostile Realms are similar to Piquet decks, but several Piquet cards aren't present or are represented by rules or other cards in Hostile Realms.<br />
<br />
After mulling over the TOW rules and the Hostile realms army lists, here is my conversion from Hostile Realms decks to TOW decks:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> <b>Army Morale/Courage</b>: Every army gets a Major Morale card and a Supply card. </li>
<li><b>Brilliant Leader</b>: Wild card</li>
<li><b>Engine of War Reload</b>: Strength card for the first card. Further cards are Retire cards.</li>
<li><b>Favor of the Gods</b>: Strength card per card.</li>
<li><b>Fliers and Light Cavalry Move</b>: Scout card and Retire card.</li>
<li><b>Heroic Moment</b>: Heroic Effort card per card.</li>
<li><b>Leadership Check</b>: Officer Check card per card.</li>
<li><b>Lull</b>: Staff Inefficiency card per card.</li>
<li><b>Manna Recharge</b>: Attack card each for the first 2 cards. Further Manna cards are Strength cards.</li>
<li><b>Maneuver</b>: Defend card.</li>
<li><b>Melee</b>: Engage in Battle/Strength card per card.</li>
<li><b>Move</b>: All armies get 3 Light Terrain, 3 Medium Terrain, and 1 Heavy Terrain move cards.</li>
<li><b>Move 1 Command</b>: Flank Attack card for the first card. Extra Light Terrain Move card for second card.</li>
<li><b>Missile Reload</b>: Attack card per card.</li>
<li>Only the Required Optional cards are placed in the deck:</li>
<ul>
<li><b>Berzerker</b>: Wild Attack card per card.</li>
<li><b>Uncontrolled Charge</b>: Wild Attack per card.</li>
<li><b>Crushing Missilery</b>: Defend card.</li>
<li><b>Superstitions and Omens</b>: Wild card 50%/Command Indecision 50%</li>
</ul>
</ul>
The Maneuver conversion makes armies like the Dwarves better able to fight battle on the defensive. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile the Undead have more Melee cards, but no Move 1 Command cards, so they have more strength in battles, but aren't able to make flank attacks unless they have a Skilled Commander with a Brilliant Leader card.<br />
<br />
Let me know what you think.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2012/09/converting-hostile-realms-campaign.html">Next article</a>...What troops show up for the campaign? Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-4678147998640586042012-09-15T19:21:00.000-07:002012-11-16T10:24:21.748-08:00Battle of Grave CrossingThis was a <a href="http://blundersonthedanube.blogspot.com/p/hostile-realms.html" target="_blank">Hostile Realms</a> battle we fought at my place on Saturday. Jed brought his Undead and Greg and I matched him up against a Middle Kingdoms army. The Middle Kingdoms are a Hundred Years War-based fantasy army. <br />
<br />
Like most Piquet -based games, the actions of the armies are driven by card decks which are created from their army lists. The Middle Kingdom army had 3 Optional cards: Look to the King, Uncontrolled Charge, and an extra Courage! card because they were fighting the fearsome Undead. The Undead had an Uncontrolled Advance, an Ineffective Missilery, and a Brilliant Leader card because Jed rolled up the Necromancer King as a Skilled Commander-in-Chief during army generation.<br />
<br />
We created the battlefield terrain and deployed the commands using Piquet's excellent "<a href="http://www.piquetwargames.com/" target="_blank">Theater of War</a>" campaign rules. 1750 points of Middle Kingdom attacking 1600 points of defending Undead.<br />
<br />
The Undead are an interesting army since many of their troops cause Fear, they don't take morale checks, don't pursue, and they never rout. We did play that they could be disordered, but they never retreated from melee. We weren't sure if they could be routed from a "double disorder". In retrospect, they probably can't. So the skeletons tend to fight grimly in battle to the last bone, stopping the momentum of their attackers with sheer weight of Undead numbers.<br />
<br />
The Middle Kingdoms army was led by King Jean himself, mounted on a pegasus. The King was a very capable warrior, but an average commander (he was also only half-painted). His army consisted of 2 commands: a large left flank command of mounted, heavily armored knights led by a warrior priest and a center infantry command of pike-armed commoners, royal archers, crossbowmen, handgunners, foot knights and a cannon. The infantry was commanded by Johne of Orc. Maybe her enthusiasm could stiffen the resolve of this hodge-podge of social classes.<br />
<br />
King Jean led off the battle by challenging the evil Necromancer General to a personal combat between the two front lines. The Undead overlord was smart enough to turn down Jean's chivalrous challenge, even though his refusal boosted the morale of the Kingdom knights as they began to taunt the Undead forces as cowards.<br />
<br />
Frustrated that he wasn't able to end the battle with a single swing of his sword, Jean ordered the infantry to capture the village of Grave Crossing in the center of the battlefield while he rode the skeletons down under the thundering hooves of his heavy knights.<br />
<br />
The hills were Class II hills. The villages were Class II terrain capable of holding up to 3 units each. Since the Undead were the defenders, they could deploy on the right half of the table. The Kingdom troops deployed on the left table edge (picture below). The strip of table in between was the combat area.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpsxcFSKw1jwOxS7pJGwSeKFWkUBE_nhO-7RP_A2XJNqK_vVWuyTp3cGt9aueicbH8omuPcIb_OGbf5i1kf7ZgCFYS0zoScAlgiLtEO3rkgimJBz69Ag6z6cELq07bI4uChXYrL7bMSU8/s1600/P1020033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpsxcFSKw1jwOxS7pJGwSeKFWkUBE_nhO-7RP_A2XJNqK_vVWuyTp3cGt9aueicbH8omuPcIb_OGbf5i1kf7ZgCFYS0zoScAlgiLtEO3rkgimJBz69Ag6z6cELq07bI4uChXYrL7bMSU8/s320/P1020033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western end of the table at game start.<br />
Undead left flank faces off against the Kingdom's right flank</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQGd0VGR2QLVAx3z21jgFOag9OvzU-3OtMBUA-QJpgrtCWsiNdNwBsRtiFA6td9bBW2_N8TAWX-B4ZlSpL9cw6E8K6MBHbOzjiO28C9vIhwYdN_BZyM156NZl1jkmahY6FzXkUPpVykaH/s1600/P1020032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQGd0VGR2QLVAx3z21jgFOag9OvzU-3OtMBUA-QJpgrtCWsiNdNwBsRtiFA6td9bBW2_N8TAWX-B4ZlSpL9cw6E8K6MBHbOzjiO28C9vIhwYdN_BZyM156NZl1jkmahY6FzXkUPpVykaH/s320/P1020032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skeleton cavalry and monsters on the Undead left flank.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5oXA-rvXmDkv5jkpkJEjuD1ZfIvy2W1ECWOcq9sR956Oe-Hd3zLQuCm1d9fjQqlAhNJ-TjB3wVYudoAIH3i1ynyMF44zfz7MWr6pbSO93mdG0LEgp0r6fkzckXlvp9r0u2dTztkdWUxr/s1600/P1020031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5oXA-rvXmDkv5jkpkJEjuD1ZfIvy2W1ECWOcq9sR956Oe-Hd3zLQuCm1d9fjQqlAhNJ-TjB3wVYudoAIH3i1ynyMF44zfz7MWr6pbSO93mdG0LEgp0r6fkzckXlvp9r0u2dTztkdWUxr/s320/P1020031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pike blocks from the common ranks backed up by missile troops,<br />
guard archers, and dismounted foot knights from the poorer noble families</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQsgDSH87O6Z0E8Aq5IpCULz9tO9TdMymZYTA-rn3eIC-L7Vy9fy86goyX0ZK43ug2hXOECjL2ztWqGvdQhjzp4WJyMM9hocC5kR5MC9U_htx7Sm5NAsAYNZHjxCrJrxhsfUBirvK0Azl/s1600/P1020030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQsgDSH87O6Z0E8Aq5IpCULz9tO9TdMymZYTA-rn3eIC-L7Vy9fy86goyX0ZK43ug2hXOECjL2ztWqGvdQhjzp4WJyMM9hocC5kR5MC9U_htx7Sm5NAsAYNZHjxCrJrxhsfUBirvK0Azl/s320/P1020030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kingdom mounted knights wait for the signal to charge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkK4JgcMYgRHUIKEFlf430DznNdH3n24xTqeBvLM7OZ4ZhW0SUfAGTpT02JfEziathpIgEfhFou8dQ0pl3VBuAhDZ6ACKHjQu9WJQo8fbMYstBRuDLREvZIpvcpe2VBXtdrzJh_NCRZ6i/s1600/P1020029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkK4JgcMYgRHUIKEFlf430DznNdH3n24xTqeBvLM7OZ4ZhW0SUfAGTpT02JfEziathpIgEfhFou8dQ0pl3VBuAhDZ6ACKHjQu9WJQo8fbMYstBRuDLREvZIpvcpe2VBXtdrzJh_NCRZ6i/s320/P1020029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Undead right flank at game start.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSF5tsRE9uye31FE3LVbhhYzL64byEln-En-12LV7f1-020itenVT6iNmTqXltcemmheN4LnZFS0IPWJHmTrCRQVCPmu76OXrR-FK8jSISao-uYVAb7iYHgBhKhP-3V3EkQK0dKD-FNxRb/s1600/P1020038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSF5tsRE9uye31FE3LVbhhYzL64byEln-En-12LV7f1-020itenVT6iNmTqXltcemmheN4LnZFS0IPWJHmTrCRQVCPmu76OXrR-FK8jSISao-uYVAb7iYHgBhKhP-3V3EkQK0dKD-FNxRb/s320/P1020038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kingdom pike blocks attempt to close with the Undead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fYQ1_hJ14DYVoKckUio3cixD3mmH1eWwP78zMbkQZrcqgw7NLhMOwo8lBDXeU4Qxj4HoQqQ3s46mMKxvbP1O0_L03UD0XpRKZvvWizRu7iR0i0iF4ariL347IBMdJKdOZFxAuT2y6aNS/s1600/P1020037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fYQ1_hJ14DYVoKckUio3cixD3mmH1eWwP78zMbkQZrcqgw7NLhMOwo8lBDXeU4Qxj4HoQqQ3s46mMKxvbP1O0_L03UD0XpRKZvvWizRu7iR0i0iF4ariL347IBMdJKdOZFxAuT2y6aNS/s320/P1020037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mounted knights of the Kingdom left flank advance across<br />
the battlefield.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCPQMSHPZ6YNQw_2459KkOiMs6WzMkNnR_FMOF6X6DXBBiMCcLRz-JfcewBqufOcUtZDg6Zl93ZAt9ztABn1s5aDYrKidwtQU9mTjOBdEyVkZmUAPL7mGGKNZ_SWkl_ZVppbJMe_QNcgm/s1600/P1020034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCPQMSHPZ6YNQw_2459KkOiMs6WzMkNnR_FMOF6X6DXBBiMCcLRz-JfcewBqufOcUtZDg6Zl93ZAt9ztABn1s5aDYrKidwtQU9mTjOBdEyVkZmUAPL7mGGKNZ_SWkl_ZVppbJMe_QNcgm/s320/P1020034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the Undead archers waiting for them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgPnEkEdYpeHOtIMlhVJUgVDA9M34Lzbfmz9J-jjUsO5_As0XdDLXKb1-qUnWFI234CCxi0NZBTncy1HcQJhXMse3DcPYY-BaJLv7jrvknXNrXsVn4GyUgCbiAkGXgikXEmFoi7hTskSy/s1600/P1020035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgPnEkEdYpeHOtIMlhVJUgVDA9M34Lzbfmz9J-jjUsO5_As0XdDLXKb1-qUnWFI234CCxi0NZBTncy1HcQJhXMse3DcPYY-BaJLv7jrvknXNrXsVn4GyUgCbiAkGXgikXEmFoi7hTskSy/s320/P1020035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chariots back up the Undead center.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1D8f2egQT2KdcrDkv0_ZeMY-r8Sk28pHyixfBP5oUXQ8oYsbcrURo9aqSkIyjsoiMBvHuc7OSEGyNR88G-FmTFO9W7msDC04C05ASoYC9QuRM62ZtXOUtHtA15m83Y0AlZUqAWfXSwLz/s1600/P1020036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1D8f2egQT2KdcrDkv0_ZeMY-r8Sk28pHyixfBP5oUXQ8oYsbcrURo9aqSkIyjsoiMBvHuc7OSEGyNR88G-FmTFO9W7msDC04C05ASoYC9QuRM62ZtXOUtHtA15m83Y0AlZUqAWfXSwLz/s320/P1020036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the Undead center front lines.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8bm44lTrBcrdRBZ0tyeRG5TvqKEYwYYIc1yVBFpC5Zspxj3EmkRAZ9xtGSuVa1oss9C3T0seHAu9Bdql_JElGw_77fRkVbjdnOwz6EtzzymlhvaAZhy5kkNgvdX4W8V6AZ7wuZ2Ez4xL/s1600/P1020039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8bm44lTrBcrdRBZ0tyeRG5TvqKEYwYYIc1yVBFpC5Zspxj3EmkRAZ9xtGSuVa1oss9C3T0seHAu9Bdql_JElGw_77fRkVbjdnOwz6EtzzymlhvaAZhy5kkNgvdX4W8V6AZ7wuZ2Ez4xL/s320/P1020039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skeletal giant smashes into a unit of foot knights.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikElRC8W5DbD_Rr74vkkRU9opy4eZcRcEARutPALAbQzm4XLF1TsU4JKwUAIeJwgwnBu7wYYqABDuNKJoYrhYIg0copNBvkBM9WSResg1ArvzOl8n57jcW1Gu1H-rs1WrX7mwTtY9xpCUe/s1600/P1020040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikElRC8W5DbD_Rr74vkkRU9opy4eZcRcEARutPALAbQzm4XLF1TsU4JKwUAIeJwgwnBu7wYYqABDuNKJoYrhYIg0copNBvkBM9WSResg1ArvzOl8n57jcW1Gu1H-rs1WrX7mwTtY9xpCUe/s320/P1020040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The giant routed the knights next to Grave Crossing, but was<br />
shot by handgunners and routed during its pursuit,<br />
because it was double disordered. We later determined it<br />
probably shouldn't have pursued. Oh well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It took the Kingdom knights quite a while to charge across the battlefield and attack the Undead right flank. In the meantime, Johne of Orc pushed her infantry toward Grave Crossing. The powerful blocks of pike men marched toward the skeleton cavalry and made contact with them. Unable to draw a Melee card, the Kingdom pike men hesitated to fight the frightening skeletons. The tightly packed infantry were ravaged by ludicrously effective Undead bow fire. After the pikemen were disordered by the missile fire, the flip of a Courage card forced them to take a Courage check because the skeletons caused Fear. The units failed the check and routed from the battle line.<br />
<br />
The Undead rolled well for their sub-commanders and had several Undead lords who must have commanded troops in their previous "living" lives. The Undead infantry in the center lurched forward and occupied the village of Grave Crossing in the middle of the combat area. The skeletons would hold this village the entire game, grimly driving off all attackers from its narrow, muddy streets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPm1qVXh-1bal67QGcgDzewVkJTFg6SWgIZVI6i3lF1D8PME2f_D92D_lnjFzXidy_HoPaA35FVhWoAcjnQ-3yc92_biQJsNDJPNSbqc_7plaIXIQveR3O-6E6YNUmXEOl8GweKVMkqFvj/s1600/P1020041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPm1qVXh-1bal67QGcgDzewVkJTFg6SWgIZVI6i3lF1D8PME2f_D92D_lnjFzXidy_HoPaA35FVhWoAcjnQ-3yc92_biQJsNDJPNSbqc_7plaIXIQveR3O-6E6YNUmXEOl8GweKVMkqFvj/s320/P1020041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pike blocks rout away from the Undead lines after receiving<br />
missile fire and rolling poorly on a few Courage checks.<br />
Those Undead skeletons are scary!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After Johne's unsuccessful efforts to rally the pikemen with her Blessed Banner (she rolled a 1!), the mounted knights finally made contact with the undead on the other side of the battlefield. An Uncontrolled Charge card sent even more impetuous knights charging into combat and two units of foot knights lunged forward to assault the skeletal defenders of Grave Crossing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYvPu_wyGiXmhbOP-IP2_e6iB1zH_f02R9pouyfQjIyppaojotaucf1itUFzAEJjnxoORN5GhNCd8HDjoRJYGlvQFspD_L8vlHBS55pJtcu0pehPxg92QQ6YoI5VkWg4zBytPcb6CXiR3/s1600/P1020042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYvPu_wyGiXmhbOP-IP2_e6iB1zH_f02R9pouyfQjIyppaojotaucf1itUFzAEJjnxoORN5GhNCd8HDjoRJYGlvQFspD_L8vlHBS55pJtcu0pehPxg92QQ6YoI5VkWg4zBytPcb6CXiR3/s320/P1020042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kingdom mounted knights charge into combat led by their<br />
King mounted on a pegasus.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzYxOY1AUJWEdB9e4pmNYXQfEwsA2Fl9f5LssXYZNulyWmTDViAiSWI-DmCaVOsbVjPG6QrmtiFOAYynhEmsQIbJkXpC2cL5I5ezZLSdZjOSMOJ0UF6t7feZ_TMp3wGnb1X7z4VdCZPBQ/s1600/P1020044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzYxOY1AUJWEdB9e4pmNYXQfEwsA2Fl9f5LssXYZNulyWmTDViAiSWI-DmCaVOsbVjPG6QrmtiFOAYynhEmsQIbJkXpC2cL5I5ezZLSdZjOSMOJ0UF6t7feZ_TMp3wGnb1X7z4VdCZPBQ/s320/P1020044.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A timely Uncontrolled Charge sends the knights into a headlong<br />
charge against the skeleton infantry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While the foot knights were repulsed from the village objective, the heavy mounted knights carved a path through the Undead ranks. King Jean's pegasus soared into the air and carried the King out from underneath a giant pile of shattered bones. The Necromancer King cackled as he cast a Crush spell to destroy King Jean and his feudal knights. I explained to Jed that the only way the spell could be a miscast would be if he rolled a "1" on a d4 to cast it and Greg rolled a "6" on a d6 to resist it.....and then that's exactly what happened. The sun came out from behind the clouds, the sunlight reflected off the golden armor of King Jean and momentarily blinded the necromancer during his preparation of the spell, some arcane verse was spoken incorrectly, and the Necromancer King's head promptly exploded. A common occurrence in our games.<br />
<br />
The loss of the Necromancer King sent a detectable wave of shock through the animated corpses of the undead army. The army lost 7 morale chips out of its beginning total of 20 and the tide began to turn against the Undead.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLNHoLJOa-tIrh8k1VTQpI2PfwJbfZWGbMxegr_0IgyJQVYw0t3Wrn11bM8srmRPyzm0Fh25GAYzSKJ7VRCyA2l_Vn4pNyiI7gKpHuAYBj1Ih7vaNRE6KBPDIaOAHG7PySx65AJzMcsT4/s1600/P1020045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLNHoLJOa-tIrh8k1VTQpI2PfwJbfZWGbMxegr_0IgyJQVYw0t3Wrn11bM8srmRPyzm0Fh25GAYzSKJ7VRCyA2l_Vn4pNyiI7gKpHuAYBj1Ih7vaNRE6KBPDIaOAHG7PySx65AJzMcsT4/s320/P1020045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The melees on the north end of the table continue as the<br />
skeletal chariots attempt to reinforce and turn back the armored<br />
knights.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8ar55Q8sX4x1gn5yAiYIaKCv9aLeFKbF-_AHH-DvBWYS68a_U41vcrDBzPyfYOVUOzAK_sYjb3Zx9KDvL8PcJHmD61Qb9Vcu3TZCzYj7rQJ0GTI-MRP4MY3LcCpZMz51JdH_O5dM6pH7/s1600/P1020046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8ar55Q8sX4x1gn5yAiYIaKCv9aLeFKbF-_AHH-DvBWYS68a_U41vcrDBzPyfYOVUOzAK_sYjb3Zx9KDvL8PcJHmD61Qb9Vcu3TZCzYj7rQJ0GTI-MRP4MY3LcCpZMz51JdH_O5dM6pH7/s320/P1020046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chariots ended up on the losing end of this 2 on 1 melee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfoxkpYosi2jdpR1dZWOjFavjfXEv-7ZwiD-zcPw6jfQ4Z43l75RVgN4sY8SlC2iGROnA2Mvr10IZ-AdQsXDfcovi8piq1dv603rIDE68uCg3GzSKTiF76IyomYbW5gsntDmm_4j46AV5/s1600/P1020047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfoxkpYosi2jdpR1dZWOjFavjfXEv-7ZwiD-zcPw6jfQ4Z43l75RVgN4sY8SlC2iGROnA2Mvr10IZ-AdQsXDfcovi8piq1dv603rIDE68uCg3GzSKTiF76IyomYbW5gsntDmm_4j46AV5/s320/P1020047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mounted Kingdom knights have destroyed their opponents.<br />
and are looking for new victims. Just at the top of the picture<br />
behind the catapult, you can see the smoke remaining from<br />
where the Necromancer General blew himself up trying to<br />
cast a spell.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUJxdEFkxGPsqlv3rNT8cpTqK75g2jM-n2skm6VyiVX95-X6bJwi_85uH7curt9ICml8EuZQjtT_HkayVdH20RW-6ZHMcEQ6SU75calr5ZED9rKsOXnnVeQoB2gzR_9knp4zKJya9Gxwa/s1600/P1020049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUJxdEFkxGPsqlv3rNT8cpTqK75g2jM-n2skm6VyiVX95-X6bJwi_85uH7curt9ICml8EuZQjtT_HkayVdH20RW-6ZHMcEQ6SU75calr5ZED9rKsOXnnVeQoB2gzR_9knp4zKJya9Gxwa/s320/P1020049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Kingdom right flank, the skeletons hold on to the<br />
village of Grave Crossing and refuse to give it up. <br />
The skeleton cavalry have started flanking the Kingdom infantry,<br />
but it's probably too late. They're facing a disordered unit of<br />
Kingdom foot knights, a cannon, and some hand-gunner skirmishers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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By the end of the battle, the Undead were completely out of morale chips and their right flank was practically gone. While the Undead cavalry was making progress near the village of Grave Crossing, the Kingdom still possessed almost 16 morale chips and their mounted knights were poised to attack down the Undead lines and gather even more.<br />
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The Undead started off the battle well and good tactics combined with hot dice did early damage to the Kingdom's army. In the end, the Undead had trouble handling the strong melee power and extra-heavy armor of the mounted knights. The Undead monsters that could have handled them were deployed too far away on the battlefield. The Necromancer King won't make that same mistake again. And it didn't help that he exploded.<br />
<br />
We all had a great time. These rules continue to amaze me with how much fun they are to play. Jed had a great time running his Warhammer Undead army during the game and after the battle, we talked for an hour about different ways the Undead could be played and deployed. Great, great fun. <br />
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<br />Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-62186456496933009922012-09-08T06:30:00.001-07:002012-11-16T10:21:37.640-08:00Prokhorovka at Gateway 2012 Battle Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Greg and I ran the <a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2012/08/kursk-drive-on-prokhorovka-final-version.html">Kursk: Drive on Prokhorovka scenario</a> at our local gaming convention this past weekend. It really is a huge scenario and even with an early ending, it took us at least 9 hours to play it through. When we play, the game goes much more quickly, but newer players always play a bit more slowly than experienced ones.</div>
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The Field of Battle : WW2 (FOBWW2) rules aren't that complicated, but it did take a few of the players a bit of time to get the hang of them. </div>
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The battle started off very badly for the attacking Germans. An early end to the first two turns meant that on the morning of 11 July 1943, the Germans had not yet seized any of their first turn objectives and even Hill 241.6 was still in Soviet hands. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaa_tGJeGNcpScdNc1KJwitpbXFt7o1qLWsks6molWaAnaCppaQanyCyIgJFJ5BAxtRleUyKQOuy1EBjFw-OVnF7n1WYpnCcDldjoWLtDxExF19uu6BI6Bosc9b2hMMTD3PbmL94GZQBy/s1600/P1020017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaa_tGJeGNcpScdNc1KJwitpbXFt7o1qLWsks6molWaAnaCppaQanyCyIgJFJ5BAxtRleUyKQOuy1EBjFw-OVnF7n1WYpnCcDldjoWLtDxExF19uu6BI6Bosc9b2hMMTD3PbmL94GZQBy/s400/P1020017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German starting positions. Hill 241.6 is just ahead in front of the 1st SS Panzer Regiment.<br />
Prokhorovka is on the distant horizon. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jbf8JOAfi002HohHJt8QQXEUT25ndTvbRGESBdaoYwSEB3Svn0H84oho4B11mP5mnz8shwK8m57XqYODgpPbYD2n2AEaaXa1UuJTZ1rJzmo286WlOJ50THRDUFWaLDD-1gPQeYDLDP_R/s1600/P1020018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jbf8JOAfi002HohHJt8QQXEUT25ndTvbRGESBdaoYwSEB3Svn0H84oho4B11mP5mnz8shwK8m57XqYODgpPbYD2n2AEaaXa1UuJTZ1rJzmo286WlOJ50THRDUFWaLDD-1gPQeYDLDP_R/s400/P1020018.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soviet defenders dug in around Hill 241.6 prepared to endure the onslaught.<br />
26th Tank Brigade on the hill. 99th Tank Brigade in the village.<br />
11th Motorized Battalion in the village behind them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1P0LDlCYuVU38fqs8-JHFS3s_SW4R9HfRE6JGlOr9qKrLZA306DG_gSXGM8VsZqnSjGPXN-Q8zunZLpbaxRIhJkMTw3J6OC7w3xj4iRVQ5d5UOMCbIglndwTo2We9m91UnAK5mhteFZg/s1600/P1020019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1P0LDlCYuVU38fqs8-JHFS3s_SW4R9HfRE6JGlOr9qKrLZA306DG_gSXGM8VsZqnSjGPXN-Q8zunZLpbaxRIhJkMTw3J6OC7w3xj4iRVQ5d5UOMCbIglndwTo2We9m91UnAK5mhteFZg/s400/P1020019.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3/285th Rifle Battalion guards the Oktiabrski State Farm.<br />
A brigade from the 9th Guards Airborne Division is dug in<br />
around them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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On the morning of 11 July 1943, the Germans threw their forces into the attack. Both panzer grenadier regiments moved up the right flank and became embroiled in a vicious fire fight around the town of Storozhevoe. Meanwhile the panzer regiment advanced up the left flank, encountering heavy minefields as they went.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH36RU8Q6KylvrH5qeXSQRgbGG-561GJhoZQXzcojY4k3Lnuccohy1gAckMpxoarTxFX0uZGFUzAHsMlXt0RZ_NMc-qFSJ6Xx5KaraxsFp4IC0TWq98Hg2nnAK6agPpQ911HIAzo6AGkFs/s1600/P1020020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH36RU8Q6KylvrH5qeXSQRgbGG-561GJhoZQXzcojY4k3Lnuccohy1gAckMpxoarTxFX0uZGFUzAHsMlXt0RZ_NMc-qFSJ6Xx5KaraxsFp4IC0TWq98Hg2nnAK6agPpQ911HIAzo6AGkFs/s400/P1020020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy fighting on the German right flank around the town.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdICJRq53gi_aGAo7vYtBTw7_iaXkvtm-fgAzktRY6UTOyVFGl_RRHxMcPDQgcJcMF4z1QDneabpBLHNk3d_IaQSXgotqPIcJhBY98bqc75aKomw0Robd9-o0TuK8Vf1s2ZLu7h3JVm4EX/s1600/P1020021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdICJRq53gi_aGAo7vYtBTw7_iaXkvtm-fgAzktRY6UTOyVFGl_RRHxMcPDQgcJcMF4z1QDneabpBLHNk3d_IaQSXgotqPIcJhBY98bqc75aKomw0Robd9-o0TuK8Vf1s2ZLu7h3JVm4EX/s400/P1020021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1O2-PRDY8K7QUp4YTxhAfM8jl4Pk30eSq9tKUMId5HjmBjKg3uxEN_BjX9PzME4Av6qZgKZQnNE8GZnh9rYaWyJdh1Ijg_iSrH1XcPWcNSjZ1MvLM0mqYp8bv42hQaDSsJAe-A7vaNWeo/s1600/P1020022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1O2-PRDY8K7QUp4YTxhAfM8jl4Pk30eSq9tKUMId5HjmBjKg3uxEN_BjX9PzME4Av6qZgKZQnNE8GZnh9rYaWyJdh1Ijg_iSrH1XcPWcNSjZ1MvLM0mqYp8bv42hQaDSsJAe-A7vaNWeo/s400/P1020022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German panzer regiment approaches the farm complex.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1125023934"></span><span id="goog_1125023935"></span>The Soviet players were very happy with their progress so far, so they decided to order one of the airborne brigades to move out of its defensive positions and move into the woods surrounding Storozhevoe on the German left flank. These airborne troops would make it much more difficult fr the German panzer grenadiers to capture the town. The 58th Motorized Rifle Brigade was tasked with filling the gap left by the airborne troops. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the 58th MRB suffered heavy casualties soon after it entered combat. It wasn't able to dig in and the German armored forces chewed up the lightly-equipped Soviet infantry. The brigade broke and ran.<br />
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The KV-1's of the Soviet 57th Heavy Tank Regiment were destroyed by the Panzer IV's of the 1st SS Pz Regiment and soon the Soviets were left without any armor support on the table. The Soviets began to wish they had left the airborne regiment back in its defensive positions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5_VEKCnixm2OhBBhhQPSDRh2F_YhceDUV87ehtb8dR8Ru3LIMm_Fk75vPTE83NUnEsy5OmG2em8WaKw3cjN-ec8ogFrCoaimmCrbBEKU4xh33mSuv-NHwH7FrpWYIYONdrfos6hufX_r/s1600/P1020023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5_VEKCnixm2OhBBhhQPSDRh2F_YhceDUV87ehtb8dR8Ru3LIMm_Fk75vPTE83NUnEsy5OmG2em8WaKw3cjN-ec8ogFrCoaimmCrbBEKU4xh33mSuv-NHwH7FrpWYIYONdrfos6hufX_r/s400/P1020023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soviet infantry and heavy tank reinforcements entering from the<br />
left as they attempt to stiffen the defences.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGT3eGp1J4tAaXqZtReOE28XPAGF1SIo33w1jYkWMk_uA5f304Rhr6IzqkFvhJiTCehCJPjOCwRqU-n6Y_03YTxk2pi7va7tK4cBTnEaUk_pX3DEy9QDpqD6p56DitlCyjXYBzy4GSXOM/s1600/P1020024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGT3eGp1J4tAaXqZtReOE28XPAGF1SIo33w1jYkWMk_uA5f304Rhr6IzqkFvhJiTCehCJPjOCwRqU-n6Y_03YTxk2pi7va7tK4cBTnEaUk_pX3DEy9QDpqD6p56DitlCyjXYBzy4GSXOM/s400/P1020024.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where are the defenders for this side of the battlefield?!?!<br />
They are in the woods off camera to the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After vicious fighting and several unsuccessful attempts to close assault Storozhevoe, the German panzer grenadiers finally managed to blast the Soviets out of the town. Even the airborne troops in the woods had suffered heavy casualties, and with the flip of a Soviet Morale card, both units defending the area failed their morale tests and surrendered. The Germans entered the ruined town and then prepared to swing further along the right flank toward Prokhorovka, the final objective. <br />
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<div>
Luckily, a few cards earlier, we had ordered an infantry battalion to move back into Prokhorovka and help defend it. Otherwise, the objective would have been completely unprotected.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QPXfC_cwHqP1UvEr_nnvQQU51s3LxqHWMj1vaUf6N7GGoMQtx68xxAgLvminwBb9L3XuZekwQOv25H0TxGNlD07bQFgbrCZAYgOs4_LSHl8WMeFIPxyont2dvD4hzuATc5lomVi_jrwm/s1600/P1020025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QPXfC_cwHqP1UvEr_nnvQQU51s3LxqHWMj1vaUf6N7GGoMQtx68xxAgLvminwBb9L3XuZekwQOv25H0TxGNlD07bQFgbrCZAYgOs4_LSHl8WMeFIPxyont2dvD4hzuATc5lomVi_jrwm/s400/P1020025.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iamski. A critical town to anchor the Soviet left flank.<br />
The German panzergrenadier battalions shot the bejeezus out<br />
of the Soviet defenders,. They died to the last man.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivC6qVLnhFzjHX4A8JUeX-HWRk6-SwaYmpJ9PYOYySTMOM3g4tJjsJ_vJuyL3dCLeUGX80HnvRm5sPnbCJOW50KgMjiFimNaHweyUDpJlSTf2Pj-gVsWUoXaAwDE03pZbpKgUrlUsBl1sj/s1600/P1020026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivC6qVLnhFzjHX4A8JUeX-HWRk6-SwaYmpJ9PYOYySTMOM3g4tJjsJ_vJuyL3dCLeUGX80HnvRm5sPnbCJOW50KgMjiFimNaHweyUDpJlSTf2Pj-gVsWUoXaAwDE03pZbpKgUrlUsBl1sj/s400/P1020026.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prokhorovka defended by one lone Soviet infantry battalion.<br />
The white stuff i supposed to be rubble, but I think next time,<br />
I'll make it a little darker.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As the night turn arrived, we took a break and I set up the massive reinforcements the Soviets would receive during the night. These armored units represented the main strength of the 5th Guards Tank Army. I just needed to pull a Move card for them to arrive in Prokhorovka and pound the Germans. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxafvsfgoJ4w3XuHLx1qaReWA3-ztMFaFSW_2p1wJe7q5GHUaCLDmAD39nKVCc_Sk92e6zGot735IFnvpp1Z0EF455KBB4Zwo89kKC5HLwVISNBFTdG6IUPrggkDqGj-rGbr2C8nzaeIX/s1600/P1020027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxafvsfgoJ4w3XuHLx1qaReWA3-ztMFaFSW_2p1wJe7q5GHUaCLDmAD39nKVCc_Sk92e6zGot735IFnvpp1Z0EF455KBB4Zwo89kKC5HLwVISNBFTdG6IUPrggkDqGj-rGbr2C8nzaeIX/s400/P1020027.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Soviet 18th Tank Corps waits off table to rescue the day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuu1-MFZ5yfGmz8mdVBZGJucxrZif0i_4IYRTPDgOhWo-4PPuN3cbS1ndvCfQapbzJt_TvAiy8x3HyqzoL4Zq10rEEyc8jjTEIJfCzGK9vXod1R_6W2Aol7yyejFoWmdLylwVEhrKrnNeY/s1600/P1020028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuu1-MFZ5yfGmz8mdVBZGJucxrZif0i_4IYRTPDgOhWo-4PPuN3cbS1ndvCfQapbzJt_TvAiy8x3HyqzoL4Zq10rEEyc8jjTEIJfCzGK9vXod1R_6W2Aol7yyejFoWmdLylwVEhrKrnNeY/s400/P1020028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soviet 29th Tank Corps waits next to it. They're ready to do some damage.,</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>
The night ended quickly and we started off the 12 July AM turn with a massive artillery bombardment of the Germans. This bombardment took 9 strength points off of the German forces and left them with only 6 morale points to finish the battle. The Soviet players felt pretty confident they could claim those morale points when their large reserves entered the table. </div>
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<div>
The Germans won the initiative and moved closer to Prokhorovka, dishing out heavy casualties to the few Soviet infantry units remaining on the table. The 1st SS Panzer Regiment was stopped in front of the Brick Factory by grim infantrymen and attached AT guns. The 2nd Panzer Grenadier Regiment began rapidly pushing up the right flank and was nearing the defenders of Prokhorovka. Would 3 infantry companies be able to hold them off?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
......</div>
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<div>
Apparently not. When the Soviets took their turn with initiative, they were unable to get a Move card to bring their reserves onto the table. Even worse, they pulled a Morale card and failed every morale check on the table. The defenders of Prokhorovka saw the panzer grenadiers coming and headed for the rear. <br />
<br />
With 5 more cards to flip, the Soviets flipped through their deck, looking for that precious Move card. With 2 cards to go, they pulled a Lull card!!! The Germans seized the initiative and had one chance to play a card. Greg flipped a card and it was the one card the Germans needed: Move 1 Command. There was much high-fiving, screaming and cursing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One of the German panzer grenadier battalions rolled <b>an Even Triple Move roll</b>, raced into Prokhorovka and occupied all 4 town sections. Game over. The next Soviet card in the deck? You guessed it. The Move card........</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So it was an exciting finish. Greg almost called the game after the disastrous start for the Germans, but the Germans played a great middle game and inflicted some tremendous casualties on the Soviet infantry. I doubt the Germans would have survived the Soviet counterattack, but the Soviets just couldn't hold on long enough to find out.</div>
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<div>
Prokhorovka is a giant scenario and as I studied the battle, it turned out to be much larger than I thought it would be. For my future plans, I intend to design a few smaller scenarios based around the Soviet operations at Kharkov in 1942. These scenarios should be considerably smaller than Prokhorovka. I'm also painting up some winter boards so I can run games that recreate Operation Mars and the Korsun Pocket.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I've also decided to just use 1 stand units for FOBWW2. The 2 stand units look better, but the footprint of the units is smaller when there is only 1 stand and it allows more room for maneuver Also, players became confused when told the unit has 2 stands, but 3 strength points. It will also allow me to repaint some of my existing armor units as winter units.</div>
Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-42741088980135926162012-08-20T10:00:00.000-07:002012-11-16T10:21:37.634-08:00Drive on Prokhorovka at Gateway 2012 Convention!On September 1, 2012, I will run the complete Kursk: Drive on Prokhorovka operational campaign scenario at our local Los Angeles gaming convention, <a href="http://strategicon.net/index.php?goto=events">Gateway 2012</a>. I'll be using Piquet's Field of Battle :WW2 rules.<br />
<br />
I posted the following on the event description:<br />
<br />
"Ever wanted to try out an epic miniatures wargame before? This is your chance! Simple rules, complex decisions. Players can feel free to join or leave as their schedule permits. Wipe out your Soviet tank brigade in a desperate assault and then go grab a hot dog to celebrate. This battle featuring hundreds of 10mm miniatures pits 1st SS PG Division against the 5th Gds Tank Army in July 1943."<br />
<br />
I thought I'd post some pictures of the elements of the game in an effort to tempt and lure players into joining. Pictures of SU-152's and Churchill tanks are coming also!<br />
<br />
Scenario description is <a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2012/08/kursk-drive-on-prokhorovka-final-version.html">here.</a><br />
<br />
Some additional pictures of the ruined buildings of Prokhorovka are <a href="http://santaclaritawargamer.blogspot.com/2012/07/ww2-soviet-ruined-buildings.html">here.</a><br />
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If you want to review some of he Kursk articles, check the Kursk, WW2 tags.<br />
<br />
If anyone is interested in participating in this experience, feel free to email me or post a comment to reserve a spot.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuns9FsPlNgXIRBDkE8I2mroTfuABMiZozJKSkazWJTfif9hFdgYXJwXZvgkHkTcX_oGZJXriAg2gMdr9NPijh3mL2LbO01rujdtKRLM9b6JDMbG_MXZtflHXfbZrnUYBAtHO6gwYIVSDC/s1600/P1010988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuns9FsPlNgXIRBDkE8I2mroTfuABMiZozJKSkazWJTfif9hFdgYXJwXZvgkHkTcX_oGZJXriAg2gMdr9NPijh3mL2LbO01rujdtKRLM9b6JDMbG_MXZtflHXfbZrnUYBAtHO6gwYIVSDC/s320/P1010988.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The battlefield from west to east.<br />
Prokhorovka is on the distant horizon.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JtSuKQUnkk5pT4nxoi-S3iGkpl8Vz5agnIqtji5aczP5F2fWSXyXh9xJgdJC74wseFbEPpHbrcYnp8BEkV5Lai9KwD8TthBh2rgQ6VjB5CfMAxclTQePoKZalltr0PvmkebeO5kQAQ4X/s1600/P1010989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JtSuKQUnkk5pT4nxoi-S3iGkpl8Vz5agnIqtji5aczP5F2fWSXyXh9xJgdJC74wseFbEPpHbrcYnp8BEkV5Lai9KwD8TthBh2rgQ6VjB5CfMAxclTQePoKZalltr0PvmkebeO5kQAQ4X/s320/P1010989.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Quiet town of Storozhevoe surrounded by thick woods.</td></tr>
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj34cBy4mpKovQsyUOWoioPpn3BmyJBJ-fP7VwPkHbWLelWg1WGKsAB6KdOgiCudtlZLcrysPB0MVSUWG31OiJPwuqjtyY7DSvHVl6H-yppDCweF_eKIdnMsZii604qtgVBEkSxvdeCSFE/s1600/P1020004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj34cBy4mpKovQsyUOWoioPpn3BmyJBJ-fP7VwPkHbWLelWg1WGKsAB6KdOgiCudtlZLcrysPB0MVSUWG31OiJPwuqjtyY7DSvHVl6H-yppDCweF_eKIdnMsZii604qtgVBEkSxvdeCSFE/s320/P1020004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entire Soviet force for the game.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlNy-Cbz9ADPF0spURYg9BqVmKJgwcO94oQXzDh8gt8HF2LGSrEbGxxSgwjgz350iZnR3pnFFL6iJbwxUqAoi_X89gy1H_kBOCKVWc6Zcpa68-tVBv2sg-bGfxnEsxm9WQxxx5tE8isRY/s1600/P1020005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlNy-Cbz9ADPF0spURYg9BqVmKJgwcO94oQXzDh8gt8HF2LGSrEbGxxSgwjgz350iZnR3pnFFL6iJbwxUqAoi_X89gy1H_kBOCKVWc6Zcpa68-tVBv2sg-bGfxnEsxm9WQxxx5tE8isRY/s320/P1020005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">9th Guards Airborne Division. The circles are BN command stands.<br />
The hex stands are heavy weapon support markers.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaT2-CcwTHXQe8vQh8DA-bnE22WJwbOGKXn7B7hZfvMKucLPF6k7haaXFHn9ECsQoBRBrUF9YMi9_y_tDIATPpQ1QJNZHQ8wGxTcJyAy_D9Yy_uZ0jREbqwuz5PlbVpyWtlZZb5iaUqWSW/s1600/P1010996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaT2-CcwTHXQe8vQh8DA-bnE22WJwbOGKXn7B7hZfvMKucLPF6k7haaXFHn9ECsQoBRBrUF9YMi9_y_tDIATPpQ1QJNZHQ8wGxTcJyAy_D9Yy_uZ0jREbqwuz5PlbVpyWtlZZb5iaUqWSW/s320/P1010996.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artillery spotting round markers. Hexes are D10 artillery.<br />
Circles are D12 artillery. The HE template is self-explanatory.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SREhYcnWL5pOn__8VYjmaS1qNsh_HJRM5fDvHY1LDpz3UuRpsFPcXhzGh0ZCPN7EKFQR7kSTTrJowTFmg3t4ZujWXvDczam9_fMUu4u68p-TL-e3JTvbbj45w3yAjFDO-_gC_UY6or3s/s1600/P1010997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SREhYcnWL5pOn__8VYjmaS1qNsh_HJRM5fDvHY1LDpz3UuRpsFPcXhzGh0ZCPN7EKFQR7kSTTrJowTFmg3t4ZujWXvDczam9_fMUu4u68p-TL-e3JTvbbj45w3yAjFDO-_gC_UY6or3s/s320/P1010997.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 1st SS Panzergrenadier Division. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpC7m1Na_kYq9cQY7aJpnJpEj-JTJq2pwBQOHK_qbgcY5MGc4oqLRz0CAqigUIM6mBWsccRl6pS_E3Pycfi9N_n9nnNQLpJAHKqREe-dZ9l0C4QZSco-o5CZfIqAttNBuEKjMKG1r3NnQ/s1600/P1010998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpC7m1Na_kYq9cQY7aJpnJpEj-JTJq2pwBQOHK_qbgcY5MGc4oqLRz0CAqigUIM6mBWsccRl6pS_E3Pycfi9N_n9nnNQLpJAHKqREe-dZ9l0C4QZSco-o5CZfIqAttNBuEKjMKG1r3NnQ/s320/P1010998.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st SS PG Regiment's three battalions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8k286-ypvIMJb_KGcjchyphenhyphenZi2oWT-yaaQ8BzlzmZ0cEPRKvXjrLdIGxENh55Gn0aYsBSTNWjhFN868cNfTzbTQx_amfauNGgG2LnLdUI2VfDoW903cnNrcOb9pddOHaU8HEfGlPVbhw4rt/s1600/P1010999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8k286-ypvIMJb_KGcjchyphenhyphenZi2oWT-yaaQ8BzlzmZ0cEPRKvXjrLdIGxENh55Gn0aYsBSTNWjhFN868cNfTzbTQx_amfauNGgG2LnLdUI2VfDoW903cnNrcOb9pddOHaU8HEfGlPVbhw4rt/s320/P1010999.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd SS PG Regiment's two battalions. It has a Tiger company.<br />
It's halftrack-mounted battalion is with the tank regiment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi1xeHCu05gcOf4ey-11tJcLBLbcsW2r8I5r8g5CKDUWEYm4cBSuFgAQUi4yBHkvnYenoZawjRiIoDVVp25R9BZ0EIXHo-dHq53LtHCngBXCVn7DGjVOYvN1Y3atL4UdnMSuL2JfQL7Ft/s1600/P1020001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi1xeHCu05gcOf4ey-11tJcLBLbcsW2r8I5r8g5CKDUWEYm4cBSuFgAQUi4yBHkvnYenoZawjRiIoDVVp25R9BZ0EIXHo-dHq53LtHCngBXCVn7DGjVOYvN1Y3atL4UdnMSuL2JfQL7Ft/s320/P1020001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st SS Panzer Regiment's two battalions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfofHtS_5TpWWN_jhIDp7o4HJpEQf-WAxtCG526HhBrtBAVmCu6hPUYa30YOumF-AncSWelzrEiRZLlcLYbpjHlpt-WP4Lv5-L_FEbPt11lFv145uD2YF7nWLG-oqBEMFWy1PMnHjkccs8/s1600/P1020002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfofHtS_5TpWWN_jhIDp7o4HJpEQf-WAxtCG526HhBrtBAVmCu6hPUYa30YOumF-AncSWelzrEiRZLlcLYbpjHlpt-WP4Lv5-L_FEbPt11lFv145uD2YF7nWLG-oqBEMFWy1PMnHjkccs8/s320/P1020002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st SS AT battalion and recon battalion.<br />
Engineer stands in front.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgft_ZXT1GKPUBnWCyz1JJFadut_zR59w1KKWWRbgwi4mV_XQ9CGQeqRznj5HL3gt1DPMq_ac8wg8Pret5b-XW9W54ykOYL5CKedM0SERTTDKclJdhWy7fQrVoPgBgsawrYBRdnY4-z-XNu/s1600/P1020003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgft_ZXT1GKPUBnWCyz1JJFadut_zR59w1KKWWRbgwi4mV_XQ9CGQeqRznj5HL3gt1DPMq_ac8wg8Pret5b-XW9W54ykOYL5CKedM0SERTTDKclJdhWy7fQrVoPgBgsawrYBRdnY4-z-XNu/s320/P1020003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casualty markers mark strength point losses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehpwkb-YJcjHsDXiHPJHsZ4dOLa7Wjr1Y6bC_6eJL9E1RfNNAhSpPhVb3hg346tePGw3qIEBxA9OOKzbCi1oS3VR6KtZkY1XzGU1KFPloLwZMrmXiFBkPj1otT6qYhcGxOB2EJ05VfRhL/s1600/P1020006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehpwkb-YJcjHsDXiHPJHsZ4dOLa7Wjr1Y6bC_6eJL9E1RfNNAhSpPhVb3hg346tePGw3qIEBxA9OOKzbCi1oS3VR6KtZkY1XzGU1KFPloLwZMrmXiFBkPj1otT6qYhcGxOB2EJ05VfRhL/s320/P1020006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AT gun bunkers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOcgvoiRq2-AtOHUbjXcBzZTZFwoLS8PDMRSXakZ_Q7GazLV_HjTiRW4jY1-OI2eeup7q4xVk4PnZd4xVUGp9h0be-t4LN2uMWIhTaIu5sBKWAaBSpEs_sAICZZzuSaG6DMvHExOoWST1/s1600/P1020007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOcgvoiRq2-AtOHUbjXcBzZTZFwoLS8PDMRSXakZ_Q7GazLV_HjTiRW4jY1-OI2eeup7q4xVk4PnZd4xVUGp9h0be-t4LN2uMWIhTaIu5sBKWAaBSpEs_sAICZZzuSaG6DMvHExOoWST1/s320/P1020007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Soviet infantry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhUwfFDYsaj6TIetJxEtdoLyh0hbecDTGr5VX1HH_7Ib7XT29C2DCzc1k0v8Ste5RvpePhHSS1VGtvSJ9u4sl4HnA4oTWlkYLm1vH7VmnnF6NcaCklBkv_UxYceF3VjdrYaJCzjb3yT4Z/s1600/P1020011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhUwfFDYsaj6TIetJxEtdoLyh0hbecDTGr5VX1HH_7Ib7XT29C2DCzc1k0v8Ste5RvpePhHSS1VGtvSJ9u4sl4HnA4oTWlkYLm1vH7VmnnF6NcaCklBkv_UxYceF3VjdrYaJCzjb3yT4Z/s320/P1020011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soviet armor ready for the counterattack on 12 July, 1943.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtJ6iu2j8q3plO6u55w8gMV5hhE2S74AuUJOyW48aLlMZia_OuAnFnsrEogRDHimCaXpMCt6Al0BcEz6Ni_uuPgc8TZs0rK-Ic9lRvZZA0PCZ9wK3BnvFFgHPPf0MzcN6htfLnjZVPJrR/s1600/P1020010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtJ6iu2j8q3plO6u55w8gMV5hhE2S74AuUJOyW48aLlMZia_OuAnFnsrEogRDHimCaXpMCt6Al0BcEz6Ni_uuPgc8TZs0rK-Ic9lRvZZA0PCZ9wK3BnvFFgHPPf0MzcN6htfLnjZVPJrR/s320/P1020010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soviet tank command stands using flags.<br />
"Green, no Red..just attack dammit!!!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzh_KbC0W4qnVpEAvYzKv-gSPCxZv6PXS5nfacOxvioFfD6JrYiwxKAL2mZ0upObNseSpyj04YJID317jp0poPMi1nhzHBvGUcYRzs0R1I79-4ui3g0bIk91KHTCJ8p4YvZB7ovonty-G/s1600/P1020014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzh_KbC0W4qnVpEAvYzKv-gSPCxZv6PXS5nfacOxvioFfD6JrYiwxKAL2mZ0upObNseSpyj04YJID317jp0poPMi1nhzHBvGUcYRzs0R1I79-4ui3g0bIk91KHTCJ8p4YvZB7ovonty-G/s320/P1020014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These SU-76's are on the painting table, <br />
but they'll be ready for the game.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumoqOiZ37RfwO5MWxuHyoke9N0cQHGmLiYOwq637mwiNS3qZrVfwFquj5fkhIoq9MUG19SbTAyONgsZIq2UWXwHORSPLF7igqLqVeoUHA8LHuvjJyVdq-_RB9QL_Plfi26xKzv3SPg7nv/s1600/P1020013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumoqOiZ37RfwO5MWxuHyoke9N0cQHGmLiYOwq637mwiNS3qZrVfwFquj5fkhIoq9MUG19SbTAyONgsZIq2UWXwHORSPLF7igqLqVeoUHA8LHuvjJyVdq-_RB9QL_Plfi26xKzv3SPg7nv/s320/P1020013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are being painted, but will serve as more <br />
motorized infantry command stands for the Soviets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VCtXdje3pRd4zVioEkwLc2uOPaf8FcLgJ9g8gXzCIC0e6xKim30uiAXd1sv7o7s3jheit_H4_QKw8gWveLPFZmrBdG4MR2sSLQ5WWoagPOxYcAJLhetaSUkw4NGcxIzGK5TcUEOzrHSo/s1600/P1020009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VCtXdje3pRd4zVioEkwLc2uOPaf8FcLgJ9g8gXzCIC0e6xKim30uiAXd1sv7o7s3jheit_H4_QKw8gWveLPFZmrBdG4MR2sSLQ5WWoagPOxYcAJLhetaSUkw4NGcxIzGK5TcUEOzrHSo/s320/P1020009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some more Soviet command stands.<br />
Leg and airborne infantry battalion command stands are all on foot. <br />
Motorized units have jeeps or trucks on their command stands.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyk6DqLye0adjdIgprTu35Fa8CcTDHur9YW9nuImu4dLOaTrJvbzSYTsDi4LPhA7p77zV6M80Y6KLeLGAJsrVmAoH7zaHcOzCBNQrz_nvXaFKDncEngMieFnS_P00IPPqGlWpyNNBHyy_x/s1600/P1020008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyk6DqLye0adjdIgprTu35Fa8CcTDHur9YW9nuImu4dLOaTrJvbzSYTsDi4LPhA7p77zV6M80Y6KLeLGAJsrVmAoH7zaHcOzCBNQrz_nvXaFKDncEngMieFnS_P00IPPqGlWpyNNBHyy_x/s320/P1020008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soviet KV-1 and assault guns ready for action.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvQNXeWdqNDhG62S9v3wJfLfg8OdLWi90djejGMtZMYzDs0BabMuio6xn1Nq4WhmSPFB-JNCnwy5Ukm77TGxx3DUHu8LlYCEpb0DinXmonFYXijNNVRxZ3QwW7XplcxpQK0ibjDJMGprk/s1600/P1020012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvQNXeWdqNDhG62S9v3wJfLfg8OdLWi90djejGMtZMYzDs0BabMuio6xn1Nq4WhmSPFB-JNCnwy5Ukm77TGxx3DUHu8LlYCEpb0DinXmonFYXijNNVRxZ3QwW7XplcxpQK0ibjDJMGprk/s320/P1020012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of armor ready to flood onto the table!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitn02Eyrzoe3SFf65OXaulUi8BEWR_jVgMR04SzE9is2gw22hsZKNRVcebpBBjEpD3qoRGBNOX_-E6ztw60zi6wnTiCWx9pPCKcBvi_XnvtV9PwHmNyCXuGn1za0d02YepPbpthB9PvQFl/s1600/P1010990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitn02Eyrzoe3SFf65OXaulUi8BEWR_jVgMR04SzE9is2gw22hsZKNRVcebpBBjEpD3qoRGBNOX_-E6ztw60zi6wnTiCWx9pPCKcBvi_XnvtV9PwHmNyCXuGn1za0d02YepPbpthB9PvQFl/s320/P1010990.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This marker represents a suppression result.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs28lE-fw0COjr5lGPGG3fZNcfOZ1Rf-1z4477ATeVDTVAZhZmrj3qKsCeFd_mE9lb45RezbwlBRtPegzPUpvKEBkR6ynwcmN5YtNA3mn3HaCKP2v-I9WgxuxIhxeP0zU-t7L8lLVWpgAQ/s1600/P1010991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs28lE-fw0COjr5lGPGG3fZNcfOZ1Rf-1z4477ATeVDTVAZhZmrj3qKsCeFd_mE9lb45RezbwlBRtPegzPUpvKEBkR6ynwcmN5YtNA3mn3HaCKP2v-I9WgxuxIhxeP0zU-t7L8lLVWpgAQ/s320/P1010991.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The railroad embankment and railyard at Prokhorovka Station.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxM89mWjJCyc0Dnqk4iyea_JNnoNhQoqx11LPwE17dJe9X1V7NSHqNhKBOmH4x4GJqlCkdX6WJvBZLHirhAlh6gAZshPXlHY32naZ8Uf-7tlx_U3BZVbbYoQpiRh7kzfPWBWgHrXGKGtYh/s1600/P1010992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxM89mWjJCyc0Dnqk4iyea_JNnoNhQoqx11LPwE17dJe9X1V7NSHqNhKBOmH4x4GJqlCkdX6WJvBZLHirhAlh6gAZshPXlHY32naZ8Uf-7tlx_U3BZVbbYoQpiRh7kzfPWBWgHrXGKGtYh/s320/P1010992.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of Storozhevoe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLou7BwnTg52Hu8nM-XnmxheHVQbG6HVUgYmMr21IoQiC06oqlDtKrNVWMTudOg91g4dxyD-QvrGGYEzG0gKecBCfMRdmztBtW5g5c2jpmVByXO9UfMgvWuUyZiVa9y2z90jWLpGHJ3qv/s1600/P1010993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLou7BwnTg52Hu8nM-XnmxheHVQbG6HVUgYmMr21IoQiC06oqlDtKrNVWMTudOg91g4dxyD-QvrGGYEzG0gKecBCfMRdmztBtW5g5c2jpmVByXO9UfMgvWuUyZiVa9y2z90jWLpGHJ3qv/s320/P1010993.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soviet airborne companies defend the Brick Factory.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1pMQB7FDkgKykgUuCwDgsFbr29-7JaXDf1r3HaKx6WsnyFGHBZJjLHy1WWvXIl4muecQmc7mXybbTpzip_CB_a2R7A9w1MLN1neV4xaq-nISKoC6nTVfLe0NoU9q-hAQl6P-1go0cpw0/s1600/P1010994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1pMQB7FDkgKykgUuCwDgsFbr29-7JaXDf1r3HaKx6WsnyFGHBZJjLHy1WWvXIl4muecQmc7mXybbTpzip_CB_a2R7A9w1MLN1neV4xaq-nISKoC6nTVfLe0NoU9q-hAQl6P-1go0cpw0/s320/P1010994.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German engineers deploy to clear the minefield for the tanks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6772360911663522089.post-72112052183771166372012-08-20T06:11:00.002-07:002012-11-16T10:21:37.642-08:00Kursk: Drive on Prokhorovka Final Version<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuejFHk0x7v5CGpKCxj9ADObj-AExvOqYA-DZR0YSFNekNkkoClNbe5CfPwS8F-Ur62HU5M8X_aKQO2_RNvNPsvbOPK8J5gn6nVsQ4MG-1vefYM23YPJCaEgRARmpcuqL3iLUIKveUiriW/s1600/Playtest1Deployment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuejFHk0x7v5CGpKCxj9ADObj-AExvOqYA-DZR0YSFNekNkkoClNbe5CfPwS8F-Ur62HU5M8X_aKQO2_RNvNPsvbOPK8J5gn6nVsQ4MG-1vefYM23YPJCaEgRARmpcuqL3iLUIKveUiriW/s640/Playtest1Deployment.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 32pt;"><b>PROKHOROVKA 3.0</b></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 32pt;"><b>10
JULY 1943 – 15 JULY 1943</b></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>VICTORY
CONDITIONS</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The game starts on the 10
July PM turn and ends on the 15 July PM turn. If the Germans capture
all four town sections of Prokhorovka by the end of the game, the
German player wins. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If the LAH 1<sup>st</sup>
SS PG Division ever fails its Morale check, higher command begins
withdrawing units from the attack as the operational focus of the II
SS Panzer Corps begins to focus on encircling the Soviet Rifle Corps
south of the battlefield. The reinforcements from the Das Reich
Division (received on 12 July PM) are immediately removed. On each
subsequent German Morale card, an additional German command is chosen
by the German player and removed.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>TERRAIN</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">All woods are Class
III woods. </span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">All hills are Class
II hills for movement purposes only.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Oktiabrskii State
Farm complex is a 6” by 6” Class II town section and can provide
cover for 4 deployed units.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Psel villages are
each a 4” by 4” Class II town section and can provide cover for
2 deployed units. They are named (from West to East): </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Vaselivka,
Andreevka, Mikhailovka, Prelestnoe,</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">
and </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Petrovka.</i></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">All other town
sections are 6” by 6” Class III cover and can provide cover for
4 deployed units. Prokhorovka consists of four Class III town
sections.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Brick Factory is
2” by 4” Class III cover and can provide cover for 2 deployed
units</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The railroad
embankment is a Class II linear obstacle that blocks LOS unless a
unit is in contact with it.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Remember, vehicle units
treat terrain as one class worse (Class II becomes Class III, etc.),
so woods are impassable to vehicles and vehicles can't deploy in
Class III town sections. They can be in them and drive through them,
but they don't benefit from the cover. The exception to this are
recon vehicles (see below). </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>SCENARIO
RULES</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The German player has a
D12 Initiative die and a Superior deck. The Soviet player uses a D10
Initiative die and an Average deck.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Reinforcement arrival</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">German
reinforcements arrive on the western short table edge and Soviet
reinforcements normally (see special rule below) arrive on the
eastern short table edge. Reinforcements can be deployed on the
table edge at the start of their arrival turn. Reinforcements can
also be held off the table. If they are held off the table,
reinforcements can then only be deployed on the table on a friendly
Move card. The newly deployed reinforcements can move on the Move
card that deployed them. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">AT
gun bunker companies are deployed at the start of their arrival turn
anywhere within 10” of friendly units and further than 5” from
enemy units.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Adjacent divisions and
special Soviet reinforcement arrival</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">An SS Panzergrenadier
division was fighting on each flank of the 1<sup>st</sup> SS PG
Division, Totenkopf on the left and Das Reich on the right. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Their slow progress
constantly endangered the flanks of the 1<sup>st</sup> SS PG
Division. A marker on the North and South sides of the gaming table
represents the positions of each of these flanking divisions. The
markers begin one foot east of the West table edge. At the end of
each non-Night turn, the German player rolls a D6 for each marker.
On a “6” the marker is moved 1' toward Prokhorovka (East). A +1
(cumulative) is added to the next die roll each time the die roll
fails to advance the marker.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Normally, Soviet
reinforcements enter on the East board edge. In each turn, the
Soviet player can declare he is bringing on one reinforcing <b>brigade
</b>on the North or South board
edge. These reinforcements and the board edge must be announced on a
Move card. The reinforcing brigade appears on the declared board
edge on the next Move card at any position east of the SS Division
card on its board edge. The brigade may not move until the next Move
card appears. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Air Support</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">10 July: 1 German Air
Support card (Bad weather!)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">11 July: 3 German Air
Support cards</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Rest of game: 3 German Air
Support cards, 1 Soviet Air Support Card</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Artillery</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">10
July: German (D10, D10, D12) Soviet (D10)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">11
July: <b> </b>German (D10,
D10, D12) Soviet (D10, D10)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">12
July: Before AM turn begins, Soviets can drop a six template D12
artillery barrage. No drift.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">German
(D10, D10, D12) Soviet (D10, D12, D10)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Rest
of game: German German (D10, D10, D12) Soviet (D10, D12, D10, D12)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The
order of the artillery fire die strengths is important. That is the
order in which the particular spotting rounds are placed on C&C
cards. Once the Indirect Fire card is drawn, the sequence
begins again.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dug In</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Units
in the open (Class I terrain) or woods might be described as “Dug
In.” These are <b>not</b> bunker companies. Dug In units enjoy
Class II cover (unless surrounding cover is better) and do not have
to fall back. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">They
can voluntarily leave their entrenchments only on an Even movement
roll. They can only Close Assault on the Close Assault card. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Individual
infantry units can dig in during Night turns on a Move card as long
as they make a successful Engineering check vs. a D6.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Minefields</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">AT minefields are 8”
wide and 2” deep. Combat die D10 vs. vehicles, D4 vs. infantry.
The Soviets can place 3 minefields before the 11 July AM turn. Mine
fields must be placed west of the German advance. A minefields can
be removed when 2 units in contact with the minefield make a
successful Engineering check vs. a D10.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Anti-Tank ditch</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">One 12” long AT ditch
can be placed on the table west of the German advance by the Soviet
player at the beginning of any one AM turn. The ditch cannot cross
the railroad embankment or be placed in woods. The ditch is
impassable to vehicles and a Class II obstacle to other units. Once
three separate units in contact with the ditch make successful
Engineering checks vs. a D10, the ditch is removed.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>GERMAN
CHARACTERISTICS</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Forward
Observer: D12 Engineering: D10 Anti-Aircraft: D10</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Germans have 50
morale points for the entire division. They never gain morale
points.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">German units
described as regiments are major command groups. All other German
units not described below are battalion command groups.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">All German command
stands are D12 command stands. </span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">German major command
groups roll D12 Move dice as regiments, but can roll for movement as
individual command groups on an Even move roll.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The German recon
battalion is self-ordered, has no command stand and is always in
command. They ignore command integrity and roll D12 Move/Rally dice
as a command group. Recon units move through Class II terrain with
no penalty. Recon units ignore the entrance cost to enter Class III
terrain.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The German AT
battalion is not a battalion command group and has no command stand.
Its units roll D12 for movement and rally, but if they move, AT
units must move toward a German battalion command group. Once they
are within command range of a battalion command group, AT units are
considered attached and can move and rally with that group's command
stand.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dismounted<span style="font-size: small;">
German panzer grenadiers benefit from ONE Superior Firepower card
added to the German deck.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">German
infantry have Full(Integrated) AT capability</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Germans
are Combined Arms capable.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">All
panzer grenadiers attached to Panzer battalions are
halftrack-equipped . All other panzer grenadiers ride in trucks.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>SOVIET
CHARACTERISTICS</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Forward
Observer: D8 Engineering: D12 Anti-Aircraft: D8</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Soviet brigades,
separate infantry battalions, and regiments are major command groups
for morale purposes. Soviet major command groups have morale points
equal to the number of companies in the brigade. They check morale
individually. If they fail a morale check, they are removed from
the table.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Soviet brigades and
regiments roll for movement as major command groups. They cannot
roll for movement as battalion command groups. Any major command
group that includes armor stands rolls a D8 for movement.
All-infantry major command groups roll a D10 for movement.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Separate infantry
battalions move with their own D10 command stand.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Soviet tank brigades
have two commands divided into an armor battalion command group (D8
command die) and an infantry battalion command group (D10 command
stand). These command stands are only used for rallying and to
determine command integrity. Infantry and tank companies from the
same tank brigade can support each other.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Soviet infantry
brigades have three battalion command groups (D10) command stands).
These command stands are only used for rallying and to determine
command integrity. </span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">SP gun regiments roll
D8 for movement, but they have no command stands. Their units may
be rallied by any command stand within range (only once per C&C
card).</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">AT artillery
regiments are gun bunker companies with Class III cover. They never
fail morale checks and fight to the death. They can be suppressed
and lose strength points.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Soviet infantry have
Limited AT capability.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Soviets are Combined
Arms capable.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Order
of Battle</b><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>10 JULY PM TURN 1 START</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
2<sup>nd</sup> SS PGR REGIMENT
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I/2<sup>nd</sup> PG (3 Infantry
companies, 1 Tiger company, 1 D12 command stand, 3 trucks)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
II/2<sup>nd</sup> PG (3 Infantry
companies, 1 PzIV company, 1 D12 command stand, 3 trucks)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1<sup>st</sup> SS PZR REGIMENT</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I/1<sup>st</sup> Pz (3 Panzer IV
companies, 2 infantry companies, 1 D12 command stands, 2 halftracks)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
II/1<sup>st</sup> Pz (3 Panzer IV
companies, 1 infantry companies, 1 D12 command stands, 1 halftrack)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1<sup>st</sup>
SS RECON BN (1 233 company, 1 222 company, 1 infantry company,
1 halftrack)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Each Panzer IV company starts with 1 SP
lost.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Tiger company starts with 2 SP
lost.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">“<b>DUG IN”
ON HILL 241.6 </b> </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">26TH TB/ 2ND TC (
2 T34 companies, 3 Infantry companies, D8 command stand)</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;"><u>1502ND
AT REGT</u>( 1 76mm AT bunker company)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;"><u>48TH
AT REGT </u></span><span style="color: red;">( 1 76mm AT bunker
company)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>STOROZHEVOE
AND STOROZHEVOE WOODS</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">169TH TB / 2ND TC
( 2 T34 companies, 5
Infantry companies (reinforcements from 285 RR), D10 and D8 command
stands)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>DEPLOYED AT
OKTIABRSKII STATE FARM</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">3/285 RIFLE
REGIMENT (3 infantry companies, D10 command stand)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>DEPLOYED OR
DUG IN AT VASILEVKA VILLAGE (PSEL RIVER VALLEY)</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">99TH TB/ 2ND TC
( 3 T34 companies, 2 Infantry companies, D8 command stand)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>DEPLOYED OR
DUG IN AT ANDREEVKA VILLAGE (PSEL RIVER VALLEY)</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">One BN FROM 11TH
MRB/ 10TH TC (3 Infantry companies, D10 command stand, 3 trucks)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>9TH GRD ABN
DIV “DUG IN” DEFENDING FROM OKTIABRSKII FARM TO IAMSKI</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>(cannot move
until 11 July AM Turn) </b></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">(23<sup>rd</sup>,
26<sup>th</sup>, 28<sup>th</sup> GAR [9 infantry companies , 3 D10
command stands each])</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">26<sup>th</sup>
astride Prokhorovka road to Oktiabrski State Farm, 23<sup>rd</sup>
with 2 BN's south of 26<sup>th</sup> and 1 BN in Prokhorovka suburbs,
28<sup>th</sup> in reserve north of Prokhorovka.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>10 JULY NIGHT TURN 2</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">58TH
MR BDE/2ND TC ARRIVES ( 9 Infantry companies, 3 D10 command stands,
trucks)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">2/287<sup>th</sup>
GUARDS RIFLE REGT ARRIVES (3 infantry companies, D10 command stand)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>11 JULY AM TURN 3</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1<sup>st</sup> SS PGR REGIMENT
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
3 battalions (3 Infantry
companies, 1 Stug III company, D12 command stand, 3 trucks each)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u>1</u><sup><u>st</u></sup><u>
SS AT BN</u><i><u> </u></i>(3 Marder III companies)</div>
<ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">57</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
HEAVY TANK REGT (4</span> KV-1 tank companies, 2 infantry companies,
D8 command stand)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;"><u>301</u><sup><u>st</u></sup><u>
AT ARTY REGT </u>(1 76mm AT bunker company)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>11 JULY NIGHT TURN 5</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">18</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
TANK CORPS (181</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>st</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
TB, 170</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
TB, 110</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
TB) NORTH OF PROKHOROVKA</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">110</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
TB (3 T34 companies, 3 Infantry companies, D10 and D8 command
stands, 3 trucks)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">170</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
TB (3 T34 companies, 3 Infantry companies, D10 and D8 command
stands, 3 trucks)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">181</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>st</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
TB (3 T34 companies, 3 Infantry companies, D10 and D8 command
stands, 3 trucks)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">32</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>nd</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
MR BRIGADE (9 infantry companies, 3 D10 command stands, 9 trucks)</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;"><u>36</u></span><span style="color: red;"><sup><u>th</u></sup></span><span style="color: red;"><u>
GDS SEP HVY TANK REGT (2 Churchill companies)</u></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">29TH TANK CORPS
(31</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>st</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
TB, 32</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>nd</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
TB, 25</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
TB, IN PROKHOROVKA. </span>
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">25</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
TB (5</span><span style="color: lime;"> </span><span style="color: red;">T34
companies, 3 Infantry companies, D10 and D8 command stands, 3
trucks)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">31</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>st</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
TB (5 T34 companies, 3 Infantry companies, D10 and D8 command
stands, 3 trucks)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">32</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>nd</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
TB (6 T34 companies, 3 Infantry companies, D10 and D8 command
stands, 3 trucks)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">53</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>rd</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
MR BRIGADE (9 infantry companies, 3 D10 command stands, 9 trucks)</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">ADDITIONAL UNITS:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;"><u>1446TH SP GUN
REGT</u></span><span style="color: red;">(1 SU-76 company, 1 SU-122
company)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">53RD GDS TANK
REGT</span><span style="color: maroon;"> </span><span style="color: red;">(4
T-34 tank companies, D8 command stand)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">127</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
GDS RIFLE REGT (9 infantry companies, 3 D10 command stands)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;">136</span><span style="color: red;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="color: red;">
GDS RIFLE REGT (9 infantry companies, 3 D10 command stands)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>12 JULY AM TURN 6 SOVIET ARTY PREP</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;"><u>1000TH AT
REGT </u></span><span style="color: red;">( 1 76mm AT bunker company)</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;"><u>1529TH SP
GUN REGT</u></span><span style="color: red;"> (1 SU152 company).</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>12 JULY PM TURN 7</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Appears on southern long table edge
anywhere west of Das Reich progress marker:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
DAS REICH 3RD PZGR
REGIMENT “DEUTSCHLAND”</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I/3<sup>rd</sup>
SS PZGR (1 PzIV company, 2 infantry companies, 1 D12 command stand,
trucks</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
II/3<sup>rd</sup>
SS PZGR (1 PzIV company, 2 infantry companies, 1 D12 command stand,
trucks)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>ENDS 15 JULY</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hoctHwwNbUCcOeB-YFNk3kY7ywBnAc6L0qOrYyVj56XlAQ6rC1CegGYhMBQCU9H09UG-qUEutOTXUnJ4ZQNzAGsNq9FAGDGEPGXvH3kaZt1rvC8SdbG_dVQvui7NUMfNa2gY5VTHUQBd/s1600/Kursk+Unit+Statistics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hoctHwwNbUCcOeB-YFNk3kY7ywBnAc6L0qOrYyVj56XlAQ6rC1CegGYhMBQCU9H09UG-qUEutOTXUnJ4ZQNzAGsNq9FAGDGEPGXvH3kaZt1rvC8SdbG_dVQvui7NUMfNa2gY5VTHUQBd/s640/Kursk+Unit+Statistics.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>APPENDIX A – DESIGNER NOTES</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>1. </b> <b>Soviet light tanks. </b>The
Soviet tank units still had an amazingly high percentage of light
tanks in their armored battalions. Soviet industry needed something
for their light industry to produce. Approximately 1/3 of the Soviet
tanks were lightly armored T-70 tanks which were not capable of
fighting the German medium tanks at anything but the closest ranges.
These light tanks suffered tremendous casualties because they
basically fought in the front line along with the T-34 companies.
Some brigade commanders did try to organize the T-34’s into a lead
battalion and the T-70’s into a follow-on battalion, but I’m not
sure how much this helped.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I play this game using my 10mm
miniatures and since Pithead has not yet produced a T-70 tank in
10mm, I don’t field the light tank companies. I basically just
convert the T-70’s into T-34’s at a combat ratio of about 2:1.
Also, when I consider the game scale of FOBWW2, I’m not sure it’s
that important to model them. The corps commanders (i.e. players)
really weren’t very concerned with the exact make-up of their tank
mixes. They were more focused on the basic combat power of the tank
brigades as a whole entity. However, if players do want to field
these light tank companies and they want to paint tons of light
Soviet tanks (and I know some will), I'm happy to provide the
numbers. Just be aware that the Germans might focus all their fire
on them because they’re easy pickings and cause disproportionate
morale point damage to the Soviets.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvG6ZKFfJF34V6NImfntoCEgkNJ_jhqzKRYS1Zxfo4uy6CcVBGk-LMfdRVY7F-c1C6xJs-d7jU_w5ngNAa-dwnot_51qKboHq-0-Dp1fzJ8OOP8AGelR7iHeYBBv1VynbWjBGtkSnC79DY/s1600/T70+numbers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvG6ZKFfJF34V6NImfntoCEgkNJ_jhqzKRYS1Zxfo4uy6CcVBGk-LMfdRVY7F-c1C6xJs-d7jU_w5ngNAa-dwnot_51qKboHq-0-Dp1fzJ8OOP8AGelR7iHeYBBv1VynbWjBGtkSnC79DY/s640/T70+numbers.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>2. </b> <b>Leadership. </b>One of
the neat aspects of FOBWW2 is the use of the Command die. A good
Command die can be used to gain extra movement segments on Move
cards, but it can also be used on the Command and Control cards to
unsuppress units and more importantly, rally back lost strength
points.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lost strength points represent more
than just killed, wounded, and destroyed vehicles. They represent
infantry men who have lost the will to fight, lost a key leader who
must be replaced, units that have run out of ammunition or fuel,
vehicles that need maintenance or repair, personnel who need to
recover from fatigue, and many other factors that can impact the
combat effectiveness of fighting units.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The German battalions were well-led,
their troops were motivated and well-trained, and the German recovery
crews did an incredible job of getting damaged tanks back into
action. Very few German tanks were knocked out of action for more
than a day or two. To reflect this advantage, the Germans have very
high command dice (D12).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Soviet troops in general had poor
communication. The few radios that they did have often became
inoperable after the concussion of artillery rounds or near misses.
The Soviets conducted an internal investigation into the causes of
the high tank casualties at Prokhorovka after the
battle. The investigation was very critical and highlighted some of
the following defects:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
poor dissemination of
mission-critical information down to subordinate commanders,
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
the lack of pre-attack
reconnaissance by tank commanders,</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
the inability of brigade and
division commanders to maintain control of their armored elements or
even know where they were,</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
poor control by company commanders
who literally led their formations from the front and thus found it
difficult to control their own formations,</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
poor use of terrain for avenues of
approach to reduce the impact of AT weapons on attacking elements</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
poor use of artillery preparation
against enemy AT defenses.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Not a great evaluation of the Soviet
leadership. In my mind, the tank commanders earn a pretty poor D8
command die. This low command rating also makes it much harder for
the Soviets to rally back their tank strength points, reflecting
their inferior ability to recover and repair damaged vehicles.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I did want to give the Soviet infantry
some of that stubborn, resolute peasant quality that Russian infantry
has been famous for, so I rated the infantry commands as a D10
command die. Even the Germans were impressed by the defensive
determination exhibited by the Soviet infantry during the Kursk
campaign.</div>
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<b>3. </b> <b>Tank-riders!!</b> I
think they are cool and a bunch of infantry piled on the back of a
T-34 is definitely an iconic image of the Eastern Front, but when I
tried to write rules for tank-riding, it became either too powerful a
game mechanism or required 200 words of rules just to clarify all of
the possible things that might happen. In the end, I decided to just
let the rules handle tank-riding.
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During the game, if an infantry unit
rolls 3 movement segments, it can move 24”! That’s a lot of
walking when you consider all of the equipment an infantry company
brings with it. So, if the infantry company rolls 2 or 3 movement
segments, I just assume that they ended up hitching a ride on some
tanks somewhere along the way.
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If you don’t like that answer and
insist that you have to have a freaking tank-riding rule, you might
want to treat them like truck-mounted infantry for all combat
purposes, but allow them to mount and dismount during the day turns
like halftracks. There!! Are you happy now?!</div>
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<b>4. </b> <b>Soviet defenses.</b>
There are several different types of Soviet defenses that the Germans
will have the pleasure of encountering during their attack. The two
biggest defenses are the anti-tank ditch and the anti-tank
minefields. I made a design decision and gave the Soviet player the
option of where to place the minefields and AT ditches. Even more
annoying for the Germans, the Soviets don’t have to decide on the
location of the AT ditch until they see where the Germans are on that
morning turn.</div>
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Some German players might think that’s
pretty gamey, but let’s really examine what the situation was at
the time. The Soviets had been preparing the defenses in the Kursk
area for months before the attack. Their engineers knew the lay of
the land and were specifically focused on obstructing terrain that
was ideal for armored movement.
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The chances are that as the German
tanks attack during the scenario, the little 10mm tank commanders
would naturally move along the best terrain for their little 10mm
tanks. What to us giant players looks like a flat green terrain
board is actually a rolling prairie crossed with small gullies,
ravines, dips, washes, runs, and ridges! So when the Soviet player
plops that AT ditch down right in front of the spot where the German
player’s main armored thrust stopped moving the night before, we
can soothe our sense of historical realism and explain to the fuming
German player that the Soviet engineers would have definitely
obstructed such an obvious approach route for the tanks.
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As for the minefields, I don’t make
an effort to hide them from the Germans. Minefields the size of
these fields would have been very apparent to German scouting parties
so surprise is not the issue here. The minefields are intended to
delay the German tanks. The German can always just drive through
them and take his chances, but the cautious player will call up the
engineers and make that minefield-clearing Engineering roll.</div>
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It’s important to place these
obstacles where they are at least observed, but even better yet,
under effective direct fire from Soviet defenses. They should also
be more than 5” from Soviet defenders to keep the Germans outside
of Close Assault range. Even if the Germans gamble, leave their
armor behind and close assault with just their infantry, the
unsupported infantry will be vulnerable to close assaults from Soviet
armor.
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And finally, it’s important to not
block your own Soviet armor with your obstacles. Leave a good,
defended route through your obstacles so you can sally forth into
close assault range where the T-34’s can fight on a more equal
footing with the German tanks.</div>
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The final Soviet defense is one that is
probably the most annoying for the Germans: the AT bunker companies.
These bunkers represent destroyer anti-tank artillery regiments in
heavy entrenchments. They also present the Germans attackers with
the kind of fortified anti-tank defenses the Soviets installed in the
defensive belts established throughout the Kursk salient. The
bunkers have 180 degree fire arcs, never surrender or fall back, fire
using artillery templates, and have Class III cover. When placed on
a hill, these bunkers can be very difficult to destroy with direct
fire.
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They have one
weakness. They are very average in close assaults. If you leave
your AT bunkers unsupported by other nearby defending infantry units,
they will be overwhelmed and destroyed. An excellent defense is an
AT bunker on the top of a hill with defending infantry companies dug
in on the hill below it. The infantry companies block close
assaulters and the bunker can fire over the infantry at targets that
are further away.</div>
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<b>5.</b> Merely
a gameplay suggestion: I use two stand units to represent the
companies in the game. When a unit is “dug in”, I reduce it to 1
stand to show its new status. </div>
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Castigatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10513201836577848475noreply@blogger.com6