tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41555837889904398572024-03-13T16:08:45.355+00:00Colours and EaglesYet another historical wargaming blogSpeedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-64648773928560141082024-01-30T13:33:00.000+00:002024-01-30T13:33:02.324+00:00Everything I Painted in 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoAkn4TJ0TvZ0nP54u4Q0PuD_H1ux8Z7RbSsS5pCeQMCV0MNISiZIRtXYOLpWzuEuDcgtGl3JPpt8tAZnyyKAJQnacr2W1_zsojd6e5eAEiy0l58I-QWQsgQEJ_1rUIiyk6mJQ4EJtraaeDqj-yCCd6m2F41CHLe7bLObu_6ZfCQPdQwQ65IOLtK7qgY/s3862/overall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="3862" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoAkn4TJ0TvZ0nP54u4Q0PuD_H1ux8Z7RbSsS5pCeQMCV0MNISiZIRtXYOLpWzuEuDcgtGl3JPpt8tAZnyyKAJQnacr2W1_zsojd6e5eAEiy0l58I-QWQsgQEJ_1rUIiyk6mJQ4EJtraaeDqj-yCCd6m2F41CHLe7bLObu_6ZfCQPdQwQ65IOLtK7qgY/w640-h238/overall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I did one of these last year mostly as an exercise in accountability; it turned out to be a great way of remembering just what I’d achieved on the hobby front and I resolved to repeat the endeavour again this year.</p><p>Last year’s headline figure was a grand total of 255 figures painted; far more than I’d ever managed in a year previously, and more than I expected to paint this year with a <a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2023/04/how-not-to-win-award-at-salute.html">big terrain build for Salute</a> looming </p><p>Not to beat around the bush, I somehow painted over a hundred figures more this year - a total of <b>372</b> 28mm-equivalent figures. </p><p>That increase was largely, I think, due to my commitments this and next year. I’ve painted nearly 150 Napoleonic figures this year as part of putting on games at the 2023 and 2024 editions of <a href="https://joebilton81.wixsite.com/hertsoflard-hertford">Herts of Lard</a>. The rest is down to my ongoing shift from skirmish games towards big battle multibase games like TTS!, as with my Italian Wars Swiss and Syracusan Greeks</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Rules</h2><p>The rules of this accounting, since I haven’t spelled them out before, are pretty simple:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Only figures properly ready for the tabletop count as done - painted, varnished and based.</li><li>You ‘bank’ each figure in the year it was finished, even if you started it the year before (or earlier!) Think of it as an incentive to finish half-completed figures.</li><li>28mm infantry score one point regardless of complexity; a single Napoleonic figure takes up the same table space as the simplest-attired peltast in a tunic.</li><li>If you haven’t finished with more figures than you started, then it doesn’t count; repainting and rebasing gets you nothing.</li><li>Other figure types and scales should be pro-rated sensibly. I count cavalry as two, tanks and other medium sized vehicles as 5, and any sort of weapon which wouldn’t be carried, such as a cannon, counts as one. For 6mm figures each strip of four infantry or three cavalry counts as one.</li></ul><p></p><p>I’ll go through the painting project by project, roughly chronologically, with the odds and sods grouped together at the end. As last year, I’ll cover terrain separately.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Napoleonics</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASPGhvvu26Q6XPLv9Ywebjo9ZJuMJZNvLs20mu-G1xwdn26v_adQ9Qd8Ks9x_SMqR3LPJ10URCwCyas6ORNcefsMKM83X0pHQvlqZAhzWHnb7HN92rn6Wy5XhavvEzMvCUx61-ipmBK6702cXTvtDnKs0H_YAIm7UfmMgAXCtE0UY-D-rta9FTcZGr80/s3613/napoleonics_overall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="3613" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASPGhvvu26Q6XPLv9Ywebjo9ZJuMJZNvLs20mu-G1xwdn26v_adQ9Qd8Ks9x_SMqR3LPJ10URCwCyas6ORNcefsMKM83X0pHQvlqZAhzWHnb7HN92rn6Wy5XhavvEzMvCUx61-ipmBK6702cXTvtDnKs0H_YAIm7UfmMgAXCtE0UY-D-rta9FTcZGr80/w640-h212/napoleonics_overall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I began the year preparing feverishly for the inaugural Herts of Lard in early March. <a href="https://twitter.com/DuncanWGaming1">Duncan</a> and I had decided to put on a game based on an ungodly mashup of the French raids on Britain and Ireland around 1800 with the plots of the Gilbert and Sullivan light operas The Pirates of Penzance and HMS Pinafore. It was precisely as silly as that sounds!</p><p>My part in this was to supply the complete Royal Navy and Pirate factions, plus a handful of others and terrain.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOjxbUa4jr5LljaW5g-wZ8nXmGtcVauNlmpryYOoELZKJNgwZ2OGzS0L-77W8HCh3jfNHqAkBIxMeyBsMcFxKYPBPM4QaLSYM0I_Nzd6HI4J8Fa8aFTGivPkvmpLSExEAgWU4eV3f7iTNzlHFcXzmqzBwxrPQ2k7jEvLgpzjsNK951hGb-6nDd6CEyYk/s3754/pirates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="3754" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOjxbUa4jr5LljaW5g-wZ8nXmGtcVauNlmpryYOoELZKJNgwZ2OGzS0L-77W8HCh3jfNHqAkBIxMeyBsMcFxKYPBPM4QaLSYM0I_Nzd6HI4J8Fa8aFTGivPkvmpLSExEAgWU4eV3f7iTNzlHFcXzmqzBwxrPQ2k7jEvLgpzjsNK951hGb-6nDd6CEyYk/w640-h238/pirates.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The Pirates I had started late in 2022 - to keep costs down I padded out the core of lovely Foundry figures with some Frostgrave crewmen, and these needed a good deal of conversion to make them look less c17th. I began painting them in one big batch over Christmas and finished some time in January.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClRRxoA51XpwQVlfSRFfh2ZP_fdUmBQb8YlOcJNABaKUApRX1OZbpY3Mspkymw7C-qVbr8iog63TayGgqfvWj5JADB2xIzTrB25sJTJutZqEWKAAx7VGBJEJH2rQ2I99T4b_yc3Y3nRCeano9d9fjdikCG67g11e65EF98PJ1vC8EP7yjgLkMoRy5fr4/s1464/pirateking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="1319" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClRRxoA51XpwQVlfSRFfh2ZP_fdUmBQb8YlOcJNABaKUApRX1OZbpY3Mspkymw7C-qVbr8iog63TayGgqfvWj5JADB2xIzTrB25sJTJutZqEWKAAx7VGBJEJH2rQ2I99T4b_yc3Y3nRCeano9d9fjdikCG67g11e65EF98PJ1vC8EP7yjgLkMoRy5fr4/w576-h640/pirateking.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><p>The leading characters - Frederick, Ruth, the Pirate King and his lieutenant Samuel got purple clothing to help them stand out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIumeMnkSZ_ov2swTzjqj-V89WeyPQ4fKzNUPNUaRFVyy3uNvmqJslN3dodTlsZkdecokEccp6GEPw1EFfdwbiBSxXzyFsOdFLxlo-YDInVJohSOM4sUpxGGq1Xv8m1az2WXS8gK3BJhQebiwEHyqf4PvE46xOV4uncAOeD_jn_wB-9j8aAYwYIgC1dA/s2968/marines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="2968" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIumeMnkSZ_ov2swTzjqj-V89WeyPQ4fKzNUPNUaRFVyy3uNvmqJslN3dodTlsZkdecokEccp6GEPw1EFfdwbiBSxXzyFsOdFLxlo-YDInVJohSOM4sUpxGGq1Xv8m1az2WXS8gK3BJhQebiwEHyqf4PvE46xOV4uncAOeD_jn_wB-9j8aAYwYIgC1dA/w640-h294/marines.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>With the Pirates done, I moved on to the other figures; a single Group’s worth of Royal Marines and some officers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42uCaJ4iiytWp1BZtxyHVJA0IDWQK_zHzRygEcJ8oo6hIB6hJmBNogg0q_wMunpbaFaoXUM-g5SJg5I8DtHa2qohkGX80k3kCfwFZbLFerLFOdktSe4Z1sM2H3zZx7awXpcfoIOkLK_05A69VBb1IAZbtrJuAbI2gohod7G9x4ndyjEapf4kDjrKIUl4/s3123/sailors1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1589" data-original-width="3123" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42uCaJ4iiytWp1BZtxyHVJA0IDWQK_zHzRygEcJ8oo6hIB6hJmBNogg0q_wMunpbaFaoXUM-g5SJg5I8DtHa2qohkGX80k3kCfwFZbLFerLFOdktSe4Z1sM2H3zZx7awXpcfoIOkLK_05A69VBb1IAZbtrJuAbI2gohod7G9x4ndyjEapf4kDjrKIUl4/w640-h326/sailors1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I also did a few more sailors, but the bulk of the sailors in this shot I painted later this year in preparation for HoL 2024! By the end of the year I expect to have about 100 of one make or another. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWQ_tn_CVH6gttwR9JrtAZ4MfrNATW2lJzdnsp-mOm63eC90k9r_JNJGs9bVRw_MWCSJVOUUFKm5ZtxDDgOuv1w1assytt2PmUyPAVIcs9sRRVZLZjbysdi89-J3Qle_dscuss9W_-sBtoBPvN0cvlOGsltVu3J9z1OH8RapSg_xyivE68T6ozFJNpGY/s2739/sailors2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="2739" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWQ_tn_CVH6gttwR9JrtAZ4MfrNATW2lJzdnsp-mOm63eC90k9r_JNJGs9bVRw_MWCSJVOUUFKm5ZtxDDgOuv1w1assytt2PmUyPAVIcs9sRRVZLZjbysdi89-J3Qle_dscuss9W_-sBtoBPvN0cvlOGsltVu3J9z1OH8RapSg_xyivE68T6ozFJNpGY/w640-h314/sailors2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>These are a mixture of the lovely Perry and Brigade figures, bulked out with some rather more old fashioned sculpts from Newline Designs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuI5bVHwTIXFJz1vem_lnrzhRxXa_0haYrqJyD5xqrOuUlcwv17yn7XJXyqOZ7-ZndNr2gP4oEBRZVOk7MDrCiZ7tTdeZ_aP-4_vJjdM1L509Nd-yZO7D0cJCbDmtZPpbJugMLpb5CgR8xLmjxquIcswUc_uhX18Lcev17d4XJ-MPJKmePrGUYrbHQAU/s2363/daughters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2363" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuI5bVHwTIXFJz1vem_lnrzhRxXa_0haYrqJyD5xqrOuUlcwv17yn7XJXyqOZ7-ZndNr2gP4oEBRZVOk7MDrCiZ7tTdeZ_aP-4_vJjdM1L509Nd-yZO7D0cJCbDmtZPpbJugMLpb5CgR8xLmjxquIcswUc_uhX18Lcev17d4XJ-MPJKmePrGUYrbHQAU/w640-h434/daughters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>When putting on Pirates one of course needs to provide General Stanley’s Daughters. I had real trouble finding enough sculpts of vaguely era-appropriate Georgian women; in the end a mixture of Perry, Front Rank and Eureka did the job, with some careful painting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOWYBwc4w62EqHisoBj9KCkAfqC5ZKMmZAV1IdWRPuVO8uNpcARTFbp9jydTz6lNNteMrewNVcyTMjewXReQ55Vico70jcPx-THhHGPRBe6jr3KmtWdYzVTpIyVDLbjNQVzi3jSyImbYCipZCzuUqC-R-cu54sw5uoS0pl6lJVR7kL5DN6KXtfS-Mwdk/s2337/generalstanley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="2337" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOWYBwc4w62EqHisoBj9KCkAfqC5ZKMmZAV1IdWRPuVO8uNpcARTFbp9jydTz6lNNteMrewNVcyTMjewXReQ55Vico70jcPx-THhHGPRBe6jr3KmtWdYzVTpIyVDLbjNQVzi3jSyImbYCipZCzuUqC-R-cu54sw5uoS0pl6lJVR7kL5DN6KXtfS-Mwdk/w640-h420/generalstanley.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>And of course, where his daughters go so does General Stanley (left). The other chap on the horse is for this year's Herts of Lard - he'll stand in for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Ernault_des_Bruslys">Nicolas des Brusleys</a>, governor of Ile Bonaparte.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfR-oOQqXPtCWTL67dlI-PmBgo9M_CoqytCdb3i5LPIb-pHxQRM0EUhB0JDR_swCCQ3_oTilN3eE36KRCtZyvR5OWjMFxDhZOeqPXSGpH8tnWpv2F2KHd7rowWngHF0XLJ-goVXnodsyfBUPGKapCoRTPX_yUT_xiuXUIXY9qBdL_N4TisszIulSPm9ZY/s2840/militia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1662" data-original-width="2840" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfR-oOQqXPtCWTL67dlI-PmBgo9M_CoqytCdb3i5LPIb-pHxQRM0EUhB0JDR_swCCQ3_oTilN3eE36KRCtZyvR5OWjMFxDhZOeqPXSGpH8tnWpv2F2KHd7rowWngHF0XLJ-goVXnodsyfBUPGKapCoRTPX_yUT_xiuXUIXY9qBdL_N4TisszIulSPm9ZY/w640-h374/militia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Standing in for the gallant policemen of the operetta, as this was supposed to be 1800, were the men of the Stanley Militia. I actually only painted 17 of these for the game; the rest I added later and suddenly I had myself a full battalion’s worth of the 19th Foot ready for the Wars of the French Revolution. Handy!</p><p>They are of course Perry AWI infantry; I understand that the uniform didn’t change much until the introduction of the shako a few years later.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Zylawrh2LeG57BSXALzUQz6uAM_ScZnOXCMOqldwBfZiSItz9iwhgLRBQ-qNr9ggxstvLLQdKeUoN33YcsCoH8vzk8RaaHRy5DjNR1hpX8OBQ6gzkewOoTQFk4SZmZ5xLx64u-N09USDgIukazWWJJ2nozneuzGXUw_ZFl9TtGx_TYaQ3srUpNbjxvM/s2320/civilians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1409" data-original-width="2320" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Zylawrh2LeG57BSXALzUQz6uAM_ScZnOXCMOqldwBfZiSItz9iwhgLRBQ-qNr9ggxstvLLQdKeUoN33YcsCoH8vzk8RaaHRy5DjNR1hpX8OBQ6gzkewOoTQFk4SZmZ5xLx64u-N09USDgIukazWWJJ2nozneuzGXUw_ZFl9TtGx_TYaQ3srUpNbjxvM/w640-h388/civilians.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>One group not represented at last year’s HoL are these civilians; they’re intended for this year’s game where we’ll be taking a trip to Reunion circa 1809 for the raid on St-Paul Harbour.</p><p>All together these two linked projects account for fully 150 figures - if you count 149 it’s because there’s one sneaky French Representative-en-Mission type who I couldn’t find when taking them!</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">17th Century</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSq6ZQqUqnUEl56vANhMJW5bOXHPU3Pc7ASwkbZnetKKUgunJMwB9L7F5NVjLu_sg1L4eESUMnRUg8-NJBVI0WzjAigJmAhYPqayrmzxsma1RZpTsuJr0In_kqAsSy61cBUCCGelqKUB1hzGQAyaO3qkmJBpiDZpr42fM-bQywSqoh5jmn423AxaIMysU/s2259/rochefort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="2259" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSq6ZQqUqnUEl56vANhMJW5bOXHPU3Pc7ASwkbZnetKKUgunJMwB9L7F5NVjLu_sg1L4eESUMnRUg8-NJBVI0WzjAigJmAhYPqayrmzxsma1RZpTsuJr0In_kqAsSy61cBUCCGelqKUB1hzGQAyaO3qkmJBpiDZpr42fM-bQywSqoh5jmn423AxaIMysU/w640-h426/rochefort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>A minor aside, this one; we put on a huge ~1640s London Bridge game at Salute but my involvement was almost exclusively on the terrain side. At some point between January and April I painted these five figures for the show.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3XLVTfv8n6HB7ik8NNqSUT_hOmkeOYvXc5O-6bfJ2dLdG863ipx88ocaPMzMjKs_AS3ESeng4RdRWrun-2yrPc6RxmkEo8XiKs1MKQeO9-mHwsip8LDEYg2FBJXr7TW8xMsl_j1VOS5NUgOtuExMFBiR1wP2m2a6j4ruM5-kkeIb15VVGjLI5MRrv24/s1102/rochefort2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="879" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3XLVTfv8n6HB7ik8NNqSUT_hOmkeOYvXc5O-6bfJ2dLdG863ipx88ocaPMzMjKs_AS3ESeng4RdRWrun-2yrPc6RxmkEo8XiKs1MKQeO9-mHwsip8LDEYg2FBJXr7TW8xMsl_j1VOS5NUgOtuExMFBiR1wP2m2a6j4ruM5-kkeIb15VVGjLI5MRrv24/w510-h640/rochefort2.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><p>Since then, I’ve used them for some Flashing Blades-esque action using my own rules since Sidney’s version is still not available!</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">1940 British Infantry Platoon</h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qTZdmdht3V5DWzxTXKiqvEcjM7wCPdOBO9S-cpN9WCo0f-SD8gyBoqfnRqKtiWMBFoJ6UyPx0HVzFqYx-4J1G8cyU95KeW5OU1b0ZBvBnQvlPMeXV77Y0VNgtK6QwKpNIII5otc9p1uDH-BeJTZCjFfrCLaNPTOhQbpK5b2AMn7eaqGUe6hFaqlxnIk/s2773/bef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1622" data-original-width="2773" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qTZdmdht3V5DWzxTXKiqvEcjM7wCPdOBO9S-cpN9WCo0f-SD8gyBoqfnRqKtiWMBFoJ6UyPx0HVzFqYx-4J1G8cyU95KeW5OU1b0ZBvBnQvlPMeXV77Y0VNgtK6QwKpNIII5otc9p1uDH-BeJTZCjFfrCLaNPTOhQbpK5b2AMn7eaqGUe6hFaqlxnIk/w640-h374/bef.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I seem to paint one platoon a year for Chain of Command. This year my club got very into the campaigns of 1940, so I placed an order with Empress Miniatures and picked up a platoon of BEF at Salute.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSwtMc17nAEHCTNV9MswLinpgme-LdzuEt1fzCKFiGP07Fq8GL0TFeOjZ0oKhNx2paNzGU1gEeDYgbiXEJhllu8r9HVBZyigXjoh4tHyXn9Uoz5LI2cNOY4Ku50xK6TP29pai9vgjTnv6_naKMkB9FkTQAuf6ronrQnN_LWpJMDnYqulBUx9EhjAPG2Y/s3429/befcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="3429" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSwtMc17nAEHCTNV9MswLinpgme-LdzuEt1fzCKFiGP07Fq8GL0TFeOjZ0oKhNx2paNzGU1gEeDYgbiXEJhllu8r9HVBZyigXjoh4tHyXn9Uoz5LI2cNOY4Ku50xK6TP29pai9vgjTnv6_naKMkB9FkTQAuf6ronrQnN_LWpJMDnYqulBUx9EhjAPG2Y/w400-h220/befcloseup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>As usual with my CoC forces I did the core platoon of 37 men plus a selection of support options - 3” mortar, Vickers MMG and an A13 cruiser tank. They didn’t do all that well in game, but I console myself knowing that they didn’t do any worse than their real life counterparts!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIDsEPejrPyXIlkZFtPN2L2L8BN9psW4oZdtJJkXxzpyX5NMCxOyDXh6Bcv2LOqBsHg5_6ageHgg9_cOSX4ST__jDuz3rkeORdxb0nOx0_jCep6TUOQM8-t8agb9fqaHxYUUM-_PcIBhwJtFkOKYRwC_HTBoZa8eHTeIf-JJyE1NONDguqzjr3IlEN5s/s2828/a13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1575" data-original-width="2828" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIDsEPejrPyXIlkZFtPN2L2L8BN9psW4oZdtJJkXxzpyX5NMCxOyDXh6Bcv2LOqBsHg5_6ageHgg9_cOSX4ST__jDuz3rkeORdxb0nOx0_jCep6TUOQM8-t8agb9fqaHxYUUM-_PcIBhwJtFkOKYRwC_HTBoZa8eHTeIf-JJyE1NONDguqzjr3IlEN5s/w400-h223/a13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The tank was a 3D print from a company whose name I forget, which is probably a good thing as I'm not all that impressed with it - the shape seems correct but it's very light on detail and when printed in resin cost about as much as an equivalent resin cast or plastic kit.<br /><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Late Medieval/Renaissance</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cJS9KTpPJCgpThI7hET2Z0l6fuPl46SvNYB4VJIT-FU3uEwzionFjQLtlOEfEOwowTY-ccolIfTE70ZQzjOSFlAFIqvWN-Nrd-Ht7kq41EBVZBQBmGTsthAck02yK1JJfRITTZ9tVuhchKcHkC1lo_9hSw5YIdOG4ehzHPBn5-UhtiOvAk9Iy6fVbuU/s3101/front_pike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1731" data-original-width="3101" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cJS9KTpPJCgpThI7hET2Z0l6fuPl46SvNYB4VJIT-FU3uEwzionFjQLtlOEfEOwowTY-ccolIfTE70ZQzjOSFlAFIqvWN-Nrd-Ht7kq41EBVZBQBmGTsthAck02yK1JJfRITTZ9tVuhchKcHkC1lo_9hSw5YIdOG4ehzHPBn5-UhtiOvAk9Iy6fVbuU/w640-h358/front_pike.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The other game I played a lot of this year was To The Strongest!, and as detailed in a <a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2023/07/pikemen-and-gendarmes-and-bears-oh-my.html">post over the summer</a>, I got hooked on the Italian Wars, and so took a first tentative step into multibasing by moving my Swiss pikemen onto multibases, which required some repainting and an extra seven figures adding.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtohr_nUW_ZpMvljQ5ptrd44_PuRvqugKwCWkvJY2UsQBIei1FeRw5sOXYYzK7bFsFVXMG0X4yM70Tp1h18RyMlQWCVlJqThLBhgjDI8ig5HDcK2aPhvADAz3mECZXsUOj9CpMiKVFEfV-eDZGEARX3HqWMGvv2u3ELixUPbF0Kb8qOYHO6wR4_7b8zoU/s2671/low_front_centre_gendarmes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="2671" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtohr_nUW_ZpMvljQ5ptrd44_PuRvqugKwCWkvJY2UsQBIei1FeRw5sOXYYzK7bFsFVXMG0X4yM70Tp1h18RyMlQWCVlJqThLBhgjDI8ig5HDcK2aPhvADAz3mECZXsUOj9CpMiKVFEfV-eDZGEARX3HqWMGvv2u3ELixUPbF0Kb8qOYHO6wR4_7b8zoU/w640-h432/low_front_centre_gendarmes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I had great fun painting these, and the multibase enabled me to squeeze six figures onto one base, recreating the tightly-packed line of a charge <i>en haye</i>.</p><p>I have failed to photograph them, but I also painted six crosswbomen! You'll just have to take my word for it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvC7EohJtVBbZ1lS26q9OoYiAkjNTYx1ws8u-mbSKnsGEJzzDBWYqGplAG6y2Mhtfqw3r1TVfj1cXrSo-am_djri-CsiWld18vJoixekdfU9cgjr-fuPAl1cyuja64YRzydIAMifs9KXRBTGrqdf9rtsMiXhqPIPA2h9TbTS0xIxlg98CdTIiVT0xuNk/s2554/wotr_archers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="2554" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvC7EohJtVBbZ1lS26q9OoYiAkjNTYx1ws8u-mbSKnsGEJzzDBWYqGplAG6y2Mhtfqw3r1TVfj1cXrSo-am_djri-CsiWld18vJoixekdfU9cgjr-fuPAl1cyuja64YRzydIAMifs9KXRBTGrqdf9rtsMiXhqPIPA2h9TbTS0xIxlg98CdTIiVT0xuNk/w640-h332/wotr_archers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>As well as the Italian Wars proper, I painted a few leftover Wars of the Roses figures - I may incorporate them with a little repainting into my French/Swiss army for the early Italian Wars, or may leave them be in case my group ever rekindles its interest in the WotR.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHbSxLtHkC_Jy0G7yU_IUURLEP7zH7FWl5-_0yk5RJPgL0z7BNJ5T1U7LyYQQYiQFZnsXdu9pT51jcqc6ZzTEPJwpvyFPwln-YoOEoqahjHmBQDZchCWJGAvYmkvOvtYgFAU30dp8ai9HVf5Ybe8kMKiZ4qL_OF6VM7pogbxmHW8fsnaoeKw8yBU-Gj0/s2172/wotr_knights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="2172" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHbSxLtHkC_Jy0G7yU_IUURLEP7zH7FWl5-_0yk5RJPgL0z7BNJ5T1U7LyYQQYiQFZnsXdu9pT51jcqc6ZzTEPJwpvyFPwln-YoOEoqahjHmBQDZchCWJGAvYmkvOvtYgFAU30dp8ai9HVf5Ybe8kMKiZ4qL_OF6VM7pogbxmHW8fsnaoeKw8yBU-Gj0/w640-h422/wotr_knights.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>All of these are the superlative Perry plastics.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaxym5sYg7XfnWgf4pGinicI_0hJLt0eZUnvNDczDhQAOn3Ye8pnFE_1ea7SYCBxCFH9TbzQFbR8_1AcY7u9Ovvrlg-M_9fXqQN4YJBcUAumT6VLRu-eDOG0dFoGdAlPC-de-lkESLDJKqrjv_fGxsiArZ3ImXjNd5lLg4m0_fplwBbPzsyoI3Gl9lMw/s1617/margaret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="1269" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaxym5sYg7XfnWgf4pGinicI_0hJLt0eZUnvNDczDhQAOn3Ye8pnFE_1ea7SYCBxCFH9TbzQFbR8_1AcY7u9Ovvrlg-M_9fXqQN4YJBcUAumT6VLRu-eDOG0dFoGdAlPC-de-lkESLDJKqrjv_fGxsiArZ3ImXjNd5lLg4m0_fplwBbPzsyoI3Gl9lMw/w502-h640/margaret.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><br /><div>I'd previously used the Duke of Buckingham figure from Perry's <a href="https://www.perry-miniatures.com/product/wr2-lancastrian-mounted-high-command-henry-vi-margret-of-anjou-duke-of-buckingham/">Lancastrian High Command</a> pack, with a head swap, as a General for my Swiss. This left me with the other two figures and so at some point I painted them as a break from batch painting.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFnQBGzGkZBl3YC6lFiViry8KCjf6yJ41uMgpDFlg8xnGUZuiaiO-0L6_x3o2C_KfL3eEEOOqxjz2iW7nyb-EUsqJPXnPAPZ1Yr_c3GTAsE7Hwmd3sCov36cHvxqM8rH4DI5B_apB4w3-9HKZIYFf10Xml3EmcbtiSA-dz0FGvpkJG4Wo9gJExMsR68g/s1576/king.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1576" data-original-width="1114" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFnQBGzGkZBl3YC6lFiViry8KCjf6yJ41uMgpDFlg8xnGUZuiaiO-0L6_x3o2C_KfL3eEEOOqxjz2iW7nyb-EUsqJPXnPAPZ1Yr_c3GTAsE7Hwmd3sCov36cHvxqM8rH4DI5B_apB4w3-9HKZIYFf10Xml3EmcbtiSA-dz0FGvpkJG4Wo9gJExMsR68g/w452-h640/king.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><br /><div>I don't expect to need models for Henry VI or Margaret of Anjou very often, but they were a fun opportunity to practice painting patterned fabrics and they're generic enough to make good set dressing.<br /><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Syracusan Greeks</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkv7nLNJ6Y-dLSRqayeg-9sj19-z2hNhPKFyx2lkK8AU2mldbmPfTEuaQnZ8KfNvq3cG3twlPUpQkReFZV4vHWIspb1zIa4zQPRcPST1kOHiHTpVMBMCeQjfM1BSQib1bo81Ufl8Q75hoyTqaqpksP68J_ilkY2__uPm_s9DwHAkgVDWr4hCArm8OMO2U/s3843/hoplites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1559" data-original-width="3843" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkv7nLNJ6Y-dLSRqayeg-9sj19-z2hNhPKFyx2lkK8AU2mldbmPfTEuaQnZ8KfNvq3cG3twlPUpQkReFZV4vHWIspb1zIa4zQPRcPST1kOHiHTpVMBMCeQjfM1BSQib1bo81Ufl8Q75hoyTqaqpksP68J_ilkY2__uPm_s9DwHAkgVDWr4hCArm8OMO2U/w640-h260/hoplites.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The experience of rebasing the Swiss led me on to redoing my later Syracusan Greeks, whose hoplites I’d painted back in 2021, and which I expanded last year with more light troops.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATLHtE1Wqdwm7S4zpA1mkRKqfmOc7hVDQIm3xhzYRlBukRnAEPnqbjxzUx7r92XbJosYKG2hMFH1Lv70QBfFiHVlpdcxTrDoCOPM5MDmZsPI1bqNjrDUbPW9KrN46yKktwOaDr4ZimiEjV2SbNpbN834UmI0mbtnE7bYxP0K-ci4qv1xmev7q3lOd_1M/s2118/greek_heroes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="2118" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATLHtE1Wqdwm7S4zpA1mkRKqfmOc7hVDQIm3xhzYRlBukRnAEPnqbjxzUx7r92XbJosYKG2hMFH1Lv70QBfFiHVlpdcxTrDoCOPM5MDmZsPI1bqNjrDUbPW9KrN46yKktwOaDr4ZimiEjV2SbNpbN834UmI0mbtnE7bYxP0K-ci4qv1xmev7q3lOd_1M/w640-h422/greek_heroes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I already had four units of ten figures each, and during the first part of the year I expanded this to five units of ten, which I decided was plenty of units, but I wanted them each to be of 18 figures in three ranks. That meant another 52 figures to fill them out, which I did in a few batches over summer and autumn, before touching up the older figures and rebasing them all onto some wavy-edged MDF bases I cut on the laser.</p><p>These are almost exclusively a mixture of Victrix and Warlord figures.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35xteBEi7vExgbT2u1H_hwBl6dd6QVDxVqepinbFLN-K7cWaFVVmwBSPnfjAz8WS5fPwn0qef5pixtVz64xOO3rZBCaff7RjWMymWXAKUyho6t54fdoTDw3cZyVk1EsqS9SUXrhb8dmglna7udKRcZxkJVnOU2OcyAjjzavXaEspvO5MxN0CkMRuaMW0/s2780/gauls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2780" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35xteBEi7vExgbT2u1H_hwBl6dd6QVDxVqepinbFLN-K7cWaFVVmwBSPnfjAz8WS5fPwn0qef5pixtVz64xOO3rZBCaff7RjWMymWXAKUyho6t54fdoTDw3cZyVk1EsqS9SUXrhb8dmglna7udKRcZxkJVnOU2OcyAjjzavXaEspvO5MxN0CkMRuaMW0/w640-h368/gauls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>In addition to the Greeks proper, I also did a unit of Gallic mercenaries for a bit of variety- these are Warlord plastics, and to be frank I'd recommend Victrix instead!</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Early Medieval</h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATSQ9YtLwj3MAvDuUkrgA_F8NXlmxh2UIO5o4SxvmkzQAAnFP0A_Ctarah3bx6xeWVZPaSeCIiK9Po4j3RguvTs1fCKR1PaMhULoPjDgTJiXvdABsAVEnqUCduOQhcXxE5ieal1NL6auxR2J_pKD3927L-xAR8rB9HcezSAooLR1LCgKpzzVKzv_dFXQ/s1503/saxons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="1503" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATSQ9YtLwj3MAvDuUkrgA_F8NXlmxh2UIO5o4SxvmkzQAAnFP0A_Ctarah3bx6xeWVZPaSeCIiK9Po4j3RguvTs1fCKR1PaMhULoPjDgTJiXvdABsAVEnqUCduOQhcXxE5ieal1NL6auxR2J_pKD3927L-xAR8rB9HcezSAooLR1LCgKpzzVKzv_dFXQ/w640-h232/saxons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>No decent photos of these guys, sorry!</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>My largest project in this period this year didn’t count anything towards my tally - repairing and improving my Anglo Saxon army, which I painted long enough ago that it featured on this blog back before I stopped posting regularly!</p><p>The main task apart from touch ups and improving faces (always the part of any model which best rewards attention) was adding LBMS decals to their shields.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeEoH6Or4W1b74bYZCl21rUkVDlzO9MprQe5J6LHoprF-uv3kWos0KWYzPpXcLTfSSegwqOYovhXeZLd5umn6K6JGEsMsvFpqetK8rOqGblvpxdf11Rz1b_RLLVQCiXlnfBlP5PODHe2JoUSiPCH_2brV_ZJsifrh-WnDjyUp6AdwKW4Oi71HbKTwQTs/s1600/board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1600" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeEoH6Or4W1b74bYZCl21rUkVDlzO9MprQe5J6LHoprF-uv3kWos0KWYzPpXcLTfSSegwqOYovhXeZLd5umn6K6JGEsMsvFpqetK8rOqGblvpxdf11Rz1b_RLLVQCiXlnfBlP5PODHe2JoUSiPCH_2brV_ZJsifrh-WnDjyUp6AdwKW4Oi71HbKTwQTs/w640-h412/board.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>All this was done towards making the army respectable for a Saga doubles tournament in October, at which I teamed up with a friend and his Scottish army to re-enact Oswald Iding’s return to Northumbria. </p><p>I made this ~3D map of the area as a display board to show off our armies on; I'll go into more detail in the terrain post that will accompany this one.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HPOtHYZqUAJQPvG4DY32DkEdgRbrmBueYwNPkZMFmEUKA_gS8_wbDGVbE-b9QkcVRjPddhOrHZ8jnO0ig1fxA391Gegug-jLf01UwpkxH8DS3Vd6ulXFgf_LQ7331aPkdvPdG9klPiH-ro20GWE_8Nh6n8gGPt9N0b7GmxRVDySRHLQwrofdpiYW_G4/s1407/poem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1407" data-original-width="1015" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HPOtHYZqUAJQPvG4DY32DkEdgRbrmBueYwNPkZMFmEUKA_gS8_wbDGVbE-b9QkcVRjPddhOrHZ8jnO0ig1fxA391Gegug-jLf01UwpkxH8DS3Vd6ulXFgf_LQ7331aPkdvPdG9klPiH-ro20GWE_8Nh6n8gGPt9N0b7GmxRVDySRHLQwrofdpiYW_G4/w462-h640/poem.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It would be remiss of me not to show our roster, which Alex wrote up as an Old English-style poem!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXK7qqL-pBlG3F_o1FHXnt4rRCt8fgg9EvC-idfo8eDWhh2ZAJpRS2g1EgdinKlJclsLqpF87CiyaNNny026hhULRNQrYelD1WYTVDEIe7h-SIm1DBiTN_WnpjiRWvMRW8izoOV1qFtPClQhs6fvgISxUagBHU7BKmpKYZFQPwCaGZnLDccbTi-MC4Z0/s1509/warlord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1509" data-original-width="1267" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXK7qqL-pBlG3F_o1FHXnt4rRCt8fgg9EvC-idfo8eDWhh2ZAJpRS2g1EgdinKlJclsLqpF87CiyaNNny026hhULRNQrYelD1WYTVDEIe7h-SIm1DBiTN_WnpjiRWvMRW8izoOV1qFtPClQhs6fvgISxUagBHU7BKmpKYZFQPwCaGZnLDccbTi-MC4Z0/w538-h640/warlord.jpg" width="538" /></a></div><p>On the subject of events, Footsore kindly gave us some Anglo-Danish warlord figures as event prizes for a TTS! event I helped run in November, so I painted mine up promptly.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWS9HTFbYK9tecXMn1GqrtjEUbqFyy4eqXqKV6kAp6CB1oi_LdsjgZ8zqRu2BdribeXuCYrObDJ-aIrFNqaSAEZToT_gWlrAjA-2YAXV2hbQbopCoGPJnoWtsOaycQ-J0zALudJd126t7twpGtiUFYkudWnq2ht0xoMSuynM6HUY41W8b2I4dvlUah2Yk/s2617/comitatus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="2617" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWS9HTFbYK9tecXMn1GqrtjEUbqFyy4eqXqKV6kAp6CB1oi_LdsjgZ8zqRu2BdribeXuCYrObDJ-aIrFNqaSAEZToT_gWlrAjA-2YAXV2hbQbopCoGPJnoWtsOaycQ-J0zALudJd126t7twpGtiUFYkudWnq2ht0xoMSuynM6HUY41W8b2I4dvlUah2Yk/w640-h342/comitatus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I did paint some other figures too, continuing my streak of painting one late/sub/post-Roman unit a year- this time some Gripping Beast ‘Wolftail Warriors’</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDJuqmVkSnR8UoXfwx4X3hW5eZM2mwxOf_lMVa1JVJT__yJRwjI8wbms1yqtlWzHou_xTSH9uBQrrVs0KfZHLzBq7Ju9igAzcdKVDz6QcnqdITn13fqPqcem8OeBtL7mrietej8qbeRa0J4IDpoeuN_Bw-n6CiFkZfgM1-tTm2YenRDYkYG64J3H9ZSc/s1968/vikings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="1968" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDJuqmVkSnR8UoXfwx4X3hW5eZM2mwxOf_lMVa1JVJT__yJRwjI8wbms1yqtlWzHou_xTSH9uBQrrVs0KfZHLzBq7Ju9igAzcdKVDz6QcnqdITn13fqPqcem8OeBtL7mrietej8qbeRa0J4IDpoeuN_Bw-n6CiFkZfgM1-tTm2YenRDYkYG64J3H9ZSc/w640-h450/vikings.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Finally on the Early Medieval front, these four Viking ship crew from Gripping Beast will man a longboat at this year's Salute game.<br /><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">28mm Miscellany</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEw7yZK4G-FHHgZCNsUB3zuaZAeetLjx_1rMNo64SgVXeqal_-963mun4Gysw8mSz2A87xDLsR-HZc3NsBk71xnUiYo81xs5s18zu5ZmO-XpsW-P_YjY1PnHNMD-EGd1zL5_Hf4kCnsBopVcmpAsIGdjKTYL_LVsX-bWsqwpyvKxsym7nMSCM10I0pss/s2523/pulp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="2523" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEw7yZK4G-FHHgZCNsUB3zuaZAeetLjx_1rMNo64SgVXeqal_-963mun4Gysw8mSz2A87xDLsR-HZc3NsBk71xnUiYo81xs5s18zu5ZmO-XpsW-P_YjY1PnHNMD-EGd1zL5_Hf4kCnsBopVcmpAsIGdjKTYL_LVsX-bWsqwpyvKxsym7nMSCM10I0pss/w640-h364/pulp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Rounding out the 28mm figures, I painted a fairly typical assortment of periods.</p><p>Firstly, always a fixture in my painting calendar, some pulp models for my long-delayed Adriatic game. They’re the usual assortment of manufacturers - I think the majority are Wargames Foundry figures from their Dad’s Army set.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinINOX8bQfB7FvhnhKavWxPUZKl1297UnnkwfxKUEzLfEtSErYedUr98k9HAW6XGig8iNmbEEhWUCSY1P9nMiuNx1Eab5mjbtJnkYKPwYw8iIRvwFxPxDyBDKppROZ1SGnHT6Lxuj6lpTN9yocB1ouRL-hq-XeKXoORyIx_4cvbsZF3WtSN_rqI1F9YpI/s2753/pulpcasualties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="2753" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinINOX8bQfB7FvhnhKavWxPUZKl1297UnnkwfxKUEzLfEtSErYedUr98k9HAW6XGig8iNmbEEhWUCSY1P9nMiuNx1Eab5mjbtJnkYKPwYw8iIRvwFxPxDyBDKppROZ1SGnHT6Lxuj6lpTN9yocB1ouRL-hq-XeKXoORyIx_4cvbsZF3WtSN_rqI1F9YpI/w640-h326/pulpcasualties.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>These casualty figures are resins from a smaller manufacturer whose name I’ve forgotten - I bought them at Salute, and used them to make some markers with twin dice cells for Shock and the like.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3R9J7fL1dFu-8W4FEWDh7BZXVnYM9FOZ6vzz3v5h2UzIPyUqIkaEJ8D6KYjetH8VA4Flvg1A-6uHFemH6i-Y1R0kn2nnKGR3dLT7xkV0Iuu34oA1A27Qle7Vgzk7u9lsyE1S0UO5enDwjnyAisEhNuUHSmr6Fra7AXqnpAt4abi-vUk-RWtBjcwgi3c/s2208/elephantino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1523" data-original-width="2208" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3R9J7fL1dFu-8W4FEWDh7BZXVnYM9FOZ6vzz3v5h2UzIPyUqIkaEJ8D6KYjetH8VA4Flvg1A-6uHFemH6i-Y1R0kn2nnKGR3dLT7xkV0Iuu34oA1A27Qle7Vgzk7u9lsyE1S0UO5enDwjnyAisEhNuUHSmr6Fra7AXqnpAt4abi-vUk-RWtBjcwgi3c/w640-h442/elephantino.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I thought I’d finished painting my Italian platoon for the Western Desert back in 2021, but I found this Elephantino gun languishing half-painted in a box, and so re-ticked off that project.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguo2wnHBd9Cdt70gPuSV1IFliErihCPznA0j0x0MqFO3-tEQqnAcnksl0_5mWuX1QNR0TEDQ86OUBT6sjzannSpv_3zQ8C3WltonDNbkf76WycGqx5-FiOFBWoOAdQAXuO6aUx2bYg39TN8zWmloijHf-eWEXJ_VRlQHX57CLnh5VFPChjw5PM3S-8Zqo/s3201/vietcong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="3201" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguo2wnHBd9Cdt70gPuSV1IFliErihCPznA0j0x0MqFO3-tEQqnAcnksl0_5mWuX1QNR0TEDQ86OUBT6sjzannSpv_3zQ8C3WltonDNbkf76WycGqx5-FiOFBWoOAdQAXuO6aUx2bYg39TN8zWmloijHf-eWEXJ_VRlQHX57CLnh5VFPChjw5PM3S-8Zqo/w640-h292/vietcong.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Unfortunately I also added another barely-started project after Salute, when a friend convinced several of us to jump in on the Rubicon figures and do some Vietnam games. Nine months later and these six VC are all I have to show for it - and not one game played!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwy7_6WW33lf-ymUdwBrRU8db8jXwIzrwGzIkf7zUH8Bz8XtHFqq24wbAX7_kGVeBsSNYtbbzigOPMDZTsSX1pDOX9kDLaKwA8ol7XYnetCXs0hW9JKV1kcOWOvPGYDU5ikONgZOBeon2jOaY-6RonjChqv0KYnqXlHopxz6kqKbfo2W35NepGJjchKo8/s2946/stormtroopers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1713" data-original-width="2946" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwy7_6WW33lf-ymUdwBrRU8db8jXwIzrwGzIkf7zUH8Bz8XtHFqq24wbAX7_kGVeBsSNYtbbzigOPMDZTsSX1pDOX9kDLaKwA8ol7XYnetCXs0hW9JKV1kcOWOvPGYDU5ikONgZOBeon2jOaY-6RonjChqv0KYnqXlHopxz6kqKbfo2W35NepGJjchKo8/w640-h372/stormtroopers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>A similar tangent, albeit one which did actually see some use on the table! Another friend had the bright idea to play games set in the Star Wars universe using the new What a Cowboy! rules set, with the logic being that Star Wars is basically a Western set in space.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWiiFbfpGEGK1X0BhpZDcQgOL2F5Y6YLt_VvVRrSBkj1ZCC3uMGZslQQdU71BGF0EAMm4UkDEMRbBVAD9K8YuL5BWeM6WJilosRabCqBuqv_4bIzfcJb-g8fqvkm8zE9PfjZp2-0JEs1anSMiqrIESm8-NKPnEISF2KUTM3mJ5-WePXaly6NDx0gUpak/s1948/bluesbrothers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1701" data-original-width="1948" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWiiFbfpGEGK1X0BhpZDcQgOL2F5Y6YLt_VvVRrSBkj1ZCC3uMGZslQQdU71BGF0EAMm4UkDEMRbBVAD9K8YuL5BWeM6WJilosRabCqBuqv_4bIzfcJb-g8fqvkm8zE9PfjZp2-0JEs1anSMiqrIESm8-NKPnEISF2KUTM3mJ5-WePXaly6NDx0gUpak/w640-h558/bluesbrothers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I then stretched that idea well past breaking point by declaring that the Blues Brothers is basically a Western too (it absolutely is not), and that therefore droid versions of Jake and Elwood made perfect sense (they absolutely did not). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_r_6RfeVZnO3pEqBph-sE9nJDOqFYEv9a52Ch2Pb6JRFRjAz7KXXMeNTDFO01qU4Dtb4GYh37ZVB_UTCmGDIEiotdUfWkv92ztJgW3DnKFX5wqEaUmB5pwGqXlTOtDbAsU27nBUHCBFkASahflJxH94drglklqmMg6-qgipZXAl26NNgVSKFihY7A95A/s2004/jymbler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1773" data-original-width="2004" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_r_6RfeVZnO3pEqBph-sE9nJDOqFYEv9a52Ch2Pb6JRFRjAz7KXXMeNTDFO01qU4Dtb4GYh37ZVB_UTCmGDIEiotdUfWkv92ztJgW3DnKFX5wqEaUmB5pwGqXlTOtDbAsU27nBUHCBFkASahflJxH94drglklqmMg6-qgipZXAl26NNgVSKFihY7A95A/w640-h566/jymbler.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I’m not sure why I bought these - they may have been a sleep-deprivation induced impulse buy at Salute. Whatever they are, they’re painted!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLn4Ly9pSrc_-AYL8WsTVKWv-0eisFl-IuDWQ22TolSo7qei_698HrQJ3stmhbe38sST9JiE4XZnvAR1nu-URGvpJ10yQEoGVMLuzUNeBdIHSl6VwaZwtAV8LIfpvpxWo41_u4A9MR5Z-SWHgKPnnKZ7VAkXP9BTu7Elvi9wWjztP1dMJ3nKaH4MpYvQ/s3023/orcs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1616" data-original-width="3023" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLn4Ly9pSrc_-AYL8WsTVKWv-0eisFl-IuDWQ22TolSo7qei_698HrQJ3stmhbe38sST9JiE4XZnvAR1nu-URGvpJ10yQEoGVMLuzUNeBdIHSl6VwaZwtAV8LIfpvpxWo41_u4A9MR5Z-SWHgKPnnKZ7VAkXP9BTu7Elvi9wWjztP1dMJ3nKaH4MpYvQ/w640-h342/orcs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I played my once-a-year Middle Earth game in December (although this time we used Saga’s magic rules), and so painted another handful for Orcs to bulk out my army of Mordor. With Midgard on the horizon, I may paint more this year.</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Other Scales</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_wc1brtzQT3wAxdYpdetgSssl49NwKKwVk56P0-fJSN5ufxIeFLuyMCgO0E12Mx2vkQy17ZU5JXPj_v-lTNlSu6VJS_xQ1qJepDYgk2X2knjZ5n6KWjC3IaJS4pkawfDLSWl2FAZo9JCVtObZXsHoqqk5lMKTSyfePuo1mBfojHG16KcW0kx91sjY_I/s3480/austrians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="3480" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_wc1brtzQT3wAxdYpdetgSssl49NwKKwVk56P0-fJSN5ufxIeFLuyMCgO0E12Mx2vkQy17ZU5JXPj_v-lTNlSu6VJS_xQ1qJepDYgk2X2knjZ5n6KWjC3IaJS4pkawfDLSWl2FAZo9JCVtObZXsHoqqk5lMKTSyfePuo1mBfojHG16KcW0kx91sjY_I/w640-h234/austrians.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The vast bulk of my output is normally in 28mm, but I tend to paint at least a few items in other scales each year - normally 6mm.</p><p>This year, like last year, I painted a few 6mm Napoleonic Austrians - someone has stepped up to paint a French army to oppose them, so there’s now a realistic prospect of a game some time in the next year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iKJaWTBvqNMXdxzTPkAsY5qffQ1Guvtz74xCAg9WwKpoBInJz10P_CHKiykizAGdP5d5whzgyOG2VWSj_JarIiZGqUD43aAp6nkFbbP1oxnOBIJ-Sm7k1IrfeUNs77G5sP2wBXvc50j8hHK8lg6eE2RPKinN5JcbfTkXVvY3B0Z09XSfjjtb1fIc9J4/s1845/austriangenerals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1845" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iKJaWTBvqNMXdxzTPkAsY5qffQ1Guvtz74xCAg9WwKpoBInJz10P_CHKiykizAGdP5d5whzgyOG2VWSj_JarIiZGqUD43aAp6nkFbbP1oxnOBIJ-Sm7k1IrfeUNs77G5sP2wBXvc50j8hHK8lg6eE2RPKinN5JcbfTkXVvY3B0Z09XSfjjtb1fIc9J4/w640-h436/austriangenerals.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>With the two battalions I did last year, I now have a complete infantry brigade, with some supporting elements, and some command stands.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTyGr685E5DnEAf9zjZgetqrsErp66LpZVHuE1Iu-FZ990OWGF8rDwWH_ggUZcvr1MhweD4RxQkQrpX3dd1m-I0IP6U3YzhDtIR4rk16qfcJveqDAzz-pEoPrPx6HgUZhkbF_j6E8OXtp5YutZQThyHM1wwVPDZyI4hZo_iZvb_IvJGe_PSMr2QUZ3Wg/s3044/ships.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="3044" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTyGr685E5DnEAf9zjZgetqrsErp66LpZVHuE1Iu-FZ990OWGF8rDwWH_ggUZcvr1MhweD4RxQkQrpX3dd1m-I0IP6U3YzhDtIR4rk16qfcJveqDAzz-pEoPrPx6HgUZhkbF_j6E8OXtp5YutZQThyHM1wwVPDZyI4hZo_iZvb_IvJGe_PSMr2QUZ3Wg/w640-h396/ships.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This summer also saw a brief burst of interest in WW2 Naval games, with the release of Sam Mustafa’s Nimitz. I set about gathering some British forces for the Narvik campaign, and I actually blogged about <a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2023/05/how-i-base-ships-tutorial.html">how I made their bases</a> too.</p><p>These ships are the battleship <i>HMS Queen Elizabeth</i>, the cruiser <i>HMS Penelope</i> and the destroyers <i>HMS Hardy,</i> <i>Havoc</i> and <i>Hotspur.</i></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">2024</h2><p>What does 2024 hold? Well, there are the aforementioned games I’ll be running at Salute and Herts of Lard, both with substantial painting and terrain commitments. </p><p>After that I expect to focus on the Italian Wars, my ancient Greeks and the Warhammer army that I didn’t get the chance to do the first time around (Goblins, naturally).</p><p>Actually, in all honesty I expect to do the usual assortment of projects and finish few if any of them. A realistic New Year’s resolution if there ever was one!</p><div><br /></div></div>Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-65467621252739296002023-07-31T13:24:00.000+01:002023-07-31T13:24:44.215+01:00Pikemen and Gendarmes and Bears, oh my! <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODJit-pbSh3dLxP3K2ebyGLfs89TahAGY44JnI_F11aW04wcoucwXWB9ceY83YIj1hgo7EALZs3tNo4vxIY10rj_FkJx-GLrHZtCHQqaM4evFrfqNmNF_uz3Hq_akAApUgONOqsz9rsgrnfYyiD8KoPjoTSQ8P8IavduWRVApFt8ObU9Rgpc4c3Y9mcw/s3101/front_pike.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1731" data-original-width="3101" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODJit-pbSh3dLxP3K2ebyGLfs89TahAGY44JnI_F11aW04wcoucwXWB9ceY83YIj1hgo7EALZs3tNo4vxIY10rj_FkJx-GLrHZtCHQqaM4evFrfqNmNF_uz3Hq_akAApUgONOqsz9rsgrnfYyiD8KoPjoTSQ8P8IavduWRVApFt8ObU9Rgpc4c3Y9mcw/w640-h358/front_pike.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I rarely post about painted units, but I'll make an exception for this lot - this is the core of a new(ish) army intended for the Swiss-Burgundian and Italian Wars, using <a href="https://bigredbat.blogspot.com/">Simon Miller's</a> <i>To The Strongest!</i> rules (and in time the Renaissance set he's been promising). </p><p>Those with keen eyes and good memories might recognise many of the pike from <a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2023/01/everything-i-painted-in-2022.html">my 2022 roundup post</a> - I only painted seven completely new figures for this unit, the rest being rebased off rounds onto multi bases with a bit of touching up and repainting here and there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1JuBBb6Dsh82DviaLx9fkEXIe0tMIHMiM4wAeBEmQcUSEJ6KHzALrc51_DIUSklekN2VsZw2KBOp3R-gmfjWBV-H2DZa-2Clr1ulN5bMUHpQ9GV0wa8X2NlS1SqPI0Dwihf2qj3-nAyYCFyKtk5hER_ejuvj6Z2n2ZN_Qn7SeohFmpDrjWQ-ynuEGyo/s3428/high_rear_pike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="3428" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1JuBBb6Dsh82DviaLx9fkEXIe0tMIHMiM4wAeBEmQcUSEJ6KHzALrc51_DIUSklekN2VsZw2KBOp3R-gmfjWBV-H2DZa-2Clr1ulN5bMUHpQ9GV0wa8X2NlS1SqPI0Dwihf2qj3-nAyYCFyKtk5hER_ejuvj6Z2n2ZN_Qn7SeohFmpDrjWQ-ynuEGyo/w640-h322/high_rear_pike.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The pike are all Swiss - three stands, each representing a different canton. I started with Berne so I could have a bear, and then added Uri and Solothurn.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2nobhnT35w4uVRntjD3slQjWPK9EuXxMuQCanR7yAtHWZqh9X94jbAquNa-1ElPd8ZVx7o7gVnKYg7S_QOBS4VvzwF3GEXMepd0mk7hfqNFq33N8dqmPsS8EmuYW6OlbfG-YfbetUQs8LeTH28TxaZMYaleldpQ4TFa6HdwIDsjH_X9hZH9N8EJjaxo/s2737/top_front_pike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1807" data-original-width="2737" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2nobhnT35w4uVRntjD3slQjWPK9EuXxMuQCanR7yAtHWZqh9X94jbAquNa-1ElPd8ZVx7o7gVnKYg7S_QOBS4VvzwF3GEXMepd0mk7hfqNFq33N8dqmPsS8EmuYW6OlbfG-YfbetUQs8LeTH28TxaZMYaleldpQ4TFa6HdwIDsjH_X9hZH9N8EJjaxo/w640-h422/top_front_pike.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Each base is 100mm deep by 60mm wide for a 150mm or 200mm grid; laser cut with wiggly edges that fit into each other.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-Tdw2duknN0yhetnzffV5txJgjUr4ABhXePwNDWT9JsEjfVX3rsqvk_Xn-mUTNvnBHOM-zvjGPRnkm1TmOna6VU71tOLaNHcdPSQVOCpNTfhtT0XKTxScwBSKr7pcjL48mC0lvdYfzmz84JfEskTvtQbES96Xr9CO2El_223mzCI1jMWJyLk_Zg5XhM/s2178/small_pike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1558" data-original-width="2178" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-Tdw2duknN0yhetnzffV5txJgjUr4ABhXePwNDWT9JsEjfVX3rsqvk_Xn-mUTNvnBHOM-zvjGPRnkm1TmOna6VU71tOLaNHcdPSQVOCpNTfhtT0XKTxScwBSKr7pcjL48mC0lvdYfzmz84JfEskTvtQbES96Xr9CO2El_223mzCI1jMWJyLk_Zg5XhM/w640-h458/small_pike.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We usually play on a 150mm grid, so most often units will be only two stands wide. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pH23VBfWH1CK3NnQ_TK6nCnvg0WO4va5iUWAUttcqUwze8TlyyLbuTvcVjF04ImUbE50ECHBo84lJAao_9y26QDG7DrdkDUA0BPlF0UN39FaRaZQj3IxBYiEBvwvCHtlfJkdWlLrXv2vKhJlxdOyzsvZSbGKo7umZ57Tdz6M-2BniFBzGhjml1yZgu4/s1827/solothurn_pike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1312" data-original-width="1827" height="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pH23VBfWH1CK3NnQ_TK6nCnvg0WO4va5iUWAUttcqUwze8TlyyLbuTvcVjF04ImUbE50ECHBo84lJAao_9y26QDG7DrdkDUA0BPlF0UN39FaRaZQj3IxBYiEBvwvCHtlfJkdWlLrXv2vKhJlxdOyzsvZSbGKo7umZ57Tdz6M-2BniFBzGhjml1yZgu4/w640-h461/solothurn_pike.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>All figures are from the Perrys range - plastic mercenaries for the bulk of them, and their metal Swiss command and Swiss heads for flavour.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu45IrCkmRbkRkSUumD7McPakRnDVVOi1iGDcI58OvieM-45rLYrgReusX2BqPYD6W0zn-QnnTe05ozowD-2YSSrlykRD38KoqurU0BH351v1MluZQ_Ih2qj3j3DTvWR2IylvjfWw44-t2AAvtrPtIkBc-47-35-OFH60D8WVBmbuUQQQIwn77eyRrhA8/s2125/bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="2125" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu45IrCkmRbkRkSUumD7McPakRnDVVOi1iGDcI58OvieM-45rLYrgReusX2BqPYD6W0zn-QnnTe05ozowD-2YSSrlykRD38KoqurU0BH351v1MluZQ_Ih2qj3j3DTvWR2IylvjfWw44-t2AAvtrPtIkBc-47-35-OFH60D8WVBmbuUQQQIwn77eyRrhA8/w640-h462/bear.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Swiss range also includes a bear, which makes an excellent Hero marker for TTS! <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirG9zhliDYKOS3KzXHy19DGE9GClTYAce_iU0EuL8fbBzpdpMZx7-loJn1ygcXQDq-TPDvT65xCXTxm6eMbkhwz0R4cwwuAGKGXYwEXUddMUTPpuNtgJMIC2sJewVZznKOfpKEC8zJhGOP6P7Sr6P7tCg3OogSgOXZCYZv1q3oHnc6W3-WY4KJm4sbR94/s2951/general.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="2951" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirG9zhliDYKOS3KzXHy19DGE9GClTYAce_iU0EuL8fbBzpdpMZx7-loJn1ygcXQDq-TPDvT65xCXTxm6eMbkhwz0R4cwwuAGKGXYwEXUddMUTPpuNtgJMIC2sJewVZznKOfpKEC8zJhGOP6P7Sr6P7tCg3OogSgOXZCYZv1q3oHnc6W3-WY4KJm4sbR94/w640-h304/general.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The pike are accompanied by a general, made by carving off the head from the <a href="https://www.perry-miniatures.com/product/wr2-lancastrian-mounted-high-command-henry-vi-margret-of-anjou-duke-of-buckingham/">Perry Duke of Buckingham</a> and attaching a Swiss head in its place.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yFakuqsgVF0vd2qmErpYa9su3PConA-vr3GmIz1Vi70Kv1Kgj__PAN7IQtUw_QvcmA52dHiwDdP9Ng65nhAUeHgzfPXVvrThIhYNy8I0UBABKX7YTwQYShH4REuoGzLzN-pp1NSxMaNoetnt6RD-c8rJ-GCbxXgKZQLk2Gooqu4s1F7eVPPBIXs-Smg/s2671/low_front_centre_gendarmes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="2671" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yFakuqsgVF0vd2qmErpYa9su3PConA-vr3GmIz1Vi70Kv1Kgj__PAN7IQtUw_QvcmA52dHiwDdP9Ng65nhAUeHgzfPXVvrThIhYNy8I0UBABKX7YTwQYShH4REuoGzLzN-pp1NSxMaNoetnt6RD-c8rJ-GCbxXgKZQLk2Gooqu4s1F7eVPPBIXs-Smg/w640-h432/low_front_centre_gendarmes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The other iconic unit of the early Renaissance is the Gendarme. These are again Perry plastics, from their WotR Men at Arms box - I chose lots of horse barding and later helmet options to try and locate them at the very tail end of the 15th century.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkctgwwpyyyce6lNNJCU5YOWpPu5C2vEXhktdpp1djV5zeAhqEX5AOWkxxzpA9tIwddLi379Mm3MDv0RWiAWwYrfnp19hW4lC3NUcBPXx72ayqVsO5HizT92m0jPXw4OohSj1gKYY9VtQIQTuXU4T7lPSmohx61yZxOfx5S5YgOZTFQLvADowcpoA2kY/s2827/high_rear_centre_gendarmes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1874" data-original-width="2827" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkctgwwpyyyce6lNNJCU5YOWpPu5C2vEXhktdpp1djV5zeAhqEX5AOWkxxzpA9tIwddLi379Mm3MDv0RWiAWwYrfnp19hW4lC3NUcBPXx72ayqVsO5HizT92m0jPXw4OohSj1gKYY9VtQIQTuXU4T7lPSmohx61yZxOfx5S5YgOZTFQLvADowcpoA2kY/w640-h424/high_rear_centre_gendarmes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>They're a little anachronistic for much beyond 1500, like their pike-armed friends, but should do good service as French gendarmes or Lorrainer knights.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPZ4mcyKVmXW8J9rKJgX7b32RGQ325hEnvSdorsNIaIa-QyG09YDW-vDnRQXbKKi1hksCT7uDTMJHARdwY6JY4PQqJ2VskgZAFJM_eGqLCZ_uZr4pW8l0K8r4NhQkSzk9l0bWGK5WL7HqdPFIN0Xmz8T4SRgcAVqq7L5b9YAZ51GQOwUTq0M_V3UFc9Q/s1982/high_front_right_gendarmes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="1982" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPZ4mcyKVmXW8J9rKJgX7b32RGQ325hEnvSdorsNIaIa-QyG09YDW-vDnRQXbKKi1hksCT7uDTMJHARdwY6JY4PQqJ2VskgZAFJM_eGqLCZ_uZr4pW8l0K8r4NhQkSzk9l0bWGK5WL7HqdPFIN0Xmz8T4SRgcAVqq7L5b9YAZ51GQOwUTq0M_V3UFc9Q/w640-h453/high_front_right_gendarmes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Barbershop-striped lances are a bit of a pain, but too iconic to leave off!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmMZCh2NBnccSbAJAJMH6PCyp-RPo2_wpVxjqE5Pi0w9Df-rw72nHspn4J_4svLzlICKKLkgohGD5rnqtPu7nvwzrjZZPt5r5UaQVPEv1uI7QmOOzFFHp94pcIssxflTZKgHSAkD4lrTQq5ZD3TASW7yKtlHJSBh45ge0ZnfJ1xsW5v4sOfPK5w71_GM/s2332/high_rear_left_gendarmes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1872" data-original-width="2332" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmMZCh2NBnccSbAJAJMH6PCyp-RPo2_wpVxjqE5Pi0w9Df-rw72nHspn4J_4svLzlICKKLkgohGD5rnqtPu7nvwzrjZZPt5r5UaQVPEv1uI7QmOOzFFHp94pcIssxflTZKgHSAkD4lrTQq5ZD3TASW7yKtlHJSBh45ge0ZnfJ1xsW5v4sOfPK5w71_GM/w640-h514/high_rear_left_gendarmes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52B2PBZVkktZLDdYskMBFZTJg-nEN03XhQv7VYem46eoWNfX_IvZ2WhfuQ4oFDGfTPFpXX9yvO2So4WH1RX8qfMiBlsWmdFV_gmhqp3NowmDyl86qTU0nwC3KHGl_qu22SV_-im9Gz7Zwl_iF23NoS_jdIAzBu5Lro56GihkneNxVpZNH6x2UILNrbuA/s2848/leader_individual_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="1872" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52B2PBZVkktZLDdYskMBFZTJg-nEN03XhQv7VYem46eoWNfX_IvZ2WhfuQ4oFDGfTPFpXX9yvO2So4WH1RX8qfMiBlsWmdFV_gmhqp3NowmDyl86qTU0nwC3KHGl_qu22SV_-im9Gz7Zwl_iF23NoS_jdIAzBu5Lro56GihkneNxVpZNH6x2UILNrbuA/w421-h640/leader_individual_front.jpg" width="421" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrl0iPAeRRYlzUEfka-p4TD4i_BpRNpyHQ1oH7f_10bcECwfGwxS02WPR5OWZDH5-CqbJUgPmPtGHDEuA40JAZs_xsBXkFkcTvoB4-Vu890LqJ7u6y0HKrFYNFcvwiYMvGQtH8-WU9vuZ6c_FnVqJPpfMvZdCucBLW0aaxqwg4NrB64S0R5CNJIObXtc/s1884/blue_individual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1773" data-original-width="1884" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrl0iPAeRRYlzUEfka-p4TD4i_BpRNpyHQ1oH7f_10bcECwfGwxS02WPR5OWZDH5-CqbJUgPmPtGHDEuA40JAZs_xsBXkFkcTvoB4-Vu890LqJ7u6y0HKrFYNFcvwiYMvGQtH8-WU9vuZ6c_FnVqJPpfMvZdCucBLW0aaxqwg4NrB64S0R5CNJIObXtc/w640-h602/blue_individual.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE0OVPDlCk1AtmA3ePnOqJzPsO2E3ITUi91sJGz62dS2CNsKKe9Erfxq18Mu5W8VfOuYK4CvaqYCvd51azaezyD9oRnhWGgaX1-HXSWICkIE2dnE-WG0hN2duMfaZBeVyjVpD1hOwlI9EyrOPE9HoMUYnQsU45dxAN-wNDAt_cgTHhOR-QHelPZXJJ2w/s1880/rosebery_individual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1880" data-original-width="1670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE0OVPDlCk1AtmA3ePnOqJzPsO2E3ITUi91sJGz62dS2CNsKKe9Erfxq18Mu5W8VfOuYK4CvaqYCvd51azaezyD9oRnhWGgaX1-HXSWICkIE2dnE-WG0hN2duMfaZBeVyjVpD1hOwlI9EyrOPE9HoMUYnQsU45dxAN-wNDAt_cgTHhOR-QHelPZXJJ2w/w568-h640/rosebery_individual.jpg" width="568" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-27791767874045626292023-05-20T00:22:00.002+01:002023-05-20T00:22:40.299+01:00How I Base Ships: A Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLj-W4soYwhzL_UNLaI8VHfOr_YRFghnzGmZSbai71sB6Xdq0qUZ6fXJxn7nC-EZyMKgNnA83RyLh_1LlCtmbK00HMRLKG8pDVu8ljEvODex7rYyI_8O9ljQzUIDuCFjOeI7qfmJYIQFjJuysz5xQ3CH2bTQ2R7NusNXtzbCvAveh69K3ytHBXk3-L/s3648/header_shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1952" data-original-width="3648" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLj-W4soYwhzL_UNLaI8VHfOr_YRFghnzGmZSbai71sB6Xdq0qUZ6fXJxn7nC-EZyMKgNnA83RyLh_1LlCtmbK00HMRLKG8pDVu8ljEvODex7rYyI_8O9ljQzUIDuCFjOeI7qfmJYIQFjJuysz5xQ3CH2bTQ2R7NusNXtzbCvAveh69K3ytHBXk3-L/w400-h214/header_shot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Often it seems like there's nothing new in the world of wargaming, but I've never been satisfied with the 'standard' ways of basing ships for miniature wargaming, and so came up with my own method; I've never seen this done anywhere else, but if it has I'd love to know about it. </p><p>The old way of basing ships is to glue them to rectangles of card and build up a textured sea surface with filler, painted in an approximation of water. This tends to stick out like a sore thumb if the sea surface doesn't match your painting exactly, and even when it does the opaque filler is a bit unconvincing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqg8a-rSSA1XUFHNiu4ApalqKmACB2sFb4dxFGmrMrnV2hF8VgxoV4X-rJwLbdteh5K7KoGpWCQRH5jrRpEF2LDIsLFvW5x9JyrIA2gYsKHTFciRmumy1k3PxjnlH17ZzBgXCXbKc8PKvcF5y1ludj_QdnqQl-_22vqF0Vey4LoDDwpkOKXwp11ZvQ/s3555/med_two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1815" data-original-width="3555" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqg8a-rSSA1XUFHNiu4ApalqKmACB2sFb4dxFGmrMrnV2hF8VgxoV4X-rJwLbdteh5K7KoGpWCQRH5jrRpEF2LDIsLFvW5x9JyrIA2gYsKHTFciRmumy1k3PxjnlH17ZzBgXCXbKc8PKvcF5y1ludj_QdnqQl-_22vqF0Vey4LoDDwpkOKXwp11ZvQ/w400-h204/med_two.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The newer way is to glue the model to a clear base of some sort, but the flat surface looks very artificial and especially for smaller ships a thick base can be nearly as tall as the model itself.</p><p>I think I've found a third way, that gives the textured benefits of filler while keeping everything clear. By way of giving back for the hundreds of tutorials I've read over the years, here's how I base ships.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Materials Needed</h3><div>To base your ships like me, you will need the following:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A ship model</li><li>A suitably sized <b>clear</b> base - acrylic is likely the best option</li><li>Glue to attach the two - I use superglue</li><li>Artist's heavy gloss gel - I use <a href="https://theartshops.co.uk/golden-acrylic-heavy-gel-gloss-medium-237ml-19584-p.asp">this brand</a>, but as long as it's thick and clear you're good</li><li>White paint</li><li>Gloss varnish</li></ul></div><div>You'll need an old brush of roughly #2 size or larger to apply the gel, and a finer brush to apply the white paint on the wave tops.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOMsWPUHA5UCcoWteMGOX3J_cJJn1A-K6P0suhZzdzh0HFGCIA5NCpYOWKYjj6ccSH6SBXS3QzkESlwxr01HE2dzmkC3yZiaadsyqhU4L_cBwIOy8UJScJSyPRkrgwKwDFp7NNQeJxDFyYSrjsKcFRzqwIwIVImGJIRWPlaRncyzBaBXYq1wSUbf4/s2736/brig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2571" data-original-width="2736" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOMsWPUHA5UCcoWteMGOX3J_cJJn1A-K6P0suhZzdzh0HFGCIA5NCpYOWKYjj6ccSH6SBXS3QzkESlwxr01HE2dzmkC3yZiaadsyqhU4L_cBwIOy8UJScJSyPRkrgwKwDFp7NNQeJxDFyYSrjsKcFRzqwIwIVImGJIRWPlaRncyzBaBXYq1wSUbf4/w400-h376/brig.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The first thing to stress is that, while I will using custom engraved acrylic bases for this tutorial, they're not strictly necessary. I first started this using the same commercially available bases that the incredible <a href="https://jjwargames.blogspot.com/2020/02/all-at-sea-on-stocks-in-jjs-dockyard.html">JJ's Wargames uses</a> - clear acrylic 'stadium' bases from <a href="https://www.fluid3dworkshop.co.uk/basing/stadium">Fluid 3d Workshop</a>.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Method</h3><div><b>Step Zero</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Before you get around to basing, you'll need to paint your ship and (preferably) varnish it. I'm not going to get into how to go about that, but one tip I do have is that a drop of superglue on top of a Vallejo-style dropper bottle makes an excellent holder for smaller scale ships.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be basing some 1/1800 H class Destroyers - the models are 3d prints from <a href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175233035058">Thousand World Miniatures</a> on eBay, but while the models are nice I can't really recommend them because of the poor service. Instead I've ordered the rest of my ships from <a href="https://www.blitzkriegminiatures.com/tanks/1-1800-Scale-Ships-c120531755">Blitzkreig Miniatures</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpl5nYmkIzKsCX6kIF7yhBXEz3KqWAe8n0iXRnLWI4jMCQv3_SerMjsZOXGRYaxHJxFI0jKK48j6oIvV6xfXz8TgaT3IDOW2V-H-xIWjgW0O5FDlVAhg_wrGvRYGYtJbsJhhrAQhG_2OFD-rnmBivQ4fG_v1d0nMnW4_8ZQl52ceRs9NynqS8q-IWq/s3840/empty_base.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3604" data-original-width="3840" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpl5nYmkIzKsCX6kIF7yhBXEz3KqWAe8n0iXRnLWI4jMCQv3_SerMjsZOXGRYaxHJxFI0jKK48j6oIvV6xfXz8TgaT3IDOW2V-H-xIWjgW0O5FDlVAhg_wrGvRYGYtJbsJhhrAQhG_2OFD-rnmBivQ4fG_v1d0nMnW4_8ZQl52ceRs9NynqS8q-IWq/w400-h375/empty_base.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The bases I laser cut myself from 1mm acrylic, allowing me to engrave the ships' names on the rear of the base. They're 65mmx20mm. </div><div><br /></div><div>While 2mm is fine for larger ships - like the Napoleonic brig above - for these tiny destroyers 1mm was a much less imposing choice.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Step One</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The first step is to glue the ship onto the base. I use superglue for this, and I've yet to have a problem with the clear acrylic 'frosting' as a result. If your base has a protective film on it, you'll need to remove it from the top of the base before you begin, but you can leave any film on the bottom on throughout.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Step Two</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxbFuRmFrjltTwJ3mAXPjNJcQM_xim1Da5ik7pFWZIIyL3UVDyjYaL4fKMZAr6hIIDXTM48yMcZuQFe60eTmjnvBdEJ7hgVsPvbE6tSnsD0slSv9KCZ5kYrQZ-oALx1EaxP23EKu1eIl2hlvnYGkUj3_vfnyT_VmfckB1YIIcqKh30Dc6abNbZjDp/s4184/initial_base_texture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4184" data-original-width="2780" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxbFuRmFrjltTwJ3mAXPjNJcQM_xim1Da5ik7pFWZIIyL3UVDyjYaL4fKMZAr6hIIDXTM48yMcZuQFe60eTmjnvBdEJ7hgVsPvbE6tSnsD0slSv9KCZ5kYrQZ-oALx1EaxP23EKu1eIl2hlvnYGkUj3_vfnyT_VmfckB1YIIcqKh30Dc6abNbZjDp/w266-h400/initial_base_texture.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div>Once the glue has dried, it's time to break out the acrylic medium and begin applying it to the flat surface of the base. What you're looking for here is both to fill any slight gap that there might be between the ship's hull and the base, and to completely cover the base with a thin layer of gel to break up the artificial flatness. </div><div><br /></div><div>You're not looking to build up any waves yet, so stipple on a thin layer making sure to get it touching the hull, and let it dry</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Step Three (and 3.1, 3.2, 3.3...)</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtEoOPlSnMCwGV_sBnx2zJuJWleLtqJotu4cTMd8YD48BPifwQKKOSrWLK7ciOd22i0WnUqisHCDl1f3QRtBaxxLb60is0s98jSRmQflxVr9oRN7Q8h1Fkcq2AarBeKpsCfOxUwWgjcZn1bY7_50kAR5BvOdW2rL1lLEH3NZO_5R3944zT8YtCxXb/s2415/wave_texture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1988" data-original-width="2415" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtEoOPlSnMCwGV_sBnx2zJuJWleLtqJotu4cTMd8YD48BPifwQKKOSrWLK7ciOd22i0WnUqisHCDl1f3QRtBaxxLb60is0s98jSRmQflxVr9oRN7Q8h1Fkcq2AarBeKpsCfOxUwWgjcZn1bY7_50kAR5BvOdW2rL1lLEH3NZO_5R3944zT8YtCxXb/w400-h329/wave_texture.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now you've coated the whole base, it's time to start building up the waves. How big you go depends on what sort of sea state you want to depict - my destroyers are intended for the battle of Narvik, which was fought in a fjord, so I want a relatively calm sea state. This will also depend on the scale of model!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNGh9ncqqQDjhdMnBW7BEOM0hziUybAAUJvaSz3aGVOpz2sHjsEbN_E-WPxA5yUZSdzytz0car4bjZRD1kY0cr5PfpU29r69_i_Co2HtaoDnmoqZo0iIvdIzGcth5Emf2Qq8AE5YNNtmnQJq7sBZn7miBsfjNx8vKUSmT7A5C_H1p3e4MWZxJS85b/s2511/bow_wave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2511" data-original-width="2019" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNGh9ncqqQDjhdMnBW7BEOM0hziUybAAUJvaSz3aGVOpz2sHjsEbN_E-WPxA5yUZSdzytz0car4bjZRD1kY0cr5PfpU29r69_i_Co2HtaoDnmoqZo0iIvdIzGcth5Emf2Qq8AE5YNNtmnQJq7sBZn7miBsfjNx8vKUSmT7A5C_H1p3e4MWZxJS85b/w321-h400/bow_wave.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br /><div>Because these are destroyers, I want to represent them moving at speed, so I'm making sure to build up a decent bow wave.</div><div><br /></div><div>One thing to beware of: it's very difficult to build up a convincing wave in one pass! If you do, you'll find that it looks lumpy in a way which really spoils the effect. Instead, try to build it up in layers, going back over the same place a few times and letting it dry in between. That way you'll keep the peaks of the gel small and sharp, instead of large and blobby. Despite the small sea state, these waves took me four passes to build up to a satisfactory level.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Step Four</b><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-yT_IU-2Eboqokn_Bp_ISxbOiTkFCgF5DYqQGvecOOoINZIWDDRAFrWNYXvmUiS9I0hmYVsYJxXgKvRswTR7jJPmTGaTdu0TNY4Xuz4S1exYwbKDgN-WCZk7OxLiqikI7Jbi6RwDUnxW7bKKF9N-tv9JcVPsWeH9j_h-rWO5Gd_FCYqe1Q_fm_FM/s3840/white_horses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3132" data-original-width="3840" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-yT_IU-2Eboqokn_Bp_ISxbOiTkFCgF5DYqQGvecOOoINZIWDDRAFrWNYXvmUiS9I0hmYVsYJxXgKvRswTR7jJPmTGaTdu0TNY4Xuz4S1exYwbKDgN-WCZk7OxLiqikI7Jbi6RwDUnxW7bKKF9N-tv9JcVPsWeH9j_h-rWO5Gd_FCYqe1Q_fm_FM/w400-h326/white_horses.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now the waves are all built up, a touch of white paint along the wave tops to add the 'white horses' really sells the illusion.</div><div><br /></div><div>If your ships are propeller powered, you want to add the white froth in the wake where the props have churned up the water too.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Step Five</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybxoV1XKYSQkL9HaCKeTC9zgim1a8bRMVT-sYDgBARa7LWqZ5o38Zii6G1FHlKLMQ_QLhqjQAfKEdOu5lRuZsMy97M4n7klgsh6hzXrT4z_CzzrMnWC14KmE0k_bHc-5-gmzNl2BVb83uTJKlc2ty-xtTvaslBOVaYd2rt-8gT0gEy_5Hu1qcpA4B/s3924/name_paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3924" data-original-width="3088" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybxoV1XKYSQkL9HaCKeTC9zgim1a8bRMVT-sYDgBARa7LWqZ5o38Zii6G1FHlKLMQ_QLhqjQAfKEdOu5lRuZsMy97M4n7klgsh6hzXrT4z_CzzrMnWC14KmE0k_bHc-5-gmzNl2BVb83uTJKlc2ty-xtTvaslBOVaYd2rt-8gT0gEy_5Hu1qcpA4B/w315-h400/name_paint.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At this point, I flooded the engraved nameplate with white paint, and rubbed the excess off when dry.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Step Six</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCONTS64RmkENYZhEpxBn7GFfoqwiismmfT8T4v11LOL691SZNlMctJU8Nui_1NGBUoe2yYW1m-1OzNPV6ldHwfD1LPjUX-0Nz2XUANSifKsg97JCN89V9TyPmSw0RXjjun9pzIHKCYxAO3n985q_zBLqTCG9wKBPEDU50la2a84uZwOcgF34TUVNi/s3230/above_shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2158" data-original-width="3230" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCONTS64RmkENYZhEpxBn7GFfoqwiismmfT8T4v11LOL691SZNlMctJU8Nui_1NGBUoe2yYW1m-1OzNPV6ldHwfD1LPjUX-0Nz2XUANSifKsg97JCN89V9TyPmSw0RXjjun9pzIHKCYxAO3n985q_zBLqTCG9wKBPEDU50la2a84uZwOcgF34TUVNi/w400-h268/above_shot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This shot in particular shows just how well the clear bases blend into the seascape</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The final step is to varnish the water - both to protect the paintwork, and to give a nice uniform glossy finish to everything.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcmKHQk8Ya9ePNARrBksWANEnIuAaKNAWcDkF49Sx5cNBn9nIsIiXZau-dWhEBEf49_0TQ6uFrOIK7IuiU1D73GlDx9KUr7aw9QTV0OTf--aNkF_vo-3vCsK4rY0u75JVsXoY51iGyjQJJQslwd5vFjPgwXLcHd_B8szD-5FGlrYFId_-nlentt2i/s4098/line_astern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2256" data-original-width="4098" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcmKHQk8Ya9ePNARrBksWANEnIuAaKNAWcDkF49Sx5cNBn9nIsIiXZau-dWhEBEf49_0TQ6uFrOIK7IuiU1D73GlDx9KUr7aw9QTV0OTf--aNkF_vo-3vCsK4rY0u75JVsXoY51iGyjQJJQslwd5vFjPgwXLcHd_B8szD-5FGlrYFId_-nlentt2i/w400-h220/line_astern.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From the cold North Sea...</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The benefit of this sort of basing is that it works equally well on a cold North Sea table as it does on a warm Mediterranean one (not that <i>HMS Hotspur</i><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>made it that far...)</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sIXJ5OT66w2FULcAHUTk9YaCT8mne9XIkE1qnqwRh30_c641tk79ZMf0Hj7jYwjYXrwnQOBQYfL7MgAMY_I7CRq-xA__D2N0Onp1cWnvto83TCAfVM82FHxxRN6nVPz-w8iPBF6hKr89ej1BZwkwTwLxF3UTlzjQUO3L5E2QdqeJfnieRCiMh3SM/s3019/med_one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="3019" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sIXJ5OT66w2FULcAHUTk9YaCT8mne9XIkE1qnqwRh30_c641tk79ZMf0Hj7jYwjYXrwnQOBQYfL7MgAMY_I7CRq-xA__D2N0Onp1cWnvto83TCAfVM82FHxxRN6nVPz-w8iPBF6hKr89ej1BZwkwTwLxF3UTlzjQUO3L5E2QdqeJfnieRCiMh3SM/w400-h279/med_one.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>...To the warmth of the Mediterranean</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully you've found this tutorial useful. If you end up basing your ships in a similar manner, I'd love to hear about it - let me know in the comment below this post!</div>Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-65521629081853845712023-04-29T19:45:00.007+01:002023-04-29T21:55:43.238+01:00How Not to Win an Award at Salute<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuzdSbJWnYACBuCAT5nDtrb7pJAzAX4Fa9WeMct6uatezAPlbKX94qa-QztxZ17npWaekfexevLWhg_smImfj3HdV0eYgDdwvWlOsYox4nPHNA06CyXHp2t9SKxBOjBmxWl4ZAkyMvniCa_navduh539XQMG2ebHt88J63nV6noTf01nToq2iDyxJ/s1803/table_1.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuzdSbJWnYACBuCAT5nDtrb7pJAzAX4Fa9WeMct6uatezAPlbKX94qa-QztxZ17npWaekfexevLWhg_smImfj3HdV0eYgDdwvWlOsYox4nPHNA06CyXHp2t9SKxBOjBmxWl4ZAkyMvniCa_navduh539XQMG2ebHt88J63nV6noTf01nToq2iDyxJ/w300-h400/table_1.jpg" /></a></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Last Saturday my wargaming group - the excellent <a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/0/blog/post/edit/4155583788990439857/6552162908185384571#">London Wargaming Guild</a> - took a participation game to Salute. The day went well; we rarely had fewer than half a dozen players at any one time, often many more; there was widespread enthusiasm for the subject and model; and we won an award!</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5wXjOjMqahRw2C5oRWOfOZ-27WZQNcHAWq7zTs-4lSBqPj15Pr8utRtgKHJidpgKMz49XONQwAZ4k-9L6e8j9nnnSvdWR2rFiXyGksqdoEwTFGIMg5_bJOhYmIwCCzCukSm4ApcEJ2cBXFU1_VsZVsqzaxzZHEsPVE3mkhr89jj1Rja0hj3dw-CM/s1600/trophies.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5wXjOjMqahRw2C5oRWOfOZ-27WZQNcHAWq7zTs-4lSBqPj15Pr8utRtgKHJidpgKMz49XONQwAZ4k-9L6e8j9nnnSvdWR2rFiXyGksqdoEwTFGIMg5_bJOhYmIwCCzCukSm4ApcEJ2cBXFU1_VsZVsqzaxzZHEsPVE3mkhr89jj1Rja0hj3dw-CM/w300-h400/trophies.jpg" /></a></div><br />In fact we won two: not just Best Participation Game, which we'd all been hoping for, but Best in Show which given the competition took us by surprise.<br /><br />For me though, the months leading up to the show were a blaze of frantic work, stress and disappointment that turned my hobby into a grind - and even the stunning success we had wasn’t worth that.<br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Salute 2020(1)</span></h3><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPTv2612QeMw1_6ugcb41xX7dXnR6K2TAdTGadWNKkAeSDDLQo_j3Ik5pcQg-baKM50DrWQ7fKGkNPRdRK3vx4TjHTkWN0Gn6srcwpdLcWm9i-VJuFbYPMQujSJq5BBw9zSB9bxiF0weg9NpQ2nyZ-XYp5nj4OUr4jKDx9ahKSM405aPFtpz6oyMb/s1600/salute_2020.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPTv2612QeMw1_6ugcb41xX7dXnR6K2TAdTGadWNKkAeSDDLQo_j3Ik5pcQg-baKM50DrWQ7fKGkNPRdRK3vx4TjHTkWN0Gn6srcwpdLcWm9i-VJuFbYPMQujSJq5BBw9zSB9bxiF0weg9NpQ2nyZ-XYp5nj4OUr4jKDx9ahKSM405aPFtpz6oyMb/w300-h400/salute_2020.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />This wasn't the first time we'd run a game at Salute - that was Salute 2020, held for obvious reasons in late 2021.<br />At the time we were on a What a Tanker! and VBCW kick, and so mashed them together for some interwar tank (and boat!) action, with a battle royale format specifically because it would let us run the game as a drop-in/drop-out sort of thing. As a London club we decided that a London theme would be apt, and selected Tower Bridge as an obvious landmark.<br /><br />The show itself was a smashing success; we estimated that a couple of hundred people had played our game, and in the afternoon the nice people at Wargames Illustrated handed us a shiny trophy for Best Participation Game.<br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Going One Better</span></h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Very pleased with ourselves, we all resolved to do the same again next time only bigger, better, and more organised(!), then disappeared to the pub. We didn't really think about it again until the summer of 2022. <br /><br />This time around, we decided on the 17th Century. Wanting to stick to the same formula of London + large multiplayer game + drop-in/drop-out, we settled on the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/0/blog/post/edit/4155583788990439857/6552162908185384571#">Vennerite Rebellion</a> of 1657 - a great opportunity for the sort of small-warband skullduggery we had in mind.<br /><br />How best, then to make it clear that the setting was London? There was the Tower of London, but we'd done that already. The other iconic London landmark of the period was of course London Bridge, but this presented us with a problem. To scale, the bridge would be something like four metres long - the entire length of our allotted space. A four metre by 30 centimetre playing area would have looked good but been unplayable, akin to trying to play Chess in Flatland.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXYefS5Jbh6Bx0ZzBPmLniyeFvXtz9QX7NPt0BhFpjjNCxhuYwf-Rv11tHI5kvoxp67zSGy-eDDxwA5dNDrheyclCYuhGqQIQP0SWBA-LSe9aVI0nxwfrn7hWNEJX0ZV6Czw8DAzSD5fem-xOP7C2G5V8MBt7S3ZLq6943_fJp_OinkbhFltlzE3K/s2224/cold_doings_in_London.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXYefS5Jbh6Bx0ZzBPmLniyeFvXtz9QX7NPt0BhFpjjNCxhuYwf-Rv11tHI5kvoxp67zSGy-eDDxwA5dNDrheyclCYuhGqQIQP0SWBA-LSe9aVI0nxwfrn7hWNEJX0ZV6Czw8DAzSD5fem-xOP7C2G5V8MBt7S3ZLq6943_fJp_OinkbhFltlzE3K/w313-h400/cold_doings_in_London.jpg" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A pamphlet printed on the ice during the 1608 Frost Fair. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Attributed to Thomas Dekker, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Houghton_STC_11403_-_Great_Frost,_1608.jpg">Wikimedia Commons</a></i></div></i><br />This is where the idea of setting the game during a Frost Fair came in; the frozen Thames would make the playable width of the board much more reasonable (about a metre), as well as more visually striking, and provide further opportunities for the players to interact with London instead of just running about stabbing each other.</span></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Group Dynamics</span></h3><span style="font-family: arial;">Before we dive into the business of laser cutting fifty-odd buildings from scratch, I’d like to look at some issues with group dynamics.<br /><br />In this sort of volunteer-run project, everyone divides into one of two camps: the drivers and the passengers. The latter are happy to contribute - they'll turn up on the day, paint a few miniatures, assemble a house or two, and go home satisfied that they've done their bit. What they won't do is take the initiative, work out what needs doing or stick around to make sure it gets done. They certainly won't touch the organisational work needed to make anything actually happen - that all gets left to the drivers.<br /><br />These categories aren't absolute - we've all been in both for different projects, and often people will drift between the two as interest wanes, complacency sets in or impending deadlines sharpen the mind - but for much of the lead-in to Salute I was the only driver.<br /></span></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Building London</span></h3></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As with last time, I ended up with responsibility for the terrain side of things, and went off to make plans. It quickly became clear that we weren't going to be able to do everything from commercial kits, and that there weren't enough of us capable of scratch building to cover everything that needed doing.<br /><br />So I bought a laser cutter.<br /><br />The thinking was that I could use it to design our own MDF kits, and then send them out to others for assembly and painting. This way (I thought, naively) the laser would end up doing a lot of the work, and I'd have more time to concentrate on the one-off pieces like Nonsuch House. I'd also be lying to myself if I said that I didn't want one anyway after seeing others’ work on Tower Bridge.<br /><br />This introduced a further problem though - now, not only was I responsible for making sure the terrain got done, I was in the critical path for doing most of it, and that critical path involved using a complex machine I had zero experience with, without any real fallback option. All these things would come back to bite me.<br /><br />The final piece of the puzzle needed to turn the project into a slog, fell into place in late December when the South London Warlords put out the list of games and we weren't on it. Cue several weeks of back and forth before the Warlords agreed to squeeze us in. <br /><br />Beyond the wasted weeks and dampening effect on the group's enthusiasm, this meant that pulling out of the show would be humiliating.</span></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Grind</span></h3><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_uheukIs5kiCqyrJdB8PfwQvEmIRIu0XFcZXEsjghfZUBdLv8y9Nt9ra1eHeb_VZg-XrY0up0y6hv_JEvizDQKqr7Vh2OcBATyh5AQDoMA_x7yOCbXQueZ8fLKXWZdEoh_xrTrqBt5Nt06_vZtU5Fu-zffsrS6h7LIiq5dJ5k9a1sg-Kuf36F6SB/s3648/foreshore_wip.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_uheukIs5kiCqyrJdB8PfwQvEmIRIu0XFcZXEsjghfZUBdLv8y9Nt9ra1eHeb_VZg-XrY0up0y6hv_JEvizDQKqr7Vh2OcBATyh5AQDoMA_x7yOCbXQueZ8fLKXWZdEoh_xrTrqBt5Nt06_vZtU5Fu-zffsrS6h7LIiq5dJ5k9a1sg-Kuf36F6SB/w400-h300/foreshore_wip.jpg" /></a></div><br />With no real way to back out, and time running short, I spent it working as hard and efficiently as possible - cancelling games and other hobbies to spend more time designing, finding reasons to work from home so I could cut another few sheets before work and at lunch time, squeezing in hours and half hours wherever possible. <br /><br />As fast as I could, I turned out house kits ready for assembly. When not enough people volunteered to make them, I cajoled them into taking them on. When the laser cutter broke (which it did, again and again), I spent hours fixing it and manually cleaning up cut parts so they could go out for assembly. When people returned models partly done, I finished them.<br /><br />The whole time, my biggest source of stress was the sheer burden of trying to drag a large group of people single-handedly towards what was supposed to be a common goal. <br /><br /><b>This is not a normal, or healthy, way to feel about a hobby that revolves around playing with toy soldiers. </b><br /><br />The low point for me came the week before the show. We'd agreed to hold a dress rehearsal the Sunday before the game, to bring everyone together for a final playtest and to bring all of the models together so that they were in one place ready for the load-in on the Friday before the show. Of twenty-two people involved in the project, only two made themselves available, forcing us to cancel the rehearsal. I felt like I'd been hung out to dry.<br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Final Week</span></h3><span style="font-family: arial;">I'd accepted my fate weeks before and booked the week before Salute off work; as with the dress rehearsal I'd been telling people this for weeks and begging them to come over at any point to help out. I worked myself into the ground, doing almost 90 hours between Sunday and Friday, as I frantically cut what could be cut and half-arsed what couldn't. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82FjU8GGt9HlbAkyNk6o5ZAhONtfZ1G7Oe4LG-pvMDHonA33w9KuA_fi3GKMM0HVW3N3EgUpbTahGjN1rUFSCmuvkIMeg0TwsTrHQTKF_1XAQdaSPAYOaRlihCqwtVEagjLFZHLSeZ70W4dp3zChYASlmgrzQwVPxMxNBN2k2H8xPL6puEaVSLVzy/s1600/nonsuch_finished.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82FjU8GGt9HlbAkyNk6o5ZAhONtfZ1G7Oe4LG-pvMDHonA33w9KuA_fi3GKMM0HVW3N3EgUpbTahGjN1rUFSCmuvkIMeg0TwsTrHQTKF_1XAQdaSPAYOaRlihCqwtVEagjLFZHLSeZ70W4dp3zChYASlmgrzQwVPxMxNBN2k2H8xPL6puEaVSLVzy/w300-h400/nonsuch_finished.jpeg" /></a></div><br />We spent most of Friday loading-in the game, and then once done I came back home and spent a further twelve straight hours assembling Nonsuch house, the supposed centrepiece model, which I finished up with the barest minimum of a paint job at 4:30 AM, then slept for three hours before getting up to head to Salute. <br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Learning from Experience</span></h3><span style="font-family: arial;">We had the usual problems you would expect for a project of this duration: troubles with the laser, family illnesses, delays with the table and so on. None of them were insurmountable as a group, but all funnelled towards me they made for a miserable experience. <br /><br />Here's some practical advice on how to avoid the same thing happening to you:<br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Be clear in advance about the workload involved.</b> Don't take on responsibility for, say, making terrain without a good idea of what will need building. Likewise, if you know that you will need others to do parts of the build, make sure you have a firm commitment from them to do as much as is required</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Stick to your guns. </b>On the day we decided our theme, I agreed to oversee terrain with the proviso that I wouldn't do anything else; I still ended up squandering precious hours running back and forth across London collecting figures from people.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Don't be irreplaceable. </b>By virtue of owning the laser cutter I had to be involved in almost every building. By virtue of having space to build terrain boards I had to be involved in those too. If you can't get yourself off every critical path, at least try to minimise the number.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Give yourself a way out.</b> I backed myself into a corner trying to deliver a project that couldn't be easily dropped, and which had few avenues for simplification. Have parts of your project that can be dropped without ruining the rest, and know where you can skimp on time and resources if required. If all else fails, know when to quit.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Spare a thought for the driver.</b> Lots of projects can run just fine with a majority of people taking a passive role, but if that describes you then ask yourself: who's driving? Are they coping? What can I do to relieve that pressure? And if you're driving, then be early, frequent, and loud in your demands for help. Don't allow people to fool themselves that everything is in hand when it isn't.</span></li></ol></span><span style="font-family: arial;">If you'd like to learn more specifically about designing a participation game for a show, Duncan has an excellent thread <a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/0/blog/post/edit/4155583788990439857/6552162908185384571#">here</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpm-K5oozJOftv3wv7plnE19S_hhBIphmLoP9vyabU7Dgn79BWaHQRU9tWffz_bZnSJsWCMfhKnT-p-EoEIhhUKyD-IY2awfrBU18JWz3OiaPwkJMdjvCZ8jt9ULp8C6Cso7nnE2iOuX-a_fOiK3OkcSfTCsGT97h6uzU_DW2hG1-92Vj6_Nv4uke/s1600/drinks_cabinet.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpm-K5oozJOftv3wv7plnE19S_hhBIphmLoP9vyabU7Dgn79BWaHQRU9tWffz_bZnSJsWCMfhKnT-p-EoEIhhUKyD-IY2awfrBU18JWz3OiaPwkJMdjvCZ8jt9ULp8C6Cso7nnE2iOuX-a_fOiK3OkcSfTCsGT97h6uzU_DW2hG1-92Vj6_Nv4uke/w225-h400/drinks_cabinet.jpg" /></a></div><br />In the evening after the show, trying to stay away long enough not to ruin my sleep schedule, I spent a few hours painting this rather nice drinks cabinet from <a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/0/blog/post/edit/4155583788990439857/6552162908185384571#">Sabotag3d</a>. I had to force myself at first not to rush; to concentrate on the process and enjoy doing a good job instead of an efficient one. I spent longer painting this tiny (and completely frivolous) model than I did the night before painting Nonsuch House, layering extraneous details on an unnecessary model for the sheer pleasure of it.<br /><br />That, to me, is the essence of a hobby. For the last few months I lost that.<br /><br />I'll be back next year with the LWG, hopefully with another wacky participation game, but next time I'll be better rested and less stressed. Feel free to come and ask me how well I kept my promises to myself!</span></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks</span></h3><span style="font-family: arial;">I’ve spent a couple of thousand words complaining, so it seems only fair to conclude with some thanks.<br /><br />Firstly, the fact that we had a game to put on was down to those who realised late in the day just how much work needed doing and mucked in. Thank you.<br />Thanks also to the people who bucked the usual trend, under promising and over delivering. <br />For all my whingeing, the people of the LWG are excellent and I love them dearly. <br /><br />Two individuals deserve a special mention here: <br /><br />Firstly my partner Hilary, who not only put up with the game taking over our house and my life, but put up with me becoming increasingly irritable and unpleasant to be around.<br /><br />Secondly; he hasn’t mentioned it, but I’m pretty sure that Duncan made it his job in the last couple of weeks to keep me somewhat sane, and to corral others into helping as much as possible, and I’m very grateful for that.<br /></span><br /></div>Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-35664526735654903192023-02-14T13:47:00.003+00:002023-02-14T13:47:44.496+00:00All the Terrain I Made in 2022<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzu9w0Phd8fthsTlEbdq2pfb5lsReD28z6Mu-yMasCz_4eb-wvpf930N6RDIWQX4oIG2qt_ZO_4Vsm24GuOmR0JbZHreI-D4M2kwKJYIIvpr8kCOssLyLwwkh9_w1EMgO3Z4exx_qPEQ7bfOyKSLF7E9YU2hKQfcpL0RKBZu9MgjU0uqZD9NpdeGET/s3480/facade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="3480" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzu9w0Phd8fthsTlEbdq2pfb5lsReD28z6Mu-yMasCz_4eb-wvpf930N6RDIWQX4oIG2qt_ZO_4Vsm24GuOmR0JbZHreI-D4M2kwKJYIIvpr8kCOssLyLwwkh9_w1EMgO3Z4exx_qPEQ7bfOyKSLF7E9YU2hKQfcpL0RKBZu9MgjU0uqZD9NpdeGET/w400-h272/facade.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Just like its <a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2023/01/everything-i-painted-in-2022.html">counterpart for painted miniatures</a>, this is a roundup post.<p></p><p>2022 was a pretty good year for making terrain - probably my favourite part of the hobby - and finished with an exciting development I'll get into later.</p><p>I've not tallied up my terrain making in the same way as the figures; it doesn't really make sense to me to compare a painted plastic sign to a scratch built building, so let's assess the output qualitatively instead of quantitatively, going via theme again.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">17th Century</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pc3g5jf5kt9Oq9uM7rPSQpTPYcQ5kZ8BNWAyUX6eXtwmCrGuZsaq7HXiTJEnZVcKv_4yoF7sRg21XhtvJ6tAorTotUtd_83YR59y7l-ehZGsinG-xH0GfvwmEs4SLqOdscS2mcXhKXrHs-lqgJob0dDcqLZGM_3eul2WpB9TDncwXXfPwaMpDaUk/s3648/facade2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pc3g5jf5kt9Oq9uM7rPSQpTPYcQ5kZ8BNWAyUX6eXtwmCrGuZsaq7HXiTJEnZVcKv_4yoF7sRg21XhtvJ6tAorTotUtd_83YR59y7l-ehZGsinG-xH0GfvwmEs4SLqOdscS2mcXhKXrHs-lqgJob0dDcqLZGM_3eul2WpB9TDncwXXfPwaMpDaUk/w400-h300/facade2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Starting with what's in the header image; I started building a terrain collection for playing 17th century games. I only finished two items - the scratch built row of facades you see above (mostly foam, with card overlay and purchased laser-cut MDF windows), and the bought MDF kit below.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkntLNGBpGAaHiTmrq5CKJh0foStoiS9flMJIBTafDOK5h6xVoKNAfUwi7btRZEVp4ZpatknuU1qTIHLw2mRZuwU1g7531gJ5B-UVB8aHlZvXtta_ezMT3YeFLr1xIg8udsHLYWztRrA3Qr0buw1ESTg8CjV3DbM3HPT3lVCxkhxLSkYWLnBd1UZpn/s3648/small_house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkntLNGBpGAaHiTmrq5CKJh0foStoiS9flMJIBTafDOK5h6xVoKNAfUwi7btRZEVp4ZpatknuU1qTIHLw2mRZuwU1g7531gJ5B-UVB8aHlZvXtta_ezMT3YeFLr1xIg8udsHLYWztRrA3Qr0buw1ESTg8CjV3DbM3HPT3lVCxkhxLSkYWLnBd1UZpn/w400-h300/small_house.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>As with all of my other terrain projects this year, I started far more than I finished, so these two will be joined by several other items in the coming months.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Far East </h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0gBLJzDEhBDPQpSpdTfzZuLtqQtUJmNSfnn8SvK7nslhaKo9zd5FQSK1f8J2uh2LanVN5NBn6SDIcuGhx6PjUh51M8Q6QkQ0644GTIIeoMN5X-FMyQtu5Dbc2An7j3dsmJbZg5dI5gBOMBscbI8Iyc3ug1xlX3bBfPFgcH2QQmzwYy0gvZ-F7IO8/s1495/jungle.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1495" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0gBLJzDEhBDPQpSpdTfzZuLtqQtUJmNSfnn8SvK7nslhaKo9zd5FQSK1f8J2uh2LanVN5NBn6SDIcuGhx6PjUh51M8Q6QkQ0644GTIIeoMN5X-FMyQtu5Dbc2An7j3dsmJbZg5dI5gBOMBscbI8Iyc3ug1xlX3bBfPFgcH2QQmzwYy0gvZ-F7IO8/w400-h265/jungle.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>To go with my figures for refighting the Malaya 1941 campaign, I expanded my existing collection of jungle with some bamboo stands, more generic jungle and a rural stilted house.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCI8i9coAbivARKLkDyLavUBXc2zT7c_EqmCNXrEcqq7j7mlVG2INHmyG_-_ZNcJtnGC-y05b-FhleBrzJ8Ye9LrBCdHIL7WJG0EflTI5v4vLq-5PBHeSZ_cdeDaEs1vvTi5iECaX90VWd345Q4BrWeNUsw1FdS5wbkrbCR-vEXWUeD2R2KhfATkwx/s3194/bamboo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2272" data-original-width="3194" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCI8i9coAbivARKLkDyLavUBXc2zT7c_EqmCNXrEcqq7j7mlVG2INHmyG_-_ZNcJtnGC-y05b-FhleBrzJ8Ye9LrBCdHIL7WJG0EflTI5v4vLq-5PBHeSZ_cdeDaEs1vvTi5iECaX90VWd345Q4BrWeNUsw1FdS5wbkrbCR-vEXWUeD2R2KhfATkwx/w400-h285/bamboo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The vegetation followed the time-worn method of plastic plants repainted and glued to MDF bases.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXxeUdGcLAR1g38XGGmzn9608i90oTTPuCLnI1JPUxoiavmt9flG_KOrGh8LrENDrGqbMDRb7YTn1ykzYuL_xJ5QZ7bcFfD2iCgNE8SEraYJl5gfO2ycyHoHbLed1LoNoSj9ACZfWEmTU84xbldtRq8ODyzM5GdUpLE7xc5oVv5pvrOAhwUzLKd6g/s3224/jungle_house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2256" data-original-width="3224" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXxeUdGcLAR1g38XGGmzn9608i90oTTPuCLnI1JPUxoiavmt9flG_KOrGh8LrENDrGqbMDRb7YTn1ykzYuL_xJ5QZ7bcFfD2iCgNE8SEraYJl5gfO2ycyHoHbLed1LoNoSj9ACZfWEmTU84xbldtRq8ODyzM5GdUpLE7xc5oVv5pvrOAhwUzLKd6g/w400-h280/jungle_house.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The house was from Sarissa Precision, with a little work done to it to hide the 'MDF look'</div><div>I also worked on other bits and pieces - paddy fields, banana plantations and the like - which for one reason or another I never got around to finishing.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kVfgCzKoEr8cjhGMLPzhycL3tlBj0cXqSW_KP-Wlyi60zpe6w_Qu4m6NHyZx2gWUamX03sOhogv7NcFpQzxR2s-aaZO5RHd156hgnLUHZadT0So8eTW-KD38c92-iZJifKEtAMW6O7mW4sjSiv3FpmIV58BsE6EHFKXrZIFZbgGxVSTPz4LZsDgc/s2892/river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2892" data-original-width="2541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kVfgCzKoEr8cjhGMLPzhycL3tlBj0cXqSW_KP-Wlyi60zpe6w_Qu4m6NHyZx2gWUamX03sOhogv7NcFpQzxR2s-aaZO5RHd156hgnLUHZadT0So8eTW-KD38c92-iZJifKEtAMW6O7mW4sjSiv3FpmIV58BsE6EHFKXrZIFZbgGxVSTPz4LZsDgc/w351-h400/river.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Not strictly limited to the Far East, but included here as that's the setup I photographed it on, are a flexible caulk river, roads and wooden bridge. I can't recommend <a href="https://tllw.blogspot.com/2018/07/diy-wargaming-roads-tutorial-with-bonus.html">the method</a> highly enough - there are a million tutorials out there, but I quite like the one linked.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mediterranean</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWT4ZwRr17uxprlnfiBtI7gP_5hLj3Uw6G0akLMspUVl6AoA5azbHKIPopS3EeA5RuMRQxm_nrDni5B2WPcR4u3VhZ5dTqipY8Kag8CYXKDdaPscbSDCa46Q1gAbkvve0IpsZpG_Yx4ZZvEmWzAcN-Mb5v4Ur5FVMB14xzUfzVSsVKzpchL3LxFPuG/s3562/villa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2680" data-original-width="3562" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWT4ZwRr17uxprlnfiBtI7gP_5hLj3Uw6G0akLMspUVl6AoA5azbHKIPopS3EeA5RuMRQxm_nrDni5B2WPcR4u3VhZ5dTqipY8Kag8CYXKDdaPscbSDCa46Q1gAbkvve0IpsZpG_Yx4ZZvEmWzAcN-Mb5v4Ur5FVMB14xzUfzVSsVKzpchL3LxFPuG/w400-h301/villa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I also expanded my collection of Mediterranean terrain this year with a few pieces. This is a TTCombat building from their Venice range, improved with the addition of some card roof tiles and filler to texture the walls.<div><br /></div><div>The base it sits on is scratchbuilt from foam, textured wallpaper, card and foamed PVC.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzplr1Y1Wd1OROSwLQ21Es4cqflPg0l5j21tkE4V9qFDkn1FCdV4ocEtm1-wSZh3S9WxkakxVcZeDZHVl19Ej-Sj0TCW7QBCICT3DW9W3f_Kdv3d4K0JOMKfrsL5pLQ-sQjQyDXiwV1ETR3_V6TNfMfpYjmnpG8DC7PFoNPp6gLAZFUuddEnEy41i/s3556/orchard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2136" data-original-width="3556" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzplr1Y1Wd1OROSwLQ21Es4cqflPg0l5j21tkE4V9qFDkn1FCdV4ocEtm1-wSZh3S9WxkakxVcZeDZHVl19Ej-Sj0TCW7QBCICT3DW9W3f_Kdv3d4K0JOMKfrsL5pLQ-sQjQyDXiwV1ETR3_V6TNfMfpYjmnpG8DC7PFoNPp6gLAZFUuddEnEy41i/w400-h240/orchard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>This little orchard is also scratchbuilt in the same manner as the villa, and is full of cheap plastic trees from eBay.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAf46CZoBm49X03EbYwHWi0BDd6lKka50eKU4dYeBEAolU-4WXBUoZAbcoFRjpYscNUnUIE9H_EJh45T7pNWxBC5qRg6urXmP7qQmrlovyayNfHRoE_Egnp99j1Ga0MVJdryCfY-KPjdlNoI0kGNZ17Nqqc69vno7PTvVcRnVPJ91ICFjlXXQcXi8/s3740/walls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2058" data-original-width="3740" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAf46CZoBm49X03EbYwHWi0BDd6lKka50eKU4dYeBEAolU-4WXBUoZAbcoFRjpYscNUnUIE9H_EJh45T7pNWxBC5qRg6urXmP7qQmrlovyayNfHRoE_Egnp99j1Ga0MVJdryCfY-KPjdlNoI0kGNZ17Nqqc69vno7PTvVcRnVPJ91ICFjlXXQcXi8/w400-h220/walls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><p>Finally, stone walls are ubiquitous across much of the Mediterranean. I scratchbuilt a couple of metres of them from a foamed pvc base covered in cat litter - and for once I remembered to take photos of the process, so there's a full tutorial to come.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Next Year</h3></div><div>What's coming next year? Well, it involves one of these:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQIGu21ikE0HBCjWbl8sskje7LWABDJT1IjN6aLHme4942RFYzV7ym1gKXYdx2zVqCHr66BG2e5wa5RkLSVDkoQyxI87Wp94OLo9pnPm7T4fxYuvZ4V2SYfL7KhwrM-UBQtzXqC0tLlNszE0V58xuNcj7n54P31IyI_9IaUTI8OzruiiXr4TuBdnz/s2259/LASOR.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="2259" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQIGu21ikE0HBCjWbl8sskje7LWABDJT1IjN6aLHme4942RFYzV7ym1gKXYdx2zVqCHr66BG2e5wa5RkLSVDkoQyxI87Wp94OLo9pnPm7T4fxYuvZ4V2SYfL7KhwrM-UBQtzXqC0tLlNszE0V58xuNcj7n54P31IyI_9IaUTI8OzruiiXr4TuBdnz/w400-h243/LASOR.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-57343328590303820002023-01-09T15:57:00.003+00:002023-01-09T15:57:24.989+00:00Everything I painted in 2022<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitTfr4USSweDPJOprxos0tubd2OKk23Qtp1AjyLgv7BcG8o4qStNyPnXJiWo6q5ZFEybbmupDr5vwTbpIRXF7LALI-Sl5SBCvY7zFfRqVwoplvYdpK5S2-vJz-GBMPJ89ucsJ4z72BUtrK7wDgaP3tjvsVkOCfP0mlBpbSbIKES8g9fqwLXy4zhIH/s3648/overall_total.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1674" data-original-width="3648" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitTfr4USSweDPJOprxos0tubd2OKk23Qtp1AjyLgv7BcG8o4qStNyPnXJiWo6q5ZFEybbmupDr5vwTbpIRXF7LALI-Sl5SBCvY7zFfRqVwoplvYdpK5S2-vJz-GBMPJ89ucsJ4z72BUtrK7wDgaP3tjvsVkOCfP0mlBpbSbIKES8g9fqwLXy4zhIH/w640-h294/overall_total.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I'm starting 2023 as I mean to go on - late.</p><p>Let's not beat around the bush, this is just another roundup post - but at least in this instance none of the figures here have been shown off yet, so it's all new never-before seen stuff.</p><p>2022 was an <i>excellent</i> year for painting - I managed a total of <b>255</b> 28mm figures (the bulk of the tally), plus a sizeable chunk of terrain and even a few 6mm figures. That's a personal record, and it's not even close.</p><p>I put this down to three main reasons:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>For the last few years I've tried to do a little modelling every day. Sometimes that has meant a single token coat of varnish or five minutes spent scraping mould lines, but more normally it turns into a full hour and those add up fast. </li><li>Since 2020, like most people, I've worked from home at least some of the time. That saves commute time (about 90 minutes a day in my case), and frees up a little time at lunch to do my daily modelling</li><li>2022 was the year I <i>finally</i> feel that I cracked batch painting. Before this year I rarely painted figures in batches larger than half a dozen, but this year my largest single batch was 40 figures!</li></ol><div>All this put together made this the first year I've ever painted more figures than I've bought, in nearing two decades of wargaming. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's pick through the pile project by project.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">British Indian Army Platoon, 1941-2</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dq3wTIxj38gXnFgKFe3969ZJC0YIRZeDGN-XRGXyB6TYJ0y96TQNRlZrME_1o9x3Yg4oI1QNKzcq_6IoYlbDdjUR5lCdLLJCExGpe3KCQTRHSYjFsqXlQMsF70HilyaF_omqz2Xhg4UDLLxWkW26NmNOod6w3Eoc9dMXDP61cKhywPhzkoZKFeGm/s3648/sikhs_overall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1704" data-original-width="3648" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dq3wTIxj38gXnFgKFe3969ZJC0YIRZeDGN-XRGXyB6TYJ0y96TQNRlZrME_1o9x3Yg4oI1QNKzcq_6IoYlbDdjUR5lCdLLJCExGpe3KCQTRHSYjFsqXlQMsF70HilyaF_omqz2Xhg4UDLLxWkW26NmNOod6w3Eoc9dMXDP61cKhywPhzkoZKFeGm/w640-h298/sikhs_overall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These lads represent a platoon of B (Sikh) Company, 5th Battalion, 14th Punjabi Rifles as they fought in the Malaya campaign in 1942 - a formation I picked largely because of an interest in learning a bit more about the British Indian Army, and <a href="https://www.cofepow.org.uk/armed-forces-stories-list/the-5th-battalion-punjab-regiment-in-malaya">an excellent diary</a> I found online. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLJzLKMTH5eTVjBg6xPO63lkEx1c9QqTuCjsuzfaAg-Bdd9HJQspW_xena-5lCjs69AJRQz3ct5SCeN7OXuyrkJlMf-_mRsv994P5T4yUjMk-I_G2ko4L_SBhNojojSLkHRR7MJkk2hpQfQsRsU_JiwIXiSVRdpUHQXIzPtxNZ3xLaJYl5DAWmcL0/s2576/sikh_section.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1914" data-original-width="2576" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLJzLKMTH5eTVjBg6xPO63lkEx1c9QqTuCjsuzfaAg-Bdd9HJQspW_xena-5lCjs69AJRQz3ct5SCeN7OXuyrkJlMf-_mRsv994P5T4yUjMk-I_G2ko4L_SBhNojojSLkHRR7MJkk2hpQfQsRsU_JiwIXiSVRdpUHQXIzPtxNZ3xLaJYl5DAWmcL0/w640-h475/sikh_section.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The battalion fought right the way through the Malaya campaign, surrendering along with the rest of the army on the 15th of February 1942. I'm afraid that like their historical counterparts, my lads spent the whole of our club's Malaya <i>Chain of Command</i> campaign on the back foot.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnMrBVVHeMBv2k1AqsEEVI36SQJ8uTE7ebMVikWy_rOosr_qoLB7-3xc1NQ2NFjvwbmN65yr1oHa8QNVZvCMaxWSTfIKLzVplyxFsQehyzwd-S_lsduZFMhAhkx3V16g1qpG2SneUgdU7jk4SxsFQa-7mTcBikbFrq-bTK4ydhGNJ5MTR-XqrA27g/s3648/sikh_suppot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2002" data-original-width="3648" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnMrBVVHeMBv2k1AqsEEVI36SQJ8uTE7ebMVikWy_rOosr_qoLB7-3xc1NQ2NFjvwbmN65yr1oHa8QNVZvCMaxWSTfIKLzVplyxFsQehyzwd-S_lsduZFMhAhkx3V16g1qpG2SneUgdU7jk4SxsFQa-7mTcBikbFrq-bTK4ydhGNJ5MTR-XqrA27g/w640-h352/sikh_suppot.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>They're mostly Perry plastics, with their <a href="https://www.perry-miniatures.com/product/ww-6-sikh-heads/">metal Sikh heads</a>, except for the supporting weapons, which are metal. The 2pdr AT gun, I was informed, was a Royal Artillery asset, hence the lack of turbans and beards.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpvzeNsSGIr3rad7eglRJl6Xhld_hpD8BWz1158WVgHVNLV8JVifaPTQ7F-zcCloxdXUnDUxSSV2VdRAo5GQOJpswGGYe_NvE-EPjX1K8sJaT3JTmapO9NKeLsaRUZkdon5WDqHinTAFQN42DoPkvppJ4U6XlDnfgO6Nz-GeTEr_TXYT0_inTzKkS/s2490/sikh_piat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1814" data-original-width="2490" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpvzeNsSGIr3rad7eglRJl6Xhld_hpD8BWz1158WVgHVNLV8JVifaPTQ7F-zcCloxdXUnDUxSSV2VdRAo5GQOJpswGGYe_NvE-EPjX1K8sJaT3JTmapO9NKeLsaRUZkdon5WDqHinTAFQN42DoPkvppJ4U6XlDnfgO6Nz-GeTEr_TXYT0_inTzKkS/w640-h466/sikh_piat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One other attraction of these models is that Sikh infantry fought in the same uniforms in North Africa and Sicily; and with a club Sicilian campaign in the offing I added this PIAT team using the converted Perry metal figures to replace the outdated Boys AT rifle. More on that campaign later in this and future posts.</div><div><br /></div><div>I actually started most of these models at the tail end of 2021, and by the end of January had finished the core platoon at an average pace of no more than 45 minutes per figure, thanks to a zenithal highlight and monotone uniform.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Ancient Syracusans</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFoRIIJiYMHOHceAnuvrm89hyT-cT_eDTs-zog88anCpZegZ_7w5puIdT3E35xhFgav3kkEkx4h98o1TK7REgnrLz3hiTWbZDwNqCGMutYAknCDqtBa1HWfO9e5IHhcrjurC2fnfr3hKt2sMYdni3VPuoXbnwGS8HrhFNkKTtdP0UDtKDm3WpqvBM/s2906/greeks_overall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="2906" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFoRIIJiYMHOHceAnuvrm89hyT-cT_eDTs-zog88anCpZegZ_7w5puIdT3E35xhFgav3kkEkx4h98o1TK7REgnrLz3hiTWbZDwNqCGMutYAknCDqtBa1HWfO9e5IHhcrjurC2fnfr3hKt2sMYdni3VPuoXbnwGS8HrhFNkKTtdP0UDtKDm3WpqvBM/w640-h288/greeks_overall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We've been playing a lot of <a href="https://bigredbatshop.co.uk/collections/all/products/copy-of-to-the-strongest-the-rules"><i>To The Strongest!</i></a> at the club, and while I had already painted up the bulk of a Syracusan Greek army in early 2021, it was short of light infantry, and a handful of hoplites short of four full units:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGTDIKXzZKHixe2CR3Tld4IQIe5TdjUQNbQSi-jaO1Pg8FWMFDscgfdKJZREn11oBHorOqLYiVDqcWKWapaN5rLFC-KTxN5oEDqybI91eB72-jhBpLth92GoTXohA3b1mpIhQGa3qP65UjJFQjW7hAcDnZLYTkHH960YgHHYvNa07Xzg1zWuaDEM7/s3944/greeks_old.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="3944" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGTDIKXzZKHixe2CR3Tld4IQIe5TdjUQNbQSi-jaO1Pg8FWMFDscgfdKJZREn11oBHorOqLYiVDqcWKWapaN5rLFC-KTxN5oEDqybI91eB72-jhBpLth92GoTXohA3b1mpIhQGa3qP65UjJFQjW7hAcDnZLYTkHH960YgHHYvNa07Xzg1zWuaDEM7/w640-h206/greeks_old.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The army as it stood in February 2021</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>A bag of 60 plastics from Victrix gave me enough bodies for two units of slingers, two of peltasts, and two of Thureophoroi - very handy medium infantry who can skirmish and hold their own in a fight.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQrRDyPLxybI7NvhgNVF0DKEf1Tw7YNxGpJX6dvyPwJifqVBarYycOQbxMexmCP61dNbsffqQT5_kT-lEb3zTunUQ_bypD3t60zDNuW5wFU7g96LSx3YSFtYxxE0FyQ6KbNCU_jyYtGMsFIfyenAIyMBEoW0_l7X5G0n3lodhgMZv6ohDOFqLaKOu/s2302/thureophoroi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1450" data-original-width="2302" height="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQrRDyPLxybI7NvhgNVF0DKEf1Tw7YNxGpJX6dvyPwJifqVBarYycOQbxMexmCP61dNbsffqQT5_kT-lEb3zTunUQ_bypD3t60zDNuW5wFU7g96LSx3YSFtYxxE0FyQ6KbNCU_jyYtGMsFIfyenAIyMBEoW0_l7X5G0n3lodhgMZv6ohDOFqLaKOu/w640-h405/thureophoroi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These last I made by combining the plastic Victrix bodies with metal <i>Thureos</i> shields from 1st Corps - which meant I had to freehand the shield designs on several of them as my usual transfers didn't fit.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLiTJToqsM3loQ0fGqE0ybPC2P1r1BYfxZsO6KzHi3IvjWLJ4tmqbUyRivxJMHCS7tC4dOz8vy0kAitgkUpckSrPPIQwUt7QGbACDOge_lZTgkORWqsZh2uJVOM56dFXvf6nu7Y2bKYo8dTxOtSZSKaaIfibXHBwwVVOLwm6DZQ5oqCZ5vbWTmrW9/s3648/generals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLiTJToqsM3loQ0fGqE0ybPC2P1r1BYfxZsO6KzHi3IvjWLJ4tmqbUyRivxJMHCS7tC4dOz8vy0kAitgkUpckSrPPIQwUt7QGbACDOge_lZTgkORWqsZh2uJVOM56dFXvf6nu7Y2bKYo8dTxOtSZSKaaIfibXHBwwVVOLwm6DZQ5oqCZ5vbWTmrW9/w640-h480/generals.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A few games of TTS! also taught me that I was short of general figures, so I bought a frame of Victrix Greek heavy cavalry and painted them in a suitably wealthy set of colour schemes.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Late Roman Infantry</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRnyNbjxlU3rgLRrIpj5S-qBCg-FJgu3BStx1wfnWLY24DawHm9ZzQq4S2cc6KULgqTQm_OTlCFvV7_b-lsRBzaiOBhJMw9HgH-LsE0Te1mnq6jTr8Xr46q_8UruJCaam96Nfl2rELYqiu3_XNnQHT6GtSkSagjJ1s2QrT9gTvy1pfsFCsVSL9prc/s3264/romans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="3264" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRnyNbjxlU3rgLRrIpj5S-qBCg-FJgu3BStx1wfnWLY24DawHm9ZzQq4S2cc6KULgqTQm_OTlCFvV7_b-lsRBzaiOBhJMw9HgH-LsE0Te1mnq6jTr8Xr46q_8UruJCaam96Nfl2rELYqiu3_XNnQHT6GtSkSagjJ1s2QrT9gTvy1pfsFCsVSL9prc/w640-h394/romans.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>All that enthusiasm for TTS! also saw several people start building armies for late Antiquity. Helpfully I already have a whole (unpainted) army of Romans that's been patiently waiting its' turn for nearly a decade; this unit of unarmoured heavy infantry is all that I painted before getting distracted, but it all adds up!</div><div><br /></div><div>These are metal Gripping beast figures, and no, they're not in the group shot. Oops!</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Italian Wars Swiss</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9WHk2EdymcFn2VEWfXlujabTVsOmGpAf3enOwU1g7eadUqQmMClxuFTrkG5_Fyxk3qRk0cakB9_-ktyPLkJ_rjf0_kqBOQf7hyxM2Pvw12Lpfl-qmhg9rP63nirjaCMySUWq7gQHrE-jjMB5talckWG0Vq2gTaEUvPW90Qkgn2WifsdT7EVF6cZb/s3380/swiss_overall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1744" data-original-width="3380" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9WHk2EdymcFn2VEWfXlujabTVsOmGpAf3enOwU1g7eadUqQmMClxuFTrkG5_Fyxk3qRk0cakB9_-ktyPLkJ_rjf0_kqBOQf7hyxM2Pvw12Lpfl-qmhg9rP63nirjaCMySUWq7gQHrE-jjMB5talckWG0Vq2gTaEUvPW90Qkgn2WifsdT7EVF6cZb/w640-h330/swiss_overall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Continuing the TTS!-using-figures-I-already-owned theme, a friend of mine decided to refight Pavia on the battle's anniversary. These Swiss were my contribution to that; a bit outdated really for 1525 but not glaringly anachronistic.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdA_9n0z4vYaM0uxBjti95OVJ0UEI-p-mYNHBp4xE-pvwrTOI6CD1UFUxdE6w1X4vg3UBtidL4ni2KwGiw3KfVD_eZs-CUrcF3MnwjcX_3RF87P4PbaTATgLCMtQy0POVAqqOCI_y_Vc1V9KOK6Hob0h0iYZDwp4LJzQV1HYfl42VboYVmE6v3KUe/s3164/swiss_closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2058" data-original-width="3164" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdA_9n0z4vYaM0uxBjti95OVJ0UEI-p-mYNHBp4xE-pvwrTOI6CD1UFUxdE6w1X4vg3UBtidL4ni2KwGiw3KfVD_eZs-CUrcF3MnwjcX_3RF87P4PbaTATgLCMtQy0POVAqqOCI_y_Vc1V9KOK6Hob0h0iYZDwp4LJzQV1HYfl42VboYVmE6v3KUe/w640-h416/swiss_closeup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These are the lovely Perry metal Swiss from their European Armies range, leading a bunch of plastic Mercenaries with their metal Swiss heads (you may sense a theme here).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCjKEz2SGZRK6NLlyiTJTgVVGb1-DxECO4EpM4VPo4GFzYgF7dZscyFdN7lwqyxPDTRaW2zpka2HJwAZ-bw_i9D9BFIc-MqPBjmaytMcN5Bd7xHO-tMhS_Y-MHj6kV6vXQ6XZtSELRLLBdu8Gttj0YU0e6gxS48r0gfVSKROR5jRl4udjzZUHt1nt/s2572/bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1902" data-original-width="2572" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCjKEz2SGZRK6NLlyiTJTgVVGb1-DxECO4EpM4VPo4GFzYgF7dZscyFdN7lwqyxPDTRaW2zpka2HJwAZ-bw_i9D9BFIc-MqPBjmaytMcN5Bd7xHO-tMhS_Y-MHj6kV6vXQ6XZtSELRLLBdu8Gttj0YU0e6gxS48r0gfVSKROR5jRl4udjzZUHt1nt/w640-h474/bear.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The highlight of the range is - naturally - this trained bear, which makes a brilliant Hero in TTS!</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Napoleonic Wars Royal Navy</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMFL6u9ECIlxArEp2KFigXv-v-ekDW_Q9NPpcRsM-oCsQRv_gg94_xee0UhOMgNsqqrAMIYHwQ8Hqy7F9TEClzATiv-L2qq6T2ER-CH2p2dJXZaYfDIGNb9ACoGK1Z6Y66GO1SqKyJn_toO5ophVaFkz9fUrJz3VNPtkY8kTLhqA_5Xn9MEhJZza6/s3648/navy_overall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1886" data-original-width="3648" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMFL6u9ECIlxArEp2KFigXv-v-ekDW_Q9NPpcRsM-oCsQRv_gg94_xee0UhOMgNsqqrAMIYHwQ8Hqy7F9TEClzATiv-L2qq6T2ER-CH2p2dJXZaYfDIGNb9ACoGK1Z6Y66GO1SqKyJn_toO5ophVaFkz9fUrJz3VNPtkY8kTLhqA_5Xn9MEhJZza6/w640-h330/navy_overall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Moving on a few hundred years, I painted a Royal Navy landing party for a <i>Sharp Practice</i> game I'll be running in March - don't worry, that too will get a post of its own at the appropriate time.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoB077EcEqYfAjV66C2VtkAcWP4C0mNouYngF2LjDa1_Ypcpvq7cqq4xNWmXvQuZGgdR5zJvUmoeaI2AIG2csc9xdsY-NTEkqndiUIwnb_iaGJ08BRu-MTlMlcmXnJS5vvA2I14BtXJXlQJ1k3yIZMAhUsBnCRVYbTMTj3zAsiITBVnFDjKe-EQpUk/s3264/lieutenant.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="2034" data-original-width="3264" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoB077EcEqYfAjV66C2VtkAcWP4C0mNouYngF2LjDa1_Ypcpvq7cqq4xNWmXvQuZGgdR5zJvUmoeaI2AIG2csc9xdsY-NTEkqndiUIwnb_iaGJ08BRu-MTlMlcmXnJS5vvA2I14BtXJXlQJ1k3yIZMAhUsBnCRVYbTMTj3zAsiITBVnFDjKe-EQpUk/w640-h398/lieutenant.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These are largely Perry metals, with the gun crew coming from Brigade.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOhfZiEYTVTnI9ZJ6XSt7HE80Ew9bfawPh6-oKoivPrcizUjq6PEe_NKnRxhK9909k5CN3P2bAC8q0GYaN0aJyR9BP4YRVL5nR12O0P9cF6dnWkGCWWjFaSvPgwZLwzYcFBdG2p_fJKBBYc7DtnrUNVblkCnVlwZ5vB3I1WG3oxg-wZD0NuPeIHfq/s2914/navy_extras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="2914" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOhfZiEYTVTnI9ZJ6XSt7HE80Ew9bfawPh6-oKoivPrcizUjq6PEe_NKnRxhK9909k5CN3P2bAC8q0GYaN0aJyR9BP4YRVL5nR12O0P9cF6dnWkGCWWjFaSvPgwZLwzYcFBdG2p_fJKBBYc7DtnrUNVblkCnVlwZ5vB3I1WG3oxg-wZD0NuPeIHfq/w640-h440/navy_extras.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The same project also saw me paint this French gentlemen, and a lady in some very bright clothing.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Confederation of the Rhine</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_wgNzIMVZv-BhsgWn1Tv1yO4wolIHlBXlMhkTLhLokmYotJ4zvZbmitNTrwgRtsGkvvjtjO6wqTlMaMGlbVBoLBCqu6cN7Jn2J3wL0jsFA24MlYm7WaBiCAMlXvhIQg9vMMEDG2I6Fj4mRBeaQEgqlRJj4VTdWU2qMz1XWes1ZOLXzIKp8XJggDS/s3638/cotr_overall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1558" data-original-width="3638" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_wgNzIMVZv-BhsgWn1Tv1yO4wolIHlBXlMhkTLhLokmYotJ4zvZbmitNTrwgRtsGkvvjtjO6wqTlMaMGlbVBoLBCqu6cN7Jn2J3wL0jsFA24MlYm7WaBiCAMlXvhIQg9vMMEDG2I6Fj4mRBeaQEgqlRJj4VTdWU2qMz1XWes1ZOLXzIKp8XJggDS/w640-h274/cotr_overall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of my (many) long running projects is to complete a reasonable proportion of the Confederation of the Rhine's regiments in 'traditional' 24-figure battalions. This year I finished the first of these battalions - the 1st Battalion, Wurzburg Fusiliers, and painted the first third of the next one - the 3rd Battalion, Saxe-Weimar-Hildeberghausen Chasseurs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZiYWmJPkxva8zAt_4WyC3OjvU-uYNQwO9G8oiXEGvRyCRMB-DHsBZuiMFvZkSGrnGO7eePqAnhylIPALxKoAnhXsMSAlP-TfndVi_ASYK8EGVbYBWNG9QYOH4MkO0ZkF7QtWCuISESXA-Ky3yRrzN9xjsLyob1mSBDuj2Mg-G6ir7GS5-uLhZN9s/s2358/wurzburgers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1704" data-original-width="2358" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZiYWmJPkxva8zAt_4WyC3OjvU-uYNQwO9G8oiXEGvRyCRMB-DHsBZuiMFvZkSGrnGO7eePqAnhylIPALxKoAnhXsMSAlP-TfndVi_ASYK8EGVbYBWNG9QYOH4MkO0ZkF7QtWCuISESXA-Ky3yRrzN9xjsLyob1mSBDuj2Mg-G6ir7GS5-uLhZN9s/w640-h462/wurzburgers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'd already painted the first 8 Wurzburgers over a period of about two years; the remaining sixteen took more like two weeks! Both units are Perry metals.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm67o2oYhgx7PvdOn1n2nj1NmCcUlOy7FqrBOKKZpS3v2pFqZkC2IFhapV6vgL_TWdr3R_jTHc8nMYi25EGzuy1Sb17z-VYfZgUZWgF7zWF9T61AwWyZMdPhqS1QkbsJLVxAXdW35aAr_DwhUnFGTSJN-18FK4-k2X-PZyWrw7Mm138TQ_oeZAk95R/s2968/chasseurs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1570" data-original-width="2968" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm67o2oYhgx7PvdOn1n2nj1NmCcUlOy7FqrBOKKZpS3v2pFqZkC2IFhapV6vgL_TWdr3R_jTHc8nMYi25EGzuy1Sb17z-VYfZgUZWgF7zWF9T61AwWyZMdPhqS1QkbsJLVxAXdW35aAr_DwhUnFGTSJN-18FK4-k2X-PZyWrw7Mm138TQ_oeZAk95R/w640-h338/chasseurs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'll finish the rest of the Chasseurs this year, but first these eight figures will be pretending to be something else for the same <i>Sharp Practice</i> scenario that my Royal Navy lads are for.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">World War 2 Italians</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3K06KEWIGjvPKBCkKtTdDZCvV5T6GM9YIQuDi2SLNQcCFqank04Zbo9cdVo6YnPN-4ZkPUy9JM0YiIiqpo0fqwHzePMyxUUvEApLH80Vqiv9PW9yBk6wzB3B6Z_rCnCjZ3Zea8yGhM80_Ho8o8iKx3q4Dk5E9M-iW3QGG9BmtvL5bYBeHSGzSM0X/s3188/italians_overall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1928" data-original-width="3188" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3K06KEWIGjvPKBCkKtTdDZCvV5T6GM9YIQuDi2SLNQcCFqank04Zbo9cdVo6YnPN-4ZkPUy9JM0YiIiqpo0fqwHzePMyxUUvEApLH80Vqiv9PW9yBk6wzB3B6Z_rCnCjZ3Zea8yGhM80_Ho8o8iKx3q4Dk5E9M-iW3QGG9BmtvL5bYBeHSGzSM0X/w640-h389/italians_overall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I have a platoon of Italians in tropical kit for the North African and Sicily campaigns which I painted in 2020; this year I added some more support options for them in the form of a squad of engineers.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOtPg-H9s79nsSOOKfo_Z7gV2izBIZD5XnOcUNIbVBtDr81ttxs6wXracIgbDx9TdFl4Jnv7DBTSPFfyV7wGatde_e8PpqarqpV_mMKXsrG6R6PGU2eE-1zwc-YhJ3b1WT-wY-IP9R1kD3Yk994uh8Bp9eVFxkk4RbT5Cxl0OdZUg8iUZ2rKwdGqR/s3444/engineer_teams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1852" data-original-width="3444" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOtPg-H9s79nsSOOKfo_Z7gV2izBIZD5XnOcUNIbVBtDr81ttxs6wXracIgbDx9TdFl4Jnv7DBTSPFfyV7wGatde_e8PpqarqpV_mMKXsrG6R6PGU2eE-1zwc-YhJ3b1WT-wY-IP9R1kD3Yk994uh8Bp9eVFxkk4RbT5Cxl0OdZUg8iUZ2rKwdGqR/w640-h344/engineer_teams.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The majority of the figures are the new Warlord metals; providing the (in <i>Chain of Command</i> terms) flamethrower and demolition teams.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB8zinXEX7qkzCvVh8insLePSVMqznUHMWh_xxoNXUzUZI_1_yUy23OIqPGzPhLH7_Z7SEk97xbIZCjjc2MrnZFVkODFsCwAudWfjF-xa7YDP7ypeZelEDRCy09Mc48Aot72JKsphmpyWXIbSWCXWz2v6t0xpiohx7xAMBoJPc3m3cHEYn_THnVzw/s3137/engineer_squad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2034" data-original-width="3137" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB8zinXEX7qkzCvVh8insLePSVMqznUHMWh_xxoNXUzUZI_1_yUy23OIqPGzPhLH7_Z7SEk97xbIZCjjc2MrnZFVkODFsCwAudWfjF-xa7YDP7ypeZelEDRCy09Mc48Aot72JKsphmpyWXIbSWCXWz2v6t0xpiohx7xAMBoJPc3m3cHEYn_THnVzw/w640-h414/engineer_squad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>To these I've added half a dozen Perry figures, to allow me to field a ten-man section without special weapons if required. They were a Secret Santa present in 2020, so it was nice to finish them up.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">17th Century Swashbuckling</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8keLRjgS1h8K2lC6YyHTwAuBMSIsxGQGqGsceOEyXwK15Y-qoMNG3jxDy4NNZuSFGUq4C6-BZQBKXom4wHgBq51c2H2WKTYsyp-gqGptRg26wXyuy1LzZeVhp8G7fk3GS-IPNizofdmjBnDQyEXnuHNR5IGYWqQYP08LeNOvEdbNiIdEy1p_9KPys/s3648/c17_overall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8keLRjgS1h8K2lC6YyHTwAuBMSIsxGQGqGsceOEyXwK15Y-qoMNG3jxDy4NNZuSFGUq4C6-BZQBKXom4wHgBq51c2H2WKTYsyp-gqGptRg26wXyuy1LzZeVhp8G7fk3GS-IPNizofdmjBnDQyEXnuHNR5IGYWqQYP08LeNOvEdbNiIdEy1p_9KPys/w640-h480/c17_overall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I got excited in the back half of 2021 about <a href="https://sidneyroundwood.blogspot.com/2021/07/with-flashing-blades-crossing-swords-in.html">Sidney Roundwood's</a> forthcoming rules <i>With Flashing Blades</i>; fueled also by a fortuitous purchase of most of the Redoubt range of Three Musketeers.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJhtxzv8z-6fhkBBXRtYGcJYF09hf8sruuP6TLVrlbyKyejBeisGfQ9dSD-TyQe_pLNiTvsECecdY3jenVoYWiCW7hjiF4PWIvW4XzDrhEVYZ8Ti49D6qF06xzNMQ68aUVedUQJY3ev1KxyVS7gqPGNNvmqwSrIwd7EUgN6CNFOWbkLOmX4N-8Bkw/s3648/musketeers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2260" data-original-width="3648" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJhtxzv8z-6fhkBBXRtYGcJYF09hf8sruuP6TLVrlbyKyejBeisGfQ9dSD-TyQe_pLNiTvsECecdY3jenVoYWiCW7hjiF4PWIvW4XzDrhEVYZ8Ti49D6qF06xzNMQ68aUVedUQJY3ev1KxyVS7gqPGNNvmqwSrIwd7EUgN6CNFOWbkLOmX4N-8Bkw/w640-h397/musketeers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I painted the eponymous Musketeers early in the year, and then got distracted when it became clear the rules wouldn't be ready for some time (they're still in development).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uSz-xM8DGFFUv_paPOUlgROU3M7JrnKDHjUoY1txdrehVmT9WXA5jLs4JdJ2hKln626ptGfnjOdcDj74BKopKc-pKVmNl-4DM0Dwm8EcAyCUY_ChgJfw2dYnY5HLjv7coOhvIIQdHhk4uGOS4zC9jOv-HCpfs1W4oNxxvkLaXDUaNEEnvosrlUYI/s3648/c17_civilians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uSz-xM8DGFFUv_paPOUlgROU3M7JrnKDHjUoY1txdrehVmT9WXA5jLs4JdJ2hKln626ptGfnjOdcDj74BKopKc-pKVmNl-4DM0Dwm8EcAyCUY_ChgJfw2dYnY5HLjv7coOhvIIQdHhk4uGOS4zC9jOv-HCpfs1W4oNxxvkLaXDUaNEEnvosrlUYI/w640-h480/c17_civilians.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The civilians are a real mixture - Redoubt, Warbases and Foundry are all represented, and I've got more manufacturers in the 'to paint' pile too.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrDuN1pXZBXQA7hodYnxQa_5sHWAKMyhh_cHfML5PJQRafI5pzuUq2XHvX2f21628dk1omGnCPyDpI6--q_Sn6SbGJnL2YOkY9cYx4j8uFyl0E1uqhMEljw_xqIE-Un41N7_6e6xV3zDqBljsubrjbqssqbjEv-5p1yaDkvecJf_kqPrTs7ubHB5v/s3648/c17_soldiers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrDuN1pXZBXQA7hodYnxQa_5sHWAKMyhh_cHfML5PJQRafI5pzuUq2XHvX2f21628dk1omGnCPyDpI6--q_Sn6SbGJnL2YOkY9cYx4j8uFyl0E1uqhMEljw_xqIE-Un41N7_6e6xV3zDqBljsubrjbqssqbjEv-5p1yaDkvecJf_kqPrTs7ubHB5v/w640-h480/c17_soldiers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These soldiers are all Warlord plastics.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Pulp</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKp0FLSYbztb-C4JGHCNdKJ1feWSNx8dyFZSqpEiQ_BQWHfEUtWJwRydP-f3m4KowY-ptw4AYoYaEm-uoUcNkCC45XOX_Mj4e1ZHo8JHYFeJO8XZOiCz_1ILFJeWrFQ-UNdvt5Vs4pSV-6Kb8fmna_R_BoraBjKEr5hHMnRT7gvB3GlY2OB6_t1TJ/s3226/pulp_overall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1752" data-original-width="3226" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKp0FLSYbztb-C4JGHCNdKJ1feWSNx8dyFZSqpEiQ_BQWHfEUtWJwRydP-f3m4KowY-ptw4AYoYaEm-uoUcNkCC45XOX_Mj4e1ZHo8JHYFeJO8XZOiCz_1ILFJeWrFQ-UNdvt5Vs4pSV-6Kb8fmna_R_BoraBjKEr5hHMnRT7gvB3GlY2OB6_t1TJ/w640-h347/pulp_overall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I have a growing collection of Pulp figures, centered around a made-up Adriatic island somewhere between the wars.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUBmOVLhcbi4w3aZZZMQDTWNqOA3vRrb12vmMyPZvo4JnQcXUhOp_XTBGLPfMBRjqfahCXs2EqwAUZEYD8J9y3k3nZ40ZtZV9qdiw7jOahUiCgXgnqZEo_RZD77AgZu0e5Pg3Z1oigPXyxJ6MZCryvudGbk2Vjthf41m7kWXQjB76Zu5bUYMWA_zK/s3560/carabinieri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1866" data-original-width="3560" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUBmOVLhcbi4w3aZZZMQDTWNqOA3vRrb12vmMyPZvo4JnQcXUhOp_XTBGLPfMBRjqfahCXs2EqwAUZEYD8J9y3k3nZ40ZtZV9qdiw7jOahUiCgXgnqZEo_RZD77AgZu0e5Pg3Z1oigPXyxJ6MZCryvudGbk2Vjthf41m7kWXQjB76Zu5bUYMWA_zK/w640-h336/carabinieri.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These are the island's Carabinieri - they're mostly Warlord early war German infantry, with bereted heads from their British paratroopers.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPxE7j0gTtBN2xRpWo-F6MCbV1ir53yhmruaP6dORxOp579JVVbEwaZGL3LbCQ_gjzYSnGrrW3yVGxOQHXi4n42_bBy-kCT-W9-7yxldXzczG6t6NJQ0ZFtljEZuRCUHn1beqmSzk2UkODXP3uCYmQFetu0vCgj2K0mvFni_GjpxBMHEXlcIFGtHr/s3004/pulp_other.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1840" data-original-width="3004" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPxE7j0gTtBN2xRpWo-F6MCbV1ir53yhmruaP6dORxOp579JVVbEwaZGL3LbCQ_gjzYSnGrrW3yVGxOQHXi4n42_bBy-kCT-W9-7yxldXzczG6t6NJQ0ZFtljEZuRCUHn1beqmSzk2UkODXP3uCYmQFetu0vCgj2K0mvFni_GjpxBMHEXlcIFGtHr/w640-h392/pulp_other.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The rest are another rag tag group; the centre figure in the tan flying suit was even sculpted by myself, over a Hasslefree miniatures dolly.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Odds and Sods</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz7up1gSznc0eQfX6dVeg6R72F5X_wegt2xkMxRchFc_TJqa8akXnLXIv3f6gEuaZ1ykKqr5NOyNtT5EMso0ZIbdeDSWA2xR1pvHtoWTlPC6tVFRGPjdIfnbc_1uIGW8C3ENhrmuYskdQT91fhUbLppAXZnzfHJNPLC7lo3RNK1loFIVccTCUHUKy/s3648/odds_and_sods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2060" data-original-width="3648" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz7up1gSznc0eQfX6dVeg6R72F5X_wegt2xkMxRchFc_TJqa8akXnLXIv3f6gEuaZ1ykKqr5NOyNtT5EMso0ZIbdeDSWA2xR1pvHtoWTlPC6tVFRGPjdIfnbc_1uIGW8C3ENhrmuYskdQT91fhUbLppAXZnzfHJNPLC7lo3RNK1loFIVccTCUHUKy/w640-h362/odds_and_sods.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I also worked on smaller groups of figures in between the large batches, as a bit of a palette cleanser. There's very little overarching theme here - just what I found interesting.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwyJpPpEzxNY6dhIEsI7bIKodW6N1upf5cAfmyDamlmEym98JwW4g-1yQMrPB56YxgUvMdvin8cLndiKwlezHsSkm1msDcRMSnlVPmOLEJLC2DzwustutwCtQVynZaY2TlSADQE1L6RPSZNWIl8mdYLWqogLBbySCW37WDUM0RKBYw7-twRdTQKUI/s3648/6mm_napoleonics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1302" data-original-width="3648" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwyJpPpEzxNY6dhIEsI7bIKodW6N1upf5cAfmyDamlmEym98JwW4g-1yQMrPB56YxgUvMdvin8cLndiKwlezHsSkm1msDcRMSnlVPmOLEJLC2DzwustutwCtQVynZaY2TlSADQE1L6RPSZNWIl8mdYLWqogLBbySCW37WDUM0RKBYw7-twRdTQKUI/w640-h229/6mm_napoleonics.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These are the only non-28mm figures I painted this year, for a club 1813 project that was pretty well dead on arrival. I bought a couple of Corps' worth of Austrians at a 24-figure battalion scale, and will likely continue to work on them every now and then - it's very satisfying to paint an entire battalion in an evening on occasion. </div><div><br /></div><div>The cavalry are actually the - British - 10th Hussars.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKX9aGHqRrdhdZACqGfKI_45KDO3jPn48LBfvfgxF0nbZVr_8T_QFGMiBqtef2MyuqOj80znRc96-kjy7YobJdimHu6mtazKiBUJB1-oJyyGCRUQ4RTyXMYLMAtr62FauGXiAIY1eRQx43JCf0UtWSxZFO22NSnB5j5_NCNmGAdGp4p3y8O1cbde41/s2870/shermans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1602" data-original-width="2870" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKX9aGHqRrdhdZACqGfKI_45KDO3jPn48LBfvfgxF0nbZVr_8T_QFGMiBqtef2MyuqOj80znRc96-kjy7YobJdimHu6mtazKiBUJB1-oJyyGCRUQ4RTyXMYLMAtr62FauGXiAIY1eRQx43JCf0UtWSxZFO22NSnB5j5_NCNmGAdGp4p3y8O1cbde41/w640-h358/shermans.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Shermans were a tester to see if I like painting ~1/300 armour (yes!). These, and the Napoleonics, are Baccus figures. The markings are for the Irish Guards, because every wargamer wants to do Market Garden at some point and 6mm is clearly the scale to do it in.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X9N3etb_Vjro5R7xe2WEmkVjhSKcnOWRA_HI1sx74JvhoIAlmJTfZS6sb52E_fkJqNc9_MOK-WeJZ0s0ZJwS8HqWPvLUwdn0M9IAojhC0NOdH5N_WpxNAqWZcbc7XBuhqmOaxQU1-5sjr8f0-OuXusMiQVaK_ZSODWecMUH2Lhj-9SY90N27LwZH/s3160/rangers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2012" data-original-width="3160" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X9N3etb_Vjro5R7xe2WEmkVjhSKcnOWRA_HI1sx74JvhoIAlmJTfZS6sb52E_fkJqNc9_MOK-WeJZ0s0ZJwS8HqWPvLUwdn0M9IAojhC0NOdH5N_WpxNAqWZcbc7XBuhqmOaxQU1-5sjr8f0-OuXusMiQVaK_ZSODWecMUH2Lhj-9SY90N27LwZH/w640-h408/rangers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>GW's Lord of the Rings game was my first 'proper' wargame, and every so often I dip into the pile of figures and paint a few. This year I even played a game with them!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHIvgeUxwcc7PhBAztGktzedkPymGBKABXxhh1wpk_Qo98bReLmxsuYeB7gpCAXF-tc5WcWplsEbNcL2C-8LDv9ECpUvj7LW7frx_vJa6n55EU9YwgWAXs7gYd7I3oqyfvA8Nvu2QgACVnbSojQJrW-ImsRqqecKtOSgszsX9-gPWelk5pxDVHU3l/s2520/ecw_horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1966" data-original-width="2520" height="501" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHIvgeUxwcc7PhBAztGktzedkPymGBKABXxhh1wpk_Qo98bReLmxsuYeB7gpCAXF-tc5WcWplsEbNcL2C-8LDv9ECpUvj7LW7frx_vJa6n55EU9YwgWAXs7gYd7I3oqyfvA8Nvu2QgACVnbSojQJrW-ImsRqqecKtOSgszsX9-gPWelk5pxDVHU3l/w640-h501/ecw_horse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of next year's projects is to make a start on an army for playing <i>For King & Parliament</i> - these men are the first few models of a regiment of Parliamentarian horse.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Terrain</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllOu9VRyNFClSDSlgP1gZmg4jJBzT3Uxa4k1C0LZdQOfdXftqQNFx8i8qlFd1RZn2rkXBaXwdc28XgKMPhqsTT3LAK57hga5FG3-vPd9pfqB1d9j0yw1NjyDX_npEvosdEitBltcF-plsMaBEfucYo-Gc_GsuuyAellgSobzum6t5lIEdDd1Sx3Gi/s3648/terrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllOu9VRyNFClSDSlgP1gZmg4jJBzT3Uxa4k1C0LZdQOfdXftqQNFx8i8qlFd1RZn2rkXBaXwdc28XgKMPhqsTT3LAK57hga5FG3-vPd9pfqB1d9j0yw1NjyDX_npEvosdEitBltcF-plsMaBEfucYo-Gc_GsuuyAellgSobzum6t5lIEdDd1Sx3Gi/w640-h480/terrain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, I made a good deal of terrain this year to go with the various projects. Most of that lives at the wargaming club though, and as this post is already late and huge I'll save it for another post.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2023</h3><div>What does 2023 hold? I've got my hands full with two large projects due for events in March and April - both of which I'll cover in detail on here later - and then the rest of the year is more open. Whatever happens I don't expect to match this year's tally of painted figures, but I will get lots of use out of 2022's new toy - a laser cutter! - and I'll record as much as possible here on the blog.</div><div><br /></div><p></p>Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-6892157833545558882022-11-24T22:05:00.002+00:002022-11-24T22:05:35.158+00:00The Waterloo Kriegsspiel: Conclusions<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CA1Bn4Gt4-7Nj2dITmIFUhsb7q6lzHQ2Dlp12DPWnXTEc5yC-2_DHcB7lplFy3vI-EDu0O8U3p_GcESw_Kq1ZRhx8LUL-sGucDVeWuyCCjY1n4EfL8vwdRqvuxT3gCgVJ9b7kRUmcQzOpJ_7kviITkPhyfG_lM5vNDhleL9oT4BGl5MGv2MleX0w/s1502/Napoleon_on_Board_the_Bellerophon_-_Sir_William_Quiller_Orchardson.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1502" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CA1Bn4Gt4-7Nj2dITmIFUhsb7q6lzHQ2Dlp12DPWnXTEc5yC-2_DHcB7lplFy3vI-EDu0O8U3p_GcESw_Kq1ZRhx8LUL-sGucDVeWuyCCjY1n4EfL8vwdRqvuxT3gCgVJ9b7kRUmcQzOpJ_7kviITkPhyfG_lM5vNDhleL9oT4BGl5MGv2MleX0w/w400-h266/Napoleon_on_Board_the_Bellerophon_-_Sir_William_Quiller_Orchardson.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Napoleon on Board the Bellerophon, by Sir William Quiller Orchardson</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">I opened this series of posts with the following summary:<br /><br /><i>I recently concluded one of the more unusual, least sensible and most time consuming things I've done in this hobby: I and ten friends refought the Waterloo campaign via a play-by-email kriegsspiel game. It took over a year, and if you take one thing away from this series of posts, it's not to do what I did.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">This remains true, but in this post we'll look more deeply into what went well, what didn't, and how (if at all) you might run something similar.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is post seven in a series of seven; the others are:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-campaign.html">Campaign Overview</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-zero-14th.html">Turn Zero (14th of June)</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-one-15th.html">Turn One (15th of June)</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-two-16th.html">Turn Two (16th of June)</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-three.html">Turn Three (17th of June)</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kreigsspiel-negotiations.html">Negotiations (18th of June)</a></li></ol></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Aims and Objectives</h3><div>I said in the campaign introduction that I really wanted to focus on the free-form nature of the campaign, and the opportunities for the fog of war to influence proceedings. In addition, and less explicitly, I was also looking to run a game in a reasonable amount of time and for both I and my players to have fun.</div><div><br /></div><div>Broadly, I succeeded in the first aim, failed completely in the second, and ended up somewhere in the middle on the third.</div><div><br /></div><div>The fog of war worked <i>very</i> well; all of the players both during the campaign and at the debrief had instances of being surprised at how different 'reality' was from their conception, and in the end the campaign turned on a couple of mistakes made by the French on day three.</div><div><br /></div><div>The best thing I can say about the duration of the game is that it did end! We'll look at some possible ways of improving on this below, but I remain convinced that <b>there is no <i>ideal</i> way to run a Napoleonics campaign!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>As for having fun; I certainly did at times and at others certainly didn't. My players were all gracious enough at the debrief to insist that it had definitely been 'worth it', but clearly there were frustrations - mostly down to the timing.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Who Knows Where the Time Goes?</h3><div>I said in the introduction to this series that the central problem with running Napoleonic campaigns is the need to support both the tactical and strategic timescales that generals worked at;</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"any system has to support Wellington manoeuvering his reserves towards the battlefield at the Corps level over multiple days, and allow him to order the Guards forward at the critical moment"</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Bluntly, I did not solve this problem, and it in turn caused several others. The biggest secondary issue was knock-on effects of players being late with their turns - it wasn't obvious to me beforehand but <i>the likelihood of players holding other players up scales something like quadratically with the number of players</i>. Not only does the likelihood of, say, someone having a busy week at work increase, but the number of people likely to be blocked by them does, and to make things worse politically you cannot really keep someone waiting on others for ten days and then demand answers for their next turn in ten minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>(I started with 11 players.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Another issue that only became apparent after we started, is that <i>a long running campaign extends itself</i>. Momentum slows - not just waning enthusiasm, but practicality. You can expect people to block out an evening to play a game - perhaps even several evenings - but you cannot expect people to block out night after night, and so once a campaign has run long enough it will slow down under the weight of its own duration as people are forced to deprioritise it.</div><div><br /></div><div>(My campaign ran for over a year.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't think there is any perfect solution to either of these problems, but I have a few suggestions:</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Fudge Your Timings</h4><div>I admit it: I lied in the opening piece of the series when I said that I tracked time only to the nearest half hour. In actuality, I started off trying to do things <i>properly</i> to the minute. That lasted until about 10AM on the first 'day' of the campaign.</div><div><br /></div><div>In reality, it takes time for orders to percolate down the chain of command - a general ordering his Corps forward was likely to have to wait around an hour for that to actually happen, unless it was prepared beforehand. </div><div><br /></div><div>Half an hour was about the smallest unit of time that almost any meaningful decision the players made took to take effect. On the rare occasions where they needed to react quickly, I made things much easier by just not telling them how long had passed, and 're-syncing' them at the appropriate time. This is not the Somme, nobody is checking their pre-synchronised watches while attacking Hougoumont.</div><div><br /></div><div>This, er, wasn't enough to make the game run smoothly, but it would have been literally unplayable without it.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Regularity, Regularity, Regularity</h4><div>The Operation Sealion campaign we played before my Waterloo campaign fundamentally worked because it was more regular. Everyone got the results of the previous turn on Sunday, and everyone had to get their orders in by Friday night. All you had to do was find half an hour in between to scribble some orders. That's a much easier sell than finding half an hour on very little notice, with everyone else piling up behind until you do.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I said at the start, you do lose a lot with a strict 'one turn per day' routine, but for campaigns like the 1812 Campaign with weeks and weeks of manoeuvre and only a couple of major battles, this would let you gloss over the marching and concentrate on the fighting - which we'll look at that next.</div><div><br /></div><div>You don't have to apply this strictly either; if nine times out of ten you let the day proceed without intervention, and on the tenth give one player the option of marching to the sound of the guns, you've still gained 90% of the benefit.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think this probably would not have been workable as-is for this because such a small area of operations requires a correspondingly shorter time frame; perhaps three ~four hour blocks per day would have made sense. Even then I suspect I would have had to delay certain weeks to play through the larger battles.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Condense the Action</h4><div>You can't expect people to make themselves available all the time, but if you can get everyone together for a day or an evening, you can refight the more high-intensity parts of the campaign, in what is essentially a traditional Free Kriegsspiel - at this point you might as well be in person, but you could do it remotely so that the players can fill their down time with other activities.</div><div><br /></div><div>For a campaign as short as Waterloo, you could do the whole thing like this - perhaps one weekend day a month, for three or four months. </div><div>For the aforementioned 1812 Campaign, you could choose to run things by email right up until the Russian player decides to offer battle and the French player accepts, and then organise an all-dayer to do your own Borodino. This, of course, closely resembles a more traditional wargames campaign.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both of these suggestions are really just ways of streamlining that tactical/strategic divide; the final suggestion is a little different.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Reduce the number of moving parts</h4><div>This game ran slowly not just because I had 11 players, but because for most of the campaign there were ~7 player-led armies running about. If instead for most of the time players acted together or simply acted as advisors you could reduce the number of moving parts enough that you could perhaps make the full-fledged system run sensibly.</div><div><br /></div><div>An example might be useful; the Corunna Campaign largely featured just two armies (plus cameos from Spanish regular and guerilla forces) which manouevred mostly together. If you were to assign a player each as Moore and Napoleon/Soult, and then the rest as divisional commanders, most of the time you would only really have ~four players making independent decisions - the two CinCs, the British rearguard commander and the French advanced guard commander.</div><div><br /></div><div>The drawback here is that some players get more opportunity to make decisions than others. Matching those players with more time and enthusiasm to the 'bigger' roles will go a long way towards making that a positive rather than a negative, but I don't know the internal politics of your gaming group!</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally on this topic, I would suggest that you <b>combine these approaches</b> if at all possible. </div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Format</h3><div>I've talked at length about bits that didn't go so well, so let's change tack and look at the other bits, which broadly functioned as planned.</div><div><br /></div><div>I communicated with the players partly through the 'voice of god', but mostly in the role of their various chiefs of staff. This worked brilliantly; it kept them thinking in-game rather than having to break the fourth wall all the time, it let me subtly steer them away from unrealistic courses of action, and went a long way towards covering up the inevitable mistakes. </div><div>I would 100% recommend finding a way to get the players information in character.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was also broadly satisfied with the basic 2d6 system for calculating results - I haven't personally fought any Napoleonic battles, but the results I got seemed plausible to me, and only once did a player tell me that they thought something shouldn't have happened. </div><div>You may wish to handle things differently, but as long as it's hidden from the players you can get away with a startlingly simple method of conflict resolution and a bit of judgement!</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Infrastructure</h3><div><div>The nuts-and-bolts infrastructure of the game mostly worked as intended too.</div><div><br /></div><div>For delivering the actual text, Whatsapp was <i>fine</i>. The more conversational nature of instant messaging lent itself well to back-and-forths with aides, and Whatsapp's groups made it very easy to create ad-hoc groups when players were near enough to talk directly; I used a total of <b>16</b> groups, in addition to the individual chats.</div><div>Where it fell down a bit was when, halfway through the campaign, Whatsapp stopped allowing you to search your message archive properly in its web app; I had been relying on it as it's much easier than doing it all on phone.</div><div>Whatsapp also completely lacks any automation for any of this stuff, so I spent an awful lot of time manually cross referencing times of players with the message spreadsheet and the like. There's an (admittedly tiny) niche somewhere for an application that can keep track of time and the like for you to reduce the sheer volume of bookkeeping compared to running it all off spreadsheets.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Those spreadsheets...the simple ones with messages did exactly what they said on the tin. No automation, but no issues. </div><div>The big 'Commands/Units' spreadsheet also did the job adequately. There were a couple of columns I didn't use much - supplies and fatigue weren't much of a factor in this campaign - and a couple that I struggled to keep up to date (location was tricky as I didn't want to update it all the time). The only major change I would make would be to add slightly more detail to the strength tracking; at times it would have been useful to note men captured and the like rather than simply out of action.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, the maps. I was lucky enough that good high-resolution maps of the entire area were available (the <a href="https://maps.arcanum.com/en/map/belgium-1777/">Ferraris Map of 1777</a>). They were a little hard to read for players more used to modern OS maps, and their near-complete lack of height information caused a little trouble too, but they let me draw out the battlefield maps that I included in the previous posts in the series.</div><div><br /></div><div>Where I struggled as - as with the other bits - keeping the maps in sync with the battle diaries and the two or more Whatsapp chats. I would recommend being pretty systematic in saving out snapshots of battles in progress, so you don't lose your place. </div><h3 style="text-align: left;">In Conclusion</h3><div>It's been over 18 months since I first put the idea forward to refight the Waterloo campaign. Writing these final sentences, I remain glad to have done it, but by god I wouldn't do it again knowing what I do now - not without some hefty changes to the format.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you learn from my mistakes, and run sweeping campaigns that also finish in a reasonable timeframe - and if you do, please let me know how you managed it!</div>Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-61659968713804057442022-10-21T22:50:00.003+01:002022-11-24T22:13:43.006+00:00The Waterloo Kreigsspiel: Negotiations (18th of June)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgFTH-3MCSNiPhF2Cl-GPg1d1NSeM4ejW6pI_lAlMLhVNT4PunUc4uLTFw77El9roVpYKOc8-YH0eeO7145kraGpksLH2lw0s63NnUGi2_k4og3qSoH9xmAUZAzWeD37QDZxcp0xYv40mLCmct7BHQd7ql4ypD1pzMt8S_-XQMjCgVIyF6ZYLWLyY/s4878/waterloo_T3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2460" data-original-width="4878" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgFTH-3MCSNiPhF2Cl-GPg1d1NSeM4ejW6pI_lAlMLhVNT4PunUc4uLTFw77El9roVpYKOc8-YH0eeO7145kraGpksLH2lw0s63NnUGi2_k4og3qSoH9xmAUZAzWeD37QDZxcp0xYv40mLCmct7BHQd7ql4ypD1pzMt8S_-XQMjCgVIyF6ZYLWLyY/s400/waterloo_T3.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dispositions at dusk, day three</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After the third and final day of the campaign the French armies were forced back towards the Sambre and, realising the inevitability of defeat, Napoleon agreed to negotiations the following morning at a monastery near Fleurus - Soleilmont.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is post six in a series of seven; the others are:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-campaign.html">Campaign Overview</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-zero-14th.html">Turn Zero (14th of June)</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-one-15th.html">Turn One (15th of June)</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-two-16th.html">Turn Two (16th of June)</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-three.html">Turn Three (17th of June)</a></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-conclusions.html">Conclusions</a></li></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;">To make them more interesting, instead of making them trilateral negotiations for a ceasefire between the French, Prussians and British, we widened the scope to cover peace preliminaries and included representatives from Russia, Austria and the Netherlands - a sort of Congress of Vienna Mk2. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the negotiations to make sense, we'll need to put them in their proper context, which means going back a year or so to 1814.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Wider Context</h2><div style="text-align: left;">The core idea underpinning European diplomacy for this period was known as 'The Balance of Power' - the idea that the only way to guarantee peace was for states to be equally strong, and thus unable to attack one another without weakening themselves enough to leave them in turn open to attack. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were five Great Powers in Europe - Britain, France, Prussia, Austria and Russia. The remaining states were generally less of a problem as they could be kept in line by the bigger ones and on occasion provide useful support.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The 1814 Campaign</h3><div style="text-align: left;">The preceding two decades of warfare had seen a number of coalitions form and dissolve. The campaigns of 1813 and 1814, which finally defeated Napoleonic France, were undertaken by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sixth_Coalition">Sixth Coalition</a> - the other four Great Powers, plus assorted smaller states (hello, Mecklenburg-Schwerin!).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This campaign led to a number of treaties, which set the diplomatic scene for our own negotiations, chronologically:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><h4>The Treaty of Chaumont</h4><div>Signed in March 1814 between the four principal allies of the Sixth Coalition; it pledged to return France to its 1792 borders, and each power agreed to put 150,000 troops into the field to compel Napoleon’s surrender if necessary. </div><div><br /></div><div><h4>The Treaty of Paris</h4><div>Signed in May 1814, after Napoleon’s abdication, between the principal allies of the Sixth Coalition and Louis XVIII (on behalf of Bourbon France). It ended the war of the Sixth Coalition, and mandated that the Great Powers would meet in Vienna soon after to reach a settlement that would restore the balance of powers in Europe.</div><div><br /></div><div>As France had been restored to a monarchy, no harsh conditions were imposed.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><h4>The Congress of Vienna</h4><div>At this point in our game, this is currently ongoing, having been interrupted by Napoleon’s return in early 1815.</div><div>The aim of the Congress is to restore the balance of power in Europe, so that no power will have motive or opportunity to engage in wars of aggression.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are many complexities to be dealt with during this Congress, and at times the four other Great Powers have seemed closer to war with each other than with France. </div><div><br /></div><div>The three chief problems to solve are the French monarchy, the balance of power in Europe, and the restoration of borders to their pre-1793 status.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Each of those three statements conceal dozens of minor issues for the individual participants; broader questions like the Polish-Saxon problem, and now military issues too.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think working from our knowledge of what happened in reality it's not immediately obvious to us just how fractured the Allies were in 1815 - the British and Austrians even signed a secret treaty with <i>France</i> promising to go to war with Prussia and Russia if the latter didn't back down over claims to Poland. </div></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Hundred Days' Campaign</h2><div style="text-align: left;">In reality, the Congress of Vienna was able to conclude at leisure with a defeated France. Here though, Napoleon remains at the head of an army and the participants are under pressure to agree <i>something</i> that can be worked on later.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Napoleon may have been beaten in a couple of battles, but the previous year proved to all and sundry that he could continue to fight hard long after many would have thought possible. The state of the three armies involved directly in the campaign is as follows:<br /><br /><span id="docs-internal-guid-e87e75ca-7fff-8622-a7db-aaa14a05cfee"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">French:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Infantry:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 41427 of 85447 (52% losses)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cavalry:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 11357 of 21699 (48% losses)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Artillery:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 189 of 362 guns (48% losses)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Total:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 58411 of 116028 (50% losses)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Prussians</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Infantry:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 76530 of 108081 (29% losses)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cavalry:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 13601 of 17390 (22% losses)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Artillery:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 232 of 286 guns (19% losses)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Total:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 94365 of 130626 (28% losses)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anglo-Dutch:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Infantry:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 50370 of 73490 (31% losses)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cavalry:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 8514 of 15720 (46% losses)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Artillery:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 167 of 188 guns (11% losses)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Total:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 64386 of 96831 (34% losses)</span></p><div><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Note that French losses of <b>59617</b> compared to the combined Prussian (<b>36261</b>) and Anglo-Dutch (<b>32445</b>) losses (total <b>68706</b>) are actually lower, even though the French have lost many more men captured than the Allies. </div><div><br /></div><div>The problem is that they started with roughly half as many men and couldn’t absorb the sort of attritional warfare that they engaged in at Fleurus and Binche. </div><div><br /></div><div>The French are also rumoured to have an additional 50,000 reinforcements under Marshal Davout en route.</div><div><br /></div><div>Austria and Russia, while not directly involved in the fighting, are mobilising armies numbering 210,000 and 150,000 respectively in preparation for a July campaign.</div><div><br /></div><div>All of this gives the British and Prussian representatives strong motivations to conclude the campaign here; any further fighting will weaken them and give Russia and Austria an advantage in negotiations.</div><div><br /></div></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Key Players</h2><div style="text-align: left;">We had six players attend the negotiations, plus myself as umpire/secretary, and two more involved remotely.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleonic France)</h4><div style="text-align: left;">Napoleon's objectives were fairly simple: to fracture the unity of the other four Great Powers, leveraging his popularity with the French people (at least compared to the Bourbons), military reputation and potential for further fighting to retain his throne. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This would obviously be a very hard sell, but I suggested that Napoleon keep the option of once again abdicating in favour of his son as a backup.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Lord Wellington (Britain)</h4><div style="text-align: left;">The British objectives, as so often, were primarily to play off the other Powers against each other. With little skin in the game territorially, the British were motivated primarily by preserving their already small army and keeping the continental powers in check.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Marshall Blucher (Prussia)</h4><div style="text-align: left;">Prussia's objectives - to restore the balance of power, but naturally in a way that favoured Prussia (gaining Saxony) - clashed slightly with the aims of their representative here, Gebhard Blucher. His antipathy to France was well known, and balanced Prussia's need to not spend any more blood campaigning while Austria and Russia sat idly by.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Count von Stackelberg (Russia)</h4><div style="text-align: left;">Unlike the preceding three, Stackelberg was a diplomat rather than a soldier. For the purposes of our game he had been seconded from the proceedings at Vienna on the outbreak of war to the Prussian army, to represent Russian interests at just this sort of event.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Russians, with a large and as yet uncommitted army, could afford to take a hard line in negotiations, tempered only by the knowledge that their designs on Poland were unpopular with the other Allies.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Baron von Wessenberg-Ampringen (Austria)</h4><div style="text-align: left;">Wessenberg, like Stackelberg, was a diplomat and deputy at the Congress of Vienna. For our game, he was attached to the Anglo-Dutch army to represent Austrian interests in any negotiations.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Austrians had yet to commit their large army so, like the Russians, could afford to sit back and let the fighting continue. This was balanced to a greater extent than Russia by the fact that two of the countries involved in the fighting had signed their treaty to oppose Russia's annexation of Poland.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also unusually amongst the Great Powers Austria had a good reason for wanting Napoleon (or his son) to remain on the French throne instead of the Bourbons - Napoleon's wife, Maria Theresa, was Austrian.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">The Prince of Orange (Netherlands)</h4><div style="text-align: left;">Captured by the French <a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-three.html">the day before</a>, the Prince of Orange was present partly as a bargaining chip for the French, and partly to try and secure a good deal for the Netherlands.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Being an ally (especially of the British) his wishes couldn't be ignored outright, but he didn't have the clout of a representative of a real Great Power.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">The French Marshalate</h4><div style="text-align: left;">The year before, the Marshals had compelled Napoleon to abdicate in favour of his son. This time, Marshals Grouchy and Ney met in the morning of the talks and decided to send a note to trusted members of the French delegation, stating that if an impasse was reached because Napoleon refused to yield the throne, they would depose him once again in favour of his son. This was only to be shown to the other parties if no agreement could be reached, in order to not weaken the French hand.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Soleilmont Negotiations</h2><div style="text-align: left;">We played through the talks on a rainy Thursday evening in a packed out pub. No doubt the other punters were baffled, but the hubbub gave us plenty of opportunity for breaking into smaller groups and plotting.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From pretty early on it became apparent that all sides were keen to resolve matters that night, instead of continuing the campaign. Frankly, that was a relief to me also.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also apparent quickly was that none of my players particularly cared about bringing the Bourbons back - there was an almost immediate consensus that Napoleon had to go, but the idea of a regency was floated just as fast, and the outline agreed on. The sticking point for the rest of the evening was who was to lead it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's difficult to provide a real narrative of the next couple of hours, because there was rarely only one strand of conversation going, and often three or more.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The players considered a number of proposals; some were quickly accepted ( independence for the Netherlands), some were fraught (what exactly to do in Poland) and some were barely credible (Napoleon to lead a campaign against the Turks; when this was proposed to him Napoleon sarcastically offered the services of Marshal Ney instead). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One by one we debated points, reaching a tentative agreement on the basis of various quid pro quos, until all the substantive issues had been solved.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Russians eventually accepted an independent Poland on condition that it be ruled by a Romanov; Austria accepted in return for a free hand in Italy, and the regency issue was decided in favour of a council led by Maria Theresa. Everyone agreed to independence for the small states, and that France was to return to its 1792 borders. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Treaty of Soleilmont</h3><div style="text-align: left;">After an evening's drinking, wrangling and bargaining we arrived at the following outline:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>A general cease-fire in Belgium</li><li>France to be returned to its 1792 borders</li><li>Napoleon to abdicate in favour of his son, Napoleon II, who is to rule as King - not Emperor</li><li>In the period of his minority France to be ruled by a regency council headed by Maria Theresa, with representatives from France (Napoleon I), Britain, Prussia and - for some reason - the Bourbon dynasty (Le Comte d'Artois). And no, I don't know why Russia gave up their seat on the council either.</li><li>Prussia to get those parts of Saxony not claimed by Hanover</li><li>An independent Poland, ruled by a Romanov, and with its independence guaranteed by all Great Powers</li><li>A free hand for Austria in northern Italy (particularly Naples) - with Murat to return to France unharmed</li><li>Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Hannover to retain their independence</li><li>A joint European offensive against Turkey to be planned; largely it seems to give the various bewly-raised armies something to do</li><li>Anything not agreed in the Soleilmont treaty to be resolved at Vienna</li></ol><div>I think the interesting thing about this agreement is that - setting aside the lack of a Bourbon restoration - how similar it was in its aims to the Congress of Vienna which really happened. It's fun to speculate what history might have looked like after this - whether it might have stopped or accelerated the wave of revolutions which swept Europe a few decades later, what the consequences for the Franco-Prussian war might have been, and so on.</div><div><br /></div><div>All in all I felt that my players did a good job representing their chosen nations' interests, and from what I could see had fun too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next time, we'll wrap this whole saga up with a few conclusions and a look at how you might run this sort of thing better (and in fewer than 18 months!).</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-1950002857355958122022-10-07T22:28:00.002+01:002022-11-24T22:13:55.390+00:00The Waterloo Kriegsspiel: Turn Three (17th of June)<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXV5SAFvNFAAlYmyfDfTPLmz_QcX03t5vtrqhEmnK0U0JY0AzhdN__MrVmMi27P71xkcHTKmVfxIFnT3ytwkYdaB2Jo-x5t1KojX7HRDMonqikvE03ou-oGWTQXnEaUXF2af2n5hUSvx6GR_vACWUOm2rO0xsAczMd3uB2P72LkYAnITsV7iBAk1C/s4878/waterloo_T2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2460" data-original-width="4878" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXV5SAFvNFAAlYmyfDfTPLmz_QcX03t5vtrqhEmnK0U0JY0AzhdN__MrVmMi27P71xkcHTKmVfxIFnT3ytwkYdaB2Jo-x5t1KojX7HRDMonqikvE03ou-oGWTQXnEaUXF2af2n5hUSvx6GR_vACWUOm2rO0xsAczMd3uB2P72LkYAnITsV7iBAk1C/w400-h201/waterloo_T2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dispositions as of dusk on the 16th (turn two)<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>The third day of campaigning proved to be the deciding day - across two major battles the Allies defeated the French armies and forced them back onto the defensive. It was also the last day of active campaigning; the French realising the hopelessness of their position and electing to negotiate rather than fight another rearguard campaign as they had done only a year before.</p><p>For all the above, the outcome wasn't inevitable and on day three of the Waterloo campaign we will see perhaps the biggest 'what-if' of all.</p><p>First though, the third day of the campaign began in earnest overnight as both sides attempted to extricate their forces from variously sticky situations.</p><div style="background-color: #f0f3fd; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">This is post five in a series of seven; the others are:</div><div style="background-color: #f0f3fd; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;"><ol><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-campaign.html" style="background: transparent; color: #339da9; text-decoration-line: none;">Campaign Overview</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-zero-14th.html" style="background: transparent; color: #339da9; text-decoration-line: none;">Turn Zero (14th of June)</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-one-15th.html" style="background: transparent; color: #339da9; text-decoration-line: none;">Turn One (15th of June)</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-two-16th.html" style="background: transparent; color: #339da9; text-decoration-line: none;">Turn Two (16th of June)</a></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kreigsspiel-negotiations.html" style="background: transparent; color: #339da9; text-decoration-line: none;">Negotiations (18th of June)</a></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-conclusions.html">Conclusions</a></li></ol></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overnight Actions</h3><div>Pushed back into Nivelles during the previous afternoon by General Thielmann, General Vandamme and his men broke out Southeast during the small hours in what was nearly a textbook operation - the only real blemish being that they were forced to abandon their guns and wounded. Dawn saw them back within French lines and holding positions immediately to the North of Charleroi.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overnight the French also put into action the plan that would seal their defeat. Now too weak to defeat Wellington on his own, Marshal Ney ordered General d'Erlon to march overnight from Lens SE past Mons and approach Binche from the West. Ney would attack from the East at the same time, and with superiority in numbers would crush the British between their two armies.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first part went surprisingly well. General Hill had himself ordered the Dutch troops to d'Erlon's south to make a night march back to his position, which left d'Erlon's line of retreat conveniently clear, and by dawn he had extracted all of his men back across the Sambre and left a rearguard to slow the British pursuit. The race to Binche was very much on.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3>The Battle of Espinoit</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6N2en5cjWIqu24-2KpSzSuQXnVllW3159g8D9lleRpLVVSzkzUsy5hp2rVKbJogjtKiH6I8t4UnFtOfkqXdGvXFmUgU7qS-KOvlDp399vQKU4cGxxQOZfl6hercDYSA6ugl9F-xEEyLHxST3WrPQbd01LqmT7D8s5WZ-8_ZpcdgYFGhjaEaaF7Qv/s2880/espinoitbattle.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2035" data-original-width="2880" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6N2en5cjWIqu24-2KpSzSuQXnVllW3159g8D9lleRpLVVSzkzUsy5hp2rVKbJogjtKiH6I8t4UnFtOfkqXdGvXFmUgU7qS-KOvlDp399vQKU4cGxxQOZfl6hercDYSA6ugl9F-xEEyLHxST3WrPQbd01LqmT7D8s5WZ-8_ZpcdgYFGhjaEaaF7Qv/w400-h283/espinoitbattle.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I have no words<br /><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>As for what Ney did next, I can only assume that he was drunk when he sent the orders around midnight and had forgotten about them in the morning, because his first action was to detach <b>all</b> of his light cavalry to make a feint around the British positions and make them believe that there were enemy troops attacking from Bray...which just happened to be exactly where d'Erlon was coming from. </div><div><br /></div><div>The British, of course, saw the mass of light cavalry followed by an infantry column and so swung Westwards to deal with this immediate threat, leaving only a single infantry division and a brigade of heavy cavalry to slow down the anticipated French right hook, which led to the situation pictured.</div><div><br /></div><div>I cannot readily explain the decisions that followed. It's true that Marshal Ney had sent away all of his light cavalry, and so had very little idea exactly how many British troops were in front of him. It's also true that he was (like everyone else) under the impression that he was supposed to fight a holding action. However you look at it though, it took him nearly three hours to twig that he was in no danger and then execute what was to his credit a neat double-envelopment, bagging the British division along with the Prince of Orange.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whether the fact that this surrender was almost immediately followed by news of General d'Erlon's surrender mere miles to the West spoilt his mood, history does not record. In any case, he then made the prudent decision to fall back towards Thuin on the Sambre, from where he could more easily stop the British from threatening the main French army's supply lines.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Battle of Bray</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoZDW-nMOJDEOV2zsyf80o5_1pPw-37fRZ7KN_TWbG1HrbW-HfP1wJ_JidVjBvFb5k8YDdgq0uPoLzvyEpw8o4xQtlgsLH4NDzXGCFUzihPAxJByM5ITC8JiUJGRPcvHhQf4mdyGVPBeoMxzceTFibM2Xotyu-BL60niBkFK3JkLbUm0W65VLTBGr/s3548/braybattle.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="3548" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoZDW-nMOJDEOV2zsyf80o5_1pPw-37fRZ7KN_TWbG1HrbW-HfP1wJ_JidVjBvFb5k8YDdgq0uPoLzvyEpw8o4xQtlgsLH4NDzXGCFUzihPAxJByM5ITC8JiUJGRPcvHhQf4mdyGVPBeoMxzceTFibM2Xotyu-BL60niBkFK3JkLbUm0W65VLTBGr/w400-h281/braybattle.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Situation just prior to the attack at Bray</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I think that, on balance, d'Erlon has the greatest reason to complain of any of the generals. He did fail to defeat Hill even with large early advantages, but his withdrawal from Lens was very impressive, and against all the odds made it to Bray on the Sambre just West of Binche at the allotted time.</div><div><br /></div><div>As we've seen though, Ney didn't arrive, and the battle was a bit of a foregone conclusion. Trapped with a river against their backs and attacking uphill against superior numbers, the French made a valiant effort but were swiftly defeated. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes the real interest is at the operational level, not the tactical - that said, a counterfactual (counter-counter-factual?) battle where Ney actually turns up would be very intriguing.</div><div><br /></div><h3>The Battle of Fleurus</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtL2AQYVfV4_B5dEeWVEx165xbEQ2SXAvTgDDqvyF1xwmMbkc2xbRP9xjb16O7doueyBgFfSo4bwjKwyMZjsZMTdNlxEO4qtgnDQMRCwEWHNGFzPD9kUwFGm3HjKQbvexFQ28JXFFySy5ZmxhbWTjag3eizd4aGdkNWAd5OHQ_bn34CmozXHe0Tmy/s3526/fleurusbattleday2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2490" data-original-width="3526" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtL2AQYVfV4_B5dEeWVEx165xbEQ2SXAvTgDDqvyF1xwmMbkc2xbRP9xjb16O7doueyBgFfSo4bwjKwyMZjsZMTdNlxEO4qtgnDQMRCwEWHNGFzPD9kUwFGm3HjKQbvexFQ28JXFFySy5ZmxhbWTjag3eizd4aGdkNWAd5OHQ_bn34CmozXHe0Tmy/w400-h283/fleurusbattleday2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dispositions prior to the Prussian attack (and further reinforcement)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>If the twin battles of Bray & Espinoit sealed the French left flank's fate like Grouchy at Wavre, then the second day at Fleurus was this campaign's equivalent of Waterloo.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now very much outnumbered, the French elected to hold and wait for Ney to defeat the British (you may have detected something of a pattern here). The Prussians did too, pausing until the early afternoon for yet more forces to turn up, and then once they'd assembled their whole army they began a slow, methodical advance.</div><div><br /></div><div>Simultaneous attacks by multiple divisions pushed the French out of Wagnee and Heppignies - both relatively costly frontal assaults, but both successful. There followed a pause to regroup, and then the Prussian steamroller continued Southwest; they succeeded in breaking the Young Guard and 14eme Division on the French right, but the French centre held until dark and the Prussian pursuit on their left didn't make it far enough to seriously threaten the French rear.</div><div><br /></div><div>General Thielmann also continued his duel with General Vandamme, attacking Gosselies. While Thielmann was eventually bested here, it took the arrival of the Middle and Old Guard on his flank - removing them from the main action at Fleurus for much of the afternoon - to do so, and prevented Vandamme himself from providing Grouchy with desperately needed reinforcements.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nonetheless, the French army in Fleurus was now defeated, and with Ney falling back too, Napoleon agreed to Blucher's suggestion of a ceasefire and negotiations to begin the following morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Prussian caution had ensured a solid, unspectacular victory without gravely damaging the Prussians' ability to fight - at the cost, of course, of leaving the French army very much still in being.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Final Positions</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj9Xk43IkAq9s_IxdyAkacuiQgYvhdaRPuvuzrgWtNZ_y-9Dtzskqx9JbJLOYdEL04Kp8_mBG2ta20mjxeu0Xp72VooaU2GecguHkEEzwdKXZAlYXSHOno9tannliTv7uFMDog-RTcAS12YV9EIuGmui519FkCW8vDmRU1QC3mdNMGDTMf6BD5QCO/s4878/waterloo_T3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2460" data-original-width="4878" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj9Xk43IkAq9s_IxdyAkacuiQgYvhdaRPuvuzrgWtNZ_y-9Dtzskqx9JbJLOYdEL04Kp8_mBG2ta20mjxeu0Xp72VooaU2GecguHkEEzwdKXZAlYXSHOno9tannliTv7uFMDog-RTcAS12YV9EIuGmui519FkCW8vDmRU1QC3mdNMGDTMf6BD5QCO/w400-h201/waterloo_T3.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dispositions at dusk, day three</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />At the end of the day the French were bested, but crucially not a spent force, and had extracted most of their forces back towards the Sambre - it was clear that the campaign was now only a matter of time, but they were in a position to make the British and Prussians pay dearly to finish it, which would hand Austria and Russia a large advantage in the balance of power.<div><br /></div><div>Thus, all sides held several useful cards, and agreed to negotiate peace preliminaries the next day; we'll review those in the next post.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-11307970372562512322022-10-02T17:02:00.002+01:002022-11-24T22:12:08.262+00:00The Waterloo Kriegsspiel: Turn Two (16th of June)<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJlI0hvB3SffSaf9vCRB7d8w0WNrGZ6ydBWAqzb_roNhbP8_D-TSrUmPgjMp4S4734y5pPDjNowNbhVKLvpGO2JsDPW2rhWyE4WX1zh-7bYuxVIuswnPYOqevCzJ9xnFatakffq_Ml4bROX8vFfFoyzPzRV7YBD8Rl0ENo-c44VrMZXmtDi6_ZFjl/s4878/waterloo_T1%20(1).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2460" data-original-width="4878" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJlI0hvB3SffSaf9vCRB7d8w0WNrGZ6ydBWAqzb_roNhbP8_D-TSrUmPgjMp4S4734y5pPDjNowNbhVKLvpGO2JsDPW2rhWyE4WX1zh-7bYuxVIuswnPYOqevCzJ9xnFatakffq_Ml4bROX8vFfFoyzPzRV7YBD8Rl0ENo-c44VrMZXmtDi6_ZFjl/w400-h201/waterloo_T1%20(1).png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dispositions as of dusk on the 15th (turn one)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The second day of campaigning saw the French continue to probe Northwards, and the first real battles of the campaign as the British and Prussians concentrated enough troops to try and stop them.</p><div style="background-color: #f0f3fd; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">This is post four in a series of seven; the others are:</div><div style="background-color: #f0f3fd; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;"><ol><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-campaign.html" style="background: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;">Campaign Overview</a><br /></span></li><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-zero-14th.html" style="background: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;">Turn Zero (14th of June)</a><br /></span></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-one-15th.html" style="background: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Turn One (15th of June)</span></a></li><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-three.html" style="background: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;">Turn Three (17th of June)</a><br /></span></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kreigsspiel-negotiations.html" style="background: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Negotiations (18th of June)</span></a></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-conclusions.html"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Conclusions</span></a></li></ol></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Bombardment at Fleurus</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjormmnJIOM5G3anfAyt4oOgDyGXCqS6gU-DJWrwrEQuVb1toBwP2kmV-E8PwP3uQnLGVrf4pn6NxOn9x60oN55XWiItCyZr61Q1sNtuWxNqJZTgfnjj75kNNjJE4JNS2q6_bnTfK503I-dDRVtoXioZY8YC-bT2JlW46AWsKNB9hJm7702xN2jAg5T/s3500/fleurusbattleday1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2490" data-original-width="3500" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjormmnJIOM5G3anfAyt4oOgDyGXCqS6gU-DJWrwrEQuVb1toBwP2kmV-E8PwP3uQnLGVrf4pn6NxOn9x60oN55XWiItCyZr61Q1sNtuWxNqJZTgfnjj75kNNjJE4JNS2q6_bnTfK503I-dDRVtoXioZY8YC-bT2JlW46AWsKNB9hJm7702xN2jAg5T/w400-h285/fleurusbattleday1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Deployments in the morning at Fleurus, after the departure of II Corps</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Starting in the East, dawn saw the Prussians take a gamble and move Pirch's II Corps, along with 2. Brigade of I Corps along the Nivelles road to attack Vandamme's III Corps - five of the eight divisions that they had assembled at Fleurus - leaving them quite outnumbered around Fleurus itself.</div><div><br /></div><div>The French were aware of this, but mindful of the fact that his orders were merely to hold the Prussians on this flank, Grouchy declined to attack, instead ordering an artillery bombardment of the Prussian positions in Fleurus.</div><div><br /></div><div>With hindsight, this was the first serious mistake the French made, albeit an understandable one. With the superiority they enjoyed, they could have easily forced the small army at Fleurus back and then fallen upon II Corps from two directions at once. </div><div><br /></div><div>As it was, the artillery bombardment went on for much of the day, but Prussians had plenty of guns to oppose the French, and the net result was a tactical stalemate, while further Prussian divisions arrived throughout the course of the day.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Battle of Quatre Bras (No, Not That One)</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZJHLspH1wLv-TirziZt-iekZPbd3yRhVfxeskp6UgZEHodfnF0fYNrmNLlEb796WMbgNJnpZslIh49jueopiphFsK-edqjVDHAP8XnHbCUDW7MqpKLBYWhFdt1KL4mrsoj4wIoA3PrteF6UEFEaRZz9pY8SKjs2Dl4wrETrCBbz4GcrurJAd4nPw/s2764/quatrebrasbattle.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="2764" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZJHLspH1wLv-TirziZt-iekZPbd3yRhVfxeskp6UgZEHodfnF0fYNrmNLlEb796WMbgNJnpZslIh49jueopiphFsK-edqjVDHAP8XnHbCUDW7MqpKLBYWhFdt1KL4mrsoj4wIoA3PrteF6UEFEaRZz9pY8SKjs2Dl4wrETrCBbz4GcrurJAd4nPw/w400-h284/quatrebrasbattle.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Deployments prior to the battle of Quatre Bras</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Moving NE then, we come to the battle between Vandamme and Pirch's detached Corps.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was a substantial engagement: roughly 40,000 Prussians attacking 17,000 French.</div><div><br /></div><div>As bold as the decision to send Thielmann's Corps to attack Quatre Bras had been, Thielmann himself was even bolder, sending virtually all of his cavalry (some 4,000 sabres) around the French right flank to cause trouble.</div><div><br /></div><div>This they did with relish; Vandamme's Corps cavalry was only one fourth the size of the Prussian cavalry force, so proved unable to halt the flood. Unknown to Thielmann, Napoleon was also present, and narrowly escaped capture himself.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite their superiority though, the Prussian cavalry couldn't do much about the French infantry once formed into square, and began to take severe casualties themselves.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, just to their east, the Prussian infantry smashed through the horribly outnumbered men of Habert's division, denied reinforcement by the antics of the Prussian cavalry.</div><div><br /></div><div>With one division mangled and the other two not deployed into a useful formation for fighting infantry, Vandamme exploited the eventual pulling back of the Prussian infantry to retreat west towards Nivelles; Thielmann being content to seize the crossroads as ordered.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think here the French blundered by deploying a French corps that simply wasn't up to the job of taking on a Prussian one. Had Vandamme been reinforced with some more infantry, and crucially one of the reserve cavalry corps sitting around near Charleroi, he could quite possibly have beaten the relatively inexperienced Prussians.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The (Second) Battle of Binche</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVQPHilqPdA_28sqaSL5XduPudBEfhK4K2lbNnlIwH_-VYIFa0NVnwIaOrDaWZK3kkSXgsl_TRqMbrs-MV1qQjO3lLNhJmhvPXeik-QVC5Us_ytiU-segwMzdpQ8BmJUjLFt2co4S8AL-AVVuzZIVSyrj8bkTJMHbyuHmRLo5PYpzqY-_G_H4ho9V/s3500/binchebattle2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2486" data-original-width="3500" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVQPHilqPdA_28sqaSL5XduPudBEfhK4K2lbNnlIwH_-VYIFa0NVnwIaOrDaWZK3kkSXgsl_TRqMbrs-MV1qQjO3lLNhJmhvPXeik-QVC5Us_ytiU-segwMzdpQ8BmJUjLFt2co4S8AL-AVVuzZIVSyrj8bkTJMHbyuHmRLo5PYpzqY-_G_H4ho9V/w400-h284/binchebattle2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Deployments prior to the Second Battle of Binche</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Now reinforced with the bulk of the troops who had reached Le Reulx, Orange advanced South to try and defeat Ney, who marched North to meet him.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was (to begin with) a fairly evenly matched battle; Orange with around 28,000 men facing Ney with 33,000. Ney's aggressive advance brought the two sides to blows quickly right along the line, and the fighting seesawed back and forth for the next couple of hours. </div><div><br /></div><div>At one point Ney managed to see off the British cavalry on his left flank, and charged into the British lines, breaking one brigade of Chasse's division. It was here that Orange, attempting to keep the other units from breaking, rolled a '12': possibly the single consequential die roll of the campaign. </div><div><br /></div><div>Had Orange not kept his men together, there was a very real chance that Orange's force would have been shattered and driven back North, leaving Wellington very exposed and with a large inferiority in force: an opportunity for Ney to defeat both armies in detail.</div><div><br /></div><div>With his cavalry blown, Ney retreated back on the village of Binche, and was unpleasantly surprised to find British reinforcements arriving from the West: Wellington, with a further 12,000 men.</div><div><br /></div><div>About this time Napoleon also arrived from the East. Finding the village under attack by superior numbers, he personally lead a counterattack to drive them out... and was hit in the head by a stray bullet and knocked out (a '3' that could have been a '2' and an outright death). </div><div><br /></div><div>When Napoleon comes to shortly later, he sees that his chance here is gone and orders a retreat East on Charleroi. The British, who have marched far and fought hard, elect not to pursue and remain encamped at Binche, where they now sit astride the primary line of communication between the main French army and d'Erlon's far flung Corps.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Battle of Lens</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5RI0XUgsN-5hz0D9s_e7iYa3XNy7hwKI8bO1rKRocRQ3GZQtov5lwO_Xn4wc9-p96UO-oRchityB-u5suTHDgZo5cIyGCDZXmJrqYIrSdnaUjb4zEWMdSkWCARrMEG3zKehP5W_jBC1Awu4gqs8TMz5lAoQl1DnT41e8rwHHRYwwNqtdsOvN3Cvn/s3550/lensbattle.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="3550" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5RI0XUgsN-5hz0D9s_e7iYa3XNy7hwKI8bO1rKRocRQ3GZQtov5lwO_Xn4wc9-p96UO-oRchityB-u5suTHDgZo5cIyGCDZXmJrqYIrSdnaUjb4zEWMdSkWCARrMEG3zKehP5W_jBC1Awu4gqs8TMz5lAoQl1DnT41e8rwHHRYwwNqtdsOvN3Cvn/w400-h281/lensbattle.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dispositions of the forces involved at Lens (not strictly representative of a particular time)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The 'battle', if you can call it that, of Lens was something of a fumbling mess. Both sides spent all day staggering about like drunks in an unlit house, groping for far-flung friendly divisions, enemy forces in various quantities and cavalry of unknown origin and allegiance.</div><div><br /></div><div>Chronologically, we should start with the latter.</div><div><br /></div><div>Very little happened in the area until General Uxbridge arrived from the East: <i>behind French lines</i>. As he had neglected to inform General Hill of his impending arrival, and elected to bring with him a brigade each of Dutch and KGL cavalry (all neatly attired in blue uniforms), the first thing both Hill and d'Erlon were aware of was the sudden presence of 2,000 blue uniformed cavalrymen who nobody could identify.</div><div><br /></div><div>Uxbridge solved this particular dilemma by charging headlong at the cavalry guarding the French right flank, breaking through and setting off for the - understandably alarmed - British lines, with French cavalry in hot pursuit. Eventually though, they give up and Uxbridge & Co make it to Hill's position largely unscathed.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was one of the stranger episodes of the fog of war messing things up - it's certainly hard to see it happening on the tabletop - and I think makes episodes like Ney's nightmare of order and counter order which kept him from both Quatre Bras and Ligny.</div><div><br /></div><div>After that, both sides settled in to watch the other. I later found out that, as with Fleurus, both players were under the impression that their job was to hold the enemy here while the decisive engagement was elsewhere. </div><div><br /></div><div>The stalemate lasted till mid afternoon, when General Hill's reinforcements arrived. The men of Lieutenant-General Stedman's 1st Netherlands Division, accompanied by the Dutch Indies Brigade (some 9,000 men in all) had marched hard from Oudenarde the day before, and instead of having them reinforce his position from the North via Ath, had sent them on a circuitous flank march nearly as far south as Mons before arriving SW of the French position.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the rest of the day, d'Erlon bounced back and forth between the two British forces like a counterpuncher jabbing to keep an opponent at bay. Hill struggled to coordinate his forces, but managed just about well enough to keep d'Erlon from defeating each in detail, and when darkness fell both sides were still just about capable of further action.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Final Positions</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70BkfRCNFjKVF3f1EcSmd9cMKhAHbrNvN06TVa9qO4KLCo9Nrryw4s6Bul38bWlQ3rI9RcJ0E8PDZqS2g6mWASchNeMxbtVZEfFnO6B49JbdGH7l9QDAsQ7etwm6hAcvgfmBh2qLSPp70VedW1k47b_Unr0X5y601rL0NLUCrsCRBhoO_8iYsa3NI/s4878/waterloo_T2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2460" data-original-width="4878" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70BkfRCNFjKVF3f1EcSmd9cMKhAHbrNvN06TVa9qO4KLCo9Nrryw4s6Bul38bWlQ3rI9RcJ0E8PDZqS2g6mWASchNeMxbtVZEfFnO6B49JbdGH7l9QDAsQ7etwm6hAcvgfmBh2qLSPp70VedW1k47b_Unr0X5y601rL0NLUCrsCRBhoO_8iYsa3NI/w400-h201/waterloo_T2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Positions at dusk, turn two</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>At the end of the day, the French attack has bogged down. Fleurus and Lens were missed opportunities; Quatre Bras and Binche more serious reverses. Despite this, the balance of power has not yet tipped decisively in favour of the Allies, and we enter the third day of the campaign with everything still to play for.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-70666846812248680612022-08-01T13:27:00.006+01:002022-11-24T22:10:31.373+00:00The Waterloo Kriegsspiel: Turn One (15th of June)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0_lMTxy59SXvxjXS0YA1J-wH_kbA9W_t7Fl34KTtVEVXxpErJQoYsY8yZD3_TJ-kbg79cTYh_EOzXGE9lcLgaqRT2-GCGllkzjFMTZF_Hb77K8u47UItAG1uAdVALBwI4kjJ31ruRFYYQpirzWbF0O2xXOA2GO-VzlFa0IhIJbH0qQLhV9Riatu-/s4878/waterloo_T0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2460" data-original-width="4878" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0_lMTxy59SXvxjXS0YA1J-wH_kbA9W_t7Fl34KTtVEVXxpErJQoYsY8yZD3_TJ-kbg79cTYh_EOzXGE9lcLgaqRT2-GCGllkzjFMTZF_Hb77K8u47UItAG1uAdVALBwI4kjJ31ruRFYYQpirzWbF0O2xXOA2GO-VzlFa0IhIJbH0qQLhV9Riatu-/s320/waterloo_T0.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The situation at dawn on the 15th</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />With the <a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-campaign.html">introduction</a> and <a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-zero-14th.html">Turn Zero</a> out of the way, let's look at the campaign proper; Turn One, the 15th of June 1815.<div><br /></div><div><div style="background-color: #f0f3fd; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">This is post three in a series of seven; the others are:</div><div style="background-color: #f0f3fd; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;"><ol><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-campaign.html" style="background: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;">Campaign Overview</a><br /></span></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-zero-14th.html" style="background: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Turn Zero (14th of June)</span></a></li><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-two-16th.html" style="background: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;">Turn Two (16th of June)</a><br /></span></li><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-three.html" style="background: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;">Turn Three (17th of June)</a><br /></span></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kreigsspiel-negotiations.html" style="background: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Negotiations (18th of June)</span></a></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-conclusions.html"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Conclusions </span></a></li></ol></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">French Opening Moves</h3><p>The weather is bright and sunny as the French began their attack at dawn, the Young Guard division under Duhesme driving North screened by Lefebvre's light cavalry. They brush the Prussian pickets aside, and with no significant Prussian presence South of the Sambre, reach the river by 10:00.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjrxwGaTiQ3VQqXe_3dSvwsbvIvb4liZ9JCadNZmuXVUdrcriCR0XEBiqnF9gkwh2td3nXvTvOCkzZZ2e_dYZHR8chagewGBbFXRhX_Ot35I3tjiqqGmqFoHSrEsdmIyjkkrksSEE3H7aysydkP8Vv1_MhHYJI75WNbCLIfQkgW2Bb4GlbrOVkIkF/s2194/chatelet.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="2194" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjrxwGaTiQ3VQqXe_3dSvwsbvIvb4liZ9JCadNZmuXVUdrcriCR0XEBiqnF9gkwh2td3nXvTvOCkzZZ2e_dYZHR8chagewGBbFXRhX_Ot35I3tjiqqGmqFoHSrEsdmIyjkkrksSEE3H7aysydkP8Vv1_MhHYJI75WNbCLIfQkgW2Bb4GlbrOVkIkF/s320/chatelet.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>Here their scouts report that only a single Prussian division holds the town; unfortunately for the French Vandamme has been slow bringing his Corps up, so instead of risking a frontal assault Marshal Grouchy instead orders Duhesme's men to head East and try and force a crossing at Chatelet.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC32_WdhECgX4AIBNUl0-f8n74zHNGXD4_n2Z6WVOKX2Q0-HuwGZNPwKuRvJUf_abL5tnhHw6Qdhy4LZLj0mWr6M18lEJeaAxb_8EmlgzrGDjzgQscMAwUWeuSctWc9ifbgP1kVwBj65dwZyysH2HYU0Nnwr2ISSta-Ped30pu5E3h7r-XQzo60I3M/s2659/mons.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1745" data-original-width="2659" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC32_WdhECgX4AIBNUl0-f8n74zHNGXD4_n2Z6WVOKX2Q0-HuwGZNPwKuRvJUf_abL5tnhHw6Qdhy4LZLj0mWr6M18lEJeaAxb_8EmlgzrGDjzgQscMAwUWeuSctWc9ifbgP1kVwBj65dwZyysH2HYU0Nnwr2ISSta-Ped30pu5E3h7r-XQzo60I3M/s320/mons.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>Over on the French left flank, Marshal Ney has clearly had a little too much <i>vin rouge</i> the night before; he's late to rise, and this delays his attack. Still, he reaches the crossroads at Givry about 10:30 - an hour after his lead cavalry elements, who've driven off the Dutch 2e Brigade de Lichte Cavalerie (Dutch 2nd Light Cavalry, from now on). </p><p>All is now quiet here, so with Reille's Corps marching hard for Binche, he heads West to check on d'Erlon.</p><p>d'Erlon has been on the move since 06:00. It's slow going over the tributaries of the Haine, and he's further checked by extensive skirmishing with the Dutch 1st Light Cavalry, but the French bring more cavalry up and force them back. </p><p>The first French infantry reach Mons at 11:30, and Ney arrives around then too. After a short conference with d'Erlon, and having heard from some Dutch prisoners that the Dutch forces are concentrating on Braine-le-Comte, he orders d'Erlon to capture Mons and then attack the British infantry visible on the high ground just beyond.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Anglo-Dutch Opening Moves</h3><div><br /></div><div>Wellington is tipped off about the French advance late on the evening of the 14th; he immediately sends out messengers to his far-flung formations ordering them to concentrate. Most of these messengers arrive around dawn, and the units begin to hurriedly decamp and head for their designated concentration areas.</div><div><br /></div><div>One key decision Wellington takes is to call up all of his reserves, including those garrisoning Ghent and Antwerp. This is a bold move, but will give him an extra division or so in the field later in the campaign. For the most part the reserves are sent towards Reulx; another aggressive move on Wellington's part, who is working under the assumption that the Prussians will be hit first and so wants to smash the French left wing and come to their aid.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Prussian Opening Moves</h3><div>In accordance with their plans, the Prussians begin to concentrate on Ligny, passing up the opportunity for a flanking attack by Thielmann's Corps South of the Sambre.</div><div><br /></div><div>The only major hiccup comes when the courier with orders for Bulow's IV Corps falls from his horse and breaks a leg; this delays the Corps' departure by several hours and most of it barely gets going before dark. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Attack on Charleroi</h3><div>Vandamme's Corps finally turn up at the river a little after midday, and around 13:00 storm the bridge, taking some casualties in the process. The Prussians are under orders merely to delay the French, so once a foothold across the Sambre is gained (and their right flank threatened by a division of French infantry who have crossed at Marchiennes) they fall back NE towards Ligny. </div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>This action is the only serious fighting on this flank all day; the French content to follow the retreating Prussians as far as Fleurus, and to push Vandamme's Corps on to Quatre Bras.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Capture of Mons</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCqmG3EuBP5Le-EIdwZp4AQrPYPQKEnngLc4Nzticb3DP56AJyjZUYCjHaFxFMEdo-YzlBw5aBIKCU0tE39WdCOZd71cpDJtuhjhJiV-qDbS1kbc4_vAt35MHkQ1K0N0WjtAQbR8y1bE3zYkA4auZ9lKq5fm784K3ihGtKQnHB4AEGRE56VVvycit/s3517/Monsbattle.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2498" data-original-width="3517" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCqmG3EuBP5Le-EIdwZp4AQrPYPQKEnngLc4Nzticb3DP56AJyjZUYCjHaFxFMEdo-YzlBw5aBIKCU0tE39WdCOZd71cpDJtuhjhJiV-qDbS1kbc4_vAt35MHkQ1K0N0WjtAQbR8y1bE3zYkA4auZ9lKq5fm784K3ihGtKQnHB4AEGRE56VVvycit/w400-h284/Monsbattle.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Deployments immediately prior to the battle of Mons</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>By the time the French reach Mons (d'Erlon's main objective), General Hill has arrived with a division of infantry. The latter elects not to try and hold Mons, but to deploy at the top of the steep North bank of the river Haine. Here the road towards Lens passes through the Bois de Brule, which will allow him to fight a delaying action and then melt away through the woods, falling back on the reinforcements that are marching on Lens.</div><div><br /></div><div>Faced with this picture, d'Erlon begins what will turn into quite a pattern with my players, and decides upon a frontal attack through Mons, across the single bridge that spans the moat on the NW side, and then up the hill, while his light cavalry screen the flanks.</div><div><br /></div><div>As you might expect, it takes <i>a lot</i> of time to pass ten-thousand-plus men through a densely built fortress-city, and even more to get them across a single bridge. It's gone 2pm by the time the first two divisions are formed up at the bottom of the slope, under fire the whole time from the lone battery of artillery that Hill has been able to bring up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, now that they're all formed up the French infantry rush up the slope, where the British fire proves unequal to the task of stopping them. Hill is slow to realise this, and has to commit his single brigade of Dutch Carabiniers to buy enough time for his infantry to escape - and these men are all captured when the enterprising General Exelmans rushes the now undefended bridge at Nimy and cuts them off.</div><div><br /></div><div>d'Erlon gains the tactical victory, at the cost of damaging his already weaker infantry divisions and losing nearly four hours; Hill's undoubted strategic victory is spoiled somewhat by the unnecessary loss of a brigade of precious heavy cavalry, and the 71st Foot who he forgot to order out of the fort before it was too late.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hill retreats back to Lens, where he meets up with the first of his reinforcements. d'Erlon follows him sedately, bringing up three of his four infantry divisions and all his cavalry to watch them by dusk.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Battle of Binche</h3><div>The rest of Ney's wing march on Binche; now defended by Steinmetz' 1st Prussian brigade (a division-sized formation), with Alten's 3rd British division on the high ground just to the NW of the village. </div><div><br /></div><div>Vastly outnumbered, and completely lacking cavalry of their own, they're easily cut off by the French light cavalry. Their more northerly position and some excellent discipline (I.E some excellent rolling) sees Alten's division recreate the Light Division's famous retreat in square at Fuentes de Onoro.</div><div><br /></div><div>Steinmetz' Prussians aren't so lucky; trapped in Binche they fight gallantly for hours, repelling multiple assaults, until compelled to surrender at 4pm by French artillery.</div><div><br /></div><div>The loss of an entire division is a serious blow for the Allies, but French casualties have been heavy too, and the action has delayed the French advance by five whole hours - enough to see Ney call a halt and order his men to make camp in and around Binche for the night.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Final Positions</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLiI5GrAWJYXlrBzcC6j3aB8LrUN4U0hqkQThwAXEaEuC1g13hh-5EpSsJIN2MGt2WEZxg0FrHJNWiyPvibzQ5wPRX8uL_Fkl1vPAlyyyRJ7W3QxGNXYRnnmMYuYd-DIfVVo7kKJR9GsdzqvO2Yrfcxq-V1ql1heIf_Z8Pkfe1KN9xthMQR0laX6g/s4878/waterloo_T1%20(1).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2460" data-original-width="4878" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLiI5GrAWJYXlrBzcC6j3aB8LrUN4U0hqkQThwAXEaEuC1g13hh-5EpSsJIN2MGt2WEZxg0FrHJNWiyPvibzQ5wPRX8uL_Fkl1vPAlyyyRJ7W3QxGNXYRnnmMYuYd-DIfVVo7kKJR9GsdzqvO2Yrfcxq-V1ql1heIf_Z8Pkfe1KN9xthMQR0laX6g/w400-h201/waterloo_T1%20(1).png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Positions at dusk, turn one</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>At the end of the first day of campaigning, the French can feel reasonably satisfied. They're across the two main rivers in strength, have got a Corps to Quatre Bras keeping the Allies from linking up, and are definitely ahead in the casualty stakes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, there's room for hope on the Allied side too. The French have failed to force a decisive engagement anywhere and for the most part reinforcements are well en route and will arrive tomorrow</div><div> </div>Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-24159929287705049112022-07-25T13:46:00.001+01:002022-11-24T22:09:28.327+00:00The Waterloo Kriegsspiel: Turn Zero (14th of June)<div style="text-align: left;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIebEBHOyRArxMUVL1vXVp6zQKpdRMfdaAGDYrQvDXAwW7q2ktdireLKvcLnNycAbra-tTPfQOmlWiqSFw3qu7LWJg2ZZtkLCrGVNNteJOvXqCEF5VbEfPtQzm7hRXytLGIWhbmgJgUIlfE2-MmT2a2qg1xYNWu7PE3smapu-TVmYln_dE_UdNJMP/s4878/waterloo_T0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2460" data-original-width="4878" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIebEBHOyRArxMUVL1vXVp6zQKpdRMfdaAGDYrQvDXAwW7q2ktdireLKvcLnNycAbra-tTPfQOmlWiqSFw3qu7LWJg2ZZtkLCrGVNNteJOvXqCEF5VbEfPtQzm7hRXytLGIWhbmgJgUIlfE2-MmT2a2qg1xYNWu7PE3smapu-TVmYln_dE_UdNJMP/w640-h322/waterloo_T0.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Map showing the dispositions of the French (blue), Anglo-Dutch (red) and Prussian (green) armies on the 14th of June</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With the <a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-campaign.html">campaign overview</a> out of the way, let's look at how the campaign opened.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is post two in a series of seven; the others are:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="background-color: #f0f3fd; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;"><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-campaign.html" style="background: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Campaign Overview</span></a></li><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-one-15th.html" style="background: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;">Turn One (15th of June)</a><br /></span></li><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-two-16th.html" style="background: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;">Turn Two (16th of June)</a><br /></span></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-three.html" style="background: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Turn Three (17th of June)</span></a></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kreigsspiel-negotiations.html" style="background: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Negotiations (18th of June)</span></a></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-conclusions.html"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Conclusions</span></a></li></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As in history, the French crossed the Sambre on the 15th of June attacking northward. </div><div style="text-align: left;">In order to give them a chance of achieving the same sort of tactical surprise as they did historically, prior to the 15th I let all the players rejig their dispositions within roughly the same area as they really did occupy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The French</h3><div>I had four French players, playing Napoleon, Marshals Ney & Grouchy, and General d'Erlon.</div><div><br /></div><div>The French plan was much the same as it was historically - to split the two Allied armies and defeat one then the other. This time though, believing that it would be impossible to prevent the Prussians from concentrating, they decided instead to hit the Anglo-Dutch army first and defeat it before it could concentrate, then swing around East to hit the Prussians.</div><div><br /></div><div>To this end, instead of concentrating the whole army at Beaumont to cross the Sambre at Charleroi, they massed their forces at Maubeuge to strike North at Mons and Binche, with a smaller force positioned further East to take Charleroi and block the Prussians from advancing West along the Charleroi-Mons road.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrTqVIwLU5gtPbky7CDbqlnocEpWpPrm6i_2CUKlPmIAxnt-UC4xPdp2arF5Q5ERYO3jUeeeizUQ55m6JQQnEPVqBpb7cRu1KVhO6z2-QMKkntC4EpIVlurjBwkndSpoBwCD5TrGYITz5G5gdM6e0Iclh3S2KkfvrY9Doj0VGnHmZveYI_Ku-Ny8B/s1182/frenchdispositions.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1182" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrTqVIwLU5gtPbky7CDbqlnocEpWpPrm6i_2CUKlPmIAxnt-UC4xPdp2arF5Q5ERYO3jUeeeizUQ55m6JQQnEPVqBpb7cRu1KVhO6z2-QMKkntC4EpIVlurjBwkndSpoBwCD5TrGYITz5G5gdM6e0Iclh3S2KkfvrY9Doj0VGnHmZveYI_Ku-Ny8B/w400-h219/frenchdispositions.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The diagram explaining French dispositions of forces sent to me by my Napoleon</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><b>The French left wing</b> - under the command of Marshal Ney, was itself split between a left wing advancing on Mons from Maubeuge and a right wing advancing on Binche from Beaumont.</div><div><br /></div><div>The left wing, consisting of d'Erlon's I Corps backed up by Exelmans' II Cavalry Corps, was positioned with its lead elements close to the border, which this far East is actually North of the Sambre. This force was under the command of General d'Erlon, and totalled some 22,000 men.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Binche force was under Marshal Ney's direct command, and consisted of Reille's II Corps backed up by Lobau's weak II Corps and Kellermann's elite III Cavalry Corps (technically part of the Reserve) - a total of 36,000 men.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The French right wing</b> was led by the Young Guard and Guard Light Cavalry divisions (to ensure speed and aggression crossing the Sambre), followed up by Vandamme's III Corps, and then Gerard's IV Corps. They were to advance north from the vicinity of Philippeville and capture Charleroi, then push on to pin down the Prussians. </div><div><br /></div><div>Including the two Guard divisions detached from the Reserve this force consisted of about 39,000 men, and was commanded by Marshal Grouchy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Backing up the right wing, <b>the Reserve</b> fell under Napoleon's direct command. It consisted of the Imperial Guard (minus the two divisions attached to the right wing), Pajol's I Cavalry Corps and Milhaud's IV Cavalry Corps - 20,000 men in all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall this was a fairly sensible strategy, cognisant of the strategic challenges they faced. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>The British (Anglo-Dutch)</b></h3><div>I had three British players, playing Wellington, Orange and Hill.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The British opted against shuffling too much of their forces around, instead deploying nearly as they did historically.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDirQicimwudcbtMxMCClRjTkW3lDwq-5OCI2AIQS9zi27NxdAvOGFfNX8et7MIe71NKc4IVJmlaCdZk0mukTkhkHsudTB5dRwxHlKKGDpdpkxOw6ibkjRP7fH-w4WPdPQMPJy-jlPkd7a5K2D36LHN8-xbUKgt1vw-Kn0aWSDyqRoyGojhQOHcZ2J/s1801/siborne.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1801" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDirQicimwudcbtMxMCClRjTkW3lDwq-5OCI2AIQS9zi27NxdAvOGFfNX8et7MIe71NKc4IVJmlaCdZk0mukTkhkHsudTB5dRwxHlKKGDpdpkxOw6ibkjRP7fH-w4WPdPQMPJy-jlPkd7a5K2D36LHN8-xbUKgt1vw-Kn0aWSDyqRoyGojhQOHcZ2J/w400-h210/siborne.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Detail from Siborne's 1844 map showing dispositions of Anglo-Dutch forces in red.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><b>I Corps,</b> under the Prince of Orange, had 26,000 men centred on Braine-le-Comte - the furthest south of the Corps.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>II Corps</b> was quartered over a wide area to the West and Northwest, guarding the routes to Ghent and Brussels from Lille and Tournai. It had 24,000 men under General 'Daddy' Hill.</div><div><br /></div><div>The <b>Cavalry Corps</b> under General Uxbridge was encamped to I Corps' North, clustered around the crossroads between an old Roman road that led South to Mons and the Brussels road. It mustered 16,000 men.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, the <b>Reserve Corps</b> was under Wellington's direct control. A large part of the Corps is quartered in Brussels, but detachments are scattered over a wide area including garrisons in Ghent and Antwerp. All told the Corps had 31,000 men.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The British plan was to be aggressive; to concentrate as quickly and as far forward as possible to put pressure on the French, who they thought would probably begin by attacking the Prussians. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Prussians</h3><div>I had three Prussian players, playing Marshall Blucher and Generals Ziethen & Thielmann.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Prussians also opted not to change from their historical deployments.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosy6_oRFkfsE5DIb7aBzaX33RuwiGd02xrOsNqQw8AzQBZVIbPyvVICrn9AV9Zl28oQyZ67cAPOT7fVo0gUoIsP-PfC0OkdP0uI8TAhYmymn6ZoiRICHQqv9Yc5bgYpoggj6E6p__-sT0Ym0OiIANnvtkLgbeWp2ymR10OirxQnoFmiFsf5BYEBY4/s1801/siborne_prussians.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="1801" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosy6_oRFkfsE5DIb7aBzaX33RuwiGd02xrOsNqQw8AzQBZVIbPyvVICrn9AV9Zl28oQyZ67cAPOT7fVo0gUoIsP-PfC0OkdP0uI8TAhYmymn6ZoiRICHQqv9Yc5bgYpoggj6E6p__-sT0Ym0OiIANnvtkLgbeWp2ymR10OirxQnoFmiFsf5BYEBY4/w400-h196/siborne_prussians.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Detail from Siborne's 1844 map showing dispositions of Prussian forces in green.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br style="text-align: left;" /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b>I Corps</b> under General Ziethen were deployed closest to the French, holding Charleroi and blocking the road North to Brussels with their 37,000 men.<div><br /></div><div><b>II Corps </b> were further east along the Rhine road, bivouacked over a much wider area. Under General Pirch's command were 33,000 men, with Marshall Blucher placing his headquarters here.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>III Corps</b> had perhaps the most exposed position, south of the Sambre (if at least separated from the French by the Meuse. General Thielmann had 27,000 men - the smallest of the four Prussian Corps.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>IV Corps</b> under the very experienced von Bulow was the army reserve. Headquarted in Liege but spread out over a large expanse of the North bank of the Sambre, it mustered 34,000 men.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>The Prussian plan was much more defensive than the British. Expecting the French to focus their attack on them, Thielmann was to give up any attempt at attacking French supply lines and withdraw North of the Sambre at Namur while Ziethen was to hold the river for as long as possible before falling back on Ligny. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ligny was chosen in the knowledge that the British would be concentrating on Braine-le-Comte, and thus the Nivelles-Namur road would need keeping open for the two armies to link up.</div><div><br /></div><div>II and IV Corps would concentrate on Ligny from the other direction, and once the army was assembled in sufficient strength, the plan was to attack Charleroi and force the French back over the Sambre.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Weather</h3><div>Aside from starting dispositions, the other variable that I wanted to obfuscate was the weather - I didn't want the Allies to be able to rely on heavy rain on the 17th of June, or the French player to plan around it.</div><div>Instead, I built a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markov_chain">Markov Chain</a> to generate a series of atmospheric pressures and used them as a basis for some simple weather descriptions for morning, afternoon and night of each day.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5fvr_-sFZ5zRnElf3N7NrhdpACRWP3IAb7QADU_43Z2NWOgwTRo89OW0aWsTW_1uVQ97nDq1Ay3Ib5L-xg2WJEmWs2izI92IYm4SQRdmxRf-Oll0AINHtRcVJk2MWktw6k-2kk37eVDek__xcu4eld1QXSSvy233D2dE8stMfBmJOpW6dB2L4bUK/s1233/barometer.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1233" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5fvr_-sFZ5zRnElf3N7NrhdpACRWP3IAb7QADU_43Z2NWOgwTRo89OW0aWsTW_1uVQ97nDq1Ay3Ib5L-xg2WJEmWs2izI92IYm4SQRdmxRf-Oll0AINHtRcVJk2MWktw6k-2kk37eVDek__xcu4eld1QXSSvy233D2dE8stMfBmJOpW6dB2L4bUK/w400-h210/barometer.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>This gave me a period of decent weather for most of the first four days of the campaign, with a storm on the fifth day - the day <i>after</i> the real Battle of Waterloo. </div><div><br /></div><div>At dawn, midday and dusk I let all the players know the pressure and gave them a brief one-sentence description of the weather. </div>Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-30258765319154477492022-07-17T19:04:00.005+01:002022-11-24T22:06:16.720+00:00The Waterloo Kriegsspiel: Campaign Overview<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgD2UDszfuF0-pGwSrKsG16FM8xCs-s4r4PC8ouJdWf-790_vkM4-vhlx288MPsArPv1qpj7wZoz8xabIuA6DieT19ozbOAK1mSVPze8bO75rC4QUOpVosVXYdgkfNZnZbDzmyUYID6oALvhEa__H-ebfxQNbwuHHm7MCkdEo9R401R_CGnmhwlkONN" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="969" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgD2UDszfuF0-pGwSrKsG16FM8xCs-s4r4PC8ouJdWf-790_vkM4-vhlx288MPsArPv1qpj7wZoz8xabIuA6DieT19ozbOAK1mSVPze8bO75rC4QUOpVosVXYdgkfNZnZbDzmyUYID6oALvhEa__H-ebfxQNbwuHHm7MCkdEo9R401R_CGnmhwlkONN=w640-h396" width="640" /></a></span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Where we're going, we don't need miniatures!</i></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">I recently concluded one of the more unusual, least sensible and most time consuming things I've done in this hobby: I and ten friends refought the Waterloo campaign via a play-by-email kriegsspiel game. It took over a year, and if you take </span><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">one</b><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"> thing away from this series of posts, it's not to do what I did.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This idea didn't spring out of nowhere though, so let's back up again and put the above in context.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;">This is post one in a series of seven; the others are:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Campaign Overview - this post</li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-zero-14th.html">Turn Zero (14th of June)</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-one-15th.html">Turn One (15th of June)</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-two-16th.html">Turn Two (16th of June)</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-turn-three.html">Turn Three (17th of June)</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-waterloo-kreigsspiel-negotiations.html">Negotiations (18th of June)</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://coloursandeagles.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-waterloo-kriegsspiel-conclusions.html">Conclusions</a></li></ol></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Context</span></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Kriegsspiel</span></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kriegsspiel can refer to 'the' Kriegsspiel developed in the 19th century by the Reisswitzes for the Prussian officer corps, but generally it just means any free-form wargame where the players don't explicitly play the game, but instead give orders which are resolved by one or more umpires.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">What that gives you is both almost complete flexibility in your orders, and a good system for introducing true fog of war. The downside is that now the 'rules' largely exist in the brain of your umpire, so you had best hope they know what they're talking about.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Oh god, the pandemic</span></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I played my first kriegsspiel during the first lockdown in 2020 - like everyone else, my club was put on hold for a couple of months until one of our members announced that he was planning to do Operation Sealion by email. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I jumped on it, and spent the next couple of months fighting a delaying action while the panzers landed at Felixstowe and advanced on Norwich (no, I didn't understand either - apparently mustard is vital war materiel).</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not long after the Home Fleet arrived from Scapa Flow and the Germans surrendered, lockdown was lifted and we all got back to playing with miniatures like god intended.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Enter lockdown 2 (Electric Boogaloo). </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thoughts turned to doing another kriegsspiel, and this time I volunteered to run one - I'd been thinking about running a Napoleonic game for a while, and we quickly settled on the Waterloo campaign of 1815.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Why Waterloo?</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first reason is pretty obvious; Waterloo is <b>the</b> Napoleonic battle and, to quote Nosey himself, was <i>"the nearest run thing you ever saw"</i>. It also has three roughly equal armies starting in close proximity to each other, so you get plenty of opportunity for plenty of players to have interesting roles.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Waterloo campaign (I'll keep calling it that to differentiate between the action in Belgium and the wider Hundred Days) also has another very important property for recreating: it was very short.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The big problem with recreating Napoleonic campaigning is that generals operated at both the strategic and tactical level, often in quick succession. For our Sealion game, we all gave orders for the day ahead, and then each 'evening' received reports about the day's fighting. Clearly this wouldn't work for 1815; virtually all the battles would take place entirely in between players </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">To put it another way, any system has to support Wellington manoeuvring his reserves towards the battlefield at the Corps level over multiple days, and allow him to order the Guards forward at the critical moment (<i>"Now Maitland, now's your time!"</i>).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The inevitable conclusion of this is that players need to be able to make decisions in the moment, and so the in-game time between 'turns' needs to be small, or better still flexible in length.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The brevity of this campaign helps here because even with several turns a day, you can still get through it all in a reasonable time. I estimated we'd manage about one day per month, which turned out to be <i>hopelessly</i> optimistic.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Emphases</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Before we get into the nuts and bolts of the game system, it's important to know exactly what I was wanting to get out of this game.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The big opportunity of an online game is that it frees you from the tyranny of the typical 6'x4' board that everyone can see, and the typical three hour club night game. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><br /></span>I wanted to really lean in on this, and present the players with an immersive game where they had to focus on the same problems that their real life counterparts faced - making decisions with limited information and large lags in communication about large, unwieldy formations.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The real campaign was hugely influenced by things like d'Erlon spending the day of Quatre Bras marching back and forth due to conflicting orders - something that is very unlikely to happen on the table top. Any system needed to make this sort of blunder a real possibility.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Format</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">As with most play by email games, this was primarily text based. I would tell the players what was going on (<i>"14:00. The assault columns reach Wagnee. The initial attack, by the men of 3 Brigade, isn't pressed home by the unenthusiastic men of the Berg regiment and Westphalian Landwehr and is repulsed with heavy casualties"</i>), and then they would reply (<i>"OK, send in 4 Brigade and follow up with 3 Brigade's reserve regiment"</i>). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The descriptions were backed up by maps, to make up for the fact that the players couldn't see what was going on.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition to the 'voice of god' style narration, I also interacted with the players in character as their various aides-de-camp, providing advice and answering questions. This allowed them to think over their decisions and ask questions without breaking the fourth wall. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">It also let me head off some of the stupider suggestions, but in general I tried to err on the side of letting the players make mistakes.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Victory Conditions</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">This was a tightly balanced campaign historically. The French can beat either of the Anglo-Dutch or Prussian armies individually, but not if they manage to join together. The French also have the looming threat of the Austrian and Russian armies, so need to knock Britain and Prussia out of the war quickly in order to give themselves a fighting chance. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Historically this is precisely what they attempted, and of course failed. The French players can feel good about their achievements if they do better than the real Napoleon did. The Allies will be aiming to win again.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Timing</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">What I settled on was a flexible system; players would make decisions and then I would 'wind the clock on' until the next time at which they needed to make a decision. To make this easier, I tracked time only to the nearest half hour, fudging times in between.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">For example, Gen. Thielmann decides at 14:00 to march to Quatre Bras. It takes about three hours to get there, so when 17:00 rolls around I tell him that he's arrived, the lay of the land and so on. He then gives further orders, and we repeat the process. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The major problem with this was the sheer number of players. If Wellington is half an hour away from Blucher, then I can't let him get more than half an hour ahead (or behind), otherwise one of them might decide to send the other a message which would turn up in the past. If Napoleon is facing Blucher across the battlefield, then really they need to be on exactly the same time.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">When you've got ten players, all with jobs and things to do, what you get is a campaign that moves at the pace of the slowest player. Unfortunately there's no real way of getting around this without running into the problems described above. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Conflict Resolution</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The other key element of this sort of system is some mechanism. Classically this is left entirely to the umpire's judgement, but I wanted to introduce some randomness.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I settled on using 2d6 with modifiers to resolve everything - any time something was at all in doubt, from the quality of scouting to clashes between formations - I would roll those dice and add or subtract values as I deemed appropriate, then check them against this table:</span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjef6YMy1jft9CsK9I-3rYzmpnNY-amtNeaOgUQo8LW_AAxjql70Vdoo4YpaMtxuRwSst80bRBbqrEIoS2h_2RgLFSWjZuol0kxSW4CuwVWacGKdoluqVzfDkd44AfD29EPVs1jERd3S9RG8SErN1rqjRI-_w5um0XtfYLRoZO6nylrsj7yXeUuFCTa" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="540" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjef6YMy1jft9CsK9I-3rYzmpnNY-amtNeaOgUQo8LW_AAxjql70Vdoo4YpaMtxuRwSst80bRBbqrEIoS2h_2RgLFSWjZuol0kxSW4CuwVWacGKdoluqVzfDkd44AfD29EPVs1jERd3S9RG8SErN1rqjRI-_w5um0XtfYLRoZO6nylrsj7yXeUuFCTa" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />A typical example of this, taken from my notes for fighting near Fleurus on the third day of the campaign, goes like this:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-24c72e93-7fff-b7c9-e68d-cc3c4ef12014" style="font-family: inherit;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Vandamme's two infantry divisions (total 7619 men) attack 2. Brigade (5543 men ). The Prussians are defending Gosselies, but haven't had time to properly dig in. </i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The French roll at +1. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">They roll a 6, so a total of 7 </span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Result: Stalemate. Hard fighting continues; both sides take losses.</i></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The 2d6 system gives a nice bell curve to the results, and is easily applied to a whole range of different situations without getting bogged down in pointless minutiae that the players will never notice. </span></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Infrastructure</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Despite referring to this as a play by email campaign, I actually used a series of Whatsapp groups (26 in total, including private chats between myself and single players) to communicate. Whatsapp works well for this because it's easily searchable and allows for the sort of instant messaging you need when having an actual conversation. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">When players met up in-campaign, I added them to a group together so they could talk freely, then went back to messaging them individually if they split up. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">For players who wanted to communicate over distance, I took messages from them via Whatsapp and worked out how long they would take to arrive via courier. When the time came, I handed on the message to the recipient. I kept track all of this in a spreadsheet, which also let me track messages that had got lost or intercepted.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking of spreadsheets, I used another to keep track of all the formations involved at the division (for infantry) or brigade (for cavalry) level.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZYNOYDAPPiRiitPcVlMyQHMSw0e8-J_G2g1yUiD9tsOCL2bSXTW3yZ4GM3DFPUiBo8n2AtU8nF6XwVfzBrdUjI7TFWhW_g97WDoqnSXnAkPJ5uu0GBYC4JSajNJz2qqlMFUk1Xh_kLpJrvKhS_QfUrJ4bT2Ik6C_yogP5V4uBBFBHapochZRBwd09" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="1739" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZYNOYDAPPiRiitPcVlMyQHMSw0e8-J_G2g1yUiD9tsOCL2bSXTW3yZ4GM3DFPUiBo8n2AtU8nF6XwVfzBrdUjI7TFWhW_g97WDoqnSXnAkPJ5uu0GBYC4JSajNJz2qqlMFUk1Xh_kLpJrvKhS_QfUrJ4bT2Ik6C_yogP5V4uBBFBHapochZRBwd09=w446-h163" width="446" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Part of the British page of the spreadsheet</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div></i>I tracked a variety of information for each formation, with all of the subjective assessments being on a five point scale of Bad/Poor/Average/Good/Excellent - these don't necessarily correspond to anything, they're just to give me an indication when resolving issues. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another page in the spreadsheet listed the players, their current time, location and other useful bits of information.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>I used a large scale map of the area for strategic movement, and the 1777 Ferraris map for tactical manoeuvring - there's a scrollable version available <a href="https://maps.arcanum.com/en/map/belgium-1777/">here</a>. </span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">For battles, I pasted sections of this into an image file using <a href="https://www.gimp.org/">GIMP</a>, which I then used to overlay troop positions, annotations etc.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I used Google Maps for measuring distances between places (as did some of my players, to quote one of them, <i>"My wife wants to know why the satnav keeps suggesting obscure Belgian villages"</i>), and yet another spreadsheet to convert these distances into marching times based on speed of march, length of column and, as always, a 2d6 modifier.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">To record everything, I used a series of documents (Google Drive, to keep it all accessible from multiple machines) with a running commentary of dice rolls, movements etc. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Things that players needed notifying of in future got tagged with <i>'[todo 17:30]'</i> or similar, which made it easy to check when winding the clock on. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're interested in these tools, I've made the folder on my Google Drive accessible to anyone with <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b0nzhMNcdfq-N49jUVt5rHFNIys4yAjN?usp=sharing">this link.</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now we've gone over how the campaign worked, the next post will detail the campaign setup and turn zero - the calm before the storm, if you will.</span></div>Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-86208500580491404252022-07-12T15:13:00.001+01:002022-07-12T15:13:30.528+01:00Welcome Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rP6hSDnyOqAKWmnlQr_xkWEzcOiPQ5kA0Y7Uo6nE4GBwNx7Ftjv5y5W-h5X-KASCfBCEHN4Dz1yFM8VtHQwhxYcByDfCds4qL1yvf5QwIWkkcUf1WETpqnpiPlIo8x14rOs-z_kIGOrlFQKTU4ASLDGIhTyn40epyU-Ob0e_6JyvB5bp8B71aIVu/s4000/IMG_20220711_194041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rP6hSDnyOqAKWmnlQr_xkWEzcOiPQ5kA0Y7Uo6nE4GBwNx7Ftjv5y5W-h5X-KASCfBCEHN4Dz1yFM8VtHQwhxYcByDfCds4qL1yvf5QwIWkkcUf1WETpqnpiPlIo8x14rOs-z_kIGOrlFQKTU4ASLDGIhTyn40epyU-Ob0e_6JyvB5bp8B71aIVu/w322-h243/IMG_20220711_194041.jpg" width="322" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Social networks, interests and teenage ideas about aesthetics come and go, but the urge to express oneself never quite vanishes, and the old faithful personal blog gets a new lease of life. </p><p>After I let this place wither on the vine back in 2015, I switched to posting on Instagram. While I do enjoy it, I miss having the freedom to write proper long form prose, and I have a few recent projects to talk about that simply wouldn't work in the square format.</p><p>The final straw was a friend announcing that he wanted to record a recent game of Chain of Command on <a href="https://toftswargaming.wordpress.com/">his blog</a>. </p><p>Welcome back; we have much to catch up on. </p>Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-87859821305947921832015-11-19T17:26:00.000+00:002015-11-19T17:26:08.468+00:00Eldar Falcon Grav Tank<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWY3_kYjIHfvvh7rjKwLqw7az7t9AwbZjaHTXpcziqfc8nuwBBv_bzArqPs8oIt5ph_0nCFsOkRhO4oLV44Nxqubu9UW5wvtdXhKUhjDId5U8210KztulKd8sJLagVaMM2feDyY2grUk/s1600/P1090543small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWY3_kYjIHfvvh7rjKwLqw7az7t9AwbZjaHTXpcziqfc8nuwBBv_bzArqPs8oIt5ph_0nCFsOkRhO4oLV44Nxqubu9UW5wvtdXhKUhjDId5U8210KztulKd8sJLagVaMM2feDyY2grUk/s640/P1090543small.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Still moving forward with my Eldar army restoration, the next model is the first of my three Falcon grav tanks. I've found that alternating between the Eldar and one of my other projects has kept me from burning out painting black.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8qKfWAegmW3XqTx_fwzemjZR8klAF_EHkoKQuSqCZ07ouJ0Ci9oGljQ4oOsK2uPIF83tNcLEglNybi3GvWqEOTgBiSrKtHUzHryW8irvFYWXLCVooxNlMMRBa6DqU8pmUXQxqdF6oOo/s1600/P1090549small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8qKfWAegmW3XqTx_fwzemjZR8klAF_EHkoKQuSqCZ07ouJ0Ci9oGljQ4oOsK2uPIF83tNcLEglNybi3GvWqEOTgBiSrKtHUzHryW8irvFYWXLCVooxNlMMRBa6DqU8pmUXQxqdF6oOo/s640/P1090549small.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like all my other Eldar the main colour is black, with bone, red and brass/gold accents. Because I managed to cloud up the canopies in a previous paint job I couldn't leave them clear, so I painted them in a brass/silver gradient with a few turquoise glazes to give a high-tech feel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSG80SmxjbATGtGT1bw6YwdrS58am_JKtIsa6WMEusXUup_GbfIx8Zf-3hQ2X1Y3XeQSQjsQMVAOwYynuiRQT-aNYPT3_bfWsnFfsB4c3AY5SBZfSGVOWx4tYBexWcNpGfA66Ej7YrSc/s1600/P1090559small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSG80SmxjbATGtGT1bw6YwdrS58am_JKtIsa6WMEusXUup_GbfIx8Zf-3hQ2X1Y3XeQSQjsQMVAOwYynuiRQT-aNYPT3_bfWsnFfsB4c3AY5SBZfSGVOWx4tYBexWcNpGfA66Ej7YrSc/s640/P1090559small.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The tank received squadron markings on the right fin, in the same manner as the <a href="http://coloursandeagles.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/eldar-war-walkers.html">War Walkers</a> I painted recently. When I finish the other two Falcons, they'll one and two stripes each.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPEmE1bXCMZoTemVOQyn36b_8tZ_LOOyYs-BqNf19mQi3W8NXmLRfBYEMTyX68k87w_HVWloT84Z9Kb5X38OV_s7vNEzrCZi0MUKHqGRL4sXzJfHElYKq0O3Xxbxrf9mNsCNhzCZAfg4/s1600/P1090561small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPEmE1bXCMZoTemVOQyn36b_8tZ_LOOyYs-BqNf19mQi3W8NXmLRfBYEMTyX68k87w_HVWloT84Z9Kb5X38OV_s7vNEzrCZi0MUKHqGRL4sXzJfHElYKq0O3Xxbxrf9mNsCNhzCZAfg4/s640/P1090561small.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Apart from clouding the canopies, my teenage self also lost the Pulse Cannon from the turret, and decided that a Bright Lance would make a perfectly acceptable replacement. </div>
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My next Eldar model will be a second Falcon, but before then I'll be posting some of the other things I've been working on for my Dark Ages and other projects.</div>
Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-53639118665176624982015-11-12T15:08:00.000+00:002015-11-12T15:08:03.793+00:00Chaos Samurai Army & Ashigaru (Chaos Marauders)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmP_dBt7ggzVvRViebs0hybGhXQk8NRy61ZmIw-Bg-0MJ9P2AeF_pKZFFJcd7BJlBEPpGP4B8DvArkMOh7QQI5cjFXOsfUP2_usrGnr0FEyr9CCj735575hwDrPH5Cueexx3F0vlZBDA/s1600/P1090567small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmP_dBt7ggzVvRViebs0hybGhXQk8NRy61ZmIw-Bg-0MJ9P2AeF_pKZFFJcd7BJlBEPpGP4B8DvArkMOh7QQI5cjFXOsfUP2_usrGnr0FEyr9CCj735575hwDrPH5Cueexx3F0vlZBDA/s640/P1090567small.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Note: the first part of this post is a bit of an essay explaining the concept behind this army. If you're only here for the pictures, just scroll down until you reach part 2.</div>
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Part 1: The Army</h3>
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For years now, I've been toying with the idea of starting a Warhammer Fantasy army, inspired mainly by the array of custom-themed armies I have seen; such as <a href="http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?354308-The-(Rat)Men-of-(Under)Talabheim!">Lord Dan's Empire-themed Skaven</a>; <a href="http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?250907-Ogre-Maneaters">tension's 'Gobbotonia' Brettonia/Goblin hybrid</a> and <a href="http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?250907-Ogre-Maneaters">Lew_b81's Ogre army</a>, which borrows designs from just about every faction in the Old World.</div>
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Since virtually every faction in Fantasy is based on a historical culture of some description, I decided that when I got round to making my own army, it would be based on an unrepresented culture.</div>
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By the start of this year I was getting the itch to play Fantasy again and I narrowed my ideas down to a shortlist of two: Greek themed Tomb Kings (think phalanxes of skeletons and various Greek mythological creatures as Ushabti etc) or Samurai themed Chaos Warriors. If you read the post title, you'll know I went with the second option (although I haven't ruled out doing the first in the future)</div>
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The Warriors of Chaos are essentially based on Vikings, with a bit of plate armour and daemonic influence thrown in as well. For my army, I will replacing the standard historical influences with ones based around medieval Japan. All the rules will stay the same, but the models will be converted with Green Stuff and I'll be associating each unit in the army book with a historical counterpart, as follows:</div>
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All Chaos Warriors and related units (Knights, Chosen, Lords) will represent varying types of Samurai. All 'human' units (Marauders and Marauder Horsemen) will be Ashigaru, and the various monsters will if possible be changed into Japanese mythological monsters (Oni and so on). Magic users will be converted to resemble Buddhist monks and other characters will be converted to better reflect Japanese arms and armour.</div>
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I'll be going into detail about the various armour and weapon styles in a later post, which will also contain some unpainted pictures showing the sculpting and possibly even a tutorial.</div>
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I will be sticking with a traditional Chaos palette of red, black and brass - red cloth and banners, black lacquered armour and brass decorations. </div>
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Part 2: Ashigaru</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8GMXbM_COEfRQOTsTJ1fnQzaHpMzS6vQ7ZN-S9OLDIhqVbEEG4HE9C4tnXAbvb9mb6DjvVdxnDGposRbkhB8U0ZkhSHXvYa-neYXyLefPsfKViPD4EyTWwkjSTRTHv_3ppoWsaZLSGY/s1600/P1090575small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8GMXbM_COEfRQOTsTJ1fnQzaHpMzS6vQ7ZN-S9OLDIhqVbEEG4HE9C4tnXAbvb9mb6DjvVdxnDGposRbkhB8U0ZkhSHXvYa-neYXyLefPsfKViPD4EyTWwkjSTRTHv_3ppoWsaZLSGY/s640/P1090575small.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I started this project before Age of Sigmar was announced, so I went with square rather than round bases, and I've stuck with traditional Fantasy organisation in my plans.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnJzmz-tsO97ibGGdc_EPHtQx2b1RL39eZSuWmlzXXl_exhAJEwhvZu2jiyc_8RKcigKp0mXDQi1wDpWvMyD0TKOtLVyVzeePbQjqRvYfIduYl12aU_4WMjjKjhx5NMABAmH0ULGd-ew/s1600/P1090577small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnJzmz-tsO97ibGGdc_EPHtQx2b1RL39eZSuWmlzXXl_exhAJEwhvZu2jiyc_8RKcigKp0mXDQi1wDpWvMyD0TKOtLVyVzeePbQjqRvYfIduYl12aU_4WMjjKjhx5NMABAmH0ULGd-ew/s640/P1090577small.JPG" width="488" /></a></div>
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This model is the unit's Aspiring Champion. He demonstrates all of the features of my converted Marauders. He wears a lamellar breastplate (<i>dou</i>), conical helmet (<i>jingasa)</i> and thigh guards (<i>haidate</i>).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCw7MJjYf9WSEbJIvQ5SGtLRKOL6Xgk98dBUxJhqyp7xepviKJw72B5VlwmqweYYvUA8GAkGwRiv9Oy82sstDBWLA12_c0HFKdRJXrQ5CnG-vVIXEanhNCUrNMd61XxA_es0QTd2J_g0/s1600/P1090581small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCw7MJjYf9WSEbJIvQ5SGtLRKOL6Xgk98dBUxJhqyp7xepviKJw72B5VlwmqweYYvUA8GAkGwRiv9Oy82sstDBWLA12_c0HFKdRJXrQ5CnG-vVIXEanhNCUrNMd61XxA_es0QTd2J_g0/s640/P1090581small.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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He also retains the braces and greaves from the original model, as well as the round stomach plate. All the Ashigaru will have some combination of helmet, breastplate and thigh armour, with most of them having two out of the three. These will be combined with the original armour in a variety of ways.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5amW_wJn-71ij1PkhRZWO-M_pw0myOgqzftm-AcaZOKJF5ak5Wmx1UQSfW3TvrB0spXqD7j3XBtbVZwiKCh_t1OYk1c1m6rsgMoW_bkaNf5BaiQad6uZ0iOKPbznn7RkkTpQil674tc/s1600/P1090583small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5amW_wJn-71ij1PkhRZWO-M_pw0myOgqzftm-AcaZOKJF5ak5Wmx1UQSfW3TvrB0spXqD7j3XBtbVZwiKCh_t1OYk1c1m6rsgMoW_bkaNf5BaiQad6uZ0iOKPbznn7RkkTpQil674tc/s640/P1090583small.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In addition to the standard armour, the Champion has a pair of shoulder guards (<i>sode</i>) and a sash around his waist which holds his scabbard, as well as a <i>katana</i> style sword, which mark him out as the leader of the unit.</div>
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He also bears the tattoos that decorate all of the Ashigaru, although they're mostly hidden by the shoulder guards.</div>
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All of the lamellar plates used by the Ashigaru are of a standard design, which can be seen most clearly in the picture below. I will include a tutorial on how to create these plates at some point in the future.</div>
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This model is the unit's musician. Like the Champion, he has both the helmet and breastplate, but only has two of the three thigh guards - the third being replaced with a Roman style 'apron' of leather straps.</div>
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I kept the standard drum from the box, rather than convert it to a more traditional Japanese style.</div>
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The standard bearer has the breastplate and all three thigh guards, but lacks a helmet. He is armed with a <i>katana</i> sword and carries a Japanese style <i>nobori</i> banner.</div>
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This set of armour retains the straps from the original model over the lamellar plates, along with the bracers and greaves.</div>
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The banner is in the traditional Japanese style, with a crosspiece at the top to keep the flag visible even without wind. The design is the eight pointed Chaos star.</div>
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The pole is made from brass rod, the flag itself from champagne bottle foil and the straps from green stuff, cured and superglued in place.</div>
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This regular soldier wears the breastplate and thigh guards, but again lacks a helmet.</div>
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He is armed with a <i>naginata</i> halberd. I plan to give the unit a mixture of polearms and use them as halberdiers.</div>
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The final one of the first five models has a full set of armour apart from the central groin plate, which is instead replaced by some fur.</div>
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He is, like the previous model, armed with a halberd.</div>
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All of my Ashigaru have tattoos. This close up shows a design based around the Chaos star, with a variety of simple geometric shapes around it. Other tattoos use different Chaos symbols, or designs taken from traditional Japanese tattoos. The dark turquoise colour matches the highlights on the armour, and contrasts with the skin.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RPhqYjBo-nM00DIHkfB8bWTvLUyBCu7xvekVrGKiMPcuovGP_oKa64Sg690QgJC5EoAwrXDSHiD_zlhT4h00fl46ZFj3LdzHUliZA9Uu2yHCOtwTDu2P_sok_cklN5D3ZDz3Ys6lACI/s1600/P1090673small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RPhqYjBo-nM00DIHkfB8bWTvLUyBCu7xvekVrGKiMPcuovGP_oKa64Sg690QgJC5EoAwrXDSHiD_zlhT4h00fl46ZFj3LdzHUliZA9Uu2yHCOtwTDu2P_sok_cklN5D3ZDz3Ys6lACI/s640/P1090673small.JPG" width="486" /></a></div>
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Next up is a Falcon tank for my Eldar army.</div>
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Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-25617427693408345112015-10-21T15:23:00.000+01:002015-11-19T17:26:21.542+00:00Eldar War Walkers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmGezwaKIAjWrLkr-WrJcR_tQACbMsfruHX3ihtIIl5Jg7ax8QlZ_CZ5LjqEz_ZJZDy6_gq2LsbE7JYA29zmeiF9cvjEfJ9rPnGAFVUUgJNu0tfw9JS0ABg_6ByAezuJOHsk3rXWcBoU/s1600/P1090528small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmGezwaKIAjWrLkr-WrJcR_tQACbMsfruHX3ihtIIl5Jg7ax8QlZ_CZ5LjqEz_ZJZDy6_gq2LsbE7JYA29zmeiF9cvjEfJ9rPnGAFVUUgJNu0tfw9JS0ABg_6ByAezuJOHsk3rXWcBoU/s640/P1090528small.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Moving onwards with the restoration of my Eldar army, here is a pair of War Walkers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgh2DASodJQc9hPRiG5hELX3jkcfJ2Pn13wzkCtykzEd4twhbv2s7c_miRn3rEBD7a-jpk3oSApMHVzve-N6vmPIkMxryG87T2jEoxaknBvSNUsxOnzTv6cNIBY1GesxpAVNz4jvPOndU/s1600/P1090520small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgh2DASodJQc9hPRiG5hELX3jkcfJ2Pn13wzkCtykzEd4twhbv2s7c_miRn3rEBD7a-jpk3oSApMHVzve-N6vmPIkMxryG87T2jEoxaknBvSNUsxOnzTv6cNIBY1GesxpAVNz4jvPOndU/s640/P1090520small.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like most of the rest of this army, these models were assembled the best part of a decade ago and it shows.</div>
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As well as the poor initial assembly, the rather spindly models suffered a reasonable amount of damage in storage, and have had to be pinned back together in several places. </div>
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You may also have noted the lack of cockpit canopies. These were removed for repainting, then promptly lost, never to be seen again.</div>
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Although the models are equipped with a Scatterlaser and missile launcher each, my preferred in-game load out is dual Scatterlasers, which allow the relatively cheap squadron to put out 8 S6 shots a turn, which can be devastating to light armour.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGt2nNZzLbDo1DmrxK4V8Dz0qhlxVwZJJCSqM4sSqgpW3DmyrUZQDzG0RHvIriI2kXL3roN8hQQtegWsCCfn95Mit0GGPbSB0EoaQy8DO3xiQCNAFlr3GylLxY6T9VhEAub_jQSVUGGA/s1600/P1090505small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGt2nNZzLbDo1DmrxK4V8Dz0qhlxVwZJJCSqM4sSqgpW3DmyrUZQDzG0RHvIriI2kXL3roN8hQQtegWsCCfn95Mit0GGPbSB0EoaQy8DO3xiQCNAFlr3GylLxY6T9VhEAub_jQSVUGGA/s640/P1090505small.JPG" width="542" /></a></div>
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With the improvements to Shuriken weaponry in the new codex, had considered switching them to mount dual Shuriken Cannons, but the extra 12" range and two shots per walker are still (to my mind) worth the extra points for a unit that more often than not ends up sat in my backfield shooting up transports.</div>
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The next Eldar unit on my painting table is a Falcon grav tank, but before then I'll be introducing the start of yet another project.</div>
Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-80117983435432922622015-10-14T16:12:00.000+01:002015-10-14T16:12:00.924+01:00Dark Ages Clergy & Magicians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_chP-WqCmb2lRL2S8dK0-2wruoi-nDkyQjBKdX-dzMFSC0zS7IkGQVM5x0Nlt644M5VmtHf-NwOb7Xy5gBVnJkmVKRWP8zArQNgkwb4PftQUGphpcxIoT7z5Kz9Qm5vOdlpwO7W-eVPg/s1600/P1090483small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_chP-WqCmb2lRL2S8dK0-2wruoi-nDkyQjBKdX-dzMFSC0zS7IkGQVM5x0Nlt644M5VmtHf-NwOb7Xy5gBVnJkmVKRWP8zArQNgkwb4PftQUGphpcxIoT7z5Kz9Qm5vOdlpwO7W-eVPg/s640/P1090483small.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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With the core of my Anglo Saxon army finished ( pictures <a href="http://coloursandeagles.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/anglo-saxon-thegns-warriors-part-ii.html">here</a>), I can turn my attention to various ancillary figures and terrain to round out my Dark ages collection. These will fall into five main groups:</div>
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<ol>
<li style="text-align: center;">Additional Anglo Saxons - in particular another point each of Warriors and Levy to bring the force up to six points and allow for more flexibility in force selection. I would also like to acquire some form of cavalry and some early period Saxons.</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Opponents - I've acquired a dozen or so Romano-British and aim to expand this into a fully fledged army in time. I also plan on doing a Welsh or Scottish army in the (distant) future.</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Terrain - I already have a good deal of period neutral terrain either partly finished or in need of renovation, and I want to expand this with a village; church and burgh, which is already under construction. Longer term, a decent sized river with accompanying bridges, jetties and boats would be nice.</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Civilians and Accessories - to complement my armies, be used in RPGs and act as objectives and terrain for scenarios. As well as some more clergy, I need various civilian workers, livestock and baggage for the escort Saga mission.</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">RPG specific figures - adventurers, monsters and other fun one offs.</li>
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These figures come from Gripping Beast's Arthurian Personalities pack, and were picked up on eBay along with an assortment of other Arthurian figures. </div>
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They will work nicely as civilians and NPCs, as well as extra models for my Romano British army if necessary.</div>
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I believe this figure is supposed to be Merlin, and will make a useful wizard model for RPGs in addition to the other uses already stated.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziJV7dko7JeiQ1dJR_9jhOqXoqp83iRjTcU6gBgnidxhBZJuS6KNz6LkgITibZm-mKwqqSjdp2I6jE6DmegpNaP884HQGFAgSVvT2KpHj6W3b6l9PcCRY-qxDBqxiI9Rhlq4l9CoeVjc/s1600/P1090441small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziJV7dko7JeiQ1dJR_9jhOqXoqp83iRjTcU6gBgnidxhBZJuS6KNz6LkgITibZm-mKwqqSjdp2I6jE6DmegpNaP884HQGFAgSVvT2KpHj6W3b6l9PcCRY-qxDBqxiI9Rhlq4l9CoeVjc/s640/P1090441small.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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His fairly bright blue cloak, a colour which I avoided on my Saxons, makes him stand out on the table. My Romano British army will use mainly white and red, with blue and yellow accents to differentiate them from the Saxons who were all in white, red and green. This should also allow for some mixing of models between the two forces, particularly among the levies.</div>
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Basing is, as normal, done in my temperate scheme.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimErxkSuTekT11GfXd6i87wNNRjzB9VLtQUgpVWUm6IVi6vvOuviutCbHiw4pId5FBNj49u5YyngBtbUcU5GSk6bFix6mFh7w4xyVXdjUA8WMreAhltp55dBEznR7oD7b9RW1DjQspWj4/s1600/P1090434small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimErxkSuTekT11GfXd6i87wNNRjzB9VLtQUgpVWUm6IVi6vvOuviutCbHiw4pId5FBNj49u5YyngBtbUcU5GSk6bFix6mFh7w4xyVXdjUA8WMreAhltp55dBEznR7oD7b9RW1DjQspWj4/s640/P1090434small.JPG" width="438" /></a></div>
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Like the last figure, this one can also be used as a female wizard, or perhaps as a more junior apprentice. She wears almost entirely neutral colours so could fit into just about any army.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsKcLjZ0Stttb2L6V8N6RWvZ09qRwQgaD4KznsukghCOoHEDfogbNXjcLsEMf5sMRtuS-6_R9vvJBphBRBQ0p8J0WDARc6zri07EX32p6bx41MhxwCfzZbRDeionmP9znCI5RlaqJ1aM/s1600/P1090451small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsKcLjZ0Stttb2L6V8N6RWvZ09qRwQgaD4KznsukghCOoHEDfogbNXjcLsEMf5sMRtuS-6_R9vvJBphBRBQ0p8J0WDARc6zri07EX32p6bx41MhxwCfzZbRDeionmP9znCI5RlaqJ1aM/s640/P1090451small.JPG" width="452" /></a></div>
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The last figure in this set is a little more mysterious, and is perhaps better suited to being some kind of baddie.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG1B-8_6mc9w458W32MzpX3JL82d2f3dGbiwiB2QfzJC0C29HFp5oAIc1ueY0FUXlSuYJKjlHh0OdO6L6uO07PmmEoBItqIHLVQV9xR66755aBL66jwqA7aoaSIkzAPBwqGZR7v0iQ9s/s1600/P1090465small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG1B-8_6mc9w458W32MzpX3JL82d2f3dGbiwiB2QfzJC0C29HFp5oAIc1ueY0FUXlSuYJKjlHh0OdO6L6uO07PmmEoBItqIHLVQV9xR66755aBL66jwqA7aoaSIkzAPBwqGZR7v0iQ9s/s640/P1090465small.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The long brown cloak also makes her (or him, the model is a little unclear) suitable to be used as a monk or civilian in cold weather.</div>
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Coming soon, I have the next set of Eldar reinforcements in the form of a pair of War Walkers, followed by some more Dark Ages miniatures.</div>
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Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-2026099130426141692015-09-14T21:57:00.001+01:002015-09-14T21:57:30.321+01:00Eldar Farseer No 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On the rare occasion that I manage to get a game in, I always include a pair of Farseers as my HQ choices. Since my army hails from Ulthwe, it seems only appropriate - the fact that Farseers are excellent force multipliers doesn't hurt either.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06bUo5MGRQmgSuo4v62Nn6r-Vy7JZTPJzeYwfMXdk7E7yA88TWoRF8aTHbthugTu_v4s7WkPcX8eho62b6x9qhOJdtbl6-v_SGUMnRjp_KA1Tnv5Wh4mNVufCnoGRzCN1t6wBkRKt7FM/s1600/P1080950small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06bUo5MGRQmgSuo4v62Nn6r-Vy7JZTPJzeYwfMXdk7E7yA88TWoRF8aTHbthugTu_v4s7WkPcX8eho62b6x9qhOJdtbl6-v_SGUMnRjp_KA1Tnv5Wh4mNVufCnoGRzCN1t6wBkRKt7FM/s640/P1080950small.JPG" width="494" /></a></div>
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Like the rest of my Eldar models, this is a repaint of a model that was originally painted the best part of a decade ago.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbR5wBTNS8oGExAwuZyN1XhMKfFLpmWVchgHkDZIS1JzwxXUqi-YuyRypBtETJZIRFByHIMWPM4YcP9vjUX7gCKzfVZ4royN3dNKVILAcL7gpwIdFH_vmqBGX31b7ubPtuhgnH6a_0968/s1600/P1090032small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbR5wBTNS8oGExAwuZyN1XhMKfFLpmWVchgHkDZIS1JzwxXUqi-YuyRypBtETJZIRFByHIMWPM4YcP9vjUX7gCKzfVZ4royN3dNKVILAcL7gpwIdFH_vmqBGX31b7ubPtuhgnH6a_0968/s640/P1090032small.JPG" width="492" /></a></div>
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The colour scheme is much the same as <a href="http://coloursandeagles.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/eldar-farseer.html">my other Farseer</a> - black with red, gold and bone accents. Unlike the previous Farseer, this one has a black spear blade, giving it an obsidian ceremonial weapon vibe.</div>
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I have more Eldar in the pipeline, including a brace of War Walkers and a squad of Dire Avengers, but they probably won't be next up. </div>
Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-523221024999441702015-08-17T20:51:00.002+01:002015-08-17T20:51:34.068+01:00Eowyn, Shieldmaiden of Rohan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglV48SpCi32AjceuK5X_NmX9VLX3zwx5jAdeNiJaQ8eNEySiph8i_2kiqx7Ti7EYfPX7S9d2Rh1sEy0TO4cERJ_ZSWUFASSG2zX4f9-KS5mIB5esujzdx3Elsb1CzgqH7oiNPHDZ9Vt6o/s1600/P1090014small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglV48SpCi32AjceuK5X_NmX9VLX3zwx5jAdeNiJaQ8eNEySiph8i_2kiqx7Ti7EYfPX7S9d2Rh1sEy0TO4cERJ_ZSWUFASSG2zX4f9-KS5mIB5esujzdx3Elsb1CzgqH7oiNPHDZ9Vt6o/s640/P1090014small.JPG" width="548" /></a></div>
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Another old GW metal figure from the stash, this time Eowyn in the armour she wears at the Pelennor Fields. She will be useful as a leader for my <a href="http://coloursandeagles.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/rohirrim.html">Rohirrim</a>, and shares several colours with them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXdp8S-qsCmfKh-jwfn8ys_xrKHYfy2x5vD-jHtV1NMz7s0EaMat3tBg2rAfrW3G0wnCnIeYYoeKF9KVyPd4ZZLaTV1HrFQOtv4St8wr82QlIGQUdbHFdOTYHqpgzUNtAPjRjQn4jgRU/s1600/P1090020small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXdp8S-qsCmfKh-jwfn8ys_xrKHYfy2x5vD-jHtV1NMz7s0EaMat3tBg2rAfrW3G0wnCnIeYYoeKF9KVyPd4ZZLaTV1HrFQOtv4St8wr82QlIGQUdbHFdOTYHqpgzUNtAPjRjQn4jgRU/s640/P1090020small.JPG" width="484" /></a></div>
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Apart from the cloak, which I painted to match the other Rohirrim, all the colours on the model come from stills of the film - including the goldish armour red tinged belts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrUKEWN7m4WTBPfhI7-IQuVx9iSute9gpN-hyVW26mPsrFDX6i7Yrw9o050eQU2ea2e-P3l03itAY2_z_dNyfHW8q6eSMP5CGCvjTO6WIr7uHq8UoeH1n0Hrzvtw5ozmENeRnzCtgtuo/s1600/P1090018small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrUKEWN7m4WTBPfhI7-IQuVx9iSute9gpN-hyVW26mPsrFDX6i7Yrw9o050eQU2ea2e-P3l03itAY2_z_dNyfHW8q6eSMP5CGCvjTO6WIr7uHq8UoeH1n0Hrzvtw5ozmENeRnzCtgtuo/s640/P1090018small.JPG" width="472" /></a></div>
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As befits her royal status, she wears more gold than the normal troopers, and her leather armour is a richer, deeper shade.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LFKwvUiDjO1fXbqlwSqbJy3LltkTJEbf4QCNkNPcHD_WQb1siNoiZQA5ucwzPX8s9scle7tdTKpfxkpeBvh_YIFPFLI8TG0g6aFLYwJhh-Il1tqqJ4fbI5O7rqiibjY8TYrWLM6nfZE/s1600/P1090023small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LFKwvUiDjO1fXbqlwSqbJy3LltkTJEbf4QCNkNPcHD_WQb1siNoiZQA5ucwzPX8s9scle7tdTKpfxkpeBvh_YIFPFLI8TG0g6aFLYwJhh-Il1tqqJ4fbI5O7rqiibjY8TYrWLM6nfZE/s640/P1090023small.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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The face presented some difficulty - it took me several attempts to get a shade of flesh that wasn't fake tan orange or unhealthily pale. The blonde hair was achieved by using very little yellow in the mix; instead starting from a khaki, then highlighting up to off white with some yellow glazes to restore the colour.</div>
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This was the first miniature I painted after my four month hiatus, the others having been painted before and been awaiting photographing. It was gratifying to learn that I haven't forgotten how to paint.</div>
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Coming up I have some more Eldar units, an assortment of Lord of the Rings figures and some Warhammer Fantasy figures.</div>
Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-15691353900836536052015-08-11T16:56:00.000+01:002015-08-11T16:56:31.420+01:00Eldar Fire Dragons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3JVlGN47Nelzp8atuph6j3IPHkvVhyphenhyphenA1ydWR-nPTjKd0-3Z0kpvKRXnQ9rIQfJG4uGjmjXVp_IjJeI8qISjjq3pSnn5uyEbNoDZEZAC_UBZrujCWdixQwaiNZcrHUDTL7s9pCGAgLKw/s1600/P1090048small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3JVlGN47Nelzp8atuph6j3IPHkvVhyphenhyphenA1ydWR-nPTjKd0-3Z0kpvKRXnQ9rIQfJG4uGjmjXVp_IjJeI8qISjjq3pSnn5uyEbNoDZEZAC_UBZrujCWdixQwaiNZcrHUDTL7s9pCGAgLKw/s640/P1090048small.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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With a trip to Warhammer World in the pipeline, I've been working my way through my rather dated Eldar army, repainting and rebasing to bring them up to a reasonable tabletop standard.</div>
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These Fire Dragons were the last figures I acquired for the army, soon after the old metal models were replaced by Finecast. </div>
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The orange armour was basecoated with a rusty orange, before being highlighted up to yellow avoiding the more lurid orange midtones. Successive washes of Reikland Fleshshade and Agrax Earthshade created a deep, rich tone. </div>
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The black armour sections were highlighted up with turquoise, and the cloth with grey to provide a contrast. The gems were done in my usual red mix for consistency across the army, while the bases were finished in my usual temperate scheme. </div>
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Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-51146144618893888712015-07-28T23:08:00.001+01:002015-07-28T23:08:21.327+01:00Eyebeast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkakW4lyr7bZEohXNoT7CkVvwMgH7DpwI4u77ve2V8OvrKTChN3ju4mqXLDKmkjI-qP-KSyrzOIa581U68Ho_lzm-eIrRNdAFWk0HH96MuRKQaJPCVVWCbovw9QFIeHmpG5JlSXaInKBE/s1600/P1060426SMALL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkakW4lyr7bZEohXNoT7CkVvwMgH7DpwI4u77ve2V8OvrKTChN3ju4mqXLDKmkjI-qP-KSyrzOIa581U68Ho_lzm-eIrRNdAFWk0HH96MuRKQaJPCVVWCbovw9QFIeHmpG5JlSXaInKBE/s640/P1060426SMALL.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This...thing is a Reaper Bones monster that I picked up on a whim and painted in between the batches of Anglo Saxons.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dqopckL1c9LyAcqRA7nNdJNBLEdk3EcEtWTeqeQFfdWQ3iu0C-2O1NGrq76JvksQ_HV3t22AoPbOzrSdrp0Uos7S4-XyKmLcMURNNztaJCv6p5CLqd2AKF582F4eIH1LT3dmoOBgk2I/s1600/P1060429small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dqopckL1c9LyAcqRA7nNdJNBLEdk3EcEtWTeqeQFfdWQ3iu0C-2O1NGrq76JvksQ_HV3t22AoPbOzrSdrp0Uos7S4-XyKmLcMURNNztaJCv6p5CLqd2AKF582F4eIH1LT3dmoOBgk2I/s640/P1060429small.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Like all Bones figures, it comes in Reaper's strange white plastic/resin hybrid. Fortunately the shape of the mini meant that the material didn't cause many problems - I gave up trying to remove all the mould lines on the legs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0k2UkSgIy7aJ37rrgo1zkOkFjyB9LnuPu19oeagLE0gu_6Va3Ki30P_EH7dRukeBWIHhbx8YbqpeSnwfj2BAYPrAmBojy6xO0oU3fZgee0brlmBZSM5n2NVuYjnFuAfcgCU1sVYgD20/s1600/P1060431small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0k2UkSgIy7aJ37rrgo1zkOkFjyB9LnuPu19oeagLE0gu_6Va3Ki30P_EH7dRukeBWIHhbx8YbqpeSnwfj2BAYPrAmBojy6xO0oU3fZgee0brlmBZSM5n2NVuYjnFuAfcgCU1sVYgD20/s640/P1060431small.JPG" width="386" /></a></div>
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I went for a red, fleshy tone rather than the more lurid greens or blues that I've seen displayed. As a monster, it's hard enough to take seriously as it it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDE9DN9Ie64DPUXBMtF9ml-1erglNfmVO2CkIJY-gwXrcNJ1PT133bDCw5jjeMWp7kek6e27YkMNC4h8eMy_aSWufRAjrrwzzWhsjHO8DsghDIfvkBZQ_J9kzCA-B6P98vfVI7T28u7s/s1600/P1060434small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDE9DN9Ie64DPUXBMtF9ml-1erglNfmVO2CkIJY-gwXrcNJ1PT133bDCw5jjeMWp7kek6e27YkMNC4h8eMy_aSWufRAjrrwzzWhsjHO8DsghDIfvkBZQ_J9kzCA-B6P98vfVI7T28u7s/s640/P1060434small.JPG" width="418" /></a></div>
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The large, textured surfaces responded well to several layers of drybrushing to get a variety of tones, followed by lots of washes to tie it all together and then block painting in the eyes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpiCmEYl7fy7Ht5wc361eR2vcXfoH-cQncINZxJ_Hzt2pGewW5S_grL7LbxwtfJ1g49KfVxHvTyQsQRzlH_Pcoymq-MoKqacj7bx9Qu4SlXgwqo4-ZMT16zG_06WYJdNWVyzWOG8MfLc/s1600/P1060437small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpiCmEYl7fy7Ht5wc361eR2vcXfoH-cQncINZxJ_Hzt2pGewW5S_grL7LbxwtfJ1g49KfVxHvTyQsQRzlH_Pcoymq-MoKqacj7bx9Qu4SlXgwqo4-ZMT16zG_06WYJdNWVyzWOG8MfLc/s640/P1060437small.JPG" width="502" /></a></div>
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Hopefully I'll get a chance to use it in a D&D campaign sooner or later, with some kind of medusa-like abilities made worse by the multitude of eyes.</div>
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Next up, a much delayed unit of Fire Dragons for my Eldar army.</div>
Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-52228258277569799382015-07-21T23:31:00.000+01:002015-07-21T23:31:51.765+01:00Beastmen (Chaos) Blood Bowl Team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwpnNr4ajuq7JYe2sOWsDif_qCiq6jS21RWI3TCCon6DpNrxr8Hzhf55Bqd0oL0EFu2RjJtmeLcptpaurNcrRNJw_uT9jL52fiQ8efYCdY8kJnPvPB-Ta_p_H4SQuUmXlJVuhfi4jYxI/s1600/P1080475small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVX66bC18IN4_wYdAT0aVgX2Z5L069K2-vmvcjMfzInIdD4dVWLqFkOPgQiK4XgdzTeJ-af19bdjaH_PJh356IK6wMW3I-KeoDMcIJoVBrpM3O7EOECb97ZIjyAEpJ4r7vaqMxVH-1yA/s1600/P1080443small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVX66bC18IN4_wYdAT0aVgX2Z5L069K2-vmvcjMfzInIdD4dVWLqFkOPgQiK4XgdzTeJ-af19bdjaH_PJh356IK6wMW3I-KeoDMcIJoVBrpM3O7EOECb97ZIjyAEpJ4r7vaqMxVH-1yA/s640/P1080443small.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I finished <a href="http://coloursandeagles.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/blood-bowl-pitch.html">my Blood Bowl pitch</a> well over a year ago, and completed this team at around the same time. Since then, they've avoided being photographed, until now. When starting Blood Bowl, I decided to play a Chaos team, but model the entire team as Beastmen instead of the mix of Chaos Warriors and Beastmen that is standard. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLGBXpdMr9ImZnvhKU-FbNL_sCf1WAudO4BW06FrsMIE7CeuxxhtgxdY-Fvb1lC5PsT_bEGc5wflQgNTkA85VejUB0MQU8Imse9Vidh-pdJy8zdavB1Jq-L0CUlXTvoYEId8rHZMz2OY/s1600/P1080430small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLGBXpdMr9ImZnvhKU-FbNL_sCf1WAudO4BW06FrsMIE7CeuxxhtgxdY-Fvb1lC5PsT_bEGc5wflQgNTkA85VejUB0MQU8Imse9Vidh-pdJy8zdavB1Jq-L0CUlXTvoYEId8rHZMz2OY/s640/P1080430small.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since our league started at 1000gp, I decided to max out on Chaos Warriors (taking four), and skip the Minotaur. Seven normal beastmen and three rerolls took me to 1000gp exactly.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIBUKu1NL3dfqaey88Vdk8l3BnrxStwdY9eUvdznb91TgpzUuS0ZfP46mQDamIhepO63jCKfrlCOJf_8B84dUrdBBaW0Bb4CO-2fSAdpY9WMRvmX2XXMpuEQofpyGJOV0NBIqmC-PZM4/s1600/P1080438small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIBUKu1NL3dfqaey88Vdk8l3BnrxStwdY9eUvdznb91TgpzUuS0ZfP46mQDamIhepO63jCKfrlCOJf_8B84dUrdBBaW0Bb4CO-2fSAdpY9WMRvmX2XXMpuEQofpyGJOV0NBIqmC-PZM4/s640/P1080438small.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All the miniatures are GW Ungors, which are the lightest armoured Beastmen available and come in reasonably active poses. Handily, the set I bought contained four heads with downwards pointing horns, and eight with upwards pointing horns so I gave all the Beastman/Warrior stand ins the former to help distinguish them.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmMRG34MfMCAZmAFSm6JvN6I3yVhSscFpjSeiY_yW9biBIUbGmsh88N6L2xacd8rJrmoTQ1zrhu1FFpoK-cW66waCLVDqoPvTZ5ai7VXdiZEKesPvO9RZVdXk3P9U_30pRCB2df2b7XA/s1600/P1080455small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmMRG34MfMCAZmAFSm6JvN6I3yVhSscFpjSeiY_yW9biBIUbGmsh88N6L2xacd8rJrmoTQ1zrhu1FFpoK-cW66waCLVDqoPvTZ5ai7VXdiZEKesPvO9RZVdXk3P9U_30pRCB2df2b7XA/s640/P1080455small.JPG" width="556" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I then gave the Warriors some armour to reflect their higher AV, and to make them stand out even more. I also painted them a darker shade of brown.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnNZuQLmDKOSQhVoTghyphenhyphene_S0i8FRrofsOOVkLHQZmQzMbP1zuAU8s6yW50gez26vjzLPhleXSyOOghTOA4kiRt4dPCZCEagP1wk1izV8d8K99bdafcbixtXSWx5dHl14k87dGuj_Q_xI/s1600/P1080458small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnNZuQLmDKOSQhVoTghyphenhyphene_S0i8FRrofsOOVkLHQZmQzMbP1zuAU8s6yW50gez26vjzLPhleXSyOOghTOA4kiRt4dPCZCEagP1wk1izV8d8K99bdafcbixtXSWx5dHl14k87dGuj_Q_xI/s640/P1080458small.JPG" width="504" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All the players sport the team colours of turquoise (GW Hawk Turquoise to be exact) and white, which provide an excellent contrast to the shades of brown that most of the models are coloured.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQndSPUx3KxlB9hELJlvoXh5MiS_zDGmUpxQZ2p0knZsB4CmfhexxSNBAbCmtioPppNGbe-rYe3w6gNWROR15sY4CpkYITfcW2Y-KkJuC24MdzQfqT1_tLiTf_9PlsCQ_-d3homnFd9G4/s1600/P1080462small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQndSPUx3KxlB9hELJlvoXh5MiS_zDGmUpxQZ2p0knZsB4CmfhexxSNBAbCmtioPppNGbe-rYe3w6gNWROR15sY4CpkYITfcW2Y-KkJuC24MdzQfqT1_tLiTf_9PlsCQ_-d3homnFd9G4/s640/P1080462small.JPG" width="492" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The only other colours used were a dirty off-white for the bandages, and silver for the chips in the paintwork. Using such a small palette kept the figures, which wear a variety of clothing, looking uniform.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXs22HIDX2R5L0o4pLlLj2maqmD8E17ZMBvF3kWhAgR6qUSqCEYhWF06YZSLoQR8EBGmDr20hEcihLJry-XZ2BiXRtDi_UsgQ3r0hMGEUHniYV__4L_ezqibk2bIWKmmpD5ju-qE9c84U/s1600/P1080465small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXs22HIDX2R5L0o4pLlLj2maqmD8E17ZMBvF3kWhAgR6qUSqCEYhWF06YZSLoQR8EBGmDr20hEcihLJry-XZ2BiXRtDi_UsgQ3r0hMGEUHniYV__4L_ezqibk2bIWKmmpD5ju-qE9c84U/s640/P1080465small.JPG" width="490" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The other key component of the paint scheme is the tattoos that cover most of the player's bodies. These were painted on in a dark mixture of turquoise and black.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpFGMX-1hyphenhyphenBpmMIu0ulzUDk2ycgbE-w_xsJba49ygsplJyexEX0MSwrGVbW5KYaEG4cSdGrOE5Gv_FjNO1UL4yHy3ft0Rx_hlSf1zCdsHUY8aTQnjoo_Orv2_I4e9VJXA-O7yG7_dzYk/s1600/P1080468small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpFGMX-1hyphenhyphenBpmMIu0ulzUDk2ycgbE-w_xsJba49ygsplJyexEX0MSwrGVbW5KYaEG4cSdGrOE5Gv_FjNO1UL4yHy3ft0Rx_hlSf1zCdsHUY8aTQnjoo_Orv2_I4e9VJXA-O7yG7_dzYk/s640/P1080468small.JPG" width="462" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The tattoo designs borrow heavily from Maori Tā Moko (or <span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">kirituhi)<i> </i></span>designs, simplified to make them work on a 28mm figure. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTSzUNrK3qldat9UAqSGK6WxqTRoo24HfM5H_p-rgsbWkN08iqapXeNugJPqFfbBk7yYbz0Wingd_EzSxiClNkdu5xoGVO_bl-gU6n2wcBfj4EkxOxjA77X-6Q6JJxAkgCT-nel4zvYQ/s1600/P1080472small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTSzUNrK3qldat9UAqSGK6WxqTRoo24HfM5H_p-rgsbWkN08iqapXeNugJPqFfbBk7yYbz0Wingd_EzSxiClNkdu5xoGVO_bl-gU6n2wcBfj4EkxOxjA77X-6Q6JJxAkgCT-nel4zvYQ/s640/P1080472small.JPG" width="552" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Several figures also sport a stylised bull's head as a tattoo or painted on their armour, this being the team logo. The groin plate is uniformly white and displays the player's number for in game use.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwpnNr4ajuq7JYe2sOWsDif_qCiq6jS21RWI3TCCon6DpNrxr8Hzhf55Bqd0oL0EFu2RjJtmeLcptpaurNcrRNJw_uT9jL52fiQ8efYCdY8kJnPvPB-Ta_p_H4SQuUmXlJVuhfi4jYxI/s1600/P1080475small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwpnNr4ajuq7JYe2sOWsDif_qCiq6jS21RWI3TCCon6DpNrxr8Hzhf55Bqd0oL0EFu2RjJtmeLcptpaurNcrRNJw_uT9jL52fiQ8efYCdY8kJnPvPB-Ta_p_H4SQuUmXlJVuhfi4jYxI/s640/P1080475small.JPG" width="473" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bases were finished in my usual temperate style - static grass was added after these pictures were taken.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtX83noxZGSLJ413GMF6wgAUQ68LGKQeYW-OLGh1S2AyZvKg2TyRp61oX2y7_L0GNTl8i9fBlZljiAU-Azx_ClnbrU6Rd2MD6NhTrut7IKdssElZZDqhyphenhyphenb0LkTNrQGYllMGnjDB2tGAvs/s1600/P1080479small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtX83noxZGSLJ413GMF6wgAUQ68LGKQeYW-OLGh1S2AyZvKg2TyRp61oX2y7_L0GNTl8i9fBlZljiAU-Azx_ClnbrU6Rd2MD6NhTrut7IKdssElZZDqhyphenhyphenb0LkTNrQGYllMGnjDB2tGAvs/s640/P1080479small.JPG" width="466" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the Chaos team's main advantages is it's easy access to mutations. This player sports an extra arm, which is the first mutation I take when my first player levels up. They then get assigned to full back duty, hanging back and picking up the ball from long kicks.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFkW-9C0wIWTeeR7YX3QkjUam20Qr9lEpzxs7MVTRV14kgzR-3TqppZCLllDe8IMKUUSnTW8FITXmDx7yhJzA5q7RIREby-rU_eYXA-5yu1FPyv5ZhZyz_k0JxY3t95Bw4AftuxlPB_4/s1600/P1080483small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFkW-9C0wIWTeeR7YX3QkjUam20Qr9lEpzxs7MVTRV14kgzR-3TqppZCLllDe8IMKUUSnTW8FITXmDx7yhJzA5q7RIREby-rU_eYXA-5yu1FPyv5ZhZyz_k0JxY3t95Bw4AftuxlPB_4/s640/P1080483small.JPG" width="522" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone else gets Block as a first upgrade, followed by a variety of different upgrades depending on their intended position - the Chaos Warriors get Guard, while I normally appoint a couple of Beastmen (ideally those who roll agility increases) as catchers to facilitate a passing game.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I also have a twelfth miniature that is being converted to sport the Claw mutation and will be displayed on completion. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkedbiLeFHcy_HF3HYlcLPHRh-wpLur-HP7NFTEJUFI2yfQvG9t2xyzLuXQH15vltpcqU420FjcNmFqFO73rQpDoKEovrVgR3_Jknl6miIWLUuieXsLy-C0DRfEY2TYvM3DbxJeDNXK4/s1600/P1080490small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkedbiLeFHcy_HF3HYlcLPHRh-wpLur-HP7NFTEJUFI2yfQvG9t2xyzLuXQH15vltpcqU420FjcNmFqFO73rQpDoKEovrVgR3_Jknl6miIWLUuieXsLy-C0DRfEY2TYvM3DbxJeDNXK4/s640/P1080490small.JPG" width="478" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I also hope to acquire a Minotaur and a couple more subsitutes to round out my squad, and get back into a league to give them some game time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Next we'll have a few single miniatures for various systems, before returning to unit painting with my long WIP Fantasy Chaos army, which is being rebased for Age of Sigmar.</span></div>
Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-90343736368416677872015-07-14T16:42:00.003+01:002015-07-14T16:42:32.199+01:00Anglo Saxon Thegns (Warriors) - Part II & Army Shots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHZubaxx0vdSLNXN_s8rf97uKj5nHBb5cmh77c4v5xNajFyx_obeZ6SYQe_Q2KNbP1Equ2G_mIO-f68tZak8IfmW1Xzazu10bWVrPenkWOpIdz2E8-ueF5wTh8wjs6KpaNHefcwoV4ao/s1600/P1080413small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHZubaxx0vdSLNXN_s8rf97uKj5nHBb5cmh77c4v5xNajFyx_obeZ6SYQe_Q2KNbP1Equ2G_mIO-f68tZak8IfmW1Xzazu10bWVrPenkWOpIdz2E8-ueF5wTh8wjs6KpaNHefcwoV4ao/s640/P1080413small.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The final unit in my 4pt Anglo Saxon Saga army is another point of warriors.</div>
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Like all their comrades, these are Gripping Beast plastics, distinguished from the other unit of warriors by their pose - a fighting stance for this unit, and at ease for the other.</div>
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With these guys completed, the 4pt starter army is finished. I have already started assembly of another eight warriors to boost the size of both warrior units to twelve men each, and another dozen levies.</div>
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My practice games, mostly against an Irish warband, have shown the need for larger units. With so many abilities tied to unit size or only available to units with ten or more men, the warband simply doesn't function with small units.</div>
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My six point warband will be arranged as follows:</div>
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Warlord</div>
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Hearthguard x4</div>
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Warriors x12</div>
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Warriors x12</div>
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Levies x12</div>
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Levies x12</div>
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The four large units will form the main battle line, with the hearthguard as a reserve. I may mount them on horses to increase their mobility.</div>
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I also intend to make and paint some dark ages scenery and objectives to enable us to play a campaign - think houses, cows and perhaps a burgh.</div>
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Before then, we'll see some of the other things that I've been working on.</div>
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Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155583788990439857.post-55083200386727454782015-03-15T22:23:00.000+00:002015-03-15T22:23:31.930+00:00Anglo Saxon Huscarls (Hearthguard)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UF-FFUdXp0_cRKENSYzFotBLdFHkipPOw6lxpc-4LxLBy-lqW5IHhpClEo4u-6wzN2TbpQPpw4ci3GJPsf6huSFeklAAYr58BNasXdHpIP7ncmTrd9eV0I8cqd5XGZiG1KOx3X2gYzY/s1600/P1060464small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UF-FFUdXp0_cRKENSYzFotBLdFHkipPOw6lxpc-4LxLBy-lqW5IHhpClEo4u-6wzN2TbpQPpw4ci3GJPsf6huSFeklAAYr58BNasXdHpIP7ncmTrd9eV0I8cqd5XGZiG1KOx3X2gYzY/s1600/P1060464small.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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Moving on with the Anglo Saxons, we come to the Hearthguard.</div>
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Made from the fancier parts of Gripping Beast's Anglo Saxon Thegns box, they all sport Coppergate or Pioneer style helmets and painted shield designs.</div>
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I used the same colours as the rest of the army, but kept the tunics all in off-white to give a more uniform appearance and match the clothing of my leader.</div>
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They are further differentiated by being the only unit in the army not armed with spears - swords being much more expensive to make, only the best equipped warriors had them.</div>
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The shield designs were taken from historical references, and are all just simple geometric patterns. If I get the time, I may go back and add designs to the shields of my warriors, and upgrade these ones to have fancier patterns on.</div>
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Despite it not having any in game effect, I included this standard bearer with his draco standard.</div>
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His shield went on his back, making him the only model in the army who isn't holding a shield.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43uxgZtWitqZ5gEe61fLmYQPK28X1pgVBhbyf3pvGSdiYfR86vFN4VQ14nfsM3-HyeAAK31BfmiRUa0ZAvf8dQ4xu3CRalc1XB8uj91rThAXDNhl_sTpX8wpuvXzUE78UaQeFjblZYvI/s1600/P1060504small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43uxgZtWitqZ5gEe61fLmYQPK28X1pgVBhbyf3pvGSdiYfR86vFN4VQ14nfsM3-HyeAAK31BfmiRUa0ZAvf8dQ4xu3CRalc1XB8uj91rThAXDNhl_sTpX8wpuvXzUE78UaQeFjblZYvI/s1600/P1060504small.JPG" height="640" width="516" /></a></div>
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A close up of the standard. While a red dragon may be more appropriate for a Romano-British army, my Anglo Saxon force is from a later era and so avoids the potential conflict.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMTeo7wjoa5joGsvBIEYJNKGVLJjKQjqVGmAM8LFKEJVudJb7eUwU2oWgLRG9rIjUpRyThVliD1NBJ3CCdAqWcjjIvVpGGs1X0EhbGtFPam42mCzeUDenXA236xBjVhtEJfD4iYGzYAA/s1600/P1060600small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMTeo7wjoa5joGsvBIEYJNKGVLJjKQjqVGmAM8LFKEJVudJb7eUwU2oWgLRG9rIjUpRyThVliD1NBJ3CCdAqWcjjIvVpGGs1X0EhbGtFPam42mCzeUDenXA236xBjVhtEJfD4iYGzYAA/s1600/P1060600small.JPG" height="228" width="640" /></a></div>
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All of the Anglo Saxons that I've finished so far - just one more point of Warriors then the 4pt starter army is done.</div>
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Speedyfrenchyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165991941477940070noreply@blogger.com0