2 by 2 Games - 'Space Weirdos'

 aaaand we're back - it's been busy recently, but I have been doing a little painting using contrast paints, with some hard sci-fi figures that I have had for ages (mostly GZG 25mm). The advantage of contrast paints is speed, and they win vs the 'two foot' rule, in that i do not need to see that much detail.

I also have a penchant for collecting cheap sci or sword&sorcery rulesets for tabletop - maybe it's time to try a few out?

Clearing a 2 foot by 2 foot space on the book table, allows me to set some little games up. First of these is 'Space Weirdos', which is a sci fi 'heartbreaker' ('Heartbreaker' being old D&D speak for homebrewed, rules hacks that benefit the particular DM or group), though in this case the rules are far from hacking existing provisos, and are very well done.

The Basics

• It's a really cheap pdf - check out wargames vault or direct (caseyg.itch.io)
• Dice are normally 2D* - and the dice type changes up or down, OR a dice type adds - so 2D8 could become 2D10 or 3D8, depending upon circumstance.
• Movement is via 1 to 3x 5" measuring sticks
• Figures are rated for speed, defence, firepower, prowess (in hand to hand) and willpower (which keeps them fighting - i.e. recovering from stagger results)
• Sequence of Play is Command, Initiative, Activation, Maintenance
• You can do 3 things in an activation - moving and shooting can be restricted, but not always
• When you roll a hit - on the under fire table - the opponent may get a chance to fire back, or go down - all works quite well and intuitively
• Different weapons do different things - carbines benefit from suppression, sniper rifles benefit from aim actions etc.
• The range sticks are 'X'ed to denote burst markers or grenade results etc.
• Leaders have traits like 'tactician' which benefits initiative, or 'political officer' which aids recovery
• Being sci fi - there are rules for psychic powers (read Jedi ;) ) and Aliens - this would really suit Star Wars et al (blasters seem to be an entire generation of firearms below current slug throwers - so I think it works without much hacking )

"It all looks clear sir?" Turanian hard-suit heavy infantry approaches the Aquilonian base

'Alright, move in...I mean what can go wrong?"

"Move , move move!"

Aquilonian Sniper Gals rarely miss

the Aquilonian marines are spread out in defensive pattern - they have good fire and willpower, but poor armour and defence

"move it Jansen!"

Early Turanian moves into the airbase, putting softer marines into cover

Turanian Energy weapon moves up, out of sight of the sniper

I had actually forgotten about this Turanian figure, and moved some guys straight into his sights...

Energy weapon was down, but then recovered...this was not a good move - no cover 

 The sniper displaces to find defilade (those are movement sticks, not terrain)

Turanians go down - mostly thanks to the sniper, though Aquilonians move a little 'too' far forward

But then. few are hidden to sniper girl's x8 optic (she benefits from extra aim - adding dice to her shot - and increasing the chance of a better ratio - which adds mods to the 'hit' table - increasing the chances of a kill - very intuitive)

I mean - they probably think they are using the available cover BWOOHAHA

The marines eventually put the energy weapon down - it has been a tough defence - half of their team is taken out

A very nice set of rules, and I also note that 'Sword Weirdos' is available. ...looks at the Vikings on the painting table...

Le Duc on the Road XXIV - Les Invalides

L' Hôtel des Invalides was commissioned in 1670 by Louis XIV in order to provide accommodation and hospital care for wounded soldiers. In 1815, after Napoleon’s abdication, over 5,000 survivors of the Grande Armee were listed there. Napoleon inspected the place and visited his men in 1808, 1813 and 1815.

The chapel was built at the end of the 17th century by Jules-Hardouin Mansart and contains the tombs of Marshals of France (Including Vauban et al) and that of Napoleon himself. 

This formed the second 'major' tour during the trip to Paris avec ma fille during the aforementioned Operation Rat-on-a-Stick...

Now France is very proud of its military history; there were so many authentic uniforms and pieces of equipment on display here, that the overall effect was absolutely stunning. Unlike in the UK, where there are apparent (but usually quasi-political and thereby faux) concerns over military history or Empire, the French are proud of their history, no matter how black or white or with shades of grey, no matter how good or bad - it is history, and they recognise it as such.

This museum and chapel is absolutely stunning and a must see if you have even a passing interest in French or European history; the displays are superb, the quality unbeatable, and the staff very helpful . Highly recommended.

Some fantastic (and authentic) WW1 & WW2 uniforms and equipment on display. France does not muck about with worrying about this sort of thing. Superb displays.

Turret of a Panzer II amongst other equipment.

Business end of a V2

Moving into the '17th-19th Century' building (which we almost missed due to renovation :O ), excellent stories and display surrounding the Army of the Sun King

18th Century American expedition

Muskets...sooo many muskets

Turenne and his armour are displayed

...with maps of his last campaign

A certain Irish regiment - 'pre' Wild Geese era

You quickly realise that the Napoleonic uniforms, are, for the most part, NOT reconstructions or replicas - but actual uniforms from the period, well preserved

Sooo many sabres and blades

Again, the quality of the paintings and the ability to get close and see the brushstrokes - stunning...as Davout looks on

...almost every French Eagle is on display, with regimental histories

Well preserved Revolutionary wars uniforms too

'Are you the Guard???!!!"

Some original pieces in poorer state of repair, including Napoleon's bicorne, have survived

I have so many pics from Les Invalides, that there may be other blog posts including them...

Later that day, the view from Montmartres Cathedral

...and the steps that Mr. Wick gets chucked down repeatedly in 'John Wick 4'

A superb trip. I'd recommend Paris to all...