Yet more Field of Battle gaming. This time, so swiftly set up, that we used the old nametags from our previous
Aughrim battle for the most part (so be prepared to see some notaries who either weren't alive in the 1700s or at the very least, weren't in Flanders).
The Allies had a slightly bigger force, and the burden of attack as it turned out. I used 4 bases for Allies with extra firepower over melee cards - to simulate 'firing by platoons', and the opposite for the French who had three bases, to simulate the onus on the bayonet, and 'firing by ranks'; there are other options to mimic the narrower frontage of French regiments, but this worked well.
Some nice 70s minifigs figures, purchased from Hinds Figures on ebay made up the numbers in the Allied contingent.
The centre sees most of the action during the game.
Looks like the French are outnumbered, but they would stand in the centre.
French guns were particularly devastating on their left flank, securing the high ground.
The left became a cavalry melee - with the initiative moving back and forth.
Repeated attacks in the Allies are pushed back, rally and reform, though at a cost on morale - though the French too are taking considerable losses.
A massive push in the centre, with the Allied column of battalions adding considerable pressure to the French mid-left.
...it's quite intimidating...until you get a firepower card or two that is...
French guns and cavalry decimate the Allied horse on the left.
Two commanders would also fall on the day - one French, one Allied. The Allies would come off worst as their attack in the centre thereby faltered.
The French right would become a stalemate, each side afraid to move and thereby give the other an advantage.
The grind in the centre continued and Army Morale creaked on both sides...
...by game end however, the Allies had been bled white with repeated assaults in the centre and succumbed to the Army morale roll.
Another great game in about 4 hours. Got to love these rules.
Lovely armies. 4 hours looks good for that size of game.
ReplyDeleteThanks Norm. I'm still learning some things about the rules, but the things that can be accomplished on a single opposed dice roll, takes half the time, which keeps things fast paced and exciting.
DeleteLooks great
ReplyDeleteFOB is as hard to beat as one of Stephen's dice rolls :-)
Cheers mate. We need to get another game in. Am thinking of setting up Neerwinden very soon - classic French attack against fixed position...
DeleteGetting used to some of the nuances in the rules too now.
One change for the 1688-1697 period; that French cavalry can have immediate melee - with Allied as 'bullet' cavalry, while in rules as written for later 1700-1714, it's the other way around as Allied cavalry favours the charge in later years. This makes a big difference as one side will be waiting for melee card.
...and yes...and those rolls are REALLY hard to beat.
An excellent looking game Sir!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ray. You might recognise some of your excellent flags in the pics too.
DeleteI also heartily recommend the 'Field of Battle' rules.
Bloody! Bloody and superb, nice post with impressive pictures, these armies look fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Phil. The pics were helped by good lighting and a decent camera this time. Thanks also for the tip on the Battlechronicler software :)
DeleteFantastic looking game as always your Ducness. Dont worry when it comes to the name tags, perhaps its the historians that have it wrong!
ReplyDeleteYes, I hope so mate. I was conscious after taking the pics that I might have had French guys on the wrong side...though you have to really look hard to see the anomalies. So far, I've gotten away with it, though I expect having now put up pics on the Field of Battle Facebook group...I will be caught.
DeleteExcellent stuff! Awaiting more WSS action on your gaming table soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jonathan. Yes, there will be a lot more :)
DeleteWSS is a period I have often contemplated diving into myself. So many interesting periods, so little time...
Delete'tis the curse of our hobby Jonathan. Cycling is easier...no wait...so many nice bikes grrrr
DeleteLovely, lovely Minifigs! Great game Sir.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jack. the minifigs are gorgeous, yes. Great paint job on them too. Got them from Hinds Figures.
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