More V&B action, with a scenario from Grant's 1863 campaign, and a flanking action near Memphis. This is taken from superlative 1995 edition 'Battles of the American Civil War' scenario book, by Greg Novak and Frank Chadwick, designed for the 1st edition of 'Volley and Bayonet'.
Again, these rules are straightforward (with some very nice nuances - especially for ACW and AWI), allow for big battles with brigade bases, and though there are a lot of moving parts, everything is intuitive and there is just enough 'chaos' (of which more later), to keep things frantic, tense and with plenty of 'off the chair' moments.
Some tinkering with the mechanisms pre-battle - and confirmation re. 'disordered' mechanisms, the ability to remove same, and then charge in same turn...but all resolved.
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20mm plastic out in force once more, on 3"x3" bases - granted, with some support from old 1970s Minifigs 25mm chaps (donated by Steve of Steve's blog). |
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"What's that Zeke? You believe that the design philosophy of Volley and Bayonet is sleek, elegant and somewhat based upon old 1970s 'hex'n'chit' systems, pioneered by Avalon Hill, then refined by GDW...Hmm, yes, worth due consideration after we fire that cannonball in your hands with our heavy smoothbore, at those demned yenkees...suh!" |
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Moves on the Union left - two divisions would be exhausted, with a third on the verge |
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The Union right seems more 'do-able' - yet the Yankees would have some hard fightin' here too |
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Union troops avoid the dug in position, though shooting stationary troops in V&B always a tough ask. It pays the attacker to focus attacks on a single brigade to open a hole... |
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The Union assault on the right
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One division exhausted, another pushed back. "Reform and Rally to the flag boys!" |
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A lot of Union reinforcements - essential as the Confederate flank begins to weaken... |
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Some of those Reb brigades down to the last strength point...about to cave in ...but you will notice, oh casual reader, that Army Commander..U.S.Grant has decided to attach to a Union brigade - very dangerous in these rules as... |
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..."why suh!, a single roll of 6 on a d6 could get him killed! ..uhhh just like that!" |
Every V&B game turns into a great contest. We do not have 'commander characteristic' rules, nor massive amounts of 'friction'. Honestly, it does not seem to matter, as the rules and play-style give a great game every time.
There are some key things to do though:
- Get your troops stationary as rapidly as you can and focus readied firepower with those additional dice.
- Assaults are difficult - focus on a flank or centre, and promote the exploitation of a gap when it comes.
- Watch out for weak divisions, and rally where you can.
- Be careful when you attach Army Commanders, as affecting the entire subsequent history of the US was not intended ...oops...
Why Suh! It's just like a real battle!
I get the impression you really like these rules, Sir!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking game.
Thank you MJT. They have always been lurking nearby no matter how many times I stray from them - and i keep going back to them...
DeleteNow, also looking at 'Age of Hannibal' with an eye on a REH campaign, as your work has me inspired :)
Lovely battle report, Darren. No worries either, I lost US Grant at Shiloh being much more UN-heroic - nasically his command post was behind my second line and the rebs broke through and their subsequent advance captured the CP.
ReplyDeleteKeep the VB posts coming.
Thanks Steve - yes, we have Brandywine coming (again), plus many smaller AWI battles. The Spanish American war supplements also being talked about, as well as more ACW and Stones River/Mufreesboro.
DeleteStationary units can be a right bugger! Cool looking game Duc!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Ray, Also working ob a 1670-1695 variant for the rules ;)
DeleteExcellent stuff! Always good to see VnB being played.
ReplyDeleteNeil
Thanks Neil - that ww2 variant you sent me is also getting a look at present.
DeleteThey seem to shine for big games which is of course what they are designed for. Really must give then a go.
ReplyDeleteA lot of Blucher stems from the ideas in V&B...there is some talk of (hushed tones) Blucher fixing some of the micro-management (skirmishers) of V&B.
DeleteThere are no commander qualities and no friction - but then, gameplay with variable actions of players brings it. It's not beer and pretzels, but doesn't require the 'work' that other systems do. It's deeply intuitive, without being exhaustive, and still exciting without being a chore. I believe that 'elegant' might be the word.
Now granted, sometimes we need complete chaos on the battlefield (which why I still think that F0B mechanisms are perfect for 20th century conflicts)...but V&B has recognisable scaling, and recognisable historical perspective, and very little glitzy bullshit. It's everything that Black Powder would love to be.
Somehow, I dunno how, I manage to 'lose' your blog. Corrected now, thanks to a comment that you left on 'wargaming NZ'.
ReplyDeleteI am pleased to see that nothing has changed. A wonderful looking game and engaging and witty report!
Best wishes, James
Hi James - yes, google shenanigans I reckon :)
DeleteMany thanks, and more V&B to come.
(Though I can't promise all the reports will be witty. Epic comedy is a hard taskmaster ;) )
I can't blame the platform, all human error this time—I simply lost the name of your blog and couldn't find it trawling through my long list. Pleased to be back viewing and enjoying it again.
DeleteAh excellent James. Keep an eye out for more V&B, Field of Battle ww2, and maybe even a dodgy star wars skirmish game ;)
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