These arches in the "gules and or" livery of Sir John Audley are the next unit to join my forces for the Wars of the Roses.
I did a unit of Billmen for the same noble's cause last year. Once again, flag to be added later
!
For their Bill armed compatriots last year, I used a rather blindingly bright yellow. These fellows are done in the more subdued Delta Ceramcoat "Empire Yellow", which I do thinks looks better!
All the figures get a very heavy, dark, "Magic Wash" , which really helps to bring out the details.
When I ran my Battle of the Hydaspes game at HAVOC a few months, it became evident that I needed one more Phalanx for Macedon. Fortunately, I already had the figures primed, the last of the phalangites from the huge haul of Macedonians that I acquired from Edgar ? 10 years ago now.
Paint brush was duly applied to lead, and these guys are the result! I believe the figures are A&A.
Once again, Edgar had kindly supplied me with far more than enough Little Big Men Studios shield transfers, gratis, for all of the figures he sold to me back then.
It took me a while to remember how the darned things worked, but once I looked up my own previous post on the subject, it came back to me!
I was scraping the bottom of the barrel of the shield supply for these guys, too!
A number of those shields had a protruding boss in the center. I wound up needing to pierce the center of those transfers. My initial attempt to do so were spectacularly unsuccessful! Then I recalled that I had a box of 18 gauge needles left over from when I closed my private office (and I couldn't convince my new employers to take, them, for free - Hospitals! No wonder everything they do is so expensive!).
Anyway the 18 gauge needles did the job perfectly; the holes were enlarged a bit more using a pin vice (a bizarre term for a small hand held and powered basic hobby drill)... Success!
This Phalanx has a slightly orange theme.
I had a few left over officer types.
I recalled that I needed some additional foot generals for the game anyway, so such they became.
The fellow with the lavender pteruges seemed designed to take a pike, but that wouldn't work well for my needs.
A spare (Napoleonic) cavalry sword was trimmed down to fit his hand, and it seems to have worked fine.
Tim and David will be running the Battle of Northampton from the Wars of the Roses at Historicon next month with their Test of Resolve rules. That scenario involves an attack upon a prepared position, strengthened by 4 batteries of Medium Artillery.
As of last year, I had no artillery crews for the Wars of the Roses or the late Medieval era in general, so it was fortunate that back in January, along with the WotR Foot Knights/Household troops, I also ordered more WotR Archers and some WotR Artillery crew figures.
I already had plenty of Late Medieval/Renaissance ordnance, which lacked crews. The crews are thus pictured with some of the formerly surplus previously painted guns.
All of the crew figures are by Old Glory; I've augmented those with some additional castings from the command set.
I did each battery in a different livery, but all patterns that I have already done units in.
The Tawney and White liver is of course that of the Earl of Oxford
The PEL (preliminary Events Listing) finally went up for Historicon 2023. Here's the listing of all the games that I and/or my associates will be running this year, including a Snappy Nappy Campaign in a Day event:
THURSDAY
T09:235 : North Flank of the 1812 Russian Campaign
Thursday, 9:00 AM, 8 hrs, Players: 20, Location: Freedom A: FA-5
GM: Mark Tuson
Sponsor: None, Prize: None
Period: Napoleonic, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Snappy Nappy Campaign-in-a-Day
Description: The Grande Armee invades Russia on June 24th 1812, and it
is late July. On the south bank of the River Dwina, French Marshal Oudinot
and his the 2nd Corp have orders to protect the north flank of the
invasion, and capture St. Petersburg miles to the north. The Russian Count
Wittgenstein and his 1st Corp are assigned by General Barclay-de-Tolly to
protect all the land north of the River Dwina. Command an infantry
division or cavalry brigade across multiple tables to defeat the enemy. Age
13 and above ok, for info on past Campaign-in-a-Day events see
appropriate pages of blundersonthedanube.blogspot.com.
Assisting with terrain and table setup, GM, play etc will be myself, Russ Lockwood, Dan Burkley, and James Sulzen; troops will be mine.
T19:225 : Who ARE these Albanians?
Thursday, 7:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Hickory: HK-2
GM: Jim Mauro
Sponsor: None, Prize: None
Period: Medieval, Scale: 15mm, Rules: To the Strongest!
Description: After the failed siege of the Albanian fortress at Kruje, the
retreating Ottoman army under Sultan, Murad II, is goaded into open
battle by the "Lord of Albania"... Skanderbeg. The rules are easy to learn,
yet rich in unit character with challenging command decisions. Ages 14
and above welcomed.
Jim's a freind from the Piquet/Field of Battle group for 25+ years. We've collaborated on several games in the past, including Gran Piquet back circa 2000,and Hostile Realms We turned him on to To the Strongest last year, and he's running two late Medieval/Renaissance games himself this year!
FRIDAY
F10:135 : Northampton (July 10, 1460)
Friday, 10:00 AM, 3 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Heritage: HR-13
GM: Tim Couper Sponsor: None, Prize: None
Period: Wars of the Roses, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Test of Resolve: Wars of
the Roses
Description: Returning from exile, Yorkist forces attacked and pillaged
Northampton. Failed negotiations soon made it obvious that an all-out
battle was imminent. Even though they were outnumbered, the
Lancastrians had the advantage of arriving several days before their
enemies and had constructed a fortified position that they were confident
of holding. Will the rain dampen the artillery power and the Lancastrians
enthusiasm? Will Lord Grey s white lie make him a blackguard? Players
should be at least 14 years old.
I'll be supplying the figures and terrain for these games (Tim and David are flying in from the UK, and the cost of bringing extra baggage has gone way up form 5 years ago) using test of Resolve, which I played a great many playtest games via Zoom in 2020and 2021!
F14:599 : A passage to India, 326 BC
Friday, 2:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 8, Location: Independence: IN-2
GM: Peter Anderson & HMGS Next Gen
Sponsor: None, Prize: None
Period: Ancients, Scale: 28mm, Rules: To the Strongest!
Description: Alexander the Great invaded Western India, fighting his last
great battle against King Porus at the Hydaspes River. TTS! uses a gridded
board and a unique card system for activation and combat. The rules are
simple yet subtle; Playing time should be about 3 hours. Ages 12 and up
welcome.
One more Phalanx needed for this game; it's 80% done now.
F14:607 : Northampton (July 10, 1460)
Friday, 2:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Heritage: HR-13
GM: Tim Couper
Sponsor: None, Prize: None
Period: Wars of the Roses, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Test of Resolve: Wars of
the Roses
Description: Returning from exile, Yorkist forces attacked and pillaged
Northampton. Failed negotiations soon made it obvious that an all-out
battle was imminent. Even though they were outnumbered, the
Lancastrians had the advantage of arriving several days before their
enemies and had constructed a fortified position that they were confident
of holding. Will the rain dampen the artillery power and the Lancastrians
enthusiasm? Will Lord Grey s white lie make him a blackguard? Players
should be at least 14 years old.
7:00 PM
F19:600 : A passage to India, 326 BC
Friday, 7:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 8, Location: Independence: IN-2
GM: Peter Anderson & HMGS Next Gen
Sponsor: None, Prize: None
Period: Ancients, Scale: 28mm, Rules: To the Strongest!
Description: Alexander the Great invaded Western India, fighting his last
great battle against King Porus at the Hydaspes River. TTS! uses a gridded
board and a unique card system for activation and combat. The rules are
simple yet subtle. Ages 12 and up welcome.
SATURDAY
S10:138 : Northampton (July 10, 1460)
Saturday, 10:00 AM, 3 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Heritage: HR-13
GM: David Knight
Sponsor: None, Prize: None
Period: Wars of the Roses, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Test of Resolve: Wars of
the Roses
Description: Returning from exile, Yorkist forces attacked and pillaged
Northampton. Failed negotiations soon made it obvious that an all-out
battle was imminent. Even though they were outnumbered, the
Lancastrians had the advantage of arriving several days before their
enemies and had constructed a fortified position that they were confident
of holding. Will the rain dampen the artillery power and the Lancastrians enthusiasm? Will Lord Grey s white lie make him a blackguard? Players should be at least 14 years old.
S14:226 : We Moldavians will NOT be intimidated!
Saturday, 2:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Hickory: HK-2
GM: Jim Mauro
Sponsor: None, Prize: None
Period: Medieval, Scale: 15mm, Rules: To the Strongest!
Description: After the disastrous Ottoman defeat at the battle of Vaslui at
the hands of the Moldavian King Stefan, the Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed II,
takes matters into his own hands. Stefan is eager for the challenge and
awaits... The rules are easy to learn, yet rich in unit character with
challenging command decisions. Ages 14 and above welcomed
S19:598 : Leipzig: Battle of Wachau, October 16, 1813
Saturday, 7:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 10, Location: Independence: IN-1
GM: Peter Anderson & HMGS Next Gen
Sponsor: None, Prize: None
Period: Napoleonic, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Battle Command by Brent Oman
Description: Napoleon's best chance to have prevailed at Leipzig occurred
on the first day, in the fighting to the South of the city against the Army of
Bohemia. If he had soundly defeated this force, it might have driven
Austria out of the War. In the event, he fell short. Maybe this time will be
different? (Battle Command rules are similar to but different from Field of
Battle by the same author).
This one will take a while to set up - I'm suing a 15 foot long table!
John and I fought out the 6th scenario in the For King and Parliament scenario book this weekend. The Royalist forces are deployed to the left of the picture, The Parliamentarians are in March order, thinking they have outmaneuvered the King's men. However, then the lead unit of Highlanders crests a small rise, they discover that the Royalists have been tipped off, and lie waiting for them "Twisted Knickers!" exclaims Sir Christopher Grey, the Roundhead commander.
"Well, we'll just have to sort ourselves right tickety-boo, eh men?"
"Little" John Boulters, commanding the Cavaliers, has his men nicely deployed. He rubs his hands with glee at the prospect of exploiting the discomfiture of his enemy. But should he hold in his strong position behind the hedgerows, or carry the battle directly to the foe?
Moving first, the Cavaliers move up their cavalry, and stand put with their infantry and artillery.
The Roundheads move their lead units off to their Left, expanding their lines, whilst the following units advance down Whyteladyes Lane. Their Dutch style horse position themselves behind some conveniently placed hedgerows, hoping to blunt the impetus of the inevitable charges by their Swedish style Cavalier counterparts.
The Royalist Horse move up on the left, whilst the remainder of their Horse pause for a little nip (turned an Ace on a Group Move). Their Foote and Gunnes stand pat.
Sir Christopher's men continue to advance and spread out, thankful that the Royalist Foote is awaiting events so far. Their Horse is in position, and their field guns are being drawn into a suitable firing position.
Positions after another pair of moves by the forces of both King and Parliament. Note the Scots Foote faced to the Right. The Royalist Foote continue to mark time...
View from the Roundhead side.
Royalist cavalry hops the hedge on the far right, as the Cavalier Horse advance on their left and right center. In the center, the Royalist Foote engages in some Hedge hopping of their own, advancing upon the enemy at least. It is said that Hedge hopping is now all the rage in Oxford Town!
Tghe roundheads make some further adjustments to their deployment, and their Field gunnes open fire, actually managing to score a hit on the lead Royalist Horse regiment!
Further advance by all but the right flank Cavalier Infantry brigade.
The parliamentary Horse awaits the onslaught of the opposing troopers grimly, whilst the gunnes fire inefectively, and both infantry commands pause for a Tea break (Aces turned).
On their far left, the Cavalier horse charge home. For once, the defensive fire of the Dutch Horse's pistols manages to score a hit, disordering the target!
Although the charging Cavaliers play 5 hit cards, being disordered, they require a 9 or 10 to hit, and can amange only one, which the Roundhead horse fails to save. However, they mange a hit of their own in the battle back, and with a failed save, the Royalist Horse disperses! The remaining Roundhead cavalry breathes a sigh of relief, their flank, for the moment, secure.
In the right center, another unit of cavalier cavalry charges into a Scots Battaglia. They too suffer a hit from defensive fire, and despite playing 5 cards, only manage a single hit on the infantry after saves.
The right centre is a cacophonous Concerto Grosso of thundering hooves, pistol and musket fire, and clashing swords. By the time it is over, One regular and one small unit of cavalier Horse was destroyed, but the final unit's charge prevailed, and the brave Scots were at last dispersed to the four winds! Sir Derek Derrick is seem above with the remaining Horse under his command, having lead no less than 4 charges with three different units.
Not to be left out, the Royalist Foote of the right flank Brigade engage in some hedge hoping of their own, pinning the green flag Scots in position, whilst the Green Battaglia turns to its right in an effort to capitalize on the fruits of Sir Derek's exertions.
The White and Blue Royalist Foote Battaglia have pushed forward boldly, some might even say rashly...
Sir Christopher and his Roundheads are ready with their reply. Seeing an open flank, the Light Blue Parliamentary Battaglia advances swiftly, spurred on by their General, but falls just short. The Highlanders on the far left launch a wild charge, shooting their muskets as they close. The opposing commanded shot are unimpressed, and the attack come to naught. Bearing the Bonnie Blue Blanket before them, a Scots attacks Sir Derek and his men; skewered, they fall like dominoes, the Horse routed and Sir Derek stuck unconscious and though dead! The Grey and Black Battaglia exchange mutually ineffective close range volleys.
Hedging their bets, the veteran White Horse pull back from the approach of the Blue Battaglia, whilst the Yellow Battaflia, urged on by Sir Christopher himself, faces right, threatening the flanks of the cavaliers. The gunnes fire several times, but are unable to replicate their previous success!
The Royalist counter by the Green Battaglia turning to face the impending flank attack, and facing the White Battaglia to its right, establishing it own flank threat! The three units on the right engage in combat without discernable results yet again. A Cavalier Forlorn Hope changes into the flank of the Scots, but their numbers are too small to have much effect.
On the far left, more Royalist Hedge Hopping! The grey Horse figure that between the effects of the hedge and the losses inflicted by the gunnes earlier, they should be bale to hold off the cavalier attack. That remains to be seen...
Parlaiment seizes the initiative, and this time the Green flagged Scots overpower the Black Foote to their front, and the Blue flagged Scots turn to face the gnats attacking their flank!
Eerging from the farmstead where they had been sheltering (? reveling) all day thus far, a band of wild Highland clansmen surge forth and gain the flank of the White Battaglia. Uh-oh!
The brown coated commanded shot happily ensconce themselves in the aforementioned complex, looking forwards to a nice chicken dinner! The Cavliers destroy the right flank unit of Roundhead Horse, leading the two remaining units to withdraw further from the Cavalier onslaught. The gunnes fire point blank at the Blue Battaglia, but once again without effect,TYhe vaunted Highland charge is launced into the flank of the White Foote, but the attack is repulsed (8 hit cards, anyand all hits saved by the target!) Hoot man!
Situation on the Royalist right and centre.
With yet some more Royalist Hedge Hopping, the Grey Cavalerie are destroyed!
In the centre, the Green and Light Blue Battaglia exchange blows to limited effect, but Talbots Foote (white flag with 3 Talbot Hounds) faces to flanks the green flagged Scots.
The remaining unit of Roundhead Horse gains the flank of its cavalier opposition, but is unable charge home! The gunnes take a final point blank shot at the Blue Foote, and fail to impact them yet again... time to get out of Dorchester!
Situation on the Royalist right and centre, as a lull descends upon the battlefield (some inopportune Aces!)
Feeling left out of the Hedge Hopping craze, the Blue Foote give in to the (by now irresistible) urge! A charge by the Cavlier red horse fails to accomplish anything (their horse being blown), but the buff coated horse move to threaten the flank of the Whitecoated Roundhead troopers.
The Royalist Whitecoated Foote pull back from the trap, but the flank attack by Talbot's Foote fizzles spectacularly!
On the Parliamentary Turn, the blue flagged Scots cut down the Forlorn Hope at last, and the Highlanders, lead by Sir Christopher himself, adroitly shift to their right and charge the Whitecoated Battaglia in the flank again. This time they are more successful, and the enemy breaks and runs.
Situation on the far Royalist left. With the loss of the Forlorn Hope, the Battaglia and also the brigade's Colonel, "Little" John Boulters had no choice but to concede the day, and extricate his men from combat. "There will be another day, and yet another field, ere long!"
Game note: The Royalists lost all 18 of their Victory Medals, while the Parliamentarians had lost 9 of their original 17. John (playing as Little John, appropriately), had terrible luck with his hit cards, several potentially devastating attacks coming to naught. The added loss of 2 commanders pushed the Cavaliers to the breaking point. We both agreed it was an interesting and well baalanc3ed scenario, and well worth a future replay!
For their Bill armed compatriots last year, I used a rather blindingly bright yellow. These fellows are done in the more subdued Delta Ceramcoat "Empire Yellow", which I do thinks looks better!
All the figures get a very heavy, dark, "Magic Wash" , which really helps to bring out the details.
"Longbowmen, let fly!"
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