Battle of Bosworth (Redemore) Field - Playtest Set-Up

Finally got around to setting up a playtest for the Bosworth Field game. The large hill previously used in the Imjin War (Siege of Haengju) game was quartered and two parts used to replicate Ambion Hill. King Richard III is at the top of the hill, with the Duke of Norfolk in the lead battle; and just the command stand for Northumberland in the rear.

Facing Richard's forces are the Earl of Oxford and Henry Tudor. The earl's forces are those nearest in the photo above; all on foot. In the distance - equally spaced away from both Richard and Henry - is the Stanley contingent. A marshy area is located to Henry's right.

Ambion Hill.

The forces of Henry Tudor below Ambion Hill. The Earl of Oxford to his left. Their forces comprised of English, Welsh, Scots and French mercenaries.

The substantial Stanley force. Their participation for either side unknown at the start of the battle.

View from the top of Ambion Hill looking directly towards Henry and Oxford; the Earl of Northumberland rearmost.

View from Ambion Hill looking towards the northwest - Henry Tudor, the Stanleys and the marsh in the distance.

Oxford's forces, with Henry and his smaller contingent to their right.

The actual playtest will be in a few days, as my buddies have other commitments this weekend. No problem, as I just set this up late last night and this morning. The rules will be a modified/simplified version of Hail Caesar - same core rules as those used for the Imjin War game, but with special rules for particular troop types in this game. The mechanics for getting the Stanleys involved will be based upon the suggestions made in this TMP post by one "Daffy Doug" (excerpt below):

"The earl of Northumberland's command may be left off-table to the king's rear (saves having to use figures that way if you're short.) What he does is key to what follows. When king Richard commits the main battle, Northumberland will make a test to see if he stays put or rides off the field. You can make this a 50/50, heads he rides off the field, tails he stays put.
If by some method king Richard can avoid committing his main battle, i.e. defeat Henry Tudor with just his van battle, then Northumberland remains in place well to the rear, and the Stanleys also remain in place.
But if Northumberland quits the field, when Richard commits his main battle, the Stanleys will join the king's army and attack Henry Tudor.
But if Northumberland remains in place, after king Richard commits any part of his main battle or reserve, then the Stanleys roll 1d6: 1,2 = they join the king's army and attack Henry Tudor; 3,4 = Stanleys remain in place; 5,6 = Stanleys attack king Richard…."

I've seen other mechanics for this battle, but I like this one as it doesn't require troops for Northumberland :)!

More to follow. BTW, apologies for not visiting fellow-blogger sites as I was away from computers for much of this past week. I plan to catch up on your blogs as soon as this is posted.  Loyaulté me Lie!