Monday, August 21, 2017

First St Albans - Set Up and Troop Strength Assessment

As mentioned in the previous post, I've committed to hosting a Lion Rampant game based on First St Albans. Since this game was played out a few times in the past, albeit with slightly different troop compositions, I am fairly confident it will work. In the previous games, several mounted units were included; this time there will be only foot units. Also, the table size, due to the venue, will be 5X6' versus the earlier 5X8' tables. No worries for either changes. So without further babbling, here are some staged shots of what it could look like in close combat if all units were engaged.
As noted in earlier posts, I sold off all of the WotR figures I had, and recently replaced them with Perry figures (mostly plastics). Remembering the nice 4-Ground Mordanburg buildings - as well as the GW tower to replicate the St Albans clock tower, in storage bins was the motivation to rebuild the WotR collection.
The capture of Henry VI will be a victory condition for the Warwick/Yorkist rebels.
Some of the banners and standards, like those of the Earl of Oxford, were not present at this engagement, but I've included them to add some splash.

At first, I thought there were only enough figures for 5 players, but once I grouped them into retinues, it seems there are enough for 6 players. 6 players seems to be a good number, at least here locally, as it allows for buddies to sign up for games, as well as keeping the GM duties manageable.
The Warwick-York forces. Three retinues - the one on the left having three Foot MAA  units and two Foot Yeomen unit; the center one, Warwick's, with three Foot MAA units and three Foot Yeomen; the right retinue with three Foot MAA and two Foot Yeomen units. I'm thinking of grouping the Foot Yeomen units as Mixed Bows and Spears (Polearms) - giving the bows less range than Archer-only units, but more movement.
The slightly smaller Royalist forces. The retinues on the left and center having two Foot MAA and two Foot Yeomen units each; the retinue on the right having only one Foot MAA unit and two Foot Yeomen unit. Most of the bowmen will be in Archer-only units; giving them slightly better range - from their defensive positions within St Albans.
As far as painting goes, a Perry Double-Arc Field Piece is next. This will be used for the Bosworth game. Until the next post, best wishes to you all!

26 comments:

  1. Like a Phoenix from the ashes, you have built this project from scratch in record time. Your retinues look terrific! Have fun hosting St. Albans.

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    1. Thanks, Jonathan. It's actually better the second time around. ..so to speak. Now, all the forces have been purposely built for the scenarios. That said, I may have to add a box of mercenaries for the Bosworth game. Warm regards, Dean

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  2. I have some old buildings in my closest, will that inspire you to paint up some models for me?

    ...understand I had to try;)

    Cheers
    Kevin

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    1. Lol! They might. ..depends on what memories they hold. Seriously, thank you very much for your visit and kind words. Best regards, Dean

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    1. Thank you very much, Michal! Appreciate your visit and kind words. Warm regards, Dean

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  4. Superb, figures and buildings!

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    1. Thanks, Phil. Yes, those 4-Ground buildings were inspirational for my return to painting. Warm regards, Dean

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    1. Thank you, Michael. Not scratch-built like your marvelous terrain pieces, but I am happy with these ready-painted building. Best regards, Dean

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  6. I like the way Henry VIII was skulking at the back - the army looks even better with scenery as the backdrop.

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    1. Thanks, Steven. Yes, the king was actually not part of the action - hanging out either under a tree or at an inn. He did get wounded by an arrow though. Warm regards, Dean

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  7. That looks like it will be a fantastic game

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    1. Thanks, Oli! It'll be a good refresher/play-test game prior to the big local con next May. I'll see if I need to tweak anything. Best regards, Dean

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  8. Looks like it will be a great game in double quick time!
    Best Iain

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    1. Thanks, Iain. The Royalist defenders will have to try and attrite the attacking Rebels before they get to the town walls - if not the Rebels may have the advantage in numbers. Regards, Dean

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  9. Amazing effort with a beautiful result.

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    1. Hello, Alan. Thanks for the visit and kind words. Warm regards, Dean

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  10. Fantastic looking setup Dean. They all look ace all ranked up in units on the tabletop.

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    1. Thanks a lot, Simon. Appreciate the kind words. Best regards, Dean

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  11. Looks fantastic Dean! Look forward to a play test?

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    1. Thanks, Mike.I plan to host it next month at a game day. It'll be the play test for the con next year :) Regards, Dean

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  12. Great game, I like it.
    Nice village, buildings and battle scenes

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and the nice comments, MM! Best, Dean

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