Friday, April 19, 2019

Yes, I Really Did Play Test The Black Powder Game!

Here are some pics from a couple of play test games of the Black Powder cavalry-centric game I'm scheduled to host next month at our annual big convention, Enfilade!
A bit blurry, but I had forgotten to take pictures of the earlier action from the first game. Several units had already been routed off the board. As you might observe, there's a lot of close-in fighting going on. There were only a few small foot skirmish units. The objective/victory conditions were for the French to get off table with 50% or more of their forces. The Anglo-Spanish were to kill of 50% or more of the French. Quite straight forward, IMO.
Another shot from the first game. Too many linear obstacles hindered the flow of the game; particularly for line of sight shooting. This was addressed and adapted for the second game.
A couple of British Rifle units effectively slowing and stopping the French retreat.
From the second game - note the minimal use of hedges and other "slowing" terrain features. However, it was agreed upon that some of the buildings should be located around the bridge to allow foot units to occupy them for firing.
French heavy cav preparing to charge into Spanish and British cav.
Red Lancers attempting to charge Scots Greys. Both units already having taken casualties from earlier fighting and shooting.
British Rifles blocking French Dragoons.
French and British Artillery firing up close and personal.

EDIT: A few more pictures taken by my buddy, George, who ran a French brigade in the second game - after we mod'ed the table a bit from the first game's experience. For the record George is a retired 19D Cav Scout and ran his foot dragoons very aggressively against all comers at the bridge.


Thank you all again for your patience and continued visits! Kindest regards, Dean

45 comments:

  1. Your game looks great, Dean! Are you settled into your new house?

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    1. Thanks, Jonathan.Yes, we're going on 6 weeks in the new digs. Just got around to anything hobby related. Felt great! Warmest regards, Dean

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  2. Replies
    1. Thanks, Michal! I know it's been a long time since my previous posts too. Warm regards, Dean

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  3. Great looking armies and terrain Dean, looks superb!

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    1. Thanks, Phil. It's been awhile since running a Peninsular War game - actually a long time since doing anything hobby related. Kindest regards, Dean

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    1. Thank, Michael. Having two sessions with different players really assisted in developing the scenario. Best regards, Dean

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    1. Thanks a lot, Javier! I like how it played out more of a skirmish game than a large scale battle. Warmest regards, Dean

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  6. Red lancers, Scots Greys and a pint (stout?). ALL the good things.

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    1. Thanks, Tom. Yes, a perfect combination! Best regards, Dean

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  7. A fine looking set of games Dean!

    Christopher

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    1. Thanks, Christopher. We were fortunate to have two games in one day! Interestingly folks arriving in two shifts - unexpectedly! Warm regards, Dean

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  8. Looks good,m and a mostly cavalry action should give a different type of game. I note a lot of Wizard Kraft terrain on the table, too!

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    1. Thanks, Peter. Yes, Wizard Kraft sets up a vendor booth at our local con, Enfilade!, every year. Might have to pick up some more terrain pieces from them next month. Warmest regards, Dean

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    2. I have lots of it (and love it!), but availability outside of your local show is always spotty; you have to write to William directly and ask nicely! :-)

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  9. Great looking game Dean, moving towards Black Powder and Pike & Shotte myself in 15mm though.

    Regards Ross

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    1. Thanks, Ross! It's interesting to have had several of the players yesterday with absolutely no previous BP experience. They ended up enjoying the rules, once they got past the lack of more "technical" details in other rulesets. The one thing that can be an issue is the failing of command rolls - luckily the 2nd Ed. allows for a Army General re-roll - once per turn. It helped out a lot. Kind regards, Dean

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    2. We do the same thing in Field of Battle; allow the C-in-C or Corps commander to re -roll one failed activation per MOVE card. I have suggested a similar fix to Jon re TTS!, namely replaying a first ACE for activation of a command if a "2" would otherwise have succeeded. Randomness is good, up to a point!

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  10. Lovely looking game and a nice beer or two!
    Best Iain

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    1. Thanks, Iain. Yes good gaming, and there were some thirsty players in the second game. It's funny because the first game session only saw soft drinks and coffee! :) Warm regards, Dean

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  11. Great game and as always great miniatures, thanks for sharing..

    cheers

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    1. Thank you very much for your kind words and visit! Warmest regards, Dean

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  12. Replies
    1. Thank you kindly, Fran! Warmest regards, Dean

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    1. Thanks Mike! They were just the ticket to get back into the mood - having moved really put me into a doldrums of sorts. Kind regards, Dean

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  14. A game with BP is always a pleasure ;)

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    1. Thanks, Bartek! Yes, it was great - especially since I had an experienced player who helped GM the games. Kindest regards, Dean

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  15. Replies
    1. Thank you much, Ray! It was great to host and game again! Warmest regards, Dean

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  16. Replies
    1. Thanks, Matt! Appreciate the visit and kind comments. Best regars, Dean

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  17. Good to see your games! I assume you returned to the hobby after setting up your house.

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    1. Thanks, Dmitry! Yes, although we've been in our new home for over a month now, I just didn't have the time or motivation to get back to the hobby - until now that is. Last night I was perusing available plastic Romans - either Victrix or Warlord Games - or even Agema. :) Warm regards, Dean

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    2. Victrix plastic miniatures are worth to find the motivation and back to the hobby for sure! (As well as other manufacturers)

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    3. Although I like the look of Victrix EIR, I think Republican/Caesarian troops allow for more scenarios

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  18. Nice table and figures! I love the
    "Guinness" part of the table! :)

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    1. Thanks! Yes, we had a free flowing second game for sure! Warmest regards, Dean

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  19. That Guinness looks so realistic as a terrain piece ;) Great looking game.

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  20. Some very nice looking figures in that game Dean. Very impressive painting indeed.

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