Saturday, August 29, 2015

Ichi-no-Tani - Gempei Rampant - Lion Rampant for Early Samurai Warfare

Here are some pre-game teaser shots of a scenario based upon the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani, where the Taira forces were holed up in their seaside fortress with sheer cliffs directly behind them. Minamoto cavalry led by Minamoto Yoshitsune surprised the Taira by descending the cliffs which was believed to be an impossibility. Minamoto foot at the same time approached the Taira by land. I've played this scenario several times in the past using a modified version of WAB with good results. The Victory Condition for the Minamoto is to destroy at least 50% of the Taira; the Taira achieve victory if at least 50% of their forces can get off table via the sea utilizing the watercraft available.
View of the Taira fortress at Ichi-no-Tani from the sea. Note the larger command vessel offshore with smaller craft beached along the the shoreline.
Mounted and Foot Serjeant's stats are used for the Samurai, with the addition of arming them with bows. The foot Samurai are also upgraded to Expert for an Attack Value of 4+. There are a couple of Warrior Monk (Sohei) units also classed as Foot Serjeants and given the Fleet Footed special rule. Incidentally, both Foot Samurai and Sohei units are 6-figures instead of the usual 12. Finally, the Chugen (an early form of Ashigaru) are ranked as Bidowers. Only one of the Chugen (Bidower) units is armed with bows and they are on the walls of the Taira fortress. A modification to the unit cohesion rule for this unit requires them to either remain at their respective posts on the walls, or if not to attempt to form up as normal if they chose to leave the walls. Their firing dice is halved on either side of the entrance gate.
View from the right Taira watchtower - Warrior Monks and Minamoto Samurai advancing along the shores.
The left of the Taira fortress walls with Minamoto Samurai and Chugen approaching - note the Minamoto standard bearing the gentiana clan mon.
Two units of mounted Minamoto Samurai led by Minamoto Yoshitsune surprise the Taira from the rear of their cliff side fortress.
Taira forces on foot attempt to respond to Minamoto inside of their camp. The red Taira banner bears the clan mon of a butterfly.
All the figures were painted a few years ago, and are mostly The Assault Group with some 1st Corps, Curteys and West Wind. The fence was also built a while back as the small watercraft. The hootches were picked up a local discount store, which sadly no longer carries them. Hope to have an actual battle report posted in the not too distant future, but I have a few projects needing my attention first - none of which are hobby related :)

29 comments:

  1. Wow! love those mounted Minamoto Samurai (gorgeous painting) stunning! and The Taira fortress looks fantastic too!

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    1. Thanks, Phil. Most of the figures are TAG which were painted several years ago. The fortress and smaller boats were also built a few years ago. The bigger ship is a laser cut kit I picked up when I was stationed in Korea. Warm regards, Dean

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  2. I agree with Phil. Both Samurai and fortress are excellent. Game layout is first rate!

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    1. Thanks, Jonathan. It's a nice scenario with a lot of possible outcomes. Best, Dean

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  3. That is a nice looking set up and the figures are lovely.

    Now you'll have to get to those other projects. I've one that I've put off for too long-staining the back steps. I keep finding excuses not to get to that one as I dread it.

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    1. Thanks, Anne. Just a little bit of yard work. Heavy gusts made a moderate mess, mostly a lot of pine cones and small branches. Nothing major. I recently got out of repainting the back porch; all it needed was some moss removed with bleach. Warm regards, Dean

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  4. WooooW Fantastic!! maybe someday you try Ronin system??

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    1. Thanks, Mike. I just may have to try Ronin. Warm regards, Dean

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  5. What a great looking table Dean...and impressive Samurais!

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    1. Appreciate the nice comments, Phil. Best, Dean

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  6. Excellent looking battlefield. I have been using Lion Rampant for some Sengoku era skirmishing found it works great.

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    1. Thanks, Jake. I feel confident using LR for the period too. Regards, Dean

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  7. Very interested in any period of Japanese history, nice figures and scenery.

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    1. Welcome back to the blogosphere, Fran! We've all missed you and posts. Thanks for dropping by. Warm regards, Dean

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  8. Looks like it is going to be an amazing game.

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    1. Appreciate the kind words, Michael. I'm hoping it will be as it seems perfect for the rules. Best, Dean

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  9. Great looking game! I have a load of Perry Samurai and Koreans sitting in the lead pile. Must get to them one day!

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    1. Thanks, Greg. Maybe you could start on the Koreans first - their basic troops are fairly simple wearing only white underclothes and a black vest/jacket and hat. Getting them done first would be a nice incentive to then start on the Japanese. Best, Dean

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  10. Why haven't I thought of that before - using Lion Rampant for Samurai battles is brilliant. Lovely collection BTW, really like the round bases on the cavalry!

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    1. Thanks, Soren. I think LR should work well for this period. Later larger Sengoku battles might also work.. The cavalry based in pairs will hopefully ease movement. Warm regards, Dean

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  11. You made the "big time" as your post was highlighted on TMP
    http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=395766

    You could be leader for use of Samurai for Lion Rampant-ish games
    cheers

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    1. Thanks for the heads up, Doug. Anyway I can get you to visit the site, :) Warm regards, Dean

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  12. Great looking game Dean! Have you tried Ronin also published by Osprey?

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    1. Thanks, Mike! I've been remiss to not have yet tried out Ronin. I've seen posts on games and they look quite suitable for games like this. Warm regards, Dean

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  13. I'm sorry I've been missing all your awesome games!

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