Merry Christmas 2017

Merry Christmas or whatever your seasonal preference is.

Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable time during the festive season. 

This is not just for modellers it's for all Wargamers, bloggers, painters, hobbyists, family and loved ones of said such. 

Open Combat Battle Night

Last Thursday at Huntingdon games club 4 brave warbands squared off against each other in Open Combat.

We used 150pt Warbands and everyone played everyone else once for 3 games total. 

I had a Samurai warband made up of a Samurai hero with a bow a Ninja, another Samurai and some Ashigaru Spearmen and archers. 

Alex had put together a 100 years war miniature based warband focusing on double handed axes and pole arms with a couple of longbow men. 

Nic had his ubiquitous Halfling warband with a couple of bowmen. 

Mike ran his trollslayer Dwarves with no ranged weapons but with massive axes and enragement abilities. 

1st game was against Mike on my Japanese themed board. Mikes Dwarves charged towards me as fast as they could, enraging themselves for extra attack and damage abilities but reducing their defence. I quite happily shot his flame haired Stunties to death with my archers before overwhelming him with my spearmen who could attack without getting into bases to base. Then I followed with my hero who cut a swath in the Dwarf ranks. 

1st game win to me and I hadn't lost a model in the whole fight.

Game 2 against Alex and his 100 year medieval Force. Again I used the same tactics as the first game but Alex did have a couple of archers that started to cause some damage to my troops. 

I soon negated these and gained the upper hand, whittling his warband down until I summarily despatched his leader with my double Katana armed Samurai. 

2nd game win and again I didn't lose a single model. 

Game 3 against Nic and his annoyingly mighty Halflings. His archers opened the account with fantastic shooting taking out one of mine and his sword armed menaces took out my Ninja (he was stated up pretty rubbish though but I just wanted an extra figure and he looked cool) 

The Flings were doing well but a run of bad dice allowed me back into it and my Samurai soon got the small fellows to hit their break point winning me the third game. 

This was the toughest out of the 3 games but a cracking nights battle was had by all. 

Open Combat is a quick, fun, easy system with quite a bit of depth to the game. Looking forward to the night lot of fights. 

Warfare 2017 Wargames Show

Saturday saw a few of my friends and I attend the Reading Wargames Club annual show Warfare.

This is a good small show with a decent amount of traders and demo/participation games available, as well as a large amount of tournaments also held over the weekend. 

The main focus of attending was picking up my new Panzerfauste Dwarf Force from Hysterical Games. This was mainly due to their fantastic offer of 3 for 2 on their range of amazing resin miniatures. Also on display were some prototype models for their new Panzerfauste air combat system Spitfyre. This is currently on Kickstarter and is already funded and then some. The models look absolutely brilliant and I cant wait to get flights of War Eagles screaming across the skies.

Orc Spitfyre War Wyverns

Dwarf War Vulture Dive Bomber

Dwarf Messer 109 War Eagles

The were a fair number of display/demo/participation games on and below are a few pics of a selection of these.

Battle of Gettysburg

Battle of Gettysburg

Battle of Gettysburg

Spec Ops/Zombie

Samurai Battles with an amazing Samurai Castle

The Castle

Wings of Glory Burning Drachens

Dogfights and Drachens

Team Yankee 15mm

Test of Honour

Taking out Tiger 131 

Taking out Tiger 131

Taking out Tiger 131

The last couple pics are of the game I had of taking out Tiger 131. This game was run by Maidenhead Wargamers and it was a cracking game. I played the British Tank force and with 3 Churchill's a Crusader and a Humber scout car faced off against 2 Tiger Tanks and a Panzer III. 

The mission was to pin down and force Tiger 131 crew to bail out with out destroying it so the Brits could capture the Tank. (for the historical write up click here)

I was extremely fortunate (well im being modest! I was an armoured tactical genius!!) and managed to manoeuvre my armoured force quickly with two of my Churchill's gaining the high ground and rained down shots on the unsupported Tiger 131, the Panzer III being suitably destroyed sharpish like and the other Tiger made bad tactical errors (coupled with some awful gunnery dice) By the end of the game Tiger 131 was pinned to death with the injured and rattled crew running back to Sennelager and all other German armour destroyed. My losses, none, not a one, just a minor shaken radio operator on a lone Churchill.

For this I won some very nice dice that I had used for the game (they had reapers as the 6) along win a nice Reaper pin badge.

Overall a very good show. A bit tight on space in the isles between trade stalls. The bring and buy was its usual scrum and the level of some of the games on display was a bit poor with some of the members of these game more interested in moving and chatting about their own models than engaging with the public. 

However all the people I spoke to and asked about their games and table were highly enthusiastic and engaging.

Also another point, it was really nice to see a high proportion of children and partners at this show. I look forward to the next one.

The swag. Maxillian pulp car wars rules. Chain of Command WW2 rules. Sharp Practice Rules. Panzerfauste Dwarf force. Dice and Pin Badge from Maidenhead Wargamers. Reaper Bones Medusa/Gorgon mini for my Argonauts game and mdf bases (love the smell of mdf in the morning)

Test of Honour Campaign Day at Warlord Games - Part 2

Part 2 of the Warring States Campaign Day. Part 1 can be found here.

Battle 3 - Vital Ground vs Terry (Brotherhood of Shinsei) 21 Points

With the increase of conflict between the Clans of Rokugan, it is vital to control as much territory as possible. More territory equals more koku to recruit more Ashigaru leading to more forces to attack your enemies and gain more territory - a deadly, bloody carousel of manoeuvre and death. With this, the Scorpion Champion moves against the Brotherhood of Shinsei a militant sect of Monks bordering on the northern Scorpion Provinces.

After destroying the Pheonix in its mountain lair, Bayushi Shoju gathers his increased forces and moves to remove the Brotherhood of Shinei. Hizuka - Defender of Temples and Norio, the two prominent monks in the region gain information of Bayushi's intent and arrange their defence, ready for the coming storm.

Entering the outskirts of the small hamlet, the Scorpions take up a perfect position and Shoju's Yumi Ashigaru let fly with a couple of volleys against the monks archers causing bloody wounds against them.

With Fate intervening a short lull in the conflict occurs and both sides look to gaining a better advantage with positioning and cover. A small skirmish occurs on the Scorpions left flank but although its brief and frenzied it results in no injuries as both sides blows are only glancing.

Hizuka orders his archers to sneak around a thick bamboo grove to ambush the oncoming Scorpion forces but Bayushi spots the crouching Shinsei hidden archers. Leaping a border fence the screaming Samurai hero lowers his Naginata and charges the archers. In a devastating martial display, Shoju slaughters the archers to a man, leaving a bloody, dismembered scene in his wake. On the left, Scorpion Masked Men and Hikoku move up to engage Norio and his Naginata support troops.

 With bloodlust glinting in their eyes the skirmish is swift and decisive. Norio is cut down and the Naginata armed monks forced to retire. Bayushi, still high on adrenalin after decimating the archers, notices the Nobori (Large Banner) of the Shinsei trying to rally the monks.

Not concerned about being ahead of his own troops and with no support, Bayushi rampages across the field cutting down the banner bearer and howls into another group of monk archers that suddenly become a viable target. Their hastily loosed arrows rain down around the Scorpion, some bouncing of his ornate armour, but none finding their mark.

With attention again turning to the skirmish on the left flank, the Naginata armed group of monks attack Hikoku with zeal but Kikoku quickly counter-strikes blooding the wavering monks. In the middle of the battlefield Bayushi Shoju carries on his one Samurai wrecking spree, hacking down monks with a perverse glee usually only seen in the corrupted denizens of the Shadowlands.

Hizuka finally falls to the gore striken blades of the Scorpion as Bayushi's forces dominate the field of battle.

Scorpion Win. Enemy Samurai Hero defeated. My Samurai Hero survived.

Battle 4 - The Battle at Uedahara vs Martin (Crab Clan) 24 Points

As the Warring Clans conflict intensifies, the battle lines have been drawn and the rituals of war completed. Battle poems are written by Samurai on the eve of battle and now only one thing remains - to take the heads of your opponents and bask in the glory of victory or lose your own and be respected as a valiant foe.

The Scorpion have dominated during the Rokugan war's and only one major Clan remains as a viable enemy that needs forcing into submission - The Crab! Usually the Crab wouldn't leave their Kaiu wall, defending against Fu-Leng and his Shadowlands incursions. However under pressure and insecurity from the Emperor Hantei and his Seppun Guard they have been forced to move against the Scorpion.

However, the Jade magistrates of the region, torn between Imperial occupation and Clan loyaltyiu, have sent word to the Scorpion Daimyo and they have mobilised their forces to attack the invading Crab.

Hida Utaemon and Hiruma Aikoto under instruction from Hida Kisada have garnered their troops and invaded the western province of the Scorpion Lands. With the Scorpion warned by the local Jade Magistates though the Crab are soon looking like more the defenders than the Invaders.

The Scorpion attack with none of the usual Samurai posturing or protocol. Mounted Retainers fly up the left looking to flank the surprised Crab archers and Teppo troops. Both sides archers exchange fire with casualties light on each.

Bayushi notices the Crab Samurai marching down the right towards the small buildings and moves to intercept with Hikoku and his Masked Men.

The battle progress in intensity but suddenly a rider is seen galloping towards Hida Utaemon. A brief exchange of words is observed and once completed Hida turns and orders his troops to withdraw from the field.

A messenger is sent to Bayushi under a truce banner and its found that the Shadowlands have launched a huge offensive against a breach in the Kaiu wall in the Crabs Ishigaki Province. All available Crab forces have been called back to the wall to defend Rokugan from the demon hordes.

(In real life, Martin had a phone call from home with a personal issue. This forced him to concede the win to me as he had to leave)

An unfortunate way to win what looked like was going to be a great last game.

Scorpion Win. Enemy Samurai Hero survived. My Samurai Hero survived.

Summary

So after 4 great games I had won all of them and it came to the presentations. Keiran announced who had won best painted, most honourable and most dishonourable along with the overall winner.

I came Third with only 1 or 2 points between places. An absolute blast, great day, great organisation and cant wait for the next one.

Test of Honour Campaign Day at Warlord Games - Part 1

Warlord Games hosted the first Test of Honour Campaign Day run by Keiran Byrne. A top bloke who put on a cracking event.

Labelled as Warring States - The Road to Uedahara, the event included 4 rounds and each round allowed the force you used to increase in points. First round started with 15 points and finally led to round 4 using all 24 points of your force.

My force consisted of my Legends of the 5 Rings Scorpion Clan and I took:

Samurai Hero - Bayushi Shojo - 5 points

Samurai - Bayushi Hikoku - 4 points

Loyal Spearmen group - 2 points

Loyal Spearmen group - 2 points

Experienced Bowmen - 3 points

Experience Bowmen - 3 points

Masked Men - 2 points

Renegade - 1 point

Mounted Retainer - 2 points

Because I was using miniatures depicting the Scorpion Clan I asked each opponent if they were ok if I depicted their forces as other Clans from the same background. Everyone was more than happy so here are the battle reports

Battle 1 - Defend our Lord vs Oliver (Mantis Clan) 15 points.

Bayushi Shoju whilst on route back to the Scorpion lands, after being called forth to the Imperial court has been ambushed by scurrilous Mantis Clan pirates. Usually the Mantis Clan raid the sea's and coast around Rokugan, but spies in the Imperial Court sent word that the Scorpion Lord travelled with a small retinue and would be an easy conquest.

Yoritomo Omura readied his Yojimbo and pirate troops in the dense bamboo groves on the Plains of Thunder next to the Large Temple of Osano-Wo. Tipped off by spies in the Imperial Court he had made a fast pace to be in position to ambush the Scorpion.

However, the pace of the Mantis was not quick enough as the Scorpion had seen their advance and readied their defence around the Temple. Bayushi Shoju ordered his Yari guardsmen and Masked Men to stand firm whilst his Yumi (Bows) Ashigaru, let loose their arrows from the bamboo groves.

Yoritomo attacked straight away, sending his Yojimo along with his whole force through the centre of the plains, whilst he skirted around the Temple hoping to surprise Shoju. Shoju being the sly old Scorpion kept back from the fight - The Scorpion only stings when the opponent least expects.

The Mantis Yojimo got ahead of his troops protecting his side and flew at the Scorpion Yari Ashigaru. His first attack was wild and he fumbled his swing resulting in him being knocked to the ground. He was quickly dispatched by the Scorpion troops.

With the death of the Mantis Yojimo, the Scorpion Masked Men advanced and attacked the Pirate archers but were unable to land and significant blows. Yoritomo tries to stealthily move from the Temple to the Cherry Tree orchard but was spotted by a group of Scorpion Ashigaru who managed to blood the Mantis Samurai. Scorpion archers let fly at Yoritomo now as he strayed into range and they manage to injure him.

With Yoritomo limping and bleeding Bayushi bursts from the bamboo grove and in a splendid martial display, whirls his Naginata into the Mantis Samurai. The duel in the Cherry Tree orchard is swift and decisive with Bayushi sending Yoitomo into the afterlife. Nothing survives a sting from a Scorpion.

Mantis Yari troops charge into the Masked Men unaware that their Lord has fallen and manage to cause a fatality.

With the light failing and the Scorpion forces advantage the remaining fatigued Mantis troops retreat from the field. Bayushi Shoju has succesfully defended himself and Scorpions honour.


Scorpion Win. Enemy Samurai Hero defeated, My Samurai Hero survived.


Battle 2 - Sudden Attack vs Chris (Phoenix Clan) 18 points.

Numerous villages have seen the increase of troop encampments as opposing Clan Forces prepare themselves for the coming days ahead. Daimyos know that any advantage that can be gained will have a great effect on the outcome of hostilities. Bayushi Shojo has marched with a raiding force to cause as much disruption of the encroaching Phoenix Clan. In a small village nestled in the forested mountains bordering on a Phoenix province, Bayushi launches his attack with the aim of taking and controlling the village for the Scorpion.



Bayushi Shoju along with Bayushi Hikoku has learnt that Shiba Daizan and Shiba Toshiki of the Phoenix are resting up in a mountain village and are without any Shugenja.

Feeling the time is right for the Scorpion to sting Bayushi slowly arranges his forces on the outskirts of the village. The Phoenix are not as dull witted as first thought and Shiba Toshiki is quick to react, defending the centre of the village. Scorpion Masked Men rush Toshiki and he quickly jabs back but both antagonists avoid the blows.

Shiba Daizan rushes into the centre to Toshiki's aid but Bayushi Shoju charges at him. Daizan swings at Shoju but fumbles in the face of the Scorpions terrifying visage and falls to the ground. Shoju jumps at the advantage that suddenly presents itself but his deadly swing of his Naginata glances off the Phoenix's armour.

During the brief exchange of blows Bayushi Hikoku cuts down Toshiki leaving the unarmed Samurai bloodied at his feet.

Shoju stabs down at Daizan on the ground, seriously hurting him and the Masked Men advance against the approaching Phoenix spearmen groups, managing to kill some. During these deadly exchanges the Ashigaru forces on both sides are menacing each other with casualties falling more heavily on the Phoenix Clan troops.

Hikoku and Shoju swop sides of the combat. Hikoku cuts down the injured and bleeding Daizan whilst Shoju twirls a dance of death through the ranks of Phoenix Ashigaru.

With both Phoenix Samurai cut down and the common troops decimated the surviving members of the Phoenix force retreat leaving all the objectives of the raid in Scorpion hands.

Scorpion Win. Enemy Samurai Hero defeated. My Samurai Hero survived.

Continued in Part Two