I spent an enjoyable Friday evening with Vidal trying out Black Powder with my ImagiNation armies. We didn't try any specific scenario; rather since it was only my second time at the rules, we decided to just line 'em up and have at 'em! Le Grand-Duché de Gourmandie squared off against the forces of KronPrinz Friedrich Wilhelm of Das KaiserReich (topped up with a few mercenary units from Il Ducato di Libagioni).
Le Grand-Duché de Gourmandie
Le Grand Duché de Gourmandie is ruled over by Grand-Duc Pierre Louis. His armies are commanded by Jean Lafitte Roquefort, Marquis de Fromage. The Grand Duchy is a hereditary territory, having passed from son to son for more than 300 years. The ruling family is notoriously conservative and the Grand Duc normally sends the Catholic Arch-Bishop Ambroise de Chabichou du Poitou into the field with his army to ensure adherence to God's Will and the moral rectitude of the men.
Das KaiserReich
Das KaiserReich, a strictly protestant state, is ruled over by KronPrinz Friedrich Wilhelm, who also personally commands his army in the field. The state is rigorously controlled by an efficient and ruthless bureaucracy, at the head of which sits The Council of Twelve, a group of influential and wealthy burghers. Constant strain and tension between the hereditary rights of the KronPrinz and the economic and personal interests of The Council serve to limit the powers of the royal family. Thus, many of the regiments that make up the army are militia, raised and paid for by their Inhabers, landed gentry from the various districts of the Reich (most of whom are closely tied to the royal family by blood or obligation).
Il Ducato di Libagioni
Centered around the Vedicchio Lagoon, Ducato di Libagioni relies upon its sizeable navy to project it's regional power. Supported by multiple small colonies and settlements along the Nebbilo coast and overseas, the Duchy once held considerable economic power. Due to the rise of Le Grand Duché de Gourmandie to the south, the Duchy's holdings and territories have gradually shrunk. The soldiers of Libations are known for their eastern aggression and liquid courage.
Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin magnificently arrayed for battle on the left flank of the Gourmandie line.
And...Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin running precipitately on the second(?) turn after Vidal rolled a blunder on their very first order activation. So proud, yet so.... cowardly!
Pistoliere von Dopplebock lead the KaiserReich cavalry at the opposite end of the field, backed up by the fearsome Cavalleria di Strega from Libagioni.
The center of the KaiserReich line: Regiment der Infanterie Krombacher supported by Regiment der Grenadiere Oettinger.
Some courtly music to accompany the dull roar of cannon!
Regiment der Grenadiere Oettinger squares off in melee with the 2e/Infanterie Roquefort.
Pistoliere von Doppelbock attempt to close with Gourmandie guns, the former attempting to win fame and glory on their first outing.
Von Doppelbock braving the fire and loosing a pistol volley. Unfortunately (but not unexpectedly), one squadron of cavalry vs supported guns did not turn out well for these newly raised horsemen.
All in all, a very enjoyable game! Thanks to Vidal for providing the venue and the company. I will definitely continue with BP for this project. Just need more infantry....and cavalry....oh, and guns.
Yeah blunder rolls do hurt! I had a whole bgde of cavalry exit off my table edge at a critical moment once, and just the other week two regiments wandered in march column right into the enemy bayonets!
ReplyDeleteYeah blunder rolls do hurt! I had a whole bgde of cavalry exit off my table edge at a critical moment once, and just the other week two regiments wandered in march column right into the enemy bayonets!
ReplyDelete