ImagiNations: taking stock

With my new-found enthusiasm for this project still going strong, I thought I'd take stock of my plans and progress. A few years ago, I took advantage of Old Glory's 40% discount program to purchase a large number of Crusader figures before the latter severed its distribution partnership with the former. I was able to fill out the lead pile with most of my planned armies. I've added a few more over the past couple of years. Recently, I've been having Captain Dan (from Red Over Blue) and my good friend Bob Lehman in Ohio take on some of the painting (although I've been puttering away as well...see my previous post). I'm happy to report that with my new additions and the ones finished by my painting partners (almost called them minions), I am well past 50% completed the project.

In fact, 58% of Gourmandie units are completed and 63% of KaiserReich units. Of course, these numbers are by unit and don't reflect figure/horse/equipment counts. And, of course, 100% of Libagioni units are complete (but that's cuz I bought 'em that way).

Here are my grand sweeping plans and progress; underlined units and commanders are complete (note: I've included completed units but not yet delivered and in my hands).

Le Grand-Duché de Gourmandie

(Jean Lafitte Roquefort, Marquis de Fromage)

(Arch-Bishop Ambroise de Chabichou du Poitou)     

1er Brigade (Phillipe Grand-Nez, Comte de Roquefort)

• 1er/Infanterie Roquefort
• 2e/Infanterie Roquefort
• Artillerie de Roquefort
• Grenadiers de Camembert

2e Brigade (Jean-Jacques LaPierre, Comte de Gruyère)

• 1er/Infanterie Gruyère
• 2e/Infanterie Gruyère
• Artillerie de Gruyère
• Grenadiers de Gourmandie

3e Brigade (Cameron von Müller)

• 1er/Artillerie de Gourmandie
• 2e/Artillerie de Gourmandie
• 3e/Artillerie de Gourmandie
• 4e/Artillerie de Gourmandie

4e Brigade (Georges leRoque, Comte de Boursin)

• Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin
• Dragons de Saint-Feliciens
• Dragons de Saint-Pierre              

5e Brigade (Henri Sanglier, Vicomte de Champaigne)

• Dragons de la Grande-Duchesse
• Hussards de le Grand Duc

Independent Units

• Épéistes Étrangers
• Garde de Champaigne

Das KaiserReich

(KronPrinz Friedrich Wilhelm)

1. Brigade (Reichsgraf Reinhard von Blumhardt)

• Infanterie Krombacher
• Infanterie Märzen
• Grenadiere Oettinger
• Grenadiere Bock

2. Brigade Freiherr Ulrich von Schlender)

• 1. FeldArtillerie zu Fuß
• 2. FeldArtillerie zu Fuß
• 3. FeldArtillerie zu Fuß
• 4. FeldArtillerie zu Fuß

3. Brigade (Reichsritter Volker Guttmacher)

• Lieb Kürassiere
• Grenadiere zu Pferde Warsteiner

4. Brigade (Reichsritter Hildebrandt Freytag)

• Ulanen Hasseroder
• Pistoliere von Doppelbock 

5. Brigade (Freiherr Erik von Radeburger)

• Freikorps der Jagers Radeburger
• Freikorps der Ulanen Radeburger
• Artillerie der Radeburger

Independent Units

• 1. Große FeldArtillerie

Ducati di Libagioni

(Il Prinicipe Giuseppe Martellato)

Prima Brigata (Barone Vincenzo Paradiso)

• Battaglione di Sambuca
• Battaglione di Campari
• Granatiere dell'Amaretto
• 1/Primo Artiglieria
• 2/Primo Artiglieria

Independent Units

• Cacciatore di Galliano
• Cavalleria di Strega
• 1/Secondo Artiglieria

Das KaiserReich: 1. & 2. FeldArtillerie zu Fuß

Some new units for my ImagiNations project: 1. & 2.  FeldArtillerie zu Fuß. These two will go with 3. & 4. FeldArtillerie zu Fuß to form 2. Brigade, commanded by Freiherr Ulrich von Schlender. The heavy guns were a gift from Bob Lehmann, the figures are Crusader, and the limbers etc from Front Rank. Included with the limber is a member of the civilian crew, offering the horses some much-needed refreshment. This was poached from a vignette with the Ducati di Libagioni army, manufacturer unknown and painted by Phil.

Rant: highway drivers and figure case disaster

One of my biggest peeves about driving is those drivers who see a police cruiser on the side of the highway and immediately slow down. OK, so if you can see him, he can see you and it's too damned late. And if the cop is out of his cruiser and already has someone pulled over, he doesn't give a damn that you're driving 20km over the limit as you go by. So why bother slowing down at all? Granted, you need to change lanes away from the pulled over vehicles but in most cases, slowing down does nothing other than to piss me off.

How does this relate to gaming? This morning, I experienced just such an occurrence. In this case, the moron driver didn't just take his foot off of the accelerator or tap the brakes. This was a full on brake, changing from 100km/hr to 40 km/hr in an instant. I was three cars back but the accordion effect of the following cars forced me to brake hard. Unfortunately, I had two cases of figures on the back floor and result was, I suppose, inevitable. For completeness' sake, I should've removed the cases yesterday but forgot. And they were securely placed on the floor in metal cases with magnetic bases on the figures; enough to avoid slippage/damage in normal braking situations. The incident this morning was far more than normal...sigh.

The result is below. I haven't delved into the mess to see the damage.

Black Powder - ImagiNation amendments

Thinking about Black Powder and how I'd like it to help represent my ImagiNation world, I've decided on a few amendments. These are, I think, playing with modifiers etc and not fiddling with the basic rules mechanics.

First up, artillery deployment...

In Last Argument of Kings, the BP 18th century supplement, it's recommended that once artillery deploys (i.e. unlimbers), it may not re-limber again during the course of the battle. This is meant to represent either the use of civilian drivers and their reluctance to stick around once the guns were deployed or the general lack of mobility of 18th century artillery. Whether the latter was a product of doctrine or actual difficulty in moving the pieces once deployed is debatable. There were some notable exceptions to this, including His Grace The Duke of Marlborough's artillery commander, Colonel Blood, who is famous for his ability to keep his artillery mobile at Blenheim. In my ImagiNation world, artillery may re-limber but must pass a command test to do so. Note: This does not apply to battalion guns, which may move with accompanying infantry as per usual.

And some new special rules (i.e. unit characteristics)...

Caracole

As BP has no specific rules suggestions for caracoling cavalry, I need something for the Pistoliere Dopplebock, my most recent addition to Das KaiserReich. As per my previous post, "von Wolkewitz chose the unusual, and perhaps anachronistic, expedient of arming and training his regiment with the aim of employing the caracole as the primary battlefield tactic. This involves the squadrons calmly riding forward in line, one behind the other, until a mere 50 paces from the enemy (cavalry, infantry or artillery). The lead squadron looses a pistol volley then wheels and falls back around the second squadron which then proceeds to repeat the exercise. The squadrons continue to cycle through this process, hoping to weaken the enemy force, before attempting to charge home." I will try the following rules for this unit: In order to counter-charge, a cavalry unit with the caracole characteristic must first pass a command test. If the test is failed, the unit will issue closing fire rather than charge. In order to charge, a cavalry unit with the caracole characteristic must first pass a command test. If the test is failed, the unit will stop at 6 inches from the target unit and issue fire.

Clergy

A commander with the clergy characteristic may, once per turn, attempt to rally any unit within 12"; however, the target unit must be outside 12" from the enemy. He may not issue commands to any unit other than rally. This special rule is designed specifically for Arch-Bishop Ambroise de Chabichou du Poitou, who personally accompanies the army of Le Grand Duché de Gourmandie. In this case, the Arch-Bishop is rated as an '8' for rally purposes. 

Battle of Lugio - August 14, 1745 - the battle fought

Battle of Lugio - August 14, 1745

Pierre-Louis Grand-Duc de Gourmandie has chosen the late summer weather to move once more against Il Ducato di Libagioni in an attempt to annex the agriculturally-rich region of in the bend of the Caprera River. This area has seen much campaigning in recent years (through many generations, in fact) and Pierre-Louis' army commander, Le Marquis de Fromage, is intent on learning from past mistakes and failures. Rather than move directly against the region's stronghold at Castra Taurinorum, he has chosen the more difficult route through the Wood of Lugio. In this way, he hopes to then move onto Siscia and Stirpiacum, thus cutting off Castra Taurinorum from succour to the north. Le Marquis must only force the gauntlet of the Wood of Lugio to reach the open plains beyond. Unfortunately, Il Prinicipe Giuseppe Martellato, has received intelligence of the Gourmandie intentions and has moved forces south to counter the move on Lugio. And unbeknownst to the Gourmandie commander, Il Principe has received some welcome support from his neighbour, KronPrinz Friedrich Wilhelm!

Vidal and I gathered in Castra Cambridgionum on Friday past to fight the Battle of Lugio. Despite some rules gaffes (disorder? who needs disorder?), some truly appalling dice-rolling, and Vidal's gimpy leg, we enjoyed another game of Black Powder and pushing about toy soldiers.

 The village of Lugio.

The battlefield was fairly simple with only the woods in the four quarters funnelling movement toward the village.

Gourmadie's 1er Brigade under the watchful eye of  Phillipe Grand-Nez, Comte de Roquefort enter the field in column of march.

In the opposite corner of the table (north-east, for those keeping track), Primata Brigata of the army of Libagioni march toward Lugio. 

Libagioni Prima Brigata are caught in column of march by the quick-deploying Roquefort regiment (those of the red variety, top right of the photo). The Libagioni brigade is commanded by Barone Vincenzo Paradiso, a lowly '6' on the Black Powder command scale (average is '8'). It soon became apparent that is was far more expedient to use the army commander, Il Prinicipe Giuseppe Martellato, and his '8' command rating to command Paradiso's troops (although this kept his influence from having effect elsewhere).

A mixed force of Libagioni and KaiserReich cavalry move to support the infantry. 

 

KaiserReich infantry move to deploy to the left of the village while the Libagioni infantry on the right flank continue to try and sort themselves out. The unit and commander name tags were an experiment and probably not to be completed (except maybe for the commanders only). While an interesting thought, they tended to clutter the table unnecessarily.

The Libagioni infantry continue to try and shake themselves out into some semblance of order. The Roquefort infantry battalion, although well-situated to foil these efforts, was unable to make an appreciable impact, although one Libagioni battalion rolled a blunder ('12' on 2d6) and can be seen moving back away from its compatriots.

Meanwhile, on the opposite side of Lugio, Gourmandie artillery approaches and prepares to unlimber. Also in the bottom right of the photo can be seen the Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin finally entering the battlefield after two (yes two) consecutive blunders while trying to move onto the table (Vidal was less than pleased to say the least, but took the results with equanimity, as befits a gentlemen of the Enlightenment). This was the same unit that blundered in our first (test) game and precipitately left the field before even drawing their swords.

The Libagioni infantry have finally deployed into line and are preparing to move against Lugio (now occupied by a Roquefort battalion) and the other Gourmandie units anchored on the town. It is to the advantage of the Libagioni infantry to eschew any fire-fights and charge in because they have the Terrifying Charge and Bloodthirsty attributes. Both of these are exactly as they sound...terrifying and bloodthirsty. Any defending unit had better hold firm and pass its Break Test to receive the charge. In contrast, the Gourmandie infantry have the First Fire bonus, something their enemies lack.

 On the Libagioni left flank, the KaiserReich infantry advance toward the hapless  Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin (they of the double blunder...seems they may be downgraded soon...or perhaps their commander sacked?). The leading KaiserReich grenadier battalion has already dispatched a Boursin squadron with disciplined musketry. To the left of the picture, Gourmandie artillery has unlimbered.

  

A Libagioni charge (top right of the photo) has routed a Roquefort battalion and artillery unit (already removed). Vidal's dice-rolling was again abysmal here. Because of the Terrifying Charge attribute of the Libagioni infantry, the Roquefort battalion was forced to make a Break Test before issuing closing fire. Unfortunately, Vidal's roll was 'snake eyes' ...extreme failure and the unit broke! This also broke the Gourmandie brigade and given the poor performance of the Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin on the opposite flank, we chose to end the battle with a Libagioni victory.

The result...

Le Marquis de Fromage must retreat the Gourmadie army back across the Lower Cabrera toward Montagnac. Whether Il Principe will follow up his victory and move into Gourmandie territory in pursuit is a matter for another game. Perhaps Le Marquis will contest the crossing of the river. Yet, he may retreat further into Gourmandie territory in search of succour. 

28mm Boer War collection: up for sale!

Captain Dan over at Red Over Blue is considering selling his 28mm Boer War collection. He is looking for the right buyer so if you're interested, contact him through his blog. This is a magnificent collection which I've had the pleasure to push around the gaming table.

Battle of Lugio - August 14, 1745 - scenario notes

Preparations afoot for the next ImagiNations game at Vidal's. This encounter will see an appearance of the army of Il Ducato di Libagioni. (Note: This scenario is based mainly on Teaser 8 from Battlegames Tabletop Teasers Vol 1)

Battle of Lugio - August 14, 1745

Pierre-Louis Grand-Duc de Gourmandie has chosen the late summer weather to move once more against Il Ducato di Libagioni in an attempt to annex the agriculturally-rich region of in the bend of the Caprera River. This area has seen much campaigning in recent years (through many generations, in fact) and Pierre-Louis' army commander, Le Marquis de Fromage, is intent on learning from past mistakes and failures. Rather than move directly against the region's stronghold at Castra Taurinorum, he has chosen the more difficult route through the Wood of Lugio. In this way, he hopes to then move onto Siscia and Stirpiacum, thus cutting off Castra Taurinorum from succour to the north. Le Marquis must only force the gauntlet of the Wood of Lugio to reach the open plains beyond. Unfortunately, Il Prinicipe Giuseppe Martellato, has received intelligence of the Gourmandie intentions and has moved forces south to counter the move on Lugio. And unbeknownst to the Gourmandie commander, Il Principe has received some welcome support from his neighbour, KronPrinz Friedrich Wilhelm!

Situation

The tabletop battlefield represents the critical bottleneck through the Wood of Lugio.

Mission

To clear the town of Lugio and its environs of any enemy forces in order to move beyond into the open plains to the north.

Coordinating Instructions

Both sides will arrive deployed on a wide front but with units still in column of march.

Forces

Gourmandie (Jean Lafitte Roquefort, Marquis de Fromage)

1er Brigade (Phillipe Grand-Nez, Comte de Roquefort)

• 1er/Regiment d'Infanterie Roqufort
• 2e/Regiment d'Infanterie Roquefort
• Artillerie Roquefort

2e Brigade (Cameron von Müller)

• 1er/Artillerie de Gourmandie
• 2e/Artillerie de Gourmandie 
• Artillerie de Gruyère 

3e Brigade (Georges leRoque, Comte de Boursin)

• 1er/Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin
• 2e/Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin
• 3e/Grenadiers à Cheval Boursin

Libagioni (Il Prinicipe Giuseppe Martellato)

Prima Brigata (Barone Vincenzo Paradiso) 

• Battaglione di Sambuca
• Battaglione di Campari
• Granatiere dell'Amaretto
• 1/Primo Artiglieria
• 2/Primo Artiglieria
• Cacciatore di Galliano

Seconda Brigata (Conte Immacolato Baldelli)

• Regiment der Infanterie Krombacher
• Regiment der Grenadiere Oettinger
• Freikorps der Jagers Radeburger

Terzo Brigata (Freiherr Georg von Wolkewitz)

• Cavalleria di Strega
• 1/Pistoliere von Doppelbock
• 2/Pistoliere von Doppelbock