tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78290135792866551442024-03-13T21:16:01.765-07:00Franks Toy SoldiersFrank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-20327455582038097572021-08-11T08:23:00.000-07:002021-08-11T08:23:45.453-07:00Finally posting again..........<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXLmrbkeshcCDjJ0ch8zgkurklnli_RU3I02F1s3RWerzX3sXshcJw7wm0bxr9ZUj98wUZ_PUVggSr8PbvdWmtT8yIu3LcwyTYKAiwz7dC1GbK2Biz1SphdG2eoO9cmtwP4XUYPBb1GOx/s1656/Sea+Peoples+005.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1656" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXLmrbkeshcCDjJ0ch8zgkurklnli_RU3I02F1s3RWerzX3sXshcJw7wm0bxr9ZUj98wUZ_PUVggSr8PbvdWmtT8yIu3LcwyTYKAiwz7dC1GbK2Biz1SphdG2eoO9cmtwP4XUYPBb1GOx/s320/Sea+Peoples+005.JPG"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlP7kDSSM1O7TTSaPAQY5c5L-n9NlbBhyMaYXr1wlLJmRF5lGInSMTOM-O1N8FCxND5mDPJsamKoP0ArixKqipyMv2032Yh5vTveppjacqrkmox81HItX8cPw7x1dlvv84bjdFyHxPJGp/s1645/Sea+Peoples+006.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1645" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlP7kDSSM1O7TTSaPAQY5c5L-n9NlbBhyMaYXr1wlLJmRF5lGInSMTOM-O1N8FCxND5mDPJsamKoP0ArixKqipyMv2032Yh5vTveppjacqrkmox81HItX8cPw7x1dlvv84bjdFyHxPJGp/s320/Sea+Peoples+006.JPG"/></a></div>
Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted anything for four and a half years!<br />
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A computer virus knocked out the software that enabled me to load pics from my old camera, and I haven't been able to find the disc to reload it. Plus, moving house and other "life" issues have also contributed.......but I have kept painting and have several new armies I can show off. <br />
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Hopefully, I will be able to return to regular posting soon. Currently I'm working on a Bronze Age Minoan/Mycenaean (Greek) army that can also contribute to my Sea Peoples army if needed. The figures aren't wuite ready to photograph yet, but I can include some of my existing Sea Peoples - the Peleset (blue hats) and Sherdan.
Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-75779260859173943392017-11-04T09:14:00.000-07:002017-11-04T09:14:03.357-07:00Amazons Vs PictsYes, I know I haven't written up the 100 Years War battle yet - that's still something to look forward to in the future. <br />
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This weekend, my Amazon women find their kingdom invaded by a bunch of marauding Picts. (Amazons deployed on the right in the above photo). <br />
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Though their homeland is hilly and pretty much covered in forest, the Amazon Queen (pictured above with her warband bodyguard) has decided to do battle in an open clearing, challenging the Picts to face them in open battle. <br />
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Currently, the Picts remain sheltered in the woods, with just the first few warriors emerging. <br />
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The Amazons, meanwhile, have deployed their full army and are waiting for the chance to fight. They have deployed their heavy cavalry on the right flank, and appear set to launch their main attack here, while using lighter troops to fend off any assault on their left. <br />
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We'll see how this turns out! <br />
Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-91395960103671346092017-10-02T16:38:00.001-07:002017-10-02T16:38:06.168-07:00Battle Time!I've had this table set up for a couple of months now intending to get a battle going on it, but so far no luck. <br />
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Hopefully, this week, that will change, as my 100 Years' War armies approach the village (English from the top left - the north-west - and the French from the bottom right - the south-east). <br />
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In pressing his claims for the French throne, the English king has landed in Normandy and now approaches Paris. <br />
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The French have hastily gathered an army to bring a stop to their progress, and plan to intercept the invaders before they reach the featured village (just above the bridge in the battlefield picture above), denying them access to vital supplies and shelter from the elements. <br />
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I'm expecting the main battle to be contested somewhere between the village and the far river, which the English must yet cross. With the two armies entering at opposite ends of the 12'x4' table, it's going to take a while for them to come to grips. Hopefully that will mean plenty of interesting maneuvering for position before the fighting begins in earnest. <br />
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My plan is to fight a few rounds each evening after work this week, and finish it off over the weekend (and hopefully find time to paint the last of my Huns too!) so I can have lots of lovely pics and a nice story for next Monday. <br />
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Have a nice week!<br />
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Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-9980346067800424982017-10-02T16:23:00.001-07:002017-10-02T16:23:35.226-07:00Ottoman Turk Light Cavalry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFiWxlOZw5NlquCfHZWr_SCAguL2Sks_prZdrRT5quCiwH-iJ7YQwIhH0DPjG835zjRKbl1S4bw59YuFk1VYhIO76_XPJXgYV2npYVo90RySlwyQ3PIDaaDAqzxnN1-85u72-JU9IHfuW/s1600/Turkey+-+Ottoman+Akinji+2017-10-01+00.18.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFiWxlOZw5NlquCfHZWr_SCAguL2Sks_prZdrRT5quCiwH-iJ7YQwIhH0DPjG835zjRKbl1S4bw59YuFk1VYhIO76_XPJXgYV2npYVo90RySlwyQ3PIDaaDAqzxnN1-85u72-JU9IHfuW/s320/Turkey+-+Ottoman+Akinji+2017-10-01+00.18.42.jpg" width="320" height="149" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="745" /></a></div><br />
Not quite such a productive weekend painting this time around due to having to work Saturday, but I did manage to get most of the light cavalry for my Late Period Ottoman Empire painted up. Just a few more figures to buy and paint - hopefully should be finished within the next month. <br />
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For an earlier period army, I can borrow the horse archers I use for most of my Asian armies, from Achaemenid Persian through to Mongol Conquest, as they all pretty much look the same. <br />
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I'm looking forward to giving these guys a run real soon though. Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-50297793909335279132017-09-25T16:50:00.001-07:002017-09-25T16:50:01.771-07:00Another Good Painting WeekendTwo weekends in a row......what I can achieve when I don't have to work Saturday overtime!<br />
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First up, my Ottoman Empire heavy cavalry is "finished". <br />
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Yes, I still have some unpainted figures left over that I might do later anyway, just to get them done. But I have what I need for an Ottoman army. (Light cavalry scheduled for attention next weekend!) <br />
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Lots of color, and it should look especially good when these guys go up against the Winged Hussars of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. They also have historical enemies in the form of Germans, Muscovites (Early Russians) and Swedes waiting to test them out too. And I'm sure that by selecting figures from my Mongol and Indian armies, I might even be able to put together an historical Eastern Asian enemy for them to fight. So lots of options available. <br />
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And from the same period, but a different part of the world, more samurai artillery from the <i>Sengoku Jidai </i> (Japanese Civil War) period - this time for my "Blue Faction" army. <br />
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Whereas my Red Faction guns are simply barrels of guns mounted on boxes and bags, the Blue Faction has made their gun mobile by putting it on a wheeled carriage in a similar style to the European guns we are more used to. The barrels tended to be provided by the Western nations trying to get a foothold in Japan at the time, and supplying the various Japanese warlords with guns from their ships. The wheeled carriage was apparently more popular in the later years of the period - given that my Blue Faction is probably the most "westernized" of my six factions, I figured it was most appropriate for them to adapt the European style of mounting the gun. <br />
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My reading suggests that the samurai armies tended to use their artillery against fortifications rather than against enemy troops, but the guns provided seem a little small to make much of a dent in the walls of a well-built Japanese castle. <br />
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Oh well, we'll see how it all works out once the fighting begins! Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-29921283784557995342017-09-17T16:33:00.001-07:002017-09-17T16:33:01.308-07:00Ottomans Turks Now Have Artillery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhz7Rzdjh3okUeRH_QU5Y086-HTZVNauPw-sihzO9pza_QvjV_zURCDG4OjwwmkaseS_aJXSWQEtrNTzdoHqZspsHIgy41CNUKi2Gdez8PtP2eEkovrh4mELTIKoEe2_PzyPNU2D0nnX4n/s1600/Turkey+-+Ottoman+Artillery+2017-09-17+02.35.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhz7Rzdjh3okUeRH_QU5Y086-HTZVNauPw-sihzO9pza_QvjV_zURCDG4OjwwmkaseS_aJXSWQEtrNTzdoHqZspsHIgy41CNUKi2Gdez8PtP2eEkovrh4mELTIKoEe2_PzyPNU2D0nnX4n/s320/Turkey+-+Ottoman+Artillery+2017-09-17+02.35.59.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><br />
Also completed this weekend - the first four (of eight planned) guns for my Ottoman Turkish army. <br />
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These are the four lighter guns, more suitable for field operations. The remaining four are bigger, heavier pieces, more common in sieges, which don't feature much on the wargames table, but might provide an interesting "objective" for an enemy army trying to prevent the Turks bringing their big guns up for a siege. <br />
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This army really still needs more cavalry (and possibly infantry). I have enough to represent the Early Ottoman forces, (by borrowing horse archers from my other "Asian" armies - Mongols, Huns, maybe even Skythians) when they were initially building their empire, but not so much for the later years. Hopefully I can get the cavalry finished over the next week or two. <br />
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I've started using small "cotton balls" that I found in the crafts department at Walmart to indicate a gun has fired (this game turn) - representing the smoke from the blast. Hopefully that will save me trying to remember which guns are firing this turn and which aren't.<br />
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I'll probably also use them to mark the targets of the shot (the smoke from the explosion when the cannonball landed). <br />
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Maybe this will put more "action" into the photos I take of the battles? <br />
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Oh, and just a reminder of how colorful Ottoman cavalry is, take a look at these guys.....<br />
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I think I'll be able to get some pretty nice looking photos with them racing across the battlefield. Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-5814857488433845302017-09-17T16:17:00.003-07:002018-05-28T11:09:36.034-07:00Grand Duchy of Brunswick Now Has Supporting Artillery <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQ7BP1sifv0-9mBbvhowbbeKaUZRUpoar1la6ufs7iAkTfzATA3Cv8WIFt3VJifMsigNNu4kf1pJYyewDkDbD5we_PmoZREm-UVRg2ulFX7PZGElYNQxwsLUOgJn3sAa1SmsBVwbQnO1p/s1600/Brunswick+-+Artillery+Batteries+2017-09-17+02.36.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQ7BP1sifv0-9mBbvhowbbeKaUZRUpoar1la6ufs7iAkTfzATA3Cv8WIFt3VJifMsigNNu4kf1pJYyewDkDbD5we_PmoZREm-UVRg2ulFX7PZGElYNQxwsLUOgJn3sAa1SmsBVwbQnO1p/s320/Brunswick+-+Artillery+Batteries+2017-09-17+02.36.45.jpg" width="320" height="169" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="844" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedT4BRK0W7DJgoP45xOdgfWo929xxqnzKU056j6Ckrhup1-RhIZj4ilsdDKO8oyezdNPXd3AzaDmn-N5aOqoX7nXLys6EkYdgEKM5K9l2wIeSIGBXSqBgbAqpd6Xt5SEc9k8_c5bM41Sh/s1600/Brunswick+-+Artillery+Battery+2017-09-17+02.37.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedT4BRK0W7DJgoP45xOdgfWo929xxqnzKU056j6Ckrhup1-RhIZj4ilsdDKO8oyezdNPXd3AzaDmn-N5aOqoX7nXLys6EkYdgEKM5K9l2wIeSIGBXSqBgbAqpd6Xt5SEc9k8_c5bM41Sh/s320/Brunswick+-+Artillery+Battery+2017-09-17+02.37.04.jpg" width="294" height="320" data-original-width="867" data-original-height="944" /></a></div><br />
(Note: This army is from the latter portion of the Napoleonic Wars - c1810-1815, when the Duke of Brunswick was in exile in Britain and rebuilding his forces, which fought alongside the British in Portugal and Spain, and then in the Waterloo campaign of 1815). <br />
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I've previously posted pics of their infantry and cavalry, but up until this weekend they have been lacking an artillery arm. Four guns is probably more than will ever be used at one time with this mini-army, but "what-the-heck!" <br />
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With no actual "Brunswick Artillery" figures currently on the market, I used the Dutch-Belgian Artillery 1815 set made by Waterloo (the company, not the campaign/battle) and just painted them as Brunswickers. I figure that given that the British were arming and supplying both the Brunswickers and the Belgio-Dutch, they would have been pretty much the same. <br />
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(I like the way the light blue facings stand out against the otherwise all black uniforms of these guys. They actually look a lot more attractive than I expected an army clad predominantly in black to be). <br />
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Evil thought: I might just match up my Brunswickers against Belgio-Dutch to see which set of artillery performs better. <br />
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Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-79540632543865039832017-09-17T16:00:00.000-07:002017-09-17T16:00:49.644-07:00Amazons - army complete (finally)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1f0NkmNHycUKPtaYz-i1fLmgUBINiXATPQcaxTdpvj4EaayWVkyY43t20Ho8fI2MhIcmmMig5n0ShWVh80jXZTlHKBoKOChK9wzcvEx1J5kFDY7Aq9N1SDgowFZ6hEzaHjHLHczuJxHIq/s1600/Amazon+Army+2017-09-17+02.35.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1f0NkmNHycUKPtaYz-i1fLmgUBINiXATPQcaxTdpvj4EaayWVkyY43t20Ho8fI2MhIcmmMig5n0ShWVh80jXZTlHKBoKOChK9wzcvEx1J5kFDY7Aq9N1SDgowFZ6hEzaHjHLHczuJxHIq/s320/Amazon+Army+2017-09-17+02.35.05.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><br />
They started off as just a fun "extended warband" (with some supporting light troops) intended to be used alongside my Hittites (as Anatolian allies) or other armies as appropriate. <br />
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But I kind of got carried away and turned them into a full army. <br />
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Up until now, they've been a little too lightweight to do much damage, and with their archer units (so far) under-performing on a regular basis, they've never been able to keep enemy units from closing in and overpowering them. <br />
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I'm planning several battles for them over the winter months. I guess we'll find out whether all that newly-added cavalry can make these ladies a bit more dangerous on the battlefield. <br />
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<b>Historical footnote: </b><br />
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At the time the Amazons supposedly existed as a nation, horses were generally too small to be used as individual mounts, and were instead employed in most armies to pull chariots. However, there are three points to note:<br />
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<b>1:</b> Greek legends relating to the Amazons appear to reference women riding horses rather than women driving chariots <br />
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<b>2:</b> at about this time, the New Kingdom Egyptians were starting to use individually mounted horsemen in a light cavalry role<br />
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<b>3:</b> women generally weigh less than men, so presumably would have been less of a burden for horses to carry. <br />
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Accordingly, it seems highly possible that the Amazons (if they did exist) were among the first to actually use "horse cavalry" as opposed to chariots.Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-71231634706100929092017-08-31T17:15:00.001-07:002017-08-31T17:15:53.562-07:00Projects updateIt's been a while since I posted but I have been busy. For now, some of the painting projects I have been working on.....<br />
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Firstly, I've started a Medieval Irish army. This one is going to be a little bit personal for me, as in trying to trace my family tree I discovered that my family "started" in Ireland back around the mid-1200s, with a guy who for some reason broke away from the MacRagnall clan (modern day Reynolds family). This army is from right around that time, and so will represent my family's fighting forces when it is finished. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9Ihxt0rXWAQww-E_MIG6tLY36Tmw2tJhyji-PqW9IMuVBhDX_mPYk0WgG-gE-Rj-22BAWpy9g24JeYAC5nENkWzBXNz6X6WfKGgawn_H7war5eHfj4tiyQYKNn56lnXCC_BB7pVfgt3G/s1600/Irish+Archers+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9Ihxt0rXWAQww-E_MIG6tLY36Tmw2tJhyji-PqW9IMuVBhDX_mPYk0WgG-gE-Rj-22BAWpy9g24JeYAC5nENkWzBXNz6X6WfKGgawn_H7war5eHfj4tiyQYKNn56lnXCC_BB7pVfgt3G/s320/Irish+Archers+04.jpg" width="320" height="238" data-original-width="1087" data-original-height="807" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlmyUpAxmfiX4OW4b4mtcoJlVV90EgCb7F7bcbW4sqpRgCAPbayXJ-1xsz9EXz2GaNb_kKvfnd7zbWk8sxylyb6f_1h-lDpDoUZuIxaiyzIPlofZO3AZAMtlO3kKr5-tHgG5e5yZg0TvN/s1600/Irish+Javelin+men+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlmyUpAxmfiX4OW4b4mtcoJlVV90EgCb7F7bcbW4sqpRgCAPbayXJ-1xsz9EXz2GaNb_kKvfnd7zbWk8sxylyb6f_1h-lDpDoUZuIxaiyzIPlofZO3AZAMtlO3kKr5-tHgG5e5yZg0TvN/s320/Irish+Javelin+men+04.jpg" width="320" height="227" data-original-width="1080" data-original-height="765" /></a></div><br />
So far I've only got the light infantry (archers and javelin-armed skirmishers done - about 20 of each, although the two photos only show a few). I'll put them all on show when I've finished the full army. <br />
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Secondly, I've got a bit carried away with my Amazons, and now instead of just a small fighting force designed to "help out" my Hittites and other suitable armies, I've been building up the mounted wing of the force so they can be a stand-alone army in their own right. I've still got a handful of spots to fill - mainly officers - but they look quite a bit stronger now. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTL9QnCpZH6sjl7zCi3BPqRTkJabMZMi1Ttof5q8QcRKZgWFH77t2ozfG92U4kdqbv6vdaNMR5y_JGtU93ELIb3dbZxoaMelbqveqE-SSE2T8Gv3t3MgyMcJHpMeY-sGjVK677ztDaX60/s1600/Amazon+Army+2017-08-20+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTL9QnCpZH6sjl7zCi3BPqRTkJabMZMi1Ttof5q8QcRKZgWFH77t2ozfG92U4kdqbv6vdaNMR5y_JGtU93ELIb3dbZxoaMelbqveqE-SSE2T8Gv3t3MgyMcJHpMeY-sGjVK677ztDaX60/s320/Amazon+Army+2017-08-20+01.jpg" width="320" height="202" data-original-width="1566" data-original-height="987" /></a></div><br />
Thirdly, I'm working on building up an area of "Gothic ruins". So far, most of the ruins are Games Workshop fantasy buildings, but I have my eye on some Pegasus buildings which hopefully I will be able to get (and assemble) before the end of the year for inclusion in some Dark Ages and Medieval period battles. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfy-L4NyJ6dLZ73U60dW3pbKbRVPxJS02Vl1I7thDtY0-gN2xwmLIhCJERYv9DVJ_0bsjK7w8jqhrX-q_t0ohh8SFtBkDQeF7_p_yx9j4gbl9oAusAbdrdcqbN2OA1lcmKe2Cb6UJejcf/s1600/Gothic+Ruins+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfy-L4NyJ6dLZ73U60dW3pbKbRVPxJS02Vl1I7thDtY0-gN2xwmLIhCJERYv9DVJ_0bsjK7w8jqhrX-q_t0ohh8SFtBkDQeF7_p_yx9j4gbl9oAusAbdrdcqbN2OA1lcmKe2Cb6UJejcf/s320/Gothic+Ruins+01.jpg" width="320" height="123" data-original-width="1392" data-original-height="536" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouMEKP0vPUGbEVQK1mOdVxSLk6zqgyP_TK57R5iMMUTqn0Z0PmZkmW34DBwL0dtU7j8hvjZEZv-XnO4SV-epPaC3-riHMT4X5FWkDegOyxeTjseVLjQVRNpm0ZZR_UVj-peM15DOcQJx6/s1600/Gothic+Ruins+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouMEKP0vPUGbEVQK1mOdVxSLk6zqgyP_TK57R5iMMUTqn0Z0PmZkmW34DBwL0dtU7j8hvjZEZv-XnO4SV-epPaC3-riHMT4X5FWkDegOyxeTjseVLjQVRNpm0ZZR_UVj-peM15DOcQJx6/s320/Gothic+Ruins+02.jpg" width="320" height="295" data-original-width="1120" data-original-height="1031" /></a></div><br />
The little guy climbing the steps to investigate the ruins (and the smoke coming out from above the dragon statues) is from Cesar's "Adventurers" set. <br />
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So, with these and a few other projects that I will be sharing shortly, I've got plenty on my plate. Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-80316876957510846982017-06-11T14:36:00.002-07:002017-06-11T14:36:13.955-07:00Japanese mini-campaign kind of fizzed.......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhpRVicop-pHenoEc7Vfe_21BDuPwQOwUASk9ZXBhi8kvncY_YoxKn0W0zhTAcWwUBo0vRtArfEgzGX7bad2SP99oncq5E1e2pj98dLGBqSjt5H2HZD7ZLtYkHb_Vfu19OZGdSw8_2Vgs/s1600/Japan++-+Samurai+Artillery+366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhpRVicop-pHenoEc7Vfe_21BDuPwQOwUASk9ZXBhi8kvncY_YoxKn0W0zhTAcWwUBo0vRtArfEgzGX7bad2SP99oncq5E1e2pj98dLGBqSjt5H2HZD7ZLtYkHb_Vfu19OZGdSw8_2Vgs/s320/Japan++-+Samurai+Artillery+366.JPG" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1508" data-original-height="1131" /></a></div><br />
Well, that idea didn't work out so well. <br />
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A combination of the Loyalist forces taking too log to arrive (enabling the rebels to "dig in" just a little too powerfully) and more overtime hours required at work than I bargained for saw the campaign/battle fizz out and die. On the plus side, I did finish painting SOME of the <i>samurai</i> artillery figures I have (Rebel Artillery pictured above) - they made it onto the field but didn't get to see any action. <br />
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Still persisting with the basic idea though. For June I'm trying a Horse and Musket period campaign battle, on a bigger table than usual. <br />
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That moment when your armies find a 6'x4' table isn't big enough for them, and you decided to try 12'x4'. (If I make it wider than 4', I have trouble reaching troops in the middle of it). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwbUsY5lK__NsHIEUotJoWGj6TGn36r0GH4q8heZY-R4TOUx2vXfLeLP9N6kqtzFoMTwqskEnhg3zPRF1PllYCqVxJ5VvvoEUHkbquwFNb3i4UU1r2zHaB1X4DfMVSKSgMnMyoN4Ws8SQ/s1600/Battlefield+-+371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwbUsY5lK__NsHIEUotJoWGj6TGn36r0GH4q8heZY-R4TOUx2vXfLeLP9N6kqtzFoMTwqskEnhg3zPRF1PllYCqVxJ5VvvoEUHkbquwFNb3i4UU1r2zHaB1X4DfMVSKSgMnMyoN4Ws8SQ/s320/Battlefield+-+371.JPG" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
My Revolutionary French and Seven Years' War Prussians were my two most successful Horse and Musket era armies last year, so they will face off, with the others helping out as "allies" of the main protagonists. Who sides with who will be decided by dice throw, so historical alliances count for nothing, and we may very well see one-side with many more forces than the other. <br />
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With the field itself, I can actually see three possible separate "mini-battles" breaking out on this field. One in the area above the river at the top of the picture, one in the area below the town (in the bottom third of the table), and also in the open area in the middle. Who can win in each sector, and how quickly (allowing them to re-enforce their friends next door) should be key. <br />
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With the weekend of June 16-18 being the 201th anniversary of the Waterloo campaign, I'm planning to do a bunch of the fighting then. Just hoping work doesn't spoil that plan once again! Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-13703931582459526322017-05-08T18:21:00.001-07:002017-05-08T18:21:26.613-07:00Samurai Civil War - May Project (Week 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLBWKJGAgNgn9dH9v962ByqRvolEobDwNCFSAncPU20_KKEcPmrKSr5c6csmDXq3GA8gO2D5zwEbl7ivOphoH6gyGNUGhqESU-FM-ajzRs61JcnCEoQ-15Oxe1BTx9oJGSAn92qkyro47/s1600/2017-05+Samurai+360+Rebel+right+flank.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLBWKJGAgNgn9dH9v962ByqRvolEobDwNCFSAncPU20_KKEcPmrKSr5c6csmDXq3GA8gO2D5zwEbl7ivOphoH6gyGNUGhqESU-FM-ajzRs61JcnCEoQ-15Oxe1BTx9oJGSAn92qkyro47/s320/2017-05+Samurai+360+Rebel+right+flank.JPG" width="320" height="240" /></a></div><br />
I'm a little behind schedule already - I had planned to start this during "Golden Week" in Japan (last week) but have only now managed to get it started. It's designed as an "extended battle" (mini-campaign) that will run throughout May. I'll be doing a few moves each day, and hopefully a weekly update. <br />
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I'm basically experimenting with some ideas that will allow me to play through a small campaign, rather than just a lone battle. Selected to test the concept are my Japanese Civil War ("<i>sengoku jidai</i>" era) <i>samurai</i>. <br />
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<b>The back story.......<br />
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</b>Last year, the <i>daimyo</i> (warlord) for this particular region died and the Emperor appointed his son, Lord Nobouki, as his successor. The more conservative <i>samurai</i> in the area objected to this, and rallied behind their own leader, Lord Hideyoshi - initially as just an opposition faction, but still loyal to the Emperor. <br />
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Shortly after, Lord Hideyoshi became seriously ill. His family allege that Lord Nobouki's allies attempted an assassination. No proof has yet been produced, but tensions continued to grow over the winter months, with the rebels assembling their own army. Now, as the nation prepares to celebrate the annual <i>setsubon</i> Festival, the rebels have begun to gather in a village near the border of Lord Hideyoshi's territory, awaiting the arrival of allies before they embark on a full campaign. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5S-rABGehtGcBjaQpc01u2Fky7bvG7VAAd8yHz2IPeH7VE-PK1pjluGww0pzgxr2BQnuaRcn7yRjcZQ4ETuFffbzxwhlor3bTivgJm4k9zq0gOLgZE-8xf6WlnoP26jck7ocDY-YUEU7D/s1600/2017-05+Samurai+355+Battlefield.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5S-rABGehtGcBjaQpc01u2Fky7bvG7VAAd8yHz2IPeH7VE-PK1pjluGww0pzgxr2BQnuaRcn7yRjcZQ4ETuFffbzxwhlor3bTivgJm4k9zq0gOLgZE-8xf6WlnoP26jck7ocDY-YUEU7D/s320/2017-05+Samurai+355+Battlefield.JPG" width="240" height="320" /></a></div><br />
<b>The battlefield.....<br />
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</b>The village can be seen at the bottom of the above picture - the southern part of the battlefield. It has strategic importance as it is near a river with two crossing points (bridges), and enemy (or allied) forces can approach across either. Typical of rural Japan, the countryside is littered with hills and forest, leaving little room for a full blown battle in the area. However, possibilities for smaller skirmishers that build to deciding the overall campaign exist. <br />
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The arrival point and timing of the various forces will largely be decided by dice (so that even I will be surprised). The Loyalist forces (led by my White Faction) will arrive from the north, on the opposite side of the river to the village. But undecided factions will enter from the various side roads. <br />
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<b>Some surprises......<br />
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</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg05lHhWTN7XNCPVUNnRfJUeXAWuy5pjxVG3NvbrhpkCE1eSXBl7Cg5eYT7uS2WF-zIa4vb8WNl6XjeEwYlER4fdx7-vS1KSKuYRrne-IJoHccUtZ8VUZvpZYHFSsFUmIGi_FunVT-9_RO/s1600/2017-05+Samurai+363+Wandering+Peasants.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg05lHhWTN7XNCPVUNnRfJUeXAWuy5pjxVG3NvbrhpkCE1eSXBl7Cg5eYT7uS2WF-zIa4vb8WNl6XjeEwYlER4fdx7-vS1KSKuYRrne-IJoHccUtZ8VUZvpZYHFSsFUmIGi_FunVT-9_RO/s320/2017-05+Samurai+363+Wandering+Peasants.JPG" width="320" height="240" /></a></div><br />
I have a group of "wandering peasants" trotting around the battlefield, with their movement controlled by dice throw, making them a totally random feature. Whether they help or hinder the various troop movements will remain to be seen. <br />
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The loyalty of my four other factions (Blue, Green, Teal and Yellow) is unknown and will not be determined until they arrive on the battlefield (if they do). <br />
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The Loyalist forces do not know that Lord Hideyoshi's youngest brother, Yoshiake, has attracted an allied force of some "beasties" (troops from my Giant Nations" army - orcs, goblins, trolls etc). Just to add a fantasy element to the mix. The rebels will also have some artillery arriving (as soon as I finish painting it) and perhaps so will the allies - again, depending on how my painting progresses. <br />
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<b>The campaign so far.... <br />
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</b>Little has happened so far beyond the initial arrival of the peasants (north-west of the village and so far they seem intent on moving away from it, so appear more likely to come into contact with Loyalist forces than the rebels) and the initial deployment of the rebels. <br />
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With Lord Hideyoshi indisposed due to his illness, his middle brother, Masakage has taken command of the faction's army, and has set himself up in the village, surrounded by his personal guard of <i>samurai</i>. Yoshiake will arrive with the "beasties". <br />
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The initial rebel positions can be seen above, with foot soldiers on either side of the village and mounted <i>samurai</i> on the left flank, preparing to advance toward the western bridge and report on the situation there. The "messenger corps" of the Rebels are gathered in the center, sheltered in the confines of the village. <br />
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<b>To come..... <br />
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Over the coming week, I expect the Loyalist forces and "beastie" allies of the rebels to arrive. Perhaps also some of the neutral faction troops. <br />
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Plus, the rebels will be deploying to secure their position. <br />
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More maneuvering than fighting, perhaps? At this stage anyway. <br />
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Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-61158787586062281932017-03-19T12:41:00.001-07:002017-03-19T12:41:44.448-07:00Brunswickers - better late than never!This was supposed to be my project for January, but it went on a little longer than anticipated. Hopefully worth the wait - a full regiment of Duchy of Brunswick hussars from the latter period of the Napoleonic Wars. <br />
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After making peace with Austria and Prussia, prior to invading Russia, Napoleon consolidated many of the independent German states into the Confederation of the Rhine, with the Duchy of Brunswick losing its status altogether. The Duke led a group of his loyal followers on a march to the sea - north, to a British-controlled Hanoverian port, and fled to Britain. The army regrouped there, and fought as part of the British in the Iberian Peninsular, and then subsequently in the Waterloo campaign, with the Duke himself killed at Quatre Bras, in the lead up to the Battle of Waterloo. <br />
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A Brunswick hussar regiment comprised four squadrons, with one armed as uhlan (lancers). Each squadron had a paper strength of 120 men - six figures on a scale of one figure represents 20 men. Thus, we have.......<br />
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(Note that the squadron of uhlan would probably move to the front if a charge was going to be attempted. As light cavalry though, the regiment would more often be used for scouting and screening, so the uhlan can be kept safely at the back while the squadrons armed with carbines take the lead. All have swords as backup once the initial charge has been made and the fighting becomes up close and personal.) <br />
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When I first started painting Brunswickers (the infantry, a couple of years ago now) I thought the Black and grey coloring might be a bit boring to look at. But the light blue facings and trim really stand out and make them quite visually appealing on the battlefield. <br />
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All up, a nice little force. Too weak for offensive action (unless supported by allies) but more than useful as a garrison protecting a defensive position. If I can find an appropriate gun battery, the force will be complete. <br />
Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-5872915321477340822017-01-01T18:34:00.001-08:002017-01-01T18:34:32.529-08:00Starting the New Year off right - Hittites Vs Indians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxIY32RJ0NYG2fIPmxsrEZHTEzrY0eIP98pkWUuezUM-eoLxqXuk6EVOWM4MwaMGdwH4kBQv21oFhFGroVrIY6Rp2GTsAO8c8MegAXDtCC7nEoXhKgodRXSwQHHQZLaCdUCIqkiZvg7pw/s1600/2017-01+Hittites+Vs+Indians+298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxIY32RJ0NYG2fIPmxsrEZHTEzrY0eIP98pkWUuezUM-eoLxqXuk6EVOWM4MwaMGdwH4kBQv21oFhFGroVrIY6Rp2GTsAO8c8MegAXDtCC7nEoXhKgodRXSwQHHQZLaCdUCIqkiZvg7pw/s320/2017-01+Hittites+Vs+Indians+298.JPG" width="320" height="240" /></a></div><br />
This is the third time I have attempted to match these two up against each other and the first time it has come off. Work, or something, has always seemed to interfered in the past and forced a cancellation. <br />
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The battle was contested on basically a flat plain, beside a river, with a small town on the opposite side of the river. Hittite forces were supported by Amazons (Anatolian "tribal" allies) and a squadron of Mitanni chariots. <br />
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Although they had planned to fight a defensive action, the Indians found themselves deployed and ready for battle first, and moved to secure access to the bridge that provided access across the river to the town. (Indians on the left in the picture above). <br />
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Although their advance began on the bridge side of the battlefield, the first conflict of the battle took place on the opposite flank, where Indian cavalry found themselves up against some of the Hittite chariots. A quick but bloody encounter followed, with both sides driven back. <br />
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Down the center, the advancing Indian elephants were causing problems, as the Hittites realized their chariot horses were not going to stand against the beats, and tried to get them out of the way. (See photo above). All but one chariot succeeded in evading the elephants - he put up a brave showing before going down, just as the Amazon allies of the Hittites arrived to try and save him. <br />
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Unfortunately for the Indians, while they were enjoying success in the center, their right flank was being destroyed by the light chariots of the Mitanni. (Photo above shows the scene from behind Hittite lines, with the Mitanni chariots in the top left of the picture). <br />
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The elephants then moved on, driving the Amazons before them (see photo above), and pursuing them off the field. <br />
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This left a bind for the Indians as their remaining forces - low grade infantry, now faced the full might of the Hittites main forces; chariots and well-drilled infantry. The Indian commander thought it was an opportune moment to call off hostilities, and pulled the remnants of his army from the field. <br />
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The Hittites finished the day in possession of the field, but it was a real Pyrrhic victory due to their heavy losses. Indeed, in totaling up Victory Points, it was found that a 10-10 draw had resulted. <br />
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The Hittites too face political problems as a result of the battle, with the Amazons upset that they were left to fight the elephants pretty much on their own. It appears unlikely that they will turn out to help the Hittites next time out, and in fact, may even turn against them!!!<br />
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Watch this space.....Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-45470277873149052932016-12-31T16:39:00.004-08:002016-12-31T16:39:45.849-08:00Final Fantasy Post for 2016 - Rat Folk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbA3WbpTYyjRDJRH_5-31vVPQgoR9fWmBCFyu1Rir7nTRC0sl0-k5SeUPRvazvoA98LtLyteG6xjq8M2wDEsxYnvnSUF2jUveHvhuAvvREVkY3r3fAfpPgx5x_NPoWktNPvD7W40Rh6EJY/s1600/Rat+Folk+-+291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbA3WbpTYyjRDJRH_5-31vVPQgoR9fWmBCFyu1Rir7nTRC0sl0-k5SeUPRvazvoA98LtLyteG6xjq8M2wDEsxYnvnSUF2jUveHvhuAvvREVkY3r3fAfpPgx5x_NPoWktNPvD7W40Rh6EJY/s320/Rat+Folk+-+291.JPG" width="320" height="251" /></a></div><br />
I'm finishing 2016 with one final fantasy project - Rat Folk (pictured above sneaking through the back streets of a town late at night). <br />
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Originally members of the Draconic Races (like the Lizard Folk pictured below), they became the primary food source for other Draconic races when times got tough. Not surprisingly, the Rat Folk soon got sick of this and moved to new lodgings, on the edges of human communities and in their cities and towns, scavenging and surviving as best they could. <br />
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As such, I figure I can use them either in a Draconic army, or perhaps as some kind of "neutrals" or even mercenaries, possibly even fighting against their Draconic cousins. <br />
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Pictured above, Rat Folk Archers cover the advancing horde.<br />
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Pictured above, a Rat Folk Warband prepares to fight. <br />
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Back to historical figures, and some battles, in the New Year! Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-19295630391573187932016-12-10T09:10:00.003-08:002016-12-10T09:10:21.542-08:00Frost Giant Army On The Move<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvHfrqOITgipb8yJ4JctUa4HpYurMf9gfW8zyOD8SK96TK04JwTAQJ_6z4h-Fvo6zJB7jbbDO3NvzVw8eh9-2X27S2KwSkFOttwcMO564i5JWSzr-CfVKNyoc4s67lRJ_1AVNWk4RRqqB/s1600/Giant+Races+-+Frost+Giant+army+286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvHfrqOITgipb8yJ4JctUa4HpYurMf9gfW8zyOD8SK96TK04JwTAQJ_6z4h-Fvo6zJB7jbbDO3NvzVw8eh9-2X27S2KwSkFOttwcMO564i5JWSzr-CfVKNyoc4s67lRJ_1AVNWk4RRqqB/s320/Giant+Races+-+Frost+Giant+army+286.JPG" width="320" height="102" /></a></div><br />
My Frost Giant and his War Troll thugs have joined up with my Orcs, on their way to the lands of the humans to deal their own brand of chaos and destruction.<br />
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The Trolls look especially scary next to the (human-sized) Orcs. The Orcs (and humans) barely come up to waist-height against the Trolls, who my rules will be treating pretty much the same as War Elephants. (The Trolls are less likely to panic than the elephants, which should make them very difficult to stop). <br />
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Up close with one of the "big nasties". Remembering that you are the same size as the guys standing behind him, would you really want to go one-on-one against this guy?<br />
Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-31539480614978079502016-12-03T13:57:00.003-08:002016-12-03T13:57:49.748-08:00Things Looking a Little Bit Nastier in the Northern Provinces......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-apiVWu6x9enW9LGj_3eh1v8jw2h1VfNQRYyaIJCXwQLQBCf9hfj6moifoDg1Yo08lZM9DUOgu-bs-_lWO4ZXhkrRfffplJVMOD0RmIy1m4vFUw5j10ASNXX7ZyHegH70UT08lVUimbt/s1600/Giants+-+Frost+Giant+and+Trolls+280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-apiVWu6x9enW9LGj_3eh1v8jw2h1VfNQRYyaIJCXwQLQBCf9hfj6moifoDg1Yo08lZM9DUOgu-bs-_lWO4ZXhkrRfffplJVMOD0RmIy1m4vFUw5j10ASNXX7ZyHegH70UT08lVUimbt/s320/Giants+-+Frost+Giant+and+Trolls+280.JPG" width="320" height="140" /></a></div><br />
......following the sighting of a Frost Giant (center) and some War Trolls. Presumably my orcs and goblins aren't too far behind them. <br />
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Will my Vikings and Rus be able to fight them off? <br />
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I'm still working on the War Trolls (eight in all) so I won't post close-ups yet. But this (above) is my Frost Giant. I'm seriously thinking about doing a series of battles from Norse mythology with these guys - Odin and his (Viking) followers etc fighting off the giants (and their minions). Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-21529118197062573602016-11-26T17:02:00.001-08:002016-11-26T17:02:06.487-08:00Lizard-folk Ready For Action<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtqkvPzh-YK3I8q5UlFQ6Sh7SiSU4K7W1jnINQ2cgL70XaUjk4O7UlNvKrdy64wqetd-WSW8Zy1YKz_s5qwZd85UufAQBvkbhVZ6247sylKsOuVnuBaAfwIahfMR3JWSxvWMkxzl2KobU/s1600/Lizard-folk+Army+270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtqkvPzh-YK3I8q5UlFQ6Sh7SiSU4K7W1jnINQ2cgL70XaUjk4O7UlNvKrdy64wqetd-WSW8Zy1YKz_s5qwZd85UufAQBvkbhVZ6247sylKsOuVnuBaAfwIahfMR3JWSxvWMkxzl2KobU/s320/Lizard-folk+Army+270.JPG" width="320" height="73" /></a></div><br />
I'm not sure if I'm happier that the figures are ready or that the terrain pieces look really great for a "jungle-type" background. Anyway.....<br />
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In the fantasy genre, Lizard-folk are commonly regarded as one of the draconic races, of which the mighty dragons themselves are the most prominent. So these folk will be part of a larger "Draconic Races" army for larger battles, although they might also feature independently in smaller actions. They tend to stick to small raids on human communities (in search of food) before disappearing again into their watery or jungle hideouts, so they would mainly be useful for ambush or hit-and-run style battle scenarios. <br />
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(Above) My Lizard-folk chieftain and his bodyguard emerge from the jungle to survey the troops. Yes, that's a friendly crocodile watching proceedings in anticipation of lunch being served just as soon as the fighting starts! <br />
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(Above) The tribes Archers emerge from the jungle scouting ahead of the main force; again those hungry crocodiles are lurking about. <br />
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(Above) The tribe's main warband is ready for action. <br />
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(Above) The tribe's young "whelps", armed with blow darts, help with scouting duties until they are old enough to join the main warband. <br />
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Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-84071892706452725412016-11-13T18:19:00.001-08:002016-11-13T18:19:58.467-08:00Unexpected addition......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgo9-uBmWlqJUnePhXk1jyem3H6zYe8PJy_zQWYIXB0bEmWVfX5_yuLTT3aHwpMx1P2hLRgBrMWILUwzkO87Lne-l4sEb8OpXzJqwI8uLFPDiksSC98k-7S58aPksFWZ8t-jgCxvo38-P5/s1600/Amazons+Vs+Lizardmen+264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgo9-uBmWlqJUnePhXk1jyem3H6zYe8PJy_zQWYIXB0bEmWVfX5_yuLTT3aHwpMx1P2hLRgBrMWILUwzkO87Lne-l4sEb8OpXzJqwI8uLFPDiksSC98k-7S58aPksFWZ8t-jgCxvo38-P5/s320/Amazons+Vs+Lizardmen+264.JPG" width="320" height="190" /></a></div><br />
Three of my Amazons got a bit of a surprise while they were walking through the woods this afternoon - attacked by a group of Lizard Men!<br />
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I hadn't planned to build an army of those, but when they appeared, I figured "why not?" <br />
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The "forest vegetation" is actually bits and pieces from the aquarium section at Walmart. Mixed in with my trees and river sections, I think I can get some nice woodland/jungle shots now. <br />
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Maybe a larger battle between the two groups to follow...... Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-50461775913380429432016-10-23T15:43:00.001-07:002016-10-23T15:43:11.796-07:00Dwarf Warband (Non-historical) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlQZSQiglOFBgwdsz2g72U59-5do5wrbBlJpOvvTofjxKseTc_tdpgW4YP-xj5D9_skncn7CQgbs_T_ybOPq-iErtVj2OHiyCRgvs0bvi2cylPMitkq3EjdK2LYEHwDaJz0MeASmDmhSp/s1600/Dwarf+Warband+262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlQZSQiglOFBgwdsz2g72U59-5do5wrbBlJpOvvTofjxKseTc_tdpgW4YP-xj5D9_skncn7CQgbs_T_ybOPq-iErtVj2OHiyCRgvs0bvi2cylPMitkq3EjdK2LYEHwDaJz0MeASmDmhSp/s320/Dwarf+Warband+262.JPG" width="320" height="65" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE900_B-78F3SJi-5IB4u_EenafgQoNoxtcAtlY3j8SUnO4W0MeaBzk1P1uds9zg6U34BlqogTVEIJp-9ItjR2Zoe7cOKkzaCDxWsWeAcwSA2p2hsSQGU4jPWKILDXzp3PtQU6rKcIEoeg/s1600/Dwarf+Warband+263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE900_B-78F3SJi-5IB4u_EenafgQoNoxtcAtlY3j8SUnO4W0MeaBzk1P1uds9zg6U34BlqogTVEIJp-9ItjR2Zoe7cOKkzaCDxWsWeAcwSA2p2hsSQGU4jPWKILDXzp3PtQU6rKcIEoeg/s320/Dwarf+Warband+263.JPG" width="320" height="141" /></a></div><br />
Given that I now have goblin and orc forces, I thought it might be appropriate to gather the old (metal) Dwarf figures I used to use for Dungeons and Dragons and see what sort of a force I could make from them. <br />
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Not enough for a stand-alone army, but a useful little band of allies for any human force looking to take on the "nasties". Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-45768066438286195142016-10-11T18:36:00.005-07:002016-10-11T18:36:46.158-07:00Orcs (from fantasy literature - not historical figures)Intended for Halloween as part of an army of "nasties", but they may get a run before then. <br />
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Pictured above, Orc Chieftain/king and bodyguard mounted on wargs (more vicious than normal wolves) and an Orc warband on foot. Not a lot of special troops in this lot - They were kind of the "mass heavy foot" mercenaries, while goblins and smaller creatures handled the light infantry chores and hill giants and trolls provided the extra "shock" troops in fantasy "giant race" armies. <br />
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Or they could join an army of barbarian humans, I guess, with my various Celtic and Germanic tribes providing human fighters. <br />
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Lots of possibilities, and I'm sure they will find themselves in all sorts of scenarios. Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-34162372669156496972016-10-11T18:27:00.001-07:002016-10-11T18:27:54.201-07:00Early RusMy Early Rus army is now ready for action. Most of the figures are by Zvezda, although there are a few others thrown in.<br />
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The Rus Prince and his bodyguard ride into battle. Traditionally, they deployed at the rear during the early stages of the battle, only joining the fray for the decisive charge to put the enemy to flight (and hog the glory!). These are actually from the Italeri set of Rus.<br />
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Archers (with composite bow) deployed here in front of the main position, screening the main force and shooting at the enemy as it advances to weaken it before the close-up action begins. <br />
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Crossbowmen deployed in a similar fashion. The leader (slightly taller and in a different pose, is actually a lead figure I had lying around doing nothing from my old Dungeons and Dragons role-playing days. (Manufacturer unknown). Trying to find him a new "cause" to fight for. <br />
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Men with slingshots, again deployed as a screening force. Not sure if the picture angle shows the slingshots very well. <br />
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The main infantry contingent with spearmen in the front rank and assorted weapons behind. The commander (next to the flag, leaning on his two-handed sword in a thoughtful pose) is actually another metal figure from the world of D&D - again, manufacturer unknown. <br />
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I'm planning to give them their first run this coming weekend in my "Battle of Hastings 950th Anniversary" battle, although not as Rus. They dressed pretty much the same as the Saxons and Normans of the era(Saxon King Harold's sister or daughter was married to a Rus prince at the time of Hastings, so what the heck!), so they will kind of fit in. <br />
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I haven't decided which side they will be on, but will probably be one of the mercenary units on the Norman side as that army appears to be a bit short of troops at the moment. <br />
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Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-26925441728904670562016-09-28T18:11:00.001-07:002016-09-28T18:11:36.970-07:00(Japanese) nobushi Archers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTuaIuuaPoNABUJHr9qCNyRLC3J_eujvmpzMN7G11mieIuECwbTytvuffIWoMJN4syOf837-vvRF0kMLgssKfmh4vkb14z1cve2E8RR1frvYWZ8PfkAmhKX533gDGuEXqIflBzOp07h_Z/s1600/Japan+-+Nobashi+Archers+P1010230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTuaIuuaPoNABUJHr9qCNyRLC3J_eujvmpzMN7G11mieIuECwbTytvuffIWoMJN4syOf837-vvRF0kMLgssKfmh4vkb14z1cve2E8RR1frvYWZ8PfkAmhKX533gDGuEXqIflBzOp07h_Z/s320/Japan+-+Nobashi+Archers+P1010230.JPG" width="320" height="161" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ElgxGYKzsoZV0Om9SZF7x0UYJ7JViY_ESv-GimpWhX_zSMVQ24S68J0kBZ9SrDtIMw0V_AVc-GymMtzF-o581FScifC_2CTGqeRQh5c0j9wWDjgvgKaPu_iUd8xqBMUr0az96w8EfMgx/s1600/Japan+-+Nobashi+Archers+P1010233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ElgxGYKzsoZV0Om9SZF7x0UYJ7JViY_ESv-GimpWhX_zSMVQ24S68J0kBZ9SrDtIMw0V_AVc-GymMtzF-o581FScifC_2CTGqeRQh5c0j9wWDjgvgKaPu_iUd8xqBMUr0az96w8EfMgx/s320/Japan+-+Nobashi+Archers+P1010233.JPG" width="320" height="210" /></a></div><br />
I painted these guys a little earlier in the year but have only now got around to photographing them. <br />
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<i>nobushi</i> atrchers fought in the various armies that contested the <i>Sengoku Jidai</i> period civil wars in Japan, between 1467-1650. They came from all social backgrounds, but were grouped into units based on skill alone - social class was not a factor.<br />
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The vegetation in the background is actually scenery I picked up in the aquarium department at Walmart. I figured it might fit with the trees etc I currently have to help make a nice forest or jungle display. I'm looking forward to actually setting up a battlefield to see if this works as well as I think it might. <br />
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Hopefully they will get their first tryout in either November or December. I still have a few more of these guys to do (for a different faction), and a bunch of <i>ashigaru</i> (peasant class soldiers) and hopefully my Japanese collection will be complete. <br />
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Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-86818296269263763002016-04-23T16:17:00.001-07:002016-04-23T16:17:18.216-07:00French Vs RussiansThe first semi-final of my "Horse and Musket" era Tournament pitted my Revolutionary French against my Napoleonic Wars Russians, battling for possession of a small village surrounding a strategically important crossroads. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKmps9rfIF7kgrCMApQ8RyeW3lSZI7fsa067_TjzpnEJz6ZdwE_14Ek5n1CbhyZcLAx7P4HSO31sznvQ2iUkqUaMWEgbW_CKoS-0BXPIvOXlGrungOC8Au76qgnGoE7w415I9A8i3wUwD/s1600/2016-16+French+Vs+Rusians+189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKmps9rfIF7kgrCMApQ8RyeW3lSZI7fsa067_TjzpnEJz6ZdwE_14Ek5n1CbhyZcLAx7P4HSO31sznvQ2iUkqUaMWEgbW_CKoS-0BXPIvOXlGrungOC8Au76qgnGoE7w415I9A8i3wUwD/s320/2016-16+French+Vs+Rusians+189.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Despite both armies fielding quite sizeable forces, this amounted to little more than a skirmish with almost no casualties. <br />
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Speed of deployment proved to be decisive, as the French arrived first and were able to establish a strong defensive position north of the river, forcing the Russians to approach from the south, with the bridge then acting as a choke point. <br />
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While the dragoons leading the Russian column did make it across the bridge, they immediately found their path blocked by a rapidly increasing number of French forces. They succeeded in destroying a squadron of French scouts that was sent forward in an effort to persuade them to turn back, and inflicted some casualties on the supporting French infantry that was following up. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYK5AXI039ZhB7XL7enZ5B-5DRmYBY7ssPZaN7eV9DM6UWxhqQNbBHDCqRE6JTecmn7IgGkUbw3XqFV7s0jsf9hFbCRz8K1sdPC67oQ-5zbe8YTW0YbqJXVI5mG9sp6V2aYX-U5Fu-CxTE/s1600/2016-16+French+Vs+Russians+203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYK5AXI039ZhB7XL7enZ5B-5DRmYBY7ssPZaN7eV9DM6UWxhqQNbBHDCqRE6JTecmn7IgGkUbw3XqFV7s0jsf9hFbCRz8K1sdPC67oQ-5zbe8YTW0YbqJXVI5mG9sp6V2aYX-U5Fu-CxTE/s320/2016-16+French+Vs+Russians+203.JPG" /></a></div><br />
But with overwhelming numbers of French now pouring through the village from the north, east and west, the Russian commander decided that discretion was the better part of valor, and withdrew across the river, determined to find another point of attack. <br />
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The French now meet the winner of the clash between my Seven Years War Prussians and my Napoleonic Wars British in the tournament final. <br />
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Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-65257260728927161342016-03-27T12:34:00.004-07:002016-03-27T12:34:48.770-07:00Austrians Vs BritishBit of a fizzer this one! <br />
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When I first made the tournament draw up I was excited by this clash, as the different colored uniforms of the two armies would have made for some neat pics. But neither army was very enthusiastic about getting involved, and it ended up as nothing more than a brief skirmish between a small portion of each army's cavalry...... <br />
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On a morning where heavy fog kept visibility to a minimum, the advance guards of the Austrian and British armies (mostly cavalry - the British had a gun but it didn't see any action) clashed over a bridge in a skirmish that was over almost as soon as it started. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVD88nkR56IoRK4IgN4qKKkKKGUo33IVFJT06NlhhK_mfH8XGsI-js8jumtKa43mOsx6dugmcoMa7k-4oowKL419Tkmgh6qAte7Gikltx52Oa7Bx1aa05StfMngLXviONYgmLJIkCjFJ-w/s1600/2016-64+Austrians+Vs+British+181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVD88nkR56IoRK4IgN4qKKkKKGUo33IVFJT06NlhhK_mfH8XGsI-js8jumtKa43mOsx6dugmcoMa7k-4oowKL419Tkmgh6qAte7Gikltx52Oa7Bx1aa05StfMngLXviONYgmLJIkCjFJ-w/s320/2016-64+Austrians+Vs+British+181.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The Austrians won the right to choose which side of the river they entered from and took the side with the village, hoping to establish it as a supply depot. (Austrians in white, British in red). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtB-MtdbqXOMkV4i43MC_sIuUwvD1cKKmOF8XNPMAy537vRPKEG5QUOIZhErU252mhl7xzWDsiFjaOgkDqGpHb6YIKesRFzP0EgNopDPf9uKv7penmsjjXiFRSFd77rhASx0fLY_ujxeA6/s1600/2016-64+Austrians+Vs+British+184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtB-MtdbqXOMkV4i43MC_sIuUwvD1cKKmOF8XNPMAy537vRPKEG5QUOIZhErU252mhl7xzWDsiFjaOgkDqGpHb6YIKesRFzP0EgNopDPf9uKv7penmsjjXiFRSFd77rhASx0fLY_ujxeA6/s320/2016-64+Austrians+Vs+British+184.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWX7e9S4QJjEFLlyyNm1oWXrbh0njv4CUYfMkGjApzQh_azHB3BEXRv5PMKdptZhwWeaiiBDQiZQbjnRdyxgrN-J0ZJxm4TCIkqMYIiToObiLAXzXpJ94Zt01itNz3hkj5r46LexQq9e75/s1600/2016-64+Austrians+Vs+British+182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWX7e9S4QJjEFLlyyNm1oWXrbh0njv4CUYfMkGjApzQh_azHB3BEXRv5PMKdptZhwWeaiiBDQiZQbjnRdyxgrN-J0ZJxm4TCIkqMYIiToObiLAXzXpJ94Zt01itNz3hkj5r46LexQq9e75/s320/2016-64+Austrians+Vs+British+182.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The Austrian Dragoons reached the bridge first, but as they crossed it, the (British) Scots Greys came within sight. The Scots Greys immediately charged the Austrians, inflicting heavy casualties (including the Austrian general) on the leading squadron, before pushing on into the second squadron. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OvlT9iJpozurE56WVAUPEhtx-HZKILqF-MYubddg-eZTjEwUg3QbomZgLqZIHrg45ScEJyCtzb1wKgoiM5-eF7VprNG5b1wUVnNV73Gz5Wf60QUrDjvm7_LqsXSPlxG3XDXRroSMvUAR/s1600/2016-64+Austrians+Vs+British+185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OvlT9iJpozurE56WVAUPEhtx-HZKILqF-MYubddg-eZTjEwUg3QbomZgLqZIHrg45ScEJyCtzb1wKgoiM5-eF7VprNG5b1wUVnNV73Gz5Wf60QUrDjvm7_LqsXSPlxG3XDXRroSMvUAR/s320/2016-64+Austrians+Vs+British+185.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-5ADr3dRRm0wf-mw1Xt45TFa29f3UB5-BbGFsuFi44UVM3WrFp4odOEVDXl9r8GgYTusNkp42vrR803HXpjiime9WE7dvcX_XQ5RDRxZ5OEacIV4yhR_rmSy6NDrpUD2kqVGbVm_pF3Z/s1600/2016-64+Austrians+Vs+British+187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-5ADr3dRRm0wf-mw1Xt45TFa29f3UB5-BbGFsuFi44UVM3WrFp4odOEVDXl9r8GgYTusNkp42vrR803HXpjiime9WE7dvcX_XQ5RDRxZ5OEacIV4yhR_rmSy6NDrpUD2kqVGbVm_pF3Z/s320/2016-64+Austrians+Vs+British+187.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Thrown onto the back foot, the Austrians were badly shaken, and as their morale collapsed, the Scots Greys continued their work until the enemy was in full flight. <br />
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In the end, an easy win for the British, who now face the Prussians in the tournament's semi-final round. My French and Russians square off in the other semi. <br />
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Still on the waiting list also is the "Barbarian World" Final between the Britons and Picts. <br />
Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829013579286655144.post-18781381670293864892016-03-22T16:52:00.003-07:002016-03-22T16:52:49.225-07:00Bavarians Vs Prussians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5rcll03MMooI_JbKS2ABLOlnZNgKIStntdlmlPwxfVMLCOpSQu9TzX91w95FIGq35hH2516fY7GSDucIxmA5b2FDVodDcu73CBRpiHTg_KkB08U9eZXkTVxCy4OkH1cJjYEcfYwQbAA_/s1600/2016-63+Bavarians+Vs+Prussians+180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5rcll03MMooI_JbKS2ABLOlnZNgKIStntdlmlPwxfVMLCOpSQu9TzX91w95FIGq35hH2516fY7GSDucIxmA5b2FDVodDcu73CBRpiHTg_KkB08U9eZXkTVxCy4OkH1cJjYEcfYwQbAA_/s320/2016-63+Bavarians+Vs+Prussians+180.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I'm a little behind schedule with this update due to busy weekends the past couple of weeks. The battle did go ahead as scheduled, a little over two weeks ago. It's just taken me this long to get the photos etc sorted out. <br />
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The Bavarians (variously decked out in the light blue, green and white, and approaching from the left in the pics) failed to match the efforts of previous weeks' performances by my minor nations, and were pretty much steamrolled by my Prussians (in the dark blue, generally approaching from the right in these pics). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZfTOnUOZUX_znm7Mp04FYFbGdm8KtdYsmH2AR-PLqSoAdRnEC_ffYdW0ZePTk6gNpdPDDBbeUKabpDiqA7aHPIgKoyTAi9GFlNrCCx8u_CBXQVUNP9BHp1ujHIZcnTJAcU8OJPJWna8g/s1600/2016-63+Bavarians+Vs+Prussians+165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZfTOnUOZUX_znm7Mp04FYFbGdm8KtdYsmH2AR-PLqSoAdRnEC_ffYdW0ZePTk6gNpdPDDBbeUKabpDiqA7aHPIgKoyTAi9GFlNrCCx8u_CBXQVUNP9BHp1ujHIZcnTJAcU8OJPJWna8g/s320/2016-63+Bavarians+Vs+Prussians+165.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The terrain was pretty simplistic - a mostly flat farmland area with just the farmhouse, a few trees, and further north than where the action took place, a low hill. A road ran past the farmhouse, giving the two armies access to the area.<br />
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The Bavarians arrived first and attempted to set up a defensive position in and around the farmhouse. <br />
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Unfortunately, once the Prussians arrived on the scene, it soon became obvious that the Prussians had enough artillery to be able to sit back and pummel the Bavarians into oblivion. This forced the Bavarians out of their defensive position, but as an attacking force they lack the punch to break through the Prussians, and although they were able to inflict heavier casualties than the Prussians would have liked, were soon overwhelmed (see the pic at the top of the post). <br />
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Prussians advance to fight the winner of the Austrian Vs British encounter in the semi-final round. (Russians Vs French in the other semi). Hopefully Austria Vs Britain will take place over Easter weekend! Frank Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18282106644575202318noreply@blogger.com0