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Miniatures Adventure => Medieval Adventures => Topic started by: has.been on 20 April 2023, 07:27:56 PM
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The start to a Medieval Campaign.
OYEZ ! OYEZ ! OYEZ !
Be it known that a new land has been discovered. It is to be called Casevil.
His Majesty has called forth valiant knights to lead the exploration of Casevil.
To show their fighting prowess a Grand Tourney is to be held,
and to show his support, the King will give the winner a second ship, the Conquest,
to aid in their great endeavor.
Given at Three Bridges on this the twentieth day of April.
King Peter the first.
At Hammerhead I picked up a copy of the (very) old Bill Lammings Medieval Campaign
& battle Rules. It took me right back, over 55 years, when my schoolboy pocket money
let me into Medieval Skirmish. My schoolfriends & I each bought & painted I knight & 10
infantry. Lammings was the first manufacturer to offer separate weapons & for the knights
a choice of helms & crests. By the time I sold the 'army' on, many years later, it filled some
twelve file-boxes!
I was well bitten by the nostalgia bug & had a hankering for Knightly Skirmishes & exploring
unknown lands. To this end I have roped in my friends. Most of the campaign will take the
form of a diary, players will give me general orders for the coming month (for ease of admin
this will be 4 weeks) & I will interpret, dice throw, work up a brief report, and slip in the
occasional figure game.
The Grand Tourney took place today. Four of the six players managed to attend.
We started with an archery contest, each player putting forward a bowman from their retinue.
Then each knight took a turn at the Quintain in an attempt to improve their skill.
We ended with knight challenging knight till all had fought.
The archers were dire, Flatpack's went out in round one (close range) having failed to hit
the target with any of his three arrows. The rest were not much better but Vodkafan squeezed
a narrow victory over Westbury by just hitting the rim of the target!
The peasants had many laughs during the Quintain practice as knights either couldn't get
their horses to move, or went shooting off clinging to the saddle. Most managed to get in at
least a glancing blow, but often fell off too. Westbury was judged the the best at the quintain.
The joust itself was fun & went down to the very last tilt, with John winning the ship.
Players have gone away to plan their first months orders.
Meanwhile a few pictures.
756 = What did the Jester say at the unemployment office?
'I'm nobody's fool' lol
757 & 760 = The tilt & the tilt in use.
759 & 761 = The town
759 = the nice Butts. Hoi! stop that giggling.
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The bloke picking his nose is great lol
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The bloke picking his nose is great lol
Jester little figure lol
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It ‘twas a giggle sir.
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I was only there for 40 minutes but the Quintain practice was hilarious with horses galloping and slowing down and knights falling off or missing the target altogether. A totally different gaming experience. So pleased to be part of has.been's nostalgic campaign.
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Thanks you guys.
I forgot to mention Ian's comment when I started to explain 'The Rules'...
'Rules? In a Knight fight????' lol lol lol(he must like Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid)
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this should be 'interesting' ;)
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Looks great Peter.
Some days ago i found my Full Tilt rules from GW and was thinking how to add foot knights fighting and archery contest to those rules so to play some tournament type games.
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Looks great Peter.
Some days ago i found my Full Tilt rules from GW and was thinking how to add foot knights fighting and archery contest to those rules so to play some tournament type games.
For the foot combat why not use Fistful of Lead?
It would be especially good for the Grand Melee, where it is all against all.
If you want I could put up my Archery rules.
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Please do, that would be great. I can feel a Grand Tourney coming on in King Richard the Lionfart's Kingdom!
:-*
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If you want I could put up my Archery rules.
Peter, that would be great.
And the use of FFOL for the melee might be interesting.
Will check and try it.
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Here goes lads. If I have missed something I'm sure you can make up something.
The Butts (Archery)
Contestants can be Novice, Bowman, Archer or Master.
(If deciding randomly, 1=Novice. 2,3=Bowman 4,5=Archer. 6=Master)
Each round consists of 3 arrows per contestant. After ALL have shot their 1st, do 2nd, then 3rd.
The first round is at close range.
The second range is at medium.
The third (& any others) are at long range.
Each round the lowest scoring archer is eliminated. Ties shoot it out to get a result.
First each contestant chooses his target (see lower list)
Then, in turn, each contestant throws a D6. (This is to see if arrow heading towards the target)
Needed= Novice 5,6. Bowman 4,5,6. Archer 3,4,5,6. Master 2,3,4,5,6.
Add one to dice score if:- Shooting at short range &/or previous arrow hit the target.
Deduct one to dice if:- Shooting at long range &/or this is your third arrow.
If arrow is heading towards the target, dice to see if it hits the intended point of aim.
Target was Bull's eye, 6 is needed. If hit it is worth 10pts.
" Outer bull, 5+ is needed " 5pts.
" Outer white 4+ is needed " 4pts.
" Outer red 3+ is needed " 3pts.
" Edge 2+ is needed " 2pts.
" Rim 1+ is needed " 1pt.
(N.B. this is a straight dice throw, no amendment to the dice score).
If you get the required score you hit the pint you aimed for.
If you failed by one, your arrow will hit two sections further out.
If you failed by two or more your arrow will hit four sections further out.
You have probably noticed that if you aim for the outer red you have a good chance of getting it,
& will get an rim (1pts) if you don't throw a one. This would be a (relatively) safe shot, which
would get you 1 or even 2 points. If feeling brave/reckless you might try for the Bull's eye.
These are the choices players have to make.
Hope you have fun with these rules.
My Butts were made from:-
Two Humbrol paint lids, filled with putty & pin 'arrows' pushed in before it set.
These were then mounted on stands made of matchsticks glued together.
Nothing too difficult. If you fancy easier I recommend drawing it onto thin card
which you fold so that it stands up.
Let me know how you get on, and if you would like the rules for Quintain & the Tilt.
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Thanks awfully old chap, excellent! Please keep the free rules coming!
:)
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Thank you Peter.
I´ve read them and liked so its only a matter of gaming with. :)
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I will get around to typing out the rules for the Quintain & the Tilting.
In the meantime I have been recruiting for Casevil.
https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=119096.msg1799703#msg1799703
Please take a look & leave comments.
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Take your time Peter and thank you. :)
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Excellent! Thank you for sharing!
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Excellent! Thank you for sharing!
More to come, figures being rebased on the work bench at the moment. :D
When I get everyone's' orders in I'll post the report here. 8)
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Started to get my merry band together yesterday, for our Casevil Adventure.
Found a box of old figures that Has.been passed over some time ago.
Going for a Blackburn Rovers look :o
Need to have a look for some archers next.
Good fun adding some paint to older figures.
(https://i.postimg.cc/gcgmbZTt/IMG-4043.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JtH9bGmj)
(https://i.postimg.cc/c46ZxJqx/IMG-4044.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Vdy24mLp)
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The first months report.
I have no intention of boring you all with the minutiae, just the highlights. ;)
Three of our brave Knights set sail for the Island of Casevil in the first week of April.
Sir James D'Arbre (Vodkafan)
Sir Robert Pret-A-Monter (Flatpack)
Sir Guillaume D'Aundy (Westbury)
Due to an arson attack on one of his ships, The Conquest, Sir John Cunningham (JC)
delayed his sailing until both ships were fit to sail.
As the Conquest was a gift from the King (see the Joust report)his Majesty was furious.
A reward of 10 crowns was posted for the woodsman seen fleeing the scene.
To redress this hindrance King Peter gave Sir John six border horse, to aid him on Casevil.
https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=119096.msg1799562#msg1799562
The Sea was kind in the first week and our three Knights landed where they wanted.
Sir Robert, upon landing, knelt and placed his hand on the beach, 'Ego manum meam super hoc'
(I put my hand on this)The landing site was named Manum Meum. As there were several streams
feeding into the bay at this point it was a good place to start a village.
Sending scouts out to explore the area resulted in acquiring a herd of goats, and encountering
some of Sir James' scouts coming from the East. No blows were exchanged, but neither were
any kind words.
Orders to secure the ship proved providential as the weather broke in the third week.
Sir James landed the furthest East of the three, and named the site James' Cove. Villagers
were put to work building a stockade while troops went out to scout. They came back within
a few days. Natives had been encountered & some goats had been bartered for. The stockade
was abandoned, James' Cove had no water, but half a league West along the coast was a stream
the locals called 'Ta-Bleta' There work on a stockade began again. Scouts set off once more, this
time going far enough West along the coast to run into some of Sir Robert's men. Strong winds
in the third week nearly capsized his ship, the Lady Susan, but her captain managed to beach
her first.
Sir Guillaume landed (The furthest west of all the knights) and started to establish a camp.
With great simplicity & honesty the place was named Port-camp.
Villagers started to clear the area & scouts set to exploring the environs.
Mountains dominated the skyline to the North-West, several streams solved the problem of water
supplies, though food itself seemed scarce. The heavy winds in the third week did little damage
to his ship, The Tara, as the bay proved to be well sheltered, if a tad small. By week four contact
with Sir John's forces was made. Both sides acknowledged the other, but no help or trade was
offered.
Sir John's two ships, the Cog Orbe De Budge & the repaired Ship Conquest finally set sail in week
three, just in time to catch some bad weather. They were blown off course landing some three
leagues West of their intended landing site. Both vessels were damaged and therefore the landing
site was named (Hell to) Pay bay. By the end of the month both had been unloaded & repaired,
but little else was achieved.
Rumours of a fifth & possibly a sixth knight joining this great adventure have reached the ear of
the King. Let us see, dear reader, what the month of May brings forth.
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For latest recruits see my Workbench page.
https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=119096.msg1800719#msg1800719
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The first sight of a map that the players have received.
Much yet to be discovered, & some things are not marked on this
'general' map as they are known to individual Knights.
Sir James (Vodkafan) has established his base at Ta-Bleta.
Sir Robert (Flatpack) landed at a very good spot, Manum Meum, & stayed there.
Sir Guillaume (Westbury) achieved land-fall & made his home at Port Camp.
Sir John (JC) after a sabotage attack, ship repairs & a storm, hit land at a cove
he named 'hell to pay bay' which was entered into the ships' logs as 'Pay bay'
due to the pounding of the surf drowning out his speech.
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Ah maps - love maps!!
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I take it Dickie is en route…?
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Ah maps - love maps!!
Me too. Always fancied campaign maps, looking at the situation then
pointing dramatically at a spot on the map, 'Gentlemen, we will have to
make our stand...there!'
I was reminiscing with the lads & said that, in the early days of my wargaming,
I remembered that Wargames Research Group said there were going to produce,
'Campaign maps'. This was long before I could even get black & white (poor quality)
photocopies from the local library. Light years before I could colour copy at home.
WRG produced many great things (Sea-Strike & Decline and Fall to name but two)
but NEVER the promised maps.
:(
I take it Dickie is en route…?
Yes. Sir Richard in his heavily laden Cod Piece (Name of his boat, before people get worried)
has left the mainland. If the winds hold fair he should reach Casevil in a few days.
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Sir Robert’s troops are improving (I hope ).
(https://i.postimg.cc/qBNXPyZQ/IMG-4124.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DmKXsJhb)
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Closer to the correct (sky) blue I know you'd prefer Bob. :D
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Sir Robert’s men completed.
(https://i.postimg.cc/vZqq1ZsX/IMG-4131.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xXmyhYqb)
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May God have mercy on the natives of Casevil, for I doubt
Sir Roberts men will.
Nice retinue Bob.
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More troops for Casevil.
https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=119096.msg1802074#msg1802074
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Report for the month of May.
Sir Guillaume split his forces, sending his Sergeant & crossbow-men east to explore, while he
& his spearmen followed the river (now named the Cursus, i.e. Running) upstream looking
for a good vantage point.
The sergeant found Pay Bay abandoned!?! Searching it they found little of use. The river
that flowed into Pay Bay they named Red River.
Sir Guillaume found an excellent spot for defense and as a viewpoint. He named it
Galea Gurgite.
The peasants worked hard, establishing a defensive stockade as well as planting crops, also
quite a successful spell of hunting/gathering.
Sir John was, as Sir Guillaume had discovered, no longer at Pay Bay. He spent the month
moving everything to join Sir Robert at his town, which has been named, 'Newby'.
This alliance makes these knights THE power on Casevil.
Sir Robert has been busy.
The alliance with Sir John,
Work on Newby new town,
Planting & foraging.
These were his successes.
Having stolen the locals' goats last months he attempted some diplomatic peacemaking.
Some of, by no means all of, the goats were returned along with offerings of beads &
blankets. The goats, beads & blankets were taken, but Sir Robert's villagers were stoned.
Some bruised heads & broken bones, but no fatalities.
Grandiose plans to occupy, fortify & divert water (???)to the island in the bay, met with a set-back.
The first boat came back with news that Sir James had got there first & was claiming the
'Isle of Avalon' as his own.
Sir James, as well as claiming Avalon, had been getting on very well with the natives.
He has also been exploring to the North-East, but has been very secretive as to what is there.
A new arrival to Casevil, Sir Richard Perrers (Digits) has landed further East than the others.
A sheltered bay that the locals call, 'Arp-Hegee' Watered by the two rivers Pan & Sur.
Sir Richard established, with equal speed, a stockade and good relations with the natives.
'I have come to protect you my children' he told them.
Rumours still abound of another ship still being loaded back on the mainland, though which
knight is brave/foolish enough to sail it is yet to be revealed.
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Er this has come as a bit of a surprise. I thought I had named the Islet in the bay "Appletree Island"? Where did Avalon come from?
{ah I have just read the "secret" missive all is explained. Well done to Filo the Fisherman I may have to reward him. Sir Richard Perrers is an unexpected thorn in my side! }
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Always a good idea to read the reports that the very nice umpire sends you. :D
Orders, & some questions, are starting to come in for June.
Things are starting to hot up. How long before swords are drawn & blood spilt?
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The report for the month of June.
Sir James has started fortifying the Isle of Avalon, having finished the wooden defenses
of Ta-Bleta. He has been concerned with the East, tentative diplomacy with Sir Richard
has received friendly responses. This was not what Sir Robert had told him would happen.
As a result Sir James rebuffed Sir Robert's claim to Avalon.
Rumours abound that Sir James with Sir Richard are going on an embassy to a local Chief
two leagues to the East of Ta-Bleta.
Sir Richard's ship, the Codpiece, has been seen sailing West, past Avalon, Newby, Pay Bay
& Port Camp. Where is it headed?
Sir Richard has made many announcements proclaiming that he comes to the Island not
for fighting, but for friendship. The locals, warry at first, are being won over by his generosity.
Sir Guillaume is, it is said, strengthening his retreat at Galea Gurgite. He is also believed
to be starting a mine near the upper reaches of the Red River. What is he trying to find?
As with most of the Lords on Casevil his stockade is finished. The villagers are planting
the cleared land. Hunting & fishing, with some foraging is making them self sufficient
in food.
Sir John & Sir Robert, Lords of the Mid-Lands, now have a town at Newby (once described as
'Just a shed'). Rebuffed by Sir James over Avalon they are readying their fleet (three ships!)
Will they storm Avalon?
So far no sign of the rumoured next Knight.
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Shock, horror! The first Christian blood has been spilt on Casevil!
A group of Sir Guillaume's villagers were foraging near to Pay Bay, until recently
property of Sir John Cunningham. They were alerted by cries of, 'On for Sir John!'
and 'A Cunningham, a Cunningham!'. Before them in the clearing were ten soldiers,
leather armour, big shields, helmets & long spears. Keen though the warriors were
to close, keener were the peasants to avoid combat. The two groups circled for a
few moments, then came the time for the rustics to make that age old choice...
fight or flight?
Miles, who normally made decisions for the group, spoke,
'Give them a taste of goose feathers boys.' and a volley was let fly.
Enough hit a mark to persuade the troops that this was not to be a push over, as a
man they turned & fled.
The vocal Yokels returned back to Port Camp bearing trophies with Cunningham's
insignia.
This is something I would normally resolve with some dice throwing...but
1) I am in possession of a copy of Bill Lamming's medieval rules (the spark for Casevil)
2) I haven't used said rules for over 50 years (& I had my 'Rose coloured' spectacles on)
3) My mate Zingara was visiting
4) This would make a nice filler game.
It was quick, and not the expected result.
10 well armed, armoured soldiers against 6 villagers, only 4 had bows.
What I had forgotten was Mr Lamming's high regard for the long bow aided by
my almost legendary inability to throw good morale dice.
:D
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So, Sir John has attacked Sir Guillame? :o Shocking event. Being the King's favourite obviously has made him think he can get away with anything....
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I think you’ll find it was self defence, and protecting the kings good name. lol
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What a dastardly attack on defenceless civilians! An appeal to the King to declare Sir Cunningham outlaw will be lodged.
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Updated map.
Next orders due in soon & an update report will be posted shortly after.
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As the Knights are 'interacting' with the natives more, I find that I
may require some figures to act as native warriors. As you can see
from the most recent map, there are four (so far) Tribes.
A purchase off e-bay (more details later) will do for one of the tribes.
Will have to start looking/thinking for the other three.
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and what is happening - they must all be scheming away it is very quiet :-)
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As the Knights are 'interacting' with the natives more, I find that I
may require some figures to act as native warriors. As you can see
from the most recent map, there are four (so far) Tribes.
A purchase off e-bay (more details later) will do for one of the tribes.
Will have to start looking/thinking for the other three.
I can help out with at least one tribe, as you know I have some redundant figures looking to be repurposed.
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and what is happening - they must all be scheming away it is very quiet :-)
Next update due very soon. Just giving the Knights a bit more time to get their orders in.
I can help out with at least one tribe, as you know I have some redundant figures looking to be repurposed.
A most kind offer young James.
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Time for the July update. Things have been hectic in my house for the
past few weeks, we are having the kitchen refitted. LOTS of upheaval.
But I digress.
Sir David De Brooke. Finally made it to the island, landing at Pay bay.
He quickly put his peasants to work. The defenses & shelters started
by Sir John Cunningham were soon completed. Clearing the land was
also easier than it might have been thanks to the previous hard work
of Sir Johns yokals. There was a worry when Sir John's ship 'Mary' was
sighted off the coast near Portia Island, but a visit by soldiers of Sir Guillaume
soon raised Sir David's spirits.
Sir Guillaume. Kept mainly within his own borders, though rumours of
extensive work on the Iron(?) mine in the Torrock hills abound. He has
set about sorting out his own 'house'. Trails to make travel easier are
first on his list. Work continues to improve defenses & discover what else
he now owns.
Sir Richard Perrers. Was very happy to see the return of the Cog Codpiece.
It brought reinforcements ( 6 Bowmen & 4 Spearmen) as well as several
civilians, one was known as a stone Mason. The rest he was tight lipped about.
Talk is that the trip was profitable as most was paid for by the mixed cargo he
had sent home. The only Noble to dirty his hands with vulgar commerce. It
is to be expected that others will follow his example. The Mason & one of the
civilians were soon locating a suitable site for a quarry near to Arp-Hegee.
Could the mystery man be a follower of the ancient Greek Theophrastus,
famed for his work, 'On Stones'?
The Lords of the Midlands, Sir John & Sir Robert, went on a charm offensive.
Unarmed peasants were sent North following the River Meedle towards Mostvalid.
They didn't get anywhere near the town. A large force of Rivalord troops stood
on a low ridge blocking the peasants advance. In what other Lords were to call
the Battle of the Beads, the serfs threw down the gifts of 'pearls' & trinkets then
fled south.
Work on fortifying the harbour at Newby was put to a test when a mysterious
Black Galley attempted a raid. A few fire arrows did minor damage & the pirates
were driven off. It was believed that it retreated towards the West & the lands of
Sir David, but (as fortune would have it) Sir John's Cog, the Mary, had been sent to
explore Portia Island & that part of the coast. The raider was spotted changing
direction, disappearing towards the rising sun.
Sir John & Sir Robert sent a small group to explore the ruins south of the River
Dribble. (D&D or Frostgrave game?)
Sir James. Was the busiest of all the Lords on Casevil this month.
The Cog Lady Susan was seen going to and fro between Ta-Bleta & Castle Believer.
Beefing up the defences? Later in the month it was seen heading West. Home?
Latter in the month it was to return with troops (6 Archers & 3 Billmen) and a
hold full of Rabbits !!!! 'A food source for the peasants'.
His Lieutenant, Lucky Phillip, was married off to the daughter of the Orkals Chief
(The Great Orkal) to strengthen links to the tribe. Phillip was then given the title,
'Tiddly Pompo' (Small Chief). He is now all too pleased with himself for the liking
of Sir James.
Attacks between Locals and the Lords have occurred. Rivalords claim to have been
attacked by the Midlanders (Sir John & Sir Robert). Some of Sir Guillaume's miners
were ambushed in the Torrock Hills while looking for further possible mine sites.
FYEO (For Your Eyes Only) reports will be sent out to the various Lords soon.
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FYEO reports have been sent to the individual Lords.
Plans are no doubt being hatched for the month of August.
Things, literally, are hotting up on Casevil. 8)
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Figures ready to fill the role of the Rivalords.
Pictures on Stuf Wot I Dun.
https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=119096.msg1809873#msg1809873
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Real life (major kitchen refit) has rendered the wargames room inoperable,
well the stuff from the kitchen & storage cupboards had to go somewhere.
I had hoped to wargame some of the events, but ended up with solo games
involving pen, paper & lots of dice throws. Campaign update to follow soon.
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Orders for August sent.
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The August report. Sorry for the delay, but the work on the kitchen has dragged on.
We start with the Lords of the Midlands, Sir Robert & Sir John.
Angered by various attacks from a mysterious Black Galley they sent all three of their
own ships to find it & sink or capture it.
They managed to corner it (I used a variation of the old game of Fox & Geese for the
hunt) near Ta-Bleta (Sir James' town) It made use of its very shallow draft to escape
up the River Kapp. No effort was made by the troops in Ta-Bleta to stop it. Does Sir James
know more about the Black Galley than he has let on? The Midlanders' Navy is holding a
watching brief.
Being men of action they also decided to take action against the Rivalords. A column
of soldiers marched North from Newby. A 'Slash & Burn' campaign was planned &
indeed implemented along the River Meedle valley. The Rivalords gave ground refusing
open battle, but always making use of their superiority in cavalry to harass the Midlanders.
As the column approached the fork in the river news came from Newby. More of that later.
Elsewhere Sir Richard had set many wheels in motion:-
*'Building in stone is a priority' he told his Deviser. A possible quarry was located &
the carpenter along with the blacksmith were taken off other duties to make carts.
* His newly purchased Cog, The Griffin (named after of the emblem of Bank that financed it)
* Cargo for the Griffin's first trip to Casevil is rumoured to include, horses & more artisans.
* He has sent more civilians to the Orkals & seems to have cordial relations with them.
However he did not take up Sir James' invite to visit Ta-Bleta.
Sir James was by far the most industrious of all the Lords.
*Embassies were sent to the Orkals and Sir Richard. We can only guess what was said,
offered, threatened.
*Gathering together soldiers and peasants he marched on Newby! This was at the same
time that Sir Robert & Sir John had marched North to deal with the Rivalords.
* The defenses & peasants of Newby held firm & managed to get a runner out reach
the Lords (Sir Robert & Sir John, see above)
* An attempt to burn the Midlanders' fleet failed as it was at sea, blockading the
Black Galley in the River Kapp.
* His Coup De Main of Newby having failed Sir James set up a siege line of sorts
& looked for aid.
The Lords of Westeros (Sir David & Sir Guillaume) becoming aware of the above
events, decided to move troops nearer to the action. Setting up a camp
at the ruins West of the River Dribble.
The situation has most definitely become more active.
Will the Midlanders push on to Mostvalid, or cut & run?
What action does Sir Richard plan to take?
Has Sir James bitten off more than he can chew?
Whose side, if any, will Westeros join?
Fuller individual reports will be winging their way to the various Lords, and next
set of orders will be due in a fortnight.
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Individual reports have now been sent to the different Lords.
I have no doubt that September will see blood spilled. :D
Plus recriminations will flow. ::)
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Finally got the second tribe (well some Celts to stand in for them) completed.
The Orcals.
More pictures on workbench.
https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=119096.msg1817649#msg1817649
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Rumours/Legends abound concerning Giants, who normally reside in the hills & mountains.
I have now finished a suitable figure (just in case I need one in a game).
See him on my workbench page.
https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=119096.msg1818414#msg1818414
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A bit later than I hoped (real life & all that getting in the way) here is the update for September.
First off I must mention (& show pictures of) work done by my mate Dave Brookes.
So that he might have figures to skirmish with, either away from, or part of, Casevil
I gave him two 'Retinues'. He not only painted & based them, but GAVE them to me!
What a nice fellow.
Sir John & Sir Robert (Lords of the Midlands)
Had to choose between trying to make progress against the Rivalords & dealing with
the Backstabbing attack on Newby by Sir James. Stacking their night fires high they then
snuck out of camp & headed back to Newby. Sir John's border horse stayed behind &
made enough noise throughout the night to convince the Rivalords that the camp was
fully occupied. Just before dawn they galloped after the main force, tired but safe.
There was some attempt at pursuit by the Rivalords, but this petered out towards the
afternoon. Newby was reached by forced march the following day. Sir James had withdrawn,
but not far. More of that in his report.
At the River Kapp...stand off. The Galley showed no sign of coming out to fight, & the
Midlands fleet was too deep of draft to go after them.
Sir James
Made aware by scouts of the Midlanders' return , but still believing that Sir Richard would
come to his aid, withdrew from besieging Newby to a rise on the Eastern bank of River Leetle.
There he started to prepare defenses. The Cog 'Lady Susan' took up a position between the coast,
south of Sir James & North of the Isle of Avalon.
Sir Richard
True to his word, sent re-enforcements to aid Sir James. The Cog 'Codpiece' joined the Lady Susan
North of Avalon. About the same time his soldiers met up with Sir James on the ridge.
Ever a man with an eye for wealth, his trading with the Mainland continues.
Sir Guillaume & Sir David (Lords of Westeros)
Belatedly, but with great enthusiasm, have joined the trading with the Mainland. The ship,
Innocent of Lubeck, sailed heavily laden with Pig Iron & various food-stuffs.
In an attempt to make use of the upcoming struggle between the two other alliances,
claim is made to extend Westeros, and more troops are moved towards the River Dribble.
As the month ends we see nearly all the different Lords' troops within a mile of Newby.
I can not see this ending peacefully.
Personal FYEO (For your eyes only) reports will be going out to the players. The things
that only they will know, & that they really should keep secret.
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Dave also sold me these very nice figures.
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Great painting there.
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Great painting there.
Yup, Dave does good work.
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Agreed - the painting is lovely, especially on the shields and banners
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When will we see these lovely figures on the table!! You've got quite a force assembled now - be quite an impressive skirmish should everyone pile in.
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When will we see these lovely figures on the table!! You've got quite a force assembled now - be quite an impressive skirmish should everyone pile in.
Not up to me, I'm just the umpire. :D
Things ARE hotting up though. Most of the Lord's troops on Casevil are within
a few miles of each other.
I am due player's orders in the next week or two. Who knows what will happen?
I will however be very surprised if it all ends peacefully. 8)
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The storm birds are gathering.
Newby Town, the base of the Lords of the Midlands, having come under a sneak attack
from the East managed to hold out. The Lords of the Midlands hastened back from their
punitive raid against the Rivalords. The Easterners had retired to a ridge east of Newby.
They were rumoured to be preparing to retreat, but were re-enforced.
Stories are circulating that the Lords of Westeros have agreed to ally themselves to the
Midlanders.
Meanwhile the (Unpunished) Rivalords lurk just to the North.
Battle can not be far away.
After consulting the players, & bearing in mind all the different problems of playing a
'skirmish' game that would involve ALL of the players (& possibly the Umpire as several
'native' forces) plus just about every armed figure known to be on Casevil. It was decided
to do it this way.
A map of the Battlefield area, with approximate deployment areas, will be issued to the
players. They will return it with actual deployment & orders. Big nostalgia kick to all of
us old enough remember having to (actually) write orders.
I will than run the game & post the AAR here on LAF. Possibly with (posed) pictures.
Below pictures of latest figures to join the Rivalords.
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Gaming with written orders always made for an interesting campaign. At least every other turn some one would *-up their orders spectacularly. It was usually the ones that took the least amount of time to write their orders and skipped details. If you gave a city name we honored that but if you only wrote 7 North & 3 East (instead of 3 North & 7 East)... oh well. Those were fun games.
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Gaming with written orders always made for an interesting campaign. At least every other turn some one would *-up their orders spectacularly. It was usually the ones that took the least amount of time to write their orders and skipped details. If you gave a city name we honored that but if you only wrote 7 North & 3 East (instead of 3 North & 7 East)... oh well. Those were fun games.
My wargaming memories are full of such... muck ups?
One Vietnam game had the Free World Force leader in contact, via a Bird Dog spotter plane,
with his artillery support. The spotter told him that he could see infantry (dark green uniforms
& floppy hats). The player assumed it was the NVA
& promptly called in the artillery on those given co-ordinates.
What he had forgotten to do was:-
a) Double check the co-ordinates (They were his!) and
b) Remember that in this game he was Australian, (Dark Green uniforms & floppy hats)
lol lol lol lol lol lol
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Yeah, friendly fire sometimes had serious unintended consequences. lol
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Orders come in yet? I look forward to reading of the chaos that ensues, I mean, the climactic, epic tale of heroic deeds and exploits.
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Orders come in yet? I look forward to reading of the chaos that ensues, I mean, the climactic, epic tale of heroic deeds and exploits.
The MAP will be going out soon. The orders will (hopefully) come back before Christmas & then I'll sit down & play through the battle.
I would expect to be able to provide the AAR before the year ends. :)
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Despite the best efforts of 'Real Life' to bugger things up, we are approaching
the BIG BATTLE.
This has been sent out to the players.
Update of the situation.
Sir James, having failed in his surprise attack on the Midlander town of Newby,
withdrew to the east & took up a strong defensive position on the hill, Sahah-Lyve,
which he fortified as best as he could.
The Lords of the Midlands managed to disengage from their campaign against the
Northern Rivalords, but the Riverlords shadowed the retreat.
Sir Richard held to his vow to support his ally, Sir James, & re-enforced him on the
eastern bank of the River Little.
The Lords of Westeros, having received from the Midlanders an agreement that
'All lands up to the River Hindecks as well as between the Mountains and the Sea'
are the estate of Westeros, then moved their troops up to the River Hindecks.
The Orkal tribe, into which Sir James has married his own man (Lucky Phillip),
may have moved nearer to Sir James.
The ford at the southern edge of the battlefield has a shrine to Our Lady, which
gives the Battle its name.
'Hill beside Our Lady's Shrine', becomes 'Hill B'Lady' , or 'B'lady Hill', or 'Bloody Hill'
There may soon be another reason for this field's epithet.
I require players to:-
To send (by 01.01.24) orders for their troops.
Which MAY include conditionals. (e.g. 'If ...happens, retreat all troops).
I will use these orders to play through the battle.
Anything either not covered, vague or confusing in your orders I WILL interpret as I see fit.
If you wish to include (in the best tradition of WRG) signals you MUST say what the 'signal'
is to be.
As soon as I have players' orders I will sit down & work through the fray, then post the
AAR here on LAF.
What happens after the conflagration ???? I have no idea. lol lol lol
That too will be interesting.
Will one Lord/group of Lords become all powerful?
Will the Christian knights so wound each other that the natives could expel them?
Will there be a stalemate with all forces withdrawing to lick their wounds over winter?
Let us find out. ;)
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First profuse apologies for the delay in the latest update to Casevil.
Christmas & New Year problems were expected, but I gathered
several others too. Mainly a problem with my ancient camera.
Having set up the game for the BIG battle (more of what that
entailed later) AND taken lots of pictures of key points in the action...
the camera decided it did NOT want to pass them on to the computer. :-X :?
This meant clearing my table again, setting up pictures, again, and
tracking down my spare memory card. Ah well it is now done. :)
This was to be the biggest battle EVER in this campaign, & the chances
of getting all the players to my house for a huge skirmish game was minimal.
I decided to run it as a TEWT (Tactical Exercise Without Troops) based on
orders given by the players. This turned out to be optimistic at best, foolish
would be a better word. lol
To give me guidance for players' decisions, I decided to dice up traits for the
different Characters. This did make my life a little easier, as I didn't have to
think what the player would do in that situation, merely refer to their traits.
First off I recommend you look again at the Map of the battlefield.
Now to the action!
006,7,8,9,10 = Sir Guillaume D'Aundy & Sir David De Brooke (The Lords of Westeros)
force march to the battlefield.
Sir Guillaume had sent an envoy to the Rivalords with generous offers
for their help in the fight. The head of the envoy being thrown in front
of the column upset the troops, but showing great composure Sir Guillaume
merely said, 'I'll take that as a no then' 8)
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The Midlanders (Sir Robert & Sir John) were pleased to see the Westeros troops
arriving early to fulfill the terms of their new treaty. As they march past the
right flank of the Midlanders, to advance upon the ford,
Sir Robert ordered his Herald to blow a tribute in their honour, forgetting that
he had told his own soldiers that upon a signal (he never specified what that was to be)
they were to advance!
011 = The Herald blowing the fateful trumpet.
On the other side of the Battlefield, Sir Richard had decided that his position was too
exposed. He ordered his troops towards Sir James' men on the hill. He intended to
cover Sir James' left flank.
04 + 05 = The move towards Sir James.
As his men climb, Sir Richard spots the enemy's center right in a chaotic advance.
This he takes to be a mistake by the enemy & orders his men back to the ford.
12= Sir Richard observes the enemy advancing in some disorder.
13= Westeros troops reach the ford before Sir Richard, but are slowed by crossing.
They are unable to get numbers across quickly enough.
14= Having regained a degree of control, Sir Robert turns his men towards the gap
that is starting to open between Sir Richard (moving back to the ford) &
Sir James (Dug in upon the hill) Sir Roberts men wade across the river. It
is slow progress, but at least they are unopposed.
It is at this point that Sir John decides to advance & help his fellow Midlander.
15=This is noticed by the watching Rivalords
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The backs of all of the Midlander & Westeros troops was too tempting. The Rivalords advanced.
6996 = The Cavalry, followed by
6998 = the heavy infantry, then
6999 = archers, & finally
7000 = the light infantry
7016 = In an act of desperation, to gain time to allow his infantry to regroup, Sir John
orders his cavalry to charge the entire Rivalord host. :o :o :o
The 'Death Ride' does by time, but at a terrible cost.
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Sir James has bided his time.
Now with Sir John engaged with the Rivalords, he does two things.
1) He abandons his earthworks on the hill (they face North West & Sir Robert is now
to the South West AND across the River! To move downhill against Sir Robert.
2) He releases the Orcal Tribesmen he had hidden in the Holly Wood against poor Sir John.
001,2,3 = The Orcal poor out of the woods
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Sir James leaving his 'beloved piles of sod' (Comment from Sir Robert who thought it unlikely)
caught Sir Robert away from his troops, as he was scouting a way to attack the hill.
017 = Sir Robert fights for his life.
Outnumbered he manages to kill two assailants & drive the third off, but is wounded
and unhorsed in the melee. Timely arrival of his men allows him to retreat down the hill.
As the light starts to fail, the battle is coming to its deciding stage.
After much hard fighting at the ford the morale of the Westeros troops falters.
They start to retire & Sir Richard rushes forward to force Sir Guillaume into
hand to hand combat & hopefully break the enemy.
018 = Sir Guillaume is not ready to fall under Sir Richard blows. He nimbly side-steps
Sir Richards vigorous attacks and manages to stab him as he lunges.
The Westeros troops are heartened by this & rally on the road near the Mallow Marsh.
019 = Sir Richards bodyguards carry him, despite his protests, to the safety of the
coast, where he can be taken onboard his ship, the Codpiece.
020, 021 = Sir John meanwhile is surrounded by Rivalords to the front &
Orcal tribesmen coming against his rear.
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In desperation Sir John turns his weary horse to face the mass of Orcals.
He orders his Sergeant, 'Simon. Hold those damn Rivalords as long as you can'
Then with a wry smile adds, 'I'll deal with the Savages'.
Lowering both his visor & lance he charges. :o
What can he expect but death?
He aims for the large warrior leading the tribesmen & impales him!
Shattering the lance as he does so.
Slowing the horse down he unsheathes his sword & raises the visor to look for another target...
but all he sees are fleeing Orcals.
(That was the King & their morale broke at the shock of it).
He returned to the Rivalord fight, where nightfall saved his battered force.
Sir James has survived the battle with most of his forces in tact, but the death of the
Orcal King may cause him problems. He did marry off his lieutenant to the Kings daughter.
Lucky Philip might be the next Orcal King, & how far can he trust him?
Sir Richard, though wounded, is safe & will recover. His forces were weakened by all the
fighting at the ford, but accounted themselves well.
Sir Robert cursed the series of events that cost him victory. He did count himself lucky
to be only (lightly) wounded though the state of Sir John's force worried him more.
Sir Guillaume & Sir David lost troops, but had honoured their treaty with the Midland Lords.
That has gained them a lot already. Sir Guillaume rued not getting a death blow in against
Sir Richard. Next time...
Forces have retired (some limped) to winter quarters to lick wounds & plan for the Spring.
Players will each be receiving a FYEO (For Your Eyes Only) report in the next few days.
Keep watching for updates.
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Damm that tricky dicky, I nearly had him lol
Thanks for the efforts Pete.
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That sounds like the best game I’ve never played lol lol
Cheers Pete.
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Thanks Ian & Bob. I hope you enjoyed it. lol lol lol
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I am happy enough to have survived the battle for now
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I am happy enough to have survived the battle for now
Careful James, there is a difference between what you've said and
I am happy, for now, to have survived the battle.
The first hints that Lucky Philip might pose a threat to your health. lol lol lol
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Like the first film of a trilogy. Epic season finale but nothing conclusively decided :-). Love the battle report and the confusion that reigned - very believable, and well done the players for getting their boys together for the "bash".
Look forward to season 2.
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tand well done the players for getting their boys together for the "bash".
Look forward to season 2.
We didn't! Those photos were all spare figures Peter had in his stash
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About a month ago I asked players what they wanted to do with the campaign.
1)Let players regroup for the winter & start again in the spring (recruit/recover etc)
2)Continue with reduced forces, i.e. do the campaign as a series of skirmishes.
3) Move up to large skirmish
4) Continue as a form of diary based campaign
5) Quietly let it 'go to sleep' with the possibility of 'waking it up'
at some time in the future.
Most that voiced an opinion, went for option 5.
On my Workbench were figures to be used as the King & Queen (should they be needed)
I have now finished them.
https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=119096.msg1854718#msg1854718