Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Medieval Adventures => Topic started by: historian in harness on January 17, 2024, 02:21:09 PM
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Excited to announce that I will be showcasing Écorcheurs - my Hundred Years War skirmish rules - with demo games at major shows in the UK - starting with Vapnartak - ahead of their release by Gripping Beast this summer!
(https://scontent-lhr6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/418968738_122104993628175404_7959527605916084008_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3635dc&_nc_ohc=XUj7Mj-b5CoAX_y2u5d&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-1.xx&oh=00_AfCoi-Q23MDkPq4y9X8R_eqS9sv-TtXeYaBhpxloEOPtCw&oe=65B6E494)
I'll be adding more content to the website in due course, but if you liked my 'Blood and Horse Droppings' big battle rules, and the skirmihs game reports on the 'Raglan and Rob's 1385 Campaign' thread here, then these offer more of the same.
Give them a follow and spread the word!- https://www.ecorcheurs.co.uk (https://www.ecorcheurs.co.uk)
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I'll be there and look forward to a chin wag about the rules but especially about Blood and horse Droppings (I generally prefer massed battle games) 8)
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That's cool. I'm as happy to talk about Blood and Horse Droppings as I am about scouring... when you're in York it's hard to tell whether it's a wargame or an episode of 'All Creatures Great and Small'!
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That's cool. I'm as happy to talk about Blood and Horse Droppings as I am about scouring... when you're in York it's hard to tell whether it's a wargame or an episode of 'All Creatures Great and Small'!
lol
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Looking forward for these rules. :)
And using your campaign in 1385 you have english troops and french troops fighting in Portugal.
England sided with Portugal and France sided with Spain.
Atoleiros in 1384 and Trancoso plus Aljubarrota in 1385 are battles that can be played in the same context of the HYW. Plus lots of skirmishes both in Portugal and Spain.
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Looking forward for these rules. :)
And using your campaign in 1385 you have english troops and french troops fighting in Portugal.
England sided with Portugal and France sided with Spain.
Atoleiros in 1384 and Trancoso plus Aljubarrota in 1385 are battles that can be played in the same context of the HYW. Plus lots of skirmishes both in Portugal and Spain.
Again, thanks for the interest.
Yes, there are plenty of engagements in the Peninsula, as well as in Italy and the Low Countries (I have a scenario planned for release for the battle of Cassel, for example). Add in campaigns in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and you have plenty to be getting on with.
And of course, there is nothing stopping players from doing their own research into theatres that are of personal interest to them, and coming up with games based around those.
BUT IT DOESN'T STOP THERE!
I already have ideas for expansions - scenarios, campaigns, and period-specific amendments and additions - for the Wars of the Roses, the crusades and elsewhere.
However, those will depend on how much interest and enthusiasm there is for the base set of rules!
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Very interested in these rules. I usually treat Hammerhead as a bit of a shopping trip and neglect the tables (bad, I know), but I'll definitely seek this one out!
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Pic in the first post does not show (Facebook reporting the URL has expired).
One minor question - how the heck do you pronounce the name (and is that a drawback)?
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Thanks for that. I've updated the image, so hoepfully that one is more stable.
How do you pronounce the name? Anyway you like (there's no oral exam before you buy ;))
If it helps, it goes something like: AY-CORE-SURE, but I have got into the habit of saying AY-CORE-SHAY.
When they come out, if you ask for Dr Bob's Medieval Skirmish Rules, I'm sure the chaps at The Beast will be able to help you out!
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Very interested in these rules. I usually treat Hammerhead as a bit of a shopping trip and neglect the tables (bad, I know), but I'll definitely seek this one out!
Superb! Don't let me get in the way of the shopping, but I'll be close to Gripping Beast's stand, so you can roll a dice or two whilst you queue!
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I've added some more information on the rationale behind the rules, the make up of the Retinues, and a bit about the Captains and chivalry in the game.
Pop across to ecorcheurs.co.uk (http://ecorcheurs.co.uk) and have a look.
(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/659d154dbc44db01a37e46de/308e5662-37d7-4a4c-b333-ab3b506778ce/20240124_100028%5B1%5D.jpg?format=500w)
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A great day at Vapnartak last weekend, showing off the rules.
Thanks to everyone who dropped by, especially the vikings, who appeared qwuite perplexed tht they weren't looking at Saga, and the amount of armour some of the figures were wearing!
Hammerhead next.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GFg4_-xXQAAo5Hu?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://scontent-man2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/425722300_777726064400955_8009701016773697792_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=dd5e9f&_nc_ohc=gDQxJOFIMl4AX_ep4NN&_nc_ht=scontent-man2-1.xx&oh=00_AfA0qafUXUKK41vq2Gu9GHY0iUFNQ7gJqEZMphLPZ1GnKA&oe=65C8043D)
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Any news on when Gripping Beast plans on releasing these?
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Any news on when Gripping Beast plans on releasing these?
I was wondering the same thing- if there's any news t6hat would be great.
Also, somewhat related to the topic of rules, may I ask? Is there a chance that GB might produce an updated version Blood and Horse Droppings at some point please?
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Would love to see this printed, any idea when Gripping Beast will release them?
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I saw the title and couldn't help but think of the weather reports from The Fast Show. Scorchio! :D
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Would love to see this printed, any idea when Gripping Beast will release them?
Sorry for not getting back to you on tis - lost my login details, and too much else going on to be able to check on this board!
The latets I had was that we are currently looking at a March release (copies should be available at Hammerhead).
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Any news on when Gripping Beast plans on releasing these?
Again, sorry for not getting back to you on this - lost my login details, and too much else going on to be able to check on this board!
The latets I had was that we are currently looking at a March release (copies should be available at Hammerhead).
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I was wondering the same thing- if there's any news t6hat would be great.
Also, somewhat related to the topic of rules, may I ask? Is there a chance that GB might produce an updated version Blood and Horse Droppings at some point please?
Hi Atheling - yet again, sorry for not getting back to you on this - lost my login details, and too much else going on to be able to check on this board! The latest I had was that we are currently looking at a March release (copies should be available at Hammerhead).
As to an updated Blood and Horse Droppings - they are free to download form my webiste - www.historianinharness.co.uk. Because of the inspiration for these rules (The Perfect Captain's 'A Coat of Steel', whihc were always ffered for free in return for a charitable donation), I have no intention, as things stand, of offering them as a commercial set.
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Hi Atheling - yet again, sorry for not getting back to you on this - lost my login details, and too much else going on to be able to check on this board! The latest I had was that we are currently looking at a March release (copies should be available at Hammerhead).
As to an updated Blood and Horse Droppings - they are free to download form my webiste - www.historianinharness.co.uk. Because of the inspiration for these rules (The Perfect Captain's 'A Coat of Steel', whihc were always ffered for free in return for a charitable donation), I have no intention, as things stand, of offering them as a commercial set.
Thanks, I've had a copy of B&HD for a wee while but wanted the WSS mag, which has arrived
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Good' oh!
The Bouvines scenario has a lot of units in it. On reflection I would reduce either the footprint of the units, or combine them so that you field fewer Companies. The only problem with the latter is that you'll lose some of the sense of how difficult it is to keep everyithing ordinate.
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Sorry for having been quiet, but we are almost at the point of releasing the rules!
(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/659d154dbc44db01a37e46de/a1a18c08-dc59-4d12-81fb-367df873e24e/1745678865466-5c815d0e-5b95-4d47-8f4e-3a1192bd39cc_1.jpg?format=750w)
The team at Beast Towers have done a grand job of bringing my rules to life. The final page proofs are being worked on now, and the final photos are due to be taken next week.
The Combat Dice have been designed and are ready for production.
(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/659d154dbc44db01a37e46de/3636d1dc-9c0a-4f74-b266-800d457c778f/1745678865466-5c815d0e-5b95-4d47-8f4e-3a1192bd39cc_15.jpg?format=1000w)
The Kickstarter pre-order will be going live very soon, with delivery over the late summer. We're confident that at Colours in September you'll be able to play game at my table and pick up a copy of the rules.
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Thoroughly enjoyed playing these rules at Hammerhead, looking forward to when they are released.
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I am interested in the Kick-starter details, when they are announced. :D
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The direction of this has me very intrigued. The example scenario posted screams thematically skirmish, and something about the overall presentation has given me a feeling that this ruleset may have had that extra something special put into it. I will be following closely! Here is to hoping for some War of the Rose flavor in there or down the road!
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historian in harness, can you give us any clue about how many figures for a typical game?
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Thoroughly enjoyed playing these rules at Hammerhead, looking forward to when they are released.
Glad you enjoyed it!
They're coming, and coming very soon now!
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I am interested in the Kick-starter details, when they are announced. :D
That's great. You'll find regular updates on various social media platforms, and I will try to be a good boy and remember to update here too!
Also, keep an eye on the website - www.ecocheurs.co.uk (http://www.ecocheurs.co.uk) - I drop bits and pieces into that on fairly regularly (if not frequently).
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historian in harness, can you give us any clue about how many figures for a typical game?
Sure.
The game is designed to be played with retinues of 20 figures, on a 4' by 4' table. It can also handle multiplayer or multi-retinue games on larger tables. It is most definitely a skirmish game, though.
For more information and insght take a look at the website - www.ecorcheurs.co.uk (http://www.ecorcheurs.co.uk).
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The direction of this has me very intrigued. The example scenario posted screams thematically skirmish, and something about the overall presentation has given me a feeling that this ruleset may have had that extra something special put into it. I will be following closely! Here is to hoping for some War of the Rose flavor in there or down the road!
It is indeed a skirmish game - refighting the smaller actions of the medieval period. The scenarios and mini-campaign included in the rules all focus on the mid-fourteenth century, and specifically the campaign that would lead to Crécy. However, nothing is stopping you using the rules for other medieval periods (I am also going to work on some adaptations to allow me to use it with the beautiful Border Reivers figures I got from Flags of War).
Wars of the Roses - If the release is a success, and Gripping Beast are up for it, the next major release will be a mini-campaign based around the 1st battle of St Albans. I'm working on the scenarios now. Think FIBUA* medieval style.
For more insight into the rules, take a look at the website - www.ecorcheurs.co.uk (http://www.ecorcheurs.co.uk)
* 'FIBUA' - 'Fighting in Built-Up Areas', or, in this case, 'Fighting In the Bishop's Undercroft Again'. Now more commonly called FISH and CHIPS ('Feuding in Someone's Hovel' and 'Crying Havoc In Pauldrons and Sallet').
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I saw the title and couldn't help but think of the weather reports from The Fast Show. Scorchio! :D
lol
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Wars of the Roses - If the release is a success, and Gripping Beast are up for it, the next major release will be a mini-campaign based around the 1st battle of St Albans. I'm working on the scenarios now. Think FIBUA* medieval style.
I certainly hope the release is a success then, because that sounds like a brilliant idea for a campaign! I have been toying with how to arrange my WotR forces for this very battle, and have most of the flags. It has so much potential for a gorgeous table! The street fighting always makes for a great photoshoot. Good to know I have plenty of time though :D Thanks for the information. Looking forward to the kickstarter on this one first!
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I've merged the different Ecorcheurs threads into one, to avoid multiple conversations on the same topic :)
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Interesting. :)
The War of the Breton Succession, with many small skirmishes, ambushes, etc. also happened in the mid-14th century.
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Good to hear you're looking to expand into other 'periods'. I'm sure the rules are eminently suitable to earlier and later periods.
But what I would say is why not concentrate on the period the rules are meant to be aimed at - the Hundred Years War?
That's what you are marketing it on.
Before expanding into the Wars of the Roses why not create a good body of HYW scenario packs?
In fairness, there are skirmish rules and scenarios for the WotR already out there, but I'm not aware of anything specifically aimed at the HYW, so it'd be really fresh to have some gaming material about that.
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Before expanding into the Wars of the Roses why not create a good body of HYW scenario packs?
I would certainly second that. I think it important for a skirmish Late Medieval wargame to have as body of scenarios to back it up. This is something the Too Fat Lardies manage by creating a community both in reality, at the "Lardy Days" held all around the country (world actually!) and a serious online presence including many YouTube videos on how to play, scenarios etc etc.
By ignoring the necessity of creating these communities for rules systems I have seen many go under, be hyper underrepresented, interest wane etc. Basically, i think you have to keep on top of it and that would include scenarios to keep the interest high.
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Good to hear you're looking to expand into other 'periods'. I'm sure the rules are eminently suitable to earlier and later periods.
But what I would say is why not concentrate on the period the rules are meant to be aimed at - the Hundred Years War?
That's what you are marketing it on.
Before expanding into the Wars of the Roses why not create a good body of HYW scenario packs?
In fairness, there are skirmish rules and scenarios for the WotR already out there, but I'm not aware of anything specifically aimed at the HYW, so it'd be really fresh to have some gaming material about that.
Well, I'm doing it in part because I've got a lot of Wars of the Roses figures I want to get on my tabletop again! 😉
You do make a really good point, though, and there is absolutely a huge amount of material to work with in the core period, including the Breton Civil War, the Castilian adventure, the great chévauchée's through south-western France, rebellions in Flanders, conflicts in western Denmark, the Scots border, and peasants'revolts....
However, inevitably, gamers have come to me saying that they like the rules but only have Wars of the Roses, or Vikings, or crusaders, with an implicit suggestion that they'll only be interested if there are scenarios for that period. I think this is damned-if-you-do; damned-if-you-don't situation.
Hopefully, if the rules are popular enough, I will find the time and resource to please most of the players most of the time...
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This is something the Too Fat Lardies manage by creating a community both in reality, at the "Lardy Days" held all around the country (world actually!) and a serious online presence including many YouTube videos on how to play, scenarios etc etc.
By ignoring the necessity of creating these communities for rules systems I have seen many go under, be hyper underrepresented, interest wane etc. Basically, i think you have to keep on top of it and that would include scenarios to keep the interest high.
I love what the Lardy community has done for things like CoC and Sharp Practice, and seems to be doing for Midgard as well.
Whilst I would like to think that my rules could have that kind of following and support, I am not about to assume it!
I'm also bound to say that publishjng rulesets is not my business; it is very much a hobby project that has grown wings and I hope will fly. I'll support it as hard as I can, I simply do not have the resources that TFL are able to put into their games. There's a day job, a pension to build, and bills to pay.
This should not be taken as saying that the rules will be a one-hit-wonder (and I am very aware of the importance people place in having the author of a rule system provide after-sales support) but perhaps to manage expectations.
If I may put it another way; if anyone plays and loves the rules, please get in touch and help me build a community of gamers like the ones that support CoC or Sharp Prcatice. I'd love it!
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If I may put it another way; if anyone plays and loves the rules, please get in touch and help me build a community of gamers like the ones that support CoC or Sharp Prcatice. I'd love it!
I'll do my best mate, and will review on my blog (link below my "banner" but it's painting that is my bag- painting and wargaming but predominantly painting :).
The Late Med. period is very much my thing so I am frothing at the thought of these rules. I'm also thinking of doing some Blood and horse droppings bases etc too. (all my Late Med. stuff has been based for other systems now- it's a back and forth that drives me nuts!) :)
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...gamers have come to me saying that they like the rules but only have Wars of the Roses, or Vikings, or crusaders, with an implicit suggestion that they'll only be interested if there are scenarios for that period.
Ah but that's the danger, and also warning if you can hear it.
Because as your (ironic?) title implied, 'just another set of medieval rules.' There are several WotR skirmish rules out there already.
When Never Mind The Ruckus came out people ejaculated like stallions over it. And now they want you to do the same - 'just' another set of rules - that they can move on to.
And when someone else brings out a set of WotR skirmish rules in 12 months they'll get all excited about that as well leaving yours by the wayside.
But how many bespoke HYW rules are there? If your rules are that good (and I'm absolutely sure they are - I'm super keen to hear more about them) and supported with inspiring HYW material, then people will collect and play more HYW games. If you support that period you will carve a niche for yourself and create a following.
If you give in to the crowd of WotR games then you might find them getting lost amidst all the others.
If I were you, to start with at least, I'd aim your rules at one or the other and give it suitable support. Going off piecemeal could backfire.
Best of luck with it all. You have good support in Gripping Beast.
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If I were you, to start with at least, I'd aim your rules at one or the other and give it suitable support. Going off piecemeal could backfire.
Best of luck with it all. You have good support in Gripping Beast.
Some good points, well made and definitely food for thought.
Thanks for the interest, advice, and support.
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I'll do my best mate, and will review on my blog (link below my "banner")
Much appreciated!
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So very pleased to catch up with everything in this thread and really happy to be doing our bit for this cracking ruleset.
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Much appreciated!
.....and in the end it came down to being able to book a last minute taxi from my home to town for the train. >:(
I'll be at The Other Partizan for certain!
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So very pleased to catch up with everything in this thread and really happy to be doing our bit for this cracking ruleset.
It's great to have you all 9n board! Thanks for your support!
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link=topic=144229.msg1917339#msg1917339 date=1747752000
I'll be at The Other Partizan for certain!
I wondered.
By The Other Partizan you'll hopefully be able to pick up a copy of the rules at the show!
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Any news on publication date?
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I wondered.
By The Other Partizan you'll hopefully be able to pick up a copy of the rules at the show!
Fab 8)
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Any news I reached out to Gripping Beast and they said very soon for Kickstarter??? ok what is very soon I am really looking for this, it promises to be a unique take on the period.
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Re-reading some of the posts in this thread I was struck with the old discussion of "why another set of ---- rules" well I am excited about these as I feel that Rob is doing exactly what the hobby needs and in fact thrives on, a different take on a period that is already well covered. However, all to often we get a set of rules that are so generic that it really does not matter what period of figures we are using.
This is what Rob says on his web page. https://www.ecorcheurs.co.uk/about
"I wanted a set of rules where the troops were not organised into units determined by their weapons or status, but more accurately reflected the make up of actual medieval companies and retinues.
I wanted rules that encouraged players to make tactical decisions, rather than just charging in pell mell. But I also wanted rules that encouraged them to play with a medieval mindset and get into the story of the game."
This sums up why I am excited to see these rules published.
Also one question for Rob, will the rules have the cards as shown on your web page?
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Well pre launch Kickstarter is up they launch 18th.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/grippingbeast/ecorcheurs?ref=profile_saved_projects_prelaunch&category_id=Q2F0ZWdvcnktMzQ=