Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Interwar => Topic started by: scrivs on April 03, 2014, 01:01:19 PM
-
This evening, James and I kick off our first Chain of Command campaign using the At The Sharp End supplement.
I have done an introductory article on Scrivsland which you can find here (http://scrivsland.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/en-el-filo.html)
I will be blogging the events as they unfold - of course with the usual Nationalist bias.
-
No Pasaran!
Looking forward to it.
-
Ahh, well, when i said None Shall Pass, what i actually meant was None Shall Pass Unless Its Strictly Convenient To Allow Them To Do So.
Quite ...
-
Ahh, well, when i said None Shall Pass, what i actually meant was None Shall Pass Unless Its Strictly Convenient To Allow Them To Do So.
Spoiler Alert !
-
You think they're all out there with baited breath?
Stick the photos up ;)
-
..lots of narrative, lost of pics...lets have it!! ;D
Excellent
Happy Wanderer
-
Liked the intorduction article. I shall be following this one especially to see how the rules play out.
-
Well, it's like this ...
[Scrivs' shepherds crook yanks James from center stage before he can wax lyrical ...]
-
Last night the first game was played out as the Moroccans probed the Anarchist lines in the Probe scenario.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UazXcLsoYxc/Uz5L0rnfesI/AAAAAAAAHTk/oL8dGZeOWIk/s1600/DSCF5215.JPG)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywkvgXk2oiI/Uz5L1X_538I/AAAAAAAAHT0/oVi_2ggh5L4/s1600/DSCF5216.JPG)
As can be expected it was a resounding victory for the Moroccans.
Although in his role as Durutti, James was a much more caring commander less contemptuous of their lives. In another surprise he also remembered to use the Tear Gas from his Asaltos!
I've done a full report with loads of pictures on the Scrivsland blog (http://scrivsland.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/en-el-filo-probe.html)
-
Hurrah!!
I can honestly say that this was the best game of CoC/SCW that i've been involved with to date. The Campaign adds such a different dimension to one off games (which i enjoy too of course)
Right, off to read Scrivs' version of events ... :)
-
Durruti lit a cigarette, his last, leaned against the wall to the rear of the house and considered the situation. He blew a plume of smoke in the air almost nonchalantly. The sharp crack of rifle fire emanated from the building to his front as did the chattering retort of a light machine gun somewhere towards the rear of the Regulares' lines. There was the faint taste of tear-gas in the air. Sooner them than us he thought.
Sh*t! This wasn't the type of warfare he was used to. He was a brawler, a street-fighter - at home in Barca and used to running gun battles in the slums with the Falange scum. Not here in the outskirts of Madrid being ordered about by Communists of all people. He spat ...
On his far right, his men gathered behind the cover of a wood but his runners had already delivered messages to the effect that they were under pressure from the hated Moros to their front and were also in danger of being flanked.
To his near right, beyond the entrenchments, the Panzer I loomed large. Pedro, a good man, had been assigned a small group of men but all they had to combat the monster was a few Molotovs. He knew that they would do their very best but that it would be in vain.
More small arms fire from the building shouted for his attention. Durruti grudgingly admitted that the Asaltos had fought well and he knew that there was at least one Moroccan lying bleeding in the dust with a couple more wounded and crawling for cover.
He looked about the expectant faces of his men. They had been unable to prevent the North African invaders from circling around to the cover of the woods on his left despite deploying his solitary LMG.
His entire position was in danger of being enveloped.
He made up his mind. He was going to catch hell from his CO. Well, he didn't vote for him. He smiled at that thought ...
Durruti whistled loudly, stubbed out his cigarette and circled his right arm in the air. It was now or never! He waited for the acknowledgement from both of his groups on the right and then ordered the withdrawal the Milicianos. He wasn't going to waste the lives of his men for anyone and certainly not for some jumped up Stalinist puta.
The Anarchists left their positions taking a pair of wounded Assault Guards with them. Durruti noted that his men also carried the body of an Asalto. He didn't know the man's name but he approved. Nobody gets left behind ...
There will be another day.
-
Bravo!
-
Well, historically what happened is pretty much exactly what did happen time and again on the road to Madrid! ;)
The Nationalists would pin to the front, make their announcements of surrender whilst flanking forces would turn the position and render the defences untenable and hence cause a withdraw
so it seems the same happened to you!
The Probe scenario in this guise kind of captures that aspect of the SCW, however we have found the Probe scenario (for any era) to be one of the hardest for the defender as the attacker can choose his attack points and needs only to exit a unit off table. Weve played it a few times and found this to be the case. Im almost tempted to weight' this scenario with a some additional defender support points so they can set up Teams to defend in entrenchments, etc as an option to delay an attacker and make the game a bit more fluid.
Anyway, the outcome form the campaign perspective made a lot of sense to the men though, not sure the local Politicos would be too impressed with Duruttis decision
but as anarchist, what doe he care about politics!!! :D
-
Thanks for all your encouraging comments!
-
Excellent battle report. :) It sounds like Chain of Command are a good set of rules for this period. I wonder if they will do as well for VBCW.
And Jame's report as Durruti - Pure prose. :DDurruti lit a cigarette, his last, leaned against the wall to the rear of the house and considered the situation.........
There will be another day.
I read it before reading the battle report on the blog. It captured the battle very evocatively. Have you though about taking up writing?
-
Excellent battle report. :) It sounds like Chain of Command are a good set of rules for this period. I wonder if they will do as well for VBCW.
And Jame's report as Durruti - Pure prose. :DI read it before reading the battle report on the blog. It captured the battle very evocatively. Have you though about taking up writing?
Thank you for your comments on the AAR and for your kind words on my scribblings. Funny enough i had but its time or, more to the point, lack of. These figures don't paint themselves you know ... :)
-
Excellent AAR! In fact one of the very best I ever read.
-
Thanks for all the kind comments & support.
Following on from the Anarchist withdrawal in our previous game, (http://scrivsland.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/en-el-filo-probe.html) Teniente Arrojo pressed on to attack the Republican scum in the village of Gran Salchichas.
We would be playing the 'Attack and Defend' scenario from Chain of Command.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Yykh9pQHZo/U1BQNHEjGcI/AAAAAAAAHkM/xjUytmRfFFU/s1600/DSCF5356.JPG)
A brisk and bloody battle centred on the village church soon unfolded.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fY_wADguz_U/U1BQPvVt1eI/AAAAAAAAHk0/O6GaakabshI/s1600/DSCF5361.JPG)
A full reports and loads of images on the Scrivsland blog (http://scrivsland.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/en-el-filo-attack-and-defend.html)
-
"No Pasaran!!" And this time i meant it :D
-
Inspiring stuff gents, so much so, that I rummaged in the mysterious boxes under the desk, and rescued my long abandoned SCW collection, its going to receive a bit of TLC, abd then find its way over to where my gaming mates gather, so we can give these rules a try :D
-
Same here, Nigel. Once I have my early Great War Germans complete it will be back to the SCW to get more figures done for a bit of CoC Espana.
Excellent pics and reportage.
-
Great report, as always.
I am really pleased to say that Chain of Command have been nominated for the Origins Award for Best Historical Miniatures Rules. We're in the final three! :o
Rich
-
Thanks folks
Best of luck Rich these rules deserve it!
-
Al-Makawi relates his tale
"Mis-begotten spawn of pigs and owls," al-Makawi cursed as he struggled to fix his boot.
He recalled the circumstances of his situation, the first bullet had shattered his rifle stock knocking him to the ground. While he struggled on the floor winded by the first hit, a spent bullet had taken the heel off of his boot.
Al-Makawi had regained his feet and urged his riflemen to take up positions when the third bullet grazed his forearm, the anarchist scum seemed to have singled him out for special treatment today.
The brisk engagement was now over, neither side had forced an advantage but neither was willing to give ground. Despite the pain in his arm al-Makawi recalled with some satisfaction the screams of the Asaltos in the church after the crump of the well aimed grenades going off.
Smoking one of his captured French cigarettes Teniente Arrojo strolled over. The young man had a stern cast and the men were alreay starting to call him 'El Scrivs' after the hero of the Reconquista."Sergento Primero, I have arranged a burial party for our dead, please organise a detail to help the wounded to the rear," said Arrojo, "and while you are there get that arm seen to."Cursing inwadly al-Makawi shouldered his the carbine he had taken from one of the dead and started to arrange the detail of wounded to the rear.
If the Tienente decided to attack soon he woukd miss the next engagement against the anarchist scum and their Asalto pig allies.
-
Pig Allies! Wow, where did you get the list for them?
lol
Rich
-
Super stuff. Rich are you still planning to put a CoC Espana campaign article in the summer special?
-
I'd certainly like to. I'm hoping Senor Scrivs will be kind enough to send me some snaps when we get to that stage.
Cheers
Rich
-
...and for the info of interested CoC:Espana players, Arlequin and I have been refining the CoC:Espana lists and a compiled version 2 will be put up on the Lardy site or a suitable place.
These tweak a few PFR ratings and redefine the current Diehard rule into a more appropriate rule for the few occasions this trait is needed in the SCW. Organisationally, there is no change so player's planned forces are not effected in any way.
Happy W
-
Yet another brilliant AAR, thank you gentlemen for the pics and writing.
I will now have to purchase the CoC rules next month :)
-
I'd certainly like to. I'm hoping Senor Scrivs will be kind enough to send me some snaps when we get to that stage.
Cheers
Rich
Knowing Scrivs, I think you're pushing on an open door with that one Rich! lol
The best of luck with the Award. I'm really enjoying gaming CoC using the SCW variant especially.
James W
-
Thanks chaps!
, I'm hoping Senor Scrivs will be kind enough to send me some snaps when we get to that stage
Happy to
-
Another outstanding AAR.
Love your write up.
Thanks for sharing.
-
As the previous mission was a draw we rolled off and the Republicans seized the initiative.
Cowards that they are, rather than attack the Nationalists they instead built barricades.
On Thursday, the Moroccans will be unleashed again at the village of Gran Salchichas.
More back-story here: http://scrivsland.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/en-el-filo-next-step.html
-
[flicks fingers under chin]
A good Commander knows when to attack and when to sit on his backside ... smokin' ... a ... fag.
Leading Green troops into the open on a Probe mission is suicide even with the extra Support options.
So, you will have to taunt me a 2nd time notwithstanding that my father smelt of elderberries ... [look it up non-Python fans]
You're going to have to dig me out of this 'ere village at the point of a bayonet* rather than rely on the Panzer 1 crutch to do all the work knowing i can't scratch it ;)
How's that for a riposte!?
Salud!
Jamez
* which, i might remind you, your Moros ran away from last time [counter-attack led by Durutti personally]
-
So the gauntlets have been thrown by the both sides! :D
Eagerly awaiting for the next battle and AAR you chaps will entertain us with!
-
NEWSFLASH!!
One solitary Section of brave Asaltos holds off entire Tabor of Regulares in action after action notwithstanding Fascist tank support.
THAT IS ALL
:D
-
Gotta love those Asaltos. Your public need more information!!!
Rich
-
As that Panzer 1 had been "Molotoved" and abandoned by the Nationalists in our last game ,and the Village defences held/strengthened, i think that there is a very good argument that it is now lost as a Support Option.
What say you fellas?
Should Scrivs be allowed to attempt to take the Village with yet more Tank support? Oh i dare say that the Bilbao will make an appearance but even so.
-
....the loss of foreign armour by a Nationalist force would have to be frowned upon by a platoon commander's superiors...I doubt they would give him another one to lose lest Herr Hitler gets word of it...
....no more Pz1 I say...Viva Espana!! :D
.....I hope we see a propaganda picture with the milicianos standing all over and around the fascist beast! :P ..sorry Scrivs ;)
Happy Wanderer
-
....the loss of foreign armour by a Nationalist force would have to be frowned upon by a platoon commander's superiors...I doubt they would give him another one to lose lest Herr Hitler gets word of it...
....no more Pz1 I say...Viva Espana!! :D
.....I hope we see a propaganda picture with the milicianos standing all all over and around the fascist beast! :P
Happy Wanderer
x2 what he said!
Unless of course, he has more Pz1s to wield on the field of battle ;) Maybe the Nationalist leadership is strongly against it, but their German allies want to redeem the loss of their honour in the previous encounter and thus they send yet another steel "behemoth" to the battle.
I hope the wreck of the burned tank will feature as a object in the next game... or at least, feature as a... errmm.... feature :)
-
I hope the wreck of the burned tank will feature as a object in the next game... or at least, feature as a... errmm.... feature
..I like it...objective...re capture the Pz 1 before the world press takes a snap and La Pasionaria blurts it out over Radio Sevilla confirming the weakness of Krupp steel against the men of the Iron Column!
:D
-
Typical bloody Spanish Civil War, people only believe the Republican news bulletins!
-
Typical bloody Spanish Civil War, people only believe the Republican news bulletins!
There are lies, damned lies, statistics and AAR's ;)
Ohh, i like the idea of a scrap over the Panzer 1 ...
-
We can use it as one of your jump-off points - however you cannot use a Chain of Command dice to move it.
-
We can use it as one of your jump-off points - however you cannot use a Chain of Command dice to move it.
I feel a trap coming on, you devious Nationalist you ...
I think it should be a "special" jump off point placed in an area of my choosing as my troops control the village (i will forgo one of the usual Jump Off points after the Patrol Phase). Agree that it cannot be moved.
That or replicate the layout of our last game, including the location of the PzR1, and treat the tank as an objective.
Your move Scrivs.
J
-
I am thinking a new layout, as I will have a new house built for this one.
Or put the existing buildings as they were but skew the table as if we are attacking from a different direction. Can then use new building and cover in an area that was not previously shown.
Do similar to the "Delaying Action" missions patrol phase. You get three patrol markers, I get four. You place your two Jump-off based on the position of those at the end of the patrol phase, I place my three, you then place one jump-off of your choosing in the designated area. That one cannot be moved.
-
You two soon need to provide us with a live video stream of the action! lol
-
Never, in the field of human conflict, has so much effort been made to get an advantage over inferior troop types ... :D
Play the Attack/Defence scenario as normal with new terrain/buildings (plus my extra defences etc). I will place the Panzer as one of my usual Jump Off points (JOP).
Now, what will you give me by way of a sweetener Support etc for being unable to move the JOP in the normal way ...?
My charge out rate for negotiation is usually £200ph ;)
-
Sounds like a real grudge match in the making.
We demand an AAR ASP :D
-
Sounds like a real grudge match in the making.
We demand an AAR ASP :D
No no no, not a grudge match.
Just a fierce idealogical difference on the wargaming tabletop.
I can't wait to get hold of La Legion and repay the compliment to Paul on the away leg. He isn't the only one with access to armour ... ;)
-
Are you sure you don't want to borrow my Falange for the return leg?
-
Are you sure you don't want to borrow my Falange for the return leg?
Could be interesting if you can cover the options/supports
And stop ducking the Brucie Bonus Support choice(s) Q for pinning my PzR1/JOP ...
-
....
I can't wait to get hold of La Legion and repay the compliment to Paul on the away leg. He isn't the only one with access to armour ... ;)
@Scrivs [makes "chicken" noises]
-
Now, what will you give me by way of a sweetener Support etc for being unable to move the JOP in the normal way ...?
I will ask Victoria to cook you a nice tea on Thursday. Else I will be doing oven chips again.
-
I will ask Victoria to cook you a nice tea on Thursday. Else I will be doing oven chips again.
Pressure with food eh. Despicable Nationalist trick - i like it!!
However, i shall not be moved*, unlike that PzR/JOP (on a Chain of Command dice) :P
* even with the threat of Oven Chips and removal of The Lady of the Manor's desserts
-
Happy International Workers' Day comrades ...
A pleasant coincidence that Scrivs and i are continuing our SCW Campaign this evening
-
I am wearing my Major Atlee Company T-shirt at work today :)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WQil36nzBcQ/U2I8Umt8SLI/AAAAAAAAH-Q/IV86zePdQ2Y/s1600/photo.JPG)
-
I am wearing a red silk tie. ;)
-
Crikey, I need a shave :)
-
Yesterday evening James and I fought out the most recent game of our Spanish Civil War campaign using the 'At the Sharp End' supplement for Chain of Command.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fgygkj_vWkY/U2K-xHdKnpI/AAAAAAAAH_U/nk4CDpNNg7s/s1600/DSCF5514.JPG)
Having fought the Nationalists to a stalemate in the last engagement, Durutti and his Anarchists prepare to defend the village of Gran Salchichas from a renewed attack by Teniente Arrojo and his Moroccan Regulares.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swjUKcwMbzU/U2K-wujg4-I/AAAAAAAAH_Q/F0g3KoWPa38/s1600/DSCF5513.JPG)
A full write up with loads more photos on the Scrivsland blog (http://scrivsland.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/en-el-filo-renewed-attack-on-gran.html)
-
I seriously need you guys to move a few miles down the road, into the wilds of Norfolk. Would love to get involved in games like these.
-
I seriously need you guys to move a few miles down the road, into the wilds of Norfolk. Would love to get involved in games like these.
Or, you should come up when we host a SCW/CoC gaming day one wkd. :)
-
Another top game in our Chain of Command/CoC campaign if I say so myself.
However, there is a horrible inevitability about where this is going. As the Commander of the Milicianos, you really start to feel events closing in. The lack of support from HQ is starting to take its toll and options are limited. What I would do for a tank or air cover! Mind you, could you imagine what support the Nationalists would have for me to get that?
Green troops are so unforgiving. Taking them in 20s at least gives them some tactical weight; the Moros have to respect their ability in hand to hand fighting. Paul is too canny an opponent though to get too close without overwhelming firepower present. I made a huge mistake putting a team of 5 men in the hard cover on my right. The loss of those 5 cost me dearly in the post-game round up, affecting the mens morale.
So we retreat. I couldn't hold the line without my troops being decimated by the firepower the Nationalists have in LMG sections.
Game 4 will be a Delaying Action scenario ...
-
...sounds to me like you need some way to negate the Regulares firepower and lay down some of your own.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7sO27D9sTSo/U1W5XPl5lzI/AAAAAAAAEMY/yWeCmdkw7bY/w2468-h1844-no/IMG_2251.JPG)
...knock one up and surprise him...you might even take out the Pz 1 for good. :D
...no doubt he'll be looking to take Tank Hunters the next time you meet! :(
-
Thanks for yet another great AAR gentleman.
So it boils down to republicans lacking good support or good dicing and/or good tactics by the nationalist side?
I will have to get the CoC rules and the AtSE supplement next week, too bad I missed out on the special offers :/
-
If only ...
I have the models available. The trouble is, in the campaign setting, my Support is 50% of Scrivs' (rounded down) -1 for lack of confidence from my CO (the Stalanist pig!)
Paul would have to roll a 10 for support for me to get access to a level 4, BA-3/6 or T26B.
With hindsight, I would have taken an Army officer adviser from the beginning rather than the Flag*. Only having 4 x Command dice is a killer against superior quality troops, and especially those that can move 2D6 and still go Tactical.
Also, It's not uncommon for the Moros to have two or even three consecutive phases with their 6 Command dice [rolling double 6].
In short, the People's Militia really have their hands full with the Regulares. As should be the case ... :)
*and used the Renault FT (MG) Tank more often
-
So history repeats itself, you put up a good fight but
So you would need to have good luck with the support rolls to get something better then?
How long will the HQ let your commander be in charge before they sent a new rep lament? :)
-
Thanks for yet another great AAR gentleman.
So it boils down to republicans lacking good support or good dicing and/or good tactics by the nationalist side?
Oh, I wouldn't say that. In a one off game, the Milicianos get 15 points of Support before you even start on the scenario. You could really fill your boots! But, you have difficult decisions what to activate, with limited dice. In the Campaign, I opted to boost my troops with Hardened Militia and Asaltos from the off, rather than on vehicles etc.
I can honestly say that CoC is the best SCW/WW2 game I have played. And it is even better in a Campaign environment IMO where you really have to husband your resources.
Best, James
-
The campaign part interests a great deal, so it's good to hear it works like a treat. I also like the idea of scouting with placing of the jump-off points etc.
-
...well, you have given the Moros a few runs for their money...looking back the games are actually quite close...that's how they seem anyway.
It also sounds like you are up against a Regulares leader who plays to his men's strengths and doesn't squander his resources with fruitless attacks....a wiley Africanista indeed.
It also seems you guys are getting very good historical results, even if the Milicianos have been on the receiving end of it all.....reading the AARs has a really nice historical feel and flow to it and to my mind, with that, you are both having a good deal of success.
6 dice vs 4 is indeed a tough ask and the biggest point of consideration for any militia commander...do not overburden the command and control dn try and get as much of it as you can...the Army officer Advisor is a good choice along with the El Hombre.
..hang in there, the republic is counting on you!.... :D
if things are going backwards constantly you might consider a campaign 're jig' by allowing the militia forces to call in another force to (help) stop the advancing Regulares with a more determined foe e.g. Steel Companies of the 5th regiment?
....I'm sure the republican paper can spin that some how ;)
Happy W
PS you guys really are showing CoC:Espana using At The Sharp end at its best...cracking stuff and just shows what a fruitful environment the SCW is for varied actions.....nothing beats it!
-
So history repeats itself, you put up a good fight but
EXACTLY - NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT IF YOU CAN STOMACH THAT KIND OF GAME. ITMIGHT BE WORTH CONSIDERING A LIMITED PHASE/GAME TURN THOUGH, TO FORCE THE NATIONALISTS HAND
So you would need to have good luck with the support rolls to get something better then?
AS I MENTIONED, YOU PAYS YOUR MONEY YOU TAKES YOUR CHOICE. I COULD HAVE TAKEN LESS MOTIVATED MILICIANOS AND NO ASALTOS AND HAD A T26 AND LARGE TIZNAO FROM THE BEGINNING.
How long will the HQ let your commander be in charge before they sent a new rep lament? :) TO THE END [GRIN]
See ABOVE. J
-
...well, you have given the Moros a few runs for their money...looking back the games are actually quite close...that's how they seem anyway.
It also sounds like you are up against a Regulares leader who plays to his men's strengths and doesn't squander his resources with fruitless attacks....a wiley Africanista indeed.
It also seems you guys are getting very good historical results, even if the Milicianos have been on the receiving end of it all.....reading the AARs has a really nice historical feel and flow to it and to my mind, with that, you are both having a good deal of success.
6 dice vs 4 is indeed a tough ask and the biggest point of consideration for any militia commander...do not overburden the command and control dn try and get as much of it as you can...the Army officer Advisor is a good choice along with the El Hombre.
..hang in there, the republic is counting on you!.... :D
if things are going backwards constantly you might consider a campaign 're jig' by allowing the militia forces to call in another force to (help) stop the advancing Regulares with a more determined foe e.g. Steel Companies of the 5th regiment?
....I'm sure the republican paper can spin that some how ;)
Happy W
PS you guys really are showing CoC:Espana using At The Sharp end at its best...cracking stuff and just shows what a fruitful environment the SCW is for varied actions.....nothing beats it!
I agree whole heartedly with this post by Rolf.
Paul and I are having absolutely cracking games which we're both enjoying. And they are closer than some of you may think.
He has been VERY lucky with the majority of his Force Morale rolls, to such an extent that I have taken to using Scrivs' dice! lol
We do have a couple of surprises in store for you, dear readers, but I dont want to give the game away ;)
-
Paul and I are having absolutely cracking games which we're both enjoying. And they are closer than some of you may think.
...and we are all enjoying the ride...that s for sure! :)
He has been VERY lucky with the majority of his Force Morale rolls, to such an extent that I have taken to using Scrivs' dice!
..yes!..if you look back it seems almost impossible the 'luck' the Regulares have had some times...so close to falling away but somehow they manage to just pull it from the fire....beggers belief....so there is no truth to the rumour that they will be ebay auctioned when his sipping his coffee in Plaza Mayor!
We do have a couple of surprises in store for you, dear readers, but I dont want to give the game away
...please don't, we all love a surprise....
...and I've got a few of my own ;)...Scrivs may have even told you!
-
He has indeed. I have my own thoughts on a couple of those too :)
-
At the risk of sounding a little bit pervy, I shall be getting my copy of CofC out over this long weekend, and having a play about with myself :o
Once I'm happy I have the general idea of how they work in my head, I shall head up the road, and inflict them on my gaming pals at New Buckenham Historical Gamers. :D
-
Yes, I agree with my esteemed colleague, this has been cracking stuff so far and I'm looking forwards to more. :)
At the risk of sounding a little bit pervy, I shall be getting my copy of CofC out over this long weekend, and having a play about with myself :o
Once I'm happy I have the general idea of how they work in my head, I shall head up the road, and inflict them on my gaming pals at New Buckenham Historical Gamers. :D
No question of risk, it does seem to be the case that once you've played with it yourself, invariably you want to let others have a go with it too. ;)
Seriously though I do wonder what those government e-mail snoopers make of the correspondence Rolf and I have had with others on the topic. I imagine someone sat there wondering what unnatural sexual acts 'Regulares' and 'Quintos' refer to.
lol
-
Seriously though I do wonder what those government e-mail snoopers make of the correspondence Rolf and I have had with others on the topic
..there's got to be one Lardies gamer in the 'snooper room' manning the computers...so surely he's set them straight!! ;D
R
-
Cheers chaps, I know you have all waited patiently :)
Yesterday evening James and I played out the fourth game in our ongoing Spanish Civil War campaign.
This time the Anarchist Militia were fighting a delaying action against the onslaught of the Moroccans and decided to try to hold their line at the taberna.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wlux2JEowxo/U3WmIviDIOI/AAAAAAAAIHU/gmJRbLVwsb4/s1600/DSCF5595.JPG)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-IKkwlovuc/U3WmKFkRwtI/AAAAAAAAIHo/MMhMEDRRsx0/s1600/DSCF5601.JPG)
A full report and many more images on the Scrivsland blog (http://scrivsland.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/en-el-filo-delaying-action.html)
-
Durutti would never have voluntarily left the field of battle. He was carried away bleeding and unconscious.
The 10 surviving Anarchists melted away into the woods, no doubt to be hunted down by the Moros dogs.
And if I hadn't seen it for myself, Scrivs' 4 x Morale checks resulted in sweet fancy adams; he lost 3 points out of a possible 12. Needless to say ...
I'll put up a proper narrative report soon.
-
Excellent stuff
So enjoy reading these reports :)
-
What a battle! :o
Great AAR, thanks gentlemen.
-
I'm actually quite pleased about that result.
Yes, the Republicans lost and, let's be fair, they were decimated at the end, but they broke the Regulares as a combat effective unit killing the Moro Leaders in the process.
And there is of course still one game to go in the Campaign ...
@Rolf - its very difficult for Green troops to risk getting into a fire fight with Regular troops, even if in hard cover. Remember the Militia only had one LMG available to them. Also, Nationalist Regular troops, and their 6 Dice, inevitably meant multiple phases for them [Double 6 for the uninitiated]
And one final point, if you read the AARs, how many times did the Moros "run away" from a combat. It was like gaming against the Feigned Flight Normans at Hastings [again, 6 D, those CoC Dice come thick and fast] :D
Let's see how Paul does when he doesn't have his "move twice and go Tactical" crutch. Although i note that he's had a hand in knobbling La Legion just in time for my turn. Moros, the best troops in the game? ;)
-
Quit whining or I'll insist you play with the Falange!
-
Scrivs wouldn't recognise a fair fight if it kicked him in the nuts when he wasn't looking, which, incidently ... ;)
-
Yesterday evening James and I played out our final game in the ĦEn el filo! SCW Campaign that we have been playing over the past few months. Would the Republicans stand?
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ppA8VMQ9gvM/U5rervzMWNI/AAAAAAAAIhs/GOot3ewW2ug/s1600/DSCF5946.JPG)
More commentary, images and a wrap-up on the Scrivsland blog (http://scrivsland.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/en-el-filo-el-puente-de-queso.html)
-
What can I say? A truly awful last stand showing by the Republicans.
I rushed there from work and my mind was elsewhere
The patrol phase, normally, such a strength for me, was inept in execution and Paul's Jump off point on his left flank was key to him bull-rushing my position. My JOPs were all over the shop, too far forward and isolated from each other bearing in mind I only had to defend the ford.
The addition of two six man units of Communists that didn't have a junior leader and couldn't be incorporated into other squads(?) was inspired (sic)
In truth, the game didn't start badly for the Republicans at all. After Scrivs rushed his Regulares around my right flank threatening the JOP I deployed a section and the T26. I had double 6 too. They let rip into the Moros killing 3 of them and piled on the Shock. It was whem I picked up the dice getting ready for a repeat performance that Paul remembered his barrage. Naturally, neither unit materialised and the dead were replaced ....
From that point it only got worse ... :)
I really enjoyed the campaign and Paul was a worthy winner. He is a very wily opponent but also has the luck of the devil!!
I have to admit that I had concerns about the balancing between some of the forces and think that 6 command dice should be the exception rather than the rule, even for regular troops. The Moros are way too good as they stand so I will be interested to see what the new lists have done.
Even so, these rules and Jim/Rolf's supplements are fantastic fun
-
Lots of self-criticism there, your commissar will be satisfied with your explanation I'm sure. Just a temporary set back for the Republic almost certainly. ;)
There have been some changes to the lists as indeed some forces were somewhat over-powered in the original set. There were some quite wide real variations in quality and ability and it is too easy to add a dice here and there, which while seeming to be the ideal solution at the time, have often exaggerates things too much.
Comments and feedback from yourselves and other users have been taken on board, considered and implemented, or not as the case may be. Rolf and I have both served a couple of months in a TFL penal unit revising them as a result and I believe they are now with Commandante Ricardo for final approval*.
:)
*Rich's belief in 'playing the period' can go too far sometimes. ;)
-
"I have to admit that I had concerns about the balancing between some of the forces and think that 6 command dice should be the exception rather than the rule, even for regular troops. The Moros are way too good as they stand so I will be interested to see what the new lists have done."
This campaign has been simply fantastic to follow. However it did bring together some of the extremes of this period....the very best Nationalist troops vs the worst Republicans....we play the period and troops are represented accordingly....your games have reflected that spirit...bravo!
All games 'systems' try to balance out these effects and I recall that on a few occasions 'Scriv's luck' (is this a new term?) was pretty damn good. It saved his bacon more than once.
Actually in the review of the lists and your game results Jim and I think the balance was pretty good but ever so slightly maybe slanted toward quality and command dice.
It must be said that command dice are king in CoC and the upping of units to use 6 dice is quite limited in the lists. Of the 20 or so lists that can be used to present the historical forces only the Foreign Legion, Moroccans and some Asaltos can be command dice 6...that's all!
Wait until the Steel Company comes up against some Falangists miltia...things will be just as much fun and quite a different proposition for both sides....one of the great attractions of the SCW.....so much choice.
I also think that the dice are slightly 'under costed' in the current lists and the version 2 lists tweaks the lists that have 6 dice and those lumbered with only 4....this will help balance.
However a quite subtle but important update is the greater use of Superior Junior Leaders (take note!)....they activate on 3 or 4 and go some way to softening the effect of just having 4 command dice. Coupled with the use of El Hombre and flags they are a powerful force multiplier for the poorly led militias...add in the extra points and the militias should have a bit more sting.
...very much looking forward to the next campaign you guys run and remember off course there is so much more happening in1936 instead of just the Army of Africa vs rabble militia......however motivated.
...so mix it up and get those Falangists in the mix and I think things will be much closer in how the armies perform. That said, I think the version 2 lists will still give the militias a good shot at taking on the army of Africa...and don't forget in 1937 you can use those same AoA troops as Nationalist forces at a reduced fighting ability...toned down Regulares and Legion vs now much tougher Republicans.....that's just 6 months after the war starts and things really hot up.
....looking forward to your next campaign. ;D
Cheers
Happy Wanderer
-
Thanks fellas - all noted and understood.
However, I can't believe that you toned down my Legion just when I was looking forward to kicking Scrivs' arse and giving him a taste of his own medicine lol
-
Thanks Jim & Rolf for all the work you put in on the supplements they give some great games and were a great foundation for our campaign. It's nice to see them evolving and we will be using V2.0 in our upcoming games.
We plan to start another campaign in September when I return from my round the world adventure.
However, I can't believe that you toned down my Legion just when I was looking forward to kicking Scrivs' arse and giving him a taste of his own medicine lol
Oh shame, not content with whining on the forum, I met James for brunch today and he even had his partner duff me up in the guise of demonstrating restraint tactics :)
-
What a wimp!
A simple thumb lock from someone half his size and he bleats like its going out of fashion ;)
-
Back OT ...
Rolf/Jim - I'm genuinely interested as to why Regulares are rated so highly? I understand their
move twice and go Tactical and being Aggressive. But Command dice x 6, even in the early part of the war. Were they that good as part of the AoA?
-
The rating of troops for the SCW enables the full spectrum of levers' to be used for Chain of Command
.collectively the Regulares use several of these levers to best reflect their abilities as portrayed in CoC Espana.
When looking at the Regulares their list shows them to have special traits unique to them. They have the Sargento fire rule, typical of properly trained, organised and (in this case) experienced troops. They were well officered and had long serving soldiers in the unit. The Caid reflects a distinctive Moroccan attribute similar to the use of the Republican commissars. The third attribute reflects the much noted and talked about ability of the Moroccans to move and use ground, almost to the disbelief of the enemy they confronted.
All these traits properly represent the characteristics of the Regulares.
When deciding on the troop rating the record of experience and actual combat anecdotes virtually qualifies the regulares as elite troops. They were completely committed to the fight and died in droves trying to achieve their tactical outcomes
.virtually destroying their pre war cadres by 1937. It was this over zealous commitment and the losses they took that tipped the balance away from them being rated elite and treated as regular instead.
However the decision to assign them 6 command dice instead of 5 really comes down to a combination of all these factors. To make them Elite, command dice 6 would IMO overstate their abilities, particularly when combined with the ability to move tactically at 1d6 or 2d6
this is a powerful attribute. When combined with a rating of Regular this gives the best feel for the Regulares vulnerability to fire and the losses they took.
The 6 command dice when coupled to the Regular rating is much more subtle. Command dice represent a whole gamut of factors that come to bear on how a force is portrayed. The increased number of CoC dice produce the potential to allow the Regulares to move faster (by back to back phases) and keep moving (because of the higher likelihood of getting dice that are usable) in a phase. The notated tank hunter ability also buys into the ability to build up CoC dice and deploy from ambush and reflect this ability they developed with some skill.
Coupled to this is the enhanced interrupt capacity they have from the use of a CoC dice further tapping into their movement potential
all this presumes they are able to move rapidly and develop tactical awareness, sensing opportunities through the use of the CoC dice. They in effect can get inside the decision cycle of the slower moving militias they opposed
.6 dice better allows this to occur than 5.
When taken as a whole the speed of movement is the primary enhancement that 6 dice gives to the Regulares when applied to the full potential of the extra dice and that was a major factor in their favour to get 6 dice over 5 in this author's opinion. Just allowing them a 2D6 tactical move bonus would not truly reflect their superiority in close in fighting, most notably in open terrain....built up areas tended to work against this skill set...I would be tempted to downgrade them to Command Dice 5 if playing a scenario set in lots of built up terrain.
For all that, they pay the price in a high PFR and nullifying their enhanced abilities is really up to their opponent who is presented with a very dangerous enemy. That all these factors give an opposing player a slight sense of dredd when confronting them is exactly how they should be perceived just as they were historically.
To answer your question
"Were they that good as part of the AoA?"
IMHO, yes.
Happy Wanderer.
:)
-
Thank you Rolf for that very thorough explanation as to your thoughts behind this. Much appreciated.
With movement being key in all all gaming and the increased liklihood that the Moros will retain the initiative and/or interrupt their opponents turn (as evidenced in our campaign time and time again) there is indeed a sense of dredd in facing the Regulares. As that was your intention then you and Jim have captured their spirit perfectly IMO having faced the buggers repeatedly over the last few weeks. :)
It seemed to me at the time that the Moroccans were even better than La Legion, which I used when starting out on SCW/CoC, and I thought strange despite the formers renowned field craft.
I bow to your greater experience and I look forward to our 2nd campaign using version 2 of your lists. I had intended on using Legion. Now I think i'll stick with Republicans and see if Paul wants to use his exquisitely painted Falange.
Salud!
Jamez
-
I'm with Rolf obviously... the Regulares were drawn from the Berbers, a people that had been constantly at war (largely with each other) since Noah was making boats. Without laying it on too thick, their most prized possession was the rifle they usually received upon manhood (13) and by 14 had often killed the man who had shot their father/brother/uncle/most prized goat, or themselves died in the process. They were skilled guerilla fighters and the Spanish added to this by giving them conventional training (or in later SCW drafts, just a uniform). All things being equal they were probably better all-round soldiers than the Legion in the sphere of SCW combatants.
That aside they were feared by the Republicans and had the same mystique attached to them as the Ghurkhas in the British Army, along with the 'special blade' to go with that. While I really doubt they were actually capable of most of what they were believed to be, this 'fear factor' in itself can have a negative effect on those facing them, in effect warranting the extra dice in itself, regardless of their actual tactical mobility and command structure. The thought of waking up dead with your genitals stuffed in your mouth was a real demotivator for the average miliciano.
Some people have tried to hang the 'Jihadist' angle on them and while indeed the Nationalists claimed that the 'Rojos' would suppress Islam to prompt the support of the Sultan, the Berbers the Regulares were drawn from were not that motivated by religion and practised it in a somewhat different way to other Moslems in any case. They were motivated by status within the family, clan and tribe, which was based on relative wealth, who you married (also reliant on status and wealth) and so forth... the Spanish paid in gold for results and it was the usual risk/reward 'get rich quick' consideration for them, bearing in mind there was no other possible route to obtain this same degree of wealth in Morocco.
What they lacked was the idea of self-sacrifice in the same way as the pre-war Legion had it drummed into them... while they were highly motivated by the bounties offered, had the skills to earn them and took considerable risks in the process of getting them, being alive to take it home was still on their list of priorities too. They cared little for 'Spain' and 'the cause', which to me is the one thing which stops them being 'Elite', along with the points previously mentioned.
-
The Regulares did fare badly once the fighting left the countryside, and went into built up areas. They lost a lot of troops in the initial fighting around Madrid University. Their cover benefit should be removed when fighting in BUA, and I would Suggest removing command dice as well, as they were notorious for their looting prowess ,and were dificult to keep control of when there were goodies to be pinched.
They certainly instilled a climate of fear in the local populace, and often just a mention that they were on their way, would be enough incentive to clear a village.
-
That's a fair point and one I think we discussed, but have apparently forgotten about... The Moros did indeed struggle in urban areas as hugging the concrete did not come naturally to them. Likewise the Moros do seem to have been given free rein in captured 'red' areas, with little being done to stop them, all part of the incentive to spearhead attacks I suppose.
-
Their reduced effectiveness, as mentioned above, was noted when putting the lists together. The trick was to make a rule that reduced their command dice when in or not in urban terrain....how do you define urban terrain?
Without creating additional complication, and not knowing how widespread this effect was, essentially meant this was best left out to be a scenario specific rule rather than a hard and fast 'trait'.
Whilst the lists are comprehensive they can't cover every attribute or characteristic and some player knowledge and agreement on specific topics like this is best handled within individual groups.
Cheers
Happy Wanderer
-
The thing about fighting in built up areas is that all troops become less effective when doing so, even the Assault Guards, to whom it was their usual operational environment. How you would measure and compare that, as Rolf says, is difficult to employ.
While the Moors apparently struggled in the multi-story University City, they do not seem to have experienced the same problems in more usual and traditional 'low-rise' urban environments elsewhere, like Brunete.
-
Q gentlemen on the new Superior Junior Leader rule ... can he be used to activate, say, Forward Observer Teams and Squads armed with Molotovs (as a Senior Leader may)?
I note that under the Army Officer Advisor you can upgrade the Jefe de Centuria to a Senior Leader. If so, does he still activate on a 3 or 4 or just a 4 now?
Thanks, J
-
"gentlemen on the new Superior Junior Leader rule ... can he be used to activate, say, Forward Observer Teams and Squads armed with Molotovs (as a Senior Leader may)?"
A Superior JUNIOR Leader...is just a better junior leader. Therefore any rule that applies to Junior leaders applies to superior junior leaders as well except they activate on a 3 or 4.
"I note that under the Army Officer Advisor you can upgrade the Jefe de Centuria to a Senior Leader. If so, does he still activate on a 3 or 4 or just a 4 now?"
An upgraded leader to a Senior Leader becomes a Senior Leader in all respects...he no longer is a superior junior leader i.e. he activates on a 4 and does all the things a senior leader can do.
Cheers
Happy Wanderer
Thanks, J
-
Ok, you can't spot for a FOT with a Superior Junior Leader [he is the Jefe de C after all albeit with only two activation dice ..?] and there's no point in taking Molotovs unless you upgrade the Jefe to Senior Leader ...
I thought that the latter may have been an oversight although I understand the point about non-spotting for the FOT [training issue]. Cheers, J
-
Sure it does exclude some commanders from certain actions and activities, but then again all commanders were not equal. There's a world of difference between "I wish I'd have thought to get the guys to make up some Molotovs" and "Okay companeros, light them up!" Having an extra intermediate level of leader helps reflect that.
;)
-
Sure it does exclude some commanders from certain actions and activities, but then again all commanders were not equal. There's a world of difference between "I wish I'd have thought to get the guys to make up some Molotovs" and "Okay companeros, light them up!" Having an extra intermediate level of leader helps reflect that.
;)
Roger that. Thanks :)
-
"Sure it does exclude some commanders from certain actions and activities, but then again all commanders were not equal."
You'll also note that in every platoon with a 'base grade leader' as an SJL their is the option to increase their SJL to a Senior Leader. So anything that requires a senior leader in the lists is attainable but you need to get a high ranking officer/NCO as that SL.
As Arlequin says, it does show a subtle but effective difference between leaders in the game, however there are only a few actions a SL can do that a JL can't do so for the most part this isn't an issue. For example, one upside is that the loss of a SJL is only taken as a loss of a JL not a SL...so there are pluses and minuses to having an SJL.
If players don't like this interpretation there is no reason why they can't consider a nominated SJL as a SL (not the author's choice) but then if you do that you are sort of having it both ways...getting the benefits of a SL, activating more effectively, but not having the downside if he is lost...so he is almost becoming better than a SL with a slightly reduced command initiative...which is not really the idea.
Happy W