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Miniatures Adventure => Age of the Big Battalions => Topic started by: H.M.Stanley on January 07, 2015, 12:58:10 PM
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I've been looking forward to this for some time.
Paul has a pair of 6mm armies and I have both in 15mm.
The campaign commences 22nd Jan. We'll be alternating venues and use of our figures. We're going to try to get two games in a month.
Now, the elephant in the corner. We're both dyed in the wool Union supporters.
So, in time honoured tradition we rolled for it. Odds Scrivs' choice, Evens mine ...
First blood to Paul, the Damn Yankee no good, yellow livered, blue bellied, freedom hating etc etc
And me with my lovely new Union General's kepi too :'(
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Oh dear, we've only thrown one dice and he's moaning about how unfair it all is already :)
Looking forwards to it really........
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You're a comic.
Bagsy being Eric. You can be the little one with short fat hairy legs ... ;)
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Ah, but, it's great being the Confederates, up until about 1863, whereupon it all turns to poo scented molasses - good news, Mike and I are still playing the campaign, having got to December 1863!
Bad news, I have lost every game bar two, have no artillery left and only three cavalry bases, plus I am fighting within my home state of Alabama now, against a Union force with three batteries of cannon and far too many Blubellies to count, like ticks on a dawg! And now it's two games in 1864, I'm seven Epic Points behind and down to only the basic Interrupt cards bar 'Local Assistance'.
The South shall rise again? Will it heckers like! lol
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lol
Have no fear, I shall go down swinging!! :D
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I will have beer, popcorn and a comfy chair ready.... lol
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I have downloaded the Battle Hymn of the Republic and Dixie Land for those appropriate moments in the games ... :D
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Hummm, her... pics of the battles and minis ? ::)
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First game on the 22nd but I'm sure we can flash our figures at you in advance ;)
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Do please.
I´m in a mood to paint some in 20mm and to finish some in 28mm (yes both scales). o_o
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I'm only just finishing my Bushwacker project :D
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And a very nice project it is. :)
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Well, if I'm taking the part of the Confederacy, i may as well use of the best known Brigades.
I'll be adopting Barksdale's Brigade from McLaw's Division of the Army of Northern Virginia.
13th, 17th, 18th (and 21st) Mississippi when Eager Recruits. Support from Manley's Artillery and Hampton's 1st North Carolina Cavalry.
Figure flash at the weekend ... :D
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'Longstreet Campaign'...is this a campaign in the Sam Mustapha Longstreet Rules?
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'Longstreet Campaign'...is this a campaign in the Sam Mustapha Longstreet Rules?
It is Sir
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Thank you HM
Is it a robust/simple campaign system? A brief overview would be great if you have the time.
And is it integral to the rules or a supplement?
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All part of the main rulebook, a great 'Grand Campaign' systems, although you need the cards (which you need for the game anyway) to really make it work. If you check out the Honour website at www.sammustafa.com, it not only gives you an insight into the rules but you can also download 'Longstreet Lite', the diet Coke version of the main system.
Or you could check out the Wargames Illustrated article in the March issue (out 28th February) which offers a bit of a comparison between the game and Across a Deadly Field.
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What he said ... lol
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Our first game yesterday.
Barksdale drew "A Friend in the State House" as his Character, Paul's is a Scout. Both have already made their presence felt during the game and in the post - game sequence.
Expect something shortly, dear readers, on Scrivs' blog :D
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Great game, I hope to update the blog at lunchtime.
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I have made a start and done the biography for Colonel Thaddeus P. Scrivener and some of the troops in his Brigade.
http://scrivsland.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/colonel-thaddeus-p-scrivener-and-xith.html (http://scrivsland.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/colonel-thaddeus-p-scrivener-and-xith.html)
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So here is the report of the Battle at Woodwards Farm that took place on 14th September 1861. Rebels have advanced into Kentucky and formed positions around Woodwards farm, can the brave Colonel Thaddeus P. Scrivener repel them?
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S2LswJ0ikR0/VMJD4jTYveI/AAAAAAAANzM/W933-Q6ZkN4/s1600/DSCN0262.JPG)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVv5-5OhJKQ/VMJD3D5_YtI/AAAAAAAANzI/g26rrVk5r40/s1600/DSCN0260.JPG)
As usual more pictures and commentary on the Scrivsland blog (http://scrivsland.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/14th-september-1861-victory-at.html)
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Following on from the Union victory at the Battle of Woodwards Farm on 14th September 1861 both forces marched and counter-marched but neither side managed a clear advantage.
Despite the excellently executed flanking manouver and great heroism leading his troops Colonel Thaddeus P. Scrivener remained without recognition. However, his following his mismanagement of the Confederate forces Barksdale was inexplicably elevated to the rank of General following the debacle. That scoundrel obviously has friends in high places.
XI Brigade entered winter quarters outside the town of Barbourville in Knox County. However, disaster struck, an outbreak of Influenza decimated the troops in the camp leaving hundreds dead and incapacitated. No retrospect of rank was shown, and Scrivener was laid low for several days, his beloved Victoria was summoned to the camp as the worst was feared.
Come early spring 1862, Scrivener had recovered and some influence had been at play as he was rightly elevated to General rank. The howitzer from 12th Battery Ohio Light Artillery was replaced. Further support was also forth-coming, the newly raised 5th West Virginia joined the brigade and Battery H, 5th U.S. Artillery comprising two 3" rifles and an howitzer were added.
The campaigning season for 1862 was about to start.
More here: http://scrivsland.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/the-1861-influenza-epedemic.html
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Lies, lies and damn Yankee propaganda!
My brave boys performed magnificently, magnificently i say, in the face of vastly superior numbers.
Hampton's 1st North Carolina Cavalry reported a host of blue bellies advancing from the North. As ordered by my Divisional Commander, we held our position, once the enemy had been sited and I called together the Brigade. The 18th Mississippi were some way away and had hard marching ahead. March to the sound of the guns, that's my motto.
I deployed the 13th and 17th Miss. around what i now know to be Woodward's Farm. There was some talk by the Regiments' Colonels of deploying further forward but i would hear none of it. No Sir! Having the Battalions' fanny sticking out in mid air crouching behind walls is not how J. D. Barksdale wages war. It's all very well for these military types and their experience of fighting Mexicans and Indians, but i have the smarts see? I have read Cesare, Napoleon and everything my dear General P.G.T (we call him Tips ;) ) Beauregard has written on the subject.
Manley's Artillery was deployed on the left of the infantry with the cavalry in reserve.
I had anticipated the Union Commander, Colonel Scrivener's [never trust a short man, brains too near to his bottom!], feint to the front and attack though the heavily wooded area to the East but i needed time for the Fightin' 18th to support our position. "Time gentlemen time", its all i hear these days. Yessir.
And it almost worked too! The 13th and Manley's Artillery were tore up pretty badly but bravely held their positions. Again and again the 13th went in with the bayonet but those cowardly northern plough boys just hid in the woods.
I shall however be having a word with Hampton. I shall give the boy the benefit of the doubt, on account that his Daddy and i are members of the same Gentlemen's Club in Richmond, but my orders to charge, and support the 13th, were not carried out and the cavalry made some strange manoeuvres during the battle. Strange, y'hear?
The 18th arrived not a moment to soon and we almost had the yankees in a pincer movement on our left flank. However, night was coming and i was receiving ....
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... reports of more yankees in the distance.
I would gladly die for the Glorious South's cause but i simply must preserve the Brigade for the greater good of the Confederacy.
And with that I ordered the Withdrawal. ;)
As I was saying only yesterday to the Senator over a passable brandy, I must have more men if i am expected to kick those yankees out of Kentucky.
Modesty prevents but i should not be at all surprised if I was promoted to Brigadier General shortly. The Senator was effusive with his congratulations for a job well done
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Longstreet campaign:
I managed to avoid the post game trauma that so affected Scrivs troops but damn all that artillery already!
I was promoted and have a 2nd Eagle with 6 Epic Points, mostly for valiantly charging my troops in, whether it was a good idea or not*
13th Miss. Seasoned/Recruits - 7 Bases [they took a battering and will be less inclined to get stuck in in future]
17th Miss. Eager / Recruits - 9 Bases
18th Miss. Eager / Recruits - 8 Bases
Manley's Artillery - 1 x Howitzer [a lucky pot shot on Counter Battery fire, plus desperate fighting in the front line, puts these on the back foot]
1st North Carolina Cavalry - Seasoned/Recruits 7 Bases
1st South Carolina Cavalry [NEW] - Eager /Veterans 9 Bases (Huhaw!!)
In the Campaign Cards section of the post battle process, i drew CS Replacements, Confederate Cavaliers, CS Replacements and Hail to the Chief. All but Cavaliers were Red Top cards and can only be applied once to each unit. It meant that each non artillery regiment increased in size by one base. Hail to the Chief would normally have resulted in one of the now Seasoned units reverting back to Eager, but alas was a wasted card.
All in all the Confederates are in reasonable shape but i will need to manage the Union artillery
* The aim of the Longstreet campaign is the personal glory of the CO by accumulating the highest number of Epic points. To quote from the RB "... Methodically shooting your enemy is a good way to win battles, but raising your hat and shouting "FollowMe, Boys!" is how you get in the papers and the history books. "
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Both armies had marched for many miles, countermarching again and again to secure the best ground. Finally, battle was forced, Scriveners Union troops lined a ridge and awaited the Confederate onslaught. Unfortunately, a severe rainstorm storm blew up and after it was clear that battle would not be joined that day both sides withdrew without a shot being fired!
Whoops, one of us had forgotten to bring a Longstreet deck :)
So we played a couple of games of Dead Mans Hand instead.....
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[Walks off whistling with hands in pockets ...] :D
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Looking great gents. Loving the backstory too. :D
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That scoundrel Barksdale was finally brought to battle yesterday evening on Smiths Heights.
Another stunning victory against those southern rebels, although I am sure that Barksdale will be along shortly with a tale of derring-do.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmtgUSTzO4o/VRKsE6XY2uI/AAAAAAAAOmY/cPFsqc9YWzk/s1600/FullSizeRender9a.jpg)
Going into their quarters the Union troops fared much better than last time with only a small outbreak of cholera. Neither Scrivener nor Barksdale were deemed worthy of a promotion this time, despite many futile attempts at glory by that scoundrel.
Looking forwards to the next one.
More Union Propaganda over on Scrivsland: http://scrivsland.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/the-battle-of-smiths-heights-24th-march.html
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"General Woodward, Suh,
It is my honour to report that your orders were carried out to the letter.
The Brigade took the Western hill with hardly any resistance from the Federals. The 1st NC and 1st SC Cavalry kept the blue-bellies interested long enough for our boys to form a battle line. Those cowardly Northerners however just wouldn't take the bait and refused to move over the river.
As instructed, the remaining piece in Manley's artillery was wrapped in cotton wool. You should have heard those fellas holler when they paid back the Union artillery in kind. At least one gun was destroyed and the rest driven back. The Federal artillery was contained and largely ineffective despite their overall superiority in numbers.
Our Cavalry were magnificent, magnificent I say Suh. The 1st SC shot out from the cover of the woods whooping and a hollering and cut down more Yankee artillery and driving off the surviving gun and its crew. Not content with that, they destroyed a Yankee regiment to a man. Those boys sure can fight!
It is fair to say General that the 1st NC are licking their wounds after a tussle with a particularly stubborn Federal unit of infantry. Still, those fellas did themselves proud too, charging repeatedly into the face of the enemy and keeping that unit occupied.
As the enemy could not be brought to battle, my Brigade retired as instructed and as fresh as a daisy.
Felicitations and Salutations
Gen. Barksdale [Rank 2nd Eagle]"
Footnote:
Scrivs is so damn poxy sometimes! Despite my capturing an objective [and thereby adding an extra D6 to the roll], he survived two break tests for his army. Naturally, I failed the first one I took and he was rolling just the one die …
Mission accomplished really. I had a significant advantage in cavalry which I was prepared to be aggressive with (while minimising any CR infantry losses) in order to get at Paul's artillery. Paul couldn't ignore the cavalry action developing under his nose and had to pour everything he had to try to contain the threat.
This time I took a battering in the post-game casualties but all in all my force is looking strong with additional artillery and infantry arriving in reinfocements [and not a moment too soon].
More to the point, I am sweeping ahead in the EP race which is the whole point of the campaign. My "foolhardy" charges boosting my score to 9 against Scrivs' 4 or 5.
My Brigade is now as follows:
13 Miss - INF - Seasoned Veterans (5)
17 Miss - INF - Eager Recruits (6)
18 Miss - INF - Eager Recruits (5)
21 Miss - INF - Eager Recruits (9)
1st NC - CAV - Cautious Recruits (4)
1st SC - CAV - Seasoned Veterans (7)
Manley's ART - Howitzer & Napoleon 6LB
ART - Howitzer & Napoleon 6LB
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It's taken a few days to get the report out, but I have updated the blog with my report of the Battle of Lenton Fords that took place on the 20th September 1862.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_SyqAlemfmA/VSwOpXpAatI/AAAAAAAAO3U/m1jHLr9a-9M/s1600/DSCN0136.JPG)
After two defeats in a row, could that cur Barksdale prevent another loss for the Confederates?
You probably already guessed the answer, but check out Scrivsland for a true and authentic description of the battle http://scrivsland.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/the-battle-of-lenton-ford-1862.html (http://scrivsland.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/the-battle-of-lenton-ford-1862.html)
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"But it wasn't my fault General! The damn yankees were supposed to be miles away from the river. I left that fool of a nephew of yours in charge.
I don't wish to be indelicate General but I was otherwise engaged with the Widow Plenty. Her offer of cherry pie seemed harmless enough. The enemy hadn't been sighted for days and as we'd not heard from our cavalry. I didn't think it would hurt none to leave the Brigade, just for a small slice. You do understand General ...?
A demotion you say!? Well, we'll just have to see what the Senator has to say about that!"
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Best I can do of a bad job. I split my force in the face of the enemy by trying to cover all the crossings and got absolutely mullahed! And deploying my brand spanking new recruits in artillery range was not my finest gaming hour, they lost three bases in the opening salvo ... [slaps own forehead]
It's a good job that I'm about to go on a visit to the US to do the Gettysburg and Antietam thing with some other friends otherwise I could go right off ACW at the moment :).
The South will rise again despite Barksdale's worst efforts!! I might have to kill him off and have him choke on a cherry stone at the Widow Plenty's as I fear that he is an affront to the the name of a decent Brigade Commander by all accounts.
And to show no hard feelings, I am going to buy Scrivs an ACW kepi from Gettysburg. An Artillery one mind ... :D
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I think you should have done what I did in the game where I had to defend and concentrated your forces for a counter attack.
Barksdale is due a victory soon, but probably not against Scrivener lol
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I'm loving this thread guys!
Now I'm wondering 'How many ACW figures would I need to play a full campaign of Longstreet?' Any help would be appreciated!
Cheers
Jules
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I think you should have done what I did in the game where I had to defend and concentrated your forces for a counter attack.
Barksdale is due a victory soon, but probably not against Scrivener lol
We shall see. All the advantages are now for the Federals (1863) but the Friend in the State House card is just about keeping me in the mix
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I'm loving this thread guys!
Now I'm wondering 'How many ACW figures would I need to play a full campaign of Longstreet?' Any help would be appreciated!
Cheers
Jules
Thanks Jules. The Longstreet campaign is really good fun.
Early days yet but I should think that in total you need 40+ bases of infantry each plus support.
Best, J
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I'm loving this thread guys!
Now I'm wondering 'How many ACW figures would I need to play a full campaign of Longstreet?' Any help would be appreciated!
Cheers
Jules
Well to start the first game you need 3 units of 10 infantry bases, one unit of eight horse, both mounted and dismounted plus a battery of three guns. After the first game it's pretty random how your forces go.
I am three games into the campaign and my force is now two units of 7 foot, one unit of ten foot, one unit of eight mounted plus three batteries of three guns.
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I normally play johnny reb II but this thread has stirred my interest in Longstreet. Thanks for an enjoyable read.
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I normally play johnny reb II but this thread has stirred my interest in Longstreet. Thanks for an enjoyable read.
Yeah, me too. There's a chap at the club who knows his ACW inside out and upside down and we always play with rules of his choosing... all the better for it too really.
Darrell.
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Thanks for the info Stanley & Scrivs. I will have to dig out my 15mm Fire and Fury stuff and see what would be necessary!
Cheers
Julesav
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So, having visited Gettysburg and seen the spot where Barksdale's Brigade charged, i think it only fitting that for our campaign Barksdale leaves us for his natural home in the Eastern theatre.
Having read "Company Aytch" on my travels, my force will resume as is but now under the guise of Manley's 2nd Brigade in the West.
I'll update my roster shortly
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Nice read, Gents. :)
I'll be starting 28mm Union this Summer, with a new friend starting Johnny Reb. :)
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Thank you. The Longstreet campaign is good fun. Enjoy your Johnny Reb games.
I've managed to avoid 28mm ACW so far except for my Bushwacker/Jayhawker project. Mind you, I'm expecting a parcel delivery which just may involve Sash and Sabre :D
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Sash & Sabre are really cool minis.
I mis-spoke a bit, he's doing Confederates, but I think we'll play 'Across a Deadly Field'.
I'm looking forwards to building Union, and besides, Union Cav have the best songs in American military history. :)
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Commander: Col. Manley
Personality: Friend in the State House
Rank: 2E/Total EPs 12
1st Tennessee - Seasoned/Veterans Strength 7
6th Tennessee - Eager/Recruits Strength 3
9th Tennessee - Eager/Recruits Strength 3 "Hero"
27th Tennessee - Eager/Recruits Strength 5
7th Kentucky- Eager/Recruits Strength 9
Gen. Bedford Forrest, Cavalry Seasoned/Veterans Strength 6
Smith's Mississippi Artillery Battery:
Howitzer and a 6pdr
Light Rifle and two Napoleons
Light Rifle and Napoleon