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Miniatures Adventure => Back of Beyond => Topic started by: flatpack on May 23, 2021, 12:17:12 PM

Title: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on May 23, 2021, 12:17:12 PM
So we had the lockdown, and I decided to venture into Back of Beyond.
We’d played out Askari games in East Africa and that type of game appealed, as it had poor troops, poor equipment, and we are good at playing poor war games.
We do find the worst the kit, to more we enjoy it.

So I mentioned to a few of the chaps I was interested in Back of Beyond, and they all said they had gear for it, that had lay around for years, so we dug it out, tarted it up and got it to the table.

This is where our adventure begins.

Yesterday we played our first game, legally, and indoors.

Scenario consisted of two British forces, lead by Lt Algenon Barrington-Smyth of Warwickshire Regiment, and Lt. Arbuthnot Afalau and the South Wales Borderers.
They were taking on a Chinese force lead by their warlord Wang ang low, and a Russian force lead by Baron Downillski.
The objectives were the critical bridge crossing, the high ground that overlooked the bridge, and the dilapidated Chinese mission.

The battlefield looked as follows.
 (https://i.postimg.cc/PrJRRJRF/C4-D01-EE5-2-E70-44-D4-923-F-5-E13-DE272-C82.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RNrd3S9c)

Here is the crucial bridge and the high ground overlooking it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Gth5rmht/07-C544-F6-09-C3-4754-9-B8-B-186-B4-C7164-A5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/47q5QZcR)

Here is the Chinese mission.
(https://i.postimg.cc/QtDz4q2p/95098-D29-6968-4554-BD4-C-2-FE1018-C5-B1-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GBMz9vh2)

Here we can see the initial deployment of forces.
Top left, Baron Downillski and his Russian forces.
Top right Lt. Afalau and his Welsh boys.
Bottom left Lt. Barrington-Smyth and his British chaps.
Bottom right, wangang low and his Chinese troops.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZqzvCfvt/44153286-8859-4-AF5-975-B-03712-C8-F04-C1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TKQ3sJcC)

The Russian contingent were keen and advanced, taking on the Welsh boys.
(https://i.postimg.cc/BbbXdkkD/7635-B3-AE-0-CFA-4-D55-9-AD2-7-D6-DCB48932-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zHmzhtJX)

The Chinese were also keen on giving the Welsh boys a good kicking.
(https://i.postimg.cc/BvCbtJGH/BFE6-C5-D3-B331-4-C43-A7-E1-8315-E19-A9287.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/p9pR6brL)

In fact Lt Afalau of the Welsh troops, became “target for the day”.

At the Chinese mission, Chinese troops took the position from the first move.

Chinese cavalry on the move, supported by the Chinese mob behind them.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XNtCR7NY/2-CC7-EEEF-7472-4-A4-A-9145-688-CF8197-E63.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kDFG8Ct0)

Chinese troops flood into the mission courtyard.
(https://i.postimg.cc/8PW6NQsB/29-A49587-71-F2-4843-B9-AF-E4-DC67-E6-EE7-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZCbRxQ8C)

So to counter this, Lt Barrington-Smyth, sent his British troops across the stream, and with the support of his artillery and armour, he tried to deny them the position.

British troops advance across the river.
(https://i.postimg.cc/C1mRrSPS/13243-C38-D84-F-4667-B27-F-9150814-DE490.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WFqphLcH)

British troops about to assault the mission.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ncvCN4w3/103792-ED-673-E-4-B8-C-B46-E-72-E874-CF4-DFC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hftDddnm)

At this stage, Afghan masses appeared from nowhere, taking the high ground above the river crossing.

This focused the British forces on trying to flush them out.

Afghans, millions of um.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Y0LtNHTX/7-E70524-B-0494-4213-8434-C56-E23545800.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5Q1c1Z4v)

British troops trying to drive the afghans off the hill.
(https://i.postimg.cc/MXkqdLSz/64-F0752-C-A4-BB-46-B4-AFB7-244-CCA822-DC7.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/H8tqLBnN)

Unfortunately the sun began to set, and the battle ended, a little sooner than we thought.

The afghans disappeared, the Welsh boys were wiped out (almost). The Russians did well, but seemed to forget what the objectives were. The second Brit force took the bridge, but the overall winner was the Chinese force.

We enjoyed using the FFOL bigger battles rules, but we think we might adjust  them next time, by having less cards in your hand, than units on the table. This might make you think a little more about what units to give the orders to, and which units you can afford not to give orders to. We might also involve some morale rules as all these types of troops seem to stand to the last man.

Lots more figures are ready for the next battle.

Good fun had by all, after a year of waiting.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: vodkafan on May 23, 2021, 01:13:55 PM
A few of my pics to add. I was the second British force.
I was quite strong in MGs.
(https://i.postimg.cc/MGCSTxMH/20210522-105533.jpg)
and here is the other half of my force separated by a tall cornfield (?!) that someone has inexplicably planted in the Back of Beyond:
(https://i.postimg.cc/MT18f4VD/20210522-105540.jpg)
A strong force of Russians supported by armoured cars arrives to the North and seem in belligerent humour  :-[
 (https://i.postimg.cc/hvgRLr0q/20210522-105549.jpg)
Meanwhile a stong force of Chinese have occupied the Christian Mission compound. It's too late for Easter, what can they want?
(https://i.postimg.cc/tCqH7BT3/20210522-105620.jpg)
Close up of a rock formation, all the way from Poland. I just like it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zfRs4Mtr/20210522-105716.jpg)
The Russians target my unit of Sikhs out in the open with MGs, cannon and rifle fire and wipe them out indecently quickly.  :(
(https://i.postimg.cc/Y08Z1w91/20210522-113842.jpg)
Their shock is so profound it stays on the battlefield after they are gone...
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z5W2y2hd/20210522-122246.jpg)
Every time I set up one of the MGs to fire or try to move it into a better position a load of Chinese regulars in a cornfield outside the Mission shoot the crews with accurate rifle fire. I lose one after another.
(https://i.postimg.cc/kMFmn0nM/20210522-105602.jpg)
Things are going from bad to worse. Lt. Arbuthnot Afalau decides to go out on a Recce mission on his own.  He is spotted by Chinese Bandits the otherside of the woods and is badly wounded.
 (https://i.postimg.cc/QxxRjV4S/20210522-120331.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/G3jW0vQH/20210522-113914.jpg)
He manages to limp into the woods to take cover
(https://i.postimg.cc/nhN5K2Hw/20210522-122337.jpg)
A Russian armoured car is searching for him:
(https://i.postimg.cc/k58HTSGM/20210522-124907.jpg)
And now Chinese Cavalry!
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZnfsWF7H/20210522-124944.jpg)

Meanwhile Russian attentions are thankfully diverted to the North by the appearance of wild Afghan tribesmen on top of a hill.
(https://i.postimg.cc/TYwHZF14/20210522-125019.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/pTJ6HtKg/20210522-124931.jpg)
Lt. Afalau manages to make it back to his command but just in time to be charged by the Chinese cavalry!
(https://i.postimg.cc/q7fb67LP/20210522-142232.jpg)
A short bloody melee ensues
(https://i.postimg.cc/zB8xpP4p/20210522-142253.jpg)
The Chinese are driven off but at the cost of half the company
(https://i.postimg.cc/tTk2cNjb/20210522-142305.jpg)

The last picture:
Lt. Arbuthnot Athalau, in despair at the loss of his troops, rushes towards an advancing Russian armoured car 
 furiously emptying his revolver . He is never seen again.
(https://i.postimg.cc/h4C2bssb/20210522-150615.jpg)

Great game, many thanks to Flatpack
(https://i.postimg.cc/dVZN0C8R/20210522-131135.jpg)

 

Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Mike Blake on May 23, 2021, 01:46:23 PM
great aar, thanks.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 23, 2021, 02:18:19 PM
What a cracking looking wargames table. Attractive and practical, nice figures, interesting scenario and a good game. Excellent. My only negative is the movement sabot thing but that’s a minor, personal prejudice. All-in-all, great stuff; really enjoyed it.

Doug
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on May 23, 2021, 05:11:45 PM
What a cracking looking wargames table. Attractive and practical, nice figures, interesting scenario and a good game. Excellent. My only negative is the movement sabot thing but that’s a minor, personal prejudice. All-in-all, great stuff; really enjoyed it.

Doug

Doug, thanks very much on the nice comments. Much appreciated.
Agree on the sabot comment.
For sabot base, read marmite.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Digits on May 23, 2021, 05:34:24 PM
Looks a damned fine set up guys!  Sad I missed this....looked fun!

Great table Bob and some cracking looking minis!
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on May 23, 2021, 05:41:45 PM
I shall add my tuppence worth.
First the Chinese.
Move one & they occupy the Mission .
Only the Chinese seemed to have paid any attention to objectives.
In the 3rd picture you can see Wangang Low shielded from the sun
by his faithful parasol bearer.
Despite some pressure from the Brits he stayed there the entire game.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on May 23, 2021, 05:50:09 PM
The White Russians were happy to just shoot up the Welsh.
The closest they came to an objective was when some Afghans
popped out of cove on the hill & wiped out one of his units.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on May 23, 2021, 05:53:34 PM
The Welsh had a really hard day, but they looked lovely.
Only took one picture of them, not because I didn't like
them, but they were at the far corner of the table.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on May 23, 2021, 06:06:37 PM
The other Brits, commanded by our genial host (Flatpack) resplendent
in a very appropriate Pith helmet.

These Brits put most of their effort into building up an overwhelming
attack on the Chinese at the Mission.
Tank, A-Car, Indian artillery & Infantry. The Mission defenders took the
hard pounding, bent but did not break!
No option for the British inf but to fix bayonets & prepare to storm the
walls... then night fell & fighting ceased.

Nice to get back to face to face gaming, & bacon butties (lovely crispy
bacon butties) ;D
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: marianas_gamer on May 23, 2021, 07:56:19 PM
Great looking game, board, minis, and a good mix including hairy hillmen!! :-* :-* :-* Sadly, no pics though of the lovely crispy bacon butties  lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: vodkafan on May 23, 2021, 08:26:47 PM
Great looking game, board, minis, and a good mix including hairy hillmen!! :-* :-* :-* Sadly, no pics though of the lovely crispy bacon butties  lol

They didn't last long enough for a photo opportunity  lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: trev on May 24, 2021, 06:18:32 AM
Great looking game, figures and terrain.   A nice lot of pictures too. :D

What did you think of FFOL Bigger Battles for BoB/RCW?  I really like the core mechanics and how flexible they are.  We’ve tried a few small games and they were fun.  RCW and Napoleonic skirmish so far.  I’ve not tried vehicles yet though.  We found the combat brutal but as figures can return with a Queen of hearts not every removed figure is dead.  BoB/RCW armies probably should have a liberal distribution of negative traits too.  What stats did you use?
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on May 24, 2021, 06:34:47 AM
FFOL are our go to rules.
They are fun, and we’ve played loads of games with them.
This was our first bigger battles.
It was good, as we know the core mechanics.
It did seem bloody, but as you say, figures are not dead, and can come back on.
Vehicles worked ok, but I think we only had to look up vehicle firing once in the rule book.
For the stats. I’ll let Has.been answer, as he put them together for the game.
I’ve painted up lots of figures for this period during the lockdown, and put the scenery together, so I’m sure we will play lots more games, and explore the rules even more.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: PrivateBuzz on May 24, 2021, 06:51:28 AM
Looks like a really fun game and a great set up.

Glad you have all got a proper game in, you all deserve it!

Q: Did Bob spend the day taking the pith to of everyone?
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on May 24, 2021, 07:31:37 AM
What a lovely looking game. Must have been great fun playing that. Thanks for the AAR, most enjoyable.   :-*
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on May 24, 2021, 08:12:59 AM
Quote
What did you think of FFOL Bigger Battles for BoB/RCW?  I really like the core mechanics and how flexible they are.  We’ve tried a few small games and they were fun.  RCW and Napoleonic skirmish so far.  I’ve not tried vehicles yet though.  We found the combat brutal but as figures can return with a Queen of hearts not every removed figure is dead.  BoB/RCW armies probably should have a liberal distribution of negative traits too.  What stats did you use?

Yes the rules are brutal, but as a group we have lots. We didn't field all of it by any means. Yes figures can return (patched up) by playing the Queen of hearts, but not enough of them in the pack. Players could have used some of the Aces (wild cards) as Q.of H. but seemed to have too many other uses for them (Short of ammo, too much shock, Got to activate first, etc. etc.)
As to how I 'stated' the units up, well I just went through the rule-book,
followed the  guidance & tried to give us a wide variety of traits. I think
it is best if each player 'stats' his own up, as each of us has his own idea of what those little men should be like.
I agree with more negative traits, I would even give some units only negative traits. The Afghans for example, I gave them the negative of,
'Yellow bellies' so they wouldn't charge down from their hills, but even though I gave them obsolete rifles (to further hamper them) they managed to almost wipe out the White Russian 'Household' unit with just one round of firing!  Bloody rules indeed.
As we have enough units/vehicles to use as a second (and even third & forth) wave, I would like a simple morale test. Players don't mind say losing a death or glory unit, quite so much, if it means the tank can come on.  Speaking of tanks, & vehicles in general, that bit was the newest to us. I really need to study that part of the rules more. I might even add some more negative traits. That will make those horrible metal beasts a bit more unreliable.
We may, in order to speed up game play, give players say two cards less
than the number of units they have. It would concentrate the action.
We had five players, more like four, (as plumpire I was controlling the Afghans, but the cards did not favour me & only one unit turned up!)
but that is still 25 'things' (units, vehicles, commanders etc) to be: moved, shot with, rallied etc. No big surprise that we only finished three moves. We did however manage a LOT of 'banter' & the very important:
Bacon Butties, Sausage Butties, Hash Browns with lashings of cups of tea (&  some other drinks).
All seemed to enjoy themselves, & (as Flatpack his-self said) we will play again.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: SJWi on May 24, 2021, 09:38:57 AM
Superb looking game. Some threads on LaF have inspired me to dust-off my long-neglected Back-of-Beyond forces especially now we can game face-to-face.

My issue has been finding a decent set of rules. I’ve considered buying “Setting the East Ablaze” version 2 but now see mention of “Fistful of Lead”. Does anyone have views on the relative merits of these rule sets? Also for FFoL do you need both the “Core rules” and the “Bigger Battles” set?

 Thanks
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on May 24, 2021, 11:33:32 AM
You don’t need the core rules, just bigger battles will work. That’s all we used.
They are fun, and usually quick, so we are happy with the whole range of their rules.
We always end up smiling.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Digits on May 24, 2021, 01:54:54 PM
I’m liking the pith helmet Bob!  I think perhaps we should all take to wearing a hat when gaming!

Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on May 24, 2021, 02:43:26 PM
Just got to worry about the shed roof ?
Could be a little low ?
Might need a hard hat  lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Digits on May 24, 2021, 02:54:37 PM
Hmm....need to look what I have...unfortunately mostly seventeenth century......I need something a little more recent me thinks!
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: BaronVonJ on May 24, 2021, 04:29:09 PM
Good looking game. As far as bloody goes, yes, modern weapons without troops in cover will take it's toll. A yes, out of Action isn't dead, just combat ineffective. When a unit loses half it's number to a Machine gun burst, they aren't all dead. Most have just decided "this isn't for me".
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: vodkafan on May 24, 2021, 04:35:14 PM
I think to be honest the rules are as fast play as the fastest "fast play" rules out there. It was just us that were slow on the day. We hadn't been together for over a year and the turns were punctuated with a lot of conversation in between and during. Personally I don't think we will need to ration cards out to speed things up.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: trev on May 24, 2021, 08:01:36 PM
Interesting ideas on the reduced cards and reserves I like those.  Reduced cards could simulate variable command efficiency.  We used reserves for destroyed units in a game but you need objectives and a turn limit.  Allowing units to voluntarily withdraw stops silly suicidal attacks.  Dicing for reserves or their starting point makes them less predictable. 

The FFOL rules are nicely elegant and easy to modify. The brutality could be reduced a bit by shifting the casualty point up or dropping the 2 casualties band.  That would bring out the nice shock and reform mechanism more.

For the perception of game speed I’d say it is about how often a player gets a turn and how long that turn takes.  With small numbers of units and players you can keep it fast.  With lots of players and units the gaps between player actions gets long.  You could up the scale like bigger battles does to get more figures on the table with the same number of units but to have lots of units and lots of players you probably need to reduce the sides to 2.  Having 2 groups is fastest but less interesting/dynamic.  However once you reach a certain size it’s really the only way to keep things moving.  Of course if you enjoy a more sedate game pace with lots of banter there’s nothing wrong with playing like that. It’s ultimately a subjective preference.

To convert FFOL into IGOUGO you could use the cards still for their special abilities.  Perhaps with less cards than units and/or cards you must play and miss a turn.  Perhaps 8s?
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: BaronVonJ on May 27, 2021, 12:14:01 PM
If you convert FfoL to IGOUGO, then it’s not FfoL anymore.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: trev on May 27, 2021, 04:04:40 PM
It was only a suggestion for speeding up very large games.  Didn't realise I was crossing a line.  :o
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on May 27, 2021, 08:21:40 PM
I think that when you buy a set of rules, it is entirely up
to you what you do with them. What you ignore &/or use.
This was taught to me many (many) years ago, while I was
new to wargaming & still young. I objected to a few proposed
local amendments to WRG Ancients. Why? 'I wouldn't be able to
play other people around the world'  The retort was direct, ' But you
only play these few people here'.

Having said that, Fistful of Lead is much liked by our group BECAUSE
it is so Cinematic & NOT 'IGOUGO'.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Zingara on May 27, 2021, 08:59:44 PM
Great looking game guys, and love the pith helmet.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: BaronVonJ on May 28, 2021, 01:53:40 AM
I my rules say “ you bought these rules, they are yours now. Change what you want. But let the other players know what you changed, and make sure everyone is agreed”.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on May 29, 2021, 07:56:55 AM
Good discussions on the rules.
Ultimately they are really good fun, simple enough to understand, and we get a giggle and toy soldiers on the table.
Long live FFOL......I’m welling up. lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on May 29, 2021, 02:31:29 PM
Quote
Long live FFOL......

Sounds like your AK47 Army Bob. lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on June 06, 2021, 09:01:56 AM
Game 2 - Back of Beyond revisited. Chinese takeaway.

We fought out another battle yesterday.
Once again using FFOL Bigger Battle rules.

The Chinese has captured the mission in game 1, so for game 2, they had reinforced the area, and set up barricades, trying to hold all 3 objectives, the higher ground around the important bridge, and the mission. They look a little stretched, with the masses of Russians entering the battlefield.

(https://i.postimg.cc/PrrL0WpZ/856-B8078-7-B80-4961-B7-D2-1080951-F94-E3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5jTNCFmN)

The Chinese held the centre ground with an infantry unit, and their only artillery piece.
(https://i.postimg.cc/rshpqH04/5874-BA3-A-4-B73-440-B-8202-F822-D0835-B8-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/FkLvZDxF)

They also held the high ground next to the bridge.
(https://i.postimg.cc/yN9W0ntq/A313-F2-CB-7619-49-A8-910-D-158-FBE3-C4-AB9.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Jyr1L3RK)

The Russians attacked on mass, on all sides, just a little slowly.

On the far left, the Cossacks steamed forward, infantry and cavalry combined to take the higher ground.
(https://i.postimg.cc/MKFG4h82/3-DBA8-D10-1-BE5-4206-8-F7-B-4-DE0-DA95-D1-E6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JGjmHYnP)

(https://i.postimg.cc/PxTfYH1Z/02-A9-FFA8-CE5-F-4286-9-A05-27466-D66-E5-DB.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4K2TRrLN)

The Chinese await the Cossack cavalry attack.
(https://i.postimg.cc/FzK9CxWH/B46-A2834-C634-4-EA3-9-D46-DD2-F3-FAB82-F3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/47rkmpRD)

Cossack cavalry charge the Chinese barricades.
(https://i.postimg.cc/NFPQ3rS7/B59-D0243-6572-4-C57-9-DA0-850-A9-CD87411.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/T5g8mhRp)

Luckily the Chinese forces repulsed the Cossack cavalry.

In the centre of the battlefield, the Chinese infantry unit had been reduced dramatically and was finally overalled by the Russian troops, including dogs.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Zngh7zvw/2-EE07314-1407-4-F81-8-CD9-E05-C72619-A68.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fSxFyFKd)

But then the Chinese cavalry turned up to save the day...NOT.
(https://i.postimg.cc/MHgh00g4/E4-F6-EB19-3-F9-C-4302-B503-667546571-E05.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RJQs4tSQ)

On the far fight, around the mission, the Chinese irregular troops were trying to fight off even more Russians.
(https://i.postimg.cc/76n6Whqm/1-B92-E9-DC-04-B5-4946-B941-825-A987-BA66-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G89dBc8y)

(https://i.postimg.cc/0Nf1gwJM/B0-AFB417-A56-F-4108-BBEE-FBC861-A2-DAB5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JyG2ZtxM)

Finally the Chinese reinforcements arrived to recapture the high ground and the bridge.....just in time.
(https://i.postimg.cc/BQr02s06/E1-C361-CF-53-B9-4300-AEE6-963-EE4326-D2-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gnHQPCrF)
Chinese officers didn’t go very big on health and safety, riding into battle on the back of a tank, and I can point out the nasty Russians tried a couple of shots at him, but he stood tall....

Final situation....Chinese forces held the high ground, and the bridge, so 2 objectives out of 3. Looks like Russian forces would have taken the mission if we had continued, but at this stage, we had eaten the bacon and sausage sandwiches, drank the beer, and it was getting a bit warm in the Bunker.  lol
(https://i.postimg.cc/JnzVRzbT/40-D77-BA7-9-B1-A-4164-918-C-01-FBCE94827-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GBVSQrgY)

Great game. Good fun, good rules (we are all getting more familiar with then now),good mates.
Another enjoyable day in the wargaming world.






Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Sparrow on June 06, 2021, 10:10:48 AM
 Very nice!
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: marianas_gamer on June 06, 2021, 10:48:11 AM
Fantastic, though I refuse to believe that you drank all the beer! Surely you had planned better or sent out for more.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on June 06, 2021, 11:20:08 AM
Quote
I refuse to believe that you drank all the beer!
With 3 out of the 5 players having to drive home,
 drinking was less than you might have expected.

Here are a few more pictures, mainly from the Chinese end,
not due to bias, but that was the end I was sitting at.

First three pictures show the Chinese manning their defences,
& bringing up the cavalry.
The forth shows the hard pressed Chinese cannon being forced to
regroup, well it had been the target of an awful lot of Communist
fire power.
Fifth & sixth are the magnificent, but not successful, Red cavalry
charge. 'Proletariats to horse!' (& get shot off them).
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on June 06, 2021, 11:43:08 AM
1st picky = Arrival from off table of the start of Chinese re-enforcements.
2nd picky = Having successfully stormed the barricades the comrades,
                  Men, Women, Dogs & a mad Monk (Rasputin figure) are
                   charged by the Chinese Cavalry. This was VERY bloody,
                  with no quarter being given, or asked for!  So many
                  casualties that a whole pack with nothing but Queens of
                  Hearts would have been needed to recover.
3rd Picky= Some Cossacks manage to grab the high ground, but yet
                  more Chinese armour arrives.
4th Picky= Despite hordes of Reds (now) advancing Chinese Tanks
                 are on the bridge, effectively 'Game over!'

In our first game the Armour seemed too powerful, so in this game
the player first said how far he planned to move, then rolled 2xD6.
If the score was less than the chosen move, the vehicle moved only
 that far & gained a 'wound' i.e. something went ping or made
grinding noises.  This certainly slowed down armour advances &
(in this game) gave the players with vehicles added problems.
The Russians dealt with it my using their two A-cars as pill boxes
for most of the game. The Chinese commander lumbered with their
armour  (Flatpack) HAD to advance, well he started off table.
The advance was painfully slow & riddled with 'breakdowns'.
 Much more believable I think.

Overall another fine game at Bob's, many thanks for his hospitality.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Digits on June 06, 2021, 12:14:24 PM
My first go at Back of Beyond (very characterful armies) and with the new rules.  Straight forward, no frills rules, great for a group of fellas not taking it too seriously and having fun.

As for our “slow” advance, the cavalry tried moving quickly and got shot to crap.  It’s easy to sit behind barricades and wait for your opponents to advance in the relative open.....so as much as a straight advance in may have fit the timings, it was necessary to thin out the defence a bit first!

The Chinese sure loved their cannon so the reds opted to concentrate their fire to remove it.....twice!

But even the horde of Chinese peasants armed with antiquated musket and mixed firearms were able to drive back one of the two armoured cars.

Another couple of games turns may have allowed the Russians to enter and hold the compound but with their slowly grinding forward massed tank formation  ::) I dare say the Chinese would have stormed and held the bridge anyway so I figure at best we could have gotten a draw.

However, it was great fun, nice to see the guys again after more than a year  and left me wanting to play it again so thumbs up all round.

Thanks to Bob for a great table and bacon & sausage butties!
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on June 06, 2021, 01:44:29 PM
Superb looking game. Lovely tanks and figures.   :-*
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on June 06, 2021, 04:56:10 PM
Tasty looking games! So much to love on those tabletops. Sorry that I have not come across this thread sooner. I am a sucker for interwar tanks.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on June 06, 2021, 05:58:56 PM
Same here for interwar tanks. Always a giggle to get them to the table.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: marianas_gamer on June 06, 2021, 07:49:20 PM
+1 on those nicely painted tanks!
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on June 06, 2021, 09:28:03 PM
Quote
+1 on those nicely painted tanks!

And just what is wrong wiv us Armoured Cars????? >:(
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on June 06, 2021, 09:52:16 PM
Day ain’t tanks....
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: gamer Mac on June 06, 2021, 10:38:15 PM
Cracking set up guys :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
What size wa  the tale and how many players?
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: trev on June 06, 2021, 11:40:35 PM
Lots more great pics.  Always nice to see such good looking games.  I do like that hill with the cliffs at the side.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on June 07, 2021, 07:22:04 AM
Table was 4ft by 6ft.
We had 4 players and an umpire.
Worked well with the FFOL Bigger Battle rules.

Someone was asking about the hills.
Well they come from Poland. I think the firm are called terrain4games.
Got to be honest, I really wanted some nice mountains and hills for this type of game, ie Back of Beyond.
I bought their big pack of hills and mountains.
Probably the most expensive item of scenery I’ve bought for gaming, but really nice and really effective. Very happy with them.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: marianas_gamer on June 07, 2021, 08:32:37 AM
Didn't want to come across as a fanboy has.been, though I am  lol lol lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: blacksoilbill on June 07, 2021, 12:26:02 PM
That's a great looking game. I love your tank movement rules too: bringing a nice level of risk and uncertainty.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on June 07, 2021, 01:09:32 PM
Tell me about it.
I owned the tanks, and was about to get my RAC breakdown cover card out.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: gamer Mac on June 07, 2021, 08:09:55 PM
Looks bigger than 6' by 4',  it must be the mountains :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on June 08, 2021, 06:20:17 AM
Best mountains I have ever bought. In fact ONLY mountains I have ever bought  lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on June 08, 2021, 01:36:33 PM
If Flatpack won't go to the Mountains...
The Mountains must (have) come to Flatpack. ::)
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Zingara on June 09, 2021, 04:12:52 PM
Great looking game guys - what is next on the menu?
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on June 09, 2021, 09:50:09 PM
No plans so far, but we haven’t seen much of the local Mountain tribes on the table.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on June 10, 2021, 01:25:15 PM
Quote
No plans so far, but we haven’t seen much of the local Mountain tribes on the table.

Or:-
Your Space Ships; Battle of Britain planes; 1/200th Modern;
15mm WW2 North Africa etc. And don't even get me started
on my list  lol lol lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on June 10, 2021, 07:53:42 PM
Has.been is right.
I should get back in the Bunker and get a few more projects rolling, as I’m not productive enough at the moment  lol lol lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on June 10, 2021, 09:49:03 PM
Quote
as I’m not productive enough at the moment 

Don't forget Bob, I saw your list of things completed for this game.
Folks he has troops & vehicles you ain't even seen yet!
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: WarlordFish on June 10, 2021, 11:32:57 PM
Splendid looking game! Very inspirational. What's the "ground" made out of on your table? It looks like some sort of textured cloth or heavy paper, I'm very curious.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on June 12, 2021, 08:14:57 PM
It’s an old cloth/mat.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Marine0846 on July 18, 2021, 03:35:20 PM
Sweet looking table.
Love the figures.
Again like everyone else, the mountains are great.
A wise investment.
May I ask,"where did you purchase your roads?"
I am looking for some that look like that.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on July 20, 2021, 08:24:50 PM
Many thanks for the nice remarks.
The roads came as pre-cut midfield from supremelittleness.co.uk.
I then covered them in studio acrylics modelling paste high density.
Then base coated in dark drown, and highlighted a couple of shades, then some grass areas added.
Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Bravo Six on July 23, 2021, 10:48:17 PM
Bob, don't know how I missed this thread. SO MUCH great eye candy!!  :o
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Patrice on July 24, 2021, 11:33:00 AM
OOooh I just discovered this thread.  :o :-*

Excellent, nice, and inspiring, thanks for sharing.  :)

I like the Chinese mission buildings.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on July 26, 2021, 10:52:03 AM
Many thanks
Chinese building comes from Warbases.
It built well, and a simple paint job got it to the table quickly.
The walls around it are just made from cork tiles, and come in useful in many periods.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: giorgio on August 04, 2021, 07:16:25 AM
Very nice battle report! Waiting for a new one... :-* I like very much the rock formations too
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on September 15, 2021, 03:44:17 PM
A bit of British recon taking place.

New (ish) aircraft just off loaded from ships from Blighty.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Kvqv9zvQ/24-AF1-C79-EACA-47-CA-9127-8123-E84-E0557.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ykRHx7RS)

Now where are the enemy ?
(https://i.postimg.cc/dVgQYxCy/F65518-DB-7-CB9-4-A5-B-87-EA-BD3-A79-E69991.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mPNW3V8L)

I
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on September 15, 2021, 05:37:34 PM
Very cool plane… and I love the flight stand, clever idea that!
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on September 15, 2021, 09:09:13 PM
Quote
Very cool plane… and I love the flight stand, clever idea that!

I'll drink to that! :D

A change from boats Bob.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on September 16, 2021, 06:33:12 AM
Very cool plane… and I love the flight stand, clever idea that!

To be honest, I nicked the idea of the flight stand, from other ‘more cleverer’ people on this web site.
I used a plastic/disposable wine glass, so that I didn’t get in trouble with the wife for using her crystal glasses. Oh la la.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: trev on September 16, 2021, 09:49:04 PM
Nice aircraft and I might pinch the flight stand idea too.  What aircraft is it?
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Dr Bogo on September 17, 2021, 10:59:46 AM
Nice aircraft and I might pinch the flight stand idea too.  What aircraft is it?

I believe it's an Airco DH2? Could be wrong!
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Patrice on September 17, 2021, 03:38:21 PM
(https://i.postimg.cc/Kvqv9zvQ/24-AF1-C79-EACA-47-CA-9127-8123-E84-E0557.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ykRHx7RS)

 :o :o Superb idea!

...and a French suggestion to improve it:

Put the glass the other way. Half fill it up with red wine. The enemy player drinks it when the plane goes down.  lol lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Poiter50 on September 18, 2021, 02:15:10 AM
Or if the plane survives, the Pilot gets to quaff the red!  lol lol lol

:o :o Superb idea!

...and a French suggestion to improve it:

Put the glass the other way. Half fill it up with red wine. The enemy player drinks it when the plane goes down.  lol lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on September 18, 2021, 10:45:58 PM
I believe it's an Airco DH2? Could be wrong!

Yes it’s a DH2.

Nice ideas with the half filled glass by the way.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: trev on September 19, 2021, 07:18:17 AM
I believe it's an Airco DH2? Could be wrong!

Top marks Doc.  Thanks for confirming FP.

...and a French suggestion to improve it:

Put the glass the other way. Half fill it up with red wine. The enemy player drinks it when the plane goes down.  lol lol

Now that's the kind of brilliant thinking that has made France a bastion of cultured civilisation.   :P
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on September 19, 2021, 09:26:51 AM
“Mon du Rodney”
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on January 04, 2022, 11:24:15 PM
So for some time now, I’ve been looking for a simple way to make a Northwest Frontier/ Back of Beyond hill fort. Something that can guard a mountain pass or a river crossing.
I’d seen images and had ideas of how I could do such a thing, but, as normal, I was looking for a quick and cheap way of doing it.
I finally went down the road of building a fort, that could then be offered onto a hill or high ground, making it more useful in more games.

This is what I’ve ended up with -
(https://i.postimg.cc/N09sZ0DT/3154411-C-42-F9-4765-89-DF-9-FB5-A756-C2-C7.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/67KxvtD5)

And this is where I started -
(https://i.postimg.cc/mrtkRjLP/3386-A8-DA-1125-40-AF-BD7-E-7-C736-BB7-E2-E3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jWYt4zJT)

The original tower was bought from Blotz. A corner tower from their 28mm fort range.

Here you can see the process I went thro.
Firstly is added the off cuts from the mdf, to get a flat wall running round the edge (later known as mistake number 1).
(https://i.postimg.cc/sfSBvTpS/7-FCAEA96-9952-41-D3-AF81-E73-E1069-EC97.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/grzc7qtk)

Then I drilled and fitted cocktail sticks to support the coffee stirrer walkway.
(https://i.postimg.cc/7Yk57SVR/0-DA27-A98-0-B2-A-4-F9-C-9628-AD61-DEC38392.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XXsN6GtK)

Here’s the trial to see if the stirrer walkway would work.
(https://i.postimg.cc/W1ptYjx6/FDE6-CD6-A-8894-4-BAB-9-DAD-3-F77-EF295-C73.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tYfXY0qY)

I then added a walkway halfway up the tower, and blocked in a door and a couple of windows.
(https://i.postimg.cc/pd4Tdjrq/A52-BEDCB-4-AE3-4-FF6-B881-686-A6-DBF2-DC1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R319sNcH)

Next the question came up, well how do you get to the upper walkway ?
I added a modified stairway from Blotz, as it came up a little short, plus I added side walls and a door to the tower.
(https://i.postimg.cc/qRK767C0/1-B9-C3541-9958-4441-9-E9-C-0190-C3397-CFF.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Fd9v2NZn)

The whole tower was then polyfilled on the outside, and at this stage, I discovered the walls at the top of the tower were way too tall, so they were trimmed down in height.
(https://i.postimg.cc/mkGgYGQ9/1761-D3-B5-1124-40-C7-BD50-B0-DF4473450-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qhjrrSDB)

Undercoat in brown.
(https://i.postimg.cc/SNkKjkQF/2-A051-EA3-3-BCE-4-ED3-BB23-9-EB4710-DB2-AD.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F1CvBtJD)

Dry brush in yellow then an off white, whilst leaving the woodwork brown, to be dry brushed a lighter brown later.
(https://i.postimg.cc/GhKmyV9B/625-D3720-857-E-41-DE-9-A9-C-C64-B880-C32-E1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VdSwy7q1)

And there you have it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/K8sc9TPx/C64-AA482-3-FB1-4371-B014-E23-FD1-E5-D86-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K1ByjRpH)


Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Digits on January 04, 2022, 11:28:00 PM
Nice piece of work Bob!
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: PrivateBuzz on January 05, 2022, 06:20:34 AM
Nice work Bob. Plenty has gone into that project with a great result.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: marianas_gamer on January 05, 2022, 07:02:20 AM
Nice work on the hill fort  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on January 05, 2022, 07:22:45 AM
Very nice Bob, though I would have 'cheated' & put in a
false floor on the roof, rather than cutting all the walls down. ;)
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on January 05, 2022, 07:26:54 AM
Looking good! And it is great to see the design/construction process.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on January 05, 2022, 07:40:55 AM
Very nice Bob, though I would have 'cheated' & put in a
false floor on the roof, rather than cutting all the walls down.

Pete, that was my first thoughts too,  but the hacksaw was quicker than a replacement floor. Lol.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on January 05, 2022, 09:18:06 AM
That is a great hill fort. I liked it so much, I've just ordered the same parts from Blotz to shamelessly copy your idea! Thanks for posting.   :-*
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Mike Blake on January 05, 2022, 11:10:05 AM
Nice job. What's the rough planking verandah in aid of BTW?
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Westbury on January 05, 2022, 01:50:59 PM
Well aren't you a clever bloke!
Glad to see you were gainfully occupied over the festive season  :)
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on January 05, 2022, 11:08:39 PM
Cheers all.
Glad someone could copy my idea for the benefit of the wargaming world. Lol.
I guess the wooden walkway was so you could step out over the walling, but tbh, who in their right mind would want to do that ?
It was a feature that I saw on most of the towers that I looked at, so I incorporated it here.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: vodkafan on January 06, 2022, 07:59:56 AM
Wow Bob I like this a lot.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Patrice on January 06, 2022, 11:52:15 AM
 :o :o  :-* Superb tower! Thanks for posting these pics.

I guess the wooden walkway was so you could step out over the walling, but tbh, who in their right mind would want to do that ?
It was a feature that I saw on most of the towers that I looked at, so I incorporated it here.

Yes that's strange. An explanation could be that it's intended for repairments on the upper wall (when no battle is going on) but there must be other reasons...  ???

Perhaps to make more difficult an assault with ropes or ladders? Without it, an attacker on a ladder would arrive on top of the wall and above the defenders' heads. With it, he would be at the same heigth and not well protected. Just a guess...
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Mark Plant on January 06, 2022, 10:46:19 PM
Some stone forts have jutting out pieces to stop ladders. You can't hold a long ladder high and place it against a wall, they're too heavy and unsteady. So you run up with several people, set it against the wall, then slide it up. A projection prevents that working.

However, that said, they only have to be small projections.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on January 07, 2022, 04:46:31 PM
That sounds plausible.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Ignatieff on January 11, 2022, 01:52:37 PM
Tremendous work!
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: marianas_gamer on January 14, 2022, 11:36:55 AM
I am wondering if it was to protect mud brick from the elements, particularly rain.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on January 15, 2022, 09:15:38 AM
Another good call. It could be for that reason.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on January 15, 2022, 11:24:57 AM
I do have a vague memory of a very old film. It might
have been based on USA's 'conquering' the Philippines.
The yanks are held up in a fort. Gaps in the main walls
have been filled with mud bricks. They struggle as they
have no water, then it rains. Everyone is ecstatic, apart
from the commander who says, 'How long will the wall
stand?'
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on January 29, 2022, 11:33:12 PM
Couple of new characters just finished, who will end up in the fort no doubt.
(https://i.postimg.cc/tRstC5vY/D8163132-B9-A3-4-DE3-A2-C2-89327-BC663-CC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yWzSLFHH)
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on January 30, 2022, 10:42:21 AM
I look at them & can almost hear them
cursing those, 'Devils in skirts!'

You keep on producing nice stuff Bob.  :-*
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: trev on January 30, 2022, 05:38:51 PM
Those are very nice.  What make are they?
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on January 31, 2022, 10:45:17 PM
The figures are from Artizan.
https://www.artizandesigns.com/prod.php?prod=2045
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: trev on February 01, 2022, 10:58:28 AM
Thanks FP
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on February 25, 2022, 07:47:37 AM
Been busy pulling together more British and Russian equipment for Back of Beyond.

Rolls Royce armoured cars.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Cxj1JnyV/C50-B3494-57-F5-48-E4-B6-B5-0-AA54-E0-B3-F8-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9DQCQMFx)

More British trucks and support.
(https://i.postimg.cc/nL2Lf8cR/8-DF64158-5-F31-485-C-9928-2687-ECA8-DF6-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jWWTyFfP)

More Russian equipment.
(https://i.postimg.cc/TwHYhrbn/D3747-DF2-4786-4-FAC-8766-5616-F6-B6-BA89.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1nwZjVJz)
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on February 25, 2022, 08:52:38 AM
Looking good! Great weathering.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on February 25, 2022, 09:01:08 AM
...& hopefully to see action tomorrow!  ;D
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Mike Blake on February 25, 2022, 10:22:20 AM
WOW! Great stuff - what a vehicle park - busy or what?
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on February 25, 2022, 10:49:13 AM
Quote
WOW! Great stuff - what a vehicle park - busy or what?

That is just Flatpack's (well part of it)vehicle park.
If you add in those belonging to the others you
start getting a Back of Beyond traffic jam.  lol lol lol

So for tomorrows game, where we will be trying out
the Beyond the Empire rules, we will be limiting figures
& vehicles to just donations from Flatpack and Dicemaster.
It will still look great though. Look out for the pictures. :P
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on March 02, 2022, 09:26:40 AM
Game 3 - Engagement at Fort Adeenuff.

We got a game in last weekend. Back of Beyond, but not using FFOL BB, but new ‘Beyond the Empire’ rules.

A British punitive force has been ambushed by two local tribes, but help is on its way.

The battlefield, before a dice was rolled.
(https://i.postimg.cc/sxPj2s6F/449022-BD-FD34-4-DC6-99-E4-32-D374-EF1664.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XBJSHS6x)

Initial British forces deploy, only to be surrounded immediately.
(https://i.postimg.cc/g02SgWfY/B475973-B-CE43-442-F-ADFF-26141674-C45-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9DsYfvmS)

The two local tribes easily enter the battlefield, trying to eliminate the British force.
Cavalry deploys.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Vk1HbMg0/2-EB87754-952-D-416-B-9220-DF3-B12-B0-B671.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ykQTMDw7)

Foot troops easily cross the river. Oh heck.
(https://i.postimg.cc/50HPMm4T/8-DE5-D658-18-A2-48-C3-899-E-B8-A3534-A7428.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Q93gQ1WJ)

Not to worry, here comes the British support.
Armoured cars and a naval unit FINALLY enter the table. they had slight issues rolling the right number on the dice to get on.
(https://i.postimg.cc/fRM5mcc9/E9-D55796-0692-455-B-A82-F-3-EDE2-E5-D5-CF8.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1fYpZNYm)

Things weren’t going well for the cut off British units, so a general retreat was called.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ht4bfSn8/0-CF583-B6-834-C-4255-AB24-47-FC655-D3-C66.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tYfVcGY7)

One British unit stayed to fight, but was cut down.
(https://i.postimg.cc/sfkLsbZc/30-E56427-79-AE-450-B-8002-2-AB0-D6-C8-C787.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JtQxQ6xD)

Things were definitely not going well for the British troops, so they called up their final trump card...AIR SUPPORT.
(https://i.postimg.cc/MGCQbwCF/E26-A0-A02-3243-4-B67-A0-F3-4-C6-FA682780-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/94B0C6Fd)

This helped scatter a unit of one of the tribes, but that was it. The aircraft was then forced to return to base.
(https://i.postimg.cc/cLThmvh5/6-B2-E304-E-7963-42-BF-9600-17997-CE89-E6-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qNh2BM98)

So how were the British support getting on ?
Well their commander was a little confused.
He didn’t know which unit to move or fire next.
Two many units leaves you this way.....
(https://i.postimg.cc/HkLXTB0B/2340991-E-1593-4286-9-BF1-535860690-BE6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XpTp8KzC)

General view of the ongoing battle.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Qt7cRCgD/5194-A565-F1-C0-4242-84-C3-6430-FEDBF7-E0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/47JKcJF2)

So the local tribes took the day.
(https://i.postimg.cc/NFY2S4f8/6-C2-DCC5-C-8366-4059-9628-8-E43-FCFA3-AC4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0MWNJ7Sr)

Enjoyable game with the chaps.
Not to sure about the new rules, but that was the first time we had played them.




Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: vodkafan on March 02, 2022, 11:13:10 AM
Ouch the Imperial forces got rather spanked.  lol Great looking table sorry I missed it.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Bravo Six on March 02, 2022, 12:21:05 PM
Fabulous looking table Bob! :o
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on March 02, 2022, 12:52:23 PM
Adding my tuppence worth.
First up, I was the Umpire & owner of the only copy
of the rules that we had. The nice people at Caliver
(publishers of 'Beyond the Empire') are now selling
a support pack, which contains QRS, Event/random
cards & even rules for a Solo game version.
     So, any cock ups/mis-interpretation or omission
of the rules is totally my fault.
Now some pictures.
752 = Afghans infantry advancing
753 = Being classed as 'Fleet Footed' meant they were not
          greatly hampered by the River.
754 = From amongst the ranks of the British ambushed
          force could be heard,  'Steady Men!' from the Officer,
          Col. James (Jimmy to his men) Hill [flatpack is a
          Coventry City FC supporter]
755 = Hordes of Afghan cavalry swarm out of the hills.
          They were classed as 'Born in the saddle' so had no
           problems with the rough terrain.
756 = As an aside.   Nice building Bob.
757 & 773 = The reason for the British Punitive Expedition
                    had been an out-break of Banditry from the
                    occupants of the Tower (another nice bit of
                    building from Bob) who had been 'taxing' for
                     the use of 'their' bridge. Only when the game
                    was OVER did anybody ask about their affiliation.
                     They were happy to threaten the odd traveller,
                     but would steer clear of people with guns, unless
                     attacked themselves.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on March 02, 2022, 01:15:53 PM
The scenario was...
British force (Flatpack) is on said punitive expedition,
when they are ambushed by two tribes of Afghans,
(Westbury & Dice-Master). A relief force, led by the
Navy (JC) is coming down the road.
    Well that WAS what was supposed to happen.
'No plan survives contact with the enemy' I would add,
'No scenario survives contact with a group of Wargamers' lol

758 = Heroic stand of the Mountain Gun. Attacked by the
          enemy, well that was to be expected, shot at my
          their own side?!? :o & abandoned by their own
          officer, :-[. It almost seemed to be a relief when they
          were wiped out.
759+760+761 = When Col James Hill strategically withdrew,
                          saved half his command, abandoned the
                          other half, well he just ran for it.
                          The remainder tried to make a stand, but
                          outnumbered they broke & were cut down.
762+765 = The relief force was stalled by... a stalled A-car.
                  Their commander Lt. Benjamin Bowe (JC) ['Admiral'
                  to his men] had to turn traffic cop & finally managed
                  to get a car with a MG onto the table, placing it
                  on the far side of the bridge, to deny it to the enemy.
763,4, = More Afghans pour out of the hills (Dice-master)
           
 
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on March 02, 2022, 01:20:35 PM
As chaos ensues on the Imperial side, the relief force
commander (JC) finds himself (literally) wearing two hats.
 lol lol lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on March 02, 2022, 01:33:53 PM
667/8  The much vaunted Air support finally arrives,
           only to fall foul of a well placed Afghan random
            event card & have to limp home. It did manage
           to unleash its 'Terror Weapon' (Two hand hurled
           bombs). No casualties were caused, but the horses
           of an Afghan unit did flee in panic.
669      The MG car manages to scare off an Afghan cavalry
            unit, but there was nothing to chase them with.
670/1   The 'Hand of God' scares the DH2 pilot & he heads
             for home.
672      FINALLY the relief force gets its A-cars onto the table.
            Trouble is that the troops they were to save are either
            fled or dead.
674      The Afghans are triumphant.

Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on March 02, 2022, 02:06:10 PM
Overview.
First it was great fun. Players said they enjoyed it,
not so sure I could get them to play the rules again
though. As it was our first game, & I was the only
one to have even read the rules, I thought it went
quite well. several more reading sessions would
help improve the playing, as would some QRSs
& random cards not hand written by me. These
are on their way, as is the Solo version. :D

Some of the most enjoyable moments:-
1)The Roles Royce (Armoured tip of the spear),
   & on the narrow road to gain the move bonus...
   failed time & again to get moving. This caused
   an enormous traffic jam. Troops that should have
   sped down the road in trucks, guarded by A-cars,
   had to debus and march through woods.
2)The ambushed Brits formed up & played the
    'Three rounds rapid' card which gives them
    effectively a double move of firing...
     only to fail their firing test. :o
     Much to the relief of Ian (Westbury) whose
     figure was with the target unit.
3) VCs all round to the crew of the Mountain Gun.
     Posthumous obviously.
4) Afghan leader (Dice-Master) while separated from
    any covering unit becomes victim to the British
     playing their 'Sniper' card (Bit unfair as the figure
     was brought along as part of his troops) He then
     uses his own trait, that of being 'Lucky' to demand
     the multiple hits be re-rolled.  All then fail. :o
      Any wonder we call him Dice-master.
5)  Ambushed officer leading the great skedaddle.
     Lost half his force, a field gun & the precious DH2
     had to limp home.  Explain that one at your Courts
     Martial.
6)  JC (relief force) was reduced to clambering onto
     the lead A-car to direct it forward, only to be attacked
     by a large Afghan unit who had managed to get a
     double move. First move furious fighting around & even
     on the Roles Royce. JC manfully firing his trusty Webley
     revolver into the mob while swearing like only a sailor
     that's been to Portsmouth can. Helped by the A-car's
     MG  spewing hot lead & death with gay abandon.
     The courage tests at the end of 'Move 1' had the Brits
     standing firm, as it should be, while the Afghans were
     forced to retire half a move. 'I've still got my second move'
      claimed the elated Ian (Westbury) 'AND...the MG is out of
      ammo!'  What could possibly go wrong for the Afghans?
               Well dear reader, they failed their test to charge. lol

As I said I quite enjoyed the game & would play it again, at
least under the aforementioned conditions. Others will, hopefully
give you their own viewpoint.

Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: scotty on March 02, 2022, 05:55:22 PM
Great looking game
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on March 02, 2022, 06:06:46 PM
Looks like it was a smashingly good time!
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Westbury on March 02, 2022, 07:35:48 PM
Once again the invading imperialists were sent packing by the brave tribesmen defending their homeland  :D
Not so sure about the rules, the level of randomness and some quite silly results dampened my enthusiasm a bit but we most definitely had a good laugh  lol
Anyway here are some random pics  :)
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Westbury on March 02, 2022, 07:39:47 PM
and some more
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: marianas_gamer on March 02, 2022, 07:59:19 PM
Excellent looking game that sounds to have held many surprises for both sides. I think that there will be pointed questions in Parliment  lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Digits on March 02, 2022, 09:04:37 PM
Great looking game….though at first I was puzzled as to why this tribal sniper was using his two wives as cover? Lol


Must get eyes tested…..

Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: trev on March 04, 2022, 04:46:29 PM
Brilliant stuff, always good to see more game pictures.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Terryb on March 05, 2022, 08:26:03 AM
A bit late to the party on this thread. Excellent looking  games and descriptions. Love this period. Thanks to you I dusted off  my Russians and Chinese and played a solo game of Ffol Bigger Battles which has rekindled my enthusiasm for gaming this period again. Thanks to you and to Jaye for a great set of rules.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Terryb on March 05, 2022, 10:45:35 AM
Apologies if this has been asked before. Been away from this period for some time. All my figures are Copplestone Castings which I know is being marketed by North Star. Does anyone know what happened to his line of inter war vehicles, or alternatively any suggestions on where to purchase vehicles of similar ilk. Thanks in advance
Terry
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Poiter50 on March 05, 2022, 02:26:25 PM
Empress has some that might suit IW.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Terryb on March 05, 2022, 05:08:45 PM
Thanks Poiter😃
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on March 05, 2022, 06:30:00 PM
I’ve also gone to paint and glue for the vehicles you’ll see on this thread.
Good scale, and a good price.
They do come out nice.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on March 05, 2022, 09:04:39 PM
Mini-Figs (via Caliver books) do have some,
though their catalogue is pants.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: vodkafan on March 06, 2022, 09:31:10 PM
Apologies if this has been asked before. Been away from this period for some time. All my figures are Copplestone Castings which I know is being marketed by North Star. Does anyone know what happened to his line of inter war vehicles, or alternatively any suggestions on where to purchase vehicles of similar ilk. Thanks in advance
Terry

I believe that the Empress vehicles ARE the old range from the Copplestone site. But I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Terryb on March 08, 2022, 07:11:44 AM
Thanks chaps😃
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: leadfool on April 08, 2022, 06:56:53 AM
Nice to see some figure getting on a table.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on December 04, 2022, 10:09:39 AM
The adventure continues…..

Yesterday we got together for another Back of Beyond game.
The game was played out using FFOL BB.
The game was umpired by Has.been (cheers Pete).
Lots of Tom foolery and high jinx.

The battle of Ruomuh Teliot (read it backwards  lol )

British troops were gathering at the railhead in response to a build up of hill tribe tensions.
Russians were reported in the area (always a problem).

The river(sometimes) is the boarder. The recent Russian view is that North of the river (other side to the town) is their sphere of influence.

The battlefield.
From the hill tribes viewpoint.
(https://i.postimg.cc/wT4SMYgf/D1-D63664-E2-BE-4819-845-C-5-CE79-D53-D574.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tYPrvf1W)

From the British (town) point of view.
(https://i.postimg.cc/5yxZYxXG/F697-D7-A8-92-EC-43-DC-AA07-222-E4114-D7-D0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/FdBPwXgg)

British/Indian troops disembark from their train.
(https://i.postimg.cc/DwbYzWC0/F85015-EB-3-C3-E-41-A7-8859-E78-C483-AE2-F6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k2qy15PP)

Hill tribes mass outside of the town. Left wing.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Y0bTQJgS/22-DA46-FA-0988-4539-9393-8704-CC4-A3-C08.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Cnnvgrcy)

Right wing.
(https://i.postimg.cc/tTzcHLBz/03-C85-CB8-694-D-4413-A6-D9-8-F8671-AD3194.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gXnsVBFw)

Russian cavalry and armoured half tracks in support of the hill tribes.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Gt7S4vw8/77-F44-FB4-D6-C6-47-AC-BAF8-B4018-E58907-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bSnRMDvp)

British Rolls Royce armoured cars approach the girder bridge over the river.
(https://i.postimg.cc/h4pYZRzD/454-B9440-01-F4-4-B10-BF00-9-CA22-A8388-D8.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t7nD7fNw)

British Rolls Royce armoured cars reach the bridge (you may notice one of the armoured cars has changed slightly. That’s because we had a mechanical breakdown on the first one DIDNT WE IAN !.  lol lol
(https://i.postimg.cc/fRpn2nPt/8887-D346-0-F79-42-F6-BE37-A25-FA90-F1324.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/68rmqStt)

The hill tribes rush forward, towards the town.
(https://i.postimg.cc/y6jqqS5z/6-D47-A546-1183-4005-879-B-434-B76-FFFDBD.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nMXSBMpd)

They mass, and take on the British armoured cars.
(https://i.postimg.cc/pXVHyB8T/E3-B38-FC5-2-D0-A-47-FC-91-D7-3-E1-E261-D8-C9-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vDKjNf0F)

The Russian cavalry move forward, but the British armoured car takes out a Russian armoured half track.
(https://i.postimg.cc/T2JxRsKF/81-A18493-9372-44-AF-925-E-42-AB40233095.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z0n2HVFx)

The hill tribe take out the British armoured car on the bridge.
(https://i.postimg.cc/R0WChLkf/C96953-A3-A2-AE-43-E1-8-C73-D122754-C2-B23.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/p9tM1zXX)

The hill tribe rush over the bridge, closely followed by the Russian cavalry.
(https://i.postimg.cc/RVm0dft5/C74-E009-E-CE2-C-47-F4-B01-E-38-A8-EFD9973-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/py0xXmkq)

British troops deploy to save the town.
(https://i.postimg.cc/9M32M5t5/942-E2671-C686-4-BB4-85-AF-B84-D5939-D924.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mcSJXn58)

Now the RH Hill tribe appear from the woods, after a turbulent time crossing the river.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Xqk4mH5M/2-D9-EB49-D-5386-4666-B4-DD-BD31540-EBCC6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/H8nq7t33)

Hill tribesmen appear everywhere.
(https://i.postimg.cc/cJtZ043B/9-D3910-ED-402-D-46-AB-8-AC9-FDADD697-E34-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/p9v3Bvqm)

The British forces are finally cutdown, as the tribesmen storm the town.
Even the final armoured car is swarmed by tribesmen.
Not a good end for the British forces.
(https://i.postimg.cc/PrM5RxbL/39-F89-B15-D232-4-AD1-80-FD-32-C852523424.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PPPHLdRh)

Overall, a great victory for the local hill tribes.
The Russians were playing a tentative game, as they didn’t want to get too involved with the British, so that finally explains why I (commanding the Russians ) just kept shuffling them around the battlefield.

Great game, played as ever in the right spirit.

Bacon butties, beer and cake all supplied by Quartermaster Cunningham.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: trev on December 04, 2022, 10:52:35 AM
Great looking game, cheers for posting.   :)
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: sir_shvantselot on December 04, 2022, 11:16:08 AM
Inspirational looking game!
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Mike Blake on December 04, 2022, 12:14:28 PM
Super looking game - good to know the Imperialists got a sound thrashing!
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Westbury on December 04, 2022, 12:48:09 PM
The omens were not great for the British when they were handed faulty equipment with wheels falling off the armoured spearhead - talk of the wheel being deliberately broken is just outrageous Russian propaganda!
Desperately outnumbered we did our utmost for Queen and country but sadly it wasn't enough. 
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Westbury on December 04, 2022, 12:50:37 PM
Appropriate liquid refreshment was available but did nothing to boost the British performance.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on December 04, 2022, 01:20:16 PM
Great looking game! Sounds like it was fun. 👍
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on December 04, 2022, 05:00:23 PM
I would re-enforce the humour theme by telling you all the names
of the two Hill Tribes & their leaders, but Flatpack has all the paperwork.
It was not as one sided as the British thought.
1) The Russian briefing was to avoid a head-to-head fight with the British.
    This became unavoidable when the British (Roles Royce) A/cars opened fire
    on the Russian A/cars.
2) Neither tribe trusted the other, but the British opened fire on both.
     Whilst still not trusting each other, they each attacked the British.
3) Plans to have the A/cars breaking down a lot (i.e. every time a Joker was drawn
    the lowest scoring A/car would be stuck for D6 moves) failed, as it turned out
    I had brought a pack without jokers.
     lol lol lol. As the Russian A/cars did very little, especially with one being knocked
    out very early in the game. This favoured the Brits, who relied on their A/cars a lot.
Anyway, on to some pictures.
168 = Roles Royces move quickly to control the Iron Bridge (NB Bob stuck all the
          rivets one at a time!)
167,169 & 170 = The British Inf. debus from the train & march to support the A/cars.
172 & 177 = Russian Cavalry trot (Trotsky?) past their A/cars. One already in
                   flames & abandoned.
175 = The Engine that brought the British Infantry.
       
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on December 04, 2022, 05:13:18 PM
 171 =The right wing (as the British viewed them) Afghans reach the river, & as the
          RR A/cars occupy the bridge, decide to cross upstream. 'How deep?' asks Dicemaster
         (Garry) I threw a D10 for depth in feet...'Ten' I tell him. Undeterred they start to swim.
173 = Meanwhile the 'left wing' Afghans start to take a pasting from the Indian Mountain gun.
178 = Said gun.
176 = Tribesmen move to attack the Iron bridge
179 = Indian Infantry move to support the A/cars on the bridge
 
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Golgotha on December 04, 2022, 05:46:00 PM
 Loving this thread - will no doubt be stealing some of the inspirational ideas here... Keep 'em coming...
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on December 04, 2022, 05:49:23 PM
180 = Still sopping wet from the river, Tribesmen rush the Imperial Infantry.
          A bloody melee sees the Brits cut down.
181 = On the other wing the Afghans, who had be taking galling casualties
          from the Indian gun, note a drop-off in the rate of fire. Taking this as
          the Imperial troops running out of ammunition, they charge over the
          wooden bridge...
          Some desperate last ditch loading and fighting over the cannon ended with
          a mound of Afghan dead & some very relieved gunners.
182 & 183 = After a heroic stand on the Iron bridge, during which they withstood
                   rifle, machine gun & cannon fire, the Roles Royce finally goes down.
                   Some VCs due here.
184 = With the bridge now free, tribesmen rush over.
185 & 186 = Carefully following the Afghans were the Russian Cavalry , though in
                   the reports that went back to Moscow...
                   they valiantly took the lead
                     ;)
187 = The last remaining Rolls is overwhelmed by bloodthirsty tribesmen.
          At this point it was agreed that whoever remained out of the British troops
          would rush for the train & get out of there.

An enjoyable game, which all players played up to their briefing & in the right spirit.
Especial thanks to:-
Bob, our genial host & spreader of the glorious peoples revolution
JC, provender provider & leader of the impressive suicidal charge of the cannon
Garry, for not letting a 10' deep river stop his bloodthirsty tribesmen
Ian, who maintained a stiff (British) upper lip at all times, even when hacked down
      in the melee.

Next year we might venture into the Mexican (1910) revolution. Watch this space. ;D
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: scotty on December 04, 2022, 07:27:37 PM
Superb looking game
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: marianas_gamer on December 04, 2022, 07:53:32 PM
Love it and sounds like gongs are in order for the red legs as well!
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Golgotha on December 04, 2022, 08:45:23 PM
Look forward to seeing your Mexican adventure...
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Zingara on December 08, 2022, 08:04:26 PM
Great looking game, and glad you all got to have a good time. Happy wargaming. As has been mentioned look forward to seeing how you get on with Mexico.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Ignatieff on March 10, 2023, 10:02:56 AM
Very cool games matey, splendid stuff.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: FifteensAway on March 11, 2023, 07:37:13 AM
FFOL rules rock. 

Did you know you can get a 60 card deck plus 4 jokers! 

Yup, true. 

Besides the extra Jokers, you get two additional face cards: Princess and Duke for each suite (52 + 8 = 60 + 4 Jokers = 64 total cards - and you can use some of the included cards that explain card game rules, too; I plan to use one, colorful, as an End Turn, Reshuffle deck card).  Baron Von J doesn't seem to like these decks but I think they can add to the fun - and the options (specialty cards).  I haven't dreamed up how I will use them yet but I'm sure I will come up with something.

For the cards, try Googling 60 card fractal deck.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: DivisMal on March 11, 2023, 10:00:48 AM
Awesome game! And yes, FFoL is a fun system!

FFOL rules rock. 

Did you know you can get a 60 card deck plus 4 jokers! 

Yup, true. 

Besides the extra Jokers, you get two additional face cards: Princess and Duke for each suite (52 + 8 = 60 + 4 Jokers = 64 total cards - and you can use some of the included cards that explain card game rules, too; I plan to use one, colorful, as an End Turn, Reshuffle deck cared).  Baron Von J doesn't seem to like these decks but I think they can add to the fun - and the options (specialty cards).  I haven't dreamed up how I will use them yet but I'm sure I will come up with something.

For the cards, try Googling 60 card fractal deck.

I had to check this immediately, and while it is a bit pricey, it’s tempting for wargaming!
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on January 17, 2024, 09:17:31 AM
More hill tribe issues.
Trouble on the boarder.
Table set up for this coming weekends game.
Rules will be FFOL BB again.
Let’s see if the Brits can do any better this time ?
(https://i.postimg.cc/C5Cnxr8Z/IMG-5896.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JHnzTqPm)
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: vodkafan on January 18, 2024, 01:33:43 PM
Those pesky blighters need another lesson, what?
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on January 18, 2024, 02:57:37 PM
Quote
Those pesky blighters need another lesson, what?

Are you volunteering to be the solitary British player James?  lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on January 18, 2024, 11:17:02 PM
Hill tribesmen…..thousands of them.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on January 19, 2024, 11:56:34 PM
The ambassador and his family get a bit twitchy.
Call out the guard.
(https://i.postimg.cc/pTPfV4W3/IMG-5914.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kVh6fjty)

The local’s really aren’t happy.
(https://i.postimg.cc/d1n8h6D3/IMG-5913.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YGG4V16B)

(https://i.postimg.cc/RhDKR07z/IMG-5911.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YLQv2MDX)

Where’s the air support I was promised?
(https://i.postimg.cc/T2C91dW0/IMG-5923.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F1kcnQpk)
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: vodkafan on January 20, 2024, 09:24:57 PM
Ha I don't remember looking up and seeing that  lol.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on January 21, 2024, 09:19:52 AM
Just a quick recon flight James.
So quick, you missed it  lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on January 21, 2024, 10:01:16 AM
Yesterday we played out our next BoB game.
We used FFOL BB rules.

The British ambassador and his family were based at Trifd Serkror station (Rorkes drift backwards  ;) )
British re-enforcements ARE on their way.
Pesky Russians are (once again) stirring up the hill tribes.
The hill tribes plan is to overrun the British compound and cross the river and head South to raid and plunder.

(https://i.postimg.cc/C5Cnxr8Z/IMG-5896.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JHnzTqPm)
The battlefield.

(https://i.postimg.cc/W4LmCtQN/IMG-5918.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pmCnnVW4)
The ambassador addressing his troops.

(https://i.postimg.cc/28Tq396v/IMG-5933.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vcg8Nz5H)
Hill tribes massing for the attack.

(https://i.postimg.cc/L6mpwyNq/IMG-5925.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hhZ670Fg)
More and more tribesmen answer the call to arms.

(https://i.postimg.cc/7Z6yY5vw/IMG-5927.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ykwGLYYb)
Russian “advisors” arrive, en mass.

(https://i.postimg.cc/SQ6Ybxbg/IMG-5938.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yWN8FBdR)
More Russian advisors watch on, as the tribesmen throw in wave after wave of men, at the mission.

(https://i.postimg.cc/qR8qrjSN/IMG-5934.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZB54FFTm)
British and Indian troops are whittled down.
Maybe they should have stayed behind those compound walls ?

(https://i.postimg.cc/W4qtW276/IMG-5939.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nsZHMfgC)
The hill tribesmen push the British troops back into the compound.

(https://i.postimg.cc/fyzzNZYP/IMG-5941.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zbQZCstw)
British troops try to hold the enemy at the gates.

(https://i.postimg.cc/d3VYf6YP/IMG-5951.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0MFFMpjc)
The compound is now being surrounded by tribesmen, and their Russian friends.

(https://i.postimg.cc/bYm8t7xz/IMG-5954.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8sfq8nX3)
Tribesmen break into the compound.
Those gates would never hold them.

(https://i.postimg.cc/x8p2Vmfk/IMG-5958.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fSdFxJ0Z)
The last few defenders try to hold off their attackers.

(https://i.postimg.cc/XqJRLvfn/IMG-5963.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jwp3dt31)
Lt Algenon Barrington-Smyth finally checks his watch for the last time as he is surrounded by tribesmen. Time to die  :-[

(https://i.postimg.cc/66bJ3dKq/IMG-5962.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XX5D1Bp6)
Russian troops about to pour into the compound.
Are there any documents that they would find useful ?
Hold on….wheres the ambassador and his family ?

(https://i.postimg.cc/KzZSKf4k/IMG-5959.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R3bbyc74)
There they go !
The ambassador  and his family escape along with the Rolls Royce armored car, that was sent to rescue them. You lucky boy  lol

A really fun game.
Played in the right spirit.
Plenty of laughter.

Many thanks to has.been for organising and umpiring the game.




Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on January 21, 2024, 12:44:27 PM
Quote
Trifd Serkror station (Rorkes drift backwards

It's an anagram Bob, not just backwards.  That would be... silly. lol lol lol

Credit to Bob (Flatpack) for hosting, setting up, providing all the scenery, &
figures (apart from the Russians which I brought along, but strangely Bob controlled)
oh and feeding us. Food paid for by the noble JC (John). Thanks both of you.

858 & 9 = Russian advisors arrive.
860/865/867/870/872/875 = To the left of the Russians was one of the Hill Tribes.
                                            Led by JC (John) who was quite happy advancing across the
                                            open terrain to the Mission compound while under fire from
                                            the British Mountain gun.

Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on January 21, 2024, 12:51:50 PM
Meanwhile the other Tribe led by Ian (Westbury) made use of what cover they could,
while they closed in on the British.
861/869/871/873 = Ian's progress.
862 = The British, James (Vodkafan) defending outside the Mission walls ????
           (More about that later)
863 = An overview.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on January 21, 2024, 01:37:42 PM
As the game moved on, towards the result that the British feared,
our correspondent caught some good photgraphs.
864 = Brave Cossack Rifles.
876 = Stout hearted Siberian Rifles.
866 = Valiant, but doomed, Mountain Gun.
868 = The Russian A-car finally arrives, attempts to speed up and...breaks down. lol
877/8 = The final push to the Mission.
The Ambassador & family had tried to escape in  a local vehicle, only for Ian to pepper
it with so much fire that the truck broke down & its driver ran away.

874 = Then when it looked like no rescue was possible, a Roles Royce A-car can hurtling down
          the road, over the bridge & poured accurate fire into Ian's Tribesmen.
879 = Ambassador & family clinging to the running boards the RR a-car heads to safety pursued
          by John's Tribesmen.

Mention should be made of:-
The British Officer's decision to move all the crates etc. OUT of the Mission, rather than using
them to make a firing step.  ??? :o ??? (Temp. barricade = +1 protection. Mission walls +2 !!!)
But we will never know as he, & his command, fell beneath the enemy's spears & bullets.

At the end of the game (amidst many recriminations) player revealed the briefing notes
they had been given.

Neither tribe trusted the other & both wanted the other to do the fighting.  lol

The Russians wanted to stir up trouble for the British, but did NOT want get too involved
in the fighting.


As the Russian, Bob was adjudged the winner.
British Military wiped out,
Ambassador ran away with his tail between his legs, & various 'documents' found by the Russians,
John's tribe now the proud owner of a slightly used mountain Gun,
Ian's Tribe covered in the glory of storming the Mission, but took the most casualties, AND
The Russians only fires ONCE in the whole game! (that was when I temporally took over
so that Bob could get on with the essential Bacon butties, sausage butties & hash browns  :D)

All in a fun day. Thanks all involved.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: vodkafan on January 21, 2024, 02:22:39 PM
 Great photos and report already so I will just add a few extra pics and a few words.
 As the British player I feel I should explain my decision to initially defend outside the mission walls. I wanted a good field of fire for the light mountain gun and could not leave them unsupported so I dragged everything I could outside to create barricades for the infantry facing two sides North and East. I planned to retreat inside the mission at the last moment.
(https://i.postimg.cc/3JmmF7Qk/DSC-0071.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/44rpcyqC/DSC-0070.jpg)

 Despite getting off some punishing first volleys straight away I was surprised by the accurate fire of Ian's ferocious attacking tribsemen. He concentrated his fire on my unit of Sikhs which in one turn went down from 10 men to 5 and then 3. 
(https://i.postimg.cc/d3SHRYbH/DSC-0074.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZYfMz8W8/DSC-0076.jpg)
 In the middle of this hail of lead, Algernon Barrington-Smyth went out personally to rally off their shock and keep them fighting, which he did successfully. Unfortunately he was shot in the middle of this heroic act.
The Warwickshire Regiment dragged his bleeding body inside the Mission gates. By the time they got back outside the Sikhs were all dead and the Sikh crew of the Mountain gun had also taken a casualty.
The Mountain gun had been blowing massive holes in the 3 tribes of Afghans massing on the East but these were large tribes and it was only making them more mad.
(https://i.postimg.cc/J0XwhxYd/DSC-0096.jpg)
The Warwickshire Regiment now took 4 casualties of their own. They retired inside the mission and closed the gates. The mountain gun was also dragged back inside the walls.
A turn was now lost here as efforts to cut firing holes in the walls failed, and the Mountain gun was set up again.
(https://i.postimg.cc/QxLGzLHL/DSC-0084.jpg)
Ian's tribes were now surging outside the gates .
Barrington-Smyth was bleeding out. In the FFOL rules the card that might have saved him is the Queen of Spades but unfortunately I didn't get one. The Warwickshires put his prone form on the steps of the Mission House so he could die in true General Gordon fashion and formed Close Order to face the enemy with fixed bayonets.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Vs0P4ssB/DSC-0100.jpg)
At this point things were explained to the Ambassador  (controlled by the Umpire) that it might be wise to evacuate his family.
(https://i.postimg.cc/x8rqXJCt/DSC-0082.jpg)
The faithful driver Omar brought the truck up to the side entrance and the Ambassador's family were bundled quickly inside.
(https://i.postimg.cc/htnxCwKp/DSC-0095.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8zbvxH5D/DSC-0103.jpg)
They sped away at top speed!
(https://i.postimg.cc/8CPvG6Jv/DSC-0107.jpg)
However another of Ian's tribes had approached from the West and severely shot up the Model T. The family bailed out.
(https://i.postimg.cc/9QcRP7Bk/DSC-0124.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8CK6zzM0/DSC-0112.jpg)
This was high excitement! The Ambassador's wife was close to wetting herself. The Ambassador loaded his pistol in anticipation of having to shoot his wife and daughter to save them from a fate worse than death. But an old lookout fort across the road offered the chance to hold out a while longer.
(https://i.postimg.cc/dQ78DrWm/DSC-0069.jpg)

to be continued
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Westbury on January 21, 2024, 02:49:10 PM
As the tribal leader that did all the serious fighting; breached the compound, massacred two English battalions and sent the Ambassador scuttling for safety I claim lordship over all the lands to the north - I shall call our forces "The Northern Alliance" As for those perfidious Russians they better not come back in a 150 years time or they will get a right kicking!
I thought of a song we should have sung as the Ambassador fled "One wheel on my wagon and I'm still rolling along...."  lol lol 
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: vodkafan on January 21, 2024, 02:52:49 PM
 Meanwhile inside the mission the last gunner on the mountain gun was shot with 5 bullets. The tribes on that side were not there yet but time was short. My Sikh infantry while still alive had wiped out half a unit of Russian Cossacks but they had reformed and were advancing too backed up by an unreliable armoured car.
At the North gate Ian's Afghans had still not managed to get over the walls or through the gates. With the Ambassador (as far as they knew) safely gone the Warwickshires made a quick decision to try to escape themselves so carrying the unconscious Barrington-Smyth they made for the back gate.
(https://i.postimg.cc/cHtr1Msv/DSC-0106.jpg)
Here is an exciting ariel shot showing the hordes of enemy outside the Mission!
(https://i.postimg.cc/xjbz9YC6/DSC-0118.jpg)
But it was too late. With a splintering crash of broken timber the Afghans surged through the gate. Dropping their officer the Brits turned and formed up for a bayonet melee.
(https://i.postimg.cc/pXf5nZK8/DSC-0122.jpg)
The Warwicks were wiped out to a man after a quick bloody scrap that also killed 5 tribesmen.
Outside, miracle of miracles! A single Rolls Royce armoured car appeared on the road shooting up Ian's tribesmen that were pursuing the family on the way.
(https://i.postimg.cc/6qR2cVSk/DSC-0114.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/6pz7Mpjp/DSC-0127.jpg)
There should have been 2 armoured cars, but Russian interference had accounted for one on the way.
The Ambassador and his family piled aboard under fire.
(https://i.postimg.cc/FKRY8X8g/DSC-0131.jpg)
They made their escape the Vickers MG hot from shooting as they went.
(https://i.postimg.cc/9fnDjNj3/DSC-0132.jpg)

It was a fantastic nail biting game everyone had great fun. Thanks to flatpack for hosting and for the food, JC for the beer and has,been for umpiring and for giving me a lift so I could take part!

Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: vodkafan on January 21, 2024, 02:57:58 PM
As the tribal leader that did all the serious fighting; breached the compound, massacred two English battalions and sent the Ambassador scuttling for safety I claim lordship over all the lands to the north - I shall call our forces "The Northern Alliance" As for those perfidious Russians they better not come back in a 150 years time or they will get a right kicking!
I thought of a song we should have sung as the Ambassador fled "One wheel on my wagon and I'm still rolling along...."  lol lol

Ha Northern Alliance very good!
And thanks to Westbury for being a formidable opponent.
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on January 21, 2024, 04:12:00 PM
Russian advisors - just giving advice  lol lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: vodkafan on January 21, 2024, 05:27:49 PM
Russian advisors - just giving advice  lol lol

And yet almost the first to step into the Mission at the end...
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: Metternich on January 24, 2024, 04:00:37 PM
It appears the tribesmen are revolting (have you seen their table manners?).
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: flatpack on January 24, 2024, 04:17:37 PM
It appears the tribesmen are revolting (have you seen their table manners?).

I don’t even think they washed their hands  lol
Title: Re: Back of beyond adventures
Post by: has.been on January 25, 2024, 06:57:43 PM
I do believe the Ambassador washed his hands... of the whole affair.  lol