Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Pikes, Muskets and Flouncy Shirts => Topic started by: mikedemana on November 23, 2014, 02:59:38 PM
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Hi everyone,
My group is just about ready to begin playtesting my set of campaign rules for late 17th - 18th century warfare among Indian tribes here in my state of Ohio. The Beaver Wars was a conflict fought throughout the Eastern Woodlands as the Iroquois and other tribes fought over trapping grounds. Beaver was in high demand in Europe (I know lol), particularly for hats. The animal was being trapped to extinction in the East and new lands were needed. The Ohio Valley was where the Iroquois wanted to expand their control, and they warred against the various Miami, Ottawa, and Wyandot tribes who populated the area.
The players will control one of the tribes and each undertake one action per turn. This could be a raid, attempt to conquer a village, etc. This generates tabletop encounters. The players create their army lists and game out the action. Of course, we will be using my own "Song of Drums and Tomahawks" (available at the links below). There are rules for surviving warriors to gain experience, new Traits, and for new leaders to emerge. The players are competing against each other in four categories (control of villages, victories in battle, and so on). Where they are ranked in each category will determine victory points and which tribe(s) are "winning."
One of the last bits of research I needed to do was for the campaign map. Living in Ohio, I have the wonderful research of the Ohio Historical Society's archive library in town. I pored over maps yesterday and will begin drawing it out this week, using actual historic sites for Indian villages, names, and so on. I also need to go back down and use some new sources I found to do a final, fact double-check on my research on the various tribes of the Ohio Valley.
Once we have playtested it thoroughly to my satisfaction, then they will be available for sale. A big part of it will be the historical background, maps, and detailed information on each tribe. In addition to the campaign's scenario generator, I will include a dozen or so generic or "plug in" scenarios that I've run successfully at convention. Like Song of Drums and Tomahawks, it will be a joint venture between Ganesha Games and our own company, First Command Wargames (http://www.firstcommandwargames.com/).
Here are the links where Song of Drums and Tomahawks is available:
Ganesha Games: http://www.ganeshagames.net/product_info.php?cPath=1_51&products_id=267&osCsid=r1dkch5705si1kpu56jn25h5p5
Wargame Vault: http://www.wargamevault.com/product/139714/Song-of-Drums-and-Tomahawks?affiliate_id=23711
Create Space on Amazon:https://www.createspace.com/5095483
Stay tuned for some updates and battle reports as we begin playtesting!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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This sounds very interesting. I just picked up a copy of Drums and Tomahawks with hopes for using it for the Conquest of Siberia. While there doesn't seem to be a lot of information available in English, from what I have read the Russian demand for furs and the and conflicts arising from that sound very similar. I'll be interested to see how you treat wooden armor in the earlier period.
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Hi Morrigan,
Thank you for your purchase! The "Song" rules engine is very modular and flexible. So, you should be able to modify it for just about any period. The right combination of Traits and a special rule or two and you can really tailor it to a specific period and style of warfare.
Our first thoughts on the wooden armor are this: It counts as Cuirass except against gunpowder weapons and Primitive Weapon. The Primitive Weapon category will be expanded to include some large, European swords and such. I know that is more of a concern for the early Conquistador period, but thought I'd mention it here. The cost would be likely 4 points instead of 5, though we have not playtested that, yet.
Thoughts?
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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Mike,
Best of luck on your project! I grew up in Fairport Harbor, Ohio which is the site of an Erie Indian settlement that was wiped out by the Iroquois during the Beaver War period. I may have to pick up some of Bob Murch's new range and a set of your rules and give it a spin.
As far as references, I have always found Helen Hornbeck Tanner's "Atlas of Great Lakes Indian History" very useful. There is a new paperback edition available ( http://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Indian-History-Civilization-American/dp/0806120568/?ie=UTF8 (http://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Indian-History-Civilization-American/dp/0806120568/?ie=UTF8) but most libraries should be able to get hold of a copy too.
Aaron
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Mike, this subject is very interesting and diferent from the existing ones.
Although i´m not an american i always liked world history in general and some conflicts in particular and one of those is the one you are exploring so any information is most welcome.
Appart from Bob Murchs minis (Pulp Figures) and an old Wargames Foundry range i dont know about any other manufacturer in 28mm for minis specially pre powder periods so it might be interesting to see if someone picks this period for american indians.
About rules although i bought Song of Drums and Tomahawks and havent tried yet i think it will be easy to convert them to the subject.
I will probably try the rules for the Second Seminole Wars in 1835.
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Mike, this subject is very interesting and diferent from the existing ones.
Although i´m not an american i always liked world history in general and some conflicts in particular and one of those is the one you are exploring so any information is most welcome.
Appart from Bob Murchs minis (Pulp Figures) and an old Wargames Foundry range i dont know about any other manufacturer in 28mm for minis specially pre powder periods so it might be interesting to see if someone picks this period for american indians.
About rules although i bought Song of Drums and Tomahawks and havent tried yet i think it will be easy to convert them to the subject.
I will probably try the rules for the Second Seminole Wars in 1835.
Footsore have a couple of packs of skraelings, which look very similar to the SAGA ones if you have seen them.
http://footsoreminis.com/t/dark-ages---skraelings (http://footsoreminis.com/t/dark-ages---skraelings)
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Folnjir, those skraelings are lovelly.
The only problem is with postage and the risk of extra taxes but appart from that they are an excelent reference for the period.
Many thanks for the link.
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I actually picked up a pack of their Skraeling "Wretches" to paint up as Indian youths. They're slimmer and certainly have less equipment than my 28mm Conquest Indians. Speaking of which, just about any non-firearm bearing Indian should be good for the Beaver Wars, I'd say. The wooden slate armor was more rare than the illustrations in books would have us believe. Oh, and that Bob Murch range....OH, MY, GOD! :o :o :o Gorgeous!
Funny you should mention that atlas, Aaron. A friend of mine has been digging through is bookshelves looking for his copy to lend to me. He finally gave up and order another used copy...ha, ha! I perused it while visiting Fort Meigs (War of 1812 reconstructed fort, in Perrysburg, Ohio) this spring. It DOES look great. I'm heading back down to the archives tomorrow. I will keep everyone posted on the project. I appreciate the interest.
And, since someone mentioned the Bob Murch figs, I can't resist adding a little color to this thread...
(http://pulpfigures.com/files/5Wendat.unbased.jpg)
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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Folnjir, those skraelings are lovelly.
The only problem is with postage and the risk of extra taxes but appart from that they are an excelent reference for the period.
Many thanks for the link.
Ah, being in Australia where postage is ridiculous from everywhere I tend to forget about it.
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I've been doing research down at the Ohio Historical Society's archive library, recently. The resource down there are amazing. Period maps, accounts, and such. One book has every treaty signedby the Indian tribes and the government. I used that to make lists of chieftain's and other important tribes men's names for all the tribes covered by the campaign.
All kinds of good stuff to include!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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Speaking of research, the Iroquois (or Haudenosaunee) were very well-armed with European firearms as early as the 1630s, at first being armed with the arquebus by the Dutch. The Ohio wars didn't start until a couple of decades later, with the Iroquois attack on the Eries starting around 1654.
So I'm curious how you're going to work firearms into the mix in your most excellent and intriguing campaign. Access to firearms was one reason for Iroquois successes, as they certainly didn't outnumber their opponents. And it would take some serious research to determine how much and when the other woodland tribes adopted firearms. I'm very interested in what you come up with.
The Beaver Wars are a fascinating and much-neglected period to wargame, stretching for almost the entire 17th century until the Great Peace of Montreal in 1701, with three major European powers and numerous woodland tribes in the mix, so I watch your progress with much interest. Especially since my humble abode is not too far to your north in the [former] Great Black Swamp, just spittin' distance from Fort Meigs. The fighting in Ohio was so fierce that the land was effectively uninhabited in the first few decades of the 18th century: the Iroquois didn't have the resources to occupy, and the other tribes had been pushed out (or eradicated, like the Erie).
Best of luck with your project! :)
Mike
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(http://pulpfigures.com/files/5Wendat.unbased.jpg)
:-*
Spectacular
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This sounds very interesting. I just picked up a copy of Drums and Tomahawks with hopes for using it for the Conquest of Siberia. While there doesn't seem to be a lot of information available in English, from what I have read the Russian demand for furs and the and conflicts arising from that sound very similar. I'll be interested to see how you treat wooden armor in the earlier period.
I am sure that Cuprum (who posts a lot on the Back of Beyond board) would have some great ideas about Siberia. He lives in the Altai which is reasonably - by Russian standards - close to where all that action went down.
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So I'm curious how you're going to work firearms into the mix in your most excellent and intriguing campaign.
My initial plans are to use a Firearms ratio. For example, if the ratio is 4:1, you must have 4 bow armed figures before receiving one armed with a firearm. Tribes will be able to improve their ratio over the course of the campaign. I will make recommendations on where to set each tribe's starting Firearms ratio, but ultimately let the players decide if they want a more historical or more balanced campaign.
I also plan on having 2-3 campaign setups covering different time periods. This would include the initial onslaught of the Iroquois vs. the Erie, the slightly later 1700 period when the major dislocations have settled down, and finally a period I call the vacuum, when the time period of depopulation entices a number of tribes to immigrate (or re-immigrate) to the Ohio lands.
So, although it will be called "The Beaver Wars in Ohio," it is intended to cover a longer period of time. This will let players who want to game the historical event of the Beaver Wars, but in a later time period with flintlock muskets, the leeway to do so. Thanks for the kind words, Oabee! This is indeed a fascinating time period...and there sure were a lot of tribes occupying your old stomping grounds in the Toledo area! Have you ever made it to Drums Along the Maumee? Nothing beats running one of my games there, when players can turn around and see the palisades of Fort Meigs outside the window and a short walk away...!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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Mike-
I am now resolved to make the next gaming event at Fort Meigs!
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Mike: your plans are well thought out and should work well!
Have you ever made it to Drums Along the Maumee? Nothing beats running one of my games there, when players can turn around and see the palisades of Fort Meigs outside the window and a short walk away...!
I made it two years ago, but just visited. Well, not quite, I did play a game of Uwe Eikert's 1812. Uwe was in our wargaming group back in the day, and still lives in the area, and was at the con that day. Didn't have to pay admission due to my Ohio Historical Society membership! :D I took about a 15-year hiatus from wargaming for various reasons, and have gotten back in with my local group for the past three or so years. I'm building up miniatures and scenery for French and Indian War and for In Her Majesty's Name, and have my eyes on investing in Old West skirmishing down the road, and fully intend to start hosting games at conventions once I get everything painted and assembled. I love Muskets and Tomahawks, but also just picked up Song of Drums and Tomahawks and find much to like there also!
Back in the day, I used to host games at Michicon in Detroit and Tolcon in Toledo (mainly Johnny Reb ACW in 15mm), and fully intend to get back to the convention circuit, hopefully this spring. Drums along the Maumee is definitely one of my goals, and maybe--maybe--I can get something together in time for this year's convention.
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I did play a game of Uwe Eikert's 1812. Uwe was in our wargaming group back in the day, and still lives in the area, and was at the con that day.
Uwe is a friend of mine! I chatted with him for quite a bit at the Games Day in November.
intend to get back to the convention circuit, hopefully this spring. Drums along the Maumee is definitely one of my goals
That's great....! Welcome back to wargaming! I'm glad you like Song of Drums and Tomahawks. Different scale than Muskets & Tomahawks, but both provide a good feel for the period. Hope to see you in May at Drums!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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The rules are written and are now in the playtest stage! I have started a page on my blog which will document each turn of my gaming group's playtest. Check it out here:
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-beaver-wars-in-ohio-campaign-for.html
And here's a sneak-peak at an early version of the cover...
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Native%20Americans/CoverArtBeaverWars_DamWeb_zps2607a89b.jpg)
As always, the rules are available for download on both Ganesha Games site and Wargame Vault. Links are here:
Ganesha Site: http://www.ganeshagames.net/product_info.php?cPath=1_51&products_id=267&osCsid=r1dkch5705si1kpu56jn25h5p5
Wargames Vault: http://www.wargamevault.com/product/139714/Song-of-Drums-and-Tomahawks?term=song+of+drums+and+toma?affiliate_id=23711
We have played our first turn of the campaign, so expect a new update in the next couple days. Hope you enjoy it...!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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Looking forward to this!
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Is this part of the Huron-Iroquois wars that started before the arrival of Europeans? Of course, the demand for Beaver pelts just exacerbated this old standing rivalry, and I'm sure the white people exploited the existing situation.
Anyway, this is a fascinating topic. I would recommend the book, "The Orenda" by Joseph Boyden.
I'll be picking up "Songs of Drums and Tomahawks" tomorrow. Looks good and I love the basic game mechanisms.
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Is this part of the Huron-Iroquois wars that started before the arrival of Europeans? Of course, the demand for Beaver pelts just exacerbated this old standing rivalry, and I'm sure the white people exploited the existing situation.
Yes, the selling of guns to the Iroquois by the Dutch really unbalanced the situation in the Eastern Woodlands. They already had a significant advantage with their confederacy which allowed 5 tribes to act in concert, for the most part. Throw in superior weaponry, and they were a hurricane that left a path of destroyed, fleeing, or assimilated tribes in their path. The campaign covers their advent into the Ohio Valley. However, since it is such an interesting period, it is actually 3 campaigns in one. The early phase, 1660-1690 is the "classic" Beaver Wars, with the Iroquois kicking butt. The middle phase, 1690-1720, actually was much more fair of a fight, and features French-armed and allied tribes pushing the Iroquois back. The final phase, 1720-1750, is what I call "The Vacuum." The emptiness of a war-ravaged, depopulated Ohio, drew a number of tribes to it that were looking for a place to escape pressures elsewhere. All 3 of the campaigns will feature rules for a "Historical" versions and "Fair" versions.
Anyway, this is a fascinating topic. I would recommend the book, "The Orenda" by Joseph Boyden.
I'll be picking up "Songs of Drums and Tomahawks" tomorrow. Looks good and I love the basic game mechanisms.
Thanks for reminding me! I told myself to buy it a few weeks back when someone first recommended it. Then I promptly forgot. I'll will grab it from Amazon ASAP! Oh, and thanks for purchasing the rules, Bowman!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Native%20Americans/BWT1_Ambush_TrapSprung_zps2471a926.jpg)
Ottawa ambush a Miami trading party on Turn 1
Hi everyone! We played turn one of our playtest of the Beaver Wars in Ohio campaign rules that I've written. I've posted the report to my blog. Check it out here:
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-beaver-wars-turn-1-report.html
Report includes an explanation of how the campaign system works, along with what each player's tribe did that turn.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Native%20Americans/BeaverWarsTurn01_zps69c0560f.jpg)
Image of the campaign map for Turn 1
The players seemed pretty pumped up about it. One of them has been inspired to start his own blog chronicling the trials and travails of his Miami tribe. His blog entry contains a really interesting passage about a historical raid by the Iroquois on the Miami Indians during the period the campaign covers. Check out my friend Keith's blog here:
http://orcafinnbasement.blogspot.com/2015/01/game-reports-beaver-wars.html
And once again, if you're interested in purchasing the rules, they can be obtained on Ganesha Games and Wargame Vault. Here are the links:
Ganesha Site: http://www.ganeshagames.net/product_info.php?cPath=1_51&products_id=267&osCsid=r1dkch5705si1kpu56jn25h5p5
Wargames Vault: http://www.wargamevault.com/product/139714/Song-of-Drums-and-Tomahawks?term=song+of+drums+and+toma?affiliate_id=23711
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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I am looking forward to checking both blog reports out, Mike. Sadly I didn't manage to get a game in over the holidays (hard to pry my son away from the shiny new Lego sets for long enough!), but I did read through the rules and I really like them. I think they are going to breath new life into my dusty French and Indian War figure collection.
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Looks very interesting, just starting to get into this period with some FIW figures, when I get some bow armed figures I might give this a go.
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Looks very interesting, just starting to get into this period with some FIW figures, when I get some bow armed figures I might give this a go.
If you play the third version of the campaign, "The Vacuum (1720-1750)," nearly all figures should be musket armed by the end of the period. Remember, that is the "historical" version -- nothing will keep you from moving the campaign forward half a century or so and having all troops armed with muskets. Same concept, and an interesting "What if...?"
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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Fascinating thread and a decidedly off the beaten track subject 8)
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Very interesting start.
Read both blog reports, love them.
Even if not much happened, still very cool.
I look forward to see what comes next.
Very nice Indian playing cards, have to pick some up.
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Really like the card system for turn order, logistics, and income, plus the various campaign choices--including the Pow-wow for trading cards. The use of trade income to raise the bow-to-musket ratio is simple and elegant.
Great start. Look forward to further development of the campaign!
The Miami skedaddle from the Ottawa ambush is fascinating....very interesting how one's combat inclinations change in a campaign setting rather than in a one-off wargame!
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Mike,
I went to ebay looking for the Indian cards you used in your game.
Had no luck in finding them.
Do you have a link for them? Thanks.
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Sure thing! I bought them off Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Native-American-Playing-Cards-Set/dp/1572816198/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421686921&sr=8-1&keywords=Native+American+cards+playing
If the link doesn't work, search for "Native American playing cards"
Let me know if you have any trouble....
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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Thanks Mike for the link.
I did not think of Native American.
Tried about every other name.
Also ordered your rules, look forward to trying them out.
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I did not think of Native American.
Ha, ha...I had that problem when I used "Indian" too...
Also ordered your rules, look forward to trying them out.
Thank you sir! Hope you enjoy them...!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Native%20Americans/BWT2_07NeededReinforcements_zps6534eeb9.jpg)
We got together last night for turn 2 of our playtest of the Beaver Wars in Ohio. Once again, angry weather threatened, and I had only 4 of my 6 players able to attend. The others sent in their turns by email, though, so we were able to play it out. The turn resulted in another tabletop battle. The Miami tribe invaded Illinois territory to attempt to seize control of one of the villages. Meanwhile, many of the other tribes were taking bundles of beaver pelts to the trading post for muskets and other European goods their tribes are coming to depend upon.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Native%20Americans/BeaverWarsTurn02_zpsf3a605f1.jpg)
Turn 2 map
For a full report, along with explanation of how the campaign system works, check out my Lead Legionaries blog. Lots of photos of the battle, which was fought amidst the longhouses and palisades of an Indian town. Check it all out here:
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-beaver-wars-turn-2-report.html
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Native%20Americans/BWT2_05FirstBlood_zps0fcf1e33.jpg)
Enjoy! And feel free to ask questions about how it all works, or make comments.
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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Great report.
Nice photos.
A question, when players are playing their cards, do they lay them face down and turn them all over at once?
Or do they play them one at a time.
It looks as if warriors are the best all around troops.
Youths had a hard time of it.
How do Youths move up to warrior?
Also, are all the games even points on both sides?
Can't wait for the next report.
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Great report.
Nice photos.
A question, when players are playing their cards, do they lay them face down and turn them all over at once? Or do they play them one at a time.
Thank you! It is sequential, one after another with cards played face up. I have fudged it a bit with absent players sending in email card plays, though.
It looks as if warriors are the best all around troops.
Youths had a hard time of it.
How do Youths move up to warrior?
Also, are all the games even points on both sides?
Can't wait for the next report.
Yes, youths are having a tough time of it. Rightly so, at 1 AP vs. 2 AP for a warrior. Of course, as players, we need to learn to get the hang of what they can do and can't do. You should see the lively discussion on our shared emails after each sunday evening of battle! The player roster, where they keep track of surviving figures with XP, is meant to be simplified and abstracted. Currently, I don't have a way for them to graduate to "Warrior" status. Of course, any player can simply declare that -- for color's sake -- a new warrior bought this turn is the old youth, and simply not play that youth anymore.
This is still in the playtest stage. So, if we feel after completing it that there should be a provision for graduating youths, then I'll add it in.
Thanks for all the nice comments! Have you checked out my Miami player's blog on the playtest? It is very well done, I think:
http://orcafinnbasement.blogspot.com/2015/01/game-reports-song-of-drums-and.html
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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I see that you live in Central Ohio..... Any chance any of the Columbus area brick and mortars are carrying these rules? Or is online order and/or PDF the only easy way to get them?
I've really enjoyed some of the other Ganesha Games rules, and thought since I enjoy F&IW as well, these might be a nice thin addition to the rules shelf.
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Heck, if you're here in the area, I'll sell you one from the stock on hand! I'm a school teacher, so work Monday-Friday up in the area of Polaris Mall area. I live very close to Ravenstone and The Soldiery.
We haven't hit them up to carry them...probably should get around to doing that!
PM me and we can arrange to meet, and I'll toss in one of my full-size QRS...
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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Really nice to point out the Miami's player blog.
Nice write up about the battle.
It will be fun to follow both yours and his write ups of what is happening.
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Hey Mike,
My rules came in today.
After a quick read they look good.
Funny, I ran a F&I War game today.
Just a friend and I.
If the rules had come in a little sooner,
I could have played them.
But will have a game soon.
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After a quick read they look good.
Funny, I ran a F&I War game today.
Just a friend and I.
If the rules had come in a little sooner,
I could have played them.
Thanks! Hope you had fun and are inspired to do more!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Native%20Americans/IMG_2744_zpsjuty0vtc.jpg)
Hi everyone! I am a couple weeks late in posting the turn 3 update to the Beaver Wars in Ohio campaign playtest we are doing. We generated 3 tabletop battles in this turn from our six players representing the Ojibwe, Miami, Wyandot, Ottawa, Seneca, and Potawatomi players. The playtest is going well. I am making tweaks to the rules, but the players are having fun and seem to be excited about the next turn.
Read analysis, battle reports, and photos and map on my blog:
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2015/03/beaver-wars-turn-3-report.html
Feel free to post questions and comments. At the rate we are going, I foresee publication towards the end of this year.
Seeya!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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Great write up.
Thanks, I needed my Beaver War fix. ;D
Lots of action. Sounds like your played had lots of fun.
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Hi everyone,
In preparation for this coming Sunday's next installment of the Beaver Wars campaign, I thought I would crunch the numbers and figure out how the tribes are doing. Wow! It is a close struggle. The Ojibwa, Seneca, and Miami are all within one point of each other according to the rules' scoring system. I think once the players see the scores, things are going to get even bloodier! Check out my blog below for the full score report and commentary:
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2015/04/beaver-wars-scores-after-3-turns-of-play.html
Expect another update from this weekend's action early next week. Thanks for reading...!
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Native%20Americans/FortWalls01_zps2fdbbfbd.jpg)
"Let us in...we have beaver pelts to trade! Oh, and don't mind the warpaint..."
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Native%20Americans/Ind_SkinStretchers.jpg)
It was warfare inside Indian towns this turn of the Beaver Wars playtest -- with five battles to resolve!
My guess was that we would see a lot of battles this turn. The campaign seemed to be heating up, and players were getting into the swing of things attacking each other's villages. I had no idea we'd have more battles than we'd be able to resolve that evening, though! Somehow, six tribes combined to launch five invasions this turn. Of course, two of them involve the likely, soon-to-be-eliminated non-player Illinois tribe. Once their towns are conquered, my guess is it will settle down to no more than 3-4 per turn at the most. Still, games of Song of Drums and Tomahawks are quick enough we could have fought out the other two. However, the players were content to save the others for another evening.
Read the first part of the turn four report on my blog:
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2015/04/beaver-wars-playtest-turn-4.html
Enjoy!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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Great Report Mike ! ;)
But that's give you a lot of work to deal with all these events at the same time...
Keep going. Hope that's will give us an excellent rules supplement if any..... o_o
Cheers
Eric
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(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Native%20Americans/BW4_PotawatomieDefenders_zpszqbdpa1u.jpg)
Potawatomie try desperately to defend their town from invading Ojibwe
A rough finish to the school year, a trip to Europe, and various other things kept us from finishing up the battles for Turn 4 until this past week. So, after a long delay, here is the latest Beaver Wars report. The Seneca and Ojibwe continue to dominate the other tribes in the Ohio valley. We are also doing some retooling on the campaign rules. That's the whole reason to playtest...make the rules better, clearer, simpler, and more elegant. Read about it here:
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2015/07/beaver-wars-turn-4-conclusion-wrap-up.html
And here is another pic from last week's action...
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Native%20Americans/BW4_CliffBastion_zpseoa0qgi3.jpg)
The Illinois position themselves atop a rocky outcrop to fight off the Seneca invasion
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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A really lovely set up full of atmosphere :-* :-* :-*
Darrell.
PS Beaver Wars! [snigger] lol
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Just discovered this thread, and wow! I like what I'm seeing! Went to the FIW reenactment at Fort Niagara on the Fourth of July weekend, got some great photos, and I've been looking for some minis and rules ever since! I think this might just do it.
As the Fort is essentially right in my backyard, I may just go hunting around the gift shop to see if they have anything I can add to my games...
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That set up is fantastic. Really evocative.
Great figures as well.
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Thanks for the update.
Very interesting ideas about the rules.
If I were the players I would not be at all upset about a restart.
I am sure they will have another chance to try out new things the next time around.
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Just discovered this thread, and wow! I like what I'm seeing! Went to the FIW reenactment at Fort Niagara on the Fourth of July weekend, got some great photos, and I've been looking for some minis and rules ever since! I think this might just do it.
As the Fort is essentially right in my backyard, I may just go hunting around the gift shop to see if they have anything I can add to my games...
I went to Fort Niagra last summer and loved it. Great place. This year, I went to Fort Michilimackinac right on the upper tip of the lower peninsula. Another nice fort and well worth seeing if you're in the area. This is different than the mid-19th century fort on Mackinac Island, by the way. This is pure F&I War time period, along with Revolutionary War, of course.
Not to sound too mercenary, but if you're looking to get into the period, a game of Song of Drums and Tomahawks usually has a dozen or less figures per player. And the really cool thing is that is the typical size of a raiding party by the tribes during this period. So, you won't have a ton of figures to paint up to get started.
Good luck, and thanks everyone for the kind comments!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
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Very good work ;)