Merry Christmas to All, and it was a good night

By tradition, the December game night closest to Christmas is dedicated to a variation of the fictional "Battle of Reading town". This year's premise is that in retaliation for the American's victory at the "Battle of Trenton" (December 26, 1776). A force of Hessians, under British command, embark on an assault on Reading (PA) town in an effort to free Hessian prisoners being held captive in an area of the town known as "Hessian Camp". We experimented with an Order of Battle using "Horde of the Things" as the rules set, instead of the usual DBA rules.

British and Hessian troops (top) advance on the Continental defenders in Reading (PA) town (bottom).

British/Hessian forces (top) deploy for battle.

The dreaded Von Rall Grenadiers (bottom, right) prepare their attack on Continental Militia (Reading Militia). While British loyalists take casulties from the American artillery in the center.

Mirbach's Musketeers join Von Rall in their assault on the Hessian Left. Cannon exchange fire in the center.

British Lights, Line and Dragoons battle back and forth with Continental Line and Dragoons on the British/Hessian Right Flank. While Mirbach's Musketeers and Von Ralls Grenadiers battle on the German Left Flank.

The Grenadiers and Musketeers clear their Left Flank in hand to hand combat. Their right flank continues to engage in a back and forth battle with the "plucky" Colonials. However, the British cannon begin to take their toll in the center, supported by Prince Frederick's troops.

After a series of engagements, with their Right Flank turned and with their Commanding Officers forced off the board as the British artillery continued to out dice the Continentals. The final tally was made. The British/Hessians lost one stand of British line troops (on their Right Flank) but the Loyalist who were chased by the early cannon fire had reorganized and returned to fight. The Americans had lost a line troop, a stand of lights, and 2 militia and their General was off board.  The Hessians had the advantage in Movement rolls all evening which allowed them to bring Grenadiers to a militia fight (or "bring a gun to a fist fight"). I wonder what the Reading militia would have thought when they first saw those pretty conical caps and waxed moustaches approaching ?

All that's left to say is "Frohe Weihnachten" (Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year) to all my gaming friends, old and new, and their families.

Original 25mm Empire of the Petal Throne Miniatures

While searching through "the old gaming closet" I came across these original 25mm Empire of the Petal Throne miniatures. They were painted with the then new Heritage water based paints. Unfortunately, some one "borrowed" a stand of archers.  I wish I still had the package they came in, as I remember it being quite graphically well done.

Anyone remember the manufacturer's name  and anyone interested in buying these ?

November DBA-HX-ACW

Cannons on hills, crossroads, split rail fence, blue and gray ....

RIP Charlie

Thank you Charles Roberts for Rail Baron and the Avalon Hill Game Company and may you enjoy "your ride on the Reading".

D&D meets the Computer Age, Dragon 26

Click on image until readable

Death deals its fatal blow

The most important images that inspired my fantasy role playing design and play were those of Frank Frazetta.

Thank you and may you Rest In Peace, Frank

OoB, Battle of Kline's Bridge

Irish: 1 X 3Kn (lance)(Gen), 1 X 4Pike or 2LH, 2 X 4Pike, 4 X 4Shot, 1 X 3Blades (Scots), 2 X 2Psiloi, 1 X Art

Scots Covenanters: 1 X 3Knight (Gen), 1 X 3Cav, 1 X 3Cav or 3Dr or 2Psiloi, 2 X 4Pike, 4 X 4Shot, 2 X 3Blade, 1 X Art

The Battle at Kline's Bridge

Our ECW DBA-Hx battle of the week was dedicated to Doug Kline of Battlefield Terrain Concepts, our host at Cold Wars 2010.

Participants: Scots Covenanters (top edge of first 2 photos) versus Irish Confederate. Gordon's 92nd bagpipers provided the setup music and Cromwell was on the DVD player.






Bad die roll during artillery exchange results in the loss of the Scots Galloper gun.


Failure to destroy those pesky Irish Psiloi (Kern) distracts the Scots commander, while a series of low die roll limits Scots movement. And, the Scots-Irish Blades inflict heavy damage at Kline's Bridge, while the Irish gunner and Pikes hold the Scots cavalry at bay.

With their right flank turned and their center weakened, the Scots retreat North.

Post battle analysis: The Scots commander's new die (purchased at Cold Wars 2010) will be retired.

Great battle, great night.