tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48832699633929290512024-03-06T00:11:34.573-08:00The Big Battalions Come To Texas In 2008This Blog has been created to disseminate and accumulate information regarding the impending "Big Battalion" SYW Game in Texas using the "Batailles de l'Ancien Régime", or BAR, rules written by that Esteemed Gentleman, Bill Protz. This event will take place in November of 2008 in Austin, Texas at MilleniumCon XI, Texas' largest Gaming Convention.Sir William the Agedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15503300059802446520noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-63236830534949258692008-12-01T18:59:00.000-08:002008-12-01T19:17:47.858-08:00Pics from MConApologies all around. I didn't actually take any pictures, and though I got these from my helper Ray, I have had some family issues taking up my time. I hope you enjoy these.<br /><br />Ed<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="288" height="192" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2FHesseFedora%2Falbumid%2F5275025594915955377%3Fkind%3Dphoto%26alt%3Drss" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772426090587107864noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-38927626426472360432008-11-19T04:00:00.001-08:002008-11-19T10:21:12.827-08:00Wrap up...pics to followHere is my much delayed post on the Big Battalion Seven Years War game at MillenniumCon over the past weekend. I'm sorry, but familial health issues are reducing time for gaming-related activity.<br /><br />First, I would like to thank Bill Protz for joining us in Austin. That's a long way from Wisconsin! He was a fun and interesting addition to our game, which of course used his BAR rules. It was a pleasure to finally meet in person.<br /><br />We used-errr-took advantage-ummm-asked Bill to run a learning scenario on Friday night, with just 2 battalions, 2 squadrons, and one gun per side. The Imperials won that game quite handily.<br /><br />Second, thanks to everyone who brought troops and terrain to the game! I tried to get more table space, but I wanted to stay in the foyer area for the maximum advertisement. I know many people stopped by to gawk and drool. There were at least 2,000 figures on the table at any one time, and nearly 3,000 cycled through. I must admit, though, that the Britannian infantry brigade's four battalions were sadly forgotten by Landgraf Bogey and spent the battle in reserve...under the table.<br /><br />Finally, thank you to the players. There would not have been much point without them! Apologies to any names I forgot or misspelled:<br /><br />Electoral<br />Paul<br />Jim (<a href="http://colcampbellbarracks.blogspot.com/">Col Campbell</a>)<br />Chris<br />Clay<br />David<br />Two others...lost their names<br /><br />Imperial<br />Bill Protz (<a href="http://emperor-elector.blogspot.com/2008/11/battle-to-save-frankfurt.html">link</a>)<br />Paul (<a href="http://herzogtumpfalz-kognat-obersehen.blogspot.com/">Herzog von Pfalz-Kognat-Obersayn</a>)<br />Brad<br />Gilles<br />Father & Caleb team...lost Dad's name!<br /><br />The map was laid out on a 32 foot by 6 foot (or so) table using a ground cloth. Trees and shrubbery were added for visual effect, but were deemed too light to effect game mechanics. This was one of several simplifications used to speed play and simplify the rules. <br /><br />Another simplification was troop quality. Since I had no idea how many players would show up or what their level of familiarity would be. I never intended to use historic national differences, but had considered using "earned" values as per the BAR rules. However, we used that everyone was "Veteran" to speed the game.<br /><br />As mentioned elsewhere, we did not have enough players to manage the whole length of the table. Rather than slow the game by overloading players with too many units, I simply kept players with about 4 units each, and ignored one end of the map. The game was scheduled to run through two "periods" of the convention, so I used the second period to move the remaining players and two new ones down to the unexecuted end and ran through that. I think it worked well.<br /><br />I spent most of my time answering questions (when Bill was otherwise occupied), drawing cards for movement and firing, answering questions to kibitzers, and toward the end of the game by beginning to pick up the figures. So, sadly, I have few pictures and even less of an idea how the game went.<br /><br /><a href="http://emperor-elector.blogspot.com/2008/11/frankfurt-is-saved-for-empress.html">Feldzeugmeister von Blei-Sammeln's </a>pronouncement aside, I believe the Electoral forces were in the ascendant on the Electoral right flank.<br />However, when the afternoon session moved to the Electoral left, the Imperials won a resounding victory. This was due in no small part to young Brad's measured decimation of the Germanian infantry in and around the farm. He even kept a fresh regiment out of the line, throwing it in at the end to seize the objective. Pretty impressive!<br /><br />Finally, rather than clutter up the blog with the pictures, I will put up a link to an album containing the ones I have collected.<br /><br />Thanks again to everyone! It was a pleasure!<br /><br />Ed<br />Secretary to His Excellency the Landgraf of Hesse-FedoraEdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772426090587107864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-58707096632295033102008-11-13T18:08:00.000-08:002008-11-13T18:12:41.663-08:00Bags are packed......see y'all at Millennium!!<br /><br />For those Blogging vicariously, I may or may not have time to post over the weekend, so look for pics Sunday or Monday.<br /><br />If you are traveling to MCon and need to identify me, I will be wearing red or blue LSHM polo shirts, have a distinguished hairline somewhere near my ears, and the surviving hair is cut extremely close. Think Patrick Stewart from Star Trek: The Next Generation only more handsome and less of a voice!<br /><br />EdEdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772426090587107864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-4422595963298103032008-11-09T16:12:00.000-08:002008-11-09T16:16:02.448-08:00Fourteen boxes of miniatures on the wall, fourteen boxes of minis...Twenty-two brigades, 34 battalions, 43 squadrons, and 22 guns, plus a slew of generals and AdCs...whew! Almost ready for the day!<br /><br />See <a href="http://hessefedora.blogspot.com">Hesse-Fedora </a>for some pics.<br /><br />EdEdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772426090587107864noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-66450015990285780902008-11-03T19:04:00.000-08:002008-11-03T19:09:46.819-08:002,194 SYW figures later...That's how many figures I have now completed the basing/rebasing for this game! Yikes. Just some flags and movement trays are left.<br /><br />Quick question for the mess:<br /><br />Does anyone care if their cavalry is combined with other players to make viable brigades?<br /><br />Or do you want to command all of your own toys?<br /><br />EdEdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772426090587107864noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-2961291884030169172008-10-24T21:46:00.000-07:002008-10-24T21:50:50.229-07:00Players for Millennium ConGentlemen,<br /><br />If any of you that I am expecting cannot make it, please let me know ASAP.<br /><br />If there is anyone who plans on attending with their own troops, please let me know ASAP.<br /><br />If there is anyone who plans on attending without troops, let me know your side preference and I'll try to make it work.<br /><br />I have finally cleared the decks of business and family commitments and can put some serious work in final preparations this weekend.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />EdEdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772426090587107864noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-29103946373091346592008-10-05T18:12:00.000-07:002008-10-05T18:13:52.596-07:00Does anyone need movement trays?Bill and I originally offered to provide movement trays to participants bringing their own figures. I have not heard from anyone asking for trays.<br /><br />Does anyone need me to make some?<br /><br />EdEdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772426090587107864noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-87602479582975403532008-09-16T15:41:00.000-07:002008-09-16T15:45:26.272-07:00There have been some changes...in the alignment of the small countries of Uropa.<br /><br />The counties of Zolms and the Duchy of M’Uedail have withdrawn from the war. The itinerant Weisspferdheim Cavalry Division of Graf von Piepenbrink has been recalled to its allegiance to the Emperor, much to the relief of the Emperor’s generals.<br /><br />However, based on current projections, the Emperor will be sorely outnumbered on the battlefield come November:<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246753577326528066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1yQ8oAEnM7Olf6mnBARE0KeTGCpiQatWawpFsBcATiO4rGyhqgYbkgBMeLdOLoqSnDSOkSeyi4FQoPIvtpHrf78m37R2qnREVeHaFvXsas-fbnvRR7JlVX2iAsibsrSg4o8qLSoQUNwv/s400/Mid+September+Update.PNG" border="0" /></p><p>Here are the units committed so far:</p><p><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Elector</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Germania (Youngstrom)<br /></span></strong>1st Grenadier Battalion (5/13/18/20)<br />2nd Grenadier Battalion (35/36/GR3/GR4/NGR)<br />Infantry Regiment Alt-Braunschweig (IR 5)<br />Infantry Regiment Jung-Kleist (IR 9)<br />Infantry Regiment von Itzenplitz (IR 13)<br />Infantry Regiment Prinz von Preussen (IR 18)<br />Infantry Regiment Prinz Heinrich (FR 35)<br />Infantry Regiment Alt-Münchow (FR 36)<br />Cuirassier Regiment von Seydlitz (CR 8, 2 sqd)<br />Dragoon Regiment von Schorlemer (DR 6, 2 sqd)<br />Hussar Regiment von Puttkamer (HR 4, 2 sqd)<br />Germanian Artillery<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Germania (Bump)<br /></span></strong>Infantry Regiment Jung-Kleist (IR 9)<br />Infantry Regiment von Knobloch (IR 10)<br />Hussar Regiment<br />Germanian Artillery<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Germania (Michels)<br /></span></strong>1st Grenadier Battalion<br />2nd Grenadier Battalion<br />1st Musketeer Regiment<br />2nd Musketeer Regiment<br />3rd Musketeer Regiment<br />4th Musketeer Regiment<br />1st Fusilier Regiment<br />2nd Fusilier Regiment<br />3rd Fusilier Regiment<br />4th Fusilier Regiment<br />1st Cuirassier Regiment<br />2nd Cuirassier Regiment<br />3rd Cuirassier Regiment<br />4th Cuirassier Regiment<br />5th Cuirassier Regiment<br />1st Dragoon Regiment<br />2nd Dragoon Regiment<br />3rd Dragoon Regiment<br />4th Dragoon Regiment<br />5th Dragoon Regiment<br />Germanian Artillery<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Carpania (Pitts)</span></strong><br />Musketeer Battalion Zweibieren<br />Musketeer Battalion Teutonica<br />Fusilier Battalion von Stuppe<br />Grenadier Company Zweibieren/von Stuppe<br />Freikorps Company Warsteiner<br />Carpanian Artillery<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Hesse-Fedora (Youngstrom)</span></strong><br />Grenadier Battalion von Dobbs<br />Jagerkorps<br />Infantry Regiment Leib<br />Infantry Regiment von Blaine<br />Infantry Regiment von Earle<br />Infantry Regiment von Spade<br />Fusilier Regiment Landgrafin<br />Garde du Corps<br />Karabinier Regiment von Marlowe<br />Dragoon Regiment von Gunn<br />Hussar Regiment von Steele<br />Hesse-Fedora Artillery<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Brittania (Youngstrom)<br /></span></strong>Grenadier Battalion (11/20/37)<br />11th Foot<br />20th Foot<br />37th Foot<br />Brittanian Artillery<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Emperor<br /></span></strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Imperium (Youngstrom)<br /></strong></span>1st Grenadier Battalion (7/14/42/52)<br />2nd Grenadier Battalion (1/12/37)<br />Infantry Regiment Kaiser (IR 1)<br />Infantry Regiment Neipperg (IR 7)<br />Infantry Regiment Moltke (IR 12)<br />Infantry Regiment Salm-Salm (IR 14)<br />Infantry Regiment Esterhazy (IR 37, Hungarian)<br />Infantry Regiment Gaisruck (IR 42)<br />Cuirassier Regiment Alt-Modena (CR iii, 2 sqd)<br />Cuirassier Regiment Serbelloni (CR 12, 2 sqd)<br />Cuirassier Regiment Ferdinand (CR 4, 2 sqd)<br />Converged Horse Grenadiers (DR9/19/31/i, 2 sqd)<br />Dragoon Regiment Prinz de Ligne (DR 31, 2 sqd)<br />Dragoon Regiment Savoy (DR 9, 2 sqd)<br />Dragoon Regiment Zweibrucken (DR i, 2 sqd)<br />Imperial Artillery<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Imperium (Rogers)<br /></span></strong>Infantry Regiment Kaiser (IR 1)<br />Infantry Regiment Neipperg (IR 7)<br />Dragoon Regiment<br />Imperial Artillery<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Courland (Pitts)<br /></span></strong>Musketeer Battalion Ducal Liebgarde (C'land)<br />Musketeer Battalion Livlandischer Orden (C'land)<br />Militia Company (Campostella)<br />Cossack Sotnia (Courland)<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Gallia (Youngstrom)</span></strong><br />Infantry Regiment Conde<br />Infantry Regiment La Sarre<br />Cavalry Regiment Rougrave<br />Cavalry Regiment Royal Allemand<br />Gallian Artillery<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Saxe-Jungbach (Youngstrom)</span></strong><br />Infantry Regiment Prinz Maximillian<br />Infantry Regiment Sachsen-Gotha<br />Saxon Artillery<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Weisspferdheim (Piepenbrink)</span></strong><br />Horse Regiment von Beverdforden (2 sqd)<br />Weisspferdheim Leibgarde (2 sqd)<br />Dragoon Regiment Der Blauens (2 sqd)<br />Hussar Regiment Herzog Septimus (2 sqd)<br />Hussar Regiment Reinholtz (2 sqd)<br /><br /></p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772426090587107864noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-59057704480874590462008-08-25T18:29:00.000-07:002008-08-25T18:32:17.461-07:00Still cooking, just not posting!Sorry for the lack of updates. It's been a busy summer, but I've got almost all of my troops rebased for BAR. I hope you are making progress, too.<br /><br />We need to start pinning down the participants for November. If you think you are a good bet to participate, please leave a comment or drop me an email so that I can update my list.<br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />EdEdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772426090587107864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-27430086177625510632008-07-03T12:23:00.000-07:002008-07-03T17:08:22.134-07:00Terrain Features, Buildings, Etc.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218942365080933026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdLk0EasngjYUKzijo6oJM6lLvatgCqlvFoBrRoECUXHZyvrkuhcfc93oHmZWRjie3tRsNYwPxZCcGMo2v_CsYZqUFYIWOP0PU5j8cYvq849RW2RpcPLr8W-LXgoobDnYIYYviu-nu8w/s400/Little_Mens_027.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsKeK0Og-u_1R4UR8yBmu5vInd8VEehidKhNSYs7RfY8YRu7v4xJ9N7GVGoPKoZFKbp7mmCgDwGJIHF9lNEvZ3Lizu0GPIfKZihvKKClxbgsjRGivc6biNxArGcJaUrVSC-_GqvI_NJ4/s1600-h/Little_Mens_026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218942213311539218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsKeK0Og-u_1R4UR8yBmu5vInd8VEehidKhNSYs7RfY8YRu7v4xJ9N7GVGoPKoZFKbp7mmCgDwGJIHF9lNEvZ3Lizu0GPIfKZihvKKClxbgsjRGivc6biNxArGcJaUrVSC-_GqvI_NJ4/s400/Little_Mens_026.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218941890339409650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvs4HhV8DorQmdR86_eGSaAnvdlaIjFzcj501tLpbozz6RwPPiPPtPfZKRfq-yyMC1cpRF813s1U_jjXdOcBpLqA3XYVtcpzlMPGb5TqEwhCKkvtqm6MglDqzp7g_R-VQAmw3cmbO6kA/s400/Little_Mens_022.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>Chris has asked a question about bringing a building that he scratch built, and others have asked about terrain as well. We are still "ironing" out details of the scenario, but I can tell you that it will include some type of walled farm (similar to La Haye Saint) and at least one village or built-up area. It may also include a river feature running the length of the table that will require both fordable areas and constructed wood and stone bridges as well as a couple of small copses of trees or lightly forested areas. There may also be one small reinforced earthwork for an artillery position that would require gabions and some "hasty" earthworks to cover 4 to 6 guns. I will probably plan on making this feature, but if one of you already have one you would like to volunteer, all offers will be considered and greatly appreciated. Ed will be providing his always excellent painted terrain cloths (see last year's Napoleonic game write-up on Ed's blog) and I will be providing some of the other terrain features as well. At the beginning of this post are some great pic's of a very nice walled farm that Chris built that I suspect will feature very prominently at some point in the game. You can just imagine the skirmisher's moving about through it!<br /><br /><div>If any of you have any items that you feel would work for what I described above and it wouldn't be an inconvenience for you to travel with them, they are certainly welcome. If you're not sure about the appearance, or just want us to preview them, feel free to send pic's to Ed or myself using our e-mail links from the Blog. Or, just attach and send them to <a href="mailto:wpmchenry@charter.net">wpmchenry@charter.net</a> and/or <a onmouseover="return hint('Edit Contact')" onmouseout="return hint()" href="mailto:ed_youngstrom@yahoo.com">ed_youngstrom@yahoo.com</a><br /><br />Sir William</div></div></div>Sir William the Agedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15503300059802446520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-7324818146980404252008-06-16T07:03:00.000-07:002008-06-16T07:22:37.647-07:00Are Your Paintbrushes Getting a Workout?As the date for MilleniumCon XI draws nearer (only 5 months now), Landgraf Bogey, Der Alte Fritz, Mssr. de Chevert and myself are busily working on the scenario for the game. I won't divulge too much just yet, but it won't be your typical Convention "Line 'em up and go" scenario.<br /><br />Just to whet your appetite's a little, we are using an actual battle from the 16th Century, whose tactics and tactical challenges were somewhat duplicated in the 20th Century, all neatly sandwiched into our little Imagi-Nations 18th Century setting. There will be variable Victory Conditions for each army, some tactical challenges to either overcome or avoid (possibly at your own risk), and a bit of the old "Fog of War" present in the scenario. As the scenario develops we will share a little more of it here, but not all. After all, we do want there to be some suprises awaiting those who journey to Austin! I will offer one word of advice though, communications will be critical in this game, so be sure and paint up at least two or three ADC's to accompany your General, they just might have a busy day ahead of them.<br /><br />A word to potential traveler's and attendee's, try and plan on a Friday arrival if possible, as we are trying to finalize arrangements for a meeting room or area for Friday night to go over the scenario and to allow Mssrs. Protz and Purdy the opportunity to answer any rules questions that you might have and possibly even demonstrate a few things on a tabletop. There will, of course, be a Staff Meeting before Saturday's Battle, but attending Friday Night's little <em>soiree</em> could give you a leg up, as well as the opportunity to share a libation or three with your opponent's for the coming battle before all that powder smoke and "Fog of War" clouds your minds.<br /><br />Sir WilliamSir William the Agedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15503300059802446520noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-15015248674188379712008-04-01T05:16:00.000-07:002008-04-01T05:26:34.084-07:00Ta-Da! (pretend you hear the kettledrums beating and the trumpets blaring)<strong>We have a home! Huzzah, Huzzah! This just in from LSHM:</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>November 14 - 16, 2008</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Friday - Sunday </strong><br /><br /><strong>We are pleased to announce the home for the eleventh annual LSHM Gaming Convention.</strong><br /><strong><br />Millenniumcon 11 will be at the Wingate Inn and Conference Center in Round Rock, Texas. Discounted room rates are available at $87 per night. Ask for the Millenniumcon discount when registering.</strong><br /><br /><strong>And we have recently been advised of the impending arrival of two additional Brigades and Commanders making the trip from the Dallas area, one Prussian and one French. Assuming that they don't "bump" into each other trying to cross the Brazos in Waco and contest the river crossing, our gathering forces continue to grow. I'm sure that Ed will be providing an update shortly with a list of the forces that our scouts have detected.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Bill & Ed</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Sir William of M'Uedail</strong><br /><strong>Landgraf Bogart of Hesse-Fedora</strong>Sir William the Agedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15503300059802446520noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-66689237116074866392008-03-18T13:52:00.000-07:002008-03-18T14:17:20.014-07:007 and 1/2 Months and Counting...Well, yes, it has been a long time since we've published an update. For that we should probably be flogged severely with some form of pasta by a pair of lovely tavern wenches! However, we are somewhat in a "holding pattern" at the moment as we await the official results of Lone Star Historical Miniatures signing the actual contract with the hosting hotel for MilleniumCon XI.<br /><br />The tentative dates, based on the last information available, are November 14, 15 and 16, 2008, and the host site should still be the same, just north of Austin, Texas. As soon as either Ed or myself know anything "final" we will update this Blog post-haste.<br /><br />We can share some information with you. For those not already aware of it, Ed hosted a "trial run" B.A.R. event at ChimaeraCon in San Antonio this past weekend that appears to have been a great success. There are excellent write-ups on the game on Ed's Blog (Hesse-Fedora) and a "plug" from Der Alte Fritz (aka Jim Purky) on his Blog. And speaking of that esteemed Gentleman from the midwest, we have been advised that both he and his "partner in crime" Mssr. Chevert (aka Bill Protz) <strong>WILL</strong> be in attendance for what will now be the second Big Battalion Game in Texas at MilleniumCon XI. In addition to these two esteemed Gentlemen, we have tentative committments from traveler's from California, Mississippi and Arkansas, who will all be venturing forth to join our own Texas crew for this event.<br /><br />We are making plans to host a "pre-game" event on Friday night where we will have at least a small scenario laid-out and Mssrs. Protz and Purky available to field questions and demonstrate certain mechanics of the rules to any and all interested parties. We will also have packets available describing the scenario and Orders of Battle (such as we are aware of) for Saturday's Main Event. I am also quite confident that, after exploring the mysteries of "Batailles de l' Ancien Regime" for a time, we will be able to adjourn to a convenient location for some liquid courage and "munchies" to prepare us all the more for Saturday. In all, it promises to be a most entertaining weekend in the southern part of Texas.<br /><br />Sir William of M'Uedail<br />Bill McHenrySir William the Agedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15503300059802446520noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-68444364513643089782008-01-07T18:35:00.000-08:002008-01-08T16:37:52.610-08:00Ten months to The Game, and armies are growing!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCwDApaHArw8adFmhBZ7pdCdRGRGGkLGfYZ6IHfovWFD2AMwfJE1lxlns_zAaWfto0p9TGRDSxvPTjydm7tSSSCmZZRSOoC9VvVfVBU7-9BWGvALcWKmx4Aqya97LK1hRDfawltmPm5TV/s1600-h/Analysis,+2008-01-03.PNG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152929181507203394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCwDApaHArw8adFmhBZ7pdCdRGRGGkLGfYZ6IHfovWFD2AMwfJE1lxlns_zAaWfto0p9TGRDSxvPTjydm7tSSSCmZZRSOoC9VvVfVBU7-9BWGvALcWKmx4Aqya97LK1hRDfawltmPm5TV/s400/Analysis,+2008-01-03.PNG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>As you can see from the graphic at left, multiple contingents have been added, but most threw in with the Elector. </p><p>I will be adding Orders of Battle over the next few days. I will experiment with several methods, so the appearance of the blog may change slightly.</p><p>Four of the contingents that have been added have been "mixed brigades" of almost the exact composition as M. Chevert-Protz recommends as a starting point in <em>BAR</em>. When we get a lot closer to November, I will start consolidating the various armies into a single whole. Or maybe not, as things go.</p><p>I just noticed one thing: I left the "Generals" label, but in reality it is "Brigades."</p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772426090587107864noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-29246792235207531002007-12-06T09:11:00.000-08:002007-12-06T09:14:37.861-08:00Eleven Months to the game<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ja8LDr6nnDhFZPRqTIkD6zLg-Kn2notI620Vl7f6sEPvidmRrkgCoPWZJzbCp87PdWrnmP-CiXzVCXb7_v4X5_Wg9gGNeXtCU9tsqhUW-236_z9c97a-7GuJ2Ggzgv8kaKRfTJFflTVt/s1600-h/Analysis_20071206.PNG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140909350564861266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ja8LDr6nnDhFZPRqTIkD6zLg-Kn2notI620Vl7f6sEPvidmRrkgCoPWZJzbCp87PdWrnmP-CiXzVCXb7_v4X5_Wg9gGNeXtCU9tsqhUW-236_z9c97a-7GuJ2Ggzgv8kaKRfTJFflTVt/s400/Analysis_20071206.PNG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Wow! Eleven months to go until the Big Battalions game, and by my reckoning we already have over 2,500 figures committed to the game<br /></div><br /><div></div><div>And this only counts the figures from Bill M, Robert P, and myself (Ed Y)! There are actually more generals than shown, which number represents many brigades are present.<br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>On the Emperor’s side of the ring we have:<br /></strong></span>Imperium<br />Gallia<br />M'Uedail<br />Hesse-Homburg</div><br /><div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>And in this corner, weighing in for the Elector:<br /></strong></span>Germania<br />Hesse-Fedora<br />Brittania<br />Weisspferdheim</div><br /><div><br />There are at least three other people who have committed to bringing a brigade-sized formation as espoused as a BAR starting force. Once I get their particulars and loyalties, I will update the totals.</div><br /><div><br />I also plan to add a section to the blog showing the various factions and their military contingents.</div><br /><div><br />How can you help?</div><br /><div><br />First, if you want to join, let us know via the blog or email. We are completely, 100% open to a firm "maybe." However, I would prefer to keep the army lists to those that are ready to march, and not still naked lead. Believe me: I could double the numbers above with my lead alone!</div><br /><div><br />Second, I would like to begin hearing ideas for how to tie our game (and any games leading up to it) together with those put on by Mssrs. Purkey and Protz, and the "UK Big Battalion" festival. This does not need to be extremely detailed or convoluted, but I think we could have a lot of fun doing so.</div><br /><div><br />Finally, for those in the San Antonio area, I will put on a BAR game at ChimaeraCon on Saturday, March 15th. Currently I have a placeholder named "Battle of Sittangbad" but that is not necessarily the scenario. If you think you might be interested, let me know so that I can plan accordingly for a table and troops. </div>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772426090587107864noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-77023960695189566842007-10-28T06:06:00.000-07:002007-10-28T06:21:45.299-07:00Massing of Cavalry reported in South Central TexasMany thanks to Robert Piepenbrink and Bill Protz.<br /><br />Yesterday, a package arrived from Bill containing <em>Robert's Patented Traveling Brigade of Spencer Smith Cavalry</em>. Robert had loaned these figures for one of the Big Battalion games put on by M. Chevert and Der Alte Fritz for the gratification of the masses.<br /><br />Now, these fine regiments will ride again in warmer climes.<br /><br />I admit I was surprised. I was told to expect 72 figures, but somehow missed the point they were plastic. So when a huge box was deposited on the doorstep, I braced my feet and made sure not to lift with my back. And nearly hurled the box into the neighbor's yard!<br /><br />But...the box did not have 72 figures. It has FIVE regiments of 24 figures each...120!!<br /><br />So thank you Robert, and Bill for sending them along.Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772426090587107864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-32524702090293482952007-10-20T13:12:00.000-07:002007-10-20T13:57:31.696-07:00Figure Basing, Organization, Movement Stands and Terrain FeaturesTo attempt to answer the many questions that Sir Ed and I are receiving, here are the answers to the most common questions that we are seeing:<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">XXXXX</span></span><br />Infantry and Artillery:<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">XXXX</span></span><br />The rules recommend basing 20mm to 28mm figures individually on 3/4" X 3/4" bases. They go on to recommend basing "some" 28mm up to 40MM figures individually on 1" X 1" bases. Typically, the larger bases should only be necessary for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Suren</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Stadden</span> and Spencer Smith 30mm and the various ranges of 40mm and 42mm figures out there. However, you may find that you need the larger bases with some Foundry and similar "large" 28mm figures. All <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">artillerists</span> should be based individually as well as your infantry. The guns are left loose, regardless of calibre/size. Limbers and ammunition wagons are not required, but certainly add to the visual appeal of the game.<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">XXXXX</span></span><br />Cavalry:<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">XXXXX</span></span><br />The rules recommend basing 20mm to 28mm figures individually on 3/4" X 2" bases. They go on to recommend basing "some" 28mm up to 40mm figures individually on 1" X 2" bases. The same qualifications as to brand and style of figures apply as they do to infantry and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">artillerists</span>.<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">XXXXX</span></span><br />You do not <em><strong>absolutely have</strong></em> to base figures individually, but it does add to the appeal of the game and gives you the ability to remove single casualty figures, use historical formations, and use historical drill movements and changes in formation. However, the rules do encourage the use of historical 3-rank deep formations. If you base your figures in single ranks, this should not be a problem. If, however, you base your figures for one of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">rulesets</span> requiring 2-rank deep basing, and you do not have any single-based or single-rank figures available for the third rank, then we may have to make some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">accommodations</span> in the rules to use these.<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">XXXXX</span></span><br />Movement Trays:<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">XXXX</span></span><br />You are certainly welcome to bring your own larger movement trays with you, if you already have these available, but we recommend using trays that split your battalions into 4 "divisions" (As an example, a 48 figure battalion would have 4 stands of 12 f<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">igures</span> each, with 3 ranks of 4 figures on each tray). We will be providing movement trays for all of the figures we provide, and will have some extra as well. If we know for sure that you're coming and what you're bringing, we will make sure trays are available. These trays will make it easier to maneuver your units in general movement, and still allow single figures to be removed. All of the trays that we provide, and we recommend that you do the same, will be sized for 1" X 1" foot and 1" X 2" mounted figures, so that we may <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">accommodate</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">everyone's</span> available figures.<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">XXXXX</span></span><br />Terrain:<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">XXXXX</span></span><br />All necessary terrain will be provided for the game. However, if you own some especially nice period-correct buildings that you believe would add to the visual appeal of the game, please contact Ed or I and we will try and work it in. We very much want this to be a "team" effort and for every participant to add what they can or wish to the experience. We have not determined the exact scenario that we will be running yet, as that will depend somewhat on the available troops. It will probably be based on a dispute involving our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Imagi</span>-Nations, with the appropriate Historical allies involved.<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">XXXXX</span></span><br />Hopefully this covers the majority of the questions that you may have. And, hopefully, I have answered them correctly. If <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Mssr's</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Protz</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Purkey</span> detect an error of feel that additional information is required, then we encourage them to add to the comments on this topic. I heartily encourage anyone who has not already done so to acquire their own set of the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Batailles</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">l'Ancien</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Régime</span>", or B.A.R., rules. We will have quick reference sheets available during the game, but the rules contain a wealth of information and diagrams relevant to the game and to the period. They are available for $37 (which includes postage) from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Mssr</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Protz's</span> web site, which can be reached via the link at the right.<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">XXXXX</span></span><br />Sir WilliamSir William the Agedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15503300059802446520noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-60234806229861488982007-10-18T17:26:00.000-07:002007-10-18T17:45:39.157-07:00So why on earth would anyone want a 66 figure battalion?Hello weary traveller! Thank you for visiting this corner of Urope and the Texian Nation in particular.<br /><br />I thought it might be a little helpful for a visitor to understand what Sir William and I are on about, as our British brethren have been asking me.<br /><br />My freshman year at the USAF Academy (82-83) is when I started playing miniatures. As a “doolie” you don’t get much free time or many passes. So when a history professor stood up at a Cadet Wargame Club meeting and offered a free pass to anyone who wanted to play a Napoleonic wargame, there was no hesitation. I didn’t give a hoot about Napoleon since there was a distinct lack of airpower, but a free pass was a free pass.<br /><br />Come Sunday, we showed up at the captain’s house. He had a ping-pong table, covered with two beautifully painted 25mm armies: a French one facing an Anglo-Prussian-Russian horde in a hypothetical post-Waterloo battle. I was hooked. The spectacle, the fun, the cheering, the whole day was great! (Side note: last time I checked the captain was a full colonel, permanent professor and Chairman of the Dept of History, and still using his troops for cadet games and classes!) I have gamed lots of stuff since then, but have always wanted to revisit that huge spectacle.<br /><br />Many years later, I had become a member of the Lone Star Historical Miniatures club in San Antonio. A fellow member of the LSHM club brought several back issues of MWAN to the group and gave them away to anyone interested. One of the issues was #86, which had Brian Carroll’s “Birth of a Notion” article where he described his “big battalions” Marlburian project. The combination of studying the period, planning and building big battalions, how he put the project together, in fact the whole article just fascinated me. It still does; whenever I want to rekindle the gaming flame, I reread it again. Since then I have been plotting, scheming, collecting, and painting in an effort to get to that game I wanted.<br /><br />Then I read about Herr Alte Fritz (Jim Purkey) and M. Bill Protz-Chevert and their new, 10:1 SYW project, which ultimately developed into the BAR rules and their recent huge game weekend. In the early part of the rules, Bill recommends:<br /><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">“Gather a group of four committed comrades. Ask each to raise two battalions, one cannon with crew and one regiment of horse to start. That’s about 96-120 infantry, 1 cannon with 4-6 crew and 24-36 cavalry per person. {Total models = 125-163}. Do this and you will have some very stimulating small actions for a long time. Beware though as the inevitable occurs and your friends start secretly raising more units to outnumber yours. It will happen. You will want more.”</span><br /><br />That is the premise I'm working on here. If you care to join us, perhaps you can raise such a force too? It doesn't have to be perfect...or historical...or exactly the same as ours. As long as you want to join us in the spirit of a gentlemanly game with the flavor of the mid-18th century in the manner of "Charge! Or how to play wargames" by Brigadier Young and Lt Col Lawford, or "The Wargame" by Charles Grant, please think about joining us.Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772426090587107864noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4883269963392929051.post-26064850196185090122007-10-18T08:46:00.000-07:002007-10-18T22:01:44.334-07:00The Place To Be In 2008!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKDprgMm3yt0pRj9et413m5ZVvNDYEytreXxBxhGJWDbivp1zNI99HFPkOnGqWW9VqELbv6QQBLx5Q5_4y05w7WxD_GFNxmbOhzmpCesU86nvlds5F20T8D0fjuqbJe9611CQOZ5eNL4/s1600-h/Texas+Forts.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122703702557287426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKDprgMm3yt0pRj9et413m5ZVvNDYEytreXxBxhGJWDbivp1zNI99HFPkOnGqWW9VqELbv6QQBLx5Q5_4y05w7WxD_GFNxmbOhzmpCesU86nvlds5F20T8D0fjuqbJe9611CQOZ5eNL4/s400/Texas+Forts.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><strong>Your Host Site, Well Protected From Hostiles!</strong></div><span style="color:#ffffcc;">XXXX</span><br />The purpose of this Blog is to make all aware of, and disseminate information about, the impending Clash of Armies in Austin, Texas, in November of 2008. Your hosts for this "Big Battalion" game will be the Most Gracious Landgraviate of Hesse-Fedora, Sir Ed Youngstrom (in his alter-identity as Landgraf Humphrey Bogart) and the Honourable Regent of the Duchy of M'Uedail, Sir Bill McHenry (in his alter-identity of Sir William MacInerney, Duc d'Bastau). For the sake of this encounter, we shall be using those most excellent rules of engagement, "Batailles de l'Ancien Régime", or B.A.R. for short, written by Sir William B. Protz, Jr.<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;">XXXX</span><br />This will be a "classic" game in the true Old School Wargamer's fashion, utilizing 42 to 48 figure Infantry Battalions and 12 figure Cavalry Squadrons massed into larger Regimental formations. If you ever read "Charge! Or How To Play Wargames" by Brig. Peter Young and Lt. Col. J.P. Lawford, or "The Wargame" by Charles Grant and drooled at the sight of the massed Armies involved, then this <strong><em>is</em></strong> the venue for you. If you aren't familiar with the texts mentioned, please click on the link at the right for "Der Alte Fritz's Journal" to see magnificent pictures of the recent "Big Battalions" gaming event held in Lincolnshire, IL, and hosted by Bill Protz and Jim Purkey. It is truly a spectacle to behold! Their game featured over 4,000 beautifully painted figures who fought to a bloody conclusion. A similar event is being planned for the UK right now and I know there will be more in the US, but this is the 1st and, at least for now, ONLY one in Texas and the Great Southwest.<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;">XXXXX</span><br />Each player shall command a Brigade of 25/28/30mm figures for this engagement, with attendant Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery. Your Hosts will be providing many of the troops present for the battle, but prospective Brigade Commanders are encouraged (if not begged!) to also bring their own forces with them. The battle will portray a "possible" encounter between the forces of the Prussian Tyrant and his English Lackey's battling a valiant coalition of France, Austria, and their attendant Allies and "Wild Geese". Indeed, the fate of several Imagi-Nations in Greater Europa may hang in the balance. Can you truly <em><strong>allow</strong></em> yourself to miss this moment in History? We think not!<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;">XXXX</span><br />So, follow the progress of this Blog, mark your calendars for next November, and plan to help make History as part of the first "Big Battalion Game" in Texas, Old School Style. Remember, All roads DO lead to Texas (eventually) and there are other forms of transportation available as well (involving frightful airborne conveyences, we're told).<br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;">XXXX</span><br />With respect, Sir Ed Youngstrom and Sir Bill McHenrySir William the Agedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15503300059802446520noreply@blogger.com6