I thought I'd do a quick video of my unboxing of the Mediterranean Theater expansion for the Memoir '44 board game. Enjoy!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Battle of Telamon 225BC - Part 2
I went over to Friendless' house on Tuesday evening for some more Commands & Colors: Ancients gaming.
We had previously played the Battle of Telamon 225BC from C&C Ancients: Expansion Pack #2: Rome and the Barbarians where I had commanded the Gauls to an 8 to 5 banner victory over the Romans. This was going to be a rematch where I would play the Romans and Friendless would play the Gauls. I helped Friendless set up the board when I arrived and so the battle commenced.
The Battle of Telamon (225BC)
I had studied the map and troop dispositions prior to the game. My first priority as the Romans was to gain control of the hills on my right flank. I commenced the battle by playing a Mounted Charge card, sending Regulus and two Medium Cavalry units from the north to attack and block the retreat of Concolitanus and his Medium Cavalry. From the south I sent forward the Roman leader and his two Medium Cavalry to attack Concolitanus' Medium Cavalry and Barbarian Light Chariots. My attacks destroyed Concolitanus' Medium Cavalry unit but the Gallic general was able to survive the attack and evade alone over the hills towards his side of the board. I also wiped out one unit of Barbarian Light Chariots and sent another retreating back to the edge of the board with only a single block remaining. Banner check – Ozvortex 2, Friendless 0.
Friendless then played an Order Medium Troops card. He attacked my troops in the south on my left and centre with a wild charge of four Warrior units and one Medium Cavalry unit. His attacks were lethal and a Roman Light Infantry unit and Medium Cavalry unit fell under the onslaught. Banner check – Ozvortex 2, Friendless 2.
I responded with a Double Time card. My second priority was to advance my southern force to put pressure on the Gauls to retreat towards my waiting northern troops. I sent forward two units of Auxilia, a unit of Medium Infantry and a unit of Heavy Infantry commanded by Papus. I was able to position one of my Auxilia units behind a Warrior unit to prevent its retreat. In my second turn two Gallic Warrior units were decimated. Banner check – Ozvortex 4, Friendless 2.
Friendless then goes on the attack in the centre. He plays Inspired Centre Leadership. He attacks with an Auxilia unit, the Gallic chieftain Aneroestes commanding a Warrior unit, a Medium Cavalry unit and a Light Infantry unit. Aneroestes attack is overwhelming and he eradicates a unit of Roman Medium Infantry. He momentum advances and conducts a bonus attack on Papus and his Heavy Infantry. The Roman infantry survive the attack and battle back inflicting enough damage to destroy Aneroestes' Warriors. The Gallic Medium Cavalry, seeing Papus' weakened Heavy Infantry, then charge and overrun them. Banner check – Ozvortex 5, Friendless 4.
Things are looking a little dire for my Roman troops. I have an unattached leader and a couple of damaged units within striking distance from the Gauls. I have to do something this turn to put myself in a position to claim 8 victory banners. I know that I only have to send a single unit onto the hills to receive the bonus 2 victory banners. That would take effect at the end of my turn leaving me at 7 victory banners - 1 short of victory. To win the game on this turn I would have to destroy one unit of Gauls and take the hills.
I look at my available cards. Out of six cards only one can achieve what I want to achieve. I play Order Two Units Right. I send forward Regulus and his Medium Cavalry to attack a lone block of Gallic Barbarian Light Chariots on the board edge. My second order goes to another Roman Medium Cavalry unit which enters a hill hex.
Regulus and his Medium Cavalry attack and destroy the Barbarian Light Chariot. I then momentum advance Regulus to attack the Gallic chieftain Concolitanus who was sitting alone in a hex. He falls to a Roman blade. I claim two victory banners for killing the two enemy units. My turn ends and as I am in sole control of the hills the hill victory banners are awarded to me, sending me over the required number of victory banners to win the game. Banner check – Ozvortex 8, Friendless 4.
Victory is mine!
This was a much shorter playing of this scenario than our last game. This game only went for 5 turns which took about 50 minutes. Our last game took 18 turns and went for over twice as long. I'd achieved victory after playing nine cards in the first game but it only took three cards in the rematch. Overall a very satisfying win and I was pleased that my battle plan had worked as intended.
The placement of forces at the end of the battle. Viewed from the Roman side.
When Friendless and I next meet he will teach me how to play Conflict of Heroes.
We had enough time for a second game. Friendless brought out Africa, a Reiner Knizia-designed game of exploration in, you guessed it, Africa!
This was a light strategy game using some interesting scoring mechanisms. I really enjoyed it and hope to play it again. Final scores were me 88 and Friendless 84.
The Africa board at the end of the game.
We had previously played the Battle of Telamon 225BC from C&C Ancients: Expansion Pack #2: Rome and the Barbarians where I had commanded the Gauls to an 8 to 5 banner victory over the Romans. This was going to be a rematch where I would play the Romans and Friendless would play the Gauls. I helped Friendless set up the board when I arrived and so the battle commenced.
The Battle of Telamon (225BC)
Historical Background (From the scenario booklet)
Aenorestes and Concolitanus retreated northwards, pursued by Aemilius Papus with about 30,000 troops. It looked like the Gauls would escape with their booty. Then fortune smiled on Rome. The consul Atilius Regulus was returning from suppressing a rebellion in Sardinia with his army of 25,000 men. He landed at Pisae and was moving south along the same coastal road that the Gauls had chosen for their retreat. Upon learning from his scouts that a Gallic army was approaching, Regulus ordered his legions into fighting order while he advanced at full speed with his cavalry and light infantry to occupy a key hill before the enemy arrived. The Gauls at once sent their own cavalry, chariots, and some light-armed troops to dispute the possession of the hill. When Papus arrived from the south, he also sent his cavalry to the hill, and advanced with his legions. At first the battle was confined to the hill and both armies watched the fighting unfold. Regulus fell, but the Roman cavalry, after a stubborn struggle, gained the hill. Meanwhile, Aenorestes and Concolitanus formed two battle lines back-to-back as the Roman infantry converged on the Gauls from north and south. There was a dreadful din as the whole Gallic army shouted war cries and the Roman light infantry hurled javelins. The Gallic host rushed wildly on their enemy in a rage, but the Roman maniples held their ground. Finally, the Roman cavalry charged down the hill and the Gallic infantry were cut to pieces.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. The rest is history.
War CouncilGallic Army
• Leaders: Kings Aneroestes and Concolitanus
• 5 Command Cards
Roman Army
• Leaders: Atilius Regulus and Aemilius Papus
• 6 Command Cards
• Move First
Victory
8 Banners
Special Rules
- Hill control was crucial to this battle. At the end of each player turn, check for hill control.
a. If one side has more units occupying hill hexes than the other side, that player gains two Victory Banners. That player keeps the two Victory Banners until:
1) The other player has more units on hill hexes at the end of a player turn (current player with the two hill Victory Banners loses them; the other player gains two Hill Victory Banners), or
2) Both players have the same number of units occupying hill hexes, or no units occupying hill hexes (current player with the two hill Victory Banners loses them; the other player does not receive them)
b. Hill hexes must be occupied to count toward control. If a unit leaves a hill hex vacant for any reason, that hex does not count toward control.
c. It is possible for control to shift several times during a battle, having a major effect on each side’s Victory Banner totals each time control shifts. - The River on the left of the battlefield is the sea and is impassable.
- Important Note: Each army must retreat and/or evade toward its side of the battlefield. The Gallic Army and Regulus’ Roman army have the potential to block each other’s retreat/evade routes.
- Barbarian Chariot rules are in effect.
- Optional set-up. The Roman Army was still organized along pre-Marian guidelines. If the Roman player desires, he may use the gray Roman blocks from the basic game when placing his units.
Image from ccancients.net
Click for a larger image.
I had studied the map and troop dispositions prior to the game. My first priority as the Romans was to gain control of the hills on my right flank. I commenced the battle by playing a Mounted Charge card, sending Regulus and two Medium Cavalry units from the north to attack and block the retreat of Concolitanus and his Medium Cavalry. From the south I sent forward the Roman leader and his two Medium Cavalry to attack Concolitanus' Medium Cavalry and Barbarian Light Chariots. My attacks destroyed Concolitanus' Medium Cavalry unit but the Gallic general was able to survive the attack and evade alone over the hills towards his side of the board. I also wiped out one unit of Barbarian Light Chariots and sent another retreating back to the edge of the board with only a single block remaining. Banner check – Ozvortex 2, Friendless 0.
Friendless then played an Order Medium Troops card. He attacked my troops in the south on my left and centre with a wild charge of four Warrior units and one Medium Cavalry unit. His attacks were lethal and a Roman Light Infantry unit and Medium Cavalry unit fell under the onslaught. Banner check – Ozvortex 2, Friendless 2.
I responded with a Double Time card. My second priority was to advance my southern force to put pressure on the Gauls to retreat towards my waiting northern troops. I sent forward two units of Auxilia, a unit of Medium Infantry and a unit of Heavy Infantry commanded by Papus. I was able to position one of my Auxilia units behind a Warrior unit to prevent its retreat. In my second turn two Gallic Warrior units were decimated. Banner check – Ozvortex 4, Friendless 2.
Friendless then goes on the attack in the centre. He plays Inspired Centre Leadership. He attacks with an Auxilia unit, the Gallic chieftain Aneroestes commanding a Warrior unit, a Medium Cavalry unit and a Light Infantry unit. Aneroestes attack is overwhelming and he eradicates a unit of Roman Medium Infantry. He momentum advances and conducts a bonus attack on Papus and his Heavy Infantry. The Roman infantry survive the attack and battle back inflicting enough damage to destroy Aneroestes' Warriors. The Gallic Medium Cavalry, seeing Papus' weakened Heavy Infantry, then charge and overrun them. Banner check – Ozvortex 5, Friendless 4.
Things are looking a little dire for my Roman troops. I have an unattached leader and a couple of damaged units within striking distance from the Gauls. I have to do something this turn to put myself in a position to claim 8 victory banners. I know that I only have to send a single unit onto the hills to receive the bonus 2 victory banners. That would take effect at the end of my turn leaving me at 7 victory banners - 1 short of victory. To win the game on this turn I would have to destroy one unit of Gauls and take the hills.
I look at my available cards. Out of six cards only one can achieve what I want to achieve. I play Order Two Units Right. I send forward Regulus and his Medium Cavalry to attack a lone block of Gallic Barbarian Light Chariots on the board edge. My second order goes to another Roman Medium Cavalry unit which enters a hill hex.
Regulus and his Medium Cavalry attack and destroy the Barbarian Light Chariot. I then momentum advance Regulus to attack the Gallic chieftain Concolitanus who was sitting alone in a hex. He falls to a Roman blade. I claim two victory banners for killing the two enemy units. My turn ends and as I am in sole control of the hills the hill victory banners are awarded to me, sending me over the required number of victory banners to win the game. Banner check – Ozvortex 8, Friendless 4.
Victory is mine!
This was a much shorter playing of this scenario than our last game. This game only went for 5 turns which took about 50 minutes. Our last game took 18 turns and went for over twice as long. I'd achieved victory after playing nine cards in the first game but it only took three cards in the rematch. Overall a very satisfying win and I was pleased that my battle plan had worked as intended.
The placement of forces at the end of the battle. Viewed from the Roman side.When Friendless and I next meet he will teach me how to play Conflict of Heroes.
We had enough time for a second game. Friendless brought out Africa, a Reiner Knizia-designed game of exploration in, you guessed it, Africa!
This was a light strategy game using some interesting scoring mechanisms. I really enjoyed it and hope to play it again. Final scores were me 88 and Friendless 84.
The Africa board at the end of the game.Sunday, February 22, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Last Minute Orc Conversion
My orc warband was sitting there ready to be undercoated and something that had bothered me earlier kept eating at me. The orc I'd chosen to be the leader of the warband just wasn't as leader-like as I'd wanted. I mean just look at him. His sword is dragging in the dirt and he's got one fist raised in the air like he's shouting "Go get 'em, boys! I'll just stay here while you deal with the enemy." Pretty uninspiring.
Before...
Luckily, I'd kept some weapons from other figures I'd converted in the past. I found a suitably nasty looking axe and then drilled out the orc's raised fist. It was then just a simple matter of gluing the weapon in the hole.
After!
With that vicious blade in his upraised arm he looks much more defiant and commanding. Now that's a leader I would be proud to have command my orc warband!
Before...Luckily, I'd kept some weapons from other figures I'd converted in the past. I found a suitably nasty looking axe and then drilled out the orc's raised fist. It was then just a simple matter of gluing the weapon in the hole.
After!With that vicious blade in his upraised arm he looks much more defiant and commanding. Now that's a leader I would be proud to have command my orc warband!
Orcs Ready to Paint
It took me about two hours to select the orc figures for my warband, remove any flash or mould lines, wash the miniatures, do some minor weapon conversions and then glue them to Popsicle sticks ready for painting.
I used to mount the figures on a single Popsicle stick but found it hard to hold while painting. I now glue five Popsicle sticks together and mount the figures on these. I find that the thicker base is a much more stable platform and it is easier to grasp and manipulate.
I use a small dab of PVA glue (AKA white glue or wood glue) to glue the figures. This type of glue dries clear and has a very slight flex when hard. When I've finished painting it's a simple matter of just sliding a blade under the base of the miniature and giving a slight twist. The miniature just pops straight off.
OK, these bad boys are now ready to receive an undercoat.
I used to mount the figures on a single Popsicle stick but found it hard to hold while painting. I now glue five Popsicle sticks together and mount the figures on these. I find that the thicker base is a much more stable platform and it is easier to grasp and manipulate.
I use a small dab of PVA glue (AKA white glue or wood glue) to glue the figures. This type of glue dries clear and has a very slight flex when hard. When I've finished painting it's a simple matter of just sliding a blade under the base of the miniature and giving a slight twist. The miniature just pops straight off.
OK, these bad boys are now ready to receive an undercoat.
Orcs for Song of Blades and Heroes
My next painting project is to do some orcs for the Song of Blades and Heroes skirmish game. I'm doing these in 15mm for three reasons; 1) 15mm are cheaper than 25/28mm figures, 2) a smaller play area is required, and 3) I already have lots of unpainted 15mm figures.
I'm going to paint up a larger warband than the recommended 300 points. The reason for this is simply to give a bit more choice in selection when choosing members of a warband.
These are the figures I've selected:
These two figures are from Eureka Miniature's 18mm Fantasy range. They are the two available poses for their Orc Chief (code 300ORC04).
I think I'll use them for the following (left to right):
Orc Warchief
Points cost: 100
Quality 3+
Combat 4
Special abilities: Leader, Tough
Orc Champion
Points cost: 76
Quality 3+
Combat 4
Special abilities: Savage, Hero
These eight figures are from Eureka Miniature's 18mm Fantasy range. They are the four available poses for their Orc with Sword (code 300ORC03).
Click on the photo for a larger image. See those bits of irregular metal hanging off the ends of the swords? That's called flash and is a leftover from the casting process. Flash will have to be removed with either a craft knife or miniature file.
They'll be used as the following:
Orc Warrior
Points cost: 23
Quality 4+
Combat 3
Special abilities: None
These four figures are from Eureka Miniature's 18mm Fantasy range. They are the four available poses for their Orc Archer (code 300ORC01).
They'll be used as the following:
Orc Archer
Points cost: 29
Quality 4+
Combat 3
Special abilities: Shooter (Medium)
These figures are from Chariot Miniature's 15mm Fantasy range. I understand that they are three of the four available poses for their Wolf Riders (code GOB03).
They'll be used as the following:
Goblin Wolf Rider
Points cost: 47
Quality 4+
Combat 3
Special abilities: Mounted, Long Move
I wasn't happy with the weapons in two of the goblins' hands. The figure on the left holds a spear which I felt was too long. I decided to cut it off, trim down the size, drill out the hand and glue it back as a shorter spear/javelin. The goblin on the far right had an axe which I felt was too long and held too low on the shaft. I cut it off, drilled out the hand and glued it back in. Here are the results.
The last miniature is a large wolf I'm going to use as a Lord of the Rings-style Warg. Unfortunately I'm not certain of the manufacturer for this figure.
It will be used as the following:
Giant Wolf
Points cost: 50
Quality: 3+
Combat: 3
Special abilities: Animal, Big, Long Move
I'm going to paint up a larger warband than the recommended 300 points. The reason for this is simply to give a bit more choice in selection when choosing members of a warband.
These are the figures I've selected:
These two figures are from Eureka Miniature's 18mm Fantasy range. They are the two available poses for their Orc Chief (code 300ORC04).
I think I'll use them for the following (left to right):
Orc Warchief
Points cost: 100
Quality 3+
Combat 4
Special abilities: Leader, Tough
Orc Champion
Points cost: 76
Quality 3+
Combat 4
Special abilities: Savage, Hero
These eight figures are from Eureka Miniature's 18mm Fantasy range. They are the four available poses for their Orc with Sword (code 300ORC03).
Click on the photo for a larger image. See those bits of irregular metal hanging off the ends of the swords? That's called flash and is a leftover from the casting process. Flash will have to be removed with either a craft knife or miniature file.
They'll be used as the following:
Orc Warrior
Points cost: 23
Quality 4+
Combat 3
Special abilities: None
These four figures are from Eureka Miniature's 18mm Fantasy range. They are the four available poses for their Orc Archer (code 300ORC01).
They'll be used as the following:
Orc Archer
Points cost: 29
Quality 4+
Combat 3
Special abilities: Shooter (Medium)
These figures are from Chariot Miniature's 15mm Fantasy range. I understand that they are three of the four available poses for their Wolf Riders (code GOB03).
They'll be used as the following:
Goblin Wolf Rider
Points cost: 47
Quality 4+
Combat 3
Special abilities: Mounted, Long Move
I wasn't happy with the weapons in two of the goblins' hands. The figure on the left holds a spear which I felt was too long. I decided to cut it off, trim down the size, drill out the hand and glue it back as a shorter spear/javelin. The goblin on the far right had an axe which I felt was too long and held too low on the shaft. I cut it off, drilled out the hand and glued it back in. Here are the results.
The last miniature is a large wolf I'm going to use as a Lord of the Rings-style Warg. Unfortunately I'm not certain of the manufacturer for this figure.
It will be used as the following:
Giant Wolf
Points cost: 50
Quality: 3+
Combat: 3
Special abilities: Animal, Big, Long Move
Friday, February 20, 2009
Miniatures Identified
Thanks to the folks over at The Miniatures Page I am now able to identify the figures used in my Evil Human warband. They are from the miniatures range for the Demonworld game by the now defunct Hobby Products.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Some New Games Arrive!
A package arrived for me in the mail today (I love when this happens). You see, in an effort to stimulate the global economy I've recently purchased some new board games (yeah, yeah, I know, I'll use any excuse to buy games).
A box full of goodies for me
Military Simulations recently had an overstock sale. I was able to get some discounted games that I'd wanted for a while (as well as one that I bought simply because it was good value).
In the box were a couple of expansions for one of my favourite games - Memoir '44. The first was a recent expansion from Days of Wonder for Memoir '44 which was the Mediterranean Theater. The Mediterranean Theater expansion covers WWII scenarios in North Africa and introduces figures for the British Army. The second expansion was Operation Overlord which allows the game to be played with up to 8 players. I already have two copies of the base game but this expansion has two decks of specially designed cards for Overlord play, a set of 8 dice and 178 tokens, not to mention an updated Overlord rules booklet.
The goodies
Another game I got was Red November. This is a cooperative game by Bruno Faidutti and Jef Gontier that I've had on my radar ever since I first read about it last year on Boardgame News. It sounds like a really fun game of a style that I would enjoy. Players play as Russian gnomes trapped at the bottom of the ocean in a submarine. They have exactly 60 minutes before they're rescued but in that time have to contend with fires, leaks, failing critical systems and the dreaded Kraken. Although it states 2-8 players on the box, I'm aware it can be played solo by just playing a team of gnomes yourself.
The last game was one I didn't really have any desire to buy previously, but bought simply because it was such good value at only AU$20. Nexus Ops has quite good reviews on Boardgamegeek and as it is a cool sci-fi wargame that plays 2-4 players I thought it was worth adding to my collection.
So there you go. I'm currently basking in that 'I have new games' feeling of happiness.
A box full of goodies for meMilitary Simulations recently had an overstock sale. I was able to get some discounted games that I'd wanted for a while (as well as one that I bought simply because it was good value).
In the box were a couple of expansions for one of my favourite games - Memoir '44. The first was a recent expansion from Days of Wonder for Memoir '44 which was the Mediterranean Theater. The Mediterranean Theater expansion covers WWII scenarios in North Africa and introduces figures for the British Army. The second expansion was Operation Overlord which allows the game to be played with up to 8 players. I already have two copies of the base game but this expansion has two decks of specially designed cards for Overlord play, a set of 8 dice and 178 tokens, not to mention an updated Overlord rules booklet.
The goodiesAnother game I got was Red November. This is a cooperative game by Bruno Faidutti and Jef Gontier that I've had on my radar ever since I first read about it last year on Boardgame News. It sounds like a really fun game of a style that I would enjoy. Players play as Russian gnomes trapped at the bottom of the ocean in a submarine. They have exactly 60 minutes before they're rescued but in that time have to contend with fires, leaks, failing critical systems and the dreaded Kraken. Although it states 2-8 players on the box, I'm aware it can be played solo by just playing a team of gnomes yourself.
The last game was one I didn't really have any desire to buy previously, but bought simply because it was such good value at only AU$20. Nexus Ops has quite good reviews on Boardgamegeek and as it is a cool sci-fi wargame that plays 2-4 players I thought it was worth adding to my collection.
So there you go. I'm currently basking in that 'I have new games' feeling of happiness.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Painted Evil Human Warband
You may remember a post of mine last month where I showed some pictures of some 15mm miniatures I'd selected as my first Song of Blades and Heroes warband. Well, the good news is that I've finished painting and basing them. Unfortunately, I don't know what company produced these miniatures or what range they are from.
Human Leader
Human Leader x 1
Points cost: 60
Quality 3+
Combat 3
Special abilities: Leader
This figure is of a bare-headed, armoured man holding a large two-handed sword. The most striking feature is a boars head covering his right arm and shoulder. It appears to be some sort of combination shield/armour/livery. He looks particularly evil.
Human Warriors
Human Warriors x 6
Points cost: 30 each
Quality: 3+
Combat: 3
Special abilities: None
These armoured humans are all advancing holding two-handed swords. They have fully enclosed helms and plate mail armour. They are zealous and willing to die for their leader.
Ogre Warrior
Ogre Warrior x 1
Points cost: 50
Quality: 4+
Combat: 4
Special abilities: Big, Long Move
This ogre is wearing an animal skin and wielding a large tree limb with a huge metal spike through the end of it. I'm assuming this ogre has either somehow been enslaved or ensorcelled by the human leader, or is perhaps voluntarily working with him because he gets to eat any of the vanquished foes of this warband.
The Warband
Total Warband cost: 290 points
I think it would be fun to at least give the leader and the ogre names. I'd also like to write up a little bit of a back story for this warband and give it a name as well. This will add a little bit of roleplaying spice to future games.
Now to start working on my next warband.
Human LeaderHuman Leader x 1
Points cost: 60
Quality 3+
Combat 3
Special abilities: Leader
This figure is of a bare-headed, armoured man holding a large two-handed sword. The most striking feature is a boars head covering his right arm and shoulder. It appears to be some sort of combination shield/armour/livery. He looks particularly evil.
Human WarriorsHuman Warriors x 6
Points cost: 30 each
Quality: 3+
Combat: 3
Special abilities: None
These armoured humans are all advancing holding two-handed swords. They have fully enclosed helms and plate mail armour. They are zealous and willing to die for their leader.
Ogre WarriorOgre Warrior x 1
Points cost: 50
Quality: 4+
Combat: 4
Special abilities: Big, Long Move
This ogre is wearing an animal skin and wielding a large tree limb with a huge metal spike through the end of it. I'm assuming this ogre has either somehow been enslaved or ensorcelled by the human leader, or is perhaps voluntarily working with him because he gets to eat any of the vanquished foes of this warband.
The WarbandTotal Warband cost: 290 points
I think it would be fun to at least give the leader and the ogre names. I'd also like to write up a little bit of a back story for this warband and give it a name as well. This will add a little bit of roleplaying spice to future games.
Now to start working on my next warband.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane...
Well, sometimes I wish I were.
Occasionally I'll see contrails in the sky, as I did this morning as I was walking to the station to catch a train to work. Up high, a large jet winging its way to faraway places, full of happy travellers on vacation.
A contrail high above me
The sight of these contrails trigger distant memories of past overseas travels. The excitement of catching a plane to exotic destinations wells up inside me. The sights, sounds and tastes of foreign countries dance in my head.
I am brought back to earth as I fumble for change for my train ticket. Another day at work beckons.
Occasionally I'll see contrails in the sky, as I did this morning as I was walking to the station to catch a train to work. Up high, a large jet winging its way to faraway places, full of happy travellers on vacation.
A contrail high above meThe sight of these contrails trigger distant memories of past overseas travels. The excitement of catching a plane to exotic destinations wells up inside me. The sights, sounds and tastes of foreign countries dance in my head.
I am brought back to earth as I fumble for change for my train ticket. Another day at work beckons.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Silent Running
I've recently seen Silent Running, a 1972 sci-fi drama starring Bruce Dern as Freeman Lowell, a futuristic park ranger minding Earth's last forests, sealed in gigantic domes aboard an equally gigantic freighter in space.
One thing of note in the movie are the drones, small robots with almost human-like behaviours. This movie pre-dates Star Wars by five years and I wouldn't be at all surprised if George Lucas was inspired by these drones when creating the Star Wars droids, especially R2-D2.
For a movie that is now 37 years old, the ecological message really strikes a chord with the current concern over the global climate. I also see hints of this movie's message in more recent films such as E.T. - The Extra Terrestrial and Wall-E.
I won't go into the plot in great detail, except to say that Lowell must decide how far he is willing to go to protect the last forests of Earth on board the deep space freighter.
I first saw this film as a kid and it left me feeling kind of sad. Watching it again as an adult I'm again left with a haunting feeling of sadness at the conclusion. I am, however, impressed with how the special effects haven't dated as much as I thought they would have.
Interestingly, in an example of life imitating art, a couple of years ago the Svalbard Global Seed Vault was established in an underground cavern on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen as a secure seedbank to preserve a wide variety of plant seeds from locations worldwide.
One thing of note in the movie are the drones, small robots with almost human-like behaviours. This movie pre-dates Star Wars by five years and I wouldn't be at all surprised if George Lucas was inspired by these drones when creating the Star Wars droids, especially R2-D2.
For a movie that is now 37 years old, the ecological message really strikes a chord with the current concern over the global climate. I also see hints of this movie's message in more recent films such as E.T. - The Extra Terrestrial and Wall-E.
I won't go into the plot in great detail, except to say that Lowell must decide how far he is willing to go to protect the last forests of Earth on board the deep space freighter.
I first saw this film as a kid and it left me feeling kind of sad. Watching it again as an adult I'm again left with a haunting feeling of sadness at the conclusion. I am, however, impressed with how the special effects haven't dated as much as I thought they would have.
Interestingly, in an example of life imitating art, a couple of years ago the Svalbard Global Seed Vault was established in an underground cavern on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen as a secure seedbank to preserve a wide variety of plant seeds from locations worldwide.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Gaming With Grandma - 89
Another Saturday morning gaming session with my mother (AKA Grandma) and 7 year old daughter (AKA Maddie).
Our first game of the morning was Cartagena. Maddie set up the board and I went first. I was green, Grandma was yellow and Maddie was red. Grandma won with 6 pirates in the boat, I came 2nd with 2 (on tie break) and Maddie came 3rd with 2.
Cartagena
Maddie chose our second game of the morning. Jenga is a fun dexterity game that we play occasionally. We managed to get the tower up to level 24 before Grandma sent it crashing to the ground. As I was the last player to successfully place a piece, I won.
Grandma gently eases out a Jenga block
Maddie chose our next game, For Sale. Maddie usually does quite well at this game. However, today I was the one who best managed the bidding to my gain. Final scores were me, Wayne 1st with $76K, Grandma 2nd on $67K (on tie break) and Maddie 3rd also on $67K.
For Sale
Our final game of the morning, Pick Picknic, was also chosen by Maddie. This is a great little game which children can play quite well with adults. I won with 67 points, Maddie came 2nd with 54 and Grandma came 3rd with 27 points.
Pick Picknic
Our first game of the morning was Cartagena. Maddie set up the board and I went first. I was green, Grandma was yellow and Maddie was red. Grandma won with 6 pirates in the boat, I came 2nd with 2 (on tie break) and Maddie came 3rd with 2.
CartagenaMaddie chose our second game of the morning. Jenga is a fun dexterity game that we play occasionally. We managed to get the tower up to level 24 before Grandma sent it crashing to the ground. As I was the last player to successfully place a piece, I won.
Grandma gently eases out a Jenga blockMaddie chose our next game, For Sale. Maddie usually does quite well at this game. However, today I was the one who best managed the bidding to my gain. Final scores were me, Wayne 1st with $76K, Grandma 2nd on $67K (on tie break) and Maddie 3rd also on $67K.
For SaleOur final game of the morning, Pick Picknic, was also chosen by Maddie. This is a great little game which children can play quite well with adults. I won with 67 points, Maddie came 2nd with 54 and Grandma came 3rd with 27 points.
Pick PicknicSaturday, February 07, 2009
Gaming With Grandma - 88
My Mum dropped over on Saturday morning for a cup of tea and a chat. We also had the opportunity for a quick game together.
Our game of choice this morning was a 2-player game of San Juan, a game we'd not played since July 2008. I had a fairly poor draw for my initial hand, receiving no production buildings except for the requisite Indigo Plant. Mum was able to get a Coffee Roaster down straight away and soon built a Carpenter which gave her the ability to build violet buildings and take a card from the draw pile when she did so. She concentrated on building cheap violet buildings and before I knew it she had ended the game with her twelfth. A last-minute building of a Guild hall secured the victory for her. She won 26 to 22.
My final play area
Our game of choice this morning was a 2-player game of San Juan, a game we'd not played since July 2008. I had a fairly poor draw for my initial hand, receiving no production buildings except for the requisite Indigo Plant. Mum was able to get a Coffee Roaster down straight away and soon built a Carpenter which gave her the ability to build violet buildings and take a card from the draw pile when she did so. She concentrated on building cheap violet buildings and before I knew it she had ended the game with her twelfth. A last-minute building of a Guild hall secured the victory for her. She won 26 to 22.
My final play areaWednesday, February 04, 2009
Gaming at GWAN - 3
Wednesday evening found me at GWAN (Gamers Without A Name), a game group hosted by Kevin (BGG user cyberkev63) at his house. Also in attendance were two others I had gamed with before, John (BGG user Friendless) and Justin (BGG user jwalduck).
Our first game of the evening was A Game of Games. My understanding is that this was a game designed for the Gathering of Friends 2008 by Ted Cheatham and Mike Perry. The Gathering of Friends is an annual invitation-only gaming event hosted by Alan Moon. The event started about 20 years ago, and continues to this day. I think Kevin went along last year and that's where he picked up this game.
A Game of Games
The game is played by two pairs of players. Each pair attempts to be the first to guess the name of a board game. On a turn, a player from each of the two teams looks at the name of the board game. They then take it in turns to say a one-word clue to their team mate who attempts to guess the game. A correct guess is worth two points. The winning guesser of that round then attempts to deny the opposing team the opportunity of scoring a point each for the year the game was released and the name of the designer. The other team's guesser then has the opportunity to score the points for any remaining unguessed year or designer for that particular game.
The teams were Kevin & Justin vs John & Wayne (me).
Round 1: Game - Cheops - Kevin and I were giving the clues to Justin and John. Kevin went first.
Clues: Sticks, Egypt, Eat, Pharoah, Chinese, Pyramid
Correct guess: John
Round 2: Game - Detroit/Cleveland Grand Prix - Justin and John were giving the clues to Kevin and I. Justin went first.
Clues: Michigan
Correct guess: Kevin (although he guessed Cleveland Grand Prix we gave it to him)
Round 3: Game - Caesar and Cleopatra - Kevin and I were giving clues to Justin and John. Kevin went first.
Clues: Senators, Richard Burton (aargh! I stuffed up by giving a two-word clue), Egypt, Rome, Julius, Asp, Conjunction
Correct guess: Justin
Round 4: Game - Cartel - Justin and John were giving the clues to Kevin and I. John went first.
Clues: Oligopoly, Merchant, Opec, Automobile, Duopoly, Speak, Oil
Correct guess: Wayne
Round 5: Game - Careers - Kevin and Wayne were giving the clues to Justin and John. Kevin went first.
Clues: Jobs, Work
Correct guess: John
Round 6: Game - The Downfall of Pompeii - Justin and John were giving the clues to Kevin and I. Justin went first.
Clues: Volcano, Vesuvius
Correct guess: Wayne
Round 7: Game - Civilization - Kevin and Wayne were giving the clues to Justin and John. Wayne went first.
Clues: History, long
Correct guess: Justin
Round 8: Game - Princes of Florence - Justin and John were giving the clues to Kevin and I. John went first.
Clues: Michaelangelo, jesters
Correct guess: Kevin
Round 9: Game - Nautilus - Kevin and Wayne were giving the clues to Justin and John. Kevin went first.
Clues: Nemo, submarine, name, shell
Correct guess: John
Final scores were John and Wayne winning with 10 points and Kevin and Justin coming 2nd with 8 points.
I quite enjoyed this esoteric guessing game.
Our second game of the evening was Glory to Rome. We'd all played at least once before (this was my second game) so we didn't have to waste too much time going over the rules.
This was my first full game of Glory to Rome and I found it to be fairly enjoyable. Not a game I'd go out and buy though as I find San Juan scratches the itch of this type of game and is much quicker.
My final play area
Final scores were John with the win on 17, Kevin 2nd on 12 (tiebreak), Justin 3rd on 12 and myself 4th on 9.
Our first game of the evening was A Game of Games. My understanding is that this was a game designed for the Gathering of Friends 2008 by Ted Cheatham and Mike Perry. The Gathering of Friends is an annual invitation-only gaming event hosted by Alan Moon. The event started about 20 years ago, and continues to this day. I think Kevin went along last year and that's where he picked up this game.
A Game of GamesThe game is played by two pairs of players. Each pair attempts to be the first to guess the name of a board game. On a turn, a player from each of the two teams looks at the name of the board game. They then take it in turns to say a one-word clue to their team mate who attempts to guess the game. A correct guess is worth two points. The winning guesser of that round then attempts to deny the opposing team the opportunity of scoring a point each for the year the game was released and the name of the designer. The other team's guesser then has the opportunity to score the points for any remaining unguessed year or designer for that particular game.
The teams were Kevin & Justin vs John & Wayne (me).
Round 1: Game - Cheops - Kevin and I were giving the clues to Justin and John. Kevin went first.
Clues: Sticks, Egypt, Eat, Pharoah, Chinese, Pyramid
Correct guess: John
Round 2: Game - Detroit/Cleveland Grand Prix - Justin and John were giving the clues to Kevin and I. Justin went first.
Clues: Michigan
Correct guess: Kevin (although he guessed Cleveland Grand Prix we gave it to him)
Round 3: Game - Caesar and Cleopatra - Kevin and I were giving clues to Justin and John. Kevin went first.
Clues: Senators, Richard Burton (aargh! I stuffed up by giving a two-word clue), Egypt, Rome, Julius, Asp, Conjunction
Correct guess: Justin
Round 4: Game - Cartel - Justin and John were giving the clues to Kevin and I. John went first.
Clues: Oligopoly, Merchant, Opec, Automobile, Duopoly, Speak, Oil
Correct guess: Wayne
Round 5: Game - Careers - Kevin and Wayne were giving the clues to Justin and John. Kevin went first.
Clues: Jobs, Work
Correct guess: John
Round 6: Game - The Downfall of Pompeii - Justin and John were giving the clues to Kevin and I. Justin went first.
Clues: Volcano, Vesuvius
Correct guess: Wayne
Round 7: Game - Civilization - Kevin and Wayne were giving the clues to Justin and John. Wayne went first.
Clues: History, long
Correct guess: Justin
Round 8: Game - Princes of Florence - Justin and John were giving the clues to Kevin and I. John went first.
Clues: Michaelangelo, jesters
Correct guess: Kevin
Round 9: Game - Nautilus - Kevin and Wayne were giving the clues to Justin and John. Kevin went first.
Clues: Nemo, submarine, name, shell
Correct guess: John
Final scores were John and Wayne winning with 10 points and Kevin and Justin coming 2nd with 8 points.
I quite enjoyed this esoteric guessing game.
Our second game of the evening was Glory to Rome. We'd all played at least once before (this was my second game) so we didn't have to waste too much time going over the rules.
This was my first full game of Glory to Rome and I found it to be fairly enjoyable. Not a game I'd go out and buy though as I find San Juan scratches the itch of this type of game and is much quicker.
My final play areaTuesday, February 03, 2009
The Battle of Telamon 225BC - Part 1
I went over to Friendless' house on Tuesday evening for some more Commands & Colors: Ancients gaming.
We had previously decided to play the Battle of Telamon 225BC from C&C Ancients: Expansion Pack #2: Rome and the Barbarians and Friendless had the board set up when I arrived. I sat down on the side of the table that the Gauls were on and so the battle commenced.
The Battle of Telamon (225BC)
Friendless commenced the battle by playing a Coordinated Attack card giving his Romans an order in each of the three battlefield sections. His most devastating attack occurred on my left flank where two units of Roman Medium Cavalry, one led by a general, smashed into a unit of my Barbarian Chariots. The first Roman charge knocked out two blocks of my Barbarian Chariot unit but they were able to battle back dealing a single block of damage. The second Roman charge, commanded by the general, then destroyed my first chariot unit. This gave the Romans the opportunity to momentum advance and make a bonus attack on a second unit of chariots. That attack was also deadly, reducing my second Barbarian Chariot unit to a single block. However, as this chariot unit had survived, they now had a chance to battle back. I scored two hits on the battle back leaving the Roman Medium Cavalry unit commanded by the general vulnerable with only one block left. Banner check – Ozvortex 0, Friendless 1.
I responded to the Roman attacks with an Inspired Left Leadership card. Concolitanus, commanding a unit of Medium Cavalry, charged forward at one of the two Roman Medium Cavalry units. The Gallic charge was strong and the Roman cavalry fell. This successful attack allowed Concolitanus to momentum advance and have a bonus attack on the Medium Cavalry commanded by the Roman general. This attack was also successful and the cavalry were exterminated. This left the Roman general alone in the hex. I rolled the Leader Casualty check which gave me a 1 in 6 chance of also killing the general. My roll was good and the Roman general died. Banner check – Ozvortex 3, Friendless 1.
Friendless then played Order Mounted Troops. Regulus, the general of the Romans blocking the retreat of the Gauls behind the hills, attacked with his Medium Cavalry. Of course he went straight for Concolitanus and his cavalry. The Romans dispersed the Gallic cavalry leaving Concolitanus to find a way to retreat. Friendless failed to kill Concolitanus in the Leader Casualty check but then Concolitanus had to retreat through two units of Roman Medium Cavalry. Friendless only needed to roll a single Leader symbol on any of three dice to have another chance of killing Concolitanus. I held my breath as he rolled. Phew! No Leader symbol! Concolitanus retreated to the hills. As a result of this, I now controlled the hills which gave me a bonus two victory banners. Banner check – Ozvortex 5, Friendless 2.
I played Line Command which allowed me to move units from the centre closer to support the fighting going on near the hills on my left flank. One of my Warrior units attacked Regulus and his Medium Cavalry who evade toward the Roman side of the board.
Friendless then played Outflanked. The notable attack of this order was near the hills on my left flank. Regulus and his Medium Cavalry rally and counterattack the last of my Barbarian Chariot units, totally destroying it. Banner check – Ozvortex 5, Friendless 3.
I play Leadership Any Section to move a further three Gallic units to reinforce Concolitanus in the hills. Concolitanus takes command of another Medium Cavalry unit.
Friendless responds by playing Order Light Troops. His Roman Light Infantry send a rain of javelins into Concolitanus and his Medium Cavalry in the hills, managing to knock out a single block.
I play Inspired Right Leadership. Aneroestes, commanding a unit of Warriors, and two units of Gallic Auxilia advance towards the Roman side of the board. I plan to fight a delaying action against the Roman general Papus and his troops while moving as many other Gauls as possible to support the fight for the hills.
Friendless plays Order Four Units Left. Roman Auxilia unit throwing their javelins score hits amongst my line. The Roman general, Papus, commanding a unit of Heavy Infantry attacks a Gallic warrior band. He scores hits and also forces the Gauls to retreat. As a result of this the Roman Heavy infantry, commanded by a Leader, is allowed to make a momentum advance and bonus combat. Papus does so and the Gallic Warrior unit is destroyed. Banner check – Ozvortex 5, Friendless 4.
I choose to play the Rally card. As a result of this I mitigate some of the damage I'd recently taken on my right flank by bolstering a unit of Light Infantry to recover a block and also to add two blocks to Aneroestes' Warrior unit, bringing it back to full strength. Both these units are ordered to attack back towards their line of retreat, towards Regulus' troops on the Gallic side of the board edge.
Friendless sees the Gauls attempting a fighting withdrawal on his left flank. He plays Order Two Units Left. Papus and his Heavy Infantry advance again almost killing a Gallic unit of Light Infantry which barely manages to evade. A Roman unit of Auxilia also almost destroys a Gallic unit of Auxilia.
I respond to the Roman attacks on my right flank by playing Order Three Units Right. I pull back more troops to attack the line of Medium and Heavy Roman infantry blocking my line of retreat.
Friendless plays Order Three Units Centre. His Heavy Infantry commanded by Papus, as well as two units of Medium Infantry advance with deadly purpose. Concolitanus and his Warrior unit is again reduced to half strength.
I now play Line Command. I had been positioning Concolitanus and other Gallic units for an attack on the Romans on my board edge. These were troops in Regulus' command, however their general was not with them, being occupied in the fighting for the hills. Concolitanus and his Warrior unit charge into a wounded Roman Medium Infantry unit managing to kill it. The Gallic warriors then momentum advance and make a bonus combat attack against a unit of Light Infantry managing to kill it as well. Banner check – Ozvortex 7, Friendless 4.
I'm only one banner away from victory. Friendless plays Order Four Units Right and sends Roman units from both the south and north to occupy the hills. He manages to outnumber my forces and the hill victory banners go to him! Banner check – Ozvortex 5, Friendless 6.
I play Coordinated Attack. One of my Auxilia units finishes off a wounded Roman Medium Infantry unit. Banner check – Ozvortex 6, Friendless 6. The game hangs on a knife edge.
Friendless plays Order Three Units Centre to allow Papus and his Heavy Infantry destroy a unit of Gallic Light Infantry. Banner check – Ozvortex 6, Friendless 7. Friendless is one victory banner from winning!
I now play Order Three Units Left to move three units of Gauls into the hills. My attacks cause a Roman Medium Cavalry unit to retreat from the hills. At the end of the turn I outnumber the Romans in the hills by three units to two. The Gauls now control the hills and as such the two hill victory banners revert to me. Banner check – Ozvortex 8, Friendless 5.
Victory is mine!
What a close and exciting game this was!
The placement of forces at the end of the battle. Viewed from the Gallic side.
When Friendless and I next meet we will change sides and replay the Battle of Telamon.
After the game Friendless showed me a new game he'd recently purchased - Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear! - 1941-1942.
Conflict of Heroes
This is a game of tactical combat in WWII and one I've been following closely on BoardGameGeek for some time. I'm looking forward to playing this with Friendless in the coming months.
We had previously decided to play the Battle of Telamon 225BC from C&C Ancients: Expansion Pack #2: Rome and the Barbarians and Friendless had the board set up when I arrived. I sat down on the side of the table that the Gauls were on and so the battle commenced.
The Battle of Telamon (225BC)
Historical Background (From the scenario booklet)
Aenorestes and Concolitanus retreated northwards, pursued by Aemilius Papus with about 30,000 troops. It looked like the Gauls would escape with their booty. Then fortune smiled on Rome. The consul Atilius Regulus was returning from suppressing a rebellion in Sardinia with his army of 25,000 men. He landed at Pisae and was moving south along the same coastal road that the Gauls had chosen for their retreat. Upon learning from his scouts that a Gallic army was approaching, Regulus ordered his legions into fighting order while he advanced at full speed with his cavalry and light infantry to occupy a key hill before the enemy arrived. The Gauls at once sent their own cavalry, chariots, and some light-armed troops to dispute the possession of the hill. When Papus arrived from the south, he also sent his cavalry to the hill, and advanced with his legions. At first the battle was confined to the hill and both armies watched the fighting unfold. Regulus fell, but the Roman cavalry, after a stubborn struggle, gained the hill. Meanwhile, Aenorestes and Concolitanus formed two battle lines back-to-back as the Roman infantry converged on the Gauls from north and south. There was a dreadful din as the whole Gallic army shouted war cries and the Roman light infantry hurled javelins. The Gallic host rushed wildly on their enemy in a rage, but the Roman maniples held their ground. Finally, the Roman cavalry charged down the hill and the Gallic infantry were cut to pieces.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. The rest is history.
War CouncilGallic Army
• Leaders: Kings Aneroestes and Concolitanus
• 5 Command Cards
Roman Army
• Leaders: Atilius Regulus and Aemilius Papus
• 6 Command Cards
• Move First
Victory
8 Banners
Special Rules
- Hill control was crucial to this battle. At the end of each player turn, check for hill control.
a. If one side has more units occupying hill hexes than the other side, that player gains two Victory Banners. That player keeps the two Victory Banners until:
1) The other player has more units on hill hexes at the end of a player turn (current player with the two hill Victory Banners loses them; the other player gains two Hill Victory Banners), or
2) Both players have the same number of units occupying hill hexes, or no units occupying hill hexes (current player with the two hill Victory Banners loses them; the other player does not receive them)
b. Hill hexes must be occupied to count toward control. If a unit leaves a hill hex vacant for any reason, that hex does not count toward control.
c. It is possible for control to shift several times during a battle, having a major effect on each side’s Victory Banner totals each time control shifts. - The River on the left of the battlefield is the sea and is impassable.
- Important Note: Each army must retreat and/or evade toward its side of the battlefield. The Gallic Army and Regulus’ Roman army have the potential to block each other’s retreat/evade routes.
- Barbarian Chariot rules are in effect.
- Optional set-up. The Roman Army was still organized along pre-Marian guidelines. If the Roman player desires, he may use the gray Roman blocks from the basic game when placing his units.
Image from ccancients.net
Click for a larger image.
Friendless commenced the battle by playing a Coordinated Attack card giving his Romans an order in each of the three battlefield sections. His most devastating attack occurred on my left flank where two units of Roman Medium Cavalry, one led by a general, smashed into a unit of my Barbarian Chariots. The first Roman charge knocked out two blocks of my Barbarian Chariot unit but they were able to battle back dealing a single block of damage. The second Roman charge, commanded by the general, then destroyed my first chariot unit. This gave the Romans the opportunity to momentum advance and make a bonus attack on a second unit of chariots. That attack was also deadly, reducing my second Barbarian Chariot unit to a single block. However, as this chariot unit had survived, they now had a chance to battle back. I scored two hits on the battle back leaving the Roman Medium Cavalry unit commanded by the general vulnerable with only one block left. Banner check – Ozvortex 0, Friendless 1.
I responded to the Roman attacks with an Inspired Left Leadership card. Concolitanus, commanding a unit of Medium Cavalry, charged forward at one of the two Roman Medium Cavalry units. The Gallic charge was strong and the Roman cavalry fell. This successful attack allowed Concolitanus to momentum advance and have a bonus attack on the Medium Cavalry commanded by the Roman general. This attack was also successful and the cavalry were exterminated. This left the Roman general alone in the hex. I rolled the Leader Casualty check which gave me a 1 in 6 chance of also killing the general. My roll was good and the Roman general died. Banner check – Ozvortex 3, Friendless 1.
Friendless then played Order Mounted Troops. Regulus, the general of the Romans blocking the retreat of the Gauls behind the hills, attacked with his Medium Cavalry. Of course he went straight for Concolitanus and his cavalry. The Romans dispersed the Gallic cavalry leaving Concolitanus to find a way to retreat. Friendless failed to kill Concolitanus in the Leader Casualty check but then Concolitanus had to retreat through two units of Roman Medium Cavalry. Friendless only needed to roll a single Leader symbol on any of three dice to have another chance of killing Concolitanus. I held my breath as he rolled. Phew! No Leader symbol! Concolitanus retreated to the hills. As a result of this, I now controlled the hills which gave me a bonus two victory banners. Banner check – Ozvortex 5, Friendless 2.
I played Line Command which allowed me to move units from the centre closer to support the fighting going on near the hills on my left flank. One of my Warrior units attacked Regulus and his Medium Cavalry who evade toward the Roman side of the board.
Friendless then played Outflanked. The notable attack of this order was near the hills on my left flank. Regulus and his Medium Cavalry rally and counterattack the last of my Barbarian Chariot units, totally destroying it. Banner check – Ozvortex 5, Friendless 3.
I play Leadership Any Section to move a further three Gallic units to reinforce Concolitanus in the hills. Concolitanus takes command of another Medium Cavalry unit.
Friendless responds by playing Order Light Troops. His Roman Light Infantry send a rain of javelins into Concolitanus and his Medium Cavalry in the hills, managing to knock out a single block.
I play Inspired Right Leadership. Aneroestes, commanding a unit of Warriors, and two units of Gallic Auxilia advance towards the Roman side of the board. I plan to fight a delaying action against the Roman general Papus and his troops while moving as many other Gauls as possible to support the fight for the hills.
Friendless plays Order Four Units Left. Roman Auxilia unit throwing their javelins score hits amongst my line. The Roman general, Papus, commanding a unit of Heavy Infantry attacks a Gallic warrior band. He scores hits and also forces the Gauls to retreat. As a result of this the Roman Heavy infantry, commanded by a Leader, is allowed to make a momentum advance and bonus combat. Papus does so and the Gallic Warrior unit is destroyed. Banner check – Ozvortex 5, Friendless 4.
I choose to play the Rally card. As a result of this I mitigate some of the damage I'd recently taken on my right flank by bolstering a unit of Light Infantry to recover a block and also to add two blocks to Aneroestes' Warrior unit, bringing it back to full strength. Both these units are ordered to attack back towards their line of retreat, towards Regulus' troops on the Gallic side of the board edge.
Friendless sees the Gauls attempting a fighting withdrawal on his left flank. He plays Order Two Units Left. Papus and his Heavy Infantry advance again almost killing a Gallic unit of Light Infantry which barely manages to evade. A Roman unit of Auxilia also almost destroys a Gallic unit of Auxilia.
I respond to the Roman attacks on my right flank by playing Order Three Units Right. I pull back more troops to attack the line of Medium and Heavy Roman infantry blocking my line of retreat.
Friendless plays Order Three Units Centre. His Heavy Infantry commanded by Papus, as well as two units of Medium Infantry advance with deadly purpose. Concolitanus and his Warrior unit is again reduced to half strength.
I now play Line Command. I had been positioning Concolitanus and other Gallic units for an attack on the Romans on my board edge. These were troops in Regulus' command, however their general was not with them, being occupied in the fighting for the hills. Concolitanus and his Warrior unit charge into a wounded Roman Medium Infantry unit managing to kill it. The Gallic warriors then momentum advance and make a bonus combat attack against a unit of Light Infantry managing to kill it as well. Banner check – Ozvortex 7, Friendless 4.
I'm only one banner away from victory. Friendless plays Order Four Units Right and sends Roman units from both the south and north to occupy the hills. He manages to outnumber my forces and the hill victory banners go to him! Banner check – Ozvortex 5, Friendless 6.
I play Coordinated Attack. One of my Auxilia units finishes off a wounded Roman Medium Infantry unit. Banner check – Ozvortex 6, Friendless 6. The game hangs on a knife edge.
Friendless plays Order Three Units Centre to allow Papus and his Heavy Infantry destroy a unit of Gallic Light Infantry. Banner check – Ozvortex 6, Friendless 7. Friendless is one victory banner from winning!
I now play Order Three Units Left to move three units of Gauls into the hills. My attacks cause a Roman Medium Cavalry unit to retreat from the hills. At the end of the turn I outnumber the Romans in the hills by three units to two. The Gauls now control the hills and as such the two hill victory banners revert to me. Banner check – Ozvortex 8, Friendless 5.
Victory is mine!
What a close and exciting game this was!
The placement of forces at the end of the battle. Viewed from the Gallic side.When Friendless and I next meet we will change sides and replay the Battle of Telamon.
After the game Friendless showed me a new game he'd recently purchased - Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear! - 1941-1942.
Conflict of HeroesThis is a game of tactical combat in WWII and one I've been following closely on BoardGameGeek for some time. I'm looking forward to playing this with Friendless in the coming months.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
