Tuesday 31 January 2017

Pikeman's Lament - Battle Report - Part One.

The two majors chose which units they would join, displacing one member of that unit to keep the numbers correct. Royalist Major Trimble joined his own Pike, whilst the Parliamentary commander chose to join 2nd Troop, Okey's Dragoons.

Having the first activation, the parliamentary plan, was to move up the two clans on either flank. This would put them in a good position to take the hillock as well as push into the wood on the eastern edge, the Forlorn Hope and dragoons would advance to the walled field.
For the Royalists, defence was to be the order of the day, though getting up to the walled enclosure for protection would be advantageous, as well as moving the dragoons forward to occupy the hillock.

TURN ONE

Parliament.
Clan Douglas rolled a 1+2 and so failed their activation bringing a rather sudden end to the proceedings.



Royalist.
No such problems for Major Trimble, five of his six units followed orders, only Spencer's Shot, decided that they were rather comfortable where they where. (Blue arrows show movement.)


Foulston's Dragoons took the hillock, Sullivan's Troop (classed as Gallopers with the aggressive trait), also advanced.


In the centre, Trimble's Shot and Pike, as well as Barker's Troop (classed as Trotters) followed suit.


A red faced Captain Spencer was left on the start line.


Table at the end of Turn One.


TURN TWO

Parliament.
Clan Douglas activated and rushed through the wood, no slowing these boys down.


In the centre the Forlorn Hope took up position against the north wall of the field.

The left flank saw Clan McGregor rush forward into the wood.


That was to be the end of it, as 1st Troop, Okey's Dragoons, failed their activation. At least part of the line has started to move forward.


Royalist.
Foulston's Dragoons opened fire on Clan Douglas, as the latter burst out of the woods. (Red arrows show firing)


Two casualties who won't be eating their porridge anymore.


Trimble's Shot and Pike, both successfully reached the southern boundary of the field. Sullivan's Troop on the left flank, ordered to charge Clan Douglas, thought better of it, and stayed put.


The table at the end of Turn Two.



TURN THREE

Parliament.
Clan Douglas refused to assault Foulston's Dragoons on the hillock, so ending another poor activation phase for Parliament.

Royalist.
Testing for a wild charge, Sullivan's Troop smashed into the reluctant clansmen causing a massive four casualties, without any loss to themselves.


The Highlanders fell back and were only saved by the wood slowing down the pursuit of the horsemen.


Clan Douglas is now at half strength, as four more warriors join the dead pile.


To compound matters the clan then failed a morale roll and became wavering. (White disc)


Sullivan's Troopers slowed down dramatically by the trees.


Trimble's Shot opened fire, (first salvo) against the Forlorn Hope, four successful hits, causing a casualty on their target, even with the protection of the stone wall.


'Next time, keep your ruddy head down!'


Barker's Troop sallied forth, half a move, performed caracole, and let fly with pistols against Garnett's Troop. No hits scored.


Foulston's Dragoons, not now needed on the hillock, took the opportunity to sweep down on 2nd Troop of Okey's Dragoons, and engaged in skirmish fire.


They scored three hits, which equaled one kill, and Major Thorpe had to avoid throwing a double one, he succeeded.


A luckless dragoon bit the dust.


TURN FOUR

Parliament.
Clan Douglas unsuccessfully attempted to rally and had to fall back to the table edge, they need to throw 11 or 12 next turn, or permanently disappear from the table.

1st Troop, Okey's Dragoons, let fly with their muskets causing a casualty to Sullivan's Troop.


The first royalist casualty leaves the field.


2nd Troop, Okey's Dragoons, also open up on Foulston's Dragoons, they too send a royalist for an early bath.


Heading off to the bathroom!


The Forlorn Hope, open fire on Trimble's shot, but fail to score.


A similar story for Garnett's Troop,(Trotters) they caricole to perfection but fail to score a hit.


Clan McGregor burst out of the wood to face Spencer's Shot.


The table at the end of Turn Four, looking from the eastern edge.


The western edge.

So much for plans and tactics. The first contact with the enemy throws everything out of the window. The Parliamentarians are supposed to be attacking, but cannot seem to get moving, the Royalists are supposed to be defending, but have gone on the offensive.

Clan Douglas appears to be ready to leave the field, Royalist Gallopers and Dragoons are causing mayhem and Trimble's Shot and Pike, have the centre sealed up tight. Only on the Parliament left flank, has any form of advance been made. However, they now face a unit of shot, who still have first salvo up their sleeve.

Very enjoyable so far, please call back for the conclusion of the battle.

Monday 30 January 2017

Pikeman's Lament - Table and Set up.

A miserable, grey and overcast day here, not ideal for taking photographs, but I will do my best. The only table I have available measures 43 1/2 x by 28 1/2 inches (110 x 72 cm), not really ideal but it will have to do. I did consider replacing movement and firing with centimetres as opposed to inches, but will stick to inches on this occasion.


On the left, we shall refer to this as West,  are two small woods at either side of a small hillock, in the centre is a walled enclosure and finally a larger wood on the right. All the other areas of the table are clear terrain. I have tried to add a little of everything to test out the movement and firing rules.


Eye level shot of the small hillock from the small wood.


The walled enclosure.

A die roll decided that the Royalists would be defending in this battle and they will set up on the southern edge of the table. Although I am playing solo, I still went through the set up procedure in the rules. So all foot units were deployed, a single figure for now.


Friendly units only need a distance of one inch between them, different to the three inches in Lion Rampant, though of course they cannot move within three inches of an enemy unit unless charging. Trimble's Shot and Pike take up a position in the centre.


Spencer's Shot on the right (east).


Clan McGregor will form up behind the large wood in the north east.


Forlorn Hope in the centre.


Clan Douglas on the right flank, facing the hill.


Next all horse bar dragoons are placed on the table.


Sullivan's Troop on the left flank.


Barker's Troop to support Spencer's Shot.


The only parliamentary horse unit, Garnett's Troop, forms up opposite Barkers's Troop


Finally, the dragoons are deployed. Foulston's on the left flank, opposite the hillock.


1st and 2nd Troops of Okey's Dragoons, supporting the Forlorn Hope.


Finally add all the units to their markers.


This photo is a little brighter, (switched on the lighting, bloody 1 pm too!)


Just a few photos to show the position of each unit in a broader context.







Finally, some troop eye level shots.





Looking down the Royalist line.


The Parliamentary line.


Table from the east looking west. I still have to place the two majors with a unit, as they have to be attached to a unit, and each will replace one figure in that unit.

I am now finally in a position to fight the battle/skirmish. Of course I shall be taking lots of photos and writing a comprehensive battle report on the next post.
I would also like to thank everyone who commented on the previous post, either directly to the blog or via anywhere else the link was posted. It is really appreciated, any ideas or suggestions will be gratefully received.