Dear Mark
Well, here as promised is the model monastery and more importantly a cheque for the next four Gauntlets (10-13). After the mammoth conversation on Monday evening it was rather deflating having to do a bit of studying about the Chartists and Victorian history, not as much fun as wittering on about wargames. Although I did discover quite a lot of information about the Chartist Rising in Newport (S.Wales) - there might be a game in there somewhere !
I hope to be able to polish off some articles for you in the near future, studies permitting of course. Also, as my dissertation is going to be on the Cumberland Militia in the C18th including their efforts in the `45 I might be able to cobble together something based on my researches.
On the same subject, (rabble units and militias etc.) I get really cheesed off with most wargamers rabid desire to field only the crack troops in any given period, Waffen S.S., Napoleon's Guard or what have you. Am I alone in being attracted to those forces that most wargamers avoid ? My Persian army stems from the desire to see what effect the massed levy of the empire would have against the usual "super-troops" of the Macedonians, as well as wanting to model a mass of 15mm figures who were obviously a rabble armed with farm tools, simple spears or sticks and stones. It`s probably for similar reasons why I am keen to do the Spanish Civil War, with it`s chaotic mix of weapons, uniforms, training levels of the troops and ideologies. Because of these features (and because my usual friends want to field only the Foreign Legion or the Internationals ) it will probably be a solo project despite my bleating about finding solo games unsatisfying in my article.
In reality I think it`s because I know that if I had been around at the time it`s just these sorts of levy or militia units that I would have ended up in. Far from being the General on the white charger that we players imagine we are in our games, we would all probably end up in the Landwehr, militia or what W.R.G. describe as the "levy, scrapings", or even more likely in my case, cleaning the latrine and keeping my head down. It`s not for nothing that I empathise with Baldrick from the BLACKADDER series on T.V.
I also keep getting the urge to do the 1914 Belgian Army just so I can use some of Peter Pig`s dog drawn machine-guns, I know this is sad but in this instance it would really be a case of "the tail wagging the dog".
Right, that`s enough waffle from me, I look forward to the bumper issue of the "Gauntlet" . In the meantime. . .stop rolling those dice first thing in the morning !
Cheers
Chris Minshaw
Dear Mark,
I was interested in your recent articles about the Indian Wars, a subject I have been interested in since watching too many "Westerns" as a child ! Gauntlet readers may be interested in an ongoing series of historical novels by Terry C.Johnston 'The Plainsmen' which chronicle the Indian Wars through the experiences of scout Seamus Donegan who just happens to be present in every significant campaign. The series numbers twelve titles so far, Johnston apparently planning twenty culminating at Wounded Knee in 1890. To be honest the first couple of books aren`t very good - I found them overwrought and characterisation unconvincing, but the series hits it`s stride with `The Stalkers` a very interesting account of the siege of Beecher`s Island in 1868, From then on, they become detailed works on individual engagements with extensive historical notes, maps, bibliographies etc.. The Donegan character becomes increasingly peripheral - the account of the battles are now so historically accurate he can`t do anything significant - but they are very good source material for wargaming, and have even changed my view of certain battles, notably the Rosebud 1876 (Reap The Whirlwind) and The Dull Knife Battle (A Cold Day in Hell). The thing that really comes over, I`m afraid, is how utterly useless both sides were. The U.S. forces were ill-trained, ill-equipped and deserted at the slightest opportunity. Their commanders, often men with good Civil war records like Crook, Gibbon and of course Custer, appear to have little idea of what they were supposed to be doing ; blundering around the plains until horses all die and the men are on the brink of starvation.
Alas, contrary to their reputation as 'the finest light cavalry in the world' the Indians aren`t much better, being particularly negligent in guarding their camps, which are time and again subject of surprise attacks by the Americans. Both sides also come over as amazingly bad shots - forget all those westerns with Indians tumbling out of saddles by the dozen under the withering fire of the Cavalry.
In battles like the Rosebud both sides seem to have blazed away at each other all day with only a handful of casualties. That`s why Little Bighorn, where the Indians manage to catch the Cavalry at close range with enfilading fire, is such an unusual engagement, with high casualties on both sides. The only other significant 'massacre' of white soldiers was the Fetterman Battle of 1866, where the Indians ambushed and killed 80 soldiers. Many of the Indian casualties were caused by 'friendly fire' as they closed in on the luckless Fetterman and his command. Normally, the Indians clear off as soon as any significant fighting starts, perhaps the typical pattern being :
a) Cavalry launch surprise dawn attack on village.
b) Indians bug out into nearby hills
c) Inconclusive long-range firefights take place between the protagonists.
d) Cavalry burns lodges / shoot ponies etc. and retire, often in some disorder.
Being patronising one comes away from these novels with the idea that the British Army, with all it`s experience against Pathans, Maoris etc would have mopped up the Plains Indians in about three weeks.
Still, it`s a very interesting period and I would recommend visiting the battlefields to get some of the atmosphere. I go with a group
Incidentally, I would recommend "From Where The Sun Now Stands" by Will Henry, written in the `60`s. This novel seen through the eyes of a Nez Perce warrior and is very historically accurate.
Cheers
Mark Hone
Dear Mark,
Thanks for Scudbusters and the back issue of GAUNTLET. The ECW rules seem to reward the Swedish style of a good volley and get stuck in ; but after a rather longer game who knows ? Also the ACW naval rules ; uh oh, Hallmark do 1/2400 Prusso-Danish War. Another temptation thrown in my path to financial happiness.
Scudbusters, well what an idea ! It is damn good. I particularly love the Iraqi Reaction Table. I can already see myself leading special forces teams on missions in Grenada, the former Yugoslavia, and Ethiopia - at last an excuse to buy all those lovely ex-Hotspur figures, lately sold by Old Glory. One scenario that comes to mind is playing Clint Eastwood`s Marine Recon platoon from "Heartbreak Ridge".
I am still hankering after Stratagem`s Sugar, Coffee and Decaff wars figures for 1600`s Brazil. I don`t know why, I`ve not seen Aguire, Wrath of God" and only a bit of "The Mission" ; oddly there was an article in WI months ago on the Tupi Indians. Interesting stuff, but one comment hit me right in the reality zone .......that given a bit of woods on the table the Tupi could be a surprise for another Renaissance Army. OK, how many Swiss pike blocks do you see paddling up the Amazon ? Lot`s of Gendarmes on the Pampas weren`t there !! I could see a lone Amazon Indian slave on a Spanish Tercios stand, but Tupi vs oh, Landsknechts ? Anyway, when I phoned Stratagem, the figures and moulds had been relegated to the back of the cellar. At least I kept my money here.
And there, as they say, you have it !
Mark,
My praise for your work is more than well-deserved! In fact, it was actually quite understated in my previous email. I really am very impressed with the thought and work that went into Rompan. You've done a great job with capturing all the most important and interesting aspects of the SCW that set it apart from other wars, and you've done it in a way that's playable too. I'm glad that you're out there doing cool things for SCW gamers, and I appreciate it. If I can ever contribute in any way, please don't hesitate to ask. I was thinking about doing a quick reference sheet for the new rules and modifiers you've added. If I write one up I'll email it to you if you'd like. I would like to get "Death in the Olive Groves" too. I'll send $10 along as soon as I can so you can toss it in with the other rules when you get a chance (saves on postage, you know). Please keep me updated on what you're working on. I'm interested in several other periods as well. I'm just one gamer, but I might be able to spread the Gospel of Mark around the New World a bit. Take care and watch out for my $$.
Matt
Dear Mark !
Well, Gauntlet no. 9 was a stormer ! It has certainly inspired a fit of stocking up on lead at the next Reading show ! I refer to the Pony Wars stuff and the Dad`s Army idea. Luckily I already have some 15mm 1940 figures (no nuns though) but, it may just get me spending on a few pounds on SDD`s wacky Home Guard vehicles etc. Wierdly, the only US Cavalry I have are 1840/50`s vintage with a couple of civillian scouts. Still fancy taking on 'Injuns' with muzzle loading carbines ? What of Indian vs Indian fights ?
Yes ! When will we see the basic and simple Late Roman Rules ? Go on, bung `em in a Gauntlet. At some stage most people have a fling with Ancients. Might be just what someone needs to start them off.
Excellent news on your recovery ; "nuff said". As I write John Romer is spielling on about Byzantium - get on with those Late Roman Rules !
Ed
Hi Mark,
I have read through the Mr Brown went off to town piece a few times now. Initially I plan to play it solo as a test before trying it as a
multi-player game. For speed of preparation I plan to scan the map into my PC then colour and enlarge it. I won't use figures but will cover the map with plastic and use a washable pen. Also, I will not make up the cards yet but will work out a probability table and count each event to make sure it does not occur more times than the number of cards.
There are a couple of points that I am not clear on and although I realise this is the sort of game that works well with an umpire who can make it up as it goes along, I would appreciate your comments -
Objective - it looks like on the sample map, the objective is to get from point A to point B. Is there more to it than this?
Platoon size - casualties from fire, or other reasons dreamt up by the umpire, reduce the size of the platoon. Can a platoon of less than 7 use all the permissible formations or are they limited to only
certain ones?
Fire - does this only occur in the round that the enemy card is drawn? If not, what range should be used?
Map scale, size. What size map did you use and what did one movement point translate into?
Enemy cards - once played, do you put down the figures and then leave them there for the rest of the game ? Or , for example for McHodges,
leave him there until he is drawn again?
Command points - at the start of each turn do you start with 5 command points and then add the die roll or do you start with what was left over from the previous turn?
Sorry for so many questions, all the best,
Mike Reeves
Dear Mark
I think the key is a small campaign. The size of forces in question means that you only really need a few companies on each side. I used to play Vietnam, but the desire to fill the table with ACAV M113`s, gunboats, firebasaes and helicopters tanks, escalated the games faster than the actual war.
I hope Peter Pig produces figures in Israeli style helmets - then I can use them as Latin American National Guard ("Sandinista !") ; I may well buy a jeep and recoilless rifle (with US Vietnam crew) so I can use it as wideley as possible. A pity Peter Pig doesn`t do a Saladin, but of course for the sixties you can use Greyhound A/c`s. I think P.Pig will produce some S.A. Kaspars - still no Saladins ! So that stuffs Biafra, Sudan and the British post colonial stuff. Will hold on to my 'hard earned' until I know who Pig are going to cover in full.
I saw a set of guerrilla warfare rules in MIniWargs. However, it`s a bit of an exercise in dice rolling and book-keeping though.
Dear Mark
Romans ! Odd fellows really ; but have to admire their staying power. The speech attributed to Caractacus in Rome "because our homes were mud and wood, did you not think we would defend them as you would your market places" (or similar) really makes my neck hairs go ! Especially so on a mist sodden day at the Ancient Briton camp at Malvern. In short WHERE ARE MY AIRFIX ROMANS AND BRITONS !
I `ve always hankered after this period, While the Romans are too organised for me, I quite like the "how long can I keep it all together" idea of a Barbarian conspiracy. Strangely though, I can`t stand those German barbarian types. Too ernest (or should I say Ernst). Perhaps the compromise is to have the Auxillia Silursis bashing hell out of the Alamanni (or Marcomanni ) on the Rhine / Danube - sorry my knowledge of Roman units comes straight out of Asterix - "IVth Cohors Compendium" etc.
Dear Craig:
1. 4" of heavy "snowman" snow and still coming down - can I fly down now?
2. Received ticket; thank you very much? looking forward to it - have many MWANers in Florida.
3. Flags are great! Even better, if possible, is you outstanding work w/ Gauntlet and HMGS publications. I am impressed. You have some very good skills! My sincere congratulations!
Hal Thinglum
-ed note: Hal: Thanks for the inspiration and desire and more thanks to Mark for providing the Lion's share of the material. I'm glad to provide this service to the hobby as you've done for so long. I bought Hal a plane ticket for HMGS South's Spring convention - Recon. He'll be our guest of honor at the show.
Dear Craig:
I have enclosed 3 each of Brother against Brother and Ge Koku Jo, along with a $20 check for a sub. to "The Gauntlet."
Thanks for the kind words, by the way! A very nice job of presentation & promotion. You're right, in that The Gauntlet is similar to 'MWAN'.
I would be interested in hearing about how your Samurai game goes. I am trying to get my Samurai collection ready to game. I just picked up a wonderful book called "Japanese Folkhouses" (ISBN 0-932076-05-X) so that I could build more accurate models.
Feel free to send me business cards, or flyers, for The Gauntlet, Regimental Colours, or HMGS South to include in customer mailings or give out at conventions I attend regularly.
Say Hi! to Rhett for me. Stay well,
Herb Gundt
-ed note: HG Walls also provides a valuable service to the hobby by scratch building the best buildings you can find. He now makes most of his buildings with removable floors/roofs for flexibility in placing figures. HG also carries a line of miniatures and is now starting to publish rules sets (BAB & GKJ among them). HG: Thanks for the offer on the flyers & business cards - I'll get some to you soonest. Our hobby is small enough that if we don't help each other, we won't reach into those corners of the world where closet historical miniature gamers are hiding. It's such a great hobby, whatever we can do to promote it is a big bonus! Thanks again Herb, and you'll see a battle report from Brother Against Brother run at The Siege of Augusta right here in these pages come issue #11.
Craig:
Nice Mag! (The Gauntlet)!
You do a great job on The Rebel Yell. It gives me something to shout about. It's a great newsletter & I like how it looks and it actually has some great stuff to read. We get a lot for our money in the (HMGS) South region.
I have been wargaming for about 10 years now. Actually that's how long I have been playing historical wargames. I started playing Warhammer 2 years before that, and earlier than that I was a role player. Surprising how one's interest develops into another. I still enjoy fantasy wargaming, but my main interest now is ancients, with a developing interest in Horse & Musket. My greatest passion is for campaigns. I am now running the almost 2-years old Volci PBM campaign. In it, I have 10 active players. I'm sure more will be joining in. It is advertised in the Lone Warrior for the Solo Wargamers Association, but outsiders are allow welcomed into it. In the campaign I have on ancient Greek, a Macedonian, 2 Assyrians, a Carthaginian, a Saxon, and one Arthurian British player. Then I have one medieval player, a Saracen, and a Tibetan. There is still plenty of room for new players. I can handle almost any Eurasian army before the Mongols. With over 25,000 soldiers in my collection I have no trouble providing new recruits to fill my players' armies.
Happy Wargaming!
Jon Laughlin
Game Master
P.O. Box 6313
Clearwater, FL 33758-6313
-ed note: you can read about the Volci campaign in the pages of MWAN. The players enjoy this contest and if you have some spare time each month, you may want to get in on it. Drop Jon a line at the address above for more information.
Craig:
As an HMGS South member, I'm familiar with your work on newsletters and so I would like to subscribe to The Gauntlet. Enclosed is a money order for $20.
Michael
Dear Craig:
Please find enclosed my check for $20 for a 1-year subscription to The Gauntlet. In addition, are back issues available? You sent #9 and it's a "winner"! So kindly start my new subscription with #10.
Many Thanks.
Jerry
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