My English Civil War campaign has now progressed into its final year. Starting the year 1646 Royalist forces are in a very strong position controlling 10 regions, while Parliament forces control 4 regions. It is technically possible for Parliament to win from this position should there be a battle each month and they win them all. However, this seems unlikely. So my plan is to continue with the battles until it is technically impossible for the Royalist cause to lose. Then move from having a battle to playing a siege game instead, and continue until the 1646 campaign year runs out. Then the campaign will be over.
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| Campaign map for 1646 showing the initial move by Royalist forces |
To determine which side begins the campaign year both sides roll a D6 dice and add their controlled regions. With a lead of 6 regions Royalist forces were always going to be the first to march. They chose to begin where they left off in 1645 and marched again on the East Midland region.
The campaign cards were drawn and they certainly benefit Parliament. Who continue with the excise tax to fund their armies and their opposition's command structure has some problems which will hinder their activation during the game.
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| Campaign cards for the game. Parliament's card will benefit them throughout 1646. |
The first battle of 1646 will take place near Oakham Hall. The orders of battle are:
Royalist Forces
- 4 Foot units
- 4 Horse units
- 1 Dragoon unit
- 1 Gun
- 1 Elite Pike unit
Parliamentarian Forces
- 4 Foot units
- 3 Horse units
- 2 Dragoon units
Terrain cards were drawn for the game. Neither side wanted to swap or rotate the cards and Parliament will defend the edge with the hill and will also benefit with a stream running across the board.
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| Terrain cards |
I cannot show the tabletop yet, as I have to finish the Napoleonic game currently occupying the tabletop.
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| Currently occupying the tabletop |
OK, put my money down on the King this time!
ReplyDeleteYes, things are looking pretty grim for Parliament.
DeleteOuch! 9:11 in favour of the King despite Parliament's extra foot unit - this will be an uphill struggle for the forces of righteousness. I don't think I'll risk taking up Jonathan Freitag's wager.
ReplyDeleteBTW, nice looking Napoleonic game, is that your CHARGE! try-out? Will you be posting more on that, especially the Napoleonic tweaks?
A couple of wins by Parliament may help their position for a negotiated settlement. As for the Napoleonic game I was using a OWH variant and trying out different rules. I am still reading through CHARGE!
DeleteIt's not looking good for Parliament, but I'm looking forward to seeing if they can pull off a victory this time.
ReplyDeleteIt would be good to see Parliament with a couple of wins to balance things up.
DeleteSaw theses posts on the Weapons and Warfare blog and thought of your St Nazaire project, how's it going?
ReplyDeletehttps://weaponsandwarfare.com/2019/11/03/operation-chariot-the-plan-i/
https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2019/11/03/operation-chariot-the-plan-ii/
Thanks for the links. My modelling time has been limited and I am mindful the St Nazaire project is waiting.
DeleteI’m hopeful for the Parlies. Loss of a command activation per turn could hamper the Royalists’ utilisation of their extra units .
ReplyDeleteHopefully that and a good defensive position they will see off the Royalists.
ReplyDeleteThus far the weaker side has won a fair number of the actions, so we will see how the respective sides fare!
ReplyDeleteI have in mind to try the OHW variant "Eagles cheaper than Brain Cells (!)... maybe with a group of middleschoolers!
The onus will be on the Royalists to attack with limited activations. This may present opportunities for Parliament.
DeleteThanks for flagging Eagles cheaper than brain cells. They look very interesting.