Had a pretty satisfying weekend at Call to Arms over the weekend.
We played two games of the Advance on Leith scenario using FK&P on Saturday, with honours even between the two sides when the smoke cleared. I will put up a couple of reports in due course but both games were very close, the second one literally coming down to the last combat to see who would be victorious as the local lads went to the "push of pike" against Monck's veterans and saw off Cromwell himself at the head of the aptly named Colonel Hacker's regiment of Horse (they fought several combats but only ever managed one hit IIRC - the regimental quartermaster later denied claims that he had issued the regiment with rubber swords).
On the Sunday the RN were I think going to be splicing the mainbrace after they gave the Kreigsmarine a fairly bloody nose, although the Prinz Eugen's gunnery officer certainly had a good day late on in the game.
I was a good boy and just looked at the bring and buy, though most of it was GW related stuff anyway.
Having used up most of my brownie points its back to reality today ;)
Sounds ace
Yes, sounds interesting. Look forward to repost and pics! :)
Was there sunshine?
There was sunshine :)
Both Leith games were incredibly close with several twists and turns :-SS X_X :-SS #:-S
It is a great scenario with lots of tough decisions and Pierre the Shy has got the balance spot on :-bd =D> :-bd =D> :-bd
On the Sunday the RN's fire control radar was working very well on all but one ship, this meant that the Kriegsmarine were illuminated by starshell and immediately hit by effective salvos X_X
My dice rolling, particularly early on, was outstandingly good :-[ :-[ :-[
Rhys, the other German commander, commented at one point, the British actually missed :o
Prinz Eugen's arrival certainly was dramatic with two British Heavy cruisers badly damaged X_X #-o
The Advance on Leith – 31 July 1650
Parliament Briefing
Between Edinburgh and the border with England, the Scots adopted a scorched earth policy, thus forcing Cromwell to obtain all of his limited supplies from England, mostly arriving by sea through the small port at Dunbar. Knowing that his logistical problems would only increase over time Cromwell decided that a rapid advance to attempt to take Leith, Edinburgh's nearest port, was the best way to solve his supply problems. Such a move would also force the Scots to fight and, if successful, help bring an early end to Charles II's royalist aspirations. To lead the advance on Leith Cromwell decided to put Major General Lambert's experienced brigade of horse and Colonel Monck's infantry brigade in the van, with Lambert in command. Cromwell's own brigade of horse would stay in reserve to start with, eventually deploying where he thought most advantageous once the Scots army's deployment became apparent to the English. To support Lambert's opening attack Cromwell ordered an artillery battery be established on the Eastern most heights of Arthur's Seat prior to the attack. This battery could then dominate the Scots trenched defences and would be defended by a detachment of foot drawn from Mauleverer's Foot.
Covenant Briefing
Leslie initially showed no inclination to fight Cromwell's advancing force on the open ground East of Arthur's Seat, the large, long extinct volcano that dominates the surrounding low lying coastal plain. Despite Leslie's superior numbers, Cromwell's reputation, together with the variable military experience of his own men led him to believe he could use the strength of his defences to greater effect. Why risk fighting in the open when the English could waste their strength against them? In fact, he had already made good use of Edinburgh's natural features, placing an outpost on Arthur's Seat overlooking Holyrood House. By far the most notable of his man-made defences was a multiple line of trenches, in front of which spears were embedded in the ground to counteract charges from cavalry. These ran from the port of Leith in the north along the path of the present Leith Walk to Holyrood. However, his defensive plans were thwarted by the continuing interference from the Kirk and the all powerful Committee of the Estates, both of who insisted that Cromwell's force be engaged before reaching Edinburgh's defences. Unphased, Leslie acted swiftly to put together a plan to counter Cromwell's bold move using roughly half the total forces at his disposal. Two brigades of lowland infantry, commanded by Colonel Sir James Campbell of Lawers and Colonel John Innes respectively, would advance to the east to confront Cromwell's forces as they advanced on Leith, supported by the Earl of Leven's cavalry brigade and long-range fire from field artillery deployed within the Scots defences. A detachment from Campbell of Lawer's regiment would hold the Eastern slopes of Arthur's seat against any English intervention. Meanwhile a further cavalry brigade under the command of Major General Sir Robert Montgomerie would take the road round the south of Arthur's Seat to Jock's Lodge and fall on the advancing English from their left flank and rear.
Game 1 – Covenant (Peter) and Parliament (Paul)
The battlefield, with Arthur's Seat nearest the camera and the Scots trenches on the left:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499256527_91df879a37_c.jpg)
The Scots deployment:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499256292_0b4c96cef9_c.jpg)
The English arrive, Monck's infantry on the left and Lambert's cavalry on the right:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499256062_fb685091e5_c.jpg)
Lambert's brigade advanced briskly across the open heathland and was engaged by the Earl of Leven's small brigade made up of the Earl's own bodyguard of Dutch style Cuirassiers and Lord Brechin's Lancers. The Earl's bodyguard is quickly overwhelmed by Lambert's veteran regiment, though not before Lambert himself takes a pistol ball in the shoulder, seriously wounding him and forcing him to retire from the field, leaving the English leaderless until Cromwell himself arrives on the scene. Meanwhile after a stiff fight Brechin's Lancers rout Colonel Edward Whalley's Regiment.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499083021_ee0b8c37a5_c.jpg)
As it pursues Whalley's Horse Brechin's Lancers is in turn flanked by Fleetwood's Horse (left hand side). Somewhat fortuitously they fail to score a single hit on my unit and I can turn to face them, meanwhile Monck advances most of his brigade forward, leaving a single battalia to guard the road to Jock's Lodge (very top right). I advance to the meet them (hope those sheep move out the way...).
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499080916_6cceddabd4_c.jpg)
Montgomerie's cavalry brigade arrive from the south and I charge the lone infantry battalia in the rear repeatedly, but only inflict a single hit....I need three to destroy it.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499080836_c973c166fa_c.jpg)
While Montgomerie is busy trying to break into the English infantry formation Cromwell's cavalry arrive to save the day.....literally.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499080581_4500188152_c.jpg)
There is a huge scrap between the two cavalry brigades. When the smoke clears two of the Scots regiments have disintegrated and Arnott's Lancer's still can't get the last hit on Monck's veteran foot in order to destroy it. The next turn they themselves take a further hit and are removed since they are a two hit unit.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499252707_e523471120_c.jpg)
In the centre the two infantry forces come to grips indecisively. Its handbags at close quarters but the English do not manage to roll up the raw Scots units. The Artillery and forlorn hopes on Arthur's Seat exchanged a bit of fire during the game but with their brigade commanders both having higher priorities elsewhere there was not a lot of action on that side of the table.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499079906_7ce89779e7_c.jpg)
With the destruction of Montgomerie's and Leven's brigade I handed over the last of my victory medals, giving a final total of 12 to 8 to the English.
I was very happy how the scenario played out and the result was about what I would have expected. We both had occasions where units saved 3 hits in one turn, while in other turns seemingly no one could hit a thing, especially amongst the infantry. We've played enough FK@P now to be quite familiar with the rules and I do like the period feel that they give. It was really great to be able to finally play a game with the Scots as I first became interested in them many years ago but other projects and events have always precluded getting on to them till we found the right combination of scale and rules last year.
Peter is rather generous at a couple of points in his description of the battle ;)
The battalia "Monck left to guard the road to Jock's Lodge" had fallen behind as it repeatedly failed to activate, yes it drew 1s ~X(
It surviving being charged repeatedly in the rear was a combination of poor to hit chits from Peter, great save chits from me X_X #:-S
If I had lost that unit, as I should, and another couple of units of horse, which I was close to doing, it could have been anyone's game
As I said above, a well balanced & fascinating scenario with some tough decisions to be made by both players :-bd =D> :-bd =D> :-bd
:-bd
More !! =D> =D>
Cheers - Phil
Excellent looking game, scenario and nice AAR :).
Hi
Great looking games and write up. I think both For King and Parliament and To the Strongest! are now officially my favourite rule sets, and that is from some one who was very, very dubious about using grids.
Cheers Paul
Fab battle and write up. 8)
Excellent photos and report. Cromwell's invasion and the maneuvering around Edinburgh are often overshadowed by the debacle at Dunbar. Thanks for highlighting the former and hope you will continue to provide scenarios. Await the second AAR with great anticipation.
:-bd
Great looking game and excellent report!
Quote from: T13A on 10 August 2019, 08:22:33 AM
Hi
Great looking games and write up. I think both For King and Parliament and To the Strongest! are now officially my favourite rule sets, and that is from some one who was very, very dubious about using grids.
Cheers Paul
We haven't dabbled with TtS yet but the rest all applies for this Paul as well ;) :)
On the Sunday as already mentioned we played a naval game
The Germans were trying to get a convoy from Norway to Germany, the RN had other ideas
(https://scontent.fwlg2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/67618661_1291759104315988_4940468603909570560_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_oc=AQkBtrvAGM7tpE1CcvhnSka1-zjo-s7taQjaY0kYcWNRHALqzpNcLCtdvQJJVPttM6CFT127Sc0bB5RMctwXWmnX&_nc_ht=scontent.fwlg2-1.fna&oh=0f5625f4c3fb2a722eb15468f134a39b&oe=5DDCBCFD)
The above was taken by one of the convention organisers, we were too busy having fun
Near left is the German convoy, screened by minesweepers and illuminated by star shell
Centre left are RN destroyers closing in, also illuminated by star shell and under fire from the German coastal battery on the point behind them
Centre are two heavy and one light cruiser, the main RN force
Near right are a sinking German light cruiser and destroyer, plus a damaged destroyer withdrawing while taking evasive action
Just off the point in the distance are two small and one larger radar contact
Looks fun
Quote from: mad lemmey on 10 August 2019, 09:20:27 PM
Looks fun
Unless you were playing on the Kreigsmarine side.....on the plus side one of my Z class destroyers actually fired torpedoes at the British crusiers and survived ☺
The early RN dice rolling was extremely effective :-[ :-[ :-[
Game 2 – Covenant (Paul) and Parliament (Peter)
Here's a view of the overall convention held at St Patricks College Main Hall in Kilbirnie near Wellington Airport:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499254027_ba0f7f11fb_c.jpg)
I didn't take many pictures of the other games but there was a very nice 28mm Anglo-Zulu War game played right next to us over the two days. They were using TFL's Sharpe Practice rules:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499254147_395c320c0b_c.jpg)
Last time I wandered over for a look things were not looking good for Lord Chelmsford's boys with the remnants of the thin red line being forced back into their camp.
After lunch we swapped sides and played again. Deployment was pretty much as the first game:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499255482_45bd016a3e_c.jpg)
I decided to attack from the outset in order to avoid Monck's brigade being pinned by the flank marching Scots cavalry. Lambert's veterans spurred forward towards the enemy and charged in fearlessly. Monck's brigade soon followed, crashing into the Scots line to Lambert's left:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499082536_f88086d78c_c.jpg)
Things didn't go quite to plan from the start....Brechin's Lancers rode down Fleetwood's Horse and Lambert's charge against Forbes's raw and untried foot battalia only caused two hits. Even Leven's small bodyguard was able to initially withstand Lambert's charge at the head of Whalley's Horse.
Monck's men didn't do much better, inflicting only single hits, while Mauleverer's veteran 2nd battalia reels from two hits from their opponents....ouch! The English need something to go to plan...
Cometh the hour cometh the man.......Cromwell and his cavalry brigade duly arrive, though he failed to activate very successfully despite his re-roll and Montgomerie's Scots cavalry brigade gallops onto the field to Cromwell's left, eager to engage:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499082446_f01633ece5_c.jpg)
Cromwell's left most unit, Colonel Robert Lilburne's Regt of Horse is flanked and easily rolled up by Arnott's Lancers. Next turn Cromwell, at the head of his own regiment, is able to return the favour:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499254977_2ca4fd7184_c.jpg)
Before he himself is lightly wounded and is forced to join his last remaining unit, the aptly named Hacker's Horse, as Montgomerie's Lancers turn Cromwell's men to chaff ("they were like chaff before our swords" or whatever the saying is):
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499254752_a6b00fe588_c.jpg)
Meanwhile in the front line Monck's and Lambert's men were still looking to push through the Scots infantry...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48499254587_be97f55b0d_c.jpg)
By this time Whalley's Horse had destroyed Leven's small bodyguard and Lambert's Horse would eliminate Forbes of Leslie's foot, but they pursued off the table and are not returning anytime soon. In turn the General of Artillery's regiment inflicted a third and fatal hit on Mauleverer's 2nd battalia.....another 3 VP lost to the Scots....I am running out of units fast. The other Scots infantry I am fighting are taking hits but hang on doggedly.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48508951006_1546ecbded_c.jpg)
Monck's three remaining battalia attempt to push through the Scots defenders. Note that all three of the Scots units facing them only have one hit left....but for at least two turns no one hits anyone and Innes' regiment attempts to flank Monck's right hand unit.
But help is at hand as Cromwell manages to outdistance Montgomerie's pursuing cavalry and charges into the flank of Innes' Regiment. Its handbags at zero paces again as no hits are made by either unit and Innes is able to turn to face Hacker's attack.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48509132817_7b439d28ab_c.jpg)
The next turn I managed to finally destroy Campbell of Lawer's Regiment (the middle Scots unit) but Monck's left battalia is also lost, leaving me 1VP from defeat.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48508950706_c5f406bb96_c.jpg)
The final chapter is played out on the right, where Hacker's Horse live up to their name by again failing to get the one hit they need to destroy Innes's Foot, who go one better and inflict a second hit on the English regiment which is enough to remove it. Cromwell rides off the battlefield with his retinue, pondering if the invasion of his former ally was a good move after all and promising himself that a Parliamentary Inquiry would be held into the English army's suppliers to ensure that for the next campaign they were properly equipped with steel rather than rubber swords.
The game could have either way since so many of Paul's units only needed a single further hit to be removed. (I didn't count the final score but it was about 12 – 6 or so if I remember correctly as I did remove some Scots units).
So two games each with a fairly close result and one win to each side.......developing and playing the scenario was very rewarding for me and we got some good feedback from visitors and passing gamers, so no complaints from me overall, though actually winning a scenario I wrote would be novel ;)
Pierre the Shy is again generous in his recounting of events :) ;)
There were several more English hits scored but they were saved by some embarrassingly good chits :-[ #:-S
The scenario granted each Covenanter foot brigade a Melee Weapons marker, one of d_Guy's special rules which were each allocated to one battalia of each brigade
I resisted the temptation to use them to redraw a failed to hit card O:-)
Both were used for their other special feature, canceling the final hit on their battalia, so two of my battalia were saved at the last stroke #:-S #:-S
QuoteI didn't count the final score but it was about 12 – 6 or so
I definitely WAS counting the score, it was 12 -
3 or possibly even 12 - 1 if using the Melee Weapon markers costs a victory point
I managed to desperately hang on for several turns with one more hit on any of four Scottish battalia breaking my army #:-S #:-S #:-S #:-S :-[
Including one turn where one battalia was charged in the flank :o X_X #:-S
I then managed to draw a 10 so the volley from Colonel John Innes' raw disordered Regiment hit :o
Pierre the Shy only needed a six or better for Hacker's veteran Horse to save the hit :-SS
He drew a 2 :o :(
This game was even tenser and closer than the first :-SS :-SS :-SS :-SS :) :) :) :)
Thanks again for a great scenario and two games played in great spirit, a really enjoyable day :-bd =D> :-bd =D> :-bd =D>
Sounds an epic game.
Whalley is one of my ancestors! ;)
Great to see the wee guys getting another outing! :-bd
:-bd
Cheers - Phil
Nice once again! Still enjoying the capability of FK&P to deliver fast-paced, highly competitive games with great period feel. Plan to play out Peter's scenario soon. It is very thoughtfully designed.
Loving these scenarios, and the trouble you take to share them. When my Scots get released from Marston Moor I fancy a go at Dunbar!
Was there sunshine?
Well whatever the final score was Paul ended up with more VP than I did ;)
Quote from: mollinary on 11 August 2019, 04:51:09 PM
Loving these scenarios, and the trouble you take to share them. When my Scots get released from Marston Moor I fancy a go at Dunbar!
We are looking at refighting Dunbar at Call to Arms next year, the 370th anniversary of the battle.....got a few units to go before we can field enough Scots infantry but have all the figures needed for a 10mm refight.
I do belong to the TtS/FK@P forum so I will turn my scenario into a PDF and post it there if anyone is interested Mollinary.
Quote from: mad lemmey on 11 August 2019, 05:18:07 PM
Was there sunshine?
Yes there was - see my shot of the overall view of the hall at the beginning of the second game report for proof that sometimes the sun does shine here
"Can't beat Wellington on a good day"
I am sure that folks on the TtS/FK&P forum would love to see your scenarios, I know I would! Thanks for the kind offer, much appreciated.
Quote from: mollinary on 11 August 2019, 07:36:24 PM
I am sure that folks on the TtS/FK&P forum would love to see your scenarios, I know I would! Thanks for the kind offer, much appreciated.
OK I posted it as a PDF over on the FK@P forum (got a message to say it will appear after moderation :o).
Cheers
Peter
Good looking game, and an interesting scenario.
Which forum is the FKAP one? Is the big red bat one?
Yes, Fred thats the one - the TtS forum: https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/tothestrongest/tts-for-king-and-parliament-general-discussion-f99/
Cheers
Peter
And it has been moderated :)
Thanks for posting this - its a very nicely presented scenario.
A couple of questions.
What do the coloured squares represent on the force lists?
The melee weapons rule - I can't see this on d Guy's blog - is it an extra one-use melee roll, like lancers, or good horses?
We haven't decided what we are playing Friday, this might be an option.
Hi Fred.
My blog is slowly getting reorganized and I have a number of pages turned off. Here are the FK&P local rules:
https://inredcoatragsattired.com/for-king-parliament-local-rules/
All are very much experimental, particularly the MW*. Peter worked them into this scenario very cleverly. He allows them to be added to three-hit units (one per Scots infantry brigade). Peter and Paul were undecided as to whether to take the one VP on it’s immediate loss or four VP when the unit to which it is attached is lost. Not a trivial question in a close run game. :) (P&P, hope I have described this correctly).
Peter sent me the Scenario late last week and it is very well thought-out, hope he’ll share it with the world.
*MW melee weapons. If this should ever be generally adopted, Simon has indicated he would like a “sexier” name in keeping with the style of FK&P. :)
Thanks D Guy. Quite an involved rule - will have to have a proper think about it (and revisit the standard FKAP special rules)
As to names Targeteers is one used in other rules to represent troops equipped or trained for anti-pike work.
I have now updated the above link for the Celtic Fringe rules document. The direct link to the downloadable PDF is here:
https://inredcoatragsattired.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/optional-fk5e0p-rules-for-the-celtic-fringe-2.pdf
MW is now called Ax, Knyf and Swerd {AKS}
Hi d_Guy, I was going from memory, it was/is clear in the rule :-/ :)
Some of the optional rules are a little involved but so long as they don't apply to too many units they don't seem to negatively impact play :-B
They definitely add extra flavour to the Scottish units :)
Hi Chaps
We are going to play this scenario tonight, and I am just going through the deployment instructions - and from reading them, I had one understanding, and from now looking at the photos, this understanding is clearly wrong. So can I suggest the following updates to the deployment notes.
Covenanters
Currently 3rd paragraph "Colonel John Innes's Brigade and the Earl of Leven's brigade can deploy up to two squares deep anywhere on the Eastern half of the table (North is top)."
Suggested wording "Colonel John Innes's Brigade and the Earl of Leven's brigade deploy on the Northern edge of the table, up to two squares onto the table, but only on the Eastern half of the table (North is top)."
From my initial reading I had these brigades anywhere on the Eastern half of the table, and was a little confused be the two squares deep reference.
Parliamentary Army
2nd para - currently - "Colonel Monck's Brigade must begin deployed up to two squares deep to the South of Jock's Lodge,...."
Suggested wording "Colonel Monck's Brigade must begin deployed on the Southern edge of the table, up to two squares onto the table, and to the South of Jock's Lodge, ..."
From my initial reading, I had these troops directly south of Jock's Lodge in the hedged area. Which then put Lambert much further forward.
Hope this helps.
Hi Fred,
Thanks, I am just now setting up the game as well. I had a similar initial impression about Parliamentarian deployment until I looked at Peter’s pictures. With the guns deployed well forward on the slopes of Arthur’s seat, I thought it quite likely that the infantry (at least) would also be forward deployed (Peter, that was the thought I shared about possible “co-mingling” the opposing forces). Peter’s pictures and Fred’s suggested wording make things clear.
Allowing only Forlorns to operate on the slope boxes prevents the Parliamentarian guns from being precariously exposed - a nice scenario adjustment by Peter.
I had minor confusion about Cromwell’s and Lambert’s brigades in the OoB not having command figures specifically indicated. Clearly these two worthies are present. :)
Looking forward to playing and also seeing your report Fred.
I suppose Monck's FH could be deployed up with the guns? Would probably make sense.
Cromwell and Lambert's stats are listed in the grey bands. But I normally list the Brigade, and then list the commander separately.
One further question on the Scots Lancers - these are shown with 2 too hit cards, but normally Scots horse class as poorly mounted, so would only get 1 to hit card. Is this a deliberate change or an oversight?
Fred - Table VII (Page 66) has them as 2 to-hit. page 17 also states they are to be treated a Swedish Horse (they are, however "poorly mounted"). I think this came up in the proofreading phase, but I think 2 to-hit is correct. Mollinary may be along to comment.
Hi Fred & d_Guy,
it will be very interesting to see how your games go.
Fred, your wording looks to be clear than the 'original' ;)
The Parliamentary Forlorn hope are deployed with the artillery on Arthur's seat
You have both managed get the deployment the same as we used :)
The Scots Lancers only get 2 dash due to their poor mounts but do get 2 to-hit.
Thank you both for trying the scenario....I will reword the deployment instructions but looks like you both got what I intended as who deploys where. The English Artillery and both Forlorn Hopes must deploy on Arthur's Seat. They are a sideshow to the main event.
Please let me know how you get on.....any constructive ideas for refining it are always welcome.
The Scots Lancer's stats are correct, they get 2 to hit cards as per the table on Pg 66 of the rulebook.
Cheers
Peter
Hi Peter, the deployment was cleared up by the photos of your game - I suppose it's one of those things that one you know the two forces are on the opposite sides it's quite obviuos, but with the complex deployment of the cavalry I guess I was over thinking it
I'll do a proper write up late, but ***SPOILERS*** it didn't go well for the Scots!
Scots Lancers, I'm comfortable with them getting 2 to-hit cards, what had made me question it was this on p17
"Scots horse are poorly mounted and consequently less effective in melee, hitting on a single 8+ (9+ when disordered) card instead of the more usual two. "
I see what you mean Fred, like most sets of rules there are a few areas in FK&P that could be a bit clearer :-\
Having said that, they give a really good game :)
Looking forward to your proper write up :)
After being delayed by various life event, I finished my version of the battle ("Advance on Leith") this AM and I will post up a bunch of pics and AAR later. It was a reversal of Fred's result, a crushing Scottish victory (which I dedicate to fsn to lighting his heart. 😄)
How could this happen you ask? Commonwealth infantry was very tough but not when assailed from every side. It is also rumored that Cromwell was suffering from an advanced case of piles, causing him to dismount every hundred yards.
Looking forward to your AAR d_Guy :)
Interesting that the scenario gives a wide range of results, a damn good sign I'd say :) :) :)
Quote from: d_Guy on 28 August 2019, 06:08:48 PM
It is also rumored that Cromwell was suffering from an advanced case of piles, causing him to dismount every hundred yards.
Sounds more like a case of 'The Leith Grief' or 'Scots Trots', an early Caledonian version of 'Delhi Belly'!
Piles wouldn't have you jumping on and off a horse. Been there, done that, though a long time ago.
Have you ever been on a horse galloping towards a 5 bar gate....(This is as a complete non rider).....Thinking "NOOOOOO.......**** me..AAARGH !!!..this daft mare is going to try and clear this."
(And there's me without proper reins.....just a head-collar and lead rope taking the place of the reins, bracing myself for landing the other side....When the wretched horse digs its front 'feet' in the dirt, and stops on a sixpence.......I swear I slid up the horse's neck, almost to its ears.....and slid all the way back down again....RIGHT onto its withers.....Crushing a delicate part of the male anatomy.)
Everybody who happened to be watching thought it was hilarious.
I didn't......It hurt....LOTS ! X_X
Cheers - Phil
;D ;D ;D
My sympathies, Phil. The first time I was on a horse, it was assumed I was an expert because I had the stirrups up really high like a jockey - in fact, no-one had adjusted them from the last rider (who must have been a child), no-one asked me what my experience was and I trusted that the personnel in the horse trekking company were competent. The horse I was on completely ignored me (so wouldn't turn or stop when I tried pulling reins, etc.) and just followed the rest. Riding jockey style ain't easy. It was really scary when all the experienced riders galloped full pelt across a field and this one followed so I'm glad I wasn't heading for a gate (we were heading for a walll and hedge, mind you). It was just as well I was fit in these days. I barely managed to keep my balance and hold on and, if I had come off, well, who knows .... #:-S
What are these things called stirrups, Davy ? ;D ;D ;D
I've only been out once, kitted out 'properly' on a gee-gee......and I ended up with one hell of a headache...'cos Von insisted I had a proper riding 'hat' on...and it was too small.
In all the years I've been around these pea brained animals, I've probably only been out 'riding' a couple of dozen times....always without a saddle, with the exception above...and usually without any sort of reins.....I'd just hold onto the mane.
I would not recommend this...Unless you're as lucky as me, regarding not breaking your neck, when you get thrown.
(No wonder my neck and back hurt so much, nowadays.) ;)
Cheers - Phil
Quote from: Techno on 29 August 2019, 02:00:41 PM
.......I swear I slid up the horse's neck, almost to its ears.....and slid all the way back down again....RIGHT onto its withers.....Crushing a delicate part of the male anatomy.)
We call this body surfing. :P
"piles" will become "runs" Ta
I used to go riding on a lovely long beach outside Cape Town, under the guidance of a local place that rescued run-down racehorses. They carefully explained to us that, though the animals were now pretty well rehabilitated, they had been left with permantly tender mouths following years of rough treatment, so we had to go very lightly with the reins. Fair enough, but it's also bad manners to overtake the leader on a group ride, and this made for conflicting orders when we started a gallop, since when a racehorse starts galloping, he wants to get out in front and stay there, and the only way to stop him is by firm use of the reins (forbidden, as I say). Never did work out what they expected us to do.
Quote from: FierceKitty on 30 August 2019, 12:05:53 AM
Never did work out what they expected us to do.
Which did they value more, the comfort of the horses or adherence to protocol? My guess is the former (unless the protocol was for the safety of all). It occurs this might be some sort of allegory of your recent teaching experience? ;)
The full AAR and many picture of my Leith playthrough are now here:
https://inredcoatragsattired.com/2019/08/30/the-advance-on-leith-battle/
A brief summary:
The opening move. I need to be upfront and say I made an error in the Scots deployment allowing Innes' and Leven's brigades to be placed rather further west then they should have been. This MAY have assisted in the Scottish victory. V
(https://inredcoatragsattired.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/leith-2-1.jpg?w=800)
The Commonwealth was plagued with activation problems through out the game and their advance is exceedingly slow. On the Scots' left, Leven has taken out the lead element of Lambert's cavalry brigade and the Scots infantry are collapsing to the right to defend the Leith roads. V
(https://inredcoatragsattired.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/leith-2-3.jpg?w=800)
Around the fourth turn, Lambert's brigade has routed Leven's brigade and is pursuing them off the table. The Scots' left is totally uncovered (with Cromwell approaching toward it). Monck's foot is, however, being shredded by the stiff Scots resistance with a full brigade of Scots lancers coming up behind them. V
(https://inredcoatragsattired.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/leith-2-14.jpg?w=800)
At the moment of crises in turn six, Cromwell is demolishing the Scot's left but can't quite seal the deal. The Scots do, however, by finishing of the English infantry in the center (if it is not obvious, blue lines are Scots, red lines are English). V
(https://inredcoatragsattired.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/leith-2-21.jpg?w=800)
The Commonwealth cavalry retreat back toward the east. V
(https://inredcoatragsattired.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/leith-2-22-final.jpg?w=800)
:-bd =D> :-bd =D> :-bd
Certainly a different game to either of ours :-\
Great to see it could have gone either way :)
Both Peter & I choose to bring Cromwell on the southern table edge supporting Monck's attack
This had them better placed to contend with Montgomerie's Brigade of Horse and able to support Lambert
Thanks for taking the time to review and play the scenario and post the batrep of your game :-bd
I hope you enjoyed playing it. I tried to make it evenly balanced (which I think it is given the varied outcomes so far).
Now I have enough of Montrose's men finished (once I have based up the Gordon Horse which I am collecting from Paul tonight) I'm going back to 1644-45 period for a while.
The long term plan is to refight the Battle of Dunbar at Call to Arms next August once we have all the necessary regiments done (Only about 6 more Covenant regiments, commanders and artillery crews to go Paul ;) )
All looking good
Super report, Bill. :-bd
Cheers - Phil
Agreed! =D> =D>
Thanks....an thanks to Peter for a fun scenario.