Annual holiday game

[Paul Innes]

Some Romans meet a few Gauls; much hilarity ensues. Battle report here:

http://caliban-somewhen.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/battle-of-sulga-121-bc-romans-against.html

Happy New Year, all.

[Imperial Dave]

cracking game and report Paul.

'Screaming loonies' made me chuckle 

[Paul Innes]

Thanks, Dave; the other option was 'football supporters looking forward to the traditional New Year's Day game', which has certain resonances in Glasgow. I won't say which side was Rangers or Celtic, though, since they all seem the same to me...

[Chuck the Grey]

An impressive game and excellent report. I would've liked to have a mention of the rules being used for the game earlier in the report, but I appreciate your effort to keep the game report rules neutral. I played a lot of games in the past with the original Tactica rules set and found them very enjoyable after a few tweaks. I suppose when Tactica II is finally released I'll purchase a copy. After all, a gamer can never have too many sets of rules.

PS, "screaming loonies" indeed! You shall be hearing from the Gaelic Anti-Defamation League, Brennus president and cofounder.

[Paul Innes]

Thanks, Chuck, I'd love to see the rules in print too...anyway, there's nowt wrong with screaming loonies!

[Imperial Dave]

What I love about it is that you managed to get 8 people together to fight such a humongous battle! Really impressive. My largest battle normally involves me playing solo with the dog watching from the sidelines (eyeing up the pretzels) 

[Paul Innes]

Mmmm, pretzels...

Strangely enough, the mechanisms are very beer and pretzels. That's good, though, because it means we can play a very large multiplayer game in a reasonable amount of time. I also find that I'm so busy with my bit of the field that I don't really engage very well with the other commanders on my side, even those closest to me. The result is always battlefield friction, just by virtue of the size of the game. For example, in this particular game I did at one point angle some of my legionaries to face my left, in case the enemy cavalry broke through. I turned them back again when no threat materialised. Crucially, though, I literally wasn't in a position to advise the players on our other flank to do the same. Result: enemy cavalry breakthrough and a lot of squished legionaries. Who needs rules to simulate friction when you have players like us anyway!?

[Duncan Head]

I also find that I'm so busy with my bit of the field that I don't really engage very well with the other commanders on my side, even those closest to me. The result is always battlefield friction, just by virtue of the size of the game.

I think that happens in most large games - I've noticed it in Battleday games, for instance.

[Imperial Dave]

The one and only 2-a-side wargame (sad I know) I played also threw up some confusion and interpretation issues. We resolved not to speak to each other and only allowed ourselves written orders. Bit odd but often (non intentionally) hilarious and facial expressions and much arm waving to boot 

[Paul Innes]

Thanks both. You make me feel better because it means I'm not alone! I think this kind of friction adds to the experience.

[Imperial Dave]

Thanks both. You make me feel better because it means I'm not alone! I think this kind of friction adds to the experience.

absolutely Paul. It felt as though we were (as far as is reasonably practical in a wargame environment) commanding two parts of the same army. If one of us felt there was something needing to be done/changed, a hastily scribbled note and a messenger sent across the board to relay it. Felt quite realistic and did lead onto some 'd'oh' moments

Brilliant experience

[Paul Innes]

Hi Dave, I can do "D'Oh!" quite well too!

[Chris]

A beyond impressive miniature engagement.

You and your cohorts certainly have set the bar for other reporters of battles in this New Year.

Well done!

I would imagine that many are already "standing in line" waiting for the next narrative to arrive from your spectacular and crowded tabletop.

Thanks for posting/sharing,

Chris

[Paul Innes]

Cheers, Chris, I'd love to try one of the scenarios from your battle reports with loads of figures.