More WSS- Black Powder Rules

I didn't want to put away my War of Spanish Succession toys away just yet. This time I'll  be using Black Powder Rules. No specific scenario, just a straight up fight for the crossroads. I did embellish the table with terrain features using random card placement. Pretty simple solution for a pick-up game when I can't decide on a scenario. I'll use about a dozen index cards written with various terrain features: Woods, Field, Stream, Farmhouse, etc. Shuffle the "deck" then go about the table space flipping cards over then placing the appropriate features.

Since I am playing solo, I used an AI system designed by YouTuber HomeFront Wargaming. Cool system for your AI opponent that is set with levels of intent to roll for. 

PICS NOT IN ORDER

Another game of Honours of War

 This is a repeat of the last game, but this time the field works on the Russo-Austrian positions were taken out of this scenario.

The French unfortunately and uncharacteristically, rolled two "Dithering" leadership qualities. One for the brigade commander of cavalry on the left flank and the infantry brigade on the right. Needless to say the army commander was busy to upgrade a notch during the activation phases.

The French drove onto the Russian occupied  hills hard and suffered horrendous losses. The cavalry on left, despite poor leadership,  had no problem defeating the Russian cavalry, thus adding to the threat of the Russian right flank for the remainder of the game.

The same result happened on the Russo-Austrian left. Their cavalry destroyed and driven away with the infantry center collapsed.  The game was really a tit for tat engagement.  Both sides really could not claim victory. With the scenario calling for a "Last Stand ", it was oddly the result for both antagonist. It just became a fight to the last unit standing. Which became rather ridiculous towards the end. This being my fourth game, its pretty clear that units can get eaten up rather quickly.  Pulling units out of line to rally off "hits" can become a never ending chore. I'll continue to play this rule system because it has promise. To be honest, I played the units fairly vanilla.  This rule system require various troop quantity types and clear objectives to scratch the itch and make the game engaging.

Self-imposed art, model and crafting challenge wrap-up.

I've been quiet with the blog the past couple days, but stayed busy at the workbench. Priming miniatures, more game terrain and managed to have an actual game (I might do a battle report later). There were a few more projects I didn't post, but will add to the challenge record later on.

Day 12 of the self-imposed art, model and crafting challenge.

All kinds of work going on. Besides basecoating a ton of 1/72 ACW's, I've been plugging away at more wargame scatter terrain. Some river/stream and road sections. Those are made of plastic "FOR SALE" signs with acrylic caulking for the banks. The stream is painted a dark brown color with Liquitex gloss medium for the water. A modular section for  Islandlwana  mountain. Even on top of an existing hill, its way out of scale. Experimented with Fall type trees. Still not sure about those, maybe mixed with bare trees it will work or have several in a group?

Breaking out books for reference and inspiration for various subjects. Lots of time on my hands makes a mess of the "library". Having blast doing it all.

Day 10 of the self-imposed art, model and crafting challenge.

A little bit of everything of everything today. Making some river sections for the game table. More work on the Bunker Hill vignette and starting to paint Captain " Slim".

Day 8 of the self-imposed art, model , craft challenge.

Not a lot of progress today. Mostly cleaning and organizing my workspace, taking it easy. I dont want to burn out, I'm only half way through! The "plowed field" scatter terrain piece looks pretty good for the game table. The rocks I made some time ago. They're made of aluminum foil, crumpled up and lightly hammered into shape. Painted with grey mixed with Mod Podge. Hopefully, a little more active tomorrow.

Day 7 of my self-imposed modeling challenge afternoon update.

This morning's and afternoon's work. Mostly priming. Dullcoted some Zulus. Primed some Nap 28's and a couple cannon. Gave a couple coats of black primer to Captain "Slim". I noticed some bare spots that need another coat. Making a plowed field for the gaming table. I'm using a cheap vinyl floor tile for the base. A hand made comb is used to make the furrows. So far, a fulfilling hobby day.

Day 7 of self-imposed art, model and crafting challenge.

Up late again last night. Made some cardboard bases for painting minis. Cut in lengths of 5" by 3/4" wide. Hot glued five layers and wrapped with electrical tape. The tape gives a good surface for the mounting putty or fun tac. Also put together a couple movement trays for my Zulus. More posts later today. I have a feeling it will be quite productive.

Day 6 of self-imposed art, model and crafting challenge.

Working on a little bit of everything today. This morning was the "Bunker Hill" vignette, then onto finishing up my impi of "Unmarried" Zulus for, hopefully, a game with my son this weekend. Gave Captain "Slim" a liberal coat of Mod Podge to give some protection and sealing of the surface. I took Cap out to the pole barn office and sat him in front of a fan and an ancient space heater to thoroughly dry. May get a chance to prime him tomorrow.