Wednesday, November 17, 2010

King Of The Battlefield rules & WSS

Another solo effort with another set of rules this time King Of The Battlefield. A real fastplay set that would definitely suit large numbers of units (possibly double or thrice what I had here !) as most units die on 2 hits. Fast but very enjoyable with all shooting and melees resulted as morale tests yielding Wavers or Routs. Very few factors involved and centre two pages of rules are essentially the QRS to which rest of thin booklet is further explanation. Combat system emphasises need for reserve/multiple lines which is a good thing. Cavalry vs cavalry melees are interesting with initially involved units able (starting with defender) to sequentially re-inforce the melee with other in range horse units which can lead to several units in a large melee. The eventual loser though can see several units rout and even if a draw both sides are forced to retire from each other with backs to enemy again allowing any suitable reserves to possibly exploit such a tempting target.
I was pleasantly surprised how well these rules worked. Only caveat is some of the rules need a bit more explanation but was easily sorted by quick questions and answers on the relevant Yahoo group. Rules termed as 18th Century set but really geared for SYW but easily tweaked for WSS by allowing more Horse to use Pistol (counting as Close Range Skirmish fire) and adjusting relative weights of various Horse and disallowing inclines for foot movement. Includes a point system and a few optional rules (Orders, Rout Recovery, Commander variety).


Clash of lines (Imperial on left)




Horse melee starting near village (Red counter is routed French Yellow for 1 Waver)      



Good old Prussians advancing ahead as ever



French wavering after Imperial volleys (Yellow markers)

French horse face off against Imperial Foot and Horse on right wing



Hilltop view of a French General  



Snakes eye view of French lines with Garde Francais and Maison Du Roi nearest



Imperial Curassier engage Swiss

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3 comments:

  1. Ron8:58 pm

    I've been solo testing Might and Reason lately and have enjoyed it immensely. The plan is (like you) to test various sets (which I already own) to see a direct comparison. Perhaps you could do a short post on your likes and dislikes of the rules you are testing. Do you have a preference?

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  2. Sgt Steiner9:19 pm

    Hi Ron

    I really like M&R (used it for WSS & SYW) also like Piquet Field Of Battle for a more tacical game as I like the card sequencing/activation.
    Both play fairly well solo as a bonus
    Blackpowder was ok nothing more.
    Was surprised how much I liked KOTB (which I have had for about a year but never tried) but really needs a lot of units/figs/big tables to fully shine I fear.
    There are some old posts in my archive from last 2 yrs with other WSS ruletests.
    Tried Ridiculous Vanity which had some ok ideas but too slow and disjointed (quite poorly written & laid out).
    Age Of Reason was my first set for period and must re-try them along with 1st edition Koenig Krieg.
    Also on to try list (if it ever happens !) is old WRG set and latest version of Piquet Cartouche. Tempted by Der Kriegkungst (?) a SYW Gen De Brigade spin-off.

    I suspect other periods/projects will interrupt but hey never too much of a good thing :-)

    If you have specific questions about sets I have used/tried drop me a email at sgt.steiner@virgin.net

    Cheers

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  3. Isembourg12:25 am

    For a fast game I use Charge! For a more detailed game I'm using Leicester Micro Models Napoleonic rules, with alterations to make formations and troop classification fit the period.
    for an Brigade level battle I use the Age of Honour extension to Age of Eagles by Bill Gray. OK for Solo.
    Probably my best bet is to use 10mm figures but once they get on the table I may as well use cardboard counters.

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