Fisticuffs at Frederick Street:
Part 1 (6mm rules final playtest).
Dusk hung heavy: like a murky blanket, threatening to plunge the Summerlands into a blue-grey twilight of puka shadows and boggle demons. Even the birds seemed to refrain from their usual choral cadence, and their plaintive tree line keening became a stiffening silence to herald in the fast approaching moonless night.
The unease in the wizard`s head was emphasised by the clip-clop hooves of equine feet moving with millipede
efficiency on the fast cooling and dust strewn road. The Pandahorn Mounted Outriders dutifully followed their young Prince into the gloom, but cast doubtful eyes up into the early bird mantle of flickering stars overhead. Behind these, the Scarvale Irregulars (tired and foot sore) trudged along in silence.
“Edgar….. we should think about settling in for the night.” The wizard peered over to look at the young man`s face, but could not read the thoughts behind the boy`s eyes… so when he did not respond, the wizard tried again: “My Prince?” He called, gently.
Prince Edgar pulled himself out of his reverie and breathed a long inward sigh. “What was that, Polar?” He enquired of his faithful old teacher. The Prince looked troubled, and oh so terribly sad.
“I said, I think maybe we should stop, and let the men set up camp.”
The wizard smiled tightly at his boyish charge.
“It will be getting dark within the hour, and we don`t want to be caught out in the open during this dark phase of the moon?” Polar concluded.
Edgar nodded his approval. “Sergeant!” He called over his shoulder. A huge broad shouldered youth trotted forward a few paces, and pulled up beside his master. It troubled the Outrider Sergeant that the Prince always insisted on walking alongside his middle aged wizard mentor… but everyone knew of the pairs` intense aversion to horses.
“Yes, my Lord?” The Sergeant enquired respectfully.
“Tell me, Casper, is there any place near-by where we can pull off the road and make camp for the night?” The enquiry was a genuine one; neither Prince nor Wizard had intimate knowledge of the lands here about.
“There is a small village, `Bleakvale` just over the next rise, My Lord. It`s not much, just a few buildings – no Inn, I`m afraid. But it is the closest place we can reach before full night sets in.” The Sergeant reported dutifully.
The Prince was sliding back into depression, but pulled himself alert with an effort, and answered his Sergeant.
“Then it will to do just fine. Issue the order to the men, we will camp at Bleakdale.”
***
The scene was set: And so, on a sticky Summers
evening, just as day was turning to night, a small detachment of King Amias` Army rode into an isolated village on the edge of the Summerlands. Simultaneously, a small hunting party of Orcs was approaching the hamlet from the opposite direction, hoping for easy pickings and some raunchy nocturnal fun with the unsuspecting local females.
What the Orcs hadn’t expected was an encounter with a troop of Outriders from the King`s Own Regiment, a
company of Scarvale Ranger Infantry… the King`s youngest Son - plus his personal Wizard companion.
Reason for the encounter: King Amias ruler of the small Western Kingdom of Summerland had of late been recruiting and bolstering his modest sized standing army in preparation for a half expected attack from the neighbouring Marcher Lord, Dolmo Vassego, an evil necromancer and ambitious contender for the Summerland throne. The King had ordered a doubling of patrols… especially on the boarders of the land.
Unfortunately, it was during this intense time of political unrest that King Amias` last born Son, Edgar, chose to fall in love with a pretty young girl of a lesser noble family from one of the Northern Provinces. King Amias, believing his son could (and should) do much better for himself, forbade either of them from seeing one another, and forced Edgar to break off their fast deepening relationship.
However, when Edgar showed no signs of forgetting the girl any time soon, The King decided a stint on the
Summerland boarders commanding outrider patrols would do his son the power of good.
The Forces, and Initial Set Up:
(Part of the) King`s Own Summerland Regiment
Prince Edgar - Hero (Commander in Chief)
Polar - Hero (Wizard)
Mounted Outriders Horsemen - X2 strips of figures
Mounted Ranger Crossbowmen - Horsemen X1
strip of figures
Infantry Bow Armed Skirmishers - Archers X4
strips of figures
--------------
Orc Hunting/Raiding Party
Drake “The Half Orcish” - Leader
Wolf Drawn Orc Chariots - Chariots X4 strips of figures
Orc Infantry (lead by Grimgar) - Orcs X5 strips of figures
Orc Archers (lead by Kadish) - Archers X2 strips of
figures
This will be my first proper (non playtest) game using my newly updated Generic Fantasy 6mm Wargame Rules * “Fire At Will, Men”. Until now, I have only play tested tiny cameos… moved strips of men about to test out this or that rule. But this is my first fully fledged battle, and I`m hugely looking forward to it.
* "Fire At Will, Men" is my own one brain cell rules take on Jim Wallman`s masterly innovation on HOTT. I simply re-wrote the rules (with Jim`s permission) to suit my personal tastes.
An early (first draft) copy of the rules is available for free at: http://www.freewargamesrules.co.uk/fantasy.html
(above) The King`s forces arrive via road along the bottom edge… Orcs amass at the far end of the village.
(below) Prince Edgar quickly weight up the situation… “Follow Me, Men” he calls, and everyone advances.
Who Goes First:
All that remains to do now, before we begin, is to determine the order of play. Throwing a D6 for each side: The Orcs throw a 2, while the King`s Men only throw a 1. The Orcs got to go first. So from now on during this game, the order of battle will be: Orcs/King`s Men/Orcs/King`s Men.. and so on, until the game is won - and lost.
Special Rules: I`m playing this game solitaire style, i.e. against myself. I`m also not going to use the optional rules for magic. Therefore Prince Edgar`s wizard/teacher and friend is classed as a Hero, for the duration of this game… and the magic rules stays dormant for now.
The Battle: Old Farmer Giles stopped his digging… rested a foot on his metal blade, and leant heavily on the handle of his spade, as he looked out over the graveyard wall. “Now there`s a curious sight” he said to himself, removing his floppy hat and scratching the top of his head with his free hand.
Coming along the road from the south was a large group of figures: “Soldiers! Well I`ll be damned.” Farmer Giles exclaimed out loud to no one in particular. “King`s Men, if I`m not mistaken… or I`m no gardener. He went on thinking. His mind slowly began to ponder why a bunch of soldiers of King what`s-is-name would be marching up Frederick`s Street at this time of the evening… or any other time of the day or night for that matter?
But Farmer Giles was even more perplexed when the leader … a tall fella in silver armour… a nobleman, by the looks of it… all of a sudden
gave a loud shout, and made his men rush about to take up new positions – then advanced menacingly with their weapons drawn!
Had the farmer even once looked over his shoulder and away onto the diminishing horizon, he would have spotted a whole horde of foul looking Orcs advancing on the small village from the opposite direction… directly towards his own cottage, if you please. The old farmer put down his spade and slowly wheeled his creaking wheel-barrow of potatoes back towards his home. He`d enjoy a nice hot pot of spuds and eggs for his supper tonight with the misses.
Turn 1 & 2: Kadish lead her Orc Bowmen over the wall, and into the accursed human temple. Flush dis place of any unholy men - or sisters, den follow me to der tower… we `ave ta defend dis place against dose der enemy.
Orcs started to pile over the outer wall and into the Churchyard… they
spread out… and looted the building on their way through, then climbed their way to the highest part – the tower.
All that remains to do now, before we begin, is to determine the order of play. Throwing a D6 for each side: The Orcs throw a 2, while the King`s Men only throw a 1. The Orcs got to go first. So from now on during this game, the order of battle will be: Orcs/King`s Men/Orcs/King`s Men.. and so on, until the game is won - and lost.
Special Rules: I`m playing this game solitaire style, i.e. against myself. I`m also not going to use the optional rules for magic. Therefore Prince Edgar`s wizard/teacher and friend is classed as a Hero, for the duration of this game… and the magic rules stays dormant for now.
The Battle: Old Farmer Giles stopped his digging… rested a foot on his metal blade, and leant heavily on the handle of his spade, as he looked out over the graveyard wall. “Now there`s a curious sight” he said to himself, removing his floppy hat and scratching the top of his head with his free hand.
Coming along the road from the south was a large group of figures: “Soldiers! Well I`ll be damned.” Farmer Giles exclaimed out loud to no one in particular. “King`s Men, if I`m not mistaken… or I`m no gardener. He went on thinking. His mind slowly began to ponder why a bunch of soldiers of King what`s-is-name would be marching up Frederick`s Street at this time of the evening… or any other time of the day or night for that matter?
But Farmer Giles was even more perplexed when the leader … a tall fella in silver armour… a nobleman, by the looks of it… all of a sudden
gave a loud shout, and made his men rush about to take up new positions – then advanced menacingly with their weapons drawn!
Had the farmer even once looked over his shoulder and away onto the diminishing horizon, he would have spotted a whole horde of foul looking Orcs advancing on the small village from the opposite direction… directly towards his own cottage, if you please. The old farmer put down his spade and slowly wheeled his creaking wheel-barrow of potatoes back towards his home. He`d enjoy a nice hot pot of spuds and eggs for his supper tonight with the misses.
Turn 1 & 2: Kadish lead her Orc Bowmen over the wall, and into the accursed human temple. Flush dis place of any unholy men - or sisters, den follow me to der tower… we `ave ta defend dis place against dose der enemy.
Orcs started to pile over the outer wall and into the Churchyard… they
spread out… and looted the building on their way through, then climbed their way to the highest part – the tower.
Orc Archers storm into the undefended Church.
More Orcs arrive on the outskirts of the village.
Meanwhile, Drake watched anxiously as his Orcs squeezed into the straight jacket effectively created by the village terrain. If his boys were caught unprepared by the enemy within this restrictive corridor, it would simply be a matter of counting his dead!
Using a complicated system of hand signals, he manoeuvred his Orc infantry between the village pond and a stone cottage (Farmer Giles` home… as it happens). This was a good position to defend from. When they were in position, Grimgar`s Orc spearmen sat grinning menacingly and toothily at the human Outriders approaching them from across the
hedged highway.
Using a complicated system of hand signals, he manoeuvred his Orc infantry between the village pond and a stone cottage (Farmer Giles` home… as it happens). This was a good position to defend from. When they were in position, Grimgar`s Orc spearmen sat grinning menacingly and toothily at the human Outriders approaching them from across the
hedged highway.
Drake ordered his Chariots round the far side of the village, behind the Human Temple (yuck!) and out onto the beautiful open ground to the west of the settlement…. ideal terrain to deal with those pesky Mounted Crossbowmen and Irregulars `footslogers`. It was the long route, but hopefully and ultimately the safest.
The single unit of King`s Own Mounted Crossbowmen stood their ground, and sent a serious volley of bolts towards the enemy, but the wind was all wrong, and the range proved simply too extreme to inflict any discernible damage on the Orc Charioteers.
The single unit of King`s Own Mounted Crossbowmen stood their ground, and sent a serious volley of bolts towards the enemy, but the wind was all wrong, and the range proved simply too extreme to inflict any discernible damage on the Orc Charioteers.
Mounted Crossbowmen shoot at the Orc Chariots – and miss.
While this was taking place, Prince Edgar attached himself to the irregular formation of Scarvale Skirmishers, and ordered them to take up positions along the road - using the hedge as cover. The Wizard Polar took up position at the far end of the line and prepared to bolster the unit`s flank, should his aid be needed.
The old teacher looks over nervously towards his pupil, the Prince. “Surely he`s not going to try and stand here – is he?” He thought.
Farmer Giles (unpainted) with a wheel barrow of potatoes.
Turn 3: From her new commanding position at the top of the Church tower, Orc leader Kadish ordered her archers to shoot a volley into the ranks of the Pandahorn Mounted Crossbowmen, but the range was long… and the volley flew wild.
Orcish Chariots thundered across the open ground towards the human crossbowmen – ending their movement phase a mere 40 paces (2``) from their foe. Drake finally committed himself at the last minute, and attached himself to the chariots – galloping close on the heels of the Orc attack.
… the Mounted Crossbow wielding humans nonchalantly wheeled their horses about one hundred and eighty degrees, and retired out of range of the dangerous looking charioteers.
This left the Scarvale archers a nearly perfect shot through the rising clouds of dust – and straight at the Orc Chariots! “Fire At Will, Men” The Prince shouted. Four Shooting Dice were thrown, and a single chariot was hit! The buggy tipped off it`s wheels… and spun momentarily through the air - throwing crew in all directions, and the team of wild wolves tore at their leashes to escape.
A ragged cheer rose from the throats of the Scarvale irregulars. But quickly died on their lips when they realized this hadn`t even slowed the Orc`s advance. Edgar took a tighter grip on his broadsword, and prepared to defend himself. The first real fight of his life – maybe his last!
While this was taking place on their left flank, the Pandahorn Outriders had managed to cross the first half of the road, and prepared to cut their way through the second hedge, which would leave them in a tactical position to charge the Orcish enemy ahead of them.
About now, Grimgar was kicking himself for not having advanced to the cover of the hedge, which the horse lovers were now steadily cutting their way through.“We could `ave used that hedge for cover.” He thought to himself. But it was too late now. Besides, Drake’s orders had clearly stated Grimgar was to hold position between the stone cottage and the fish pond. Grimgar lifted his head momentarily and sniffed at the water, wondering whether his supper lay within? He liked fish - if he was still alive to eat it later, he would eat fish tonight, He thought.
Turn 4: The Orc Chariots wheeled slightly, and charged full pelt into the Scarvale infantry who suddenly felt rather exposed with only a thin hedge between themselves and the whooping… hollering foul spawn Orcs.
Polar was waving his arms towards Prince Edgar tried desperately to get his attention… trying to warn him not to stand against the Orcs… not
here, not like this. But the Prince was staring fixedly ahead of him, and didn`t notice his old teacher`s warnings. But it was to late anyway!
Like a tidal wave of destruction, the Orcs smashed mercilessly into the irregular ranks of the humans…Skirmishers, who were never
designed to withstand a full blown charge by an organized and professional enemy met a menace they could not resist.
The ensuing carnage was inevitable I suppose.
In a single turn of fighting, every last man jack of the Scarvale Skirmishers lay dead or dying on the ground… the Chariots having ridden straight over them like scythes through grass. Fours strips of the King`s Own were killed, leaving just The Prince and the Wizard alive to hold the line.
…. Except, the Prince was suddenly running…. running for his life, and all the Wizard could do, was follow him. But the double hedgerow on either side of the road was now impeding their rout, and the Charioteers simply pursued them… and cut them down where they stood.
The Prince, and his old teacher, were both killed automatically by the pursuing Orcs!
Orcish Chariots thundered across the open ground towards the human crossbowmen – ending their movement phase a mere 40 paces (2``) from their foe. Drake finally committed himself at the last minute, and attached himself to the chariots – galloping close on the heels of the Orc attack.
… the Mounted Crossbow wielding humans nonchalantly wheeled their horses about one hundred and eighty degrees, and retired out of range of the dangerous looking charioteers.
This left the Scarvale archers a nearly perfect shot through the rising clouds of dust – and straight at the Orc Chariots! “Fire At Will, Men” The Prince shouted. Four Shooting Dice were thrown, and a single chariot was hit! The buggy tipped off it`s wheels… and spun momentarily through the air - throwing crew in all directions, and the team of wild wolves tore at their leashes to escape.
A ragged cheer rose from the throats of the Scarvale irregulars. But quickly died on their lips when they realized this hadn`t even slowed the Orc`s advance. Edgar took a tighter grip on his broadsword, and prepared to defend himself. The first real fight of his life – maybe his last!
While this was taking place on their left flank, the Pandahorn Outriders had managed to cross the first half of the road, and prepared to cut their way through the second hedge, which would leave them in a tactical position to charge the Orcish enemy ahead of them.
About now, Grimgar was kicking himself for not having advanced to the cover of the hedge, which the horse lovers were now steadily cutting their way through.“We could `ave used that hedge for cover.” He thought to himself. But it was too late now. Besides, Drake’s orders had clearly stated Grimgar was to hold position between the stone cottage and the fish pond. Grimgar lifted his head momentarily and sniffed at the water, wondering whether his supper lay within? He liked fish - if he was still alive to eat it later, he would eat fish tonight, He thought.
Turn 4: The Orc Chariots wheeled slightly, and charged full pelt into the Scarvale infantry who suddenly felt rather exposed with only a thin hedge between themselves and the whooping… hollering foul spawn Orcs.
Polar was waving his arms towards Prince Edgar tried desperately to get his attention… trying to warn him not to stand against the Orcs… not
here, not like this. But the Prince was staring fixedly ahead of him, and didn`t notice his old teacher`s warnings. But it was to late anyway!
Like a tidal wave of destruction, the Orcs smashed mercilessly into the irregular ranks of the humans…Skirmishers, who were never
designed to withstand a full blown charge by an organized and professional enemy met a menace they could not resist.
The ensuing carnage was inevitable I suppose.
In a single turn of fighting, every last man jack of the Scarvale Skirmishers lay dead or dying on the ground… the Chariots having ridden straight over them like scythes through grass. Fours strips of the King`s Own were killed, leaving just The Prince and the Wizard alive to hold the line.
…. Except, the Prince was suddenly running…. running for his life, and all the Wizard could do, was follow him. But the double hedgerow on either side of the road was now impeding their rout, and the Charioteers simply pursued them… and cut them down where they stood.
The Prince, and his old teacher, were both killed automatically by the pursuing Orcs!
“No Mercy” is the motto of the Orc Charioteers… they don`t leave anyone alive they capture.
Meanwhile, the Pandahorn Outriders cut their way through the last of the impeding hedge… re-formed their ranks momentarily, then charged straight into the Grimgar`s Orc Infantry baring the way in front of them.
Two strips of Orcs are chopped down with disdainful ease by the proud horsemen.
The Orcs were forced to take a morale check, which they passed - barely!
Turn 5: Oh but woe! The Pandahorn Outriders were so incensed with passion, having just witnessed their friends being mown down so
ruthlessly by the chariots; and having just exacted such chilling revenge on the Orcs in front of them… they became fanatical in their attack, and failed to notice Drake and his bloody Charioteers coming creaking and clanking up the road – potentially to attack them from the rear!
Seemingly unaware their Prince lay dead, they continued their melee attack against Grimgar`s Orcs. Maybe it was because they did realize the only way out of danger was to go forward – but certainly, they
continued their melee with renewed energy.
Melee for this turn yielded another kill result for the Pandahorn cavalry. But somehow, the Orcs managed to hold firm for yet another round of combat.
Drake leads his Orc Chariots up the road – behind the humans.
Turn 6: … but the sheer weight and killing power of the Horsemen eventually took it`s toll on the Orc infantry, and they were destroyed to the very last Orc.
Grimnar`s lay on his side, his dead eyes staring emptily at the village pond … he would not be eating a fish supper tonight after all.
Turn 7: …and as the Chariots charged down upon the rear of the Humans, Sergeant Casper gave a desperate order to “break ranks” and committed his troop to a sudden voluntary rout, away from the
chariots, and off the field to the north - to safety.
Grimnar`s lay on his side, his dead eyes staring emptily at the village pond … he would not be eating a fish supper tonight after all.
Turn 7: …and as the Chariots charged down upon the rear of the Humans, Sergeant Casper gave a desperate order to “break ranks” and committed his troop to a sudden voluntary rout, away from the
chariots, and off the field to the north - to safety.
Sergeant Casper gives the order for his men to run!
Having seen the Scarvale Company decimated to a man, the young Prince Edgar butchered alongside the old Royal Wizard, and the Pandahorn Outriders routed from the field. Rather ignobly, the Mounted Crossbowmen the last human unit still alive on the battle field were (rather sadly) forced to turn away, and exit the road to the south.
Mounted Crossbowmen – now just survivors.
Final Result (Casualties):
Orcs:
4 strips (one complete
formation) of Orc Infantry.
1 strip (1 model) Chariot.
King`s Own:
4 strips (one complete
formation) of Scarvale Skirmish Infantry
1 strip Prince Edgar
1 strip Wizard Polar
Conclusion: Let no one ever again say that an Orc army is not
dangerous!
Ouch! Prince Edgar, positioning himself with his back to a solid hedge… he left himself with absolutely nowhere to run if his formation failed a morale test and he was forced to rout. This ultimately proved to be the case, and cost him his life.
Wow! Chariots, if used properly are absolutely devastating. Hmmmmm I`m pretty pleased with the way this troop type conducted itself during
this initial outing on the battle field.
I`ve definitely decided too, that giving names to the units and commanders really helps liven the game up a bit… particularly using this small figure scale where the miniatures can tend to look a little impersonal, at the best of times.
The building rules worked well enough I think. Fuller play testing here will reveal more, no doubt.
Movement seemed fair. I must say, I am surprised how much I enjoyed playing without squares and hexes. I`ve been doing the latter for a very long time now and had completely forgotten how nice it is sometimes to use a measuring stick.
Good result. Encouraging.
Stephen Gilbert
August 10th 2013.