Blood & Plunder Battle Report - Logwood Cutters vs Scottish Militia

Another week, another game. And this time, I remembered to take pictures as well. Because we were both tired and it was an evening, we decided to go with just 100 points and a simple kill-em-all scenario.

The baptism of fire for my Scottish Militia:
Experience Commander
7 English Militia
7 Musketeers (with Plug Bayonets)
4 European Militia Cavalry

Also the first time for my opponent using some of his newly painted frenchies (as compared to his usual englishmen) with the Logwood Cutters:
Untested Commander
6 Flibustiers
6 Freebooters
4 Boucaniers

Deployment was equally easy, 15" opposite corners. I didn't quite manage to get the entire battlefield in the picture below, there were some more forest "on top".

The Scottish have the bottom corner, with Cavalry nearest the forest, Militia next to the big house, and Musketeers in between in a firing line. Logwood Cutters have Flibustiers ready to run up to the big house, Freebooters hiding behind them and the smaller house, while the Boucaniers are hidden in the forest just out of shot (sneaky ones, them Boucaniers).

First thing that happens, the Cavalry is beset by some kind of annoying creature in the forest, and are forced to fall back (Yay, events). Luckily, they're Cavalry. Threat is dealt with (at the cost of gaining a fatigue), they then swiftly move forward.

But they don't quite manage to get into cover before the cheeky Flibustiers rushes forward and downs one.

The Scottish soldiers, not the least bit deterred, counteradvance into almost pike range, and fire a volley. Sadly, only a single Flibustier dies, the rest managing to dodge.

The Scottish Militiamen decide to be sneaky, and with encouragement from the commander, charge through the house, and into the Flibustiers.

Who, by a combination of Brawlers (because Scots) and general good rolling, are wiped out to a man. Woops?

Of course, retaliation is not far away. The Freebooters of the Logwood Cutters cut down 2/3 of the militia while they're in the open (I was expecting to be protected by an ongoing melee...)

And all of that was just Turn 1. Starting close to each other certainly speeds up the action.

Turn 2 start with the Militia being wiped out. Technically, I guess one man makes it, but routs due to suddenly having too much fatigue and no friends, but eh.

Otherwise, it's maneuvering. The Logwood Cutters gather in the forest (insert joke about treehugging pirate lumberjacks here), while the scots go in/around the big house.

Horses can't go into houses, but I think the cavalry wish they could.

Turn 3, it's time to do what Scots do best. Que the bagpipes, move out in orderly lines, fire a volley at point blank range into the Boucaniers. Buggers can't dodge it all...

And then? Mount bayonets, and charge! 3 dead Boucaniers, and one dead Commander, later... the Logwood Cutters player interrestingly chose to pass (wanting that delicious last activation of the turn).

Cavalry then moves up. Incidentally, I am honestly impressed by the speed of the cavalry, going all over by dint of having effectively 3 actions for movement each turn, one (or two, with quick) of which is free and therefore doesn't count for fatigue. And that is on 3 out of 4 card suites.

And then the freebooters finally get their chance for some revenge. Two Scottish Soldiers fall, but the rest stand firm.

Turn 4, the Cavalry finally get their chance for glory... only for the Freebooters to pull out their emergency pistols and gun them all down...

Their actual shooting manage to thin down the Scottish Soldiers by one, and make them shaken. But Resolve 4 and an Inspiring Commander, means it doesn't stick around, and they can advance back with a Command Point.

Turn 5. One card each. 13 of Clubs means the Scottish get to activate first (I was not expecting that, but I guess most things beat Ace of Clubs).

The bayonets are still mounted, so there's only one thing to do. Charge!

Over turns 5 and 6, all but one of the freebooters are downed, with no Scottish casualties. The last one decides to just surrender, it can't get more embarrasing than this (presumably, he does not know Scots...). There were some atrocious rolls involved for the Logwood Cutters in that last melee.

A very bloody battle, with the Scots emerging victorious, 4 standing models to none.

Lessons learnt:

• Cavalry is perfectly fine while Inexperienced, the free move action for being on horses and Quick mean they can still get 12" moves off almost every turn (just don't activate them with a Heart)
• Flibustiers did a poor showing, but on the other hand, I swear by mine. Will have to be tried out a bit more, but they are somewhat of a glass cannon. They would have done better if they hadn't had a spot of bad luck when they needed good luck the most (getting wiped in turn 1... I felt almost embarassed)
• Speaking of glass cannons, the Boucaniers did not do well. Got a few volleys off, but then got tied up in close combat and folded like a wet tissue. The dangers of short firelanes.
• Militia with Quick and/or Brawlers can be absolutely lethal. I don't think they bothered to fire their guns even once, instead charging straight into melee and wiping a unit.

/Fool Out

Blood & Plunder - Scottish Militia

Most of my latest haul has been painted. A whole lot of Blood & Plunder Englishmen and generic Europeans, with the intent of using them for the Scottish Militia list. Of course, they will be equally useful as actual englishmen, expanding my collection of such to a respectable degree.

This should be enough for various iterations of 200 point lists. Might have to expand with a few models, but not many.

First up, the militia, and the commander. English Militia models (and a few spare Freebooters), and will be equally useful as English and generic European Militia. The large unit is only 10, which makes them probably to most likely to get expanded to 12. The smaller unit of 8 should be fine as is, it would be rare to need two large units.

And of course, some more solid Soldiers. Once again, either generic European Soldiers or English Musketeers. Two units of 8 ought to be enough. Can be fielded with or without bayonets, and half of them have actual bayonets modelled on their belts. I am inclined to go with bayonets, for that scottish feel of the charge.

That finishes the core troops of the scots. Not that much to choose from, either cheap militia who's mediocre at range but might surprise in the melee, or more expensive soldiers who are decent to good at both range and melee. Or, preferably, a mix of both.

For support troops, there are three to choose between. First up, artillery. because sometimes, you just want to have the biggest gun on the field. These can also do double duty as Sea Dogs (or European Sailors), if one elects to leave the cannon behind.

And finally, there is the European Militia Cavalry. About as good at shooting (and avoiding being shot at) as their footslogging brethren, but horses do move faster, and allow them to carry a plethora of pistols as well.

I will admit to a bit of theorycrafting here, the combination of Brace of Pistols, allowing for rerolls to hit in melee, and Brawlers, where each 10 generates another dice to attack, is something I find great and hilarious (that's a potential 12 hits from 6 models, and a decent chance of at least one 10, which is always exciting). I guess I can't always just go by what is historical.

The scottish militia is quite fascinating, both historically and game-wise. The combination of Quick and Brawlers on all units should make them excellent at going in for a charge. I especially want to perfect the ability to charge forward, fire a musket volley at very short range, then charge in (preferably with bayonets mounted). At a first glance, they might also be one of the better Cavalry factions. They are limited on the amount of cavalry they can take, sure, but they have access to the cheapest possible (interresting, generic European cavalry is cheaper by 1 point per model than similar units in the major nations), while also granting it Brawlers, for an excellent punch in melee.

Naturally, I have initial lists designed for testing these fellows. First up, at 100 points (useful to learn the basics, and for shorter games on a weekday evening), the plan is to field
An Experienced Commander
7 Militia
7 Soldiers, with Plug Bayonets
4 European Cavalry Militia

I am as of writing this unsure if English Militia or European Militia is to be preferred (something to be tested on the field over the next few months), trading Resolve for a better Melee Save. Similar thing goes for European Soldiers and Musketeers, trading better Shoot Save (6 or 7), and taking less fatigue in melee for Resolve (5 or a fabulous 4!, making it unlikely to take any fatigue anyway). Gaming will tell.

For 200 points, the above list will be greatly expanded into
An Experienced Commander
10 Militia
6 Militia
8 Soldiers, with Plug Bayonets, upgraded to Veterans
7 Soldiers, with Plug Bayonets, upgraded to Veterans
6 European Cavalry Militia

Still the same problems of English vs generic Europeans, but this should allow the Soldiers to shine, being able to charge 12" with a spade, or 8" and a volley on the way. Militia will be more Fire Support and clean-up crew (and cheerleader, with the small unit of Militia partly there to be a fifth unit for cards).

Once these two lists have been tested to destruction, it's time to try alternatives.

• Is an experienced commander needed, if fielding english units at 100 points, or are more bodies better?
• How well can artillery be incorporated?
• Are Sea Dogs or European Sailors even worth considering?
• Characters: a Reformado and/or Officer with the Soldiers would make them even crazier, charging 12" AND firing on a spade. Or just the 12" charge, while still Trained.
• Musician: might be worth it, might not, but bagpipes do feel kind of necessary.

Time, and games, will tell. Does anyone else have some insights they would like to share?

/Fool Out

The dwarves are coming

I don't know if I should start with "Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!" or "Khazukan Kazakit-ha!", but suffice to say, the dwarves are going to war.

The entire clan, as of now. Not bad, and they're all based on 20x20mm bases (well, close to it, at least, I might have to do some careful alterations of some), or multiples thereof, allowing for use in all kinds of systems, and even more if some sabot movement trays are used. So far, they have been fielded for 9th Age and for SAGA: Age of Magic. I am also at least considering Oathmark and Kings of War. We'll just have to see how it goes. Almost all are Oathmark plastics.

The leaders, heroes and important individuals are an eclectic bunch.

There are the armoured Thanes, one carrying the clan standard, the other two wielding some potent weapons in general. The one with shield and faceplate is a metal champion, the other two are plastic.

The less armoured advisors are an interresting mix between wise, badass and adorable. The Court Loremaster (and wizard) is Oathmark metal, while the (incredibly, totally adorable) head piper and the badass Trollhunter are Atlantis Miniatures resin.

And there is of course the king himself. With two bodyguards that can lift him up for a better view of the battlefield (very useful when everyone in your army is a tad vertically challenged).

Of course, a king will have the fanciest cape around. His bodyguards, probably the two hardest warriors in the clan, aren't slouches either (although I should probably revisit these one day, now that I can do plaid).

And if need be, he can even leave the platform if someone else needs a lift. King is Oathmark metal, bodyguards/shieldbearers are Oathmark plastic (and a metal washer for the large shield). And let me just say, magnets are awesome.

Of course, the king can't be the only one with plaid. There is also Miss Lead Piper, wearing full kit.

The main dwarven warriors show a nice nest of spears and shields. As befits the lowest in the army (still armoured dwarves, mind you), these have only single-color shields. Becasuse they will most likely stand and recieve any charge (as befits a wall of spears, shields, and hard dwarves), they get a nice anvil as banner. Oathmark plastic Dwarf Infantry for these.

The grognards (I like that name for them, I think I will keep it. Nicely rules- and lore-free) are older and more veteran warriors. Still "only" carrying maille, shields and hand weapons, but that's equivalent to many a human kings chosen men. Carrying a fancy tree for their banner, these fellows might have gotten a bit too much fresh air through the years. Oathmark plastic Dwarf Infantry for these as well.

Dwarves with no ranged options just feel wrong. So a unit of crossbowmen would be next. They're still dwarves, so maille and shields can be expected, but they're a bit softer once the melee gets going. Oathmark plastic Dwarf Infantry for the heads, bodies and shields, while crossbows and arms are scrounged from here, there, and everywhere (these are predominantly Frostgrave and Fireforge).

Of course, some heavier equipment can also be useful. These dwarves may not use gunpowder (foolish goblin invention, as likely to kill you as your opponent), but it is amazing what you can get from stout wood, hard ropes and dwarven craftsmanship. Add some well-chosen rocks carved into ammunition...

The epitome of dwarfishness is a solid block, unmoving and and unflinching in battle, clad in armor from head to toe. An apt description to these elite heavy infantry, with their faceplates and steel-studded shields, leaving no more vulnerable to enemy blades than necessary. And not just clad in ordinary maille, but with plates and scales covering it as well. It is only fitting that such a unit carries a banner of an anvil. Oathmark plastic Heavy Dwarf Infantry delivers.

And where there's an anvil, there's a need for a hammer. Once again, elite heavy infantry clad in maille, scales and plates, but slinging the shields over their backs in favour of wielding heavy two-handd axes, hammers and maces. The boar standard they're carrying is more than a fancy piece of cloth, it is a statement of purpose and action. Do not poke, you're likely to be gored. Once again, Oathmark plastic Heavy Dwarf Infantry.

The standards used are all offered by North Star, specifically and exactly for these dwarves. It gives some nice variety and splashes of colour in an otherwise mostly steel-coloured army (with splashes of muted greens and yellows). My only problem with these, is that the flags are somewhat too large for the Heavy Infantry banner poles (or possibly, the poles are too short), but some surgical incisions can alleviate this.

I will have to admit to being quite tired of painting dwarves for now. I have some small expansions planned (mostly a few female champions), then we'll see how it is expanded. Possibly with more Atlantis Miniatures, because more scottish dwarves in kilts is always awesome. I can of course justify such a mix, but then again, I might have spent a tad too much thinking about exactly how I want my dwarves to be and mix...

/Fool Out