Of Pistols and Perriwigs, A Gentleman Wargamer's Blog

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Dragon Rampant and OldHammer, An Introduction to the armies of Altgard. Part 1

With GW’s mangling, bungling, horrifyingly ham fisted destruction of the Old World, I have endeavored (like so many other Warhammer grognards) to preserve the memory of the Old World and what I loved about it. (And it doesn’t involve Sigmarines!) So with Dragon Rampant and Kings of War becoming the haven of many an Old Worlder, I have joined in the fun by “reconstructing” my own Empire army along with Dwarves. Mainly with the help of such wonderful plastic Landsknecht kits from Warlord and of course Mantic’s take on the Dwarves and Undead. So here are my constructed states, so far, for my own “Altgard” or “Old Earth”, this article centering on the “MittleReich” or the “Middle Empire” of Men, known here as the Volk, or “Folk” in their own tongue:

The Free City of Sunngarde:

Situated on the banks of the River Teustch, Sunngarde is a glittering, wealthy merchant city with a burgeoning trade along the river. Her regiments are made of disciplined and well paid mercenaries from all corners of the Empire and several Orders of Knights also have keeps within her mighty walls, guardians of the temple of the city’s patron god, Sunna, the Sun God. God also of mercantile, and as such a fitting patron for the “City of Merchants”. Ruled over by the House of the Burgomeisters, (made up of the wealthiest Merchant Lords of the City), Sunngarde makes its wealth through trade and manufacturing, as well as renting out her large army to other rulers at almost, but not quite, unreasonable rates. The main army of Sunnegarde is financed by the Burgomeisters and is composed of the most disciplined regiments that can be provided by the Mercenary Guild which manages the city watch, and the Armory, among other things. Many a sellsword flocks daily to Sunnegarde in search of his fortune and the City of Merchants has no shortage of able bodied volunteers to fight for her interests on the battlefield. A former capital of several Emperors of the MittleReich (Middle Empire, or the Middle Realm), Sunngarde’s citizenry pride themselves on this fact and often claim to hail from the “Old Capital” when asked where they’re from. Though a “free city”, Sunngarde is often at war in some form or other with the rest of the Empire as the city’s immense wealth makes for a rather “golden egg laying goose” for the various much leaner states surrounding her. Though to those who know the tale, killing the goose will also kill any chances of getting more golden eggs!

Regiments of Sunnegarde.

The Duchy of the Hernevald/City of Horneburg

Further north of Sunnegarde lies the dark and brooding forest of the Hernevald, birthplace of the MittleReich and of the Teuschten Volk as a whole. Here is the sacred hunting ground of Herne, the Wild Huntsman, God of the Forest, Virility, Fertility, and all Wild Things. Here is celebrated the winter festival of Yolnacht, where devout worshipers of Herne make a pilgrimage to the “Gerichstlinde”, or “Doom Linden”, a gigantic linden tree beneath which the first kings of the Volkisch tribes made an oath of unity under Siegfried, founder of the Empire. It was here that the first seat of government was held and a city in time grew up around this sacred tree, now called the Horneburg, City of Herne. It is more like a large town rather than a bustling city, trade flows in rough, uneven patterns through the region and most of the residents of the Hernevald live on farmsteads in the valleys and mountains around the city rather than in it. The Duke of Hernevald, currently Otto Von Barentz, holds court in the Jaegerhoff, a stoutly fortified castle at the end of the Seigfriedstrasse, the main street that winds its way up the hillside through the center of the city. Here also is located a small temple to Herne, though any true hunstman (the most devout followers of the Hunting God of course!) will tell you that the true sanctuary of Herne is the forest itself, and therefore the most magnificent of any temple to the gods. The army of the Hernevald is more often than not a militia made up of farmboys and hunters that will meet up at the Gerichstlinde when the Duke sends out a general call to arms. The most professional “army” the Hernevald has is the Duke’s personal guard and the well trained Horneburg Watch. These along with a handful of mounted nobles and their retinues form the backbone of the Hernevald’s military might. But what the forest province lacks in professional troops, it more than makes up for in marksmen, for the jaegers of the Vald are among the most storied sharpshooters in all the Empire.

Soldiers of the Horneburg Watch

Coat of Arms of the Hernevald showing the golden stag’s head sigil of Herne with the Red Griffin of Siegfried holding a bishop’s mitre over the cross of the Siegfried Cult.

Banner of the Duchy of the Hernevald

Coat of Arms of the Horneburg, showing the Gerichstlinde at the heart of the city.

The Principality of Silezenland/Free City of Potzdorf

Silezenland is a cold country, on the eastern edge of the MittleReich, it is also a very different place from the rest of the Empire. Originally Silezenland was a barren waste home to many forest dwelling and steppe nomad tribes that came from the same place as the Volk but branched off into their own language and culture. Often considered barbarians by the only slightly more civilized Empire to the west, the Silezen tribes were conquered by Kaiser Sigismund II two hundred years before the reign of the current Emperor. Riding atop a mighty Red Griffin, Ironclaw, Sigismund slew a great many tribesman in the name of his ancestor god Sigfried, and built a mighty industrial city on the banks of the River Osric. The city of Potzdorf. Here stands the current capital of the Empire, a city of technological marvels, of great cannon factories, and of the College of Sorcery, which sanctions professional wizards and issues permits to practice their art within the Empire. The Emperors of the Red Griffin line, the supposed bloodline of Siegfried himself, holds court in the “City of Magic”. The factories produce gunpowder weapons of all kinds and the School of Engineering is continually at work creating all sorts of new and fantastical weapons for the Imperial armies as well as tools for the Empire as a whole. It’s most famous inventions being bomb lobbing War Balloons, and the dreaded Steam Tank. Here also resides the mighty, sky piercing Cathedral of Seigfried, wherein resides the Arch-Patriarch of the Church of Seigfried. Seigfriedism is, compared to the other cults of the Empire, relatively new. Siegfried disappeared after reigning a hundred years and it is believed he sleeps beneath one of the mountains of the Hernevald, interceding on behalf of the Volk and will one day awaken and return to lead the Volk in their last, desperate battle at the End of Days. The army of Silezenland is chiefly formed around the Army of the City of Potzdorf, whose regiments, being directly controlled by the Emperor or one of his subordinates, are among the best drilled and finest in the Empire. They are also the best led. Stunning uniforms of soot black and crimson red bedeck the proud soldiers of the Kaiser. The Imperial Arms of the Red Griffon Emperors (der Rotergreiff House) adorns the banners of the Imperial Army and when the Kaiser takes to the field with the full military might of the MittleReich, it is truly a wonderous sight to behold. Row upon row of cannons, musketeers, and occasional steam tanks adds thunder and fire to the Imperial battle line, while scout Balloons of the Imperial Luftballoon Corps reveals the enemy to the Kaiser’s generals while sanctioned wizards call forth mighty storms of magic to harry their enemies. The current Emperor is Ludwig Rudolf III, Kaiser vom MittleReich, Uberkonig von der Volk, Prince of Silezenland, and Grand Count of Potzdorf. Ludwig rides into battle atop his mighty griffin, Firebeak, and wields the ancient runesword of his mighty ancestor Siegfried. The runesword itself is a holy relic of the Church and can only be drawn from its sacred linden branch (once part of the mighty Gerichstlinde of Horneburg before a thunderbolt struck off the branch that held the sacred sword during the reign of Emperor Sigismund II.) by a descendant of Siegfried. Upon the death of the ruling member of Siegfried’s house, the sword is resheathed into the sacred branch til such time as a worthy descendant can claim it.

One of the Imperial regiments of Potzdorf, from the minor Nuln foundry district near the river.

Kaiser Ludwig atop his griffin Firebeak leading the charge against some troublesome greenskins that plague the region.

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Battletech Mercenary Corps

I've recently turned my brush back to Battletech for some new mech companies for Alpha Strike which I can't wait to start playing! I have a sizeable collection already with about 4 companies worth of House Steiner/LC mechs, 2 companies of House Marik/FWL, and a newly growing company of House Centrella/MoC. I tend to favor mercs over the regular line units so this article will outline in detail the two merc companies I have painted up, plus the new one on the way.

Euler's Hussars (Formerly the Prague Lancers)

Formed as an emergency measure against invaders from the Cappellan Confederation during the Andurien War, the Prague Lancers performed admirably against Liao mechs, defending Prague IV's capital, Dubrovnik. The Banate of Krum fought as a member state of the FWL and after the end of the Andurian War, sent troops to "restore order" in outlying Andurien worlds. An attempted coup of the Krumite government created a crisis where the Ban (King/Prince), declared several worlds in open rebellion and asked for support from the FWL. Betrayed at court by his enemies, Grand Duke Wladislaw Euler, who helped found the Lancers, was forced to flee to Dalmatia Prime. Arriving there with only his Cyclops mech and a few household techs, word spread among the Lancers of Duke Euler's betrayal at the hands of the Krumite court, and quietly left the Banate to join forces with Euler.

Renaming themselves "Euler's Hussars" they fought admirably against both the rebellious Andurian worlds and the Krumite forces. After routing the Ban's personal army on Ladoga, the Hussars were offered employment by another lord who needed their services fending off Steiner invaders some 20 light years away in another system. Since that time Euler's Hussars have made a name for themselves on the battlefield as professional, and expensive, mercenaries who get the job done. Mostly in the employ of the FWL, they have been known to serve alongside LC and even CC forces from time to time. They are often easily recognized by their white mechs with red striping and the Grand Duke's personal bodyguard lance sporting yellow frontages with a stylized Marik Eagle overlaying it.

Euler's Hussars marching alongside Marik Militia under Prinz Draco Wallenstein, of the Sovereignty of Carpathia.

Polarian Fusiliers

Formed from former Mechwarriors of the FWL, and the LC, the Polarian Fusiliers are a wild, fairly affordable merc company under the hedonistic leadership of Patrick Wilde. Primarily based on the world of Polari within the Magistracy of Canopus, the Fusiliers will serve almost anyone for the right pay. Mostly fighting in the petty wars that wrack the FWL as well as having fought alongside the CCAF in throwing back Davion invasions. The Fusiliers are an eccentric group made up of dishonerably discharged veterans, pornstars that themselves were scions of noble houses, cast out in disgrace for their lifestyle choices, and other misfits. All welcomed with open arms by Wilde and formed into an unconventional but effective fighting unit. Their mechs are Canopian green with the company's signature symbol emblazoned on their mechs: a pair of hot pink lips.

A lance of Polarian Fusiliers aiding Steiner forces during the FedCom Civil War.

Dougall's Dark Thanes

Composed of exiles from Northwind, the Dark Thanes are a mercenary company with a fearsome reputation. Stubborn to a fault even beyond that of their kin, the Northwind Highlanders themselves, they follow the renowned Mechwarrior Dougall MacLaine, of Clan MacLaine of Northwind. Exiled from the planet for dealing treacherously with a rival clan, Dougall took his mech and travelled the IS serving various Houses including fighting for a stint in the Skye Rangers, as well as making a name for himself in the arena on Solaris VII before returning to Northwind to recruit fellow outcast Highlanders for his own mercenary band, the Dark Thanes. They have a reputation for ferocity and have made a name for themselves as a unit that will hold a fortress against enemies three times their number. Black painted mechs with the Mechwarrior's clan tartan adorn each mech, giving the whole company a grim appearance in the heat of battle. Recently, due to their heroic actions against the Clan Jade Falcon, the Clan Elders of Northwind have allowed the Dark Thanes to bear the coveted Northwind Highlander's armorial on their mechs in gratitude for saving the regiment during the Siege of Innisgael. Katrina Steiner also gifted Innisgael to Dougall in gratitude for repelling Jade Falcon forces from this portion of Lyran space. Rather than retire to his newfound wealth though, Dougall still travels the IS at the head of the Dark Thanes, using Innesgael as a valuable base from which to strike at the enemies he's paid to fight.

A Dark Thane Rifleman, belonging to one Alisdair Campbell.

Monday, June 12, 2017

Redmond's Reasons Part III, the Night Battle

Although this battle took place in the late evening of January the 12th, 17-- the combatants gave it various names such as the Siege of Fort St Phillip, or more famously, the Night Battle. It had by turn of events, a rather profound effect on the course of the war up to that point. Namely, the acquisition of that part of the Lorraine by the forces of His Majesty, King George II, and a singular commanding position from which to anchor the assault against Louis XV's armies in both Germany and France. What follows is a brief synopsis of the pivotal battle which Mr. Redmond Barry, Esq. had doubtless taken part....

Evening of January 12th, the Duke of Ely leading the British army advances toward the river crossing and to the fort, while the Prince d'Rhone directs artillery to fire on the British to little effect.

Sundown, the British Dragoons gallop towards the La Sarre regiment holding the ford, thundering into their ranks and causing much havoc, as the French artillery suffer an early panic in morale and lose several men to cowardice! (Luck of the draw on the card deck)

The next turn the French gunners rally and send shells flying into the midst of the British column. Barry's regiment takes a dreadful hit.

The French artillery fire throws the column into confusion and the men delay advancing a turn while the officers sort out the mess.

Poor supply planning leaves one of the regiments without powder so they cannot shoot this turn. Which really doesn't matter since they are in column of march!

The fighting grows fiercer around the river ford, more British Dragoons from the rear attack De Clare's Irish regiment, slamming into them with great ferocity as the dragoons are Ulster Scots.

The Royal Guards regiment holds the fort.

Another artillery barrage strikes the rear of the column.

The British Dragoons charge off the field after the routing French regiments one after the other. The Irish Wild Geese are the last to break and flee, pursued by the Inniskilling Dragoons.

The Regiment De Berry begins to back off towards the road in an orderly retreat, which quickly turns into a rout as they take heavy fire from the British line.

High tide of the battle, the British advance is slowed as the French are driven off the field but the tangle of woods leaves units mixed up and stranded, His Grace calls a halt until the matter is sorted out. The Prince retreats to the fort and directs artillery to the center of the British line.

The Duke orders a general advance to take the fort.

The French artillery routs while the Royal Guards hold their ground. A call for surrender is made and the Prince, after some deliberation, surrenders the fort to the Duke in exchange for safe conduct to French lines.

The Duke of Ely graciously accepts the surrender of Fort St Phillip from the Prince d'Rhone.

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Redmond's Reasons, The Engagement at the Castle, Part II

Here now is the continuation of the Battle of Castle Frankenburg. The air was filled with the stench of gunpowder, and the battle cries of men and horses...

The last of Von Seydlitz' cavalry were driven off by British rifle fire but they had done their job of contesting the river crossing.

Prussian infantry file into the woods as British regulars line up on the opposite bank of the Rhine.

Prussian cannon begin to reduce the castle to rubble...

Frederick urges his men to press on to the castle gates.

Having lost the regiment holding the castle, George moves a second unit in to hold it. The rest of the line pours a disciplined volley into the forest.

Which is returned with equal discipline by the well drilled Prussian line.

George, upon realizing the battle was slanted quite unfavorably towards himself, ordered a retreat from the castle.

The British fell back, having lost 4 units to the Prussian's 2. Prussian artillery contributed massively to the battle having broken down the castle's walls and killed a good many men in the resulting collapse.

The British make an orderly retreat back to friendly Hanover, whilst light infantry hold the crossing against the full might of the Prussian army.

Alte Fritz, not being one to leave a limping enemy alive to fight him a second time, leads the pursuit of the British. Prussian soldiers pour out of the woods and head for the crossing.

George mutters angrily to the Duke of Cumberland. What he said has been lost to history.

"Right lads, we got a job to do. See you boys at the Wench's Backside for a round o' lager on me."

All in all a hard fought battle and great fun in less than an hour. Hopefully by next week I'll have France and Austria ready to enter the field. ;)

Redmond's Reasons, a blog series of my Seven Years War gaming. (Part I)

"It would require a great philosopher and historian to explain the causes of the great Seven Years War, in which Europe was engaged, and in which Barry's regiment was now on its way to take part. Let it suffice to say that Prussia and England were allies, and at war with the French, the Swedes, the Russians, and the Austrians." -Barry Lyndon (Narration)

In the tumultuous summer of 2017, amidst paint pots and brushes, tiny but valiant armies took shape which, in the course of wargaming, first shed blood and plastic on a small dining room table, late into the evening of May the 23rd. The combatants, while familiar to modern readers as the Prussians and British, and while accustomed to being allies in war, saw themselves opposed at a river crossing to take a great castle, which in former times once guarded the Rhine, now but a picturesque, yet still vitally strategic choke point for advancing armies in that part of Germany. The argument between Kings George II, and Frederick II that precipitated this conflict has been lost to history, but historians will point out that whatever the reason, it was merely a distraction from the coming conflagration that would sweep Europe, and the world, up into its flames.*

(*NOTE: As this post has many pictures in it, I've broken it up into several parts so that my woefully lacking phone may publish this batrep with considerably better ease.)

To the left bank lay a portion of the Black Forest, to the right, open fields and farmlands of this once formidable feudum.

King George II, whilst not a great tactician, saw the vital importance of taking and holding this fortress from the Prussians, and personally led the army which was to take it.

Fredrick II, by far a better more strategically brilliant general, equally saw the value in holding the Schloss von Frankenburg, as it would give him command of this part of Lower Saxony.

A great cacophony of gunshots and steel clad hooves opened the ball so to speak. British horse reached the castle first and clashed with Von Seydlitz' cavalry in a contest for the river crossing.

George rode ahead of the column with the light infantry to further drive off Von Seydlitz and get across the river.

Frederick urged his men at the double quick to reach the castle in force, relying on Von Seydlitz to hold the crossing.

First blood is drawn by the British horse as light infantry arrive to provide support. George adds a +1 to all die rolls to troops within 6" of him as per house rules I've added for commander units.