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Midgard Heroic Battles The Other Partizan 2024

Playing Homer’s Iliad A close look at the best games

THEME: WINTER WAR - FROZEN BATTLES THROUGH THE CENTURIES

 FEATURED wargames illustrated issue WI443 december 2024

THIS MONTH

FROM THE EDITOR

’Tis the season to be jolly, and, these days, that seems to mean everything yuletide related
needs to be given a covering of snow and ice. So, in the spirit of seasonal solidarity, we felt
we should give Wi a smattering of winter weather this month, with a Winter War theme. What
better way to do that than by providing you with five Winter War articles and a frame of Bolt
Action Winter Fallschirmjäger?
Fresh (or probably fatigued) from the battlefields of the Ardennes, your squad of six German
paratroopers are currently only available as a Platoon Box Set from Warlord Games, so this
freebie frame provides you with a unique opportunity to either ‘try before you buy’ or add
OBSERVATION POST ....................... 8
some reinforcements to your platoon.
Arm yourself with everything you need to know about what’s on your free sprue by taking a
look at information provided by Warlord Games below, and find more at warlord-community.
warlordgames.com
Dan Faulconbridge
Editor
Cover artwork: Fallschirmjäger
in the Ardennes by Neil Roberts.

Winter Fallschirmjäger
diorama ..................................... 26 1: Heads in plain helmets
2: Head in winter field cap
3: Heads in canvas covered helmets
4: Head in officer’s peaked cap
5: Head in side cap
6: Head in field cap
7: Head in winter field cap
8: Flare pistol
9: Ammo belts for MG42 LMG
10: FG42 assault rifle with scope
11: Panzerfaust
12: Kar 98K rifle
13: MP40 submachine gun right arm
14: MP40 submachine gun left arm
15: PPSh submachine gun left arm
16: MP38 submachine gun left arm
Inside the White Castle ........ 32 17: FG42 assault rifle arms
18: StG 44 assault rifle arms
19: MG42 magazine
20: MG42 arms
21: Left arm holding MP40 magazine
22: Arms with Kar98K rifle
23: Arms with Kar98K rifle
29 Eldon Business Park 24: Running body
Attenborough, Nottingham 25: Braced body
NG9 6DZ 26: Charging body
United Kingdom 27: Striding body
28: Kneeling body
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CONTENTS Playing Homer’s Iliad with
Midgard Heroic Battles ........... 42
OBSERVATION POST ........................... 8 James Morris demos his new game,
We’ve got Napoleonic and World War Two Midgard Heroic Battles, and shows how it
gaming with a horror twist, along with works in a battle set during the Trojan War.
some mounted Old West Gunfighters in this Theme: The ice fortress .......... 36
month’s reviews. Theme:
In the bleak midwinter ............. 50
RELEASE RADAR .................................. 16 Simon MacDowall considers history
Dom Sore’s found a fresh sackfull of and fiction as he creates a campaign and
wargaming goodies to discuss in his concluding tabletop clash based on the
regular column. midwinter crossing of the Rhine in 406AD.
QUICK FIRE .......................................... 22 The Other Partizan - part one ...... 58
Find out what your wargaming peers have The first of a double bill showing off some
been up to in our monthly showcase of Wi of the awesome wargaming that was had at
readers’ projects. The Other Partizan.
Frame focus: Winter Theme: Getting cold feet
Fallschirmjäger diorama ....... 26 in Norway ......................................... 64
Matt Parkes builds a diorama connected Jan Karrman’s latest impressive project, in The Other Partizan -
to our Winter War theme with this month’s preparation for Salute 2025, is perfect for part one ......................................... 58
free frame. our Winter War theme, covering the Battle
Inside the White Castle of Trangen, 1808.
(Oshiro Terrain interview) ..... 32 There and Crack again ............. 70
We interview James Sharp of Oshiro Model Mike Peters reports on Crack Con Five - a
Terrain about his board building adventures. wargaming event close to his heart - and one
Theme: The ice fortress ............. 36 he showcased his game, Ruckus, at this year.
Frank Becker, who will present an Theme: Winter bases ....................... 72
impressive Napoleonic game at TACTICA Multi-award-winning painter Paul Mackay
2025, gives us a pre-event preview, in a shows off some great finishes he’s achieved
dispatch from northern Germany. on the bases of his wintery figures.

29: Walking body 47: Holster for Luger Theme: Getting cold
30: Right arm with StG 44 48: Right arm with Sten gun feet in Norway ........................... 64
31: Left arm for part 30 49: Left arm carrying panzerfaust
32: Gas mask case 50: Right arm with entrenching tool
33: Arms with fired panzerfaust 51: Right hand holding Luger
34: Entrenching tool 52: MG42 ammunition pouch with mitten tucked in
35: Right arm 53: Right arm throwing stick grenade
36: Entrenching tool 54: Personal equipment
37: Left arm 55: Gas mask case
38: Arms with MP40 56: FG42 bandolier
39: Arms with MG42 57: FG42 bandolier with stick grenade
40: Stick grenade case 58: Field glasses
41: Ammo box 59: Panzerfaust
42: Entrenching tool 60: MG42 spare barrel case
43: FG42 assault rifle bandolier 61: MP40 ammo pouches
44: Right arm pointing 62: Officer’s map case
45: Right arm with StG44 63: Personal equipment
46: Left arm with Kar98K 64: StG44 ammo pouches Theme: Winter bases ................. 72
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 OBSERVATION
POST New and forthcoming wargames
stuff you need to know about

RULES, SUPPLEMENTS, FIGURES, TERRAIN, HOBBY GEAR, AND MORE

CROOKED DICE - BENEATH THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS

Continuing their mission to blend weird retro aesthetics, cinematic

gaming mechanics, and a smidgen of history, Crooked Dice have Details
released Beneath the Mountains of Madness. As with many of
Crooked Dice’s releases, this one started out as a Kickstarter; with • Scale: 28mm
that crowdfunding campaign fulfilled, we can all get our hands on • Period: WWII (but with a fantasy twist)
the 7TV expansion (Feature Pack), along with a range of quirky
• Price: £25 for the Feature Pack. From £5 for
figures connected to the release. the miniatures.
Packaged inside a VHS tape box, which adds nicely to the retro feel, • Material: 104-page full colour, small-format,
you’ll find all the bits you’ll need to immerse your group of brave softback book and an assortment of high-
players in a Lovecraftian horror movie-like adventure. The Episode quality cards. White metal miniatures.
Guide book, the Cast cards (character options), Make Up and Prop • Available from: crooked-dice.co.uk
cards (extra gaming modifiers), and Grimoires (magic abilities) add
a lot of richness to the Antarctic-during-World-War-Two setting,
and the wild adventure that occurs there.

FROM GREATER SHOGGOTHS TO MUTANT PENGUINS theme). There are far stranger gaming options to choose from,
too, with everything from ancient, otherworldly horrors to
As you have probably guessed, the Nazis have been meddling with
monstrous mutant penguins out for blood. It’s an intriguing
the occult again! Rather predictably, they’ve dug up some badness
blend of horror and quirky comedy of which the likes of Sam
in the ice, and things have gotten rather… messy! The US have
Rami and Bruce Campbell would be proud!
sent an OSR (Occult and Science Reserve) team into the frozen
landscape to investigate what’s going on. This is where the gaming Beneath the Mountains of Madness does a great job of
gets into its swing, but there’s a fair bit of background provided adding new mechanics to each of the scenarios, building up
first, allowing you to immerse yourself in the film-like world. This the tension, dread, and isolation for players as the games
sets up the environment and key cast members (many of whom get progress. Each scenario result impacts the next game: a
new miniatures) before a five-part campaign. This takes up about minor victory might weaken a key opponent, or gain you the
two thirds of the book, and features special themed rules, along initiative, whereas a major victory will give the conqueror
with a good dose of classic historical adversaries, all given a bit bonuses such as new Props (bits of equipment) to use, or
of a cold-weather twist (rather fitting for this month’s Winter War specialist cast members to bring into play.

Under the Microscope

IT’S ON THE CARDS

There are 26 neat accessory cards included, split into Props and Special Effects.
The Props are more your good-guy basics: a Hand Camera that can immobilise
a target with its flash, Binoculars to increase a shoot attack’s range, Snowshoes
to traverse the environment with ease, etc. It’s the Special Effects that are a
bit more fun, with Contact Lenses allowing the wearer to ignore cover when
targeting a foe, Mortician’s Wax making a model cause the Scared status, and
Air Bladder used as a knock-down option, no doubt spraying some kind of
blood mix at the target. This blend of ‘movie magic’ with gaming mechanics is
very appealing, and a part of the 7TV world we really enjoy.

8
 BUILDING TENSION
Things get weird and then a whole lot weirder as the drama of the campaign
escalates. The scenarios move from the snowy dangers above to underground
horrors of a more Gothic and ancient kind. There’s certainly an element of
psychological terror here, alongside environmental hazards that will force you
to move around the tabletop more strategically.
Each scenario is presented rather
nicely, with very neat isometric
maps that show the ideal setup.
Crooked Dice’s production quality
always shines brightly, and this
Feature Pack is no exception. The
small dimensions of the Episode
Guide remain divisive in the
Wi office (seen right), and we’d
probably prefer it if it was twice the
size, but there’s a lot packed into its
dinky pages. Richly detailed prose,
tidy scenarios, and great-looking
models bring the Mythos creatures
to life, making this a visually
immersive experience.
Lovecraft fans will, of course, find a lot to like, but this is a carefully
considered gaming experience that has enough history woven into the horror
fabric to appeal to a wider range of players. If you’ve not given 7TV a go yet,
then maybe now is the time to get started!

Below: Husky Sled Team.

Above: Ahnenerbe Villains (General, Kommandant, Chief Scientist, Scientist).

Right: Antarctic Heroes.

Below: Cthonic Aberration.

Above: Elder Thing. Above: Albino Penguins.

9
 OSPREY GAMES - THE SILVER BAYONET: ITALY - THE SHADES OF CALABRIA

T.C. Stephen becomes the third author to add to the world of The Silver Bayonet, taking
readers to early 19th Century Calabria in his new expansion for Joe McCullough’s
Gothic-horror Napoleonic skirmish game.
This book begins by painting a vivid picture of the history and landscape of Calabria,
detailing remote villages perched dramatically on hillsides, the ruins of Greek and
Roman antiquity to be discovered, and expansive forests adding their own dose of drama.
This somewhat wild and rugged terrain is, of course, going to be a challenging locale for
your Silver Bayonet Units to do their work in. The author describes the geography as ‘a
dichotomous concoction of both wondrous beauty and terrible danger’, which sounds like
a great start for our horror-themed adventures in Italy!
NAPOLEONIC REALITY MEETS HORROR GAMING
The book takes the challenges that the environment and natural hazards presented to
Napoleonic-era troops, and adds monsters and myth to the mix. Local wildlife is made all
the wilder, the sometimes-brutal weather (including the hurricane winds of the scirocco)
add to gaming challenges, and other hazards get a mention, too, such as the 1783
earthquake that ravaged Calabria, and the subsequent banditry that became a way of life.
This is all covered in a rich and descriptive introduction that takes up the front fifth of
the book, but the history and detail is then carried across to the gaming systems.
It seems the author has delighted in working these elements into the Unexpected

Details
Event tables, the Bestiary, and the different scenarios, and it’s great to see historical
inspiration adding interesting friction to the gameplay.
• Scale: 28mm
You’ll deal with challenges presented by sudden weather shifts, impassable roads,
marauding brigands, French invaders, Calabrian insurgents, and more in the games • Period: Napoleonic horror
you play. There are the more supernatural elements, too; key to Calabria is the • Price: £14.99
mysterious Green Mist, which veils the darker magics of necromancers. It obscures
visibility and quite dramatically reduces shooting accuracy. Targets more than 7" • Format: 96-page full colour, large-format,
away are at -1 to hit when the mist blankets the battlefield, and more than 14" away softback book
they are at -2. This makes the safer ranged attacks that players tend to use much less • Available from: ospreypublishing.com
appealing, and it doesn’t take a tactical genius to see that much of Calabria’s combat
will be up close and personal.

Above: Left to right: Grenadier, Sapper, Conscript, Agent Provocateur.

Above: Left to right: Provincial Soldier, Light Infantryman, Irregular, Officer.

Under the Microscope

NEW GAMING CHALLENGES

Calabrian Briganti (bandits) are rooted in the region’s history of local resistance and insurgency, and they are one of the four possible
Roaming Patrols you’ll encounter, along with Deserters, French, and British. How these Patrols interact with you depends on your own
faction alignment, but the Briganti, along with Deserters, will always try to hinder your efforts if they join a battle. They will join the
game from a random table edge and work as a three-figure group (or five if you’re playing Hard Mode), activating with the Monster
Action mechanics.
Necromancers join the Halloween party, and they will Raise the Dead if enemy figures are close, or use their Dark Gift if they are further
away. This allows undead or the Necromancer to recover health, making for a potentially-unending onslaught of attack. It’s another
reason for you to get your troops in close: to engage the Necromancer and take them out before their minions overwhelm you.

10
 A BRUTAL BESTIARY
Unfortunately for the soldiers in your Silver Bayonet Unit, who
now benefit from getting into melee range, there are a plenty of
enemies you’d do well to keep away from. The region-specific
horrors are particularly notable, reflecting the rich folklore of
Calabria. A Grave Golem is a massive creature, formed from
cemetery debris, who has the Large and Hard to Put Down
attributes. La Janara (the Nightmare Witch) is an adversary
inspired by Italian witch legends, and they can use their
malocchio (an ability called Curse of the Evil Eye) to impact
luck. It allows them to reroll low dice, and forces their enemies
to reroll high dice. How frustrating! Wild boar, which are rife in
the region, can be inhabited by an angry spirit - and, when they
are, become more hardy opponents who are resilient to pain.
Complementing these creatures are some new attributes, such as
Brittle, which makes certain undead monsters fragile. Ethereal
Firearm is a scary addition that lets some creatures fire spectral
weapons without the need to reload. To make matters worse,
these unnatural projectiles ignore armour, and if you opt to
play in Hard Mode, they even ignore cover! Raise the Dead is a
Necromancer essential, letting them summon reinforcements and
swamp you with their hordes.
LOCAL SUPPORT
The local beasts aren’t all bad news, however. With Quick
Healing and Hard to Put Down, the Lupo Mannaro is a resilient
Calabrian Werewolf that a Calabresi Unit can enlist for 30
Recruitment Points.
Joining the cast of characters available to you are Agent Above: The horror of the mighty Grave Golem.
Provocateurs, Calabrian Clergy, Conscripts, Light Infantry,
Provincial Soldiers, and Voltigeurs. These new options are
getting some fantastic North Star figures. This is a range that
ALL ALONE IN CALABRIA?
goes from strength to strength, and the Italy options are amongst The main campaign is presented for solo play, although the
the nicest yet, with a good mix of characters that will fit very author includes notes on how to make it competitive. We still
well into any historical army, alongside a club-wielding nun like our games to be mano a mano at Wi Towers, but we do
and gun-toting monk (who seems to resemble a well-known recognise that solo play is becoming more popular (perhaps
miniature painter!). in part because it’s a darn sight easier to playtest), so we’re
not going to take issue with it. This is a carefully crafted
narrative campaign that takes its inspiration from the historical
background. The French aim to establish control over Calabria,
but must deal with Calabrian bandits, British-backed insurgents,
and local superstitions that - what, with this being The Silver
Bayonet - are far more than simple folklore.
The design of the campaign includes advice on creating
a tabletop that reflects Calabria’s landscape, encouraging
players to include Mediterranean-style architecture, scattered
tombstones, and wilderness. There’s a foreboding ambiance in
the settings of the scenarios, and a lot of Gothic horror, with
missions such as rescuing a gravedigger from the dead rising
around him. After the campaign proper, which consists of six
Above: Left to right: Clergyman, Champion of the Faith, Irregular, Highwayman.
scenarios, there are also four multiplayer options presented.
Moody black-and-white artwork accentuates the book’s tone of
horror and gloom, but we do (as always) rather wish that some
space would be given to scenic shots of miniatures in action. It’s
a splendid range of figures, and they deserve their place in this
wargaming ruleset’s books!
OVERALL
If it wasn’t clear from the many details we’ve crammed into this
review, we’re impressed with this new expansion for The Silver
Bayonet. Calabria feels like a character here, described in a way
that makes its environment feel as exciting and immersive as
it does spooky and oppressive. It’s the kind of place in which
Above: Left to right: Lupo Mannaro, Officer, Irregular, Occultist. you’ll want to play a good few games, and it might be the most
cohesive of the game’s locales so far.

11
 GREAT ESCAPE GAMES - DEAD MAN’S HAND MOUNTED GUNFIGHTERS

Great Escape Games (GEG) have made some positive

forays into plastic production over the last few years,
releasing two variety-packed gunfighter sets and some
great terrain options, along with a wagon. In the process,
they have widened the accessibility of their Dead Man’s
Hand ruleset, and provided affordable options to those
wanting to explore the Old West in a broader context. One
thing that was missing, however, was the all-important and
iconic ‘car of the Old West’, better known as the horse.
With the release of their new set of Mounted Gunfighters,
that gap in the range has been filled. Let’s take a closer
look at how the new frames go together.
Opening the box reveals three of them - bases, riders, and
horses - and you get two of each, to make ten figures in
total. That makes these an incredible value set at £2.50
for each mounted figure. That’s not just rootin’ - it’s
also tootin’!
PEERING AT THE PLASTIC
While they aren’t the most exciting of the trio, we’ll get
the base discussion out of the way first. These are neat,
slim, oval designs that will stop your figures falling over.
They provide simple form and function, which is fancy
enough for our needs!

While the matching head and body styles is necessary,

and there’s nice variety with cowboy, bandit, Civil War,
more civilian, and weirdo styles included, we would have
loved it if GEG had crammed in a hatless head. There’s
an unworn Stetson on the frame, which is a nice little
bonus, but one that makes us hungry for a bare head to
go with it. That would have been a well-considered touch
that allowed for dynamic builds where the hat is coming
off mid-gallop or as the rider is shot in the saddle. Such
things may be the picky details you only spot as someone
who reviews new plastic figures month in, month out,
while being a rather obsessive kitbasher, but it does feel
Let’s gallop to the frame of riders next; it’s notable that they are listed
like a slight missed opportunity.
as ‘Mounted Gunfighters I’, suggesting that, while this set is all male,
Not quite so picky, and a less
there could be a double-X-chromosome option to come. The style of the
forgivable feature is that some
figures, and the layout of parts on the frame, will be familiar to anyone
of the same fit problems from
the on-foot frame remain. Some
who has built the male Gunfighters on foot. As with the ten-figure plastic
Gunfighters set, the frame for the riders is packed with parts.
arms sit poorly on most bodies
Riders are split at the waist, and the legs are spread to straddle their and that’s really something that
mounts, with stirrups around their boots. If you’re a Dead Man’s Hand should have been fixed.
fan who is already invested in the plastics, you’ll notice that a fair few
parts here are familiar. Is this a cynical, cost-cutting exercise, wherein Above: Repeated from the Gunfighters on foot
reusing existing bits reduces sculpting time? No, this is because the frame, this part barely fits on the torsos, and if
same character from your gang will need to be represented on foot there are coat-edges flaring out, you can forget
about it. It’s perhaps a forgivable sign of Great
and mounted (below). The crossover of bits means that your riders can
Escape Games’ relative newness to plastic
dismount during gaming and continue looking like the same character, production that this hasn’t been fixed.
although you can still vary up their poses a good amount.

Details
• Scale: 28mm
• Period: Old West
• Price: £25
• Format: Hard plastic
• Available from: greatescapegames.co.uk

12
 Under the Microscope

RIDING OUT
The hobby has been blessed by some great and dynamic plastic horses of late
(Wargames Atlantic’s light horse are a standout), and we’re happy to report that
the frame of horses included in this set can stand head-to-head with them. Well,
maybe not quite head-to-head, as it looks like these mounts are styled to match the
American Quarter Horse, favoured by cowboys, and a couple of hands shorter than
some others!
The explosive pace of this breed is well represented through some dynamic poses,
and the built look is great, especially when the riders are in place. The different
halves fit together specifically, and are marked on the frame accordingly.
New duplicate heads from the two frames in this box could be used in conjunction
the foot frame, to create new ‘twins’. E.g. on the mounted frames you have two
‘kepi heads’ - so you could create a figure on foot wearing a kepi, and one mounted.
The frame includes water bottles, canteens, bedrolls, blankets, and saddlebags, Above: This menacingly-odd bandit has his
so your Gunfighters are well set for a long ride. These extras will add character worldly possessions slung over his horse’s
and narrative elements to your builds, and the quality of the horses makes for a saddle behind him.
wonderful group of mounted figures.

Getting a big gold star for GEG, though, is the number

of arm options, which boasts impressive variety and
versatility. The same weapon loadouts are present here as
in the Gunfighters on foot, but arms gripping at the reins,
carrying bags, and roping from the saddle are included,
too. This makes for some fantastic-looking builds, and
to say this set is everything you could wish for from
a cowboy in the saddle is… well, it’s wrong, because
we know that wargamers are perpetually and insatiably
greedy for more, but it’s certainly a great offering!
There’s nothing stopping you from putting some of these
arms, such as the one swinging a lasso, onto a figure on
foot either, making for even more variety.
Production quality is great, and these are hard-plastic
casts at their finest, with well-represented details, sharp
edges, and very little clean-up needed. There have been
some weird scaling issues on a few parts in previous
GEG sets (huge Sherriff’s badges and a scarily massive
cat), but here everything seems right.
Overall, this is a brilliant set, and, while we’re impressed
by its quality and variety, it is its value that really can’t
be overstated. There’s never been an easier way to build
a posse of riders with this amount of variety for such a
great price.

We couldn’t fit all the

great new stuff we got into
this month’s magazine.
WiPrime Members can
head to our website to see
what we thought of the
rest, including some new
Gringo40s Texas Rangers.

13
 Release
Radar
Dom Sore celebrates our current wargaming golden age with more new and upcoming releases.

SUCCINCT SUPPLEMENTS AND NEW RULES

New games come out
BelloLudi (belloludi.nl) have released a new
book to join their increasingly expansive frequently, new products
range: BelloLudi Kalashnikov. Set at the even more frequently, and
skirmish level - 25 to 30 figures each - the older games get additions,
book covers conflicts from 1970 to the present or new editions! The
day, and beyond. Each player controls a few
units that activate alternately with their democratisation of the
opponents, and friction is provided by the gaming space, through
BelloLudi Commander Dice, a special D20 home production options,
that contains five values: B, 0, 1, 2, and 3, is allowing creative minds
which determines the number of orders to make their own rules and
a unit receives in a turn, whether some
weapons hit, and if units rally. Shooting and figures, and put them out
hand-to-hand combat are simple to follow, and stats for troops there, too. I am enjoying
and weapons are generic enough that you could use them for lo-fi seeing what is new, and this
futuristic games, as well as modern recreations. The rules come month’s releases are just in
as a PDF for just shy of 10€, but a printed version is available at
time for Christmas!
twice that price. Other than the BelloLudi Commander Dice, all you
will need to play are figures. If you haven’t played any historical
games, or perhaps want to introduce a friend to wargaming, this
is a reasonably cheap and easy-to-understand way to dip your (or
their) toes into the water.

Rapid Fire (rapid-fire-uk.com) continues to be blessed with a steady stream

of extras, this time in the form of The Road to Carentan. Across its great-
looking 36 pages are scenarios featuring the US 101st Airborne Division,
as they progress from D-Day to the capture of Carentan. Rather than the
usual organised rosters that players will be used to, the Americans make
rather random and hastily-assembled formations after their parachute- and
glider-drops. The main adversaries of the 101st are the 6th Fallschirmjäger
Regiment, and, in addition to details of force-assembly and the scenarios,
the book also includes vehicle and gun details, as well as gaming info on
reducing an Intact building to a ruin.

Bronze Shield, Silver Coin is a new Ancient-period wargame

from Raymond Weilacher (wargamevault.com) that weighs
in at 80 digital pages, and is a very well-presented ruleset
with neat design and some good miniature photography.
Beyond looking good, it presents a miniature-agnostic Abilities Major Abilities

ruleset for skirmish gaming, with about 10 models in each

No. Ability Name Philosopher
Captains and Seconds Notes
in Bronze Shield, Silver
abilities which provide Coin have
specialization in battle. Once per turn, when
this character defeats
abilities often modify Character 1 Chain-Attack enemy in a fight, they an
the core rules of the can immediately move
case the ability always game, in which of their normal movement half

mercenary warband on the tabletop. Gaming is built around

takes precedence. attack. and then make a free

2 Defensive This character never

suffers a minus one dice
penalty for defending
.

campaign play, and an Intrigue system that brings bribery,

When this character
3 Duelist is in combat with only
enemy model, add two one
dice to its Quality test
any fights. for

treachery, and surprises to play has me… well, intrigued!

Whenever this character
4 defeats an enemy in a
Inspiring fight, for the remainder
of the phase when
another friendly character
one dice to their roll. fights within 3” add

As well as rules, background, abilities, and profiles, there

Before an enemy model
5 initiates a fight with
Intimidating character, that enemy this
model must take a Single
Quality test. If they fail,
the enemy model must
select another target
or end their activation.

are eight scenarios. This could be a great introduction to

At the start of each Combat
6 phase, select an
Merciless Taunt enemy model within
3”. That model shifts
their first Quality test down
(or Single Quality test)
taken during that phase.

the Ancient wargaming period, or a fantastic pick-up game

7 Ox Strength Once per turn, when
this character fights,
up its Quality test. shift

Captain only. Any time

at your club, using just a smattering of figures from your

a friendly model is
affected by an opponent’
8 s Intrigue Card, if this
Philosopher character is on the board,
roll a Single Quality
test for the Captain.
If passed, the friendly
may ignore the effects. model
If failed, the Intrigue

existing miniature collection.

Card is applied normally.

9 Sure-Eyed This character can roll

their Quality for shooting
attacks rather than 2D6.

The first time this unit

would be defeated and
10 Tough removed from a game,
ignore the result. Two
failed Quality tests in
the same
will still cause this character Saving Throw
to be defeated.

19

20

16
ODDITIES LARGE AND SMALL
I like an unusual figure or two, even when I don’t have a game to
use them in, and this month I’ve spotted some excellent examples
that are burning a hole in my wallet. The new Gnome Henge, from
Antediluvian Miniatures (antediluvianminiatures.com), is set to
scorch my credit card with its characterful sculpts. You may think
of gnomes as small creatures but, judging by the henge shown,
these curious creatures were bigger than we thought. Either that,
or these druids have confused their inches for feet when drawing
up plans for their stage decoration! While clearly aimed at fantasy
gamers, or fans of comedy classic Spinal Tap, their clothes have
enough ‘generic medieval’ styling that I may be able to sneak them Above: Gnome Henge.
into historical armies as a little vignette.

Even more out-there are the new Martians from Miniatures

4 U (etsy.com/uk/shop/Miniatures4uGB). Many of us in the
UK of a certain age will see these and instantly want some
mashed potato. If you know you know, and you might also hear
the sound of a special - some would say maniacal - kind of
laughter; sadly, print media doesn’t lend itself to representing
that faithfully. There is a full set of figures here to make an
interesting sci fi force for the game of
your choice: Stargrave, Five Parsecs from
Home: Tactics, Beyond the Gates of Antares,
In Her Majesty’s Name, and Grimdark
worlds come to mind. These are sold as
3D-prints, coming as multi-part figures,
so you will be able to mix and match bits
between some of the sets to create your
own unique fighting force. These figures are possibly my favorite release of the
year simply for the smile they have put on my face. My main problems to work
out are what colour to paint them (metallic purple?) and how to base them. If you
fondly remember classic UK adverts, you should certainly get yourself some of
these ‘Smash’ing minis.

BUILDINGS THROUGH TIME

Supreme Littleness Designs (shop.supremelittleness.co.uk) have two new releases that clash
somewhat with their company name, in that they’re rather large pieces of terrain. First, it’s the
Walls of Troy (seen right), which consists of five kits: the South
Gate and Tower, East Tower, East Gate, Straight Wall sections,
and Angled Wall sections. The Angled Wall set comprises four
parts that form a 90-degree corner when added together but
these can be used separately to create a shallower angle, or
combined with other sets to make a more extreme corner. The
walls come in at around 14cm in height, and the Angled Wall is
53cm long, while the Straight Wall is 36cm long. The towers and
gates are all different, with the South Gate and Tower combined
in one piece, and all have removable parts to allow you to get
inside. They will get you started on building your own Troy,
but I wonder, is there a wooden horse kit coming along?

Their other new item is an Ottoman Wooden House (seen

left). It wasn’t until I saw this that I realised just how rarely
products like this come along. It depicts a common Ottoman
style of wooden house found in Istanbul until quite recently.
The structure comes with excellent external detail that will
lend itself to reproducing the riot of colour that I associate
with Istanbul. You can choose to go with a plain-wood
alternative for the door, rather than the more ornate option,
and the shallow sloping roof means it will fit in well with
pretty much any South European buildings.

17
 Bringing buildings closer to the present day are MarDav
Miniatures, who are building a 1940s Town (mdminis.
co.uk) that will be 3D-printed to their usual high standard.
Their range includes a Bank, Department Store, House,
Pub, Roadblock, and Garage. If you are wondering what
kind of detail you will get, the Garage comes with three
Avery Hardoll 888 pumps, the Department Store has a
rooftop fire-watcher’s post, and the House has a walled
yard attached, with a brick pillbox hiding in the wall. It
looks like my dream WWII table may become a reality
without too much effort on my part!

CAVALRY AND CIVILIANS

The Assault Group (theassaultgroup.co.uk) have
released some new Dutch and Spanish Cavalry for
your late 16th Century armies. Both armies get six
new 28mm metal figures. The Spanish are Gente
d’Armes, and there are three with lances levelled, and
three with lances raised. I suggest putting the levelled
lances at the front, unless you are good at positioning
figures, or use spacious bases for your units! They get
half-armoured horses that match with other figures
in the range to give you more options. The Dutch are
Cuirassiers armed with swords and pistols, and their
pistols come raised or levelled. To go with these, you
have Maurice of Nassau, in his pre-Prince of Orange
stint, who comes with a pair of friends to round out a
command group.

18
If you like cavalry, and the 17th Century, then keep your eye
on Hetman Miniatures (hetman-miniatures.com), a newcomer
to the wargames scene that is getting ready to launch a new
range of Polish figures. So far, we have seen various cavalry,
including dragoons and the anthemic Winged Hussars. These
will initially be white-metal figures, but there are rumours of
possible digital offerings down the line. It is an exciting range
coming to the market, and I can’t wait to see more of them.

After the horses come the civilians, and we start with Athena Miniatures’ new 28mm Wars of the
Roses civilians (athenaminiatures.co.uk). There are four new sets of civilians: beggars, blacksmith,
stocks, and archers. Archers may not sound like civilians, but these are practising at the butts, and
you get two targets with four archers. You could easily use these in your army as actual archers, but
I like the vignette possibilities. There’s a lot of character
here, and these are the kinds of figures you can use to
break up painting your regiments and units. Combine
them all in one excellent base camp scene to add sparkle
to your battlefield, or scatter them around the tabletop to
breathe life into your representation of the past.

You wait for one set of civilians, and two come along at once!
This time it’s a 28mm Napoleonic Armed Mob from Eureka
Miniatures (eurekaminuk.com), so they’re not exactly of
a pacifist mindset. There are currently three Mob packs
available, containing 8 or 11 figures, armed with a variety of
improvised weapons, muskets or pikes. They are perfect for
adding a bit of unruliness to your French army to keep the
nobles in line. Vive la révolution!

Until next time, fare thee well, and happy gaming!

19
 QUICK FIRE!
Short, quick-read posts from Wi readers about their hobby projects, notes, news, and observations.

NEVER MIND THE SALTPETRE!

By Steve Wood
As Billhooks continues to expand; with the game now stretching into the Pike and Shot era via Never Mind the Matchlocks, it raises
the question: how far can the rules be pushed? I have seen discussions as to whether a Napoleonic version could be produced, which
got me wondering if it could be an opportunity to get my Napoleonic collection back onto the table.
As a longtime fan of Black Powder, my first instinct was to persuade my gaming buddies that we should get our Napoleonic forces
out again and go back to those rules. After a couple of games, it seemed that something was missing. The I-go-U-go rules procedure
for Black Powder meant that one side was doing all the ̔playing̓, while the other side sat there, waiting for the inevitable onslaught.
The back-and-forth nature of the game wasn't quite as much fun as the random activation we were used to with Billhooks.

It became clear to me that there was no need to rewrite the basic

rules. I could introduce random activation to the game, making
cards for the brigade commanders, and use these to initiate orders,
activating movement and firing for each brigade. As the cards
would activate the commanders from both sides in a random
sequence, there would be no ̔turn̓ as such, just a continuous battle,
with both players permanently engaged.
Surely, it couldn̓t be that simple. There was only one way to find
out... Fight!
First, though, I needed to make up some cards. I used a deck of
blank playing cards to create a card for each Brigadier and added
in cards for the cavalry commanders and marauders, to ensure that
these were activated under their own command. Finally, I decided
to add a separate card for each Army Commander. We often Above: Sample
forgot to move our general in the game, so this would prompt the activation cards.
players to do so, allowing them the opportunity to benefit from the
general’s ability to reroll a failed order.

It became easy to give the

brigadiers the ̔traits̓ that are
available in the Black Powder
rules. In the past, we had tried
to add this mechanism, but had
invariably forgotten to use the
traits in the heat of the battle. By
adding a précised version to the
appropriate Brigadier’s card, we
were prompted to check the effect
of the trait whenever his card
was played. We may extend this
to cover other areas, particularly
for specific units, such as British
Heavy Cavalry or French Lancers,
both of which have their own
special rules.
In Billhooks the last card is not
played - we chose that all brigades
had the chance to be activated,
even the last, as there is already a
risk of a brigade failing its orders
in the game.

Above: Battle for the hill - will the French get to charge?

22
 HOW DID IT PLAY?
For our test battles, we used four players (two on
each side) commanding three infantry brigades
(including guns) and two calvary brigades (one
heavy and one light). As we were playing on a
smaller 6' x 4' table, we reduced movement and
shooting ranges to 66% of the usual distances and
used half-sized units.
There can be an issue representing formations
with just twelve figures, particularly if they are
in movement trays. Line and march column are
straightforward enough, but squares and attack
columns need a bit of imagination. We used markers
or a couple of skirmishers to denote these.
The turn sequence was as follows:
• Flip over brigade card to activate brigade
• Issue orders - roll to see if successful
• Move/Rally/Attack as per standard rules
• Fire at any available target, as per standard rules,
and apply effects
• Resolve combats/melee as per standard rules
• Complete brigade activation by removing any
disorders that were placed on the unit in the previous
turn (i.e. the unit started it's turn with this marker)
• Flip over next brigade card.

Above: Battle rages and the order of random

activation starts to have real impact.

We fought ongoing melees whenever any of the

engaged unit’s brigade cards were turned, just as you
would in the standard rules.
Once we got into the rhythm of the new system
it worked brilliantly, bringing the excitement and
uncertainty that we enjoy. It made for a quick-to-
play game with plenty of added drama; thanks to the
random activation of the brigades, you could never be
quite sure that your plan was going to be carried out by
the troops, let alone in the sequence that you hoped for!

Above: The French and British wings square off.

MORE QUICK FIRE! PLEASE!

Send us your Quick Fire! pieces and get a FREE magazine or Giants in Miniature figure.
Please get in touch with a photo or two and less than 500 words of text about anything similar to what you
have seen in this column; so that’s painting or modelling projects, rules, wargaming notes, and observations.
Send your emails to: wi@wargamesillustrated.net
Use the subject title ‘Quick Fire!’.

23
 GAME MATS &
BATLLEFIELDS

OBEJCTIVE MARKERS

PREPAINTED TERRAIN

PRINT-O-MAT - YOUR IMAGE ON MOUSEPAD MAT

WWW.DEEPCUTSTUDIO.COM INFO@DEEPCUTSTUDIO.COM
 WINTER
FALLSCHIRMJÄGER
DIORAMA
In celebration of the fantastic freebie frame that’s included with this issue, we tasked Matt
Parkes with building a diorama connected to our Winter War theme. He explains the inspiration,
construction work, painting, and the winter effects he added.

The main inspiration for this scene came from a colourized photograph of a repurposed Sherman Tank, which was captured from the Allies by the 5th Fallschirm-
jäger Division near Wiltz, Luxemburg in December 1944, and ended the war parked outside the Hotel Des Ardennes (seen above left). This issue’s cover art, which
was in turn inspired by the photograph of Fallschirmjäger fighting around a wrecked Sherman (above right), also provided inspiration. I used online material,
along with various Osprey books, for uniform guides and other colour references (above center, illustration from Osprey WAR 38 Fallschirmjäger German Para-
trooper 1935 - 45), although when we showed the diorama to various World War Two luminaries, like all wargamers, they found several points of contention with
my colour choices, as I’m sure many of our readers will! The final scene works overall, and it tells a story, which I think is the most important thing.

26
ELEVATING THE SHERMAN...
...IN HEIGHT
When constructing a diorama, it is vital
to get the narrative across straight away,

frame
focus
so the position of the individual elements is very important.
The captured Sherman is the inspiration for this scene, and, though the
Fallschirmjäger are the human interest and the real narrative focus, I
wanted to place the tank front and centre so it got some attention,
too. I elevated it, which made it look more dynamic, moving over
the ground as the troops take cover behind it. This adds drama,
giving the impression they are taking fire and using the tank as
protection during their advance.
Realistic ground can be constructed with various materials, but
I’ve used dry bark to edge the slab of high-density polystyrene
that makes up the core of the platform. Bark chips like this have a texture that makes for surprisingly realistic
rock effects. It’s not so obvious when they are unpainted, as you can see in the early photos over the page,
but once gaps are filled and dried out, an application of basic drybrushing, washing, and weathering
pigment changes their look completely!
...WITH PAINT
Painting the tank required the application of multiple layers of detail. It was an Allied vehicle
originally, and I’ve made sure to leave traces that show its former role. The Allied five-
pointed star insignia is still visible on close inspection, even though it is obscured by the
repaint the Germans have applied.
This effect was achieved by painting the tank ‘as it should be’ at first. Once I was
satisfied with its ‘pure’ form, I added the thinned German paint job over the top
progressively, wiping much of the paint off, waiting for it to dry, then going
again. This left a covering that was nicely faded. Once that had dried, I added
the Iron Cross over the top with bolder, more saturated paint. I figured they’d
have wanted that key detail to really stand out! The 47 was also faded out (to
give the painted-over effect) in the same way, remaining visible as a nod to
the tank’s origins.
Above: The tank with its original coat of paint.

BARKITECTURE -
BUILDING BETTER PHOTO SETUPS

James: Matt’s use of bark to make rock texture gives me

the opportunity to sing its praises, too. It is, indeed, perfect
for such basing applications, and I’ve built plinths for single
miniatures with it, along with some cliffs for gaming tables.
I want to talk about an alternate application, though. At Wi,
we use bark pieces frequently when we’re doing our big,
Above: Ghost marking revealing the tank’s previous owners.
scenic miniature shots. We have a large tub of painted pieces
As an intriguing aside, sometimes the original crew in the
of bark, drybrushed quite simply, to look like grey rock or
armoured units would paint out the star, or add a ring around it,
sandy stone, and we regularly add these bits to tabletops
for fear that it looked too much like the Germans’ cross from a
before we snap photos. The bark has countless applications,
distance, and would draw friendly fire!
from breaking up the otherwise repetitive groundwork of a
Compared to the historical photo of the tank, my miniature gaming mat, to covering seams between boards, elevating
version of the repurposed Sherman is rather desaturated. This elements, blending backdrops, and even creating whole cliff
is in part an artistic choice, and it fits the winter theme, too. areas and other terrain features.
By restricting the paints to less bold choices, the tank appears
Now that you
more neutral, and ‘fades out’ somewhat. This allows the large
know about our
vehicle, which would normally be the obvious focal point, to
penchant for
become more of a framing element, with the more saturated
bark, you’ll see
Fallschirmjäger standing out against it. This ensures that the eye
it everywhere
is drawn to the action!
in our photos.
The greyer colouration also enhances the cold feeling of the Perhaps I
scene, making the tank look like it is dusted with snow and shouldn’t have
frost. revealed the
trade secret!
It’s worth carefully considering details like this. You can use
warm and cool colours, along with saturated and desaturated
paints, to convey a lot of atmosphere to the viewer, and draw
their focus to key areas.

27
 SETTING UP THE SOLDIERS
CONSIDERED CONVERSIONS
The soldier on the tank hull (seen right) has been converted so that he no
longer has a weapon in his hands, as he is reaching for the .50 calibre machine
gun instead. I like to make a story around the characters on my dioramas, and
I decided that he’s not overly familiar with the big gun, so he is shouting at his
comrades to hurry up and assist him. I chose the open mouth head to represent
him yelling for help; I think it shows the right level of tension, as I certainly
wouldn’t want to be up there taking fire!
SHOWING THE COLD
The setting for my diorama, The Battle of the Bulge, was fought in very
cold winter weather, using subpar equipment and weapons, especially as the
German advance pushed so far ahead. With that in mind, these guys look cold,
with red faces and wrapped-up heads. I decided to include some smokes, even
if it might seem a little unlikely that they’d be puffing on a cigarette as they
took fire. This is, perhaps, a reflection of my own mindset. If I was in this kind
of battlefield situation, I would be smoking, as it might be my last, and I’d
want what few pleasures I could get!

MUDDLED KIT
One of the men (seen below) wears a helmet WARPLESS WINTER
that is far better suited to desert combat than
the cold of the Ardennes Offensive, but this When building larger scenes on simple plastic bases, there’s always the
isn’t an error on my part. The kit to which the chance that they will warp and tug up at the edges. This often happens
Germans had access during the Battle of the as things dry, and it is something to avoid. In the early construction
Bulge was quite a hodgepodge, and I wanted I clipped the groundwork I was building to a mirror (you can use
to represent this on a figure. The Warlord anything that’s smooth and flat), which ensured that it stayed perfectly
frame has a ton of parts available, and you’ll flat on the secure surface while the glue and groundwork paste were
be spoiled for choice when you build your drying. If I had fixed it to the base from the start, there was a chance
own troops, whatever theatre you decide to it would have curled up as the drying process ‘pulled’ at it. I left the
put them into. groundwork clipped to the mirror for a few days, ensuring everything
was perfectly dry and looking good before carefully removing it and
sticking it onto the plastic base.

28
WARRING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND
Applying snow, slush, and mud is quite a forgiving and
relaxing process compared to the detailed nuance required
in a lot of miniature painting. The products you add can
cover up quite a lot of your original basing sins, but the
real trick is not to overdo it, so it is worth ensuring the
initial basing detail is good.
I like to consider the different ways that the elements
would sit on the surfaces and react to the movement of
men and vehicles, enhancing the realism and telling little
stories where possible with tracks and prints. As Paul
Mackay has already shared a lot of wisdom on his winter-
basing techniques, I’ll not bore you by repeating many of
his suggestions!

Above: I bent a stock model railway tree into shape for the scene, as I
wanted it to hang over the tank. This creates a sense that the Sherman is
powering through the undergrowth, and it frames the diorama quite nicely.

OTHER SETTINGS

Now that you know how I approached my scene, why not try making your own Fallschirmjäger diorama with your free
frame? You have a lot of winter environments and countries to choose from for your terrain. The Fallschirmjäger:
• were involved in the invasion of Norway, where they helped secure Norway’s ports and airfields
• battled through the Low Countries, launching daring airborne operations, and (notably) taking the Belgian fort of
Eben-Emael
• fought as ground troops on the Eastern Front
• fought in the Ardennes
Offensive (Battle of
the Bulge), as I’ve
represented
• were part of
Germany’s final defence
on Western and Eastern
Fronts, including the
defence of Berlin.
If you make a diorama,
please send photos and
some text to our Quick
Fire section [see page
22 - Ed], as we love to
see what our readers get
up to.

29
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 INSIDE THE
WHITE CASTLE
AN INTERVIEW WITH JAMES SHARP OF OSHIRO MODEL TERRAIN
In Wi440 we featured the unveiling of the massive Gradara Wi: Am I right in saying your professional background is in
tabletop in northern Italy. The Master Model Maker behind architectural design?
the Gradara Project was James Sharp of Oshiro Model
JS: Architectural model-making, specifically. Originally, I
Terrain. We caught up with James to ask him about all
wanted to be an architect, but then ‘fell’ into architectural model-
things Oshiro, beginning with the most obvious…
making as a career. I was wargaming as a hobby throughout this
Wargames Illustrated: Let’s start at the very beginning. time, and somewhere along the way, the two got interconnected.
What does Oshiro mean?
Wi: When did that interconnection happen?
James Sharp: One of two things; either white, or castle.
JS: I started Oshiro as a part-time operation in 2007, just
Because I have always been interested in Japanese castles, it
doing things for friends to begin with. This is how I gradually
seemed like an appropriate name to use for my company.
built my Japanese model catalogue, which I have constantly
Wi: Is the connection between you and Japan born from an expanded over the years. Finally, in 2018, I was able to go full-
interest in Japanese buildings and architecture? time with Oshiro.
JS: Well, my wife is Japanese, so that helps, but
my love for all things Japanese actually pre-dates
me meeting her. Two things stick in my mind as
big influences; when I was very young, my dad
introduced me to the film Red Sun, starring Charles
Bronson, Toshirō Mifune, and Ursula Andress. It’s
about a samurai who travels to the ‘wild west’. It was Left: Red Sun (1971) poster.
the first time I had seen a samurai, in any context,
and I was fascinated; I wanted to learn more about
who he was and where he came from. The other
inspiring moment is watching a documentary about
the construction of medieval Japanese castles. That
really got me interested in the architectural aspect
of the Japanese built environment.

32
Wi: And what is the extent of your catalogue now?
JS: I was all about 28mm Japan until I went full-time. I just
felt there wasn’t much out there for this fascinating part of the
world and wargaming period. Since Oshiro became a full-time
outfit, I have added Chinese, Victorian (and Victorian science-
fiction), medieval, Middle-Eastern, and sci-fi terrain, as well as
movement trays and counters.
My main focus at the moment is expanding on the half-dozen

insight
Insider
medieval buildings I currently produce. The chapel might just be
out by the time this interview is printed, and I will be producing
several packs of ‘set-dressing’, or scatter, similar to what I do
for the Japanese range: signposts, barrels, market goods, wood
piles, etc.

Above: James with some of his models.

Wi: As well as your catalogue of off-the-shelf items, you also

take commissions, making bespoke models, like the Gradara
display you created.
JS: Yes. Within the hobby, I've never taken on anything as big
Above: Oshiro Medieval buildings.
as the Gradara project before. Architecturally, I worked on a
model of the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest skyscraper, located
Wi: Your buildings are all produced in resin, right? in Dubai), which is in the gift shop of the Dubai Mall. That
was three meters high, made of layered acrylic and aluminium,
JS: Yes, two-part epoxy resin. Obviously there has been a
with lights on the
massive expansion - and improvement - in wargaming MDF kits
inside (the Emiratis
in recent years, but I still prefer the organic - and, frankly, more
realistic - look of resin. To my eyes, MDF is just a flat surface.
love their bling!). I
didn't work alone;
Wi: And how do you begin the creation of the models? it took a team of
six of us, working
JS: The masters
for a couple of
are made by hand.
months, to complete
I like working in
it. Wargaming-
mounting card -
wise, most of my
the sort used in
commissions tend
picture frames -
to be a foot square
1.5mm thick.
Some of the
and self-contained
buildings, or a cluster
smaller items
of buildings, that often
are designed Above: James hold a master Mediterranean roof. form the centrepiece
on computer
of a large tabletop (see
and 3D-printed but I prefer making masters by hand, unless
over page).
it’s uneconomically time consuming. That’s how I began my
architectural work: making everything by hand. Wi: Thank you for
this fascinating insight
Wi: Are you still doing some architectural work?
into Oshiro. Lets end
JS: A bit; I still like to keep my hand in, and it pays much better with the ubiquitous
that the wargaming work! "what's next?"
question. Above: James with the Burj Khalifa model.

Above: The Gradara Town - a massive Oshiro project. 33

 OSHIRO IN NOTTS

In July 2024, after meeting up with James in Gradara, Wi editor

Dan played in Alan Perry's ‘Gradara Reunion’ game, Return of
the Princess, in Alan's wargames room. You can read all about
the game on the Perry Miniatures Facebook page, and in a recent
Editor's Exploits, via the Wargames Illustrated website if you're a
WiPrime Member. Here are a few photos of the smashing Oshiro
terrain that featured on the tabletop that day

JS: As well as the

medieval stuff I’ve already
mentioned, the Gradara
Project has led me into
designing a range of
Mediterranean/Italian
buildings. I will start
releasing those by the end
of the year, and there are
more on the way. Keep
an eye on my website:
oshiromodels.co.uk
Above: A couple
of typical Oshiro
commission builds.

34
 The Ice Fortress

Frank Becker, who will present an impressive Napoleonic game at TACTICA 2025, gives us a pre-event preview, along with a
taste of the historical context, in a dispatch from northern Germany.
In 1813 and 1814, the river island of Wilhelmsburg, just WILL HAMBURG HOLD OUT?
south of modern-day Hamburg’s city center, became a site
of fierce clashes between French and Allied forces. The very
At the dawn of 1814, Hamburg stood as one of the last French
strongholds in Germany. While Napoleon fought desperately
spot where the Wilhelmsburg community center stands, and
against the Allies in France during his Winter Campaign, Marshal
where the annual Hamburg TACTICA event takes place,
Davout was locked in a fierce struggle to defend Hamburg
was the site of the great military road linking Hamburg and
Harburg, which witnessed critical moments in the ‘French
from Russian besiegers, led by General Benningsen. In early
February, the Russians launched several assaults on the strategic
Times’ (1806-1814) - an era that left an enduring mark on
island of Wilhelmsburg, the key connection between Hamburg
Wilhelmsburg and much of northern Germany.
and Harburg, aiming to sever the connection between these
The battles fought in northern Germany during the two fortresses, but Napoleon had anticipated this threat. He had
Napoleonic Wars may be seen as a lesser chapter in the grand ordered the fortification of Hamburg and Harburg, as well as the
events of the time, but their history is certainly not dull. Rich construction of a vital military road between the cities.
with drama and diversity, these conflicts are the inspiration
for the TACTICA 2025 theme-room dedicated to this short -
yet captivating - period.
One highlight of the room will be the The Ice Fortress, a
gripping recreation of the Battle of Wilhelmsburg that took
place on 9 February 1814. The game will be played with the
Valor & Fortitude rules, and this immersive event will be led
by none other than Alan and Michael Perry, along with Jervis
Johnson, the rulebook’s author.
As a teaser to the main event, and perfectly tied to this issue’s
Winter War theme, I have penned a brief history of the period
and jotted down some details of the crafting of the terrain and
armies so far, as final preparations for the show are made.

Above: Jousselin, inspector of the Ponts et Chaussèes, supervises the repair

of the bridge (Perry Miniatures).
36
Each end of this critical route - at the North and South
Elbe - was fortified. The ferry terminals themselves were
transformed into small fortresses, and two blockhouses
made of heavy oak planks stood guard at both ends.
These structures served as lookout towers, barracks for

winter war
soldiers, and shelters for ferrymen; they reinforced the
lifeline that kept Hamburg and Harburg connected during
the final, grueling months of the Napoleonic Wars.
The armies involved
At the outset of the siege of Hamburg, the French
forces were formidable with 42,000 soldiers, 7,500
horses, 76 mounted field guns, and 350 fortress cannons
defending the city. By February 1814, when the battles
for Wilhelmsburg erupted, the numbers had drastically
dwindled, and only about 18,000 infantry and 1,500
cavalrymen remained to defend Hamburg and Harburg. Above: General Osten gathers his troops (Perry Miniatures).
The Allied siege army - 20,000 infantry and 4,000
cavalry - strategically redistributed its forces around the
city, tightening the noose.
The Russian army, led by General Benningsen,
completed the encirclement of Hamburg on Christmas
Eve 1813. In the weeks that followed, skirmishes and
larger clashes broke out regularly, with the fiercest
fighting concentrated in the southern approaches to
Hamburg. By late January, the weather took a brutal turn;
a deep freeze locked the Elbe and surrounding rivers in Left: Marshal
ice, allowing Benningsen to launch a coordinated large- Davout and
scale attack. He launched assaults on multiple fronts to his staff (Perry
push the French back into their inner defensive lines. Miniatures
and Tactica
Miniature).

TACKLING THE TABLETOP

The landscape and the buildings have all been made and/or
painted by me. The farm buildings are 3D printed and come
from 3D Print Terrain. Jens Najewitz designed the buildings and
many others on the theme of the Napoleonic Wars in Northern
Germany, such as city gates, guard houses, city buildings, ships,
etc., especially for this project and the TACTICA theme room.
The city buildings are model railway buildings that I reworked
and repainted, and all buildings are between 23mm and 25mm
scale, which still works well with the 28mm-scale figures while
taking up less space on the gaming table.

Above: French skirmishers

of the 105th Line Regiment
(Perry Miniatures).

Left: Russian infantry

of the Markov Corps,
marching to their
assembly point
(Wargames Foundry).

37
 Wilhelmsburg island’s defence was in the hands of General
Osten, commanding the 2nd Brigade of the 50th Division,
which consisted of the 3rd and 105th Line Regiments. If the
Allies attacked, these troops were tasked with holding their
ground long enough for reinforcements to arrive from Hamburg
and Harburg via the critical communication road. The frozen
landscape of early 1814 set the stage for a desperate struggle,
with the fate of Wilhelmsburg - and the entire defence of
Hamburg - hanging in the balance.
The full assault begins on Wilhelmsburg
On February 9, 1814, General Bennigsen attacked the vital
island of Wilhelmsburg, with its crucial communication route,
and the heavily-fortified redoubts on the Black Mountain near
Harburg. His strategy was bold and carefully orchestrated, with
Above: The French infantry of the 2nd Brigade await the attack
three attack columns ready to strike. The 1st and 2nd columns,
(Perry Miniatures).
positioned on the left wing, were commanded by General
Dokhturov and General Tolstoy, respectively, while General
Emme also played a crucial role. On the right wing, the 3rd
column, led by General Markov, was joined by Bennigsen
himself, ready to oversee the assault firsthand.
Each column was a formidable force, comprising eight to nine
infantry battalions, a unit of fierce Cossacks, a small cavalry
detachment, four light field guns, and engineers to navigate
the treacherous terrain. This coordinated attack marked a
turning point in the siege, as Bennigsen sought to break
through the French defences and cut off their vital supply and
communication lines. The frozen landscape, the precision of the
columns, and the determination of the Allied forces made this a
decisive moment in the battle for Hamburg.
As dawn broke, the 1st column advanced, crossing the frozen Above: The Russian Ladoga and the Orel regiment march to the front
river, and their swift flank-attack overwhelmed a strong French (Wargames Foundry).
outpost, securing the first victory of the day. A thick layer of
The French response
unexpected condensation on the ice made the second column’s
path nearly impassable. The Citizen Guard suggested a detour, The French, quick to recognize the enemy’s advance, swiftly
but General Tolstoy, determined to stick to Bennigsen’s strict rallied their forces. The garrison at Wilhelmsburg, along with
orders, refused to deviate, and time slipped away, causing the 1st the 3rd and 105th Line Regiments, fortified their positions
column to halt its progress. at the road’s entrenchments, the bridges, and the main dyke.
General Osten, overseeing the defence from his quarters in the
In the northwest, the 3rd column fared better. They crossed
Red House, had an excellent field of fire over the surrounding
the frozen Elbe and left a small force behind to secure their
landscape, and fired artillery at the Russians as they struggled
rear. Pushing forward, they stormed the islands of Neuhof and
Ross, capturing a French battery with five cannons, and seizing
through the network of dykes, ditches, and ice.
additional outposts. The 1st column spotted this action in the Meanwhile, parts of the 30th and 44th regiments, under
distance and resumed their march, heading toward the military Lieutenant General Vichery, launched a fierce counterattack,
road, still clinging to the hope that they would meet the 2nd recapturing several farms that had already fallen to the Russians.
column there and press forward together into the heart of the At this critical moment, the Russian 3rd column reached the
French defences. right flank of the French, while the 1st column threatened

Above: French artillery shells the Russian advance (Perry Miniatures). Above: French artillery in one of the redoubts of Wilhelmsburg
(Perry Miniatures).

38
 UPPING THE SCALE
At the beginning of the project, I didn’t have a single painted figure for the game, as I usually play the Napoleonic Wars in 1/72 scale. It
was only thanks to a generous gift of 28 mm figures from a fellow hobbyist, and the wide range of different 28mm armies available, that I
decided to use 28mm scale.
I painted all the figures for the project, most of which are from Perry Miniatures, although some are from Wargames Foundry (also sculpted
by the Perrys), and a few are from Front Rank. There are no conversions yet, but there will be a few done before the project is finished.

Above: Russian infantry reaches the village of Kirchdorf Above: Russian artillery struggles to find a good position (Perry
(Wargames Foundry). Miniatures).

their left. Under withering fire from both sides, the French DAVOUT TAKES THE LEAD
were forced to retreat toward the bridgeheads, suffering heavy
At Wilhelmsburg, Marshal Davout himself took command,
casualties along the way. The retreat turned chaotic, with the
determined to turn the tide of battle. With the elite companies
roads clogged by the dead, wounded, and panicked horses.
of the 15th Light Regiment - his personal reserve - he crossed
The two battalions of the 105th Regiment, now under Vichery’s the bridge to the summer dyke, to a small blockhouse. Bringing
direct command, struggled to make any progress through the his reserve to Wilhelmsburg, Davout bolstered the garrison,
confusion. General Osten was gravely wounded, and most of the reinforcing the left flank and securing the blockhouse. This
French officers had fallen. With their leadership shattered and maneuver created a fallback position for the beleaguered French
their forces in disarray, the French defence crumbled. Finally, troops still retreating from the battle. General Vichery soon
the 1st and 3rd Russian columns succeeded in joining forces, arrived with his 105th Regiment, rallying to this defensive point.
overwhelming the French and seizing control of the main dyke, Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Davout sent a signal
marking a decisive blow in the battle. rider galloping back to Hamburg with urgent orders: every
available soldier was to be sent to reinforce Wilhelmsburg.
HALTED AT HARBURG
Meanwhile, the Russian forces struggled to push further north,
To the south, near the gates of Harburg, General Arentschildt
with the congested bridgehead bottleneck preventing them from
positioned several battalions of the Russian-German Legion
bringing artillery into effective position, buying the French
along the dyke, sending patrols across to Wilhelmsburg to
precious time to establish a defensive line along the summer dyke.
establish contact with the advancing 1st column. Meanwhile,
The French situation was still dire - outnumbered and outgunned,
Arentschildt’s main force - composed of Hanoverian troops and
Davout’s forces were unlikely to hold against the overwhelming
other units from the Russian-German Legion - set up near the
Russian assault for long - but, in a bold attempt to bolster morale,
villages just south of Harburg, awaiting reinforcements.
the marshal led his staff across the bridge and into the thick of the
At the scheduled time of 3am, his troops
stood ready in the darkness, anticipating
the order to launch their assault, but it
wasn’t until an hour and a half later that
the distant sounds of battle echoed from
Wilhelmsburg, signaling that the fight had
begun. The 4th Battalion of the Russian-
German Legion advanced, soon followed
by the 6th Battalion, covered by their rifle
unit, while the 3rd Battalion held back as
a reserve near a small village. The Jägers
of the Russian-German Legion quickly
infiltrated the first gardens and houses,
capturing a few prisoners, and the French,
numbering only a few hundred men,
retreated and regrouped behind a parapet
fortified with two cannons. This defensive
line had been strengthened by digging
through the dyke, and the French guns had
the added support of artillery fire from the
Harburg Citadel. The Russian-German
Legion took cover and maintained a
steady exchange of skirmish fire with the Above: To the cheers of the population, the Hanseatic Citizens’ Guard marches into battle
French infantry and artillery. (Perry Miniatures).

39
 Above: Russian hussars and cuirassiers attack over the icy ground (Perry Miniatures).

battle. Shoulder to shoulder with his soldiers, Davout braved the A rapid withdrawal
relentless musket fire, and - while the inspirational moment was
South of the Elbe, Harburg faced a fierce assault from the west.
cut short when General de la Ville was wounded, forcing Davout
Hanoverian troops had been stationed in the area, with the
and his small entourage to retreat - the act of courage bolstered the
Lueneburg Jägers leading the charge. At 3am, they launched
resolve of the weary French soldiers.
their attack, striking the French positions along the Elbe dyke,
Reinforcements strike and, in a swift and forceful move, the Jägers stormed the French
defences, forcing their adversaries to retreat into Harburg. The
Leaders in Hamburg began to doubt that the Russian militia
Lueneburgers set to work dismantling the French entrenchments,
posed any real threat to them, and started to send substantial
preparing for further action, but the order to advance on Harburg
support to the embattled French troops at Wilhelmsburg as the
never came.
day progressed. General Pecheur led a large contingent, crossing
the southern Elbe and the bridge to reinforce Wilhelmsburg, Meanwhile, the Kielmannsegge Jägers were tasked with
forcing the Russians to pivot and form a defensive front to the storming the Black Mountain - a critical position - but as the day
south. An hour later, at 4pm, Marshal Davout had gathered dragged on, each attempt was repelled by the French defenders.
enough reinforcements to launch a counterattack, with three
columns ready for a coordinated strike. The first and largest
By 4pm, just before the French counterattack began, General
Bennigsen gave the order to withdraw the Russian forces. Light
column surged westward toward the main dyke, pushing the
was fading, occupying Wilhelmsburg had proven impossible,
Russian forces back; the second column, composed of elite
and Bennigsen knew the exhausted and significantly weakened
companies from the 105th Regiment, attacked eastward through
an open field, and, with a fierce bayonet charge, drove the
French were in no condition to pursue the retreating Russians.
Russians to the Honarts Lock. As darkness fell, the Russians safely reached their original
positions. General Arentschildt, who had pulled back his troops
Meanwhile, the elite companies of the 15th Light Regiment,
earlier in the afternoon, remained on standby, ready for further
along with every available soldier under General Vichery’s
action should it be needed; both sides withdrew, preparing for
command, launched a bold assault on the main dyke from
the battles yet to come.
both sides of the bridge. Their ferocious attack succeeded in
recapturing the critical bridgehead on the main dyke, dealing a Allied forces had over 450 men killed or wounded, while the
heavy blow to the Russian forces. In just a few decisive hours, French endured a heavier toll, losing nearly 1,000 soldiers.
Davout’s reinforcements and well-coordinated counterattack Among the fallen were prominent leaders, including General
turned the tide. Osten, who succumbed to his injuries three weeks later, along
with General Romé and Colonel St. Pierre. The Russians also
took 14 officers and 600 soldiers prisoner, along with twelve
cannons, 50 tons of gunpowder, 30,000 cartridges, and ample
supplies of food and wine - spoils that would strengthen their
hand in the ongoing campaign.

40
Above: The French avantgarde is surprised by Cossacks (Perry Miniatures and Wargames Foundry).
THE END
Following this brutal day there were further assaults, skirmishes, and TACTICA HAMBURG 2025
advances on Wilhelmsburg, with small and large engagements in the tense Address: Bürgerhaus Wilhelmsburg,
standoff. Despite the ongoing clashes, it wasn’t until nearly two months after Mengestr. 20,
Napoleon’s abdication that the tide truly turned. On May 29, 1814, Marshal 21107 Hamburg
Davout, commander of France’s northernmost stronghold, finally surrendered
the city to the Allies. With the conflict behind them, he and his troops began Date: 22/23 February 2025
their march homeward, marking the end of an era in the waning days of Web: hamburger-tactica.de
Napoleon’s empire.

Above: The 5th and 42nd Jäger Regiment of the 26th Russian Division form in line (Perry Miniatures).

41
 PLAYING HOMER’S ILIAD WITH
PLAYING HOMER’
’S ILIAD WITH
S ILIAD WITH

James Morris visited Wi HQ to

“Hector cried to them all, ‘Trojans, Lycians and
demo his new ruleset, Midgard Dardanians, fighters in close combat, stand
Heroic Battles, and show how it firm: the Achaeans have set themselves as a wall
works alongside the heroes of the against me, but they will not check me for long;
Iliad in a battle set during the
Trojan War. they will give ground if the mightiest of the gods
In writing Midgard Heroic Battles, I was has indeed inspired my onset.’”
seeking to create what I have since taken to Homer, The Iliad c. 800 BCE (translated by Samuel Butler)
describing as a ‘narrative legendary battle
system where the heroes are the stars of the
show.’ Exploring the idea of heroic leadership,
Midgard paints units of warriors with a broad brush while
focusing on the deeds of the great leaders and champions of
the age. Midgard is therefore a set of rules that fits closely
with the battles of Irish mythology described in the Book
of Invasions, Spanish hero El Cid’s single combats and
conquests, the last stands of Y Gododdin and the Battle of
Maldon described in Early Medieval poetry, and, of course,
the conflict of Homer’s Iliad. Whether or not the Trojan
War was an actual historical event is irrelevant; the themes
of heroism, single combat, and reputation run strongly
through Homer’s work, alongside the realities and human
cost of battle.
I only possess a handful of miniatures for the Trojan War,
but well-known Nottinghamshire gamer, Dr Nick Gilmore -
who owns a veritable host of Trojans and Achaeans - kindly
brought them along to Wi HQ for an introductory game using
my prototype Trojan Wars lists.
Above: The players assemble for battle: (left to right) me, Dr Nick Gilmore, Nick
‘The Mole’ Buxey, and Pete Jenkins.

42
KEEPING IT HEROIC
WHAT PERIODS DOES MIDGARD HEROIC BATTLES COVER?
Heroes are by no means invulnerable in
Midgard - most have only two points of Given that Midgard is about heroic leadership of warriors armed with swords, shields,
Stamina (wounds), and will not survive and spears, it has a huge number of potential settings, ranging from straight-up historical
fighting a unit of warriors single-handed (Early Medieval clashes like the battles of 7th Century Mercia and Northumbria), through
legendary (Age of Arthur with some mystical elements), to full-on mythological or
- but their leadership and combat prowess fantasy (Irish myth or Tolkien’s Middle-earth). Whichever part of the spectrum you play
are essential to success in the game. Each on, you’ll find that units of warriors and sound tactics are always needed alongside the
Hero is rated from Level 1 (Champion) deeds of heroes. Additional rules are provided for giant creatures (rated as Monstrosities),
through to Level 4 (Legendary Hero); flying beasts, and a limited number of spells using the Sorcery trait, but leaders remain
the latter are a rarity in the game, though both heroic and vulnerable, and a wall of shields is key to success.
Achilles naturally falls into this category Dr Nick’s reaction to the game was somewhat typical of historical players: “Midgard
and made an appearance in our battle, delves deeper into fantasy than my poor soul has been before, but I found myself getting
cleaving his Trojan opponents left, right, excited, rather than being put off. That’s good for a mainstream historical player like me.
and centre! I’ve even started looking at Foundry’s Greek Myths range!”

Heroes are provided with between one

and four Mighty Deeds, depending
on their level, which can be used to THE FIELD BRISTLED WITH Units occupy the same footprint until
encourage and inspire their troops, carry LONG AND DEADLY SPEARS destroyed, and Stamina damage is
out heroic deeds of battle, and trigger recorded using any method you like;
figure removal, micro dice, and markers
special traits. Heroes are also essential Backing up our bold heroes are, of
to gain Reputation - the means by which course, the spearmen, archers, and
are all ideal for this (the maximum
Stamina for a unit is four, so you don’t
victory and defeat are measured in charioteers that serve in any self-
Midgard. respecting hero’s warband. In Midgard
need to go overboard here). For the
terms, these are grouped into units.
purposes of the Trojan Wars, Nick has
WARRIORS DIE, BUT A GLORIOUS Individual figure-basing is completely
REPUTATION LIVES FOREVER painted up a load of Warbases dials,
irrelevant; as long as all your units
complete with selected casualty models,
Reputation is the driving force of have predominantly rectangular bases
which are perfect for the job.
Midgard; the heroes are the stars of the with a similar frontage, you can play
show, but their role is to gain Reputation the game. For our playtest games,
while destroying that of their enemies. we’ve used a standard unit frontage
Reputation Tokens can be thought of as of 12cm for 28mm miniatures, which
a kind of ‘force morale’, showing the works well on a 6' x 4' (180cm x
fluctuating fortunes of both sides on their 122cm) table. However, we had more
way to either victory or defeat. When a space and figures available for this
force loses all its Reputation, its morale game, so decided to scale things up.
is in tatters, and the battle is lost. You can Nick’s rather lovely collection is on
keep track of Reputation however you like 8cm-wide group bases, which, when
- we prefer a metal goblet with glass beads used in pairs, gives a frontage of 16cm
for the satisfying ‘ding’ sound that you per unit. His chariots are on 5cm-wide
get as each token is lobbed into the vessel, bases which nicely combine to make
but any other kind of token, or a simple a unit frontage of 15cm with three
tally, is completely acceptable. Reputation chariots - not exactly the same as the
is gained during the game when heroes infantry, but near enough to make the
lead charges into melee or fight single game work.
combats but can also be lost when troops
are destroyed, heroes leave combat, or - I should point out here that Midgard
perish the thought - refuse a challenge. All is by no means a tournament game - if
of this, I feel, would have been familiar you’re looking for protractor-accurate
territory to Homer and his audience. angle measuring, this may not be the
ruleset for you.
Above: Dr Nick’s casualty dials are used to record
Stamina loss. This one is by Warbases, and it holds a
Redoubt Miniatures model.

SPEAR THROWS
One of the features that makes Midgard eminently scaleable
is the Spear Throw. This isn’t an original idea, by any means,
but it simplifies the game and makes it playable with the space
that you have available. The unit frontage sets the size of a
Spear Throw (ST), which is both the range of a javelin and
the basic movement rate for foot units. Although most of our
games use a standard 12cm Spear Throw, Nick’s bigger units
meant that 16cm was used instead.
Our Midgard measuring sticks were printed from STL files,
which are available from Reisswitz Press. You don’t need
these to play the game; using a ruler or tape measure is fine,
though we have
found that the sticks
speed up play.

Above: Heroes prepare their warriors for battle as the lines close.

43
 THE COMPANIES THUS ARRAYED
After a quick raid scenario, which allowed the players to learn or refresh themselves on the basic mechanics of the game, we set
to with a bigger battle upon the Plain of Ilium. While there are several alternative scenarios included in the Midgard rulebook, we
decided upon a good old-fashioned pitched battle, with the Greeks challenging the Trojans to battle outside the gates of Troy.
The forces were as follows:

GREEKS OF THE TROJAN WAR

Total Points Hero Points Unit Points Reputation Reputation Tokens

462 129 333 44 11
Like the Force list presented in the Midgard Heroic Battles rules, all Heroes have the trait Mounted, to represent their being
transported around the plain of Ilium in chariots (whether the models have one or not). Spears as Tribute is a Trait given to elite
Units; it gives them a limited bonus in melee combat.

Heroes

Combat Shooting
Name Type Points Armour Stamina Reputation Missiles Traits
Dice Dice
Army Commander,
Diomedes Major Hero
31 3 0 3 2 4 None Hold Fast,
of Argos (Level 3)
Mounted
Favour of the Gods,
Achilles, Legendary
Mounted, Proud,
son of Hero 44 4 0 3 2 4 None
Today We Fight to
Peleus (Level 4)
Win

Minor Hero Battle Smiter,

Antilochus 21 2 0 3 2 2 None
(Level 2) Mounted

Favour of the Gods,

Odysseus Major Hero
33 3 0 3 2 3 None I Foretell Mighty
of Ithaca (Level 3)
Deeds, Mounted

Units

Number Combat Shooting

Name Type Points Armour Stamina Reputation Missiles Traits
of Units Dice Dice
Myrmidons/
Warriors Fearsome,
Veteran
3 (Heavy 32 12 0 4 4 4 None Spears as
Greek
Infantry) Tribute
Spearmen
Warriors Fearsome,
Greek
6 (Heavy 21 12 0 3 4 2 None Spears as
Spearmen
Infantry) Tribute
Counter
Light Riders Charge,
(Noble Disengage,
Greek
3 Riders 26 8 4 4 2 3 Javelins Evade,
Chariots
& Light Marksman,
Chariots) Spears as
Tribute
Bows
Greek Skirmishers Agile,
4 12 6 6 2 (3) 2 1 Slings
Skirmishers (Shooters) Evade
Javelins

44
THE DEFENDERS OF TROY

Total Points Hero Points Unit Points Reputation Reputation Tokens

464 151 313 50 13
Here we have Hector, Sarpedon, and Paris, ready to fight off the Greeks. Battle Smiter is a common Trait amongst the Heroes, giving
an advantage in Single Combats. Divine Intervention gives Paris and Aeneas the chance to escape death with the assistance of
Aphrodite or Apollo.

Heroes

Combat Shooting
Name Type Points Armour Stamina Reputation Missiles Traits
Dice Dice
Hector, Army Commander,
Major Hero
Prince of 39 3 0 3 2 5 None Battle Smiter, Hold
(Level 3)
Troy Fast, Mounted
Paris, Divine Intervention,
Minor Hero Mounted
Prince of 32 2 1 3 2 3 Legendary Missile,
(Level 2) Bow
Troy Marksman, Mounted
Sarpedon, Battle Smiter,
Major Hero
Prince of 37 3 0 3 2 4 None Mounted, Today We
(Level 3)
Lycia Fight to Win

Minor Hero Battle Smiter,

Glaucus 19 2 0 3 2 2 None
(Level 2) Mounted

Aeneas,
Minor Hero Divine Intervention,
Son of 22 2 0 3 2 2 None
(Level 2) Mounted
Anchises

Units

Number Combat Shooting

Name Type Points Armour Stamina Reputation Missiles Traits
of Units Dice Dice
Warriors
Trojan
5 (Heavy 21 12 0 3 4 4 None None
Spearmen
Infantry)
Warriors
Lycian
4 (Heavy 21 12 0 2 4 2 None Impetuous
Warriors
Infantry)
Counter
Light Riders Charge,
(Noble Disengage,
Trojan
4 Riders 26 8 4 4 2 3 Javelins Evade,
Chariots
& Light Marksman,
Chariots) Spears as
Tribute
Bows
Trojan Skirmishers Agile,
4 12 6 6 2 (3) 2 1 Slings
Skirmishers (Shooters) Evade
Javelins

45
 The Trojans commanded
by Pete and Dr Nick.
SALLYING FORTH FROM THE SHIPS The Greeks under The
Mole and my command.
Although it works perfectly well with one player per side, Midgard has
been designed to work easily with multiple gamers, each controlling
one or more heroes and their warriors. The Trojan force came under
the command of Pete and Dr Nick, with Nick Buxey and I sharing
the Greeks.
Both sides took the sensible approach of a battleline centred
around the massed spearmen units, arranged in double
lines where possible. Being supported by friendly
units is critical in Midgard, as nearby unengaged
troops can ‘save’ hits inflicted by the enemy in
close combat, thus increasing the resilience of
fighting units. Both Greeks and Trojans
sent some skirmishing javelin men
and archers out front, with Dr Nick’s
bare-naked slingers causing quite a
stir with their lack of clothing and
their dice-rolling later in the game!
Lastly, the chariots pulled up into
position on the flanks of the formations.
With the units down, it was time for the heroes to take
command. Under the rules, heroes can influence units within two Spear
Throws of their position, using their Mighty Deeds to encourage wavering units.
Usually, heroes can only influence units under their command, which gives a nice
dynamic of rival lords competing against each other. However, as you might expect, Above: The battle lines are drawn.
charismatic Army Commanders can influence any unit in their force. Generals Wherever possible, both sides have used
Hector and Diomedes both took up positions in the centre; Sarpedon and Glaucus
a double line, as supporting units are
essential to success in Midgard. The two
took command of the Lycians in the centre of the Trojans. Achilles, of course, placed goblets of Reputation Tokens can be seen at
himself in the front rank of the feared Myrmidons. Paris was dispatched to command the bottom edge of the table.
the chariots on the Trojan right wing - Hector clearly hoped that his brother would
attract less attention there!
READING THE ENTRAILS
Once the battle lines had been drawn up, sacrifices were made by the respective leaders
and their priests. Units and heroes in Midgard can take traits (special abilities) to add
colour and flavour to the game, one of which is Omens. This trait - eminently suitable
for ancient armies of a more superstitious age - is only useable at the start of the game
by expending a Mighty Deed. Both leaders made the sacrifice, but only the Trojans were
favoured, rolling a 4 on the dice, and gaining a further two Reputation Tokens in their
goblet. Athena was clearly looking the other way - the Achaeans rolled a pitiful 1, and
lost two Reputation Tokens! Needing to save face, Antilochus created a distraction by
challenging the Trojans to single combat.

Above: Only the mightiest heroes get the

best headgear!

Achaean chariots cover their left flank, but avoid

the rocks on the edge of the village! These are
28mm Redoubt Enterprises figures.

46
LET HIM THAT WILL FIGHT ME STAND FORWARD AS
YOUR CHAMPION!
Challenges to single combat are right at the heart of Midgard;
although it may not be tactically advisable and is unquestionably
anathema to the more modern military mind, single combat is
a way to gain Reputation. With Antilochus issuing a challenge,
the Trojans would have lost Reputation had they turned it down;
naturally, they did no such thing, and sent Glaucus out to test his
mettle in the centre of the field.
Single combats take precedence over unit combats, and are usually
fought to a conclusion over three special rounds. A challenge to
the death can also be issued if you’re feeling bloodthirsty, though
many single combats end in the demise of one (or sometimes
both) of the heroes, anyway! Heroes roll one dice per level that
Above: With just a single hit versus Antilochus’ four, Glaucus has his
they have, and can expend Mighty Deeds to add extra dice; the Armour Value bested, and he is struck down.
problem with the latter is that they are not renewed until the start
of the following turn, so you must choose carefully when to use SLINGS AND ARROWS
them. Often there is no right answer - once committed to battle,
you will never have enough Mighty Deeds for everything that you Although there is a general shooting phase towards the end
want to do! of the turn in Midgard, skirmishers and light chariots may
shoot as soon as their side has finished movement, allowing
Sensibly, Antilochus used both of his Mighty Deeds to enhance the kind of harassment tactics we might expect from
his three combat dice to five; Glaucus had the trait Battle Smiter, fast-moving troops with ranged weapons. The bare-naked
which allowed him to add an extra dice to his existing two in slingers and their rival skirmishers were the first to meet,
single combat, thus rolling three dice total, but decided to hold exchanging missiles and insults. Most missile fire in Midgard
back his two Mighty Deeds for the next round. Anyone hoping for is harassing rather than destructive, although it forces Risk to
an epic three-round scrap from this combat would have been sadly Heroes tests on units containing characters, creating tension
disappointed, as we got a wild disparity in dice scores: Glaucus at this stage of the game. There was some damage done to a
scored but a single hit, while Antilochus scored a massive four unit of skirmishers and Lycians, but no heroes fell wounded,
hits. Usually, the loser would lose a single point of Stamina, but in and the skirmishers fell back through their lines to allow the
this case, Glaucus had been beaten by such a margin (equal to his spearmen to advance.
Armour Value of 3) that he was struck down with a single blow
and killed. The Achaeans roared as Antilochus held Glaucus’s
helmet as a trophy, gaining them two more Reputation Tokens.
Clearly the entrails had been faulty - new goats required!
This turn of events signalled a general advance by both sides, as
the Trojans sought to avenge Glaucus, and the Greeks tried to
push their advantage. Midgard uses a modified IGO-UGO turn
sequence; while games that activate individual units can be great
fun (such as Dragon Rampant and SAGA), I needed a system
that would allow a full battle to be resolved in a couple of hours
without slowing down the action. As the movement system is
so simple, there is little waiting around for either player before
getting stuck in. Both sides roll during shooting and melee
combat, so no-one sits around without throwing dice for very long. Above: Dude, where’s my tunic? The bare-naked slingers strike fear into their
enemies (and perform the useful function of screening the warriors behind).

CALAMITOUS COMMAND TESTS

Hector’s caution in
putting Paris out on the
wing with the chariots
paid off; little brother
fluffed several Command
Tests in the early stages of
the game. In Midgard, a
Command Test is a simple
catch-all test taken when
units are under pressure;
a standard D6 is thrown,
with a score of 3 or more
indicating success. In
this case, Paris’ chariot
units needed to pass a
Command Test to make a
second move, which they
failed. Fortunately, a hero
can spend Mighty Deeds
to reroll these, which is
great news… unless you
roll like Paris!
Above: Nick ‘The Mole’ Buxey and I begin to advance
our army, trying to keep the battle line together.

47
 NOBLE CHARIOTS GLEAMING
While the skirmishers were doing their
thing in the centre of the field, massed
Greek chariots descended on the Trojan
right wing. To the surprise of both sides,
following his earlier wobble, Paris -
commanding the Trojan chariots - did a
fine job in holding off the enemy. With
the low Stamina values of the chariots
(rated as Light Riders with two Stamina
points in the game), the combat swung
back and forth, as damaged units pulled
out to hurl javelins at a distance rather
than risk destruction in close combat.
CLAD IN BRONZE AND
BRANDISHING SPEARS
The centre was where it was all going off, Above: Paris redeems himself by holding off the Achaean chariots.
as spearmen with tower shields pressed
HIS HEART WAS BLACK WITH RAGE…
into one another, trying to push for an
advantage. One of the units of bare-naked In the press of the melee, Sarpedon saw his chance to avenge his comrade Glaucus on
slingers left it slightly too late to run, and the Achaeans. Seeing Odysseus across the battle lines, he issued a challenge, which
was crushed underfoot by the Trojans, was readily accepted. Athena had clearly deserted Odysseus by this point, as Sarpedon
which also had the effect of holding up wounded him on the first round.
Achilles and his Myrmidons on the way
Wounded heroes roll one less dice than usual, which in our game reduced Odysseus to
into combat. The Greek veterans (using
just two dice for round two; Sarpedon had kept a Mighty Deed back, which he used to
the fabulous dendra-armoured Redoubt
Miniatures) held firm against the Trojans.
good effect to add another dice in the second round, striking down the Greek hero.
Both Hector and Diomedes were now The loss of Odysseus was a severe blow for the Achaeans, as, with a Reputation value
fighting in the centre, laughing off of 4, that number of Reputation Tokens was lost from the Greeks’ goblet when he
multiple Risk to Heroes rolls as the blows fell. Although units in Midgard also lose Reputation when they are destroyed - two
fell all around them. Reputation Tokens for most units - the loss of a high-ranking hero can prove the
turning point of the game.

Above: Full-on Trojan Wars action! Above: During the melee, Sarpedon challenges and defeats Odysseus.

WHERE ARE THE GODS? … AND DARKNESS VEILED HIS EYES

In some parts of the Iliad, the Gods make their way onto the Sarpedon’s luck ran out a few minutes later; injured by a javelin
battlefield, rather than just inspiring and protecting the heroes. in an earlier melee, he was singled out by Antilochus, slayer of
I chose not to represent this, as it was the two Nicks’ first Glaucus. Being wounded meant that Sarpedon was considered
experience of the game and I didn’t want to overcomplicate a Level 2 (rather than a Level 3) Hero, but he was still a
things, though it’s entirely possible in the rules. The Midgard
dangerous opponent. However, he had expended all his Mighty
book contains a full chapter on Force Creation, in which Gods
can be represented as high-level heroes with additional traits and
Deeds this turn, whereas Antilochus still had two available,
spells. Thinking about it, this would make a great future article! which would prove decisive in the duel.

48
The first round of their challenge was a draw, as blades clashed
and sparks flew (this result gains one Reputation Token for
both sides as the watching warriors thrill to the spectacle of
the heroes duking it out), but a second round saw victory for
Antilochus, and more Reputation gained by the Greeks as
Sarpedon fell.
DRIVEN TO BATTLE
The Greek right flank was being pushed back by multiple Trojan
chariots; unable to keep pace with the fast-moving vehicles
attempting to get round their flank, the Achaean spearmen were
forced to redeploy, and found themselves pinned down, though Above: Sarpedon eventually falls to Greek hero Antilochus in single combat.
they held their ground.
FLY IF YOU WILL!
With Hector and Diomedes leading seemingly charmed lives, it
was down to the warriors to end the battle. Unable to engage in
single combat, Achilles and his Myrmidons had been scything
down the enemy in the centre of the field. In the final round
of melee, the war of attrition in the centre finally went the
Achaeans’ way, as two more Lycian warbands broke and fled,
reducing the Trojan Reputation Tokens to zero. The goblet was
empty! Although the Greeks were also teetering - with just two
Reputation remaining - Hector was forced to withdraw to the
gates of Troy, leaving Diomedes the master of the battlefield.

KILLING ZONES
All units in Midgard have a Killing Zone, an area of one Spear
Throw square directly in front of the unit (shown here using a
square base to the front of the chariots). This area is the best place
for units to fight, shoot, and intimidate their enemy. Troops within
an enemy Killing Zone may not move sideways or redeploy,
meaning that manoeuvre in the face of the enemy is highly
restricted. For this reason, the Trojan chariots in this situation Above: Greek spearmen just about manage to hold off the advancing Trojan
were able to inhibit the movement of the Achaean spearmen and chariots.
control the flank!
And so it ended. It was a fine game enhanced by Dr Nick’s
inspiring collection of miniatures and friendly players. Although
the game didn’t feature the dramatic fall of a hero in the closing
act, with both Hector and Achilles surviving the day, we had
single combats aplenty, and much to talk about afterwards.
Clearly a rematch will be in order!
Dr Nick sent me a kind message after the game:
“That was a most enjoyable day in great company! I think your
rules run well, the draft is well-written and easy to learn - after
our introduction today, I reckon I could play it again from the
play sheet, without reference to the main rules, which is always
a good sign.”

49
 In The Bleak
Midwinter

Simon MacDowall considers history and fiction as he creates an email campaign and concluding tabletop clash based on the
midwinter crossing of the Rhine in 406AD.

A coalition of Suebi, Alans, and two Vandal “Savage tribes in countless numbers have overrun all
tribes - Asdings and Silings - are pushed parts of Gaul. The whole country between the Alps and
westward from what is now Germany and
the Pyrenees, between the Rhine and the Ocean, has
Poland. They are not a cohesive army; their
traditions, structures, fighting methods, and
been laid to waste by hordes of barbarians.”
even languages are different, but they are St Jerome, describing the aftermath of the
united by their pursuit of a better life inside the Rhine crossing by Vandals, Suebi, and Alans.
Roman Empire.
Meanwhile, Roman Gaul is in a state of
turmoil. Endemic uprisings see groups of
people, known as Baccaudae, setting up semi-
independent enclaves that break free from the Those interested in a broader
heavy hand of Roman rule. Perhaps some of picture of the historical background
the Baccaudae feel that they would be better off might like to read my book,
joining up with invaders, rather than passively Conquerers of the Roman Empire -
The Vandals, published by Pen and
waiting for their villages to be sacked, but that
Sword, 2016.
will be decided in your own telling of these
events (historically, they broke apart and fought
each other).

50
There is not the space in a single article to go into all
the details of this devastating invasion, so I’ll begin
with a smattering of the key historical points behind
the game I present, set in the bleak midwinter, when
the barbarian storm broke across the Rhine frontier.

winter war
A SEASON OF DISCONTENT
A large invasion of Italy by Goths in 405 prompted
the Romans to reassign troops who were guarding
the Rhine to move to Italy’s defence. The Romans
cut a deal with the Franks on the eastern side of the
Rhine, paying them to defend the frontier in the
absence of Roman troops.
When the Vandals pushed up against the Rhine,
the Franks fought them, probably less in loyalty to
Rome than in their own interest in keeping other
tribes out of their lands. The Asding king was killed
in battle with the Franks, but the Vandals were
saved by the timely intervention of their Alan allies,
snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
Roman defence relied on frontier troops’ ability
to garrison strong points and patrol the frontier,
but, in the event of a major incursion, they were
not expected to hold the line (except in key walled
towns). Field armies, kept in reserve, would be
tasked with moving up to deal with the invaders. Above: A map of the barbarian migrations, AD 405-406.
When the barbarians crossed the Rhine, the Gallic
field army made little or no effort to intervene,
probably because the focus remained on the defence which imperial authorities perceived as a greater threat than a mere barbarian
of Italy. At the same time, army revolts in Britain incursion. When the Vandals and allies crossed the Rhine there was little or no
resulted in the proclamation of a rival Emperor, Roman defence, and many cities were captured without a fight.
Starting a campaign in the dead of winter probably meant
that the tribes were desperate for food and supplies, which
could only be found in the Roman stores on the other side of
the Rhine. It is widely believed that they were able to cross
the river because it had frozen over, but there is no real
evidence for this. The idea comes from Sir Edward Gibbon
who wrote, in his Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire:
“On the last day of the year, in a season when the waters of
the Rhine were most probably frozen, they entered, without
opposition, the defenceless provinces of Gaul.”
EAGLE IN THE SNOW
CAMPAIGN
If there was little or no organised
Roman defence when the
barbarians crossed the Rhine,
there would not be much scope
for a wargame, so I turned to
fiction to help me out with the
gaming here. Eagle in the Snow
is a wonderfully evocative novel
by Wallace Breem, set during the
midwinter crossing of the Rhine,
and centred on fictional Roman
hero, Publius Maximus, who
is given an impossible mission to defend the frontier with
a woefully inadequate number of men and precious little
support. Not all details are historically correct, but the novel
does beautifully convey the atmosphere of the twilight of
the Roman Empire in the west.
It provides fertile soil in which to plant my scenario,
drawing upon the book’s plot and characters to create a
multiplayer wargame with elements of roleplay mixed with
history. Players on all sides have conflicting motives and
objectives, some drawn from the novel, others from the
Above: The Romans keep watch over the frontier as winter
historical events.
closes in.

51
 The Contingents
The game needs at least three players to take charge of the
following contingents:
Romans - Commanded by Publius Maximus, charged with
defending the middle Rhine. If another player is available, divide
the Roman command between Maxiumus and Quintus Veronius,
the fictional second in command who led the cavalry in Eagle in
the Snow, and who had strained relations with Maximus. Having
two Roman players better balances the game, and, as a roleplay
bonus, allows for a lack of cooperation.
Vandals - The two Vandal tribes could be run by one player, on
the assumption that the allies cooperated well. If another player
is available, one could command the Asdings, and the other the
Silings. Godigsel led the Asdings, until he was killed in battle
with the Franks and succeeded by his son, Gunderic, but we do
Above: Publius Maximus with his comitatus at the 30th Milestone.
not know who led the Silings. For my scenario I have named the
Asding leader Godigsel and the Siling leader Gunderic.
Suebi - The Suebi were the largest contingent, and they ended up
breaking with the Vandals, so their objectives are not necessarily
aligned with the other tribes’. In Eagle in the Snow, they are
led by Rando. There was a historical Rando, who sacked Mainz
several years earlier, but we do not know who led the Suebi in
406.
The game is more fun it there are extra players, as they can
take on the additional roles below. If no more participants are
available, these can be umpire-controlled:
The Alans - Led by Respendial, they operated quite separately
from their ally tribes. Later, a group of Alans made terms with
the Romans, while others stayed with the Vandals. The Alans
could, therefore, be susceptible to bribery; in the novel they
switch sides.
Baccaudae - A coalition of escaped slaves and deserters
who controlled much of the Gallic countryside in the 4th-5th
Centuries, the Baccaudae were a perennial thorn in the side of
the Roman authorities. They would support anyone who gave Above: Crossing the Rhine - an illustration by Pierre Joubert from Forni
them the chance to run their own affairs without interference. and Périn’s So lebten sie zur Zeit der Volkerwanderung (1982).
Tibatto led a prominent band of Baccaudae several years later,
and here, I’ve stretched history to put him in charge of this band.
Umpire Extras was breached. I thought it would make for a better game if the
beleaguered Maximus had the option to call on reinforcements
The Franks played a major role in the events of the winter of (even if they fail to arrive), hence the addition of two umpire-
406, helping the Romans, but I decided to have them as an controlled characters:
umpire-controlled option, which affords the possibility that
they’ll aid the Romans if they get paid enough. Artorius, Curator of Trier - A fictional character from Eagle in
the Snow who commanded a small garrison in Trier. The Bishop of
Theoretically, the commander of frontier troops should have Trier (who wielded the power in the city) was hostile toward pagan
been able to call on a depth of reserves; historically, the Gallic Maximus, and hindered his support. Artorius might provide a small
field army made no attempt to intervene when the Rhine frontier reinforcement to the 30th Milestone (see the Roman brief).
Chariobaudes - The commander of the Gallic
field army had 20,000 men far from the Rhine
frontier, at Arles. His participation is unlikely,
but, if called upon early enough, he might
release a unit or two to come to Maximus’ aid.
The key here is letting the Maximus player
hope that reinforcements might be available.
The Strategic Email Campaign
To determine where the tabletop finale takes
place, and the forces available, the players
must negotiate a campaign, set before the
Rhine freezes over (or, perhaps, doesn’t).
This gives them several strategic choices, and
allows the formation of alliances.

Above: The campaign map distributed to all players.

52
I find email exchanges are a fine way to develop the
distribution of troops and to negotiate the choices of
crossing points for the barbarians, but you could do
the same on paper, in person. Whatever form it takes,
the campaign begins with briefings that each of the
main contingents must follow.

Right: The Vandals ready to fight on foot. It is quite

probable that the Vandals did not have many horses at the
time of the Rhine crossing.

ROMAN BRIEF

Winter is approaching, and the locals all say it will be severe. The There are abandoned
Rhine is beginning to freeze, and tens of thousands of barbarians have but serviceable
gathered on the other side of the river. Your fleet has been successful in forts at Bodobrica
preventing any major crossing, but you must remain vigilant. (Boppard) and
Salisio (Bad Salzig).
The banks of the Rhine are very steep in this sector, and there are only The run-down
three practical crossing points: Confluentes (Koblenz), Mogontiacum fortification at the
(Mainz), and Borbetomagus (Worms). The barbarians are currently 30th Milestone,
concentrated near the abandoned city of Aquae Mattiacorum which protects
(Wiesbaden), but small bands of them are active everywhere. the only viable
Respendial, king of the Alans, has recently let it be known that, if the approach to Augusta
price is right, he could be persuaded to come over to your side - or at Treverorum, is
least stay neutral. The Franks on the east bank have been a good source manned by 1,000
of recruits. They are not happy about this sudden new influx of migrants, local militia, and
and your sources tell you that there have been serious clashes between must be held all Above: Quintus Veronius, commanding the
Franks and Vandals. The countryside on your side of the Rhine is largely costs. Roman cavalry, could be controlled by a second
depopulated, and vast swaths are controlled by the Baccaudae - bandits, Roman player.

Roman war chest

runaway slaves, and deserters.
Your aim is to prevent a crossing of the Rhine, and, if that fails, to
You have a war chest of 50 soldi, whose expenditure could be made in
defend the cities as best you can. Above all, the barbarians must not be
some of the following ways:
allowed to take Augusta Treverorum (Trier).
• Hire a band of 500 Franks at 10 solidi each (there are several bands
Available troops
available).
At Mogontiacum • Engage local drovers and wagons for 5 solidi.
• Maximus and his comitatus of 300 heavy cavalry • Buy in stores of additional arms for 5 solidi.
• 3,000 Legionaries (units of 1,000) • Engage a skilled engineer, to improve fortifications, for 5 solidi.
• 1,500 auxiliaries (units of 500) • Buy slaves for construction and other miscellaneous tasks for 5 solidi.
• 1,500 archers (units of 500) • Buy in a good stock of wine, to make the winter more pleasant, for 5
solidi.
• 300 light cavalry (one unit)
• Upgrade the condition of the Rhine fleet for 10 solidi.
At Bingium
You may also wish to influence those around you; the more you give,
• Veronius and his comitatus of 300 heavy cavalry the more likely it is you’ll see a positive outcome. You could:
• 600 heavy cavalry (units of 300)
• Give ‘gifts’ to the local Baccaudae, to keep them from allying with
• 600 light cavalry (units of 300) the barbarians.
Patrolling between Confluentes and Borbetomagus • Bribe the Franks to provide you with intelligence on enemy
movements on the east bank.
The Classis Germanica: four small galleys and a number of smaller
vessels. • Bribe the Alans to stay out of the fighting - or even to join you.
• Provide funds to Chariobaudes to facilitate the release of
At Augusta Treverorum reinforcements from the field army.
There is a garrison here, controlled by Artorius, but this force is not • Donate to the Bishop of Trier for church improvements.
under your command. Artorius is the civil authority, but the bishop,
Mauritius, wields considerable power and influence. You are a pagan, The following options have no cost, but they may cause resentment
so the bishop likes you as much as you like him! Unless placated, among the local populace:
Mauritius may hinder reinforcements. • Press local drovers and wagons into service.
At Arle • Press local peasants into service to build fortifications.
The main Gallic field army, under Chariobaudes, is based far to the • Requisition extra food supplies from the surrounding countryside.
southwest. Theoretically, if you run into trouble, they should come to • Round up extra horses from the surrounding countryside.
your aid, but don’t count on it.
The church at Mogontiacum owns a large amount of gold and silver
Deployment artefacts which the Bishop of Trier wants you to protect. You could
appropriate some (or all) of them to increase your war chest - the total
You need to decide how to distribute your troops to defend the cities of value is estimated at 30 gold soldi - but doing so will make a mortal
Confluentes, Bingium, Mogontiacum, and Borbetomagus. To keep the enemy of the Bishop of Trier, and upset your more religious Christian
civil authorities on-side you must station at least 500 men in each of the soldiers.
cities, otherwise there is a risk of defections to the Baccaudae.

53
 VANDAL BRIEF
The cold is here, and your people are Much of the countryside on the Roman side Note: Although the Vandals fought mounted
hungry and short of supplies, but, lo, a is largely depopulated and controlled by the in later years, it is probable that, at the time
stroke of good fortune: a wise woman Baccaudae - bands of runaway slaves, bandits, of the Rhine crossing, most would have been
threw the rune stones and predicted that and deserters. Their leader, Tibatto, has let it on foot. Therefore, except for the leaders’
the Rhine will freeze over. You will be able be known that he might be prepared to help comitatus, the heavy cavalry could be
to cross without needing boats or having you in exchange for a share of your loot. replaced by infantry.
to keep to bridges. However, the banks
of the Rhine are very steep, so there are Each Roman town has treasure for the taking, Goals and further details
and Mogontiacum is by far the richest on the
Rando’s Suebi have more men than you,
only three practical crossing points, found
opposite the fortified towns of Confluentes, frontier; it is also the best defended. The big
prize, however, is Augusta Treverorum. If you but they are far lesser warriors. The Suebi
Mogontiacum, and Borbetomagus.
can break through to take it, you will have all have a reputation for being rather slow and
the loot and supplies you could hope for. cautious, which you find frustrating, while
the Alans are an untrustworthy race of
Leading your men into victorious combat and nomads, and the smallest contingent.
killing enemy leaders will greatly enhance
your prestige, and increase your following. Your aim is to sweep aside the Roman
defenders and to gain as much honour
Note: The above information should also be and loot as possible. In order to keep your
contained in the Suebi and Alan briefs - to pre-eminent position, you need to show the
save space in the article, it has not been other tribes that you are the most glorious
duplicated. and powerful war leader, able to distribute
valuable gifts to your followers.
Available troops
In consultation with your allies, you need to
You are camped to the east of the abandoned decide which of the three possible crossing
city of Aquae Mattiacorum with: points you wish to attempt. Your allies are
• Godigsel’s comitatus of 300 heavy cavalry likely to have their own ideas about where
to cross and you do not all have to choose
• 1,500 Asding heavy cavalry
the same place. Each city captured by your
• 500 Asding foot archers men will give you more loot so you should,
• Gunderic’s comitatus of 300 heavy cavalry ultimately, put your own goals first. You
• 1,500 Siling heavy cavalry also need to decide whether or not to enter
into negotiations with Tibatto and, if so,
• 500 Siling foot archers what is your proposition. There is no need to
All mounted warriors are quite happy to consult your allies on this.
dismount and fight on foot. Note: the last two paragraphs in this section
Above: Godigsel, King of the Asding
should also be included in the Suebi and
Vandals, was killed in battle with the
Alan briefs.
Franks.

SUEBI BRIEF

Note: Repeat the information from the start of the Vandal brief.
Available troops
You are currently encamped to the east of the abandoned city of
Aquae Mattiacorum with:
• Rando’s comitatus of 300 heavy cavalry, which may dismount to
fight on foot.
• 6,000 foot warriors
• 500 archers
Goals and further details
As the leader with the greatest renown and the largest contingent,
leadership should be yours. The Vandals, however, assume a sense of
self-importance that is not justified. The Alans are an untrustworthy
race of nomads and the smallest contingent.
Note: Repeat the information from the end of the Vandal brief.

54
 ALAN BRIEF

You have little in common with either of the

other tribes. You joined them because you
saw an opportunity, and, leading a relatively
small contingent, you hope that you can take
advantage of their numbers to cross into
Roman territory; from there, you may be able
to strike a separate deal with the Romans.
Note: Repeat the information from the start of
the Vandal brief.
Available troops
You are currently camped to the east of the
abandoned city of Aquae Mattiacorum with:
• Respendial’s comitatus of 300 heavy
cavalry lancers
• 600 heavy cavalry lancers
• 1,000 light horse archers
Goals and further details
The Suebi and Vandals are already beginning
to run low on supplies and, if the predicted
harsh winter emerges, they will be in a Above: Alans sought to make a separate accommodation with the Romans.
perilous situation. This will affect you, too -
but, thanks to your smaller numbers, it will be Your aim is to get across the Rhine and cut a deal with the Romans that will give you
easier for you to feed yourselves. land to settle in return for military service. While you remain on the east bank, you will
need to cooperate with and support the Suebi and Vandals, but, once across to the west
The Suebi are led by Rando, a man known
side, all bets are off. You can side with whomever gives you the best offer.
for caution, and are the largest contingent.
The more aggressive Vandals have assumed There is plenty of opportunity for loot on the Roman side. The accumulation of loot
de facto leadership of the Germanic peoples. will allow you to reward your followers, keep them loyal, and attract new recruits. On
Your Alans are Sarmatians, not Germans, and the other hand, taking more loot will reduce your chances of striking a deal with the
your very different language and customs set Roman authorities.
you apart.
Note: Repeat the information from the end of the Vandal brief.

BACCAUDAE BRIEF

You and your followers have adopted a sort of ‘Robin Hood’ Available troops
existence, living free of the heavy burden of Imperial taxation, and
managing your own affairs. The Imperial authorities see you as Your main base is located not far away from the 30th Milestone
rebels, and have been doing their best to crush you, but, so far, you - a rundown fort, garrisoned by local militia who control the
have managed to survive by hiding out in the countryside, where the approaches to Augusta Treverorum. There is a garrison at Augusta
local population supports you. Treverorum, and the Bishop of Trier wields considerable power and
influence. There is friction between the Bishop and Maximus.
Paulinus Maximus (based at Mogontiacum) has been appointed to
defend the Rhine frontier against the tens of thousands of barbarians You have a small, dedicated band of 500 fighters: Roman army
gathered on the east bank. If these invaders succeed, they may prove deserters and a few Franks. You can call on many local villagers,
to be more benevolent rulers than Rome, though there is a risk they who will provide enthusiastic volunteers, though they will have
could plunder your village and massacre the population. limited military experience.

The situation offers opportunities and risks; you could make Goals and further details
overtures to the authorities, to gain legitimacy in exchange for your Your aim is to continue to live free from outside control, whether
support in defending the Rhine, or you could aid the barbarians. It is Roman or barbarian. Decide if you wish to enter negotiations with
perfectly possible to deal with one contingent and not the others. any of the factions (if so, which ones), and what your propositions
are. What would you be willing to accept in return?

55
 HOW OUR CAMPAIGNS PLAYED OUT

In one campaign, Maximus chose to concentrate his troops in overtures from the Baccaudae, offering them a significant share of
Mogontiacum and, when it came to the Baccaudae, his orders loot, much of which they intended to appropriate from the Alans.
were to ‘deal with them in the traditional Roman Way’, crucifying The Suebi deceived the Baccaudae, intending to destroy them
any that he could get his hands on. He also pressganged the local after victory. As a result, the Vandals gained the support of the
peasants to dig fortifications, resulting in good defensive positions Baccaudae and their assistance in the battle that followed. Such
for his troops, but no control over the countryside. His convoys prolonged negotiation, alliance switching, and intrigue is part of
were ambushed, and lines of communications cut by bands of the extra tactical challenge that email campaigns can present to
Baccaudae! players.
There will usually be a lot of player discussion - and deception The barbarians overwhelmed the garrison at Confluentes, but some
- in the campaign. After a failed attempt by the Vandals to survivors were able to retreat to the 30th Milestone; the victors
induce the Suebi to conduct a feint against Borbetomagus, the were held up with the necessities of pillage and plunder!
barbarians concentrated all their forces at Confluentes, bypassing
the strong Roman forces at Mogontiacum. The Alans sought an As he had no enemy in front of him, Maximus was able to
accommodation with the Romans, but were rebuffed. This drove withdraw all his forces from Mogontiacum, reaching the 30th
the Alans reluctantly back into the arms of the Vandals and Suebi. Milestone to block the enemy advance on Augusta Treverorum. His
When it came to the battle, the Alans joined in on the barbarian engineers had been able partially to fortify a position around an old
side, but did not engage decisively. The Vandals accepted signal tower there.

Above: Alans ride out.

FROM CAMPAIGN TO TABLETOP 30th Milestone, with the outcomes of I introduced a chance of winter weather
assaults and tactical decision-making on hindering operations.
I have played this game several times,
the frontier having an impact on how the
The terrain
final clash is played.
once with only three players (the Alans
and Baccaudae were umpire-controlled),
The battlefield at the 30th Milestone
and in another where there were A final encounter on the tabletop is
should be relatively open, with woods
seven players (I introduced additional inevitable; it is impossible for the
and hills closing in from the north
incentives for possible competition Romans to defend against every
and south table-edges, and a road
between duos of players on the Roman approach, and, eventually, the barbarians
running east-west. A signal tower and
and Vandal sides). The aim of the will break through to advance on Augusta
fortifications should take up the centre
strategic campaign is to set the scene, Treverorum. The 30th Milestone is the
of the table; the state of these will vary,
offer the chance for alliances to be made last line of defence for the Romans.
depending on the efforts the Romans put
and broken, and to allow available troops
to form, ready to fight a tabletop game
Of course, with many options open to into shoring them up during the strategic
both sides, the number of troops available, campaign. The Baccaudae stronghold is
with miniatures.
potential reinforcements for the Romans, in the woods to the north.
Planned assaults on the frontier cities dissent amongst the barbarians, and the
The troops
were always umpire-determined through wild card element - the Baccaudae - will
simple dice rolls to give the result, based ensure this is a very different experience The 30th Milestone is garrisoned by
on the troops deployed by the players (as for each group of players that reaches this 1,000 militia, backed up by whatever
described in the email exchanges leading point in the game. troops can withdraw from the Rhine
up to the attack). in good order. Depending on how the
We played the game using my Comitatus
The final battle
Romans played their hand, and spent
rules (legio-wargames.com/about-3) with
15mm figures on a 9' x 6' table, using
their gold, they may be reinforced from
The strategic email campaign sets the Augusta Treverorum, or even from the
a scale of roughly 20-30 men per one
field army.
figure. To make things more interesting,
stage for a Roman last stand, set at the

56
 HOW OUR FINALES PLAYED OUT

In one of our campaigns, dissent grew between the Vandal,

Suebi, and Alan players, culminating in a collapsing
alliance during the final battle. The different forces mostly
left it to the others to do the fighting, but the Suebi did
eventually break through the Roman defences, only for
their leader, Rando, to be killed when he sought out
Maximus in personal combat; this shattered the morale of
his men.
As this drama was unfolding, the Vandals emerged on the
Roman northern flank, guided through the woods by the
Baccaudae. Seeing the Alans coming around the rear of
the Roman position, the Vandals incorrectly assumed the
Alans had switched sides and attacked them instead of the
Romans.
Perfectly timed, to coincide with the chaos and confusion,
Roman reinforcements arrived from Augusta Treverorum.
This resulted in a Roman victory, due, in no small
measure, to the untimely death of Rando and the frictions
within the barbarian camp.
In another game the Romans were defeated, in part Above: The Suebi break through the Roman fortifications, but Rando is
because they had alienated the bishop of Trier. The killed in the fighting.
righteous bishop prevented any reinforcements coming
from Augusta Treverorum, and, facing a more cooperative
collective of Vandals, Suebi, and Alans, the Roman
defenders were overwhelmed at the 30th Milestone.

CONCLUSION
By giving players free strategic choices of alliances, available troops, and their deployment in advance, the campaign sets the stage
for a finale that can be radically different each time. Combining strategic moves with a tactical game does take some preparation, but
the result is more than worth it.

Above: The Suebi storm the fortifications at the 30th Milestone from the east as the Vandals close in from the north.

57
 THE
OT H E R PARTIZAN
OCTOBER 2024
PART
ONE

There’s nothing worse than a long show-report preamble when all you really want to see are as many photos of the games as
possible, with some explanation of what you are looking at. So, to that end…

XXX Corps Breakout - Old Pikeys

We begin with the winner of the Best Demonstration Game award, inspired by the history of WWII’s Market Garden BEST
DEMO
campaign, and by the Dickie Attenborough-directed classic movie A Bridge Too Far. GAME
The Pikeys love to get a lot of their collection onto the tabletop, and this battle was the perfect excuse for them to cram
the road - which ran the table’s length - with a fine collection of armour, mostly made up of Warlord Games tanks.
The game covered the slowed advance of the Irish Guard, progressing down what became known as Hell’s Highway.
It brilliantly captured the drama of the film, and was one of the show’s most spectacular displays, with the engagement
challenges changing as the advance slowly trundled on.

58
 SHow report
Michael Caine’s Lieutenant-Colonel
Vandeleur surveys the advance.

While many hobbyists might prefer the shift to plastic kits for their
tanks, the resin hull here allows for some effective and easy battle-
damage addition.

THE LARD ZONE

The Lard Zone, featuring games from TooFatLardies, included the
winner of the Best Participation Game award, Mark Backhouse’s
The detail on the Dutch buildings is printed out from photographs Battle of Cynoscephalae. Played in 2mm scale with Mark’s
taken of the real architecture, trees are from Last Valley, figures Strength & Honour rules, this pitched battle, over the crest of a
are mostly a combination of Warlord Games and Offensive hill, showed how dropping the scale can give a better impression
Miniatures, and the road is textured wallpaper raised up on a line of the way elevation impacts strategy. The battle comes from the
of ceiling coving. upcoming Strength & Honour supplement Conquest-Alexander
and Hannibal.

“Purple! Start the purple!”

59
 ВОЛКОВ БОЯТЬСЯ - THE BODKINS
David Imrie spearheaded a game by the Bodkins wargaming
collective. A passion project of his, 25 years in the making.
Волков бояться (a Russian proverb roughly translated as
“if you’re scared of wolves, don’t go in the woods”), was a
theoretical encounter between Russian and Prussian forces,
inspired by events that took place after the Battle of Zorndorf
in 1758, during the Seven Years’ War (SYW).
David supplied all of the figures on the table, most of which
come from his own Claymore Castings range, but other
Bodkins chipped in with contributions to the game, including
Seven Years’ War amendments to Valour & Fortitude - the
rules of choice used on the day.

After the real battle of Zorndorf,

the Prussians shadowed the
Russian supply train; in this ‘what
if?’ the Prussians catch up with
the train and attack. The wagons
are by Warfare Miniatures, which
perfectly fit the SYW.

As with all the buildings

on the table, the castle
was a commission build
for David, made 25 years
ago by master model-
maker John Boadie.

Subtly pasted to the

castle gatehouse wall
was a miniature copy of
a 18th Century Prussian
recruitment poster.

BEST VIGNETTE AWARD WINNER - THE GOODS INSPECTION

BEST David Imrie: “It’s a bit of bawdy fun. The figure of the woman was sculpted/converted for me as a gift by Brian Rigelsford. It
VIGNETTE arrived out the blue, and wasn’t a pose I would normally request (!), but it was so funny and cleverly done.
“The mounted officer (with a love heart on his cheek) was a gift to me from Thomas Foss in the States, ten years ago. The
monk was painted by fellow Bodkin Nick Murray. The Prussian officer and soldier were painted by me and Bodkin Andy
Mulligan, who also supplied the wagon. I just worked in some highlights here and there to bring it all together. After all, what
on Earth was I going to do with the Rigelsford figure?!”

60
 THE METEORIC RISE OF THE DUNELM FLEECE
While the cloth mat has been a stable covering for
wargames convention tables in the US for a quite a while
now, it has taken longer for UK demonstrators to embrace
the fleece. Leading the charge for table coverings at the
present time must be the Dunelm Soft Fleece Throw. We
photographed three tables that were using this material as
the starting point for their terrain. Billed as a ‘soft fleece for
added warmth and comfort, this machine washable throw
is plain and simple in design and is available in a choice of
colours’ by UK soft furnishing giant Dunelm, wargamers
have clearing latched onto the fact that, by using various
creative techniques, the Dunelem fleece can be sprayed,
brushed, trimmed, and generally converted from something
designed for people to snuggle up under on the couch, into
a miniature warzone representing pretty much anywhere
across the globe.

Flexible enough to be used from the

SYW to Napoleonics (and beyond), these
buildings were commissioned by David and
constructed (scratch-built) by James Sharp
of Oshiro Terrain.
Sitting under the buildings are small felt
mats to which David has added texture using
Vallejo Weathering Effects Thick Mud.

David achieved the finished results he

wanted for this Dunelm fleece by using
cheap spray paints to create a ‘camouflage
effect’ with various shades of green.
The final colour - the lightest green - is
sprayed from a low side angle, to create a
highlight effect. After the spraying comes
the brushing; a wire pet-brush is combed
across the whole surface of the fleece (for
about an hour) to bring out the texture, and
merge the colours together.
David trimmed the fleece, leaving some patches longer
(seen bottom right) and creating rough areas to break
up the green of the main board.

61
 KING RED SECTOR, GOLD BEACH, D-DAY 1944 - 1st CORPS
Figure manufacturers and regular Partizan demo gamers 1st Corps chose to focus ‘beyond
the beach’ for their D-Day game at the show. It was centred on the daring deeds of Company
Sergeant-Major Stanley Hollis of the Green Howards, the only person to be awarded a
Victoria Cross for their actions during the Normandy Landings.

Hollis’ VC citation highlights

two incidents of bravery
during D-Day; the first
concerned a German
Pillbox, depicted on the 1st
Corps table and seen in this
photograph. The citation
describes the action: “Hollis
instantly rushed straight at
the pillbox, firing his Sten
gun into the pillbox, He
jumped on top of the pillbox,
re-charged his magazine,
threw a grenade in through
the door and fired his Sten
gun into it, killing two
Germans and taking the
remainder prisoners.”

The objective of the game was to advance inland and

capture the (3D-printed) Mont Fleury battery, situated at
the top of the gently sloping table. The rules being used
were I Ain’t Been Shot Mum by TooFatLardies, which allow
for the individual heroism displayed by CSM Hollis.

The trenches were scratch-built (with added Renedra sandbags). Cut-off

sections of Dunelm fleece were glued to the bases of the trenches (and
bunkers) in order to blend them into the rest of the mat/table, and disguise
any joins. The 3D-printed dragon’s teeth are a tweak on history; there was
actually a trench in this part of the battlefield.

The table featured the

Flexible Resin Roads by
The Sherwood Foresters advance along the road, passing 1st Corps, and soon-to-
the iconic Lavatory Pan Villa - seen on the skyline in be-released Flexible Resin
several photographs from D-Day - and scratch built for Tracks, both featuring the
the table by Michael from 1st Corps. The tanks and other inter-locking jigsaw design.
vehicles were a mix of 1st Corps, Tamiya, and Corgi.

62
 THE BATTLE OF LUTZEN -
THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY KRIEGSPIELERS
The League of Extraordinary Kriegspielers (or League, or LEK)
don’t like to do things by halves, so nine months ago, when they
collectively decided to demo the famous Thirty Years’ War Battle
of Lutzen, 1632, they needed to beg, commission, and construct
everything from scratch, including all the scenery, armies, and even
the rules, which they wrote themselves, based on Honours of War.

Driven by a desire for maximum visual impact, Steve Langan of the League
of Extraordinary Kriegspielers wanted the game to look like Peter Snayers’
contemporary artwork of the conflict. At 1:20 scale, with big and deep
infantry blocks, the biggest units on the table are 72-men strong.

Getting the Swedish brigade formation correct was critical. It’s a point of
great debate, but the Kriegspielers think they have cracked it with three In a breakaway move from the ubiquitous Dunelm fleece, the Kriegspielers
squadrons in a brigade, fighting as three units. chose to go with Minky Fabric for their cloth. LEKer Steve told us he
prefers the ‘short pile’ nature of Minky, which doesn’t crease, and isn’t as
long as the Dunelm Fleece. The finished colour of the fabric was inspired
by the famous Peter
Snayers painting of
the battle, whose grass
has an autumnal-
yellowish hue. Steve
also maintains that the
lighter-coloured cloth
helps the figures ‘pop’,
whereas dark cloth
washes the colour out
from the figures.

The LEK love their vignettes, and, in an effort to capture and colour
and character of the Thirty Years’ War, they added a camp as a side-
table, allowing for a whole host of small scenes to accompany and
complement the battle. Taking inspiration from contemporary etchings
by Jacques Callot and others, the vignettes included: a hanging tree, All the terrain
brothel (hidden inside a tent), soldiers gaming, and - Kriegspieler was made by
Steve’s favourite piece - an orange tree in a cart (seen right), which David Marshall
(for no apparent reason!) appears in the 1973 Richard Lester film The of TM Terrain.
Three Musketeers.

That’s all for part one. We couldn’t fit all of the

amazing games into one article so come back
next issue for the best of the rest.

Although there are figures from several different

manufacturers across the table, The Assault Group
are particularly well represented, along with
Foundry and Empress.

63
 Getting Cold
Feet in Norway

The Battle of Trangen, 1808

Jan Karrman’s latest impressive project, in preparation for Salute 2025, is perfect for our Winter War theme, featuring a
dramatic capture in a snowy forest, and Napoleonic ski troops!

When deciding on a new project, there were a

few things I sought out. I wanted the chance
to experiment with snow effects, which I had
not done before, and I wanted to try creating
the look of a real forest rather than just having
a few trees scattered around, as is the style on
most gaming boards. Additionally, I wanted
it to be of interest to other gamers from my
locale by creating something set in Northern
Europe. When I stumbled upon a little-known
battle that involved the regiment with which
I did my military service, I knew I had found
my next project.

Right: Swedes with skis and snow shoes.

64
THE DANISH-SWEDISH WAR, 1808-1809
On 14 March 1808, Denmark, pressured by its partners in
the continental alliance, presented a declaration of war to the
Swedish government. In response, Sweden, encouraged by its
ally Great Britain, attacked Norway, which was then part of

winter war
Denmark. General Arnfeld was in charge of the main Swedish
force, and, after a victory at Lier on 18 April, advanced toward
Kongsvinger. To help with his plan to conquer the well-fortified
town, Arnfeld ordered the 2nd battalion from the Dal regiment
north, even further into Norway. He hoped it would force
the Norwegians to commit troops to repel the attack; if the
Dal regiment was successful and managed to advance along
the Glomma Valley, the Swedes would be able to catch the
Norwegians in a pincer movement.
The Dal regiment was one of the oldest and most trusted in the
Swedish army, and the 2nd battalion was known as ‘the flying
corps’ due to its ability to move quickly. However, in these
particular circumstances, there was still a lot of snow and ice
on the ground, which made advancing very difficult, even for
them. Colonel Gahn, who oversaw the battalion, was reluctant
to attack, explaining in a letter to Arnfeld that there were
“insurmountable difficulties in moving in this deep snow slurry”
and that even marching two abreast was almost impossible.
When the regiment finally crossed the border on 25 April, they
left behind two horse-drawn 3-pdrs and the regimental colours to
ensure that the battalion could move as quickly as possible. Above: The battle begins.
The battle Staffeldt, who had positioned most of his troops on the northern
In an attempt to bypass any Norwegian troops, Colonel Gahn side of the river, was aware of troop movements on the other
decided to follow the Flisa River on the south side. It was a side, but was unsure whether this was the main Swedish attack
narrower and less-frequented route than the main track on the or part of a deliberate trap. He received messages claiming
northern side, but it would give the Swedes the element of that all would be lost unless he sent reinforcements. He chose
surprise, hopefully allowing them to press on and join with the to wait, and only when his scouts reported that there were no
main Swedish force. Military intelligence had reported to Gahn more Swedes on their way did he finally order his remaining
that there would be no more than 400 Norwegian troops in the troops to join the battle.
area, but in reality, there were closer to 800 troops under the Leaving some troops to secure the north side, Staffeld, with a
command of Colonel Staffeldt. company of sharpshooters, the Elverumske ski troops, and the
When the Swedes approached Trangen, a narrow pass between remaining grenadiers, crossed the river at Gammelseter (situated
two tall hills, they encountered 270 grenadiers from the Second just beyond the edge of the board, on the eastern side). They
Trondheim Infantry Regiment, who were waiting behind simple encountered some Swedish troops who had been left behind
field fortifications. Colonel Gahn ordered an immediate attack, to protect the river crossing, but drove them back toward the
and, even though the narrow path made it difficult to use the main Swedish force. At the same time, the Hoffske ski regiment
Swedish numerical advantage, the ferocity of the Swedish attack crossed the still mostly-frozen river from the north to fall upon
began gradually pushing the grenadiers back. the Swedish flank.

NORWEGIAN SKI TROOPS

The ski troops tended to be very capable units with high morale
and good marksmen. They were trained in light infantry tactics
and feared by the Swedes. With winter conditions stretching into
May, their ability to move quickly was very useful, and they
were used in a similar way to light cavalry. They were organized
into two battalions, each with three compagnier. Each unit acted
independently and contained roughly 150 men. The Elverumske
and Hoffske ski companies were part of the Søndenfjellske
battalion and were both involved at Trangen.
They wore a distinctive low mitre-shaped felt cap with a
Norwegian lion on the front. The skis used were very different
from modern skis; one was over two and a half meters long and
designed for gliding, while a shorter ski, covered with either
seal or reindeer skin, prevented the skier from sliding backward
when going uphill. Only one ski pole was used, which also
provided support when firing, and the units had a multitude of
different guns and rifles but, shortly before the outbreak of war,
were issued surplus rifles from the Jaeger corps. All ski troops
were provided with gun covers to protect them from snow and
dirt during transport.

65
 Colonel Gahn, realizing that he was being attacked from
three directions, ordered the whole battalion to turn around
and try to fight their way back toward the Swedish border.
The final part of the battle took place on a hill between
Trangen and Gammelseter, with the Swedes fighting hard
to make it back to safety across the border. In Norwegian
history, this is the point when Captain Dreyer rallies the
wavering Norwegian troops, managing to maintain the
attack when the Swedes were threatening to break through
the encirclement. The Swedes finally started to run out of
ammunition, and Colonel Gahn, realizing the hopelessness
of the battalion’s position, made an unconditional surrender.
Aftermath
The Swedes lost 25 soldiers, and 385 were taken prisoner
while the Norwegians lost 15 dead and 53 wounded. The
Norwegians also captured 416 guns, 16 sabres, six drums,
and one trumpet. The war continued with skirmishes and
smaller battles, but the full onset of winter eventually
ground it to a halt.
The Swedish forces, having recently been defeated in
Finland, were ravaged by disease. Norway, suffering
from a crippling naval blockade conducted by the British
Navy, was also keen to bring hostilities to an end. Against
Danish wishes, the Norwegian crown prince agreed to
an armistice on 7 December 1808. The armistice held,
and the war finally ended on 10 December 1809, with no
territorial gains for either country.
Colonel Gahn’s career did not suffer from the defeat; he
was ennobled shortly after being released from captivity,
promoted to Major-General, and put in charge of the
main Swedish force during the Norwegian-Swedish War
of 1814. Above: The Norwegian main force arrives.

FROM HISTORY TO THE TABLETOP

The miniatures
Perry Miniatures has a good range of Swedish, Danish, and
Norwegian troops for the period, but there are some gaps in the
range, so it has been fun to create some of the additional figures
that were needed.
A Norwegian sharpshooter became Captain Dreyer after
extensive remodelling, while the Swedish skiers were made
by modifying the Perry’s Swedish line infantry. Luckily, the
Norwegian ski troops were
already available from
Steve Barber Models - who
carry out commissions for
gamers wanting unusual
figures - which are then made
available for purchase by
anyone once the commission
is fulfilled. Whoever needed
the Norwegian ski troops in
the past, thank you!

Left: Converted
Swedish skiers
Above: A lone Norwgian Dragoon surveys the snowy landscape.
and snowshoers.

66
 SLEDGES

The Swedish battalion had eight sledges with them when

crossing into Norway. A widely-used type at that time was the
fora, a ruggedly constructed sledge with a large loading area. It
had articulated runners at the front, and could be pulled through
very difficult terrain.
I also modelled a horse-drawn M1788 ammunition sledge
for the Norwegian ski troops. It was made from wood and
featured a canvas top, and it served multiple purposes, including
transporting wounded soldiers.

Above: A fora is pulled across the snow.

The landscape
When I built my last landscape - the Battle of Oravais - I
injured my arm quite badly while moving boards around, so
making these ones lighter was a prerequisite for the project. I
avoided thick MDF, instead constructing the boards from 6mm
plywood sheets, supported by simple pine frames.
I built the landscape up using 5mm-thick paper-based flooring
underlay. It’s easy to cut and sand, but quite a few layers were
needed for the hills. I used anything I could lay my hands on,
like paint pots and old books, to ensure the underlays were
held down firmly while the PVA glue was drying. Using the
underlays meant I did not need much filler, and the boards
turned out considerably lighter than my previous ones.

67
 Snow and basing
I did not want a clean, white landscape or bases; the troops were marching through snow and mud,
and the ground would have quickly turned into a mess (as described in Colonel Gahn’s letter to
Arnfeld). A friend suggested mixing baking soda, white paint, and Modge Podge for figures’ bases.
I also bought a couple of tubs of AK snow, since I felt that there might be ready-made products
that did a better job.
I based the figures as I would for less chilly terrain, and then applied the snow
mixtures, making sure the basing material poked through in places. I have seen
some really good results with the AK snow, but I actually preferred the baking
soda mixture, probably because I was after a rather muddy and messy look.
I used more paint than glue in my snow paste, as I have been advised that the
mixture can turn yellow over time.
I prepared the ground on the board in a similar way to the bases, and added stones
and bushes before applying any snow effect. I carefully applied the baking soda mixture
at the sides of roads and rivers, and covered the rest of the ground with snow scatter from
WWScenic and Noch. The WWS snow is very white, while Noch snow has a slight yellow
tone that I thought looked better on the landscape. Both were easy to apply using a large
kitchen sieve.

Shaping and drilling balsa wood

trunks, inserting lots of pieces of
thin aluminium wire, shaping and
gluing the wires, spray-painting,
hand painting, and finally gluing
clump foliage on each branch took
a long time, but I was very happy
with the result.
Some people spend a huge
amount of time painting figures,
or researching the most detailed
historical aspects of uniforms,
weaponry, or facial hair, so I guess
it all depends on what you want to
prioritise!
To ensure that the forest was dense
enough, and to spare my sanity,
I mixed my eventual 36 pine
trees with some spruce models I
Above: The board takes on a suitably chilly look while nicer weather shines through the windows purchased, and added some birch
around it as Jan progresses the build. trees at the edges. In total, there are
close to 80 trees displayed on the
Trees board.
There are 187 different types of pine in the world, but in Scandinavia, we are talking NEXT UP - PLAYING THE
about Scotch pine in huge numbers. I have tried several different methods to make GAME!
them for previous projects, but have never been quite happy with the result. This time,
The priorities for this project were
I started by analysing pictures of pine trees, and tried to find ways to simplify the
to experiment with creating a
structure while maintaining the ‘feel’ of the trees. I estimated that I needed over 30
winter landscape, and to showcase
a conflict that is almost totally
trees for the board to even begin to look real. I would like to say that I found an easy
way to make them, but the truth is that they were extremely time-consuming.
unknown. To turn the battle into a
playable scenario, let’s look at how
to balance the forces, and how to
replicate Staffeldt’s reluctance to
fully commit his troops.
What would constitute a victory,
especially for the Swedes, is also
an interesting question. Some of
those questions will be answered
in the spring, since my friends,
the experienced wargamers Ken
Baldock and Colin Brewer, have
offered to run the battle as a
participation game at Salute 2025.
We hope to see some of you there!

68
 CAPTAIN DREYER

Captain Dreyer was a Grenadier officer who gained fame

when he managed to rally the Norwegians at a late stage of the
battle, when the Swedish troops were threatening to escape the
encirclement. Standing on a tree stump, with soldiers loading
weapons and handing them to him, the captain kept firing at the
Swedes while encouraging his men to maintain the fight.
He was hit several times, and died shortly after the battle, but
he and the Battle of Trangen became important symbols in the
Norwegian struggle for independence. It’s difficult to know
how true the story is, but I enjoyed making a vignette of Dreyer
firing, and a sharpshooter frantically getting another rifle ready
for him.

ORDERS OF BATTLE
NORWEGIAN TROOPS Men Figures
Commander Colonel Staffeldt
Second Trondheim Infantry Regiment 1st Grenadier Divisjon - Capt. Lied 669 13
2nd Grenadier Divisjon - Capt. Knoff 13
3rd Grenadier Divisjon - Capt. Stang 13
4th Grenadier Divisjon - Capt. Nægler 13
Sonnenfjellske Skiløperbataljon Elverumske Ski Company - Lt. Gänster 312 14
1 Sledge
Hoffske Ski Company - Capt. Arntzen 14
First and Second Trondheim Infantry Regiments One Sharpshooter Company - Capt. Siegholt 161 14
Oplandske Dragoon Regiment One Dragoon Company 30 3

SWEDISH TROOPS Men Figures

Commander Colonel Gahn
Dal Regiment 12 Officers
2nd battalion 13 Sub-Officers
(One company acts as jaegers) 506 (18 on skis, 24 with snowshoes)
Västerdals Company 12 (1 with skis)
Orsa Company 12 (1 with skis
Mora Company 12 (1 with snowshoes)
Rättviks Company 12 (1 with snowshoes)
Baggage Train 8 Single-Horse Sledges Horses and Sledges

Left: Ski troops with

ammunition sledge.

69
 there and
crack again
Mike Peters reports on Crack
Con Five - a wargaming event
close to his heart, and one at
which he showcased his game,
Ruckus, this year.
Lockdown was responsible for a lot
more than the Barnard Castle incident
and Partygate; it was also the origin
of Crack Con, a delightful day of
wargaming at Boards and Swords
Hobbies in Derby. Martin Brook,
of 7th Son and Ragged Staff Minis,
explains how it began:
“The Plastic Crack Podcast started
in 2020, during Lockdown, and it
was just a couple of the guys (Ken
and Dom) having a chat. After a
few episodes, they invited Ste and
me on and we never left! The four
of us got on well, and the audience
seemed to enjoy our chemistry, so we stuck at it, and it grew.
The Ruckus table was well attended. Here it is being ably run by Ben Mallet.
“The first Crack Con was in October 2021, and the whole thing
started as a joke on the stream. We were saying that when
everything opened again, we should all meet for a game, which
kept coming up. People in the audience started asking if they
could come, then we thought we should make it happen. We
booked out Boards and Swords for 30 of us, and I told Hayley,
my wife, who laughed and said, ‘What are you going to call it,
Crack Con?’ How could we not?”
BIG GAMES
Crack Con Five (CCV) was a healthy mixture of big
participation games (places at the table are booked in advance)
and small participation games that folks can come to play on the
day, and these take up both floors at the venue. At CCV there
were six big games and five smaller participation games, one of
which was my skirmish game, Ruckus, run with the assistance
of Ben Mallet.

Magnificent terrain and beautifully-painted figures

brought this game, run by Martin Brook, to life.

The Romans ultimately won the game, although Caesar fell in battle.

70
One of the two huge games downstairs,
the battle of Gergovia, was run by Martin
Brook using Warlord’s Hail Caesar Martin produced a professional-
rules. This was a magnificent-looking looking handbook to go with the game!
game, played on an 18' table, with two
splendidly-painted armies, and Caesar

SHow report
(in a somewhat more modernised form)
in attendance.
The other huge game downstairs was a
Black Powder Napoleonic affair. This
was run by Dominic Cook, another
Plastic Cracker, and it was the kind
of battle that you dream of playing,
and usually only see on the pages of
Wargames Illustrated or at bigger shows.
My only regret was that, because I was Black Powder gaming on
running a game, I could not partake in another big board.
any of the others, or keep track of how
they went, but I was delighted to see
Soldiers of Napoleon during a brief break
from Ruckus. This is a recent acquisition
for me, and an excellent game about
which I was happy to chat to author,
Warwick Kinrade. He was a very affable
man, and quite happy to discuss various
aspects of his rules in a way that made
me feel like we could probably have
chatted away all day long, if I hadn’t
needed to get back to my own game!

WORTH THE TRIP?

Martin Brook explains what he thinks is behind the event’s success:
“We run it as a day for people to join games they might not normally
play, to meet other like-minded people, and to show off the games
they love. We are so happy when people come to demo systems, and This Dead Man’s Hand game, run by Martin Stuart, was a
this time there were eleven games in total, 72 people, and 64 raffle popular come ‘n’ play game.
prizes. These come from from a mixture of community members
and companies, and they helped us to raise £1,300, which is going to In all, the latest Crack Con was an excellent event. It is
Haven House Children’s Hospice and SENSE.” a friendly, sociable occasion, where the hum of happy
gamers filled the air, and everybody cheered when
There was a painting competition, too - one in which I am delighted
Caesar died (on the tabletop, I hasten to add!). I had a
to say I got Gold for my unit (below), The Grail Knights, a somewhat
great time, will certainly attend CCVI, and will happily
irreverent Ruckus Retinue.
raise my next glass with the toast, “Up the Crack!”

The Plastic Crack

Podcast is broadcast
live on Monday
nights on YouTube,
and features Martin
from 7th Son, Dom
from Boots on the Table, Ken from
Miniature Wargaming Warriors, and Ste
from On Point HQ.

71
 Winter Bases

Multi-award-winning painter Paul Mackay highlights some of the products available for creating snow effects, and shows off
some of the great finishes he’s achieved on the bases of his wintery figures.

There are countless historical scenarios that feature a winter I find it handy to have various options at my disposal, with
setting: Teutonic Knights in East Prussia, Napoleon’s retreat products that can represent many different types of snow and
from Moscow, American troops fighting off German forces in frost. You can identify which will best fit the vision you have for
the Battle of the Bulge, and so many more. your army by comparing the results in my photos. What is ‘the
best’ is a wholly subjective choice, and one I leave to you.
Various wargaming companies produce figures for these
campaigns (and for many other snowy battlefields), including A WINTER WONDERLAND OF SNOW
a new range from Victrix (above), if you fancy going on a
European Crusade, rather than fighting in the Holy Land.
I have used different snow products on seven 25mm round
bases, which I scored with a hobby knife, to facilitate adhesion.
Warlord’s recent release, for the Third Edition of Bolt
I also covered bases four to seven with Vallejo’s Thick Mud
Action, has Americans in winter gear, along with similarly-
Terrain paste before adding any winter details.
attired Fallschirmjäger [Free with this very issue - Ed]. Perry
Miniatures’ Retreat from Moscow range is one that I’m I have added slate pieces to represent rocks, and 4mm grass tufts
particularly partial to, with some brilliant figures that would be bring another natural element to the setting. Applying similar
as perfect in showpiece dioramas as they are on the tabletop. details before snowing things up will hugely elevate the overall
If you’re more inclined toward a sci-fi or fantasy setting, how look of your finished bases, too.
about Games Workshop’s Space Wolves, on the snowy wastes
of Fenris, or North Star’s miniatures for fantasy wargames in the
I painted the rocks with Army Painter Uniform Grey, washed
them with Citadel Basilicanum Grey Contrast paint, and
frozen city of Frostgrave.
drybrushed them with Army Painter Great Hall Grey. Like
In short, there are more winter war options out there than you all natural products (sand, grit, twigs, etc.), slate tends to
can shake a collection of paint pots at; what you need to go look unrealistic when it is not painted, and it will not blend
with them are some suitably themed bases, and that’s where this seamlessly with your painted miniatures.
article can help.
I sometimes read that tufts must look brown or dead to suit
The products I use in this article cover just a small selection a winter setting, but, in the UK at least, green shrubbery and
of that which is commercially available; I will discuss how to grasses certainly don’t suddenly die when it gets cold and
use the options I know, and highlight each item’s respective snows; for this reason (and because it increases the visual
qualities. As a competition painter, as well as an army painter, interest), I use a variety of coloured tufts on my bases.

72
The tufts in this tutorial are mainly from Gamers Grass, and I’ve 3. Citadel Valhallan Blizzard
reduced their size by cutting them in half. I think this better fits
This product from Games Workshop gives a result that is
the minimal real estate available on a 25mm round base.
perhaps closest (although, to my mind, superior) to the bicarb
When you’ve got the preliminary terrain sorted out and are ready effect. As with the Vallejo Snow, it has a crunchy effect that is
to apply your ‘snow’, consider where it would most naturally fall pleasing to the eye. It is also relatively easy to tease out little

winter war
and lie on the ground, rocks, and grass. clumps that can be placed onto figures, in places snow might
naturally accumulate.
1. Bicarbonate of soda/baking soda
It’s a great little product that is available on the high street, but you
This is a classic approach that has been recommended for
will need deep pockets if you want to base a large army with it.
decades, but it’s one where the naming caused me quite bit of
confusion. Some tutorials referred to bicarbonate of soda, and
some suggested baking soda, eventually, I realised that they are
the same ingredient, but the name varies depending on where
you are in the world.
This is by far the cheapest way to make snow bases, and, if
you are planning to complete a large winter-themed army that
includes tanks and terrain, bicarb (or baking soda if you’re in
North America) is well worth considering. I recently bought
a large pot for just 65p, the only other ingredients needed are
PVA glue, water, and (optionally) white paint (I used Liquitex
Titanium White). The last is to overcome the issue that afflicts
some armies whose bases can yellow over time. That sort of 4. AK Terrains Snow
snow effect is not what you want!
A smooth application of ready-mixed filler would give a similar
I do not recommend sprinkling the bicarb straight over your mix effect to this product, but the colour would not be as pure. AK
to achieve a powdery effect, as this top layer may yellow, too. Terrains Snow is a great way to make deep, smooth snow, and it
Rather than use a specific ratio of bicarb, PVA, water, and paint;
takes imprints beautifully. This is a brilliant way to make hoof or
footprints, enhancing the narrative of the setting.
I just aim for a nice, creamy consistency, then apply it with an
old brush or cocktail stick. These have been my tools of choice
for all the snow products I have used in this article.

Note: The next three products are best used in conjunction

with the other snow effects that I have used above - to add
extra detail.

2. Vallejo Snow 5. AK Snow Microballoons

This Vallejo product comes as a thick paste, and gives a very This is marketed as a product that resembles the first phase of
convincing crunchy snow look that I really like. It is very white, snowfall. It is a very fine powder, so I recommend wearing a mask
and has a liquid paint element to it - if you applied it to a model, when you use it, to avoid inhalation. Apply the Microballoons
then wiped the solid part off, it would leave a residue of white with diluted PVA glue, gloss varnish, or a resin product like
paint. Vallejo’s Still Water.
Like all the commercially-produced pastes that I have tested In addition to basing, this is great for adding snow detail to figures
here, it dries rock hard. and vehicles, placed where snow would accumulate.
A very light dusting onto a base is good for dirty snow. A thicker
application, like the one I’ve done here, will take on a purer
white finish.

73
 6. AK Ice Sparkles 7. AK Snow Sprinkles
Designed to show the last phase of snowfall or a thaw, Ice You will need to stir this very well, as it tends to separate in the
Sparkles can be sprinkled on top of the other snow products to tub. A light application is great for slushy-snow effects, and the
make them - surprise surprise - sparkle! It will need fixing in makers suggest it is best used to replicate thin layers of snow.
place like the Microballoons, or you can sprinkle it onto any of
the snow pastes while they are wet.

DELUXE MATERIALS SCENIC SNOW KIT SPEARED IN THE SNOW

This set comes with 70g of Scenic Snowflakes (fairly similar to You do not need to invest in a lot of snow products to make good-
the Microballoons, although a little coarser), 25g of Icy Sparkles looking winter bases. The majority of this Victrix Saxon display
(just like AK’s version), and Scenic Bond (a tacky glue). The miniature’s base is a sand and grit mix, painted as I normally do,
simplest way to use the kit is to sprinkle the Snowflakes over with some earthy pigment powders added in. I have added little
the Bond (PVA would work too), but the Snowflakes can be patches of Vallejo Snow to suggest a fine covering of snow or
mixed with the Scenic Bond, creating a paste that’s ideal for frost, while still showcasing the other base detailing.
forming mounds of snow. Adding water to this paste will result
in a melted-snow effect. Before things dry, Icy Sparkles can be Blood drops in the snow can also look fantastic, but demands
applied to create a glistening effect. a ‘less is more’ approach. Try Tamiya Clear Red X27 (a firm
favourite of Wi’s James, I believe), or Technical paints such as
On the base right Citadel’s Blood For The Blood God.
I have used the
Snowflakes over
the Scenic Bond,
and added a little
extra shine with
the Icy Sparkles.

SANTA’S STEP

I created the base on this Wargames Foundry

Santa using the bicarb method, and, while my
mix was still tacky, I added it to the underside
of the figure’s boots. It’s a subtle little touch, but
one that rewards a closer look.

74
A MORE DETAILED BASE DURING A THAW

3) With a good sense of the scene’s progression, I added more

1) For this ground
Snow Sparkles, bit by bit, until I was happy with the finish. I
texture I used coir
then made sure the Wars of the Roses figures, from Ragged Staff
(coconut fibre),
Minis, were realistically placed in their environment, creating a
and, after making
sure that was firmly
nice little scene where plans are hatched in thawing snow.
fixed, I washed
it with Liquitex
Umber Inks. I
placed a variety of
tufts and shrubs to
make the scene look
more interesting.

2) I used AK products
for the snow effects,
starting with the Snow
Sprinkles, which
I placed sparingly
before sprinkling
a small amount of
the Ice Sparkles and
Snow Microballoons
onto the still-wet
paste. I then added
little patches of
additional snow to a
few of the tufts.

SIMILAR METHODS, SLUSHY RESULTS

1) For the base of this 13th Century Knight in Great Helm from 2) …then added a variety of coloured tufts.
Victrix, I started with Vallejo’s Thick Mud paste…

75
 3) I mixed AK Snow Sprinkles with Microballoons and Vallejo 4) Clumps of AK Snow, applied to the earth and areas of the
Still Water, with the goal of making wet and muddy snow. I tufts, completed the scene. It looks more realistic if these denser
applied this mix sparingly with an old brush. snow elements are placed in the middle of your slush mix, as it
will look like the snow is melting around the edges. Although it
is difficult to see in the photograph, I placed little puddles of Still
Water to suggest spots where the snow had completely melted.

DRAMA ON ICE
This display miniature has a far more advanced base, with a patch of
icy water in which an unfortunate French soldier has met his fate. The Cossack and French
soldier was painted, as was all the terrain detail around him, before Napoleonic Casualty from
being submerged in a pour of resin. This is a technique that goes Perry Miniatures. The
beyond the remit of this article, but the rest of the basing details were Cossack has been extensively
applied with similar approaches to those that I have described above. kitbashed, with many areas
I used a mix of AK and Vallejo pastes for the snowy bank under sculpted from scratch.
the Cossack, and added Ice Sparkles around the snow’s edges, to
give the effect of frozen snow on the ice.
I made little icicles by pouring Still Water onto a piece of plastic,
waiting for it to dry, then cutting out tiny triangles and fixing
them in place.

76
ICY CRACKLES
3) Wash the base with diluted Army Painter Arctic Gem.
I normally use crackle-type effects to represent dried earth in
arid environments, but they can be used for wintry effects, too.
For some reason this method feels more suited to fantasy and
sci-fi figures in my eyes, so I’ve used a Death Fields Einherjar
from Wargames Atlantic to show it off.

1) First, apply PVA or

gloss varnish all over
the base and wait for it
to dry. After that, apply
your crackle paint of
choice (I use Citadel’s
from their Technical
range). Having glue or
varnish beneath makes
for more convincing
cracks as the crackle
paint dries and splits,
and it also ensures 4) Drybrush the ‘ice’ with white paint, and add patches of
better adherence, Valhallan Blizzard for extra detail. I placed little clumps on the
which prevents flaking. model’s boots, cap, cloak, and shoulders, too.
I glazed Citadel Mephiston Red onto the nose and cheeks of
the Einherjar to show the effects of the cold. Reflecting the
environment that your soldiers are fighting in on parts of your
figures is a great way to add more realism, and it works just as
2) Undercoat the model
well on historical troops.
and fill in any cracks
that were missed. I
used a rattle can, then
finished things off
with Liquitex Titanium
White.

CONCLUSION
As you can see, there are loads products to choose from; I’ve shown but a handful of the options out there. I thought I had more
than enough winter basing products in my collection, but, as I type, my mate has sent me a link to a video from AK, showcasing
their new frost effects. Oh, dear! It looks like the wallet is going to get another hammering, but, hey ho, ’tis the season!
I hope you will find one or more of the products and methods that I have showcased here useful. If this article inspires you to
bring snow to your tabletop or display cabinet, then my work is done!

Above: A trio of Einherjar ready themselves for the trauma of last-minute Christmas shopping!

77
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