Thursday, December 16, 2021

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

Bethlehem, Judea

Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus

"...while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." 

"...for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!"

Merry Christmas

The Innkeeper made room for Jesus. Please always make room for Jesus too.


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Closing Remarks

Ignatius Holy Bible Verses: Luke 2: 6-7, 2 and 14.

Figurines: King and Country The Life of Jesus 1:30 Scale

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Friday, October 22, 2021

Chapter III Concludes Legio II's Battle on Sardonia

 

When?: Late Roman Republic Era Date Uncertain
Location: Sardonia Island
Situation: King Sardonicus III Contests Legio II
Miniatures: Using What I Have
Rules: Adapted from Batailles de l'Ancien Régime
Solo Game In An Imagineered Ancient World


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Previously
See Chapter II

Wherein King Sardonicus III began the battle at his southern shore to hurl Republican Roman invaders back into The Middle Sea. Pompeous Augustus Pettygree and Legio II were handled roughly. Sardonian "Mighty Men" believe victory is in sight. 

Let us now return to the cavalry battle on....

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The Roman Far Right Flank

Where Marcellenius Alexander Pettygree, son of the commander of Legio II, took command of the Light Numidian Cavalry and Medium Roman Cavalry to break through heavier Sardonian horsemen. The melee had been indecisive with equal losses per side. It raged on.

"Draw your sword and fight! What kind of insult do you cast without a weapon? Are you a Mighty Man or a wretched Sorcerer?"

"Now  I know. You are a coward. My Numidians! They have turned to follow their fleeing leader. After them for honor and spoils. To the enemy baggage train!"  

Sound the pursuit!"

"Follow me!"

"Ah. I see King Sardonicus III atop an elephant. He will make a fine spectacle in our victory procession upon returning to Rome."

"Sire, I beg to bring unwelcome news. Our cavalry force has been beaten and has fled."

"Preposterous. Surely you exaggerate."

"He does not lie Your Excellency. Look into the dust on our left. The Romans are coming for you --- I mean, us."

"I see the cloud and horsemen. --- Do something Craxus!"

"There are two counsels my King. The first is post your Household Swordsmen between the Romans and thee awaiting the outcome of the infantry battle in the Center. If that engagement goes well as I said it would, enemy horsemen will achieve nothing galloping here and there wearing out their horses."

"And the second, Craxus?"

"Immediately send messengers to the Romans declaring the battle is ended and proclaim absolute unwavering obedience to Rome again."

"Never! My guards will stand and obey me."

"As you wish, Sire."

THE INFANTRY BATTLE
Charging Sardonian Green Sashed Swordsmen (image top) were indeed winning the day pushing the Legionaires back. Pompeous Augustus Pettygree rode forward taking personal command.

"Romans! Stand your ground. Whom do you think these impertinent Barbarians are? --- Reserve Cohorts advance along our sides and attack the enemy flanks."

They did as ordered.

"It goes well General. The Barbarians are quivering."

"Bring up the Catafractarii to discourage the foe more."

"They are already here, My Lord, awaiting your pleasure."

"Good. Now let's see what will happen to the Barbarian infantry."

Sardonian Green Sashes suffered huge losses and are.... 

Pushed back and then break.

Running back to their astonished King.

Meanwhile, the five Cohorts on the far Left Flank no longer protected by their Javelin Screen, became weary of enemy Archers to their front and.... 


Charged. The Archers fled (not shown) without loosing another arrow. Sardonia's monarch (upper left) was initially unaware of this new developing disaster. His Orange Sash Swordsmen were though.

FINIS

The battle then paused taking a breath before resuming. The distant Sardonian Army contracted itself into the shape of the Roman Numeral L. Craxus knows they are finished. Now so does Sardonicus III. Messengers were sent to the Roman Commander in Chief requesting a parlay.

"Greetings my Lord Pompeous Alexander Pettygree, Supreme Commander the Roman Republic's vaunted Second Legion. I am Craxus Maximus, Chief Minister of Sardonicus III. The King and I congratulate you about your honorable victory. Behold, Sire, I am before you to request terms."

"I am honored to consider your surrender and plea." 

"First, let it be known that the Third Legion arrives within days. Further resistance by your Army would be unwise."

"Second, before the mid-day Sun, your forces will discard every weapon and shield where they stand."

"Third, bonfires will be lit in front of my Legion at sunset. Your Army will parade in front of it."

"Fourth, on the morrow your forces will disperse taking such sustenance as necessary to return to the capital."

"Fifth, King Sardonicus III will remain in my camp enjoying our courtesies until you return from the capital with triple the tribute not paid to Rome this annum. You have ten days to return."

"What is your response Minister Craxus?"  
 
"Your generosity General, will be remembered for all time. We accept your terms."

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CLOSING REMARKS

1. Roman Tallies
60-25 Light Infantry* = 35
60-4 Hastati = 56
60-18 Principes = 42
24-2 Triarii = 22
30-14 Numidian Cavalry = 16
16-2 Medium Cavalry* = 14
4-0 Medium Cavalry* = 4
12-0 Very Heavy Cavalry = 12
8-0 Siege Crewmen* = 8
9-0 Leaders = 9
283 Miniatures At Start
-65 Lost (-23%)
218 Miniatures At Finish

2. Sardonian Tallies
72-20 Archers = 52
72-0 Red Sash Swordsmen = 72
72-0 Orange Sash Swordsmen = 72
72-45 Green Sash Swordsmen = 27
24-0 Household Guards = 24
11-0 Household Misc. = 11
10-10 Light Cavalry = 0
24-24 Medium Cavalry = 0
11-1 Leaders = 10
368 Miniatures At Start
-100 Lost (-27%)
268 Miniatures At Finish

3. Craxus Commentaries
Our Right Flank forces were to move swiftly forward and engage Legio II. However,

After Marcellenius Alexander Pettygree swept our horsemen from the field on the opposite flank and headed for our rear, we were taken out of our battle plan. It required the Red Sash Swordsmen that were posted near there (not even mentioned above) to retire to cover us. Half our archers and the Household Guard of the King were also called to help.

The Orange Sash Swordsmen adjacent to the mutilated Green Sash Swordsmen were supposed to attack with the latter and push the Romans back to the coast. However, they paused as our leaders contemplated what enemy cavalry might do in their jubilations.

Our sole happiness came from our archers single-handedly ruining the enemy Light Infantry Screen. 

4. Raison d' Être
(a) Action for my mostly new Republican Romans.*
(b) Had to conscript close enough foes outside Antiquity.
(c) Get in a solo game. Real opponents preferred.
(d) Test the rules and fine tune them for next times.
(e) Casualty rings used to accelerate play.**

*   Some were very old pards: 1970s Mini-Figs.

**Table needs clearing for 1942 Burma tomorrow!

5. Your interest and remarks are appreciated very much. Thank you for looking in.

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Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Chapter II: Legio II's Battle On Sardonia


When?: Late Roman Republic Era Date Uncertain
Location: Sardonia Island
Situation: King Sardonicus III Contests Legio II
Miniatures: Using What I Have
Rules: Adapted from Batailles de l'Ancien Régime
Solo Game In An Imagineered Ancient World

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Previously
See Chapter I

Wherein King Sardonicus III hastened to his southern shore to throw Republican Roman invaders back into The Middle Sea. Pompeous Augustus Pettygree and Legio II had come ashore demanding the renewal of tribute. At the end of Chapter I, all forces were in motion with screens about to engage thusly.

And now observe the upper right of this image at....
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THE ROMAN FAR RIGHT FLANK
Roman Auxiliary Numidian Light Cavalry and Slingers stop advancing Sardonian Light Cavalry as Marcellenius Alexander Pettygree arrives to take command bringing more....

Numidians shouting, "Hail Marcellenius!" as Sardonian Lights fall back and heavier enemy cavalry arrives (upper right). He roars back, "Charge!"

Both bodies of horsemen surge forward as more Roman red-clad horsemen arrive in support.

The two leaders face each other in the tumult.

Realizing the initial clash was indecisive, reserves charge in. (Sardonians in the upper left and Romans at the image bottom.)

THE ROMAN LEFT AND CENTER

King Sardonicus III and Minister Craxus Maximus

"Let us cross the stream to be near our advance."

"Yes, Highness and to better observe the Romans. See...."

"Those Javelin men on the Roman Left Flank."

"With Archers to their right slaying our bowmen." 

"But, Majesty look! The enemy Center opens. Their Javelin Screen right of their Archers runs. It runs!"

"Surely a happy omen, Craxus, but...."


"Ten Cohorts are coming toward our lines."

"Five march left. Five others joined by two more are marching straight. The entire body is coming resolutely toward us."

"All should be well, Your Excellency. Our Orange and Green Sashed Swordsmen are advancing." 

"The Green Sashes charged pushing the Roman infantry back! BACK! Their Archers have even fled."

"Great King Sardonicus III, Ruler of All The Middle Sea, things go well. In moments the Romans will be thrown back into the water."

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Sunday, October 17, 2021

Chapter I: Legio II's Battle on Sardonia

 

When?: Late Roman Republic Era Date Uncertain
Location: Sardonia Island
Situation: King Sardonicus III Contests Legio II
Miniatures: Using What I Have
Rules: Adapted from Batailles de l'Ancien Régime 
Solo Game In An Imagineered Ancient World

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PREAMBLE
My two-year old Republican Roman Legion and Allies have barely been in action. Getting them onto the table has been percolating for a while. Historical opponents seem unavailable for now and somebody must oppose them. Hence, my 1890s Northwest Frontier sword and spearmen allied with archers from the 18th Century Indian Sub-Continent hope to back the Romans into the sea. They look the part if you don't look closely. It's Old School, you see.

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"Behold King Sardonicus III, ruler of the Middle Sea and all islands therein to the maritime lands of sunrise and sunset." 

"The Host is assembled awaiting your order to throw the Romans back into the sea."

"Yes Minister, start the men forward. May the foe never return for tribute. Crush them."

Main Body of Legio II.

Pompeous Augustus Pettygree.

"Father, the Sardonians are quivering. They advance."

"Engage with our screen and I will bring the Legion."

Screen of Legio II.

Marcellenius Alexander Pettygree gallops to the fight bellowing to the Light cavalry, ....

"Follow me to stop the Sardonians threatening our Right Flank. We will repel them! Then ride to their baggage to capture Sardonicus."

While King Sardonicus III and Chief Minister Craxus Maximus turn to observe initial movements.

"Magnificence, Your Majesty!"

Opposing screens close.

368 (3,680) Sardonians 
vs
283 (2,830) Romans and Allies + two Siege Engines

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Wednesday, April 21, 2021

"TIS A FINE THING ON PAPER!"

 

LET'S TALK

Greetings Everyone,

The link immediately below offers my brief remarks about the Easter Season plus a short reading list I hope you will consider especially the last entry by Christine Watkins. Blessings to all of you and yours.

https://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2021/04/2021-season-of-easter.html


"TIS A FINE THING ON PAPER!"

"Tis a fine thing on paper" (paraphrased) was spoken by The Duke of Newcastle to Prinz Rupert prior to the 1644 English Civil War Royalist defeat at Marston Moor. The battle plan and order of battle looked promising but the King's men lost. Things didn't work out as happens to all of us. I speak the Duke of Newcastle remark sometimes to remind myself of Heaven's unexpected plans rather than my own.

Below are my hobby plans; fine things on electronic paper.

"Hey Dad, are you sure your readers will be interested?"
"Unsure my dear Rocket."
"Okay, wake me up after you find out."

PAINTING

Wielding brushes in 2021 is barely happening. Getting one item done which does not need much of anything else to go with it is working best. So...

Here is Warlord's WWII Kriegsmarine 1/300 scale Minesweeper. See the mines perched on the aft deck?  It in company with a small destroyer and two merchant ships in the background will be fending off USA dive bombers and torpedo planes someplace near 1943 Norway. Did you know USA aircraft carrier Ranger flew air ops. vs German installations there that year? I didn't until six months ago.

In keeping with the Norway theme, two GHQ 1/2400 scale ships were added to my "Naval Thunder" squadrons. In the foreground is Heavy Cruiser Prinz Eugen to starboard of....

Battleship Tirpitz. Both are well-designed models. The plan is to have them sortie out to engage Ranger protected by Royal Navy ships. 

GAMING
We are slowly opening up our homes to small numbers of players in short duration games compared to lots of pards and units on big tables of more than one year ago. "Those were the days my friend. I thought they'd never end." Reduced contact is the key for now. 

I've played more solo games in the past twelve months than in five decades. Solo games previously were difficult to enjoy and find satisfying. Face to face games have always been prime for me, you see. However, there is some exercise health benefit going back and forth from one table side to the other. Truly.

You contented chaps who find painting and collecting so very satisfying are lucky I suppose. Good for you and I mean it. However,  I'll drop  brushes to game anytime and only really paint to prepare for games. My thing mostly is to plan games, design rules and write General Pettygree Battlestories.

Recently I began pondering a "Nostalgia Game." My 25mm English Civil War forces have been mostly marooned in storage boxes since the early 1980s. Back then they were on the table a lot utilizing the first rules I published, Wargamer's Guide To The English Civil War. The 1977 second edition is still selling. See http://oldregimerules.com/ Anyhow, thoughts are percolating to march the Royalists and Parliamentarians back onto the tabletop and convince my oldest pards and newer ones as well to move units and throw dice in the interesting Pike and Shot era again. It is time to avenge Marston Moor.

Otherwise we have an unusual game planned for May involving 28mm Soviets versus Japanese someplace in an imagineered Mongolia. It will be a combined arms tactical situation using the clunkiest tanks ever and that's a good thing. I like that. Wide open spaces too. If only I had some cavalry, my most favorite branch to command. --- Should I tell players that Genghis Khan's lost tomb might be there?

Did you see General Pettygree's newest Battlestory, Tunisgrad? Here is Chapter 1:


"Hey Red!"
"What's on yer mind Mac?"
"When will Bill and General Pettygree post Tunisgrad's Chapter 2? We're in it ya know."
"Ah, I heard late April or early May. --- Want a cigarette?"

NEW --- BATTLESTORY VISUAL EFFECTS

Click on images to make them larger. What do you think? 

USN Torpedo Bombers off Ranger heading for a stormy Norwegian coast.

Diving to drop torpedoes and spotted by two Me-109s.

Dauntless Divebombers and Wildcat fighters in the same operation.

What is going on?

Homage to The Battle of Midway.
"That Japanese can is racing back to her fleet. Let's follow."

Was ist das?

"Winston, how do you think things went for Dad?"
"We'll have to wait and find out at Comments below."

Thank you Everyone for looking in.
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