We enjoyed last weeks ECW game so much we decided to have another. Using the 'Victory without Quarter' rules once again I used a scenario from one of the ECW Gaming scenario books which has a small battle taking place around the village of Penpont in 1651. I chose this battle for two reasons. It suited the size of forces we currently have available and it is placed just two miles from where my Dad and Brother now live. Next time I visit them I can see me going down to Penpont for a good look around.
A couple of newly painted 15mm houses (from 'Hovels') to help me create the village of Penpont on the table and a couple of new Command bases.
As this was originally quite a small battle and it was going to be a multi-player game I deployed the troops as recommended in the book then threw in a few more units to give everyone plenty to control. After all, these are still learning games for us whilst we get our troops painted up. It seems that the Royalists who had been busy recruiting in the Dumfries area were now intent on attacking the Parliamentarian troops based in Drumlanrig Castle.
The Parliamentarian troops need to drive the Royalists out of Penpont to ensure they control the north/south road which was important as a main road for supplies back then.
Charlie and I took control of the Parliamentarian forces on the near side of the board whilst Ian and Nigel commanded the Royalists within the village. Note all the horse at the top of the photo. Dice throws decided that there would be two Buffoons and one Idiot commander on the table. They helped create mayhem.
One unit of Royalist Pike and Shotte had to get over the bridge and into the village which the draw of the cards allowed them to do quite quickly.
An early charge from Charlie's Parliamentarian cavalry soon gained the upper hand in that melee.
This was the start of some hilariously bad morale checks by both sides from Charles and Nigel. Charlie managed 2 double ones and a 2 and a 1, Nigel also got a double one and a few other poor scores. Chaos ensued on the left flank cavalry clash.
The Royalist infantry finally get into the village, supported by a Field Gun. .
Charlie finally defeats the Royalist Cavalry, which is what happened in the real battle.
Charles' cavalry tried to catch the Royalist Infantry in the flank but did not quite make it and suffered from their musketry.
Bit by bit the Parliamentarian numbers slowly wore the Royalist forces down and with the end of gaming time looming a Parliament victory was declared. The Royalists had lost most of their cavalry and an infantry unit with the other one routing they fled back to Dumfries, their recruitment plans in tatters.
Another great game full of dramatic moments. In most instances the rules work really well and give a fun game.There are still a few areas of the rules we are unsure of but we managed to reach a sensible agreement over most issues.
For now the painting (recruiting) continues and we will play again soon.
Next week we play Charlies re-fight of Tewksbury using the 'Billhooks' rules, should be a great game. .
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