The Battle of Kakiat Church

After close to a month without gaming we got together for some A Gentleman's War set during the American Revolution. Matt laid out the terrain and I started setting out figures. The scenario was basically  the Crown's troops attempting to destroy the Rebel forces and take control of the church.

The British and their Brunswick allies had about ten units and the Patriots had about thirteen. We didn't formally write up distinctions but gave them to units a the situation required them.

Initial deployment of the Rebels.

The Crowns forces advance.

Slowly the Brunswickers advance.

The British engage the Rebels.

The German artillery is destroyed and the infantry start taking casualties.

The lead British regiment takes a beating as more Patriot troops move up.

A slugfest begins on the Brunswick side with hits given and saved by both sides.

The British close in and apply heavy pressure to the Patriot right.

With game set up and chatting we reached the time limit for gaming. We could have adjudicated a result but Matt said we could leave the game set up and finish it the next week. The latter option  was taken.

Now where were we?

The view of the line of battle from the Patriot left. 

The Rebels move up to reinforce their right

Reduced in strength the British keep the pressure on.

The Brunswicker Charge.

The melee 

The Grenadiers do their job but the line regiment fall back. 

The Grenadiers withstand the withering fire from the Rebels

Mounted infantry ride up to add their weight to the attack.

 We had decided to have reinforcements come in. Three units each. The Patriots had theirs enter the center and the right flank. The British came in on their own left with one in the center. Although a regiment of New Yorkers moved in on the British left they were unable to eliminate the threat to their flank. The other reinforcements didn't get into action by the time real time made us stop for the night.

As usual as the fighting became more intense and seesawed form left to right photos didn't get taken. The result was that three times the Rebel right was secure and three times it was broken. Despite seemingly overwhelming odds the Brunswickers held firm and then fell back in order. Both sides needed to regroup and though we considered leaving the game for another day decided to both claim victory and leave the field.

Another two great game nights with fortunes swinging back and forth. A few more face cards some sixs  not saved and things could have been different but as with many things it the journey that's fun as much as the destination.

What I did last Summer.

 With the start of school I'm reminded of how often our first assignment was to write about what we did during the break from school. As adults our summers don't contain the long break for summer and for some Summer is a busy time for work.

As September began I started to think about The Pledge from TMP and realized I hadn't painted anything in three months. A bit depressing but I started looking at what I had done and saw that despite being busy at work the Summer had been filled with activities though not all gaming related ones.

Our two year old niece had a baby sister in July so the niece came to visit us for a week while Mom, Dad and little sister got acquainted. We had forgotten had labor intensive a small child was but also managed some fun times with her. She did enjoy playing with the horses from my Civil War Playset.

Next came a ten day visit of my daughters dog. Another break in the routine but one that gives plenty of opportunities for hiking.

A day at the beach offered  some scenario inspiration.

Last of the big adventure was a seventy five mile ride around New York City. It was the last year for Transportation Alternatives NYC Century Ride. Always a fun ride I wasn't in shape for the whole event but squeezed out a good ride. It's fun to see the city from the seat of a bike and to take a more relaxed pace through some areas not usually seen. 

While painting miniatures was not an activity I did much of I was able to get a few games in.

Flint & Feather 

Lord of the Rings

A Gentleman's War Skirmish.

Chainmail Bikini in the Scottish Highlands.

I guess I lose points for turning this in late but hey it was fun and that's what counts in a Hobby.

Another day in the garden.

There had been some rumors and gnashing of teeth that the local game store would be closing fortunately for the people who game there it hasn't happened and the plan is to keep the Brick & Mortar part of the business open. I understand that most of their business is online. I understand the challenges they face keeping the B&M part open. It can't be easy and I have tried to support them by purchasing supplies and things when I can. Lately they've increased Historicals so it's been easier to do this. The club that meets at the store seems to be good at supporting the store as well which only makes sense. The store staying open gives gamers a place to meet, keep terrain and play. The allocated table space may get smaller but Vets Night is still being held and this is good for us gamers.

All that brings us to last weeks game of Chainmail Bikini. Once again Howard broke out his Chinese garden. We each had a group of three heroes this time looking for treasure held in the garden as well as controlling six guards. This time we placed the guards on the opposite side from our heroes to make them more threatening. In all the photos I tried to get in close to show off Howard's well made table.

Monks prepare to cross the stream.

The monks get their first treasure.

My guards attack the other group of thieves.

The other monk engages a guard.

Bloodied from the fight the monks are still able to find more of the valuables.

All the guards are alert now.

The monks are clearing away unseen.

This month also saw a visit to NJCON. My schedule that day was a little tight but I was able to get down there for a few hours. First stop upon arriving  was the flea market. I had a few things to sell and wanted a look at what was available. Plenty of good deals could be found but I was able to keep my focus. Next stop was the vendor area. Lot's of temptation here. Next was the gaming area. I hit this in between sessions so not many games were being played. I did see a  Third World War Micro Armor, 28mm AWI, 28mm Viking Siege of Paris and set up for a few tournaments.

So in the end. I sold enough to cover the LOTR figures, WWII vehicles and Osprey book. In the dealer area I picked up some of the new Empress Vietnam US Marines. Very nice figures.

I was able to play a few turns of the AGW game before I had to leave.

The French center.

The Chasseurs prepare to engage the Britons.

The Suffragettes bicycle troop.

Thin red line.

The French advance.

The British center prepares for the enemies attack.

The French left.

June has proven to be a good gaming month but Women's World Cup will be cutting in to some of the hobby time.

Thanks.