This past week, I have managed two games!
First one was with John Boadle and Garry Broom at John's house: an 1866 bash at which I failed to take any photos, but was an engrossing encounter. And thanks again to John for his hospitality.
Second was yesterday with John Kersey who came up for our first game of WAB - part of my continuing re-exposure to the old ruleset (we are using WAB 1.5).
As many will know, John is the WAB ancient Chinese guru, author of the 'Art of War' supplement, and so it made sense to pit my Successors against one of John's Chinese armies.
A thoroughly good game, and again I was so engrossed that I didn't take many photos and those I did take are merely quick snaps. It was a bloody encounter, and ended in an honourable draw, although I think John was being quite generous there. Having said that, my elephant (in the room), ably assisted by some Greek allied cavalry, caused no manner of trouble to the Chinese right flank and eventually was left with no one to fight. On my right wing, Philipolytas 'the Highly Offensive' was just that... offensive. Following his previous outing (see a previous post) he decided that this time he would be very positive at the head of the companion wedge, driving off one enemy unit and severely blunting the enemy chariot squadron... however, he ended up positively 'deaded' for his trouble. But the companions remained intact.
In the end, troops were scattered everywhere, and we'd had a really good time. The inclusion of a couple of tense musician 'roll-offs' in the centre had added to the excitement and made the game what WAB should be about - fun.
Now the pictures:
The final picture shows the unit of Agrianians I recently painted.
Inspired by recent WAB games, I have more ancients on the painting desk. And more games in the diary...
Good to see lots of gaming opportunities on your game table, Phil!
ReplyDeleteLovely looking game - like the elephant.
ReplyDeleteTaking pictures during games requires concentration, you can get caught up in the game-play sometimes and forget to take a couple of pics and leaves a great hole in an AAR.(I've had to re-stage bits of some games for a suitable pic or two)
Lovely armies and I have a weak spot for elephants.
ReplyDeleteNice to see a Chinese army in action for a change. I've rarely played WAB but have most of the library. Two splendid armies, two splendid wargamers and a report shared on the Internet - what's not to like.
ReplyDeleteStephen
You’re really making me regret selling my Greeks and Successors! Although I think I have enough Greek plastics to do a small WAB army 🤣 I have been expanding my 15mm ancients and the temptation is to try a WAB game with them - love the Chinese army and it’s good to see you getting some games in
ReplyDeleteVery nice it all looks too.
ReplyDeleteA fine looking game. Lovely troops, elephants and chariots, what more could you want?!
ReplyDeleteRegards, James
Thoroughly enjoyable game and indeed an elephant thrashing around was cause for concern! John.
ReplyDelete