Friday, April 17, 2020

Baileywick & Sir Bartleby (BMC)

These two gentlemen are attendants for King Roland and Queen Miranda (previously featured on http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2019/06/royalty.html)


The gentleman in the greyish-blue coat is Sir Bartleby.  His duties include commanding of one of King Roland's companies of guards. Though he earned his knighthood, it is likely that he is a knight baronet (and so his knighthood is hereditary).  This is an important point, as he is related to the royal family by marriage.  He wears five medals on his coat, which is also decorated with a golden chain lace piping on the hems and cuffs.


The other gentleman is Baileywick the castle steward.  In addition to overseeing all activities within the castle premises, he acts as an unofficial advisor to King Roland.  He will also defend the royal family if it becomes necessary.  He carries a pocket watch and is busy consulting it though his pair of silver spectacles.  Both Baileywick and Sir Bartleby tie their cravats in the old-fashioned (c. 1730s) style, with large bows.













King Roland II, Queen Miranda, Baileywick the steward, and Sir Bartleby are deep in consultation.

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Through the Woods (Legends of the High Seas)

"Gaston?"
"Ha!  You thought I died!"

"Since France allied with the colonies, we have powerful friends."


"So do I.  Experienced hunters are much in demand during this quarrel between England and her colonies...and the British pay in gold!"


With no way to outfight Gaston, Belle and Prince Adam must escape from him.


This view shows the terrain that Belle and Prince Adam must cross to exit off Gaston's side of the table.  These are their victory conditions; Gaston wins by killing both Prince Adam and Belle.

For the first four turns, Prince Adam and Belle won priority, enabling them to advance across the board and use the forest for cover.  They stuck fairly near each other, as Gaston has a higher Fight value and could pick them off if they separated.
Priority then went to Gaston for Turns 5 and 6, enabling him to close with them.  Belle and Prince Adam regained Priority for Turn 7--only to make a major blunder.  Prince Adam advanced (unsupported) within charge range of Gaston.  Gaston promptly charged him, won the fight, and demolished Prince Adam's defense to lay him low.

Victory for Belle was now impossible, but she could still force a draw.  Gaston won priority for the next two turns, but Belle kept just out of his reach by leaving the forest and moving across the open road.  With her movement distance doubled (vs. slogging through the forest), Gaston would have to move quickly for victory.

But priority was won by Belle on Turn 10, who proceeded toward the board edge.  In the two remaining turns, Gaston attempted to close the gap, but Belle safely exited the board.

Neither side entirely fulfilled their victory conditions.  Since Belle did escape, I would call it a marginal victory for her.


Prince Adam was not killed.  Instead, he was stunned and left by Gaston, but quickly came to and disappeared before Gaston could return.  He and Belle are sure to have more adventures...once they are reunited.








(This was my first solo playthrough for Warhammer Historical's Legends of the High Seas ruleset.  The rules are easy to understand but allow for complexity.)