Preparation for RECON 2025

 The Recon show is traditionally the last one Steve and I attend for the year; usually in partnership with the Lance & Longbow Society providing a participation game,  This year, our theme is the Welsh Wars of Edward I, inspired in part by my holiday near Builth Wells in the summer where I learned of the Battle of Orewin Bridge and the death of Llwelyn ap Gruffydd.  This battle was rather one-sided, so I created a fictional scenario which used some elements of the battle (English superiority in cavalry and quality of armour, but outnumbered by the Welsh in infantry), plus the Welsh defending a hill. 

Steve and I have tried out the game three times and on each occasion the result has been close, so the balance seems to be about right.  I have included a few photos, but the correct flags have yet to be added to the units.  The flags for the English forces come from the extensive range available from Freezywater and those for the Welsh from Wargames Designs.

The English spearmen attack up the hill

Llwelyn leads his men forward to drive back the 
English men at arms

The English knights break through the first line of Welsh spearmen

We will be using our version of Dan Mersey's "Lion Rampant" rules, which are condensed onto two sides of A5, including the factors for the various troop types.  This will be set up as a participation game, so, if you are attending the show, please drop by and have a go, you will be made most welcome.

Finally, thankyou to Ray and Norman for commenting on my previous post and dropping by the blog.  Posts have been few in number this year as real life has made itself felt in more ways than one.  I hope that next year normal service will resume.

Fiasco

 It is a couple of years since Steve and I last visited the Fiasco show at Leeds and so we took our chances with the M62 and headed east over the Pennines, destination Leeds Armouries.  The show opened at 10 and it was around 11 o'clock when we arrived; to find that the hall was packed.  We decided to do our shopping first and then look at the games.  There were a reasonable mix of traders available and I was particularly pleased to see that Stonewall Figures were there once again.  I was tempted by a painted unit of Hessian Napoleonic infantry and needless to say they are now based up ready for a forthcoming Napoleonic scenario.  Other purchases were a box of Mounted Sergeants, some Perry Ottomans, dice and a pot of paint.

Whilst moving around the hall we met several wargaming friends including Dave Lanchester.  He was not trading so we had time for a chat over coffee.  After that, it was back to the hall and with the press abating we could get a better look at the games on offer.  

James Titterton showcased the Battle of Bouvines 1214 using 6mm figures.  We had a very interesting chat with him about the battle and the troops, so much so, I neglected to take any photographs!

Sheffield and Rotherham Wargames Club were demonstrating the "Pillage" rules by published Victrix.  It was a participation game with several forces available.

Sally Forth were running a Pulp Alley game featuring Falco, the Roman detective created by Lindsey Davis.  

Some very nice scenery, which my photograph does not do justice to.

Leeds Night Owls put on a Bolt Action scenario based on the action at St Mere Eglise.  Once again some very good modelling, including a working searchlight.