Wargame Rules

BLOG BACKGROUND AND WARGAME RULES
I have set up this blog for my wargaming interests in the Muscovite-Tartar Wars, Reconquista Wars, the Barbary Coast Pirates, and the early campaigns of the Ottoman Turks and Saracens. Some lesser known crusades will also be covered. Miniatures are mainly 28mm with a growing collection in 54mm. If my photographs serve to encourage others to complete their collections I shall be pleased. I will also be mentioning other sites with interesting collections on the above. Do join the 'Friends' if you like what you see.

I prefer to use my own rules which are kept simple and involve eight-sided dice. These allow for fast results with various types of weaponry. Morale dominates my games.


Saturday 15 July 2017

The Battle of Vozha River, 1378 (Muscovite)

Yesterday we fought a war-game based on the Battle of Vozha River. This action took place in 1378 between the Russian principalities (under George) versus the western branch of the Mongol Golden Horde (under Chris). Typically, detailed information on these period battles are slight at best. We do know that the Muscovite army, forming the bulk of the opposition to the Mongols, had found a system to hinder the local fording place, so it was now a difficult and potentially dangerous obstacle. It also appears, they did not seek to physically oppose the Mongols crossing the river, but chose to form up on some nearby high ground. And they won a great victory. Under our rules it took two full moves to cross the river, or one full move if routing or charging, but with the penalty of 50% casualties. We also obliged the Muscovite army to only activate when the Mongols had either charged or loosed off their arrows, this worked to encourage the period correct movements, but not the outcome. Here are some photos from the game. The Mongol horse archers were fast and effective, but the Russian foot on the hill, comprising spear and bow, were resolute. The Boyar cavalry acted on occasions with great bravery but losses eventually saw them rout. One success, however, was the Boyars on the flank destroying the Mongol baggage train, and this was recognised as important. And near twenty Mongols drowned when some units routed. The game concluded with surprising generosity, for the Mongols, some 23 Russians were allowed to vacate the field, the 34 Mongols having decided not to pursue. Lasting just over two hours, all agreed this was a fast play, enjoyable and exciting game, excepting my secret hope that the Muscovites would win! MGB

10 comments:

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    1. Thanks Willie, we all really enjoyed the game. There was about 150 figures on this small table, but it all came together. And the general view was lets play more games with historical connections and conditions. That it lasted just over two hours suited us all, it was exiting!
      Michael

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  2. Superb! Most impressive and splendid troops!

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    1. Thanks Phil, it was nice to use the Medieval Russians for the first time.
      Michael

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    1. Thats kind John. It was fast and fun, and all wanted another game involving the Muscovites and Tartars. Next time I'm planning to use the streltsy, something c1600.
      Michael

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  4. An interesting scenario, I particularly like the rule mechanism for the ford. All enhanced by your very nicely painted figures.

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    1. Thanks for the kind comments, regularly visit your blog for some wargaming inspiration. Your own Renaissance Muscovites were the stimulation to raise a 'classic' army comprising mainly Hinchcliffe figures.
      Michael

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  5. Great looking game, lovely colourful figures.
    Best Iain

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    1. Thanks Iain , for the kind comments. Just had a spell on my other blog, now looking forward to returning to my Muscovites, Ottomans etc. Cheers,
      Michael

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