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Game With The Dragoons => Online Kriegsspiels => Topic started by: Dave Pumphouse on June 01, 2021, 12:10:28 PM

Title: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Dave Pumphouse on June 01, 2021, 12:10:28 PM
Hello all you lovely people!

For those in the know, towards the end of last year i got playing my first kriegsspiel 'The Battle of Mincio River' and while thoroughly enjoyable (i have kept a little video diary on youtube for how its going - shameless plug i know), unfortunatly the game has stalled a little and there has been along the way drop outs from the frustration of how the game slowly progresses. To scratch that itch of a hobby that i have got to enjoy over the last few months i have decided to create my own and am opening it up to people who may be interested.

I have taken time in researching and developing some broadset rules over the last couple of months and after a few drafts and re-writes i believe i am near the end of finalising a homebrew rulset for this very much 'homebrew' style game. The effort being to develop something that isnt overly complicated like some rules out there, doesnt necessarily take long to play (a big criticism of some players and observors alike) and well, generally accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.

I present to you therefore a game i am calling 'All The Kings Horses and All The Kings Men'. Where i have designed a relatively scaled board on TTS of approx 5miles x 3miles of the battle of Colchester (more commonly known to those who have heard of it as the siege of Colchester), a battle within the 2nd English Civil war in 1648, where the game explores the options given to commanders at the time. By piecing together variuos snippets of information for a battle often left in the footnotes of history i have come together with a fairly accurate order of battle and opening sequence... the rest as they say can be explored in the game.

8 Players (4 each side)... 3 have expressed an interest already. 5000 - 6000 Men per side. Play by email system with me being the umpire and a discord channel open if required. I'm thinking 10 - 15mins in game time per day (purely so people arent waiting for weeks to hear anything back from units etc and to keep people engaged) and a little video blog of AAR's posted from time to time.

If anybody is interested and if you would like to try your hand at something different or know anobody that might be interested let me know. Screenshot of the board below. Otherwise any other comments and/or advice welcome.

*UPDATE - 5/8 Seats confirmed* 3 Interested

Royalists

Earl of Norwich (cmdr) - Taken
Lord Capell - Interested
Sir Charles Lucas - Taken
Sir George Lisle - Interested

Parliamentarians

Lord-General Thomas Fairfax (cmdr) - Taken
Sir Thomas Honywood - Taken
Col John Barkstead - Taken
Col Gourdon -

Happy Gaming!   
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: bob48 on June 01, 2021, 12:18:41 PM
 :bigthumb:

Looks good.
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: LetsPlayHistory on June 01, 2021, 04:06:44 PM
I might be interested. The last Kriegsspiel I have attended was a Fulda Gap game based on Thin Red Line, a bit too complex for a single umpire and sadly two NATO players dropped. It was a very special experience commanding my Brigade, though. Loved the fog of war.

Not sure, if a 15 minute turn schedule fits the command structures of the time, but I am sure you have thought about that.

Best,
Jan
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Dave Pumphouse on June 01, 2021, 04:34:11 PM
I might be interested. The last Kriegsspiel I have attended was a Fulda Gap game based on Thin Red Line, a bit too complex for a single umpire and sadly two NATO players dropped. It was a very special experience commanding my Brigade, though. Loved the fog of war.

Not sure, if a 15 minute turn schedule fits the command structures of the time, but I am sure you have thought about that.

Best,
Jan

My Mincio River game i was a french corps commander with 4 division commanders under me, each division between 2 and 6 brigades under them and each day was 2mins in game time. People i think just got frustrated that it wasnt moving quick enough so i have tried to find a pace that feels right. The pace of play could be changed if that suits people as the objective is merely to have a bit of fun with it as a 'my first krieggspiel' type of thing...

Thank you for the interest though and i can certainly pencil you in!
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: bayonetbrant on June 01, 2021, 04:58:02 PM
when were you looking at trying this?
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: LetsPlayHistory on June 01, 2021, 06:02:31 PM
My Mincio River game i was a french corps commander with 4 division commanders under me, each division between 2 and 6 brigades under them and each day was 2mins in game time. People i think just got frustrated that it wasnt moving quick enough so i have tried to find a pace that feels right. The pace of play could be changed if that suits people as the objective is merely to have a bit of fun with it as a 'my first krieggspiel' type of thing...

Thank you for the interest though and i can certainly pencil you in!

Huh, what would a corps or even division commander reasonably be able to do within two minutes I wonder? ??? I mean sure, there were probably commanders sending out order after order, but that might have been the not so efficient ones, I guess. ;) I think, turns representing a variable amount of time between 30 minutes to a few hours would fit much more on that command level, giving players a few days to give their orders. I bet Jim could share some wisdoms from previous Kriegsspiel interations he has done.
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Advocator (Scott) on June 01, 2021, 06:29:45 PM
Same question as Brant, when are you looking to do this? I'd likely be interested in giving it a go to see how it compares to Jim's games.
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Dave Pumphouse on June 02, 2021, 05:57:38 PM
My Mincio River game i was a french corps commander with 4 division commanders under me, each division between 2 and 6 brigades under them and each day was 2mins in game time. People i think just got frustrated that it wasnt moving quick enough so i have tried to find a pace that feels right. The pace of play could be changed if that suits people as the objective is merely to have a bit of fun with it as a 'my first krieggspiel' type of thing...

Thank you for the interest though and i can certainly pencil you in!

Huh, what would a corps or even division commander reasonably be able to do within two minutes I wonder? ??? I mean sure, there were probably commanders sending out order after order, but that might have been the not so efficient ones, I guess. ;) I think, turns representing a variable amount of time between 30 minutes to a few hours would fit much more on that command level, giving players a few days to give their orders. I bet Jim could share some wisdoms from previous Kriegsspiel interations he has done.

Perhaps then, a speed of 10mins a day on alternative days (leaving off days for orders to be written and sent to the umpire) so a fortnight of play would be just over an hour of battle time.
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Dave Pumphouse on June 02, 2021, 05:59:35 PM
To answer both bayonetbrant and Advocator it'll look to start when seats are filled.
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Advocator (Scott) on June 02, 2021, 06:47:54 PM
Fair enough answer. Well, if there's room, add me to the list of people willing to give it a go.
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Dave Pumphouse on June 02, 2021, 07:52:39 PM
Fair enough answer. Well, if there's room, add me to the list of people willing to give it a go.

Welcome aboard :)
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: thecommandtent on June 02, 2021, 09:23:10 PM
Would this all be over email or would we need to be available for live play?
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Dave Pumphouse on June 02, 2021, 09:36:45 PM
Would this all be over email or would we need to be available for live play?

Over Email
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: thecommandtent on June 02, 2021, 09:45:09 PM
Would this all be over email or would we need to be available for live play?

Over Email

Count me as interested but knowing I have no idea what I'm doing  :)
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Dave Pumphouse on June 02, 2021, 10:09:14 PM

[/quote]

Count me as interested but knowing I have no idea what I'm doing  :)
[/quote]

Modest as always CT! Dont let Jim forget HE on infantry is double shock on your next game of CoC btw!
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: thecommandtent on June 03, 2021, 09:44:15 PM


Count me as interested but knowing I have no idea what I'm doing  :)
[/quote]

Modest as always CT! Dont let Jim forget HE on infantry is double shock on your next game of CoC btw!
[/quote]

 :bigthumb:
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Dave Pumphouse on June 07, 2021, 10:36:00 AM
Still 5 seats left for anybody who might be interested. I am also waiting confirmation from someone else if they are in or not.

If anybody has any prefference as to who they wish to play, royalists or parliamentarian and we'll start to figure out teams. I'll be setting up a discord server for people soon too.

Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: LetsPlayHistory on June 07, 2021, 10:43:49 AM
I'd go full parliament!  ;D
Will ask a friend of mine, if he wants to join, too.
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Dave Pumphouse on June 07, 2021, 11:02:28 AM
I'd go full parliament!  ;D
Will ask a friend of mine, if he wants to join, too.

Good man! And for the record i am not going to be unduly biased just because my profile picture depicts me enjoying a nice refreshing pint at parliament after work :)
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Advocator (Scott) on June 07, 2021, 06:23:31 PM
I'm merely here to pen orders that will likely be misinterpreted in ways that prove devastating to me. I've no side preference.
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Dave Pumphouse on June 07, 2021, 06:43:52 PM
I'm merely here to pen orders that will likely be misinterpreted in ways that prove devastating to me. I've no side preference.

I'll put you down as Col Barkstead (Parliament)

Thanks for the email btw.
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Dave Pumphouse on June 07, 2021, 06:44:45 PM
:bigthumb:

Looks good.

Would you like to count yourself in? :)
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: thecommandtent on June 07, 2021, 08:38:53 PM
No preference to side. Im not that familiar with this time period/conflict so do you have any links to some background reading I could do?
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Dave Pumphouse on June 07, 2021, 09:20:11 PM
No preference to side. Im not that familiar with this time period/conflict so do you have any links to some background reading I could do?

We'll offer you Honywood and see how you do with that :)
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Dave Pumphouse on June 10, 2021, 08:47:53 AM
FINAL CALL FOR ANYONE WHO MAY BE INTERESTED.

Gentleman, PM me your email addresses and we'll get this show on the road with the guys we have.
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Hatricvs on June 11, 2021, 09:12:27 AM
I would love to take part please. Not too worried about which side!
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Dave Pumphouse on June 11, 2021, 09:54:49 AM
I would love to take part please. Not too worried about which side!

I think we have a full table now buddy, but i can sure put you on a reserve list if anyone ducks out last minute?
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Hatricvs on June 11, 2021, 11:00:06 AM
Yeah please keep me on the list as a possible player if anyone decides to drop out etc or is a no show. Have played a couple of these games before but not this period.

Cheers

Andy B
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: LetsPlayHistory on June 15, 2021, 04:39:10 PM
Call for the parliamentarian officers, in case you are more regularly online over here than on Discord: Please check out our Discord-channel for a strategy discussion. :bringit: I gonna write my orders soon.
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Advocator (Scott) on August 10, 2021, 03:04:32 PM
So we just finished this KS up today and Dave did an amazing job running this game. Everything moved at a consistent pace, good communication, and a good time. If he runs another game, everyone  should consider joining (so long as I get one seat!)

Thanks for a great game, Dave!
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 10, 2021, 03:28:41 PM
So we just finished this KS up today and Dave did an amazing job running this game. Everything moved at a consistent pace, good communication, and a good time. If he runs another game, everyone  should consider joining (so long as I get one seat!)

Thanks for a great game, Dave!

that's great to hear!

Now, who is writing the AAR?    :biggrin:
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Advocator (Scott) on August 10, 2021, 03:48:03 PM
Dave actually did a good summary in the Discord channel we used. I think he may be working on a video, too. And the Fairfax player, I believe, kept a journal of what was going on with the Good Guys in the game. I'd imagine one or both will get that posted here before long.
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Dave Pumphouse on August 10, 2021, 04:04:10 PM
So we just finished this KS up today and Dave did an amazing job running this game. Everything moved at a consistent pace, good communication, and a good time. If he runs another game, everyone  should consider joining (so long as I get one seat!)

Thanks for a great game, Dave!

that's great to hear!

Now, who is writing the AAR?    :biggrin:

I mean i can have a stab at a 'My First Kriegsspiel' rundown for the home page if you would like? I can include why i made the scenario, my thoughts and personal critique of myself as an umpire and a nice AAR of what happened?
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 10, 2021, 04:44:05 PM
that would be most awesome of you  :bigthumb:
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: LetsPlayHistory on August 10, 2021, 05:42:34 PM
So we just finished this KS up today and Dave did an amazing job running this game. Everything moved at a consistent pace, good communication, and a good time. If he runs another game, everyone  should consider joining (so long as I get one seat!)

Thanks for a great game, Dave!


This is absolutely true. Dave did an amazing job. Thank you so much, Dave. I enjoyed it a lot!
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: LetsPlayHistory on August 10, 2021, 05:45:20 PM
Dave actually did a good summary in the Discord channel we used. I think he may be working on a video, too. And the Fairfax player, I believe, kept a journal of what was going on with the Good Guys in the game. I'd imagine one or both will get that posted here before long.

Here you go, the complete log from the point of view of Lord-General Fairfax himself. download (https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/857892290336653312/874758785611210802/All_the_Kings_men_and_all_the_Kings_Horses_Siege_of_Colchester_Kriegsspiel_Fairfax_Log.pdf)
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: thecommandtent on August 10, 2021, 08:40:05 PM
So we just finished this KS up today and Dave did an amazing job running this game. Everything moved at a consistent pace, good communication, and a good time. If he runs another game, everyone  should consider joining (so long as I get one seat!)

Thanks for a great game, Dave!


This is absolutely true. Dave did an amazing job. Thank you so much, Dave. I enjoyed it a lot!

This x100.  Thanks to the other players and Dave!
Title: Re: Kriegsspiel - All the kings horses and all the kings men
Post by: Advocator (Scott) on August 12, 2021, 10:45:27 AM
Dave is posting videos of what went on here:


And if you want to read my side of things: https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/851464967215382582/875100571294646352/KS_Summary.pdf