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Thursday, February 11, 2021

Culloden with WoFun

In my first face-to-face game since July, Kevin hosted the Battle of Culloden in 18mm using WoFun plexiglass flats.  Of course we exercised proper social distancing protocols throughout the three-hour contest and it was very pleasant to get a return to the table with an in-person opponent. 
The battle was fought on a grid using a loose variant of Commands & Colors.  Loose in the sense that there are no cards and no battlefield sections.  The game uses an IGO-UGO mechanism with each side taking turns activating a set number of units per turn.  

En Masse and when viewed from front or back, the two armies look terrific.  From a distance, one quickly forgets that these armies are flats.
Well, until viewed from the side when discerning what is what is difficult.
Kevin took the Jacobites and I commanded the Government forces.  After a couple of turns, the Government forces were advancing against the Jacobites across a broad front and took possession of the enclosures on the left early on.
Government artillery got in a few good licks early on and destroyed one battery from long range.
The Government Army spent the early part of the game coming to terms with the Highlanders whom left swathes of destruction in their path with every charge.

Having nine dice to roll with every attack, the Highlanders were devastating when most government infantry broke after sustaining four hits. Painful to watch my army being systematically sliced apart.
A pattern quickly emerged in that the Highlanders would charge two squares to contact one of my units, destroy it, then advance one square and destroy a second infantry unit.  If I could not come up with a counter to these devastating Highlander charges, I would likely lose this lopsided war of attrition.  My only counter to this carnage was to bring firepower to bear from my second line and drop them in their tracks.  This went on with most of the eight or nine Highland regiments fielded.  
While government forces tried to keep some semblance of two lines, the Jacobites were destined to press ahead and strike with their Highlanders in rapid succession.  My artillery, situated in the middle of the battle line, continued harassing the enemy as the lines closed. 
By mid-battle, the Government line had not been broken as it slowly advanced upon the Jacobites. 
Even though the battle line remained intact, the casualties mounted quickly.  In the photo below, all of the figures in the enclosures represent the Dead Pile.   
The Jacobites tried attacking my artillery with cavalry to no avail.
And then switched to attacking my cavalry on the right.
All of these attacks were repulsed.  By the end game, the Jacobites were fleeing from the field as government forces pressed in upon the rebels.
The rebels finally found themselves boxed into a small corner of the board for a Government victory.
Getting together for an afternoon F2F game was great fun after such a long absence.  Hopefully, the next F2F game will not be so long in waiting.  A refight of Culloden would be an enjoyable test.

Kevin estimated that about 1,800 figures were present for the day’s battle.  What do you think of the WoFun 18mm flats arrayed on the battlefield?  

68 comments:

  1. Hi there Jonathan,

    I have to say that it looked very impressive on the tabletop (although I am a little biased!). For me one of the big pluses of Wofun is the impression of larger armies in battle but in a relatively small space as the footprint of an 8 figure infantry base is only 30mm by 20mm for the 18mm range. Very inspiring to read - it has made me want to break out a nice single malt!

    I would love to know a little more about the rules used - especially wit the square grid!

    All the best,

    DC

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    1. Thanks, David! The Culloden game on this day was a playtest of a set of rules in work. I can provide more details once the state of the rules is more stable. Playing on a grid makes play very fast. Fast and bloody!

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  2. How nice to get a real live game! They're fun straight on and I can see the appeal if you don't like painting, good for Napoleonic, lace wars and 17th century I first thought but I guess medieval and ancients could be good too,oh and sounds historical as you had to weather the Highlanders charge but prevailed with discipline and firepower!
    Best Iain

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    1. Very nice to get a F2F game in! It has been so very long. We were very cautious in our approach and with a large table, we likely were never closer than about 10 feet.

      I weathered many a Highlander charge and typically lost two units before eliminating the attacker.

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  3. Great to see that you have got back to having a FtF game. I am in split mind about the WoFun. They are not that cheap, so 1800 figures represents a fair chunk of cash to try something out.

    I have to say that for me, they fall between the aesthetic of the standard 3D figures and the functionality of none figure based games (i.e. hex and chit).

    I tend to stand for my figure games, so my viewing perspective is seldom head on from a low position. I am generally higher up, looking down and often viewing the table from a three quarter position, rather than head on and so for me, I would see to much of the perspex sides to be able to get all of that pleasure of the fine artwork.

    So I think they are nice, but it is not something that I particularly want to explore and I am not a big fan of painting!

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    1. A most welcome change of pace, indeed, although I have enjoyed all of the remote gaming of late.

      We also stand when playing and I had difficulty identifying units from behind and above. Of course, we both stood away from the table a bit.

      I enjoy painting and am patient in building armies. I prefer 3D figures but will gladly play in these games.

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  4. I can't get past the white "halo" effect round the edge of them. I saw somewhere that someone had edged them with brown ink, and that improved them in my eyes. The armies seem expensive, but compared to buying and painting your own 3D figures they're good value, I'd say.

    Culloden is interesting, compared to the other '45 battles. I've refought it twice using my "Va t'en Ecosse" rules, and each time the Government win by being in multiple lines to absorb the shock of the charge. Maximising firepower is essential as well.

    I see you had a another player who won't keep the Prince's bodyguard cavalry as a bodyguard, and insists on using them on the field of battle.

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    1. There is a halo, for sure. I looked up the figures you mentioned and the inking does tone down the stark contrast. I could see someone painting the edges to match the uniform to provide a more 3D effect.

      Yes, I chased Prince off the table!

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  5. Great to see you having some FtF gaming Jonathan and as you can imagine, somewhat jealous! I can see the attraction of the Wofun approach, but it is not for me. I much prefer the 8mm figures I have for although they are 2D, when painted and on the board it is hard to tell they're not 3D. Maybe this is due to the smaller scale and the fact that the edges are painted.

    As for the game, it really felt like the actual battle, with the initial Highland charges being successful, but then when their impetus was spent on reaching the second line, the tide turned in the Government's favour. I've played the battle using Honours of War with the '45 amendments that Dave came up with and which we playtested with Keith. Worth giving a go if you have the time.

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    1. This F2F game was a rarity, for sure. A most welcome switch-up from the bevy of remote gaming.

      The smaller size of your 8mm and the fact that the edges are painted tend to make your wooden figures look 3D in your photos.

      The battle was believable and the result plausible. The Highlanders are real killers in this game. My tactics evolved throughout the game in an attempt to lessen their blow. Good fun!

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  6. That looks good en masse, although I can see the point about different angles and the halo effect close up.

    Still 1800 figures on the table makes for a troop ratio of about 1:8 for Culloden.

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    1. This was a large battle with plenty of figures on the table. It provided a good battle spectacle without the years of painting.

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  7. After all your recent virtual gaming it must have been strange having a face to face game. The WoFun units look good en masse.

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    1. In-person gaming was a little strange. After such a long hiatus, pushing figures across the table facing an opponent seemed unusual. Very welcome but unusual.

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  8. I am glad you got a ftf game after all the remote ones. The WoFun figures look great en mass, might give them a look for periods not in our mainstream. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. F2F was a good change of pace. These figures are perfect for this wishing to fight large battles without having the long lead times of painting armies. As you say,perfect for gaming periods out of the mainstream.

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  9. The game seems to be fun. From my point of view I prefer wooden blocks as they are in CCN. I have the impression that these models from Wofun are a first step and when 3D-Printing will be easy from a technical perspective the 3D-Models will replace such systems.

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    1. You may be correct that 2D is only a stepping stone to 3D printing. Do foresee pre-painted 3D figures on the market?

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  10. Thanks Jonathan. I didn't know anything about WoFun and having just googled them, I can see the attraction, especially if one wanted to get into a totally new era. It's interesting to see how different approaches to alternatives to painted 3D figures have surfaced over the years - I'm old enough to remember GDW's System 7 Napoleonics, which were basically cardboard blocks. The flats approach is much more attractive. Glad you got some FtF gaming in. Cheers, Michael

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    1. Michael, I, too, am old enough to remember System 7 Napoleonics. In the early 80's I had all of the sets and played games with the Fire and Steel rules. Did you have these sets and/or try Fire and Steel?

      I am glad to get in a F2F session too!

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    2. I played part of 1 game of Fire & Steel using the cardboard units at a U Vic game day in the late 70's when I was stationed in Esquimalt. Not my cuppa even back then.

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    3. That is great to see, Ross! Rules have come a long way since the late 70's, I think. These were the first rules in which I was introduced to average dice.

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  11. Glad to see you were able to play face-to-face again Jonathan. Interesting looking game.

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    1. Me too! The plexiglass flats are interesting. Something useful to try a new period or to field large armies quickly. Kevin has a collection of the WoFun Texas Revolution figures. We plan to refight Alamo sometime.

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  12. Hooray for F2F gaming in America no less. A rare experience these days. I’m glad that it was enjoyable. 😀

    I’m split on my opinion on the flats. They look OK to me but I wonder if it’s really better than just using 6mm to get the same massed infantry appeal. Plus, whenever I think of doing flats I think of the ones from Skull and Crown miniatures that are large and made of wood; designed to be knocked over with rubber balls. I think I would go that route to make the game more unique.

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    1. Yes, F2F has been a long time coming to America. Well, at least in my part of the USA.

      As for flats vs 6mm for Commands & Colors Ancients, I made my decision and went the 6mm route for my Roman and Carthaginian armies. Paper soldiers may have started the hobby. I know I had paper soldiers when I was a wee lad. Now WoFun figures may be carrying that mantle forward.

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  13. I must say that looks fantastic mate

    cheers
    Matt

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  14. That does look interesting Jonathan. 3D printed figures was the first thing that came to my mind, and I still believe we'll be printing them in colour within five to ten years. I think 6mm gaming is the perfect way to go with these.

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    1. Lawrence, I put you down with a wager on 3D printed figures in 5-10 years. With that influx of ready-painted armies, will our vast collections become devalued? Well, I suppose if they maintain any value now.

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  15. Very impressive, bit like Dave I’m biased having just invested in their 18mm Peninsular war figures. If you look on my Scotia Albion blog I’ve painted the sides and put a little bit of groundwork on the base. Doesn’t take long and I think makes a huge improvement. My take is these are a nice compromise for me to do periods I haven’t the time or inclination to paint. I already print resin figures but they still need painting and I will be far too old by the time affordable colour printing is available. For certain I will be buying more

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    1. Graham, I took at look at your experiments and I agree with you. Darkening the edge with either ink or paint eliminates the halo effect and makes a impressive presentation.

      Kevin, if you are reading this, you make want to give Graham's suggestion a try.

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  16. Better than virtual but especially with eyesight diminishing, I suspect I'd prefer smaller numbers of slightly bigger figures (say 12, 15 or 20mm) with vary basic, minimum detail, speed painting, or toy style, but I'm all for people enjoying what they enjoy as long as they are doing no harm.

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    1. Ross, these figures are 18mm in size so they are not that small. You can also buy them in 28mm.

      Live and let live, I say!

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  17. Outstanding report and game. I have been on the fence about these and I think your game and review has pushed me over. I think they are definitely a plus for a period you want to try and game but cannot face painting hundreds of figures.

    Well done Sir!

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  18. Glad your back to it, a mate of mine recently bought a stack of the wofun figures too :)

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    1. F2F was a welcome change of pace. I await your first-hand impression of the WoFun figures.

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  19. Impressive and tempting flat figures...and splendid game!

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  20. Enjoyed the report and might get around to doing some Jacobites at some point. The flats would not be for me. Have you ever seen this classic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkxW-nB0nNU

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    1. Thanks, George. I have not seen this film. I will give it a showing. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  21. Quality Johnathan. I read a review of this company and was well impressed but your battle shows just how good they look en masse.

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    1. Thank you, very much, Robbie! Glad this was helpful.

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  22. Very interesting to see them in action. Good to get face to face sadly not happening here anytime soon. They are slightly stark on the terrain cloths you were using. I just the think the aesthetics don’t work for me.

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    1. Thanks for your feedback, Matt. Restrictions on gatherings are beginning to lessen here. New rules going into effect this week will include indoor gatherings of up to five from no more than two households possible. Having the possibility of increased human interactions will help many.

      The figures do look stark on the plain brown grid. I wonder if your perception would change if the edges were colored? For aesthetics, you set a very high bar on your gaming table that many of us (well, at least me!) have trouble matching.

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  23. A face to face game? Can't remember what that is? The game looks great as do the figures. Just think of all that tartan you didn't have to paint.

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    1. I know, it had been a long time coming. Still, we wore masks and maintained an appropriate distance. Having to paint tartan for a large Highland army has kept me from this period.

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  24. Interesting, these flats. Certainly impressive in terms of numbers (albeit not when viewed sideways!) and really practical without the long hours needed to build and paint armies of that size. Also good to see that you are slowly but surely returning to face to face gaming. Nice going!

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    1. The pre-painted flats are very practical for those wanting to field ready-made armies. That is exactly why my gaming buddy went this route.

      The return to F2F will be slow, I think, but progress is being made.

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  25. Great to hear and to see that you got an in-person game in Jonathan. Those WoFun nouveau-flats look quite grand. I don't mind the look of the 'halo' effect as it looks a bit like a white outline to me. Inking or painting them would add a lot of effort to the idea of an army sans painting! How is the look and feel of the 'real thing' compared to the photos?
    Like you, painting is a key part of the hobby for me (esp. the researching and decisions around colours and such that go with it), but it's good to see these available as an option for people and to see them in action.
    Regards, James

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    1. James, an F2F game after so many months was a real treat.

      Even with the white halo, the impression from standing behind my army was positive. With the figures ranked so closely on each base and with six to nine bases per unit on a small grid, the 2D nature of the figures faded away. Besides, standing above and behind my army, my eyesight is not so good anyway!

      These figures give a solid viable option for those not wanting to invest the significant time in building up large armies.

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  26. Fantastic that you have finally Ben able to have an honest to goodness FtF game Jon. I have mixed feelings about the Wofun figures...I agree with those commentators who have questioned the aesthetics of the white edging and to my mind, to offset the lack of appeal vis a vis 3D figures, they should be A LOT cheaper, which dies not seem to be the case. The highlanders seem to have been too effective, given what actually happened on Drumossie Moor in 1746!

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    1. Keith, getting in an in-person game with a longtime friend was a treat, for sure.

      Not everyone enjoys the look of the 2D figures but I must say that they look good en masse and arrayed for battle. I am not sure I would field such armies but am happy to enjoy a game with these figures.

      I thought the highlanders pretty damn effective too! This was a trial run of the rules and Kevin thought they may be a bit too powerful too. He is working on a tweak or two for the next game. While the Highlanders may have seemed too powerful in this first game, tactics can evolve to make them less devastating. Well, at least mitigate some of the risk when facing them.

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  27. Good to know you had a great ftf game, Jonathan.

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    1. A welcome change up from the new normal gaming routine, for sure.

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  28. Fantastic. I've considered getting a bunch of these figures myself but I've always pulled out before committing myself. They really look great.

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  29. I think the WoFun figures are a great option for those starting out or exploring new periods. The effectiveness of the Highland Charge seemed about right to me once you figured out tactics to mitigate it!

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    1. I agree with the usefulness and economy of WoFun.

      Wouldn't you know that Kevin has changed the rules for our next battle just as I figured out how to counter the highlanders!

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  30. Excellent post, I edge my Wofun figures with Games workshop agrax eartshade matt.
    On this web site I have some photo's of my Wofun miniatures.
    https://www.thewargameswebsite.com/forums/topic/war-of-the-spanish-successin-18mm-wofun-games/
    Yours is an excellent blog, always a good read.

    Stay safe and happy gaming.
    Willz Harley.

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    1. Your figures look great, Willz! I like your edging a lot.

      Thank you for the kind comments on the blog.

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