To start off, Matt (Wargames in the Dungeon) joined me in a remote game on Friday. We fought the Battle of Zallaqah with Matt taking command of the Muslim army. For those taking count, this is Game #4 in the Zallaqah refights. Not unlike Alfonso VI, I learned an important lesson in this battle. Hope I can commit this lesson to memory for next time! Details for another day.
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| Spanish cavalry's inglorious retreat! |
On the painting front, December painting productivity has really picked up. Not unexpected given my seasonal painting tendencies over the years. Completed units are stacking up at the light box like cordwood before winter. Some units from projects not seen in a long, long time are moving out. Well, a few, never! I may be winding up the year on a high note on the painting front. 
On the big table, downstairs, Zallaqah will be cleared away and a new battle contemplated. Current thoughts point to the anniversary of Wakefield on 30 December. I need to design a scenario and get busy. Wakefield poses some challenges for a scenario design and requires careful thought. Wakefield may be the first game to see action in the New Year. We will see. My mind and motivations wander.
Next time, either more painted figures, the last Zallaqah battle report, or something completely different!
First out from the workbench is a bit of a clean-up. That is, a few miscellaneous figures were pulled out and sent into the painting queue for a quick win or three. What emerges are three units from three different projects. Mustering out are a three-figure command stand for the Reconquista (BTD and Crusader), a two-figure command stand for the SYW (Eureka), and a Norwegian two-figure machine gun stand (Peter Pig) for WWII. Whew! Glad to have these out of the way in order to tackle some bigger units.
On Tuesday, I expect to see Pharsalus return to the kitchen table in 6mm using Commands & Colors for a series of games before Christmas. Have not had Caesar v Pompey out in a long time. Should be fun.
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| Pharsalus |
A nice mixed bag there for you Jon:)! I think that the Norwegian MG crew are the first WWII figures I can remember seeing from your good self. Maybe a teaser on what might grace your games table in 2026?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Steve! While few, there are several posts from long ago about my 15mm WWII project here:
Deletehttps://palousewargamingjournal.blogspot.com/search/label/15mm%20Narvik
I don't recall seeing these before, so thanks for the link:). Most likely before I was aware of your Blog! I too decided to build a Norwegian force and like you, couldn't find anything, but the WWII Austrians looked the part once on the table. Great minds and all that;)
DeleteGreat minds, for sure!
DeleteLots of nice stuff going on Jon, think I missed the WW2 stuff previously or I just can’t remember. The rear view of that Christian cavalry looks spectacular !
ReplyDeleteThe WWII collection has not seen much action in years. Perhaps time to tun it around. You might be surprised to learn that I have 28mm WWII for CoC. That has not been out in years either. Yeah, thought you would enjoy the sight of my heavy cavalry fleeing to the rear!
DeleteA nice bit of variety there Jon. I know Matt does WW2 in Norway in 28mm so perhaps a discussion with him during your recent remote game has suggested a gaming topic for 2026?
ReplyDeleteI will be watching Matt's blog for a report on your latest tussle to get the full story on those fleeing Spanish knights!
A couple of responses in an earlier post suggesting that I bring WWII to the table in 2026 got me thinking about 1940 Norway. I have not had that collection out in a very long time. You may have to wait for me to provide details on Zallaqah. It may take some time to spin it!
DeleteWWII Norwegians? Sounds interesting Jon? Tell me more!
ReplyDeleteYes, I have a small collection of 15mm figures for 1940 Norway action. Not in 28s like Matt and yourself.
DeleteYou have lots of stuff going on. Plenty to keep you busy
ReplyDeleteAlways something to work on, Neil.
DeleteReally nice mixing stuff Jonathan.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michal!
DeleteLooking good. Plus, a surprise in there too. Seems to be something of the megalomanic about your wargaming collection.
ReplyDeleteMegalomaniac? Moi?
DeleteBelated Happy Birthday, Richard! December is a notable month for birthdays.
DeleteThank you.
DeleteCertainly is a mixed bag of wargaming for you. Good to see your splendid WotR could be getting another showing.
ReplyDeleteYes, we will return to WotR soon.
DeleteI'm looking forward to the AAR on the most recent Zallaqah refight, and the lesson you allude to. Great to see you ending the year with a flourish Jonathan. Lovely stuff as usual.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lawrence! I need to muster some strength to admit to my failures at the table...
DeleteLovely mixed bag! WW2? Thought you said you couldn't do it?
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks! Well, my collection of WWII stuff is miniscule compared to many.
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