Bomb Raid Rules

As part of my Canberra project, I have been looking for a set of rules that allow the bombers to be the star of the show. As I pondered my predicament, I remembered Warpspawn had a Vietnam era bombing raid game (by the way, if you've never been to Warpspawn it's worth a look. Most of the games are card games so I haven't played many, but there is a treasure trove of ideas over there). Similarly, Warpspawn has an F-14 bombing raid game that features 1-2 planes. Sounds about right for my project. I decided to test out the concept using some 1930s era planes.

K Flight sets out on a raid over enemy territory. They reach the first target without incident. However, AA fire hits K-2 as it drops its bombs.

Over Target 1
Target 2 is in the distance (top)

The bombing run leaves the enemy outpost in flames. The bombers continue towards the second target but are pounced by 2 enemy fighters (red). The escort is out of position and the enemy planes make a firing pass. K-1 takes some damage.

K Flight arrives at the second target but its bombs are off target.

On the way back, an enemy fighter attacks but it driven off by an escort.

The another enemy fighter makes a head-on attack. K-2 fires back and drives off the bogie.

As K Flight nears friendly airspace, AA fire bursts around them. Evasive maneuvers succeed and the flight arrives home safely.

Notes

• These rules seem like a good starting point. The biggest issue is the randomness of the game. The bombers don't have much in the way of decisions to make. I'm wondering if I can rectify that (e.g. select high or low passes over enemy target).

Canberra Project

My father's recent passing has prompted me to begin a new, small project. My father flew the B-57 Canberra bomber for the US Air Force in the 1950s. As a tribute, I decided to paint up a B-57.

Tumbling Dice Canberras

But, being a gamer, I decided I wanted to play with the minis I paint. End result = new project.

I wasn't sure about the setting so I posted a query on The Wargames Website. I got some good info, but in typical warwell fashion I'm probably going to dispense with good advice and go off on a crazy tangent. More on that in a moment.

But first, the miniatures. I ordered some 1/600 scale Canberras from Tumbling Dice. I also needed some opposition and escorts so I picked up MiG-15s and F-86 Sabres. I know these would likely have been superseded by the mid-50s (the probable setting for my campaign) but I can make do. Besides, they'll work better if I ever decide to do some straight-up Korean War scenarios.

So what is the setting of this project? My initial inclination was a re-start of the Korean War, and I may still do that. However, I am now thinking of an imagi-nation. For colonial gaming, I once devised an Indian Ocean island called Rapala. I'm thinking of using it for a 1950s Cold War campaign. Naturally, the US gets involved, sending military aid (including a squadron of Canberras) to the beleaguered anti-communist forces on the island.

Now my next quandary is rules. Originally, I planned to modify Kaptain Kobold's excellent Spandau and Lewis rules (as I've done for 1930s and even space dogfights). However, I want the Canberras to be the stars of the show. Most air combat rules (including S&L) focus on dogfights. There is typically not much to running a bomber - go straight and fast until you get to the target. Not much in the way of maneuvering.

So, are there any rules that focus on bombers? I thought about games like B-17 Queen of the Skies but that focuses on heavy bombers. I then thought of Bommerz over the Sulphur River. I never played it myself but I downloaded the rules and think it may make a good starting point. I'll continue to consider rules until the minis arrive.

R.I.P. to a Special Veteran

A few years ago I posted a short tribute to my father, a former Air Force pilot.

Today he passed away at the age of 86. He had Parkinson's and finally succumbed to the disease. He will be missed by my family and me.

Rest in peace, Dad.

Planning Bosworth

Recently, the Battlefields & Warriors blog featured a piece about the 1485 Battle of Bosworth. Well, the piece has piqued my interest and I find myself contemplating gaming it. But being rather busy (and a bit lazy) I did not want to put a lot of research into the effort, so I poked around the internet for information. In particular, I wanted to see if someone has posted a DBA scenario for the battle. Sure enough, I struck paydirt.

I don't have many units available so I will probably halve the numbers. This would result in the following armies:

Henry Tudor - 2 Blades, 2 Longbows
Richard III - 4 Blades, 3 Longbows
Stanley - 1 Knight, 1 Cavalry, 1 Blade, 1 Bow

I think I will try to run this scenario during the extended Thanksgiving holiday next weekend.

A Paladin Pasting

I have been remiss in playing games over the last few weeks so I wanted to rectify the situation. I decided to take a little inspiration from my LARP activities and play a game featuring paladins. Natually, this means some fantasy gaming. I toyed with running a Four Against Darkness dungeon but then decided to experiment with some mass fantasy combat. In particular, I wanted to see if I could adapt my horse & musket rules to a fantasy genre.

The Battle of Paladin's Promontory
It has been nearly 2 years since the Dark Lord's unsuccessful invasion of Anarendor. Since then there have been some small scale orc incursions, but generally the land has been at peace.

Recently, however, a necromancer has gathered a force of undead and have attacked the scattered border settlements. A force of paladins and rangers have gathered to stop the enemy. They have set up a defensive position at the village of Bredwin.

The red-clad forces of the necromancer advance in 2 columns from the north (right).

A squadron of paladins assaults some skeletons on the hill.

The remaining paladins join the fight and destroy a unit of skeletons. Meanwhile, rangers rout more skeletons on the necromancer's left.

Sir Rudolf, captain of the paladins, is forced to retreat.

He rallies his troops and charges the skeleton archers, who pepper his men with arrows.

But Rudolf is routed, along with another squadron of paladins.

The final paladin squadron is routed. Rudolf manages to retreat back into Bredwin, along with a unit of spearmen.

But sustained skeleton attacks rout the spearmen. Rudolf is cut down defending the village.

Vastly outnumbered, the ranger retreat into the woods.

Rules Notes
I played the game fairly straight, without any special abilities for any of the units. I intended to treat the paladins as heavy cavalry and the skeletons as light infantry. This would have given an extra advantage to the knights. I forgot to do so, however. It will be worth testing it out.

To simulate their mindless and relentless focus on their task, the skeletons had a Quality of 2 vs Quality of 3 for the paladin forces. I would like to consider some additional special characteristics (e.g. skeletons are less vulnerable to archery).

Thank You Veterans

One hundred years ago today, the guns fell silent across the Western Front. The "War to End All Wars" had finally ended. Alas, it would not live up to its name, and more wars would follow, all the way to the present day. Throughout it all, brave Americans have served to preserve our freedom. Thank you all for your sacrifices.

LARP Distractions

I haven't done much gaming lately - my other hobby has been taking much of my attention.

Recently I went with a different look, wearing a paladin-y kind of kit.

This contrasts with my ranger-y kit that I've been wearing for the past few years.

I decided that I really prefer the paladin style. I've been researching and "shopping" for additional items. I have a bunch of blog posts on my LARP blog where I discuss my kit wish list.

I also want to begin making plans for a vacation next summer. I recently discovered Evermore Park. Here is a video about it - Bring Me Evermore. I just can't stop watching this video. I really need to go there.

Anyway, I am waiting for the next miniatures inspiration to strike me, but so far LARP has my attention.