The Schnepf Bros had a great time at HMGS Fall In! this year in Lancaster, PA. We played many epic games and met some incredible people. There were hundreds of concurrent games being played in different rooms of the convention hall. Alastair and I were fortunate enough to participate in six games throughout the weekend. Each game lasted between three to five hours.
On Saturday, November 8, I hosted my very first game with my 6mm Napoleonic miniatures. I started painting these figures two years ago and developed the game rules over the last several weeks. Now's the time to put it to the test!
The Schnepf Bros are set up and ready!
The game begins with a short and simple explanation of the rules. I like to use 5x8 index cards to break up the rules and information into more digestible, bite-sized pieces.
The Austrians, played by Matthew Schnepf and Miles Fulton, plan their assault on the French. Miles was one of the youngest attendees at the conference. He just happened to sign up for our game! He had no idea we were of similar age.
The French quietly plan their strategy. For the occasion, Alastair is dressed as his favorite general, Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher. He fought against Napoleon in several decisive battles, most notably the Battle of the Nations at Leipzig in 1813 and the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
Austrian forces march onto the battlefield towards the enemy. Their long columns converge on strong French positions.
All Austrian armies advance ruthlessly to overwhelm the French.
Blücher watches patiently. Little do the Austrians know, they are walking right into the French trap. His hand-stitched hat and homemade costume attracted much attention during the weekend.
Stunning miniatures maneuver across the field to reinforce new positions.
The two sides finally engage in the south. The advancing Austrians are stopped dead in their tracks.
Many units suffer heavy casualties.
Napoleon himself watches from his position behind the lines. He is prepared for his grand maneuver.
With haste, the French move up their divisions to coordinate a counter-attack.
Fighting heats up as more troops engage. The Austrians had some particularly lucky rolls.
One of which wiped the poker face off of Alastair, when all his cavalry in the north was wiped out with one charge.
The French flanking maneuver was slowed significantly by Austrian resistance.
The final French assaults were repelled just as the game was closing.
The game ended in an indecisive draw! The French failed to completely envelop the Austrians with their flanking tactic.
The game was super fun, and all the players looked like they were having a great time. There was plenty of maneuver on the battlefield and some crazy exciting moments.
I want to thank HMGS for such an exciting and enjoyable weekend. Everything was arranged for and I had nothing but fun! Everyone was wonderful and welcoming, there were many beautiful tables. The Schnepf Bros had a great time hosting and playing games with new and interesting people.
I hope to see everyone again in the Spring!
12 comments
Owen and Alastair, I’m in awe of your never-ending creativity, entrepreneurship and passion in how you throw yourselves into everything you do, from the artistry of painting your figures to the strategy of coming up with gameplay to embodying the historic figures in your games. I also love the joy and magnanimous spirit that guides how you invite everyone else in — from other players to us on your blog. A big wow! You’re an inspiration to us all!
So creative and exciting!! It looks like it was a lot of fun. Great job!
Great write-up. The game looked fantastic and the photos really capture the energy of the event. Sounds like an awesome time
Love this. Very Blücher-core to stroll into a convention, drop a game so rad it destabilizes the catering table’s morale.
Forwards Schnepf bros!
Guten Tag, Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher! You will be avenged at Waterloo!
I am so impressed by the attention to detail and the level of dedication it took to create this. Excellent job, Owen and Alastair!
Thank you so much, everyone! Your encouragement means a lot.
Personally, I would say a draw is the best outcome, at least from the GM’s point of view! That way, both sides walk away feeling somewhat victorious, and neither feels like it was a crushing defeat.
It looks like lots of fun! Please populate when able this website’s field for the Rules, as I would like to understand how this game is played. I think that my son Patrick (aged 16) may be interested. :)
What an amazing game, a wonderful attention to detail, and the imagination, vision, and execution are breathtaking. BUT, how do you end a game like this in a DRAW?! No.
That would be a game about peace negotiations, and while that is better for the world, it is not interesting as a game or outcome!