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
Outstanding, love the pageantry with the Blücher costume, and the design on the cards looks great. Can’t wait to see more Napoleonic action! Good Beans Wellington!
Really cool display, way to go guys!