Tag Archives: ECW

Renaissance Warfare Rules for Tactical Miniature Battles from 1494-1690 A.D.

Another set for that somewhat obscure period between the introduction of infantry firearms and their universal use among infantry. What was the rest of the infantry carrying? Pikes, halberds, swords, and anything else that could jab or cut.

Stands of figures represent 50 – 125 men and animals. Turns cover 5 – 15 minutes of time. Ground scale is based on figure basing which can follow WRG or Foundry rules.

The rules cover the basics. Orders represented by markers are issued, players determine initiative, units charge, units move based on orders, units fire, and then there is close combat. Finally, there is a recovery phase for rallying, resting, and rearming. There are also rules for tournament games and some optional rules covering close combat and things like weather and elephant stampedes.

Finally, there are 50 army lists covering forces from the 15th – 17th century including a few odd ones like Aztec and Dutch Rebellion. These are comparable to WRG Lists though I have not made a direct comparison.

The authors are clearly aiming for ease of use while not discarding the complexities of the period. Orders are explicit, record keeping replaced by markers. I was unable to locate the downloadable order markers but assume they are ou there somewhere. The rules start with an explanation of why the gamer will enjoy them. That seems a basic goal.

Forlorn Hope

A thick book with the ambitious subtitle offering miniature rules and army guide, written by Pete Berry and Ben Wilkins and published by Partizan Press, this, the third edition, in 2003. Of the hundred or so pages, 36 are devoted to the rules, the rest to army lists, scenarios, historical notes, uniform and flag notes, advertisements, designer’s notes, cartoons, and a recommended reading list, lavishly illustrated with a lot of color and guaranteed to fill in an afternoon.

The authors offer a suggested ground scale 1” = 20 yds., though suggest flexibility. Figure scale is 1 = 33. The rules are written for 25mm and 15mm with a addendum for 6mm. Frontage and depth per figure are 20mm x 20mm and 15mm x 15mm respectively for infantry, 25mmx 40mm and 20mm x 20mm for cavalry though I suspect the 20mm depth should be 30mm.

Units receive orders. Turns are divided into declarations and reactions, movement, fire combat and reaction, close combat, and reaction and rally. Rules are distinctly British with a nod to both WRG and Warhammer and extensive morale considerations.

Hinchliffe 25mm English Civil War Cavalry

IMG_2794
In its time, Hinchliffe produced some of the best historical ranges of figures available. Here are 2 rows of cavalry figures, medium cavalry in back, dragoons in the front. With cavalry, Hinchliffe offered a choice of horses, heavy or light, standing or running. Facial detail is limited but proportions are reasonable. By current standards, a bit toy like but still impressive.

These were painted around the time that acrylic paints began to replace enamels and oils. One of the most noticeable differences is the brilliance of the acrylics. The figures are now over 30 years old with decaying matt board bases and chips and bends but the brilliance of the original paint still shows through.