The Loose Association of Wargamers

As the title suggests.....

Like I think some of you, I go to some trouble to create historical, named formations led by the actual leaders that led the unit/formation in reality. Of course, there are some compromises but essentially, my armies reflect the historical nomenclature.

So it needles me a little when my pals, commanding an army I've provided them, refer to "that lot", or "them over there" rather than the "Her Sérénissime's Loyal Dragoons" etc. Or "that boss" rather than Feld-marscal Von Blucher etc.

So, in our recent ECW game, one benefit in using the 'Victory Without Quarter' rules were that my opponents began using unit & commander names. This was because the card system had numbers on them - eg 'Pike & Shot 2' & to work out which unit that was, they needed to go to a numbered roster, where they found it was Erskine's Minister regiment & then to the base of the figures where a printed, identifying label was affixed.

Not clunky because they quickly learnt who was who &, praise be! began to refer to Erskine's unit: "I'll just shimmy Erskine's regiment closer to the woods to stop you charging past..." etc. Ditto, leaders. "King Charles is useless here. I'll gallop him closer to the Reserve to help activate them."

Yeah, yeah. I know - world hunger, the war in Ukraine, global warming. But the game seemed just more historical. And this added to the enjoyment.

donald

Did you get that "My work here is done!" feeling? If so, you've cracked wargaming.....

You are right, in the great scheme of things it's a pointless whine.

Penda wrote: ↑Thu Apr 13, 2023 10:20 am You are right, in the great scheme of things it's a pointless whine.

Here have some wine, that is never pointless.

Wine wine wine, that's all you lot talk about.

Mmmmmmm.....

We each get something different out of a game. Forcing your preferences on your players is something I try to avoid at all costs

Jeremy wrote: ↑Fri Apr 14, 2023 10:53 am Forcing your preferences on your players is something I try to avoid at all costs

That's nice to know you're not an authoritarian. As it happens, neither am I.

From 'Pike & Shotte' .....'During the game itself we encourage commanders to use the actual names -'Forward Prince Rupert's Regiment of Foot'- sounding far better then 'Forward that Foot unit' ". p20.

Note the use of the word "encourage". I rarely play loud bagpipe music till my opponents acquiesce to my demands. Not since the court order, anyway.

donald

Good job the concept of "war crimes" didn't exist back then (just to add that I LOVE the pipes).