Tuesday, 10 October 2017

Derby Worlds - Thanks to everyone who stopped by for a chat.

The game, less hills and table coverings packed up and ready to go.
I counted them all out, and I counted them all back. All of the Italian Wars figures and terrain pieces are back in their cabinets and I'm glad to report that they all made the trip to Derby Worlds and back safely.

Steve R., who came all the way from Perth (Scotland) to help out, explains the game  to one of his (many) lady friends.
I'd just like to say thank you, on behalf of the Ilkley Lads, to everyone who stopped by the Cerignola game. We had a thoroughly enjoyable time at the show (despite the somewhat cramped conditions imposed by the smaller new venue) and everyone seemed extremely chatty and friendly this year - I can't remember a game or set up that generated as much interest or as many questions.


(The) Don, dice in hand, who came up from London to help with the game on Saturday, pictured just after d'Ars cavalry crashed into the earthwork following the powder explosion (foreground).

The games, one played on each day, were both played to a satisfactory conclusion: the results came as a complete shocker: the French won both! The first day's result was down to a powder explosion happening on the first turn of the game when the gun in front of d'Ars exploded and d'Ars' cavalry successfully charged the ditch in the French phase of the same turn - it was a case of 'a perfect storm'. 


A good shot of the set up early in the game on Sunday. In the foreground d'Alegre's cavalry can be seen arriving on the battlefield as d'Ars goes into the attack.
The second game was contested rather more closely, with both sides tiring, but the Spanish were eventually forced to throw in the towel when the Landsknechts collapsed. As a re-fight of Cerignola it wasn't that historical, partly due to the downgraded definition of the ditch and earthwork, but as a game it was highly entertaining. 


Steve R. and Graham H. (the designated driver - thanks, Graham) overseeing the French attack on the second day of the show. This shot shows the proximity of the nearby tables - breath in.
Anyone wishing a for a more historical scenario result should count the earthwork as a strong fortification that affords a +2 morale save bonus and a +2 melee result bonus for defending a fortification. However, for a game that keeps the French player interested I would keep everything as it is here.


Bad War, Swiss and Landsknechts go at it hammer and tongs. This shot is from Saturday's  action when the Swiss  suffered heavily at the earthwork.





12 comments:

Norm said...

I wasn’t there (not by choice), but just thought I would drop a quick line just as an acknowledgement to all the people who do a lot of hard work to get the shows supported with good looking and inspiring games - somewhat unsung heroes. Thanks Norm.

Jonathan Freitag said...

Spectacular looking game!

marinergrim said...

It looks good all round. Couldn't make the show but I think it looked terrific.

pancerni said...

Very cool! Great looking game.

Steve J. said...

We had to planned to attend the show, but work for my chums put pay to this. The game looked fantastic, but the tables seemed rather close together. It must have been hard for you guys and also for visitors to see the game. Maybe next year I will make it and hope they get a bigger venue.

steve said...

Looks fantastic James!

Peter Douglas said...

Wonderful looking game James! Kudos to you and your crew for putting it on, and get in two games played to a finish! Glad to hear everyone got home safely.
Cheers Peter

Gonsalvo said...

Truly spectacular terrain and troops for what is of course one of my favorite battles. :-)

Cerignola historically should be very difficult for the French to win, but it has to work as a game, so down grading the strength of the position is a good solution. It worked, perhaps too well! :-)

David said...

It was every bit as splendid as I anticipated but so cramped around the tables!

Yarkshire Gamer said...

It looked great James, I was so busy with Jutland I didn't get chance to come and say hello.

Dartfrog said...

Excellent looking game and a source for some inspiration. Thanks

Anonymous said...

Hello from France,

i was a player of the Saga tournament, i have taken a few pictures of your table, you can see them on my blog:
https://disteph.wordpress.com/2017/10/12/de-retour-de-derby-world/

Many thanks for your wonderful table ! That was a feast for the eyes !