27 February 2018

Post Captain with Stew

No hobby progress for this week past. I did add a splash of flesh colour to a handful of Winter Grenadiers, but that was it. Instead, I watched Black Panther with my son (Really fun) and played video games (The death of all hobby forward progress.... dun dun dun....).

Post Captain is an Age of Sail rules set (Stew did a smashing review on them over at his blog) for 1700's era-ish naval battles. It's involved, but not so convoluted in specific teeny rules that there's a lack of flow in how the game plays.

Stew got to came over with his gorgeous tall ships and we played a fun game of British (Me) versus the French (Stew), with two ships to control each. This was my 2nd time playing the game and after the first turn we pretty much had a good flow for each turn.

Here's some pics of the game in lieu of me boring you with a detailed (As detailed as this addled memory could provide) run down. In the end, the French 3rd rate  (Smaller ship) took a relatively minor beating and struck the white flag early on, which was unlucky for Stew. Then after that, it was a small matter of pounding the remaining French 1st Rate into submission.

As history would show us, Britannia rules the waves! (This time.)

Set up, with the Brits at the bottom. Each pair being lead by their smaller 3rd Rate vessel.
Close up of my brave navy.


My 1st Rate, the Royal Sovereign. That rigging! 

And 3rd Rate, the Spencer. Stew did a bloody lovely job putting together and painting these beauties.
Always start off the game with long range shots. Just cos. 

Then whilst you reload, get closer cos those long range shots are typically misses.

Closer range and the French 3rd Rate calls it quits after some rather mild damage taken. Not one to stereotype, I'll do it anyway - bit typical really.

After the previous pic was taken, Stew somehow managed to ram his 1st Rate into his own 3rd Rate. (???) They drifted a bit together until he was able to cut his 1st Rate adrift and carry on the fight. Sadly, the dice were not with him and even at close range his broadside didn't do very much against my smaller 3rd Rate ship.

The surrendered French 3rd Rate is left to await capture as a prize and the British 3rd and 1st Rate vessels hunt down the damaged French 1st Rate. 

It was only a matter of time before the remaining French ship threw their hands up under the pummeling of two British ships of the line. Another prize for Admiral Dai!



16 comments:

  1. Gorgeous models!

    Nice one. If you've never read the 'Hornblower' books, I cannot recommend them highly enough.

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    1. I saw Peck's old film, but no, never read the novels. One day, when I've run out of sci-fi and fantasy stories to read, I may well try them out.

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  2. Wonderful posting, Dai. I always find tabletop games inspire me to paint more, but, as you say, video games are the work of the devil for killing hobby time. Recently I had to pull myself away from "Minecraft" once again - damn thing is so addictive and 3-4 hours can fly by in a moment :-)

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    1. I know! After we finished playing, I thought.... just one more project/game perhaps? But, no. Hehe.

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  3. Fantastic looking ships. Those French fleeing tsk where have I heard that before....

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    1. I know right?! Who'd have thought? Hehe.

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  4. You got that up fast! It was great to see you and play a fun game! Next time I shall have my revenge! My first ship obviously had a weak hearted captain, to strike so fast.

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    1. Well, had to show my appreciation for a good game, didn't I?
      It's about time you won a game! ;)

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  5. I'll add to Drax's recommendation of the Hornblower books. That looked like a fantastic battle, thanks for sharing it.

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    1. Hrm... Then perhaps a trip to the library is in order soon?

      Thanks Ed!

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  6. Looks like a great game! Good to see it being historically accurate, if in doubt,engage enemy closely and the French will fold!
    Best Iain

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    1. Yep - shoot them in the shiny parts!

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  7. The ships look great. I've always been fascinated by the age of sail, but never take the plunge.

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  8. You should mate. The rules weren't too over the top and those ships... so cool. Bet you'd paint them up a treat!

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  9. I just gotta say WOW. Age of sail has been on my hit list for a long time. I'll have to make it happen!
    Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Do it Col! It was super fun and the prospect of only needing to build and paint up 2-3 ships each is very doable and affordable too.

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