Post
by Angus Konstam » Mon Mar 30, 2009 9:12 am
Gentlemen,
Malplakkers is a jolly big battle, and it'll take a bit of forethought and planning to get all the right kit onto the table, and in the right place. We'll be posting a few messages over the next few weeks, in an effort to make up in planning what we might lack in forethought!
The first step though, is to put the call out for players. As we see it, while we'll have overall commanders, everyone also gets a field command. Depending on numbers this should involve two halves - a foot command of about 12 battalions, and a cavalry command of around 16 squadrons. In Beneath the Billy Banners that's about the largest one can sensibly shuffle around without it turning into a fag.
If we get an excess of volunteers, then we'll split command, so that a foot commander gets an assistant lead-shuffler, but when the cavalry battle start the lead-shuffler commands the horse, and the foot commander becomes the assistant.
We essentially have six main commands for each side;
Allies:
Prince of Orange (right - Dutch)
Earl of Orkney (centre right - British)
Count Lottum (centre - Prussians & Hanovarians)
Count Schulenberg (left - Imperialists and "subsidy troops")
(we actually need two Schullenberg players (we'll call the other Prince Eugene) - an ideal command for siblings who want to work together for a change)
General Withers ("far left flanking force"British and "subsidy troops")
In addition there are five cavalry commands;
(Count Tilly, General Wood, Prince of Hesse-Kassel, Duke of Wurttemberg and General de Auvergne)
French
Compte d' Albergotti (left - in the woods)
General Goesbriand (centre left)
General De Guiche (centre right)
Count D'Artagnan (right - needs two players)
Marshal Boufflers (French Guard - already reserved for Dale)
The French have three cavalry commands;
(Duc de Luxembourg, Marquis de la Valliere, Marquis de Puysegur)
As well as having a French food command of his choice, Brigadier Charles will also act as the French commander (Marshal Villars). The identity of the Duke of Marlborough will be disclosed later. Both sides should have people who are au fait with the rules, but Barry (who'll be playing) will be the ultimate arbiter.
Anyway, please make a bid for one side or the other, and state any preference for a particular command. For my part, I think the title of the Earl of Orkney has a nice ring to it!
Pip Pip,
Angus
Dave O Brien - bring that sword 
- I may have a use for it 
