I have, I kid you not, probably a dozen sets of ECW rules, which may seem a lot, but like most periods of war gaming, maybe more than some, it is a tricky period to settle on.
I also have two sets of figures, a comprehensive Redoubt 28mm set, covering the Montrose and English campaigns, great for small actions and skirmishes up to medium and a decent 15-18mm Museum minis set with a more conservative range of figures, no clans, no Forlorne Hope, no character figs, but ideal for small to medium field battles.
So, what have I decided in for these two platforms?
A Very Civil Action, a free set from the Perfect Captain, modified a little, but not much, really just a re-write from the parent Spanish Actions, will cover the element based 28’s.
The elements will be a rough-semi irregular square either 40 or 50mm depending on type with 2-3 figures mounted. A compromise between a circle and a square, tapered edged and irregular to blend with the table top.
I have found after some experimenting, that consistent circles are actually difficult to create regular looking formations with. This works ok for TPL where shape is nearly irrelevant, but not VCA, which is set to a slightly higher scale and is more formation specific. The 3-2-1 system favoured for Pikeman’s Lament is better, but does not suit this game.
I can also play Pikeman’s Lament with these bases.
For the 18’s, I will do the other free set Victory Without Quarter, again with some mild re-writes to suit my needs and collection.
The main thing is perception of scale. I am going to use the term Battalia, meaning a regular sized unit made up of all of or part of a regiment, or several small units combined, like they actually did it.
These rules are clean and flavourful at a scale I like (small field actions), but lack the variety of VCA, which suits my Museun range.
The other departure is to retain DBR-style element basing*. This has several benefits.
It is more flexible and recognised. I can basically play any set of rules with these bases.
It allows for more logical unit composition and formation shapes. It can represent 1:1 ratio units with a third pike row added, something VWQ as written struggles with. It can form a multi facing pike and sheltering shot block (also allowing pike or shot only units to represent awareness of a threat to the rear) and open order can be more open, not just elements spread, but in depth also.
I have the bases and a unit already mounted for them (so sick of rebasing).
So, after all these years, all these rules, so much time and money wasted, I am going with two free sets of rules.
Who knew?
Also a surprise has been my library. Struggling to find the information I have been chasing, the internet coughing up the same sites with the same articles over and over, I discoverered, partly by chance, my own extensive library while looking for something else.
I have some great books, and quite a few. Turns out I have been adding to the library well past my reading period, turning more and more to the web, ignoring some excellent resources.
*40x20 with 3 shot, 4 pike, 40x40 3 horse, 3 dragoons (mixed mounted and dismounted) and artillery. The extra depth of some means little, especially at larger DBR scale.