The Polish Farm (2)

I had already posted photos when painted this building from By Fire and Sword that I won last year at Huzzah but I have it fully based and decked out now so I want to show it off again.

 I built a stone wall to border the base I don't know how common such walls are in Poland but regardless the effect works.

 I have to say the wood grain you can see in the model is simply awsome I realy like the work this company does regarding buildings. 

 The wood pile along the building wall is part of the model I added the second wood pile and the tree stump with the ax from a Musket Miniatures pack of odds and ends (shovels, tree stumps even a potbellied stove) 

 I built a small enclosure for a flower/herb garden as most homes have one of these until the 20th century, these days we just have the medicine cabinet.

The tool shed or maybe chicken coop on the side of the building is a really nice touch.  The roof can be removed to fit figures inside. This is a great piece its supposed to be 16th or 17th century Polish farm but I don't think it will be far our of place any were in Europe and might even work as a cabin on the American frontier.

Hobby Bunker Game day (1): With Fire and Sword

I was very excited to get a chance to play this game.  The 17th Century is a colorful period especially in Easter Europe where the cross roads of European and Asian Cultures meet. With Fire and Sword is a game that has gotten a lot of positive buzz both from their Kick Starter and some great reviews form Anatoli and others.

On the left is my pal Chris who you may recall is a Polish enthusiast but he showed up late so he got the Swedish Right Wing Cavalry (I offered to switch spots but he declined)   I ran the Polish Left Wing Cavalry and acted as army commander.  My plan was simple have the Polish infantry hold the town while seeking a win on both flanks. Mat ablely commanded the Polish foot while Paul lead the Right wing Cavalry.

The horse soldiers on the left closed in fast Cossack screening the Winged Huzzars

The battle for the village developed more or less as I had guessed it would with a savage short range fire fight.

On the left my Cossacks engage the Swedish Reiters..

While Paul's Huzzars and Pancernie mix it up with Reiters on the right.

I managed to cut up one Reiter and to do some damage to some other. my Pancernie were put out of position by Chris' cowardly withdrawal and hit pikes instead (not good)

The cavalry swarms on both flanks as the infantry batters each other in the middle

Swedes are running in on the right...

and the Polish are chasing them!

My Winged Huzzars crash into the Swedish Rieters I roll really well and these guys are the best one shot cavalry in the game (after the lances break they are still good but on the first charge with lances they are devastating) Chris and his Swedes don't really have a chance. The break and I ride them down.

Paul gets similar results on his flank.  We have to call time had the game continued I think the Swedes would have held the town but the Polish would have had the hills around it.  I call this one a minor Swedish Victory though one the Polish could probably write up as a great triumph on their side as well.

These rules really played well once we got the hang of them. Cavalry actions are fast and furious while infantry is slow and steady.  Each army had a very different feel to it. I look forward to playing it again.

Polish Farm

This is the Fire and Sword Polish Farm house I got as part of my winnings at Huzzah! Con back in may. I have to say its one of the best building I own.

Little details like the pile of fire wood really help bring this to life.  I may need to ad something to the windows but I am not sure so for now they are left in the black primer color.

The wood grain and thatch on the roof is very well done and realistic I cannot recommend these pieces enough. I understand the company has a US distributor now so I hope we will see these in the not to distant Future of the shelves of our local gaming stores.

The style of building is very old but so I could probably use this in games from the middle ages though the Eastern front of World War Two.  I have some plans for an expanded base with some additional scenery to really make this piece stand out.