Battlegroup Battle Report - 12th SS vs 3rd Canadian 400pts

[@ratelmike8825]

What a terrific battle report and so much great stuff on this game. I liked that the objectives meant something in this battle. The ammo count from armoured vehicles. It was the Panzer IV not supporting the Gepanzerte Panzer Grenadiers was a critical factor. Fantastic stuff and really enjoying watching the whole Battlegroup content.

[@ryanbright7496]

I'm loving the videos! I can't wait to get my own up to my channel!

[@mwaegema]

Another great report! I would advise the attcker to bring some form of artillery fire next time - mortars are awesome at pinning things. A rule you might want to look into is Fall Back! rule on p. 31 to make give exposed infantry some more survivability. One thing I only noticed recently myself is that German half-tracks have pintle mounted MG's, which have a RoF of 5.

[@TheAcceptableCasualties]

Fall Back and Reserve Move are two rules I plan of using more in the next game. We're like sponges over here, slowly soaking all of the new stuff in :) The RoF 5 for half tracks makes them a great suppressing option

[@BearGrisham]

Do you find it hard with the battle group rules to keep a track of casualties when you base them in 3/4s? I’ve seen a lot of guys basing individually when playing the game.

[@TheAcceptableCasualties]

I eventually converted a few platoons over to individual bases to avoid having wound dice all over the table. Even at 15mm having the infantry individually based makes the game better visually on the table. The only downside is moving them all for an URA!!! charge :)

[@BearGrisham]

@@TheAcceptableCasualties Thanks. Looks like I’ll have to paint up some more troops which doesn’t brother me in the slightest 😁👍

[@cillamccarthy6987]

great stuff Joe and Vin, that lucky mortar shot certainly changed the battleplans. I think it forced Vin to Debus the Infantry sooner than planned too as the Panzer IV couldn't clear the way for the half-tracks to proceed more safely. one thing I really like is that each unit means something in this game and you notice it. I've got my first BG game's lined up next week I can't wait to roll some dice. I'm looking forward to a change of pace on the gaming table.

[@TheAcceptableCasualties]

Cilla its a totally different beast and youre right, each unit has something to offer even if its just suppressing the enemy each turn. Be ready to block off like 4 or 5 hours that first small game. You're going to have your face buried in that rule book scanning charts and rules for a nice chunk of time :) But you'll be surprised how quick it sinks in after a few rounds of play. Have fun!

[@cillamccarthy6987]

Cheers Joe, will do.. it's a good job I love chart's takes me back to the good days of Advanced Dungeon and Dragons 2ed...

[@TheAcceptableCasualties]

Cilla McCarthy then you'll be right in your element!

[@skipperskillman3881]

Where are the fields from or how are they made. I really like them

[@TheAcceptableCasualties]

The fields are from Hotz Artworks in Canada but I think they are out of production. The material to make them seems like it's just felt for the fields with some glue and hobby grass / tufts for the crops.

[@leowfig]

I'm maybe going to say something stupid, but isn't the canadian player favored ? I mean, he got 2 objectives, with a third one very close, he got défenses, like trench, minefield and bunker... The german has to cross pretty much half of the battlefield, with half of its troops first. I don"t understand how is he supposed to do that with the exact same amount of points than his opponent. But maybe it's part of the game, who doesn't want to make it balance ? I'm just trying to understand the logic and the balance of the game. Thanks in advance for your answer, and sorry for my bad english :)

[@vincentveltre4693]

Léo its not as bad as it looks. still an uphill battle for the attacker but a bunch of fun. i just need some mortars or artillery to back up my ss

[@TheAcceptableCasualties]

At first look you're right, it does look unbalanced. Where things even out is that those 2 objectives are a crutch because I (The Canadian player) can lose morale if Vin would have been able to take one. Another little thing to notice is Vins reserves all come in automatically on turn 4, where the Canadians are based off a dice roll. More Germans could have pushed up the table but if I remember correctly Vin had really bad order rolls on turn 4 and 5 which slowed down that push by the second wave. The system itself isn't in line with FoW style of balanced lists and game play. The BG missions and morale system lend itself to more of a chaotic feel on the battlefield where you don't have total control every turn. Sometimes this will cost you the game. It has a very different feel on the table top and is worth trying out, especially if you have a good group of friends you wargame with. I'd highly recommend it for themed games and campaigns. For tournaments and pick up games I think FoW might be the better way to go just from a consistent, balanced perspective. Your English was pretty spot on :) I understood what you were saying very easily. I hope this answered your questions :)

[@leowfig]

@Vincent @TAC Thanks both of you for the answers. I understand the argument of the "chaotic" side of the game, wich I prefer to a colder system 40k-like (or fow-like, i heard that the two games were not so different), but i'm used to missions who clearly give an advantage to a side (in term of army budget), or straigh equal battles. I didnt know however that the loose of an objectif caused a moral loss, wich is cool and make this kind of scenario more balanced in my opinion ! Nice Battle Report by the way, love your minis !

[@SGusky]

Hi guys Just double checked No cover saves from aimed fire with ap shells Pg 32 of old small rulebook Can't wait to pay again Keep up the good work

[@TheAcceptableCasualties]

Steve Gusky Thanks for clearing that up. Now I won't ve heart broken by a save if I ever have one of my Shermans pop a Tiger :). We're hooked on this game, its been a ton of fun. If you notice any other rule mishaps let me know!

[@SGusky]

The Acceptable Casualties you guys are going better than we did! Keep it up Where are you from?

[@TheAcceptableCasualties]

We're up here in Northern Colorado. Where are you?

[@bartekkucharski3880]

who make those houses?

[@TheAcceptableCasualties]

4ground is the name of the company, they are MDF. If you're looking for prepainted resin then I'd suggest Kreative Scenery.

[@bartekkucharski3880]

The Acceptable Casualties yeah yeah. I know 4ground. Bit pricey but looks good. I like ttcombat but those are simple but cheap.

[@TheAcceptableCasualties]

I hate painting terrain so I'm usually willing to pay extra to not have to do it :)

[@bartekkucharski3880]

I know what you mean. Im a miniature painter and painting terrain is quite relaxing after all that tinkering. BTW did you try Bolt Action in 15mm? I never played any of those but slowly building collection for TANKS and its good start for 15mm gaming.

[@TheAcceptableCasualties]

Sorry for the late reply... Its funny you mention BA in 15mm. My buddy Scott is going to host a BA game in 15mm pretty soon. I haven't played v2 before so I'm looking forward to giving it a try and seeing what it has to offer. Tanks is a great starting point for getting into 15mm WW2 gaming. I've seen a lot of people go that route and enjoy the slow, gradual build to a bigger force.

[@SGusky]

Also I don't think armor gets a save from direct fire Only harder to spot I'll double check that

[@SGusky]

Cover just affects spotting I meant

[@mwaegema]

Steve Gusky Armour never gets cover saves vs. direct fire. They do get a cover save vs. Supressing Fire, though.

[@grozaAC]

How is the game playing in terms of time?

[@TheAcceptableCasualties]

Shaun Watson We're cutting down on time with each game. I assume once we know what were doing without referencing the book every 5 minutes 500 to 700pt games should take 2 or 3 hours

[@SGusky]

I think the dingos should have been placed on the table to force the German to take a morale chit for being "out recced " at the start of the game Good stuff ( should that have been "out scouted?) 😊

[@TheAcceptableCasualties]

Steve Gusky I don't think there was a recce phase in this mission but theres a chance we may have glanced over that section. Even if theres no recce phase I still love bringing those dingos out to play :)

[@mwaegema]

The Acceptable Casualties You always take a counter if Out-Scouted, even if there is no recce phase in the scenario.

[@TheAcceptableCasualties]

Good to know its always in play. Now my dingos have a little more weight to them with all the scenarios. Thanks for clearing that up guys.

[@Wastelandwarrior0311]

it may be wrong of me but i always root for your brother when he plays SS against you.

[@TheAcceptableCasualties]

Lol, as long as your rooting of the SS is just for gaming purposes you should be ok. Rooting for Vin is actually considered way worse in most social circles :)

[@vincentveltre4693]

Calthus i need the fan support. get my shit kicked in quite a bit