Suggested baggage amendments - posted by Andrew Bennetts, 24 January 2022

Baggage - most of us have a bit…….

While simulation of ancient and medieval battles is generally DBMM's strong suit, it does come up short regarding baggage.

Historically, it was by far the majority case for armies to establish a camp behind their lines before battle and very much the exception to have mobile baggage on to the battlefield. Mobile baggage really only appeared in the uncommon cases where an army on the march unexpectedly encountered enemy.

Unfortunately, this is the opposite of our DBMM games where mobile baggage (Bge (I) or (F)) is almost invariably chosen ahead of set up camps (Bge(O)).

Following a discussion on the DBMM group on Groups.io (well worth signing up to if you've not already -https://groups.io/g/DBMMlist) I've included some baggage amendments for the NZ DBMM Nationals in June. These reduce the cost of Bge(O) by 1AP, making it the same as the equivalent Bge(I) - after all they are the same thing, one being just the unpacked version of the other. Bge(O) is also available to any list that currently does not have it, even for those rare lists that have no baggage at all.

The intent is four fold:

1. Improve the simulation by encouraging the use of set up camps (Bge(O))
2. Stimulate the modelling of camps, which offer more scope for creativity than wagon/mule trains
3. Encourage players to explore use of fortified camps (historically a sign of a well organised and led army) and stratagems that require Bge(O) (i.e. False Reinforcements, Delaying Battle).
4. Remove the small but real disadvantage currently faced by armies that are currently only allowed Bge(O) or have no baggage defined in their list at all

Now of course, if you are happy using Bge(I/F) or simply don't want to take any baggage, nothing changes, its business as usual. However, if you are forced to take Bge(O), have always liked the idea of a fortified camp but were deterred by the cost or simply just want to use your humorous camp diorama without having to apologise ("Its actually Bge(I)") then the hope is this will appeal.

So, why not talk to your next club opponent and try the changes out? I'd be interested to hear any feedback. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/824840264342234/posts/2274855959340650/

• • John Edmundson

    Not sure if that's a discussion I was involved in but I am a strong advocate of Bge(o) as the default, with mobile baggage limited to scenarios/campaign games (and even then rare if they are supposed to reflect history). So I applaud your decision to trial these mods. All the best for the event. Hopefully it will bd well attended by many happy campers :^)

    

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    • 17h
    • Andrew Bennetts

      Author

      John Edmundson The discussion was a few months ago I recall, maybe August or September last year? If you're free for King's Birthday and need an army, I'm sure we could organise a loaner if you wanted to attend.

      

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      • 16h

    
    

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  • Potbelly Miniatures

    Waitaminute... these models are looking familiar

    

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    • 16h
    • Andrew Bennetts

      Author

      Potbelly Miniatures So they should be - printed by you late last year!

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      • 16h
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    Dirk Heinsius

    Fantastic work. Clearly I need to up my game

    

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    • 15h
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    Vincent Cholewa

    Admin

    Group expert

    Lovely camp and I like the logic of the discussion. My most recent camp is modelled as a fortified wagon laager even though it is actually several elements of Bge(I). I figure if I ever had to move it because it was under threat I would pretty well hav… 

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    • 15h
  • Andrew Jarman

    Baggage camps should be the norm with mobile baggage the exception. Make Immobile Baggage O cost 0.5AP per element and available to every army and see how this changes the choices people make.

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    • 8h
  • Gavin Pearson

    Beautiful vignette

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