On 1 Dec I started a Kriegsspiel game. It was a six-player game (three players per side), online, using discord chat for in-game communications and google forms for sending orders and intra-team messages.
I used Table Top Simulator with a Kriegsspiel Meckle map game board for tracking movement.
Each Game Turn was 20 minutes long, consisting of 10 two-minute bounds, for movement and combat encounters.
It was a lot of fun and, according to the players, a big success.
This is the first in a series of posts that will run through the end of the year, outlining each turn of the game. Each post will contain the orders and messages sent as supplied by the players, without editing, to serve as an example of play. All of the gameplay posts in the series will be public, and I would love to see a larger discussion develop around this topic.
NOTES: Yes, I am aware there is a Kriegsspiel community, that this type of game exists, and is played regularly. No, I did not look at any of the resources the IKS has available. I did this on purpose because I wanted to learn about the game and discover the gaps in my own knowledge. As the saying goes, you don’t know what it is that you don’t know. By diving in with some other fellows who were interested in learning-as-you-go I believe it made for an exciting and informative experience. Also, I’d have spent weeks studying the various resources, and the game would likely never have been played!!
I had played a PbP Kriegsspiel with three of the participants in a similar game a few weeks before, one of them was the referee of that game. This gave me some confidence that if I got in a pinch I had someone to go to for advice.
I will say that I did learn a lot, during and after the game. The post-game discussion has been extremely informative and will inform the creation of a very basic “How To” document that should be available by the end of the year.
This Kriegsspiel interlude is the reason for the delay in the continuation of the Imagi-Nations game. Originally planned for this winter, I believe the concepts and ideas from how this Kriegsspiel is played have a high degree of relevance to how an Imagi-Nations campaign can and should be managed.
The Imagi-Nations posts will be edited and revised to reflect new information and design concepts. Thank you in advance for your patience!
Introduction and Team Briefings
General Idea
We use the word ‘Scenario’ now, to describe the basic format of the game about to be played.
The Map represents Red territory. Blue is invading from the South. Patrols from Red and Blue come into contact around Nennweiler.
After the General Idea, each team was presented with a map and outline of their Objectives for the scenario. As Force Blue is preparing to invade Country Red, the river and its bridges were the focus of the actions.
Blue Briefing
Today is 1 Dec 18xx
The detachment has been sent to secure two bridges, one on the Karsdorf-Nennweiler Road, and the other at Kappringen. The bridges at Neu Goldberg are to be destroyed.
The rest of the division is to follow in a day or two. As the detachment was completing it scouting this evening enemy cavalry patrols were seen North of Nennweiler by Blue cavalry patrols. An attack seems likely tomorrow. It is just past sunset, and full dark.
This evening one battalion of V Regiment occupies Nennweiler, 4 Sqns of the Uhlan cavalry are camped SE of town. The rest of the detachment is bivouaced south of Karsdorf with the baggage wagons.
Red Briefing
General Idea
The Map represents Red territory. Blue is invading from the South. Patrols from Red and Blue come into contact around Nennweiler.
Today is 1 Dec 18xx
A strong detachment has been ordered to secure the bridges from Neu Goldberg south to Karsdorf. enemy troops are expected to be traveling west, looking to cross into Red territory at the large Karsdorf-Nennweiler bridge.
Red Cavalry scouts have encountered enemy scouts N of Nennweiler. It is likely that the Blue force has crossed the river. The road to Neu Goldberg is reported to be clear, but locals from Nennweiler report that many enemy troops have entered the town.
The Red detachment is bivouaced at Neu Sellheim, with one Cavalry Sqn keeping watch on the hills above Neu Goldberg.
It is just past sunset, and full dark.
The Officers
Each player was given a “character sheet” for their commander. It contains various stats and attributes that I thought might come in handy, or just be fun, during the game.
In addition, I included a short note on the political situation of each of the nations, regarding the government and how each officer felt about it, in terms of personal loyalty.
Personal Loyalty (1-4)
1 - Disloyal Intriguer
2 - Wavering in Support
3 - Loyal Intriguer
4- True Believer
Blue Politics
The Blue ruling regime is royal, benevolent and benign
The Opposition to the Blue regime consists of several weak groups
Red Politics
The ruling Regime of the Red Team is royal and legitimate, but corrupt (81/100 - very corrupt!)
The Opposition to the Regime is popular, ideological and illegal
Before the game I had no idea if anyone would even look at this, or be interested in adding a “Braunstein” element to the game. One of the players mentioned afterward they thought the Character Sheets were an unnecessary wrinkle. I can see that, but I can also see how they might create an added layer of complexity and drama to the game.
As referee I did use the character sheets three times, in order to determine how a commander might react to a situation not covered by the orders, or I rolled up a subordinate to see how they might react.
A sample of the character sheets is below. The first list of statistics are expressed in percentages, the second set of Traits were drawn from a deck of playing cards.
Orders for Blue
Orders are required for 0600 tomorrow, 2 Dec.
Blue Force
4 Sqns Uhlans 1,2,3,4 (Light Cav, 100 ea)
2 Sqns Hussars 5,6 (Light Cav, 100 ea)
2 Bns Jagers (Elite Inf, 900 ea)
IV Regt (3 Bns of 900 ea)
V Regt (3 Bns of 900 ea)
VI Regt (3 Bns of 900 ea)
2 Horse Battery (6 pound)
1 Foot Battery (6 pound)
1 Co. Pioneers
Ammunition Train 5 blocks
Baggage Train 10 blocks
Turn 1
Blue Starting Deployment
The breakdown of Blue troops:
· Blue2: V Regt, 4 Uhlans, 1 Horse Bty, 2 Ammo Trains, 3 Baggage Trains
· Blue1: VI Regt, 1 Horse Bty, 1 Ammo Train, 3 Baggage Trains
· Blue4: IV Regt, Foot Bty, 2 Jaegers, 2 Hussars, Pioneers, 2 Ammo Trains, 4 Baggage Trains
Blue Orders for 0600
Blue 1
1. Blue2 is to have priority access to the Karsdorf-Nennweiler Road. My troops should only get onto the roads once they have cleared the area.
2. Intention is to follow Blue2 up the Karsdorf-Nennweiler Road. Marching order: 17th Btn, Horse Bty, 18th Btn, 19th Btn, Ammo Train, 3 Baggage Trains.
3. N/A
4. Assemble in march column just east of Karsdorf, then follow Blue2's column at a distance of 500 paces.
5. N/A
6. N/A
7. Ammo & Baggage to follow at 200 paces.
8. Commanding officer (Blue1) to be located with 17th Btn.
---
I posted this in the blue comms channel, but just in case you wanted it here as well on the first turn, this is the breakdown of our troops:
- Blue2: V Regt, 4 Uhlans, 1 Horse Bty, 2 Ammo Trains, 3 Baggage Trains
- Blue1: VI Regt, 1 Horse Bty, 1 Ammo Train, 3 Baggage Trains
- Blue4: IV Regt, Foot Bty, 2 Jaegers, 2 Hussars, Pioneers, 2 Ammo Trains, 4 Baggage Trains
Blue 2
from Kolonel Oompah (CO Right FLank) I will today accompany IV Regt
1) to Baggage and ammo train
today 2 x ammo and 4 x baggage will accopany IV regt north to Kippringen.
2) to 2 Husars
today you will advance ahead of the IV regt to seize and hold Kippringen and the Bridge there. When releived by IV regt you will scout North on the road on east side of river in the direction of Neu- Goldberg.
3) to 2 Jagers
today you will advance ahead of IV regt to seize and hold Kippringen and its bridge until releived by the main body of IV regt. You will prepare to advance north should the Husars confirm that the enemy is not located in force on the road north to Neu Goldberg.
Blue 4
from Commander IV Regt to IV regt and Foot Battery
You are to procede North along the road from Karsdorf to Kipprengen. Order of march is that the foot battery will be second in line in the column of march.
Orders are to secure the village and bridge at Kipprengen. If secured and no enemy troops are in locality to proceed across bridge to the hill and house at Siebel Hof whilst ensuring that the artilliery is able to cover the bridge and village or westwards if required.
If the enemy is sighted in force from the North of Kipprengen (direction of neu-goldberg) you are to hold the town of Kipprengen ensuring the bridge is held at all costs. In this event you will send message to VI regt that they should move to Siebel Hof hill.
Red starting deployment
Orders for Red
Orders are required for 0600 tomorrow, 2 Dec.
Red Force
4 Sqns Uhlans (Light Cav, 100 ea) 1,2,3,4
4 Sqns Hussars (Light Cav, 100 ea) 5,6,7,8
1 Bn Jagers
VII Regt (3 Bns Inf, 900 ea)
VIII Regt (3 Bns Inf, 900 ea)
IX Regt (3 Bns Inf, 900 ea)
1 Horse Battery (6 pounds)
1 Foot Battery (12 pounds)
Ammunition Train 5 blocks
Baggage Train 10 blocks
Red Orders for 0600
Turn 1 Red 1
Having taken command of the 1st-6th of Cav, we will wait for R2 & R3 to debouche the village. R2 & R3 having left the village, those cavalry not entrusted with scouting will move East out of the village, Southeast to A3G and then East across Goldberger Road, passing North around Goldberg Kirk Wood & Goldberg Kirk to Auf Dem Kipring hill. We expect to hold position there until at least 0700.
R2 & R3 having debouched the village, a series of 3 man cavalry patrols will be detached from the 6th of Cav:
To Altstedten
To Die Jakobs Efefe [Just NE of the AIII Map]
To Auf Dem Buchel
To Klein Hagen
To Gross Hagen
To Sinterhof
To Auf der Steht
To Zwillings Berg
This group above to follow this path to their positions keeping well clear of Nennweiler. (eg The Zwillings Berg Post will arrive there by way of Altstedn to Auf Dem Buchel to Klien Hagen &c&c before reaching the Zwillings berg)
To Silberberg
To Ruine Siberberg
Across the river & east to the hill above Neu Goldberg
Across the river & south to the hill above Kappringen
Across the river & south to the hill NE of Karsdorf
To Auf Dem Kipring
To Der Weisse Berg
To Der Rothe Berg
To Siebel Hof
To Nennweiler
Cavalry posts not encountering the enemy will remain in position until the enemy is sighted. Cavalry encountering the enemy en route will dispatch one rider back to me, while the remainder will loop around & attempt to reach their position. Cav posts who sight the enemy after reaching their post will dispatch one rider back to me, will continue to observe the enemy, & will withdraw if attacked.
Red 2
Take command of the 7th regt, 24th and 25th bns of the 8th regt, westernmost deployed Jagers bde heretofore referred to as 1st Jagers, the 7th Hussars, 12pdr btry, and all baggage/ammo that goes with it.
7th regt to advance SE down the slope and around A3J then southeast to pick up the road between A3I and A3G. 24th and 25th bn of 8th regt to follow. (I clock that slope as gentle enough to avoid movement penalties, but units are to take the most expedient route to join with that road if I'm mistaken).
1st Jagers, 7th Hussars, and 12btry advance E/SE around A3J, down the slope to pick up the road A3I to A3G, heading SE towards A3G. Order of march will be Hussars, Jagers, 12pdr, then the Foot in 2x2 column. Jagers to deploy in skirmishing line if contact made with enemy while rest of division deploys in lines. Division to advance to or through A3G towards A3F depending on rate of march.
7th Hussars to advance A3G - A3F - A3C - A3A - B2G - B2F to seek enemy's location. Do not engage enemy unless at a 2:1 statistical advantage, in which case eliminate encountered enemy. Otherwise, evade contact and report enemy location.
Red 3
0600
The following units will march to Alt Goldburg. 26th BN of the VIIIth REG , IXth REG, the 2nd BN Jaegers, the Horse Artillery battery, and 8th Hussars. One half of 26th/8th will deploy in a defensive position at the Northern Bridge. The other half of 26th/8th will deploy in a defensive position at the Neu Goldberg bridge.
1 troop of cavalry will stay at each bridge to be used as messengers to report to CinC and me when/if the enemy is sighted at those locations.
The remainder of the force will continue to Alt Goldberg and secure it by 0700.
When this is accomplished the units not holding the bridges will continue south to Gut Nenweiller.
Referee Notes
After receiving the orders from the players, It was time to open Table Top Simulator and start moving pieces around. There is a bit of a learning curve here! The first round of orders took much longer than I had anticipated.
Turn 1 Results: 0620
The following are the responses to the first turn’s orders, with pictures of the map showing what each commander can “see”. There is only the one picture for all three commanders on the Blue Team, as they have not moved very far. The Blue force at Nennweiler is “out of reach” and can only communicate via messenger.
Blue 1
The units on the road to Nennweiler have managed to form a coherent line and are en route.
Blue 2
**Message: 0630**
Forward cavalry has spotted Red Cavalry forces at a range of 2000 paces north of Der weisse Berg. Unknown numbers. Also a Red scout patrol was spotted approaching from the NW, via Station Nennweiler
**Message 2: 0636**
A patrol of 3 cavalry approaches, with a Red scout patrol under guard. The Red patrol claims to have a message for the commander of the forces at Nennweiler:
*To the Commander of the Blue Forces at Nennweiler, Greetings, Pursuant to my Secret Orders from the Revolutionary Council, I am making contact w/ your forces to arrange a swift and painless march across the Selz, & further into Red Territory. Please respond by way of this courier, as my brother officers are not so... enlightened as I. In any event I remain von Degurechaff Oberst*
Your column has sorted itself out from the traffic jam and is proceeding along the road to Nennweiler.
I thought it might be fun to add a bit of a Braunstein element to the game, a kind of political element related to the government of each nation and how the officers felt about it.
One of the Red officers sent a message to a Blue officer, and things got interesting!
**Message 3: 0640**
A cavalry post approaches, with news that a Red Infantry force can be seen to the north, in Line formation, coming around the shoulder of Das Grenfeld hill. A line of Skirmishers are out in front. Range to contact is about 1500 Paces.
(the messenger reports it's about a mile and a half to the front of the Blue cavalry column from here, where you stand. 4-5 bounds/8-10 minutes)
Blue 4
You have moved out of range of casual comms with Blue 1 & 2. If you wish to communicate, send a message via the form
Your Cav and Jagers have arrived at Kappringen, and secured the bridge. The cavalry reports that the Nennweiler Cavalry has stopped on the slope of the Der weisse Berg.
Red 1
0640
The cavalry is able to march E to the NE edge of Goldberg Kirken. The scout that was sent to the top of the hill
You are now out of range of casual comms, any communications will need to be send via Message Form.
One of your cav posts returns, from scouting Kappringen, the town and bridge are occupied by Blue Troops. There is a long line of Infantry and artillery moving N up the road to Kappringen, stretching most of the way back to Karsdorf.
The post that was to carry on to Karsdorf has taken up station on the hill B2D. Out of sight.
The scout post at B3B can see a lot of area
Red 2
As your troops move S you can see that the Cavalry on the hill is not advancing. You turned your battle line to face them. You are now out of range of casual comms, any communications will need to be sent via Message Form.
Red 3
Your troops continue to advance toward New Goldberg. You are now out of range of casual comms, any communications will need to be sent via Message Form
Coming Next
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