"TSATF for Boxer Rebellion, or alternative rules?" Topic

For Boxer Rebellion games, where sieges are the emphasis and not open battles, ie small groups of defenders in fortifications vs hordes of Boxers, do you think TSATF is better than, say, specific last stand type rules, like these?

I love that Rorke's Drift rules system, use it all the time. Never done a Peking type game using TSATF, as the unit parameters, and unit action instead of more individual figure action, seem a bit too general, and ill suited.

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The first game I playeed with larry back in 1984 was a Boxer Siege of Peking scenario. Use them if you want that level of action.

TSATF has a Boxer Rebellion supplement that works quite well.

I do know the Age of Eagles/Fire & Fury system is also being adapted to a Boxer variant.

The Red Shadow site has some great rules for TSATF siege situations:-

warflag.com/shadow

Yeah, we have played some of the scenarios in that Scenario book and it worked fine.

Thanks,

John

We've played the "natives are restless" boxer game a few times and really enjoyed it. Most seem to be cliffhangers. I hate it when the relief column never appears, though <sigh>
I'm a big fan of TSATF, also.

Battle For Empires is a F&F type set of colonial rules. A new, revised second edition is coming soon, but it is a higher level game with each four stands being the equivalent to a company.

Slightly off-topic, but I found that TSATF 20th anniversary edition simulated the basics of trench warfare fairly well, be it troops behind walls, small rises or in trenches.

I think TSATF is just the thing for the kind of games you mentioned.

Maybe smaller units? My typical fort defense game has walls, sections, buildings defended by 4-5 men and a leader as a unit.

I guess TSATF would work with 5 man units each defending a section?

As for Boxers, 20-25 man units are the norm anyway, so no problems there.

Colonial Adventures by Two Hour Wargames also works well for Boxer Rising games. The organization is the same as TSAF,so you can easily switch back and forth.

I don't see a problem with that. TSATF is meant to be flexible. Of course, if your really worried about it. The author's Daughter is a TMPer. Contact her through Sergeants Three. Or PM her. She's Lilibulero. That is that's her member name.

TSATF works quite well.
My friend Jim has a scenario book centered on Admiral
Seymour's relief column, with 10 figure units.
Here is the website of the guy who wrote them:
home.comcast.net/~theangle

Don't get caught up in the Siege. There were a LOT of open field skirmishes, reliefs, battles, etc.

Yes John, but the siege, with Charleton Heston, is where the drahma is :)

You could use Din of Battle 2nd edition if you like.

Link to Rules page:
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Link to my Boxer Rebellion battles and campaign:
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Wargames Illustrated had rules for "55 minutes in Peking". 5 pages.An excellent game, I've played it twice. Very enjoyable.
Will try to dig the issuse number out

Wargames Illustrated #27

Nick,

Seven and a half years later and you post the answer. You are my HERO, and in the name of our fellow colonial wargamers, sir, I humbly THANK YOU. Good show, my friend!

MG, you are very welcome! I am running a TSATF Boxer game this coming Saturday and so I turned to TMP for inspiration. The scenario in WI #27 is very good indeed, though I had to pare it down to use with my 54mm collection. Stay tuned for photos in a week!

That is absolutely hilarious and WAY COOL at the same time! 7.5 years later, I love it. I'm looking forward to what you get on with Nick.

Im with John the OFM . I would much rather fight the field engagements then a siege any day of the week !

The "55 Minutes.." rules were ideal for a multi-player participation game. I think there was a follow-up article with a more detailed version as well?

And the scenario book inspired by the Seymour Expedition is great.

Rules: when/if I get the forces painted, I'll use Ospreys's MWWBK with some tweaks for the period.