Stosstruppen | 22 Nov 2019 10:13 a.m. PST |
So back in November of 2016 I asked this question about rules and figures for Plains Wars TMP link Since I have recently acquired a large lot of 18mm Blue Moon for the period I am now needing a set of rules for it. I currently own Battles for Empire, TSATF, and TMWWBK. I have owned Pony Wars in the past, and while it looks like a fun set to play I am looking for something a bit more serious. Looking at the suggestions in the old post I see Yellow Ribbon and the Chris Peers set. Are one of those better than what I already have? Also are there any good scenarios out there? |
mghFond | 22 Nov 2019 10:40 a.m. PST |
I've used TMWWBK and enjoyed it but it's way too bloody. Useful with home modifications though. I've also played the Chris Peers set Too Few to Fight Too Many to Die and that is also a good one. The shooting is not so bloody like a lot of games. Although we do have trouble with the Melee rules as stated. Seems the attacker almost always wins. Maybe we are doing something wrong? Still, we've had some great games with both sets. Depends on your scenarios and even your players. One thing the Peers rules gets right is if you want to have a chance in the battle, the cavalry need to dismount and fire. Riding and shooting is really bad – which I believe is quite correct. |
Extra Crispy | 22 Nov 2019 11:33 a.m. PST |
Yellow Ribbon gets the tribes right. Most rules simply don't replicate how tribes behaved/fought. They were after loot and glory, not necessarily victory. They had different goals. |
Davidjames | 22 Nov 2019 12:00 p.m. PST |
Depends when they were fighting and why. The whole business about how they fought is a bit of a red herring. When it was about survival they did not fight the same way any more. For me, use black powder. Simple, fast, and easy to mod a but of flavour. |
DinOfBattle2 | 22 Nov 2019 12:20 p.m. PST |
Since I have only played with the rules I wrote about this period, please see the others comments on possible rules. However, I used Din of Battle 2nd edition to fight my Plains Wars encounters and we have had a ton of fun with them. See my blog about a Little Big Horn "like" campaign we did with the Din of Battle rules. I used very low figure density for the units to give the battle a much grander feel. They are Piquet, so they may not suite your style. Either, way, enjoy the gaming! link Cheers Eric |
The Virtual Armchair General | 22 Nov 2019 1:35 p.m. PST |
No, "Yellow Ribbon" is hands down the most authentic set of rules available. And it has some then innovative ideas about assigning orders that limit players' control over their units. Warfare as practiced generally by Western Civilisation is radically different from that by the Plains Indians, and don't let anyone tell you something else. It was possible for both Whites and Indians to "Win" a battle, as well as both to "Lose." Knowing what constitutes the purpose of battle automatically dictates the tactics used, something that would not happen when both sides have a shared understanding of it. Get "Yellow Ribbon" and put all the other rules on the shelf for the purposes they were intended for. And, "No," I don't own them, sell them, or have any other purpose to so encourage their use. But I wish to blazes I did! TVAG |
Extra Crispy | 22 Nov 2019 4:16 p.m. PST |
Well, I sell them, along with many others. If I were more devious I'd sell you a far more expensive set! These are a mere $7 USD! link |
Ed Mohrmann | 22 Nov 2019 6:39 p.m. PST |
I've been using Brom's 'Bugles, Boots and Saddles' for years. Just as TSATF, it's an excellent tool kit or gives a good game right out of the box. |
John Leahy | 22 Nov 2019 6:43 p.m. PST |
Yellow Ribbon. It's definitely handles the Indians properly. If you'd like a nicely done free set of counters let me know and I'll email them to you for YR. johnleahy55atyahoodotcom. Thanks. |
rmaker | 22 Nov 2019 9:56 p.m. PST |
Another vote for Yellow Ribbon. The Medicine Points rule is sheer genius. If it were the only thing Greg Novak ever did, he would still rank high in the pantheon of designers. |
Stosstruppen | 23 Nov 2019 8:06 a.m. PST |
Thanks guys! I had an inkling a few days ago that I had Yellow Ribbon already but I couldn't find it. I started digging more last night, lo and behold there it was with the companion volume on the cavalry. So it looks like I am all set. I appreciate the feedback! |
Tiger73 | 23 Nov 2019 9:24 a.m. PST |
Glad you found your copy of Yellow Ribbon rules. IMO YR is the best rules set for Plains Wars. Very innovative in capturing the "feel" of the period. |
Jeffers | 26 Nov 2019 11:59 a.m. PST |
I love Pony Wars but have just ordered a copy of Yellow Ribbon simply because Greg Novak can do no wrong in my eyes! |
Au pas de Charge | 16 Dec 2019 12:09 p.m. PST |
Order the Yellow Ribbon rules from Crispy? Happy Holidays all. |
Jeffers | 16 Dec 2019 4:43 p.m. PST |
I have! I believe it is winging (or floating) it's way over now. Looking forward to it greatly. |
Jeffers | 24 Dec 2019 4:49 a.m. PST |
Arrived today (great timing) and I'm not disappointed. Cheers, Crispy! |