Smoggycon 2012. 24.11.12. Report.

Smoggycon Show took place on Saturday 24th November in Middlesbrough,and of course we attended and put on a Demonstration game,based on an "Incident" on the Antonine Wall,ie Romans vs Northern Tribes.

We have been to Smoggycon before so we had no trouble finding the venue,however I do think the map supplied on the "flyer" could be made more simple.

The venue had loads of parking,was warm (upstairs anyway) and food and drink were available,the "Door Boys" were very friendly and helpful,and the whole atmosphere was good,which is more than can be said for the weather!!

Our game went down well,and we spent alot of time talking to various war gamers and traders,who were interested in our figures (Prince August Cast-your-own Romans and Barbarians). We even gave our address and phone number to three or four interested guys,so you never know,our little club may expand-watch this space!!

The scenario was simple. Dave was in command of three Auxillia infantry cohorts and an alae of cavalry escorting supplies. They had been collecting them north of the Antonine Wall and were on the way home.

Behind the earthen/timber wall is the impressive full Legio Phoenix, ten cohorts of the toughest meanest legionaries north of  Hispania. A body guard and three cavalry alae attend the highly talented and connected Commander Paulus ........ yes all right its me.

What could go wrong?

Along the flanks of Dave's route appear natives who perhaps haven't got the hang of Pax Romana,taxes or even deodorant!   (Actually the public at Smoggycon were surprisingly fresh today ... not a whiff about!! well done all of you!)

John's natives appeared on the edges of the marsh to Dave's left flank. Good job that stream is not fordable at this time of year!

What do you mean the driest since weather was invented ...... Oh dear !

Then Brian really upset Dave when he appeared on the edges of the forest on the right flank.
He just knows that the Legion will send help ...

Won't they?

So, rudely awaken the order is given , two bacon sarnies and ............. oh the other one...... sorry

Send out six cohorts, two cavalry alae and press my best tunic, no the red one !


Meanwhile the Auxiliia are coping really well ... well nearly. Actually after the initial clash and slight reverse ...... Dave actually managed to push those natives back over the stream. Easy peesy.
But John's men are made of stern stuff though and there are lots of them. Weight of number grind on. Dave launches another attack to breach the closing net, cavalry and veteran cohort driving deep into the foe and a gap opens.
The waggons are driven forward straight towards the heavy troops rushing out of the gates. Dave joins the fray and leads by example. My Hero!

Well you know between glorious success and a sword in the belly is a fine line. Down he goes and Jimmy (Brian)McReggie strikes again!
An impressive record of leadership potting continues. I'm sure he's descended from Brutus somewhere.
"Far too easy to kill an officer" as our clairvoyant once said.


Meanwhile a legionary line is formed to prevent Brian from intercepting those wagons. A huge clash ensues and Brian takes another step into the annals of the group. More cavalry battles. Both sides lock in a prolonged fight, Brian's noble infantry pushing the centre of the line inwards, the line must break soon and the gates reached.

What do you mean your throwing pila again? You've used them before haven't you? 

How come when everything goes well someone has a primus cohort handy to exchange lines, chuck loads of pila and charge into you .......

.. it's in the rules ha ha!


A respite for the line as the wagons keep rolling.

Just when it was all in hand Graham turns up!
Skirting the marsh and trampling past John's mopping up of the doomed Auxillia he's heading for the wall and the rear of those Legionaries.







Just as well those two cohorts are posted covering the direction of this sneaky attack.





The lines clash, the wall is attacked and those ballista and archers inflict some damage from the towers as the Celts close in.










Meanwhile fear drives the wagons on.

Just about the end as the wagons are in and the camp guard is on hand to keep non invited guests away.  

Tickets please?


We all agreed that the show was a success and we are looking forward to 2013 now.