I have drafted a number of further changes to my WSS siege rules [Leaguer] - these include the first working versions of a few features, so I happily accept that the game is too unstable (rough?) in its present state to involve any other poor soul in testing, and I propose to fiddle about on my own for a week or so before canvassing for volunteers.
Amongst many other changes, I have fixed the rule for starting and controlling fires in a town, I now have a prototype system for supply of ammunition and food, and the first (very flaky) version of the espionage rules is scribbled out on working sheets. One of the objectives of this next week is to try to put together a QRS which actually helps. As you may imagine, nothing can possibly go wrong.
Here is my test fortress. It seems to be sort of French, and thus far has acquired a couple of battalions of infantry, the regulation issue of one-fortress-gun-per-bastion and a couple of mortars. Not a bad start, but a fair way to go, and some choices for the Governor to make (you can see him standing on a walkway near the edge of the table). One early complaint from him is that the new putting-green paint for the glacis is going to have to be calmed right down, since it is horrible, not to say ridiculous. Easily fixed. It is my job to keep the Governor happy - he hasn't commented on the ice-lolly sticks marking the covered way, so I'll take that as approval
A general view of the table. The besiegers are not here yet, though evidence of their presence includes the First Parallel around the edge. You may think this looks more like a road than a fortification, but it's OK. There will be a lot of fortification and digging and stuff as we get into this; in any case, this First Parallel is outside artillery range from the walls [the hexes are 200 paces across] and the defenders are not allowed to carry out Trench Raids that far from home. At the far end of the table you will see an outwork called Fort Louis, which the defenders apparently abandoned at the first opportunity. This outwork will probably play no part in the siege, apart from adding a little distraction in the scenery department, though the besieging force (who will be sort of Grand Alliance chaps) might use it as a safe place
Righto - that gets me started. Tomorrow I have to refine the rules for purchasing a force for each side, do some auditing of the stores of food and powder (that's gunpowder, but is probably wig powder too), and get on with some digging and all that manly stuff.
Porridge and Lucozade will be issued first thing in the morning. A soldier's life for me.
