I shared this video on across my Social Media, including a few wargaming Facebook Groups.
I prefaced it with:
This, so much.
The only wrong way to wargame is when you aren't having fun.
Unpainted, poorly painted, wrong uniforms... if YOU are having fun, then you're doing it right.
And the only place I got any push back was a Napoleonic Wargaming Facebook Group. Someone felt that if you weren't taking it seriously and getting every detail correct, or playing with unpainted figures, then you were just being lazy.
An argument followed, which I decided to resolve by Blocking that voice and leaving that Group. Because no one needs that kind of negativity.
Personally, I paint as well as I can, and don't put unpainted figures out for a game, and you all know that I like a well dressed table.
But that's me. It's not for everyone. I've played some memorable games with unpainted figures because the people around me were fun to play with.
So just.... wow.
It's no wonder Napoleonics has such a bad reputation.
My response to someone who thinks it's about getting "every detail just right" would be to enquire whether his figures were in dirty dysentery stained greatcoats, with patches and bits of enemy uniforms and straw stuffed shako covers? Did they have black faces and hands from the black powder? Were they up to their knees in mud and s**t? Toes poking through boots or just rags around their feet?
ReplyDeleteIf they dared to argue about parade ground uniforms, ask for sources....☺
Neil
I actually think the ragged and worn look is overrated too.
DeleteWaterloo was early in the campaign, everyone probably still looked pretty good.
6 months into the Russian Campaign? Spain? Or the 1813 Campaign? Sure thing, troops are going to look pretty rough.
And "dress uniform" was a simple matter of taking the rain cover off your shako and attaching a plume.
Long ago I remember reading in a 100 Days campaign journal about how the unit's new jackets ran in a rainstorm, creating pink streaks in the uniforms, especially the trousers.
DeleteBut if you want to paint your troops in dirty ragged uniforms, that's cool.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to get every detail and company distinction correct, that's cool too.
Totally respect your position and totally agree with it .. toy soldiers they represent stuff .. they are not real stuff .. enjoy and give credit not negativity but as you said and did, do not stand for bullshit! Game on!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, I wargame to have fun. I like a good table and painted figures to use, however if someone doesn't have painted figures, then so what, they play and still have fun
ReplyDeletePlaying is the important thing. Any new era i get involved in has unpainted units on the table until my paint catches up with my enthusiasm.
ReplyDeleteNow if I could play that often. Maybe.
DeleteOnce my excitement caused me to put out troops with unflocked bases, because they were needed.
But the bases were painted. I'm not a complete savage!
I think it’s all about all players involved agreeing with what type of game is about to be played?
ReplyDeleteFun, let’s drop minis and dice on the table - cool.
Recreate “X” engagement as accurately as possible down to toe nails present and blades of grass lodged in teeth, cool.
Etc
It’s when someone turns up with expectations that aren’t fulfilled due to poor communication is where games can leave bad tastes in mouths I feel.
Yes, and respecting one's host, and one's guests if you're hosting.
Delete