Another test game of FSF

 Had a larger test game today for Famine, Sword, & Fire.  Just a few pictures.

My army advances against the foe!

My skirmisher archers run into my opponent's skirmisher archers int he middle of the woods.

Middle of the game.

A large unit of levy light infantry manage to defend a hilltop while flanked.

Skirmish cavalry for FSF.

 A small unit of skirmish cavalry.  Bashed together from Dacians, Gauls, and Iberian light cavalry.

A word on customer service...and how to do it.

 

A quick story.

Many months ago (I believe late May), I made an order for some products from TT Combat, a company in the UK I've used for many years.  I have a heap of TT Combat products and I like them, etc.  I spent around $150 USD.

Fast forward 5-6 weeks and I feel like I should have received the order, so I poke around on the FedEx link.

Turns out the package has been seized by Customs some weeks back (without informing me, of course).

Contact FedEx.  "You need to fill out some forms".  Hmmm, okay, if it's something simple, no big deal.

FedEx then sends me papers to declare the chemical composition and origin of the MDF in the package, etc.  What?  I respond that...I'm not required to fill that out but I will forward it to TT Combat.

TT Combat receives it, gets in touch with FedEx and sends them the completed forms, even if they're a bit baffle as well.

No progress.

Waiting several weeks I get back in touch with FedEx.  "You need this new CBP form, and you need to create an Importer Account with CBP, etc."

Nope.  I tell them to fuck off, and I instruct them to return the package.  I inform them I'm not required to fill out the CBP form (as it's only used for commercial importers and products over $2,500 in value, etc.).  I used to be in the CBP so I'm not falling for this nonsense.  Someone at CBP or FedEx is completely mistaken and thic package was wrongfully seized.

FedEx agrees to return the package.

No progress.

TT Combat is in touch with FedEx and contacting them as often as I am, etc.

Eventually TT Combat files a flaim for a lost package, seeking reimbursement.  The finally get reimbursed and contact me, offering to re-send the package, this time via DHL. I received the package today.

Over the course of roughly four months, TT Combat stayed on top of this nonsense, and always responded to my emails and was working with FedEx trying to resolve this issue (one they don't encounter normally).  Meanwhile FedEx is not communicative, loses the package, and wants me to fill out unnecessary forms (with heaps of personal information) and then send them to an unverified customer service email, etc.

In short, TT Combat stuck with it this whole time, and got me the products I ordered.  It would have been dozens of phone calls and emails between all of us, and they kept to it.  I didn't need to hassle TT Combat myself to see if they were still working on it, etc.  They aggressively sought resolution from FedEx (who suck ass), and really went above and beyond.

 If I wasn't already a solid TT Combat customer, I sure would be now.

Fun Fact: During these four months I ordered and received two other packages from TT Combat, same value, shipped via FedEx, etc.

Playtesting FSF with...skeletons!?

Got a playtest in with the new FSF tokens.  We used my buddy's fantasy sksleton army (as it slotted in nicely and could be converted over quickly to the normal ancients rules).

Punched out and cleaned the new test tokens.

My buddy's Light Cavalry advancing on the first turn.

A large melee erupts on the right flank.

The melee is joined by my heavy cavalry, chariot, and berserkers while my opponent throws in skeletons to help his cavalry.

Later in the game, one of my chariots tries to withdraw from combat but fails and breaks.  It is harrassed by enemy archers as it flees.

On the right flank the skeletons break, as my own chariot leaves the combat and the enemy light cavalry work on killing off my heavy cavalry.

Late in the game the two main combats start causing casualties en masse.

Some skeleton light infantry break, and nearby skeleton archers are forced into open order by my archers.

The combat on the left flank escalates rapidly.

My light infantry skirmishers hang back, dropping arrows on any enemy unit out of combat.

For some reason I think it's a good idea to charge a light missile chariot into combat...

When my buddy's two skeleton units split up, I charge one with my larger light infantry unit.

Units moving early in the game.

My buddy runs two skeleton units up the center of the table to deal with my large infantry unit.

Early in the game a small detachment of my heavy cavalry seize an objective.

Early deployment and moves on the first turn.

I decide to tackle the center with my largest light infantry unit.

My Soviet village becomes a Soviet town!

Wanting to expand my 15mm terrain options, I ordered a batch of FDM printed buildings from Patrick Miniatures on Etsy.  They're 15mm/Soviet design.

I prefer resin for printed stuff, but these turned out to be pretty solid.

Ancients Heavy Infantry

 Trying to expand into a variety of units I made use of some leftover Dacians and some Gallic infantry (which came with the chariot kit from Victrix) to make a small unit of actual heavy infantry.  My other units thus far as light infantry, so I wanted to mix it up.

I also snapped a picture of the whole army, since it does not fit on my small table that I normally snap pics on. I'm pretty happy with the rather sudden emergence of a playable army (though the army itself will be abou ttwice this size when "complete").

I have several more bags of figures to do, but enjoying this complete breath of fresh air project.

Heavy cavalry!

 My first cavalry unit - a unit of "heavy" cavalry.  Gallic cavalry converted with a few Dacian bits.

Futzing with FSAF.

This is how the silliness always starts...notes...(which turn into: notebooks full of notes)

 In an effort to up our next playtest, I've ordered token sets for the game, and designed up a play-mat for use.  This is all prototype nonsense, but a fun way to occupy too many hours in the middle of the night.

Tokens for both sides (each side will have a bag of 80 combat tokens which will determine the results of combats). 

 

Prototype for a play mat - with a score tracker along the bottom and a way to declare off-table assets, etc.

Oh, did I mention I also ordered some dice?  As usual, I threw a message and icon over to Joseph at Chessex and had some custom dice whipped up - a large set I gave to my buddy, my opposing player.  I have a few more in other colours on the way too, just because.