The Hun at the Gates

Tactical Miniatures Games for Early WWI

Figure Scale: This game is designed for use with individually based 25mm/28mm miniatures, but can be used with smaller miniatures by adjusting the measurement units for all distances (centimeters instead of inches for 15mm, etc.).

Equipment Needed: A collection of two to several dozen miniatures is needed, typically in units of 6-12 (cavalry), 10-14 (infantry), or a gun and 3-6 crew (artillery and MGs). Suggested uniut organisations are provided for all historical combtatnts. Table and terrain requirements are normal, but the game plays well on a smaller tabletops. Six-sided dice and rulers/tape measures in inches are needed.

Type of Game: Tabletop battle game, similar to many traditional rules systems for small-unit actions. Also has a mode for solo/cooperative play "against the machine."

Link to App: The Hun at the Gates

Rules and Guidelines for Play: HTML PDF

"Holding the Line" (Coop/Solo Scenario - BEF): HTML PDF

"A Farm near Montay" (Coop/Solo Scenario - BEF, simlar to the above): HTML PDF

Introduction

The Great War is a fascinating subject, representing the transition from an older concept of warfare, based essentially in the Napoleonic era, to the "total warfare" of the modern era. In the early days of the conflict, soldiers performed incredible feats of heroism, from the actions of the BEF in France to the resistance of the Serbs against the Austro-Hungarians in the Balkans. Miniatures wargamers are naturally drawn to these conflicts - they are the last wars which feature colorful uniforms, evoking the glory of war even while it is falling prey to the machine guns and artillery of the new "industrial" form of conflict. The Hun at the Gates depicts these conflicts at a man-to-man scale, using a relatively small number of figures. Where a grand-tactical game would require hundreds of figures, only a couple of dozen are needed per side here.

Games can be played between two sides, in a competitive mode, or can use one of two solo/competitive modes, with the indicating what enemy forces appear and where. Players can hold a defensive position, fighting against heavy odds, or can lead patrols into enemy territory. While focused on infantry and cavalry forces, provision is made for supporting weapons of all types, including both on-baord and off-board artillery. Small-unit organizations are provided for all of the combatants in the early days of WWI.

The Game App

The game app replaces most chart lookups, giving players the scores needed for rolls to hit, pass morale checks, etc. The app itself is fairly simple:

Whether you want to fight a desperate holding action against the invading Hun, or lead your squadron of uhlans against the forces of the Czar, The Hun at the Gates makes it easy and fun to do!