An Introduction to Black Powder

[Primarch]

As anyone who reads this site will notice, recently I have been getting very excited about a new game system called Black Powder. For those of you who I have yet to corner and force to read the book, this thread is to serve as an introduction to the game.

So what is Black Powder?
Black Powder is a large scale historical wargame, covering the 18th and 19th Centuries. This was the period when muskets were used on a massive scale by armies belonging to some of the world's most powerful empires. The game was written with 28mm scale models in mind but can technically be played at any scale. The units in the game are given stats and points values not on how many models are in the unit but on the footprint of the unit on the table. For example, a standard sized unit of infantry would be 24cm long by 4cm deep when deployed in a line or column formation. So long as both player's units conform to roughly the same sized footprints, it doesn't matter if the models are slightly bigger or smaller. The book is full of examples of different sized minis as examples.

Why should I play this over any other game?
The game focuses a lot on command and control of your models whilst keeping the basic system fairly straightforward. Players are required to state their orders before rolling to see if their troops obey or if the misinterpret the orders and instead advance in the wrong direction or worse. Combat is worked out with just a few d6, no need to roll a bucket full. There are no super-killy death-star style units and the game doesnt allow for players to create such WAAC monstronsities. Whilst there are a couple of charts and tables, they are kept to a bare minimum, no need to check to see what angle the cannon shell landed at, or which way the general's plumes are blowing in the wind.
Whilst the game is written for 2 players, ideally the game is best played with 3, 5 or 7 players. 1 Player takes the role of an umpire or GM, whilst the others split into teams. It is the GM's job to create an interesting and varied scenario and they are even encouraged to spring little suprises on the players. By using an umpire, it creates a Fog of War effect where players can potentially hide units or have reserves that their opponents dont know about. The game is intended to be played in such a way that winning and losing should NEVER be your main concern. Of course, you should do your best to win if you can, but should you lose, you are expected to give your opponent a pat on the back, offer them a beer and swear bloody
vengence next time your forces take the field.

That sounds like an odd idea. Who wrote it?
The game was written up from a set of rules used by Rick Priestley and Jervis Johnson. If those names sound familiar it is because they were responsible for large amounts of the Warhammer Fantasy Battles and Warhammer 40,000 games, not to mention other fanboy favourites like Blood Bowl. Jervis himself has written numerous articles in White Dwarf espousing the "Winning isnt the purpose of gaming, just a nice byproduct" philosophy over the years.

So what models do I need? Can't I just proxy my Eldar/Orks/Tau?
As I said before, the game is designed with the use of 28mm scale models in mind. This is probably because a lot of the people who contributed to the book are either involved in or have been involved in the production of miniatures in that scale. The book does give examples of using 6mm, 15mm, 20mm and even 40mm models should you so wish to do so, but as a big fan of 28mm I am inclined to agree with the writers. It is true that 6mm models do allow you to put down a far bigger army should you so wish to do so, but 28mm gives you more opportunity to paint the varied uniforms, bright plumage and so forth that is just impossible in smaller scales. Plus I find that 28mm models have a certain weight and presence to them that is just lacking when the biggest model on the table stands 6mm high.

I dont know much about history, is that a problem?
No, not really and there is always a chance to learn. Having picked up Black Powder, I have been eagerly reading through some of the awesome books by Osprey, a company which specialises in Military History Books. On top of that there are classic novels, movies and TV shows you can watch to get you in the mood. Sharpe, The Alamo and so forth are good preparation for the game. Traditionally Historical players get a bad rep amongst Fantasy/SF gamers for being nit-picking and tiresome. (Fantasy players have a rep amongst historical players for having ADD and for being snot nosed little kids). Whilst there are probably some people out there who fit that description I think that the gamers here in Japan are probably relaxed enough not to call anyone out for using the wrong shade of brass on the officer's tunic.

Ok, I've read this pile of drivel, now show me the models!
As I said, the game is based on the 18th and 19th century. This includes events such as the American Civil War, the Napoleonic Wars in Europe, the War of Spanish Succession, The Sudan, The Anglo-Zulu War and the Crimea.
Warlord Games (who published the book) do several ranges for many of these eras.
Victrix have an extensive range of plastic and metal Napoleonic Minis.
The Perry Brothers have a large range of metal figures and are slowly expanding the plastic ranges to cover several of these eras.
And there are a lot more companies doing models to fit this period as well. Wargames Foundry, Empress and Wargames Factory are just a few of the large range of companies producing 25-28mm scale models that will allow you to recreate the battles that helped shape the world as it stands today.

Is it over? Can I leave now?
Yes. Thanks for reading.
I hope that this sparks some interest in a game that certainly looks to be a fun and interesting way to play with little toy soldiers.

Regards,
P.