SONG OF DRUMS AND TOMAHAWKS
Song of Drums and Tomahawks Reviews & Game Reports
REVIEW and Game Reports on Cry Havoc Wargaming YouTube blog
REVIEW and Game Reports on Joy of Wargaming YouTube blog
REVIEW and Game Reports on Charles Cabell's YouTube blog
REVIEW on Wargame Vault: "Very pleased with this set of rules....Gives just the right of table top chaos that is important in a skirimsh game...Kevin" Read More
Wars of Stomping Moon Facebook Group
This Facebook group by Dave Brown has LOTS of game reports using Song of Drums and Tomahawks rules. You can enjoy the photos and accounts of his game if you are a member. Join today!
This Facebook group by Dave Brown has LOTS of game reports using Song of Drums and Tomahawks rules. You can enjoy the photos and accounts of his game if you are a member. Join today!
Re-fighting George Washington's first taste of battle
- 'Jumonville Glen' game at a local history museum
At the request of the Ohio History Center, our local history museum, our Great Lakes chapter of the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society will be hosting monthly game of historical miniatures. I decided to kick things off with a re-fight of Jumonville Glen -- George Washington's first taste of battle and the skirmish that started the French & Indian War. I modified the sequence slight to take 10 (!) players, who had fun learning the rules and trying their best to repeat (or prevent) Washington's victory. Read the game report on my Lead Legionaries blog.
- 'Jumonville Glen' game at a local history museum
At the request of the Ohio History Center, our local history museum, our Great Lakes chapter of the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society will be hosting monthly game of historical miniatures. I decided to kick things off with a re-fight of Jumonville Glen -- George Washington's first taste of battle and the skirmish that started the French & Indian War. I modified the sequence slight to take 10 (!) players, who had fun learning the rules and trying their best to repeat (or prevent) Washington's victory. Read the game report on my Lead Legionaries blog.
Last of the Moccasins Game Report using Song of Drums
on Toy Soldiers for Old Gits! blog
A gripping account of a game using Song of Drums and Tomahawks. It starts off with a long text passage recounting the action. At the end, you get three pages of very cool captioned photos to illustrate the action. "Captain Darling" from Australia tells a nice story and reading his report gives a good idea of how the game plays. Check it out!
on Toy Soldiers for Old Gits! blog
A gripping account of a game using Song of Drums and Tomahawks. It starts off with a long text passage recounting the action. At the end, you get three pages of very cool captioned photos to illustrate the action. "Captain Darling" from Australia tells a nice story and reading his report gives a good idea of how the game plays. Check it out!
Huron Set Ambush for Dutch
in 6-player game of Song of Drums
Lots of photos and a great account of a six player game of Song of Drums and Tomahawks set in 1640. The Huron are attempting to lay an ambush for the Dutch in this play test for an event the players were going to run at a local convention. Lots of photos --check it out on the Naval Gazing Blog.
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Check out another game of Song of Drums: Tomahawks and Tankers
in 6-player game of Song of Drums
Lots of photos and a great account of a six player game of Song of Drums and Tomahawks set in 1640. The Huron are attempting to lay an ambush for the Dutch in this play test for an event the players were going to run at a local convention. Lots of photos --check it out on the Naval Gazing Blog.
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Check out another game of Song of Drums: Tomahawks and Tankers
Play Testing a New Variant of Song of Drums
Song of the Spirit World?
Rules co-author Mike Stelzer came set up four games to try out a new variant he's writing, tentatively titled, "Song of the Spirit World." The games ranged from Vikings vs. Skraelings in the Medieval era to the time of the Salem Witchcraft Trials. Things went well enough that Mike will soon be publishing the rules, in cooperation with Ganesha Games. Check out my game report on my Lead Legionaries blog.
Song of the Spirit World?
Rules co-author Mike Stelzer came set up four games to try out a new variant he's writing, tentatively titled, "Song of the Spirit World." The games ranged from Vikings vs. Skraelings in the Medieval era to the time of the Salem Witchcraft Trials. Things went well enough that Mike will soon be publishing the rules, in cooperation with Ganesha Games. Check out my game report on my Lead Legionaries blog.
Saga of Tromney's Farm - Will the Female Captives
Be Rescued or Suffer a Worse Fate?
Check out this pair of games on Tom's Toy Soldiers blog. It features a pair of battles taking place at the widow Tromney's Farm. French, British, and First Nation sides clash on the grounds of the farm, each with their own nefarious objectives. In the first battle, the French are marching to save the farmstead whose owners have fled. In the second, a pair of female captives are held on the grounds of the farm. What will be their fate? Rescue or worse? Read Tom's blog reports to find out!
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The Sequel: Return to Tromney's Farm game report
Be Rescued or Suffer a Worse Fate?
Check out this pair of games on Tom's Toy Soldiers blog. It features a pair of battles taking place at the widow Tromney's Farm. French, British, and First Nation sides clash on the grounds of the farm, each with their own nefarious objectives. In the first battle, the French are marching to save the farmstead whose owners have fled. In the second, a pair of female captives are held on the grounds of the farm. What will be their fate? Rescue or worse? Read Tom's blog reports to find out!
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The Sequel: Return to Tromney's Farm game report
Join the FB group: Song of Drums and Shakos
and other games in that series
There is a Facebook group devoted to these rules and its precursor, set in the Napoleonic Wars, Song of Drums and Shakos. Lots of figure releases are featured, as well as game reports and more. It is also a great place to ask questions about the rules are get inspiration for scenarios. Join today!
and other games in that series
There is a Facebook group devoted to these rules and its precursor, set in the Napoleonic Wars, Song of Drums and Shakos. Lots of figure releases are featured, as well as game reports and more. It is also a great place to ask questions about the rules are get inspiration for scenarios. Join today!
Clifftop Battle is the Climax of a Clash
Between Huron Raiders and Seneca Villagers
Remember the climactic clifftop battle in the movie Last of the Mohicans? That was the inspiration for rules author Mike Demana to create my scratch-built cliffs and use them in this game that he ran at Historicon 2023. In this version, Huron raiders have struck a Seneca village while most of the menfolk are away hunting. They head north with their captives, only to be pursued by the returning hunters. Will the Seneca get their women and children back? Check out Mike's Lead Legionaries blog report to see!
Between Huron Raiders and Seneca Villagers
Remember the climactic clifftop battle in the movie Last of the Mohicans? That was the inspiration for rules author Mike Demana to create my scratch-built cliffs and use them in this game that he ran at Historicon 2023. In this version, Huron raiders have struck a Seneca village while most of the menfolk are away hunting. They head north with their captives, only to be pursued by the returning hunters. Will the Seneca get their women and children back? Check out Mike's Lead Legionaries blog report to see!
British Launch Attack to Rescue Captured Ensign
in this Multiplayer Game of Song of Drums
Master terrain maker and showman Tim Peaslee ran some games for his friends locally using Song of Drums and Tomahawks. In this game, a British ensign has been captured by the French and their Indian allies. Rather than try to ransom him, the brave British players launch a raid to free him form where he is being held at a trading post. This game report and photos appeared on Facebook. Check out the FB post here!
in this Multiplayer Game of Song of Drums
Master terrain maker and showman Tim Peaslee ran some games for his friends locally using Song of Drums and Tomahawks. In this game, a British ensign has been captured by the French and their Indian allies. Rather than try to ransom him, the brave British players launch a raid to free him form where he is being held at a trading post. This game report and photos appeared on Facebook. Check out the FB post here!
Wagon Train Through Peril! Settlers Attempt
to Make it to Local Blockhouse in Game Store Demo
The son of Mike Stelzer (Jason) ran a demo game of Song of Drums and Tomahawks at a local Columbus Area Game Store, Dragon's Lair Comics & Games. He taught players the rules in this simple but very challenging scenario. Word has spread along the frontier that an Indian raid is underway. Families load up in their wagon and attempt to fight their way through the scattered raiders and make it to the local blockhouse. Will they make it? Read the game report on Lead Legionaries blog and find out!
to Make it to Local Blockhouse in Game Store Demo
The son of Mike Stelzer (Jason) ran a demo game of Song of Drums and Tomahawks at a local Columbus Area Game Store, Dragon's Lair Comics & Games. He taught players the rules in this simple but very challenging scenario. Word has spread along the frontier that an Indian raid is underway. Families load up in their wagon and attempt to fight their way through the scattered raiders and make it to the local blockhouse. Will they make it? Read the game report on Lead Legionaries blog and find out!
French and British Detachments Skirmish
Over Control of a Local Inn on 'Dinah Cat of Danger' blog
A pair of games run on the Dinah Cat of Danger blog make for an interesting read. In their first game, French and British forces skirmish in a remote section of their colonies over control of a local inn. The second game features the French striking back to regain control of their spy that the British captured -- an Italian priest. Check out LOTS of photos and a description of the French & Indian War action on the Dinah Cat of Danger blog.
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Read the second game report on the Dinah Cat of Danger blog.
Over Control of a Local Inn on 'Dinah Cat of Danger' blog
A pair of games run on the Dinah Cat of Danger blog make for an interesting read. In their first game, French and British forces skirmish in a remote section of their colonies over control of a local inn. The second game features the French striking back to regain control of their spy that the British captured -- an Italian priest. Check out LOTS of photos and a description of the French & Indian War action on the Dinah Cat of Danger blog.
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Read the second game report on the Dinah Cat of Danger blog.
Winter 1704 Raid on Deerfield Rages Again
Over Course of 5 Conventions in the U.S.
It took all three of the rules authors -- Mike D, Mike S, and Keith F -- pooling their resources to be able to stage this sprawling recreation of the 1704 French & Indian raid on the town of Deerfield, Massachusetts. The authors ran it over the course of five different conventions. The players enjoyed it each time, and the frontier American town recreated on the snowy tabletop was quite the sight. Read how the game was staged and what mechanics were used to make it work on the report on the Lead Legionaries blog.
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Read the report on the Deerfield games at Historicon.
Over Course of 5 Conventions in the U.S.
It took all three of the rules authors -- Mike D, Mike S, and Keith F -- pooling their resources to be able to stage this sprawling recreation of the 1704 French & Indian raid on the town of Deerfield, Massachusetts. The authors ran it over the course of five different conventions. The players enjoyed it each time, and the frontier American town recreated on the snowy tabletop was quite the sight. Read how the game was staged and what mechanics were used to make it work on the report on the Lead Legionaries blog.
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Read the report on the Deerfield games at Historicon.
Play testing 'Beaver Wars' Campaign & Scenario book
Ten turns of Indian vs. Indian Fury!
The guys at First Command Wargames and their friends diligently play tested the campaign rules and scenarios for "Beaver Wars." This campaign recreated the late 17th and early 18th century conflict between the Iroquois and their tribal neighbors. Each player took on the role of a tribe and fought a battle each turn against an opponent they (or their enemy) chose. Lots of frontier America action with each tribe choosing its own overall strategy to hopefully accumulate the most victory points through battle. Check out each turn's report:
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Turn 1 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 2 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 3 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 4 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 5 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 6 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 7 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 8 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 9 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 10 of the Beaver Wars
Ten turns of Indian vs. Indian Fury!
The guys at First Command Wargames and their friends diligently play tested the campaign rules and scenarios for "Beaver Wars." This campaign recreated the late 17th and early 18th century conflict between the Iroquois and their tribal neighbors. Each player took on the role of a tribe and fought a battle each turn against an opponent they (or their enemy) chose. Lots of frontier America action with each tribe choosing its own overall strategy to hopefully accumulate the most victory points through battle. Check out each turn's report:
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Turn 1 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 2 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 3 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 4 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 5 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 6 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 7 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 8 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 9 of the Beaver Wars
Turn 10 of the Beaver Wars
'OrcaFinn's Take on the Beaver Wars
Playing the Neutrals Tribe, Turn by Turn
Rules co-author Keith Finn was an avid participant in the play testing of the Beaver Wars campaign over the course of 11 months. He had taken on the role of the "Neutrals" tribe -- so named by the Europeans because they ostensibly did not take a side in the French vs. British conflict. Keith takes his readers through each scenario and turn he played in the campaign in his own OrcaFinn's Game Reports blog -- check it out. Great reading!
Playing the Neutrals Tribe, Turn by Turn
Rules co-author Keith Finn was an avid participant in the play testing of the Beaver Wars campaign over the course of 11 months. He had taken on the role of the "Neutrals" tribe -- so named by the Europeans because they ostensibly did not take a side in the French vs. British conflict. Keith takes his readers through each scenario and turn he played in the campaign in his own OrcaFinn's Game Reports blog -- check it out. Great reading!
Blogger Tests 'Horse Raid' Scenario
for the Beaver Wars booklet
It wasn't just the First Command Wargames folks play testing the scenarios for 'Beaver Wars.' Tom, the author behind the Wandering View blog, played a couple scenarios, too. Here is a report from the Horse Raid scenario. Check out the nail-biter games and his photos on his Wandering View blog.
for the Beaver Wars booklet
It wasn't just the First Command Wargames folks play testing the scenarios for 'Beaver Wars.' Tom, the author behind the Wandering View blog, played a couple scenarios, too. Here is a report from the Horse Raid scenario. Check out the nail-biter games and his photos on his Wandering View blog.
'Raid on the Ohio Frontier' - setting up
3 scenarios side by side at Historicon convention
One of the ways the rules authors would take Song of Drums and Tomahawks to wargaming conventions to demo it would be to set up 3 to 4 different scenarios side by side. They would ostensibly be linked to represent sprawling engagements along the French and British frontiers, featuring their native American allies, enemies, as well as settlers caught up in the F&I War. Check out this game report on Lead Legionaries blog from Historicon.
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Check out photos from 'Raid on the Ohio Frontier' at Advance the Colors
Read the report from 'Raid on the Ohio Frontier' at Drums at the Rapids
3 scenarios side by side at Historicon convention
One of the ways the rules authors would take Song of Drums and Tomahawks to wargaming conventions to demo it would be to set up 3 to 4 different scenarios side by side. They would ostensibly be linked to represent sprawling engagements along the French and British frontiers, featuring their native American allies, enemies, as well as settlers caught up in the F&I War. Check out this game report on Lead Legionaries blog from Historicon.
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Check out photos from 'Raid on the Ohio Frontier' at Advance the Colors
Read the report from 'Raid on the Ohio Frontier' at Drums at the Rapids
How to Use Song of Drums to Refight
a Larger Battle like 'Bloody Run'
Yes, Song of Drums and Tomahawks is a skirmish game. However, the rules authors perfected a way to use the rules to simulate a much larger battle. In this game run at Advance the Colors convention, four different skirmishes that were part of the sequence of the Battle of Bloody Run fought in 1762 during Pontiac's Rebellion. Eight players were able to take part in the game and each had a vital role in their side's eventual victory or defeat. Read the blog report on Lead Legionaries that explains how to do this so you can try it in your gaming club or local convention.
a Larger Battle like 'Bloody Run'
Yes, Song of Drums and Tomahawks is a skirmish game. However, the rules authors perfected a way to use the rules to simulate a much larger battle. In this game run at Advance the Colors convention, four different skirmishes that were part of the sequence of the Battle of Bloody Run fought in 1762 during Pontiac's Rebellion. Eight players were able to take part in the game and each had a vital role in their side's eventual victory or defeat. Read the blog report on Lead Legionaries that explains how to do this so you can try it in your gaming club or local convention.
