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Pieces of Eight |
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Publication date |
2000 |
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Period of Warfare covered |
Pirate warfare in the early 18th century. Most of the actions are taking place off the east coats of America and down the Spanish main. |
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Associated Peter Pig range |
Two ranges. The range 10 of 15mm pirate figure range. Range 18 has 1/450th scale pirate ships. |
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Game scenario generator |
Simple campaign grid. Players split their force of merchantmen and warships(small pirate types, no ships of the line) into various small groups. The player keeps the contents of each force secret. The campaign on the grid will allow some forces to avoid all contact (desirable for your merchant forces). The Contacts that do happen are carried out on the game table . this allows actions to be one sided. A typical action might be a merchant ship accompanied by a small warship that meets two opposing warships. The game structure means that both players are invested in making sure their merchant ships get through and that they sink the opponent's ships. Thus both players are both merchant and pirate. |
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Game table size |
The sea games are fought on a 3x5 foot or larger table. The land raid games are played on a gridded table of 3x2 feet. |
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How much scenery needed |
The sea game requires no scenery apart from the basic blue/sea cloth. The land raid needs certain special squares, such as the governor's residence, but is otherwise built up. |
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How many D6 needed |
About 10 per player. |
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Measurement method |
Moveable hexes for the sea fights. Gridded movement for the land raids. |
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Basing convention |
No bases needed for the ships. Land raid figures on 3x3cm group bases. With some individuals too. |
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Typical army composition |
Sea battles usually feature 2 ships a side. Land raid needs 30 or so figures per player. |
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Moving mechanic |
The ships are placed upon a card hex. Movement is carried out by attaching further hexes. A typical move might be 2 hexes. |
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Shooting mechanic |
A bunch of D6. |
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Fighting mechanic |
There can be boarding actions too. |
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Morale mechanic |
At a low level some ship swill surrender. Merchant ships surrender very quickly. |
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Game length |
About 2 hours. |
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Book keeping |
Ship templates to record damage to sailing gear and ship parts. |
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Principal victory condition |
Victory points are based upon merchant trade, ships sunk and ports raided. |
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Changes needed for 25mm gaming |
Bigger grid size for the ;and raid. Bigger hex size for bigger scales. |
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Accompanying scenery range |
Some barrels and boats in the scenery range. |
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Best parts |
Finding an unaccompanied opponent merchant man. Getting mauled by the low life in the harbour district. |
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Notes |
Could be adapted into a larger campaign. |