Sharp Practice Markers

I've been inspired by Mark Bretherton's blog The Tactical Painter, where he's produced a wonderful set of markers for use in his 20mm scale Chain of Command campaigns. I decided to create something similar for Sharp Practice giving thought to some of the changes that can happen during a game, particularly those things that require us to keep track of on-going events. 

One example would be "Spitting Feathers". This is a possible "Movement Random Event" that causes units to move more slowly until they can find a source of drinkable water.

I used a rectangular MDF base to create this micro diorama that should remind us to reduce the affected unit's movement when it next activates:

The wine bottle is made from a piece of cocktail stick turned to the right shape with sandpaper using my Dremel as a makeshift lathe. 

On the rear of the base is a written reminder:

Another random event is "Fouled Barrels". A similar base, a spare carbine from the Warlord WSS Cavalry set, and jammed ramrod made from a piece of Peco track-fixing pin from my model railway days, gives me this:

Again there's a brief note of the effect written on the reverse.

Low ammo is another unit status that can come about as a result of random events. I've done a couple of markers using parts from the Perry ACW plastics.

This ammo box is from the artillery limber. I had it left over because I'd used the frame of one limber in making a generic wagon.

Also for low ammo is this marker:

There's a discarded carbine and bayonet as well as a couple of cartridge pouches on paper cross-belts.

Yet another random event result is "Damp Squib". Damp powder means a unit fires at half effect until it can be resupplied.

I used a bucket from the Perry ACW artillery set and a powder sack made from Green Stuff. Dark brown paint and gloss varnish indicate spilled water.

Also in the movement random events is one where the unit discovers that the ground in front of it is worse than it thought. I've done three variants on this one for use in differing settings:

Some older markers that I've had for a while are these banks of smoke. They can persist as a result of a firing random event or under some circumstances when breech-loading rifles are in use. These have become increasingly necessary as I've started using Union cavalry with repeating carbines.

These are made on larger bases, sized to cover the frontage of a line infantry Group, made from cardboard textured with my usual gloop. Teddybear stuffing material is glued on and them dirtied with black and dark brown paint.

Finally, not random event-linked but very definitely stolen from Mark are these "Wounded Leader" markers.

The bases are discs of MDF, not actually figure bases but left-overs from a building kit featuring round windows. The bloodied bandages are from strips of pocket tissue soaked in Modpodge. Placed next to a Leader, they will remind us that his Command Initiative has been reduced.