tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62400370314753185482024-03-16T01:12:03.993+00:00Denyer's Bits & Bods....Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-36782644783908226122024-01-10T21:29:00.002+00:002024-01-10T21:29:33.434+00:00New Year. New House. New Plans..<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>New hope...?</b><br /><br />Well, we're in the new house at last.... <br /><br />I now have:<br /><br />A garage to convert into a workshop for, amongst other things, modelling projects (better insulation needed, and more light useful, but no major obstacles).<br /><br />"The Blockhouse" (our name for it); a basic, brick-built gym/sauna at the end of the garden (currently with roof leak and UPVC door issues but nothing unfixable) which I intend to enlarge with a conservatory-type build-out and convert into a games room.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">A dedicated room in the house itself with space to set up (and leave out) campaign mapping exercises/board games and in which to play small skirmishes. No extra work needed here.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br />If all goes to plan there will be room not only for my usual solo stuff but also for multi-player, two-location exercises on the property, and a spare room and space for friends to stay overnight; like a mini-wargames holiday centre.. <br /><br />Plenty of ideas bubbling away in the brain box for upcoming gaming projects. Watch this space...<br /><br />Meanwhile, for inspiration....<br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3mIgjH_E_Wf_9HZUXwu9iJ15c3tGJnV6kWgNZGwQZQAHRf0Y0aP0DZJG_wonbO5YejaJQ-GTM3Te5vSVVghFAQ9vE3UgbCL99E9-X2jjtJ71bSgBgP6DhX2xTrtQVS2KUZ9qENWe9c9NuYTS1Hyh2p7h3ebiwcTBYuAifc1vzC6_qSUBsILuWZaXljI/s960/ideal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="882" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3mIgjH_E_Wf_9HZUXwu9iJ15c3tGJnV6kWgNZGwQZQAHRf0Y0aP0DZJG_wonbO5YejaJQ-GTM3Te5vSVVghFAQ9vE3UgbCL99E9-X2jjtJ71bSgBgP6DhX2xTrtQVS2KUZ9qENWe9c9NuYTS1Hyh2p7h3ebiwcTBYuAifc1vzC6_qSUBsILuWZaXljI/w368-h400/ideal.jpg" width="368" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-48401284016227942802023-11-17T10:52:00.003+00:002023-12-10T20:27:25.885+00:00Move Stopped Play..<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>All packed up..</b><br /><br />I'm still here and the Blog is still "live"....<br /><br />Seventeen packing boxes of board games, about twenty cases of figures, plus terrain all in packing mode pre. the madness of the house move, which in theory is end of the month (but this being England, with its "not fit for purpose" system, nothing is certain till the actual day..).<br /><br />Allowing for at least a month sorting things at the new house I don't foresee any action this side of Xmas (that's the real one, not the one which started here in UK about three weeks ago - pic) but we shall see....<br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaeftyBccR-E7TWkLwdRV3043F4wR6cSzVWF4KHKYCS5TPNwWAExnYsorvRBvFEYihehs8mUI32DtHcMQj_PtoytZo9DLQ_eSvJXwPTddtcoXzyG_Q4Kg_ecI6N6r75lmMaHOsVtA737CgYUP0yo992b9h0xw0iTWMH1HDxo8jmPxfGGWyQn9Ls8rPT8/s1128/christmasocc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaeftyBccR-E7TWkLwdRV3043F4wR6cSzVWF4KHKYCS5TPNwWAExnYsorvRBvFEYihehs8mUI32DtHcMQj_PtoytZo9DLQ_eSvJXwPTddtcoXzyG_Q4Kg_ecI6N6r75lmMaHOsVtA737CgYUP0yo992b9h0xw0iTWMH1HDxo8jmPxfGGWyQn9Ls8rPT8/s320/christmasocc.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Once settled-in I hope to have a "Campaign Room", for mapping/planning et cetera, where multiple parallel campaigns will be more manageable, and a "Play Room" for the table action (though some works to an existing "summer house" at the new place may be necessary first...), then to get back into the swing of more regular posts here..<br /><br />Onward and upwards...<br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsBnM3jyNNObe8Cv5vVN_RunFYXIwGyf0ZjOBkcKBfg0HQTWEwZ9WT2ZeS1euW0FF1FGlUtTumsJF4q7L1ifBsF1AtV0xvWMj6F8Hvy4SJjxa09OefYTAtCKQMtUhiljoKT6JfrnzDrU630wpkx_5qlfFvpcJevtyqIfR7WvLsjkoUTWXx7HDMtPv2y4/s3700/basesfinal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="3700" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsBnM3jyNNObe8Cv5vVN_RunFYXIwGyf0ZjOBkcKBfg0HQTWEwZ9WT2ZeS1euW0FF1FGlUtTumsJF4q7L1ifBsF1AtV0xvWMj6F8Hvy4SJjxa09OefYTAtCKQMtUhiljoKT6JfrnzDrU630wpkx_5qlfFvpcJevtyqIfR7WvLsjkoUTWXx7HDMtPv2y4/w400-h201/basesfinal.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>P.S. (10/12/2023)</b><br /><br />Thanks to<b> </b>a Cyber attack, (apparently the fourth in two years) on a system used by some 80 to 100 solicitors/conveyancing practices in UK, our house move the other week stalled..<br /><br />A major company called Taylor Rose, handling the far end of the chain, with seemingly no back-up plan for continuing business despite this known threat (or no willingness to use, unlike other practices, a practicable manual process system temporarily) brought everything to a standstill, and has now said the chain might proceed "maybe in January"...<br /><br />IF they sort themselves out...<br /><br />So, not only are all things on hold till the new year (including any gaming), but we are living out of boxes and packing cases over Xmas, and the whole mess is going to add some £2,000+ to our costs.... <br /><br />Did I say the English house conveyancing system is unfit for purpose already...?<br /><br />I see above that I did..... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYygOI3xb5Zk5dRgKLGf9W-sglKoDRQSwdmyiagI72ojaYPVbP7uKr008ejm2TDRvzQOXEZkJ0UFwkmD4W-cLZ0MiQuKWxwLHTrhyphenhyphencINarPl4HkKHxQe1xjNdZA7dLjCDpA2Lev9NQ4yUonifizD3M7IYYnGa_b8s9-45WIhyphenhyphenGXXOGpoSYjqA9F6tpoI/s1612/lawyers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1612" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYygOI3xb5Zk5dRgKLGf9W-sglKoDRQSwdmyiagI72ojaYPVbP7uKr008ejm2TDRvzQOXEZkJ0UFwkmD4W-cLZ0MiQuKWxwLHTrhyphenhyphencINarPl4HkKHxQe1xjNdZA7dLjCDpA2Lev9NQ4yUonifizD3M7IYYnGa_b8s9-45WIhyphenhyphenGXXOGpoSYjqA9F6tpoI/s320/lawyers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-59060367782762761032023-10-10T09:43:00.005+01:002023-10-10T09:43:39.470+01:00Another Stopgap I Fear...<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Nothing but Displacement.</b>.<br /><br />The disruption of packing n' planning for the house move, living amongst sacks and boxes, and the accompanying psychological horrors (this is England - so nothing is certain till the final "Signing Day") has meant that the only activity has been the good old displacement one of painting and making things, rather than playing.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCHfRDOuF1GQCKg1YI026yeDqJqq_3AorxDcKjFXSJhVm7oWAOtRHczcmb0ljMg2-b8prtU0P2VPYsgA-4qnyWBQV2_beL499H0E54kHu-Q_djSKLNJ1WOx12Dl7Y5BXCmeECOFBCumqyXRzDtRz6IwMdoWHLkwyfGwbXXjTRoL2ZV69o639e059yNH8/s3246/farmhouse1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2181" data-original-width="3246" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCHfRDOuF1GQCKg1YI026yeDqJqq_3AorxDcKjFXSJhVm7oWAOtRHczcmb0ljMg2-b8prtU0P2VPYsgA-4qnyWBQV2_beL499H0E54kHu-Q_djSKLNJ1WOx12Dl7Y5BXCmeECOFBCumqyXRzDtRz6IwMdoWHLkwyfGwbXXjTRoL2ZV69o639e059yNH8/w400-h269/farmhouse1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">The painting/modelling mentioned last post have been completed/semi-completed and packed for the move and all the paints & tools packed.. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSnqu8Cewhm77H2ynastcde29crszjhn2MIopp7gB_5L4OXM8F2dozS-_55EWkf_otrbXge_nV-SDn-_DbcY9WTddzPBrRER5-Ww1TIjJZvS7RTo49dD58s7sxalj1-IM5bkiq-2D27zabZ6AjY1s9PPBXCza2dxBQbNJLSg7vvEiHakb1LI7w_r1ULg/s3816/schilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1761" data-original-width="3816" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSnqu8Cewhm77H2ynastcde29crszjhn2MIopp7gB_5L4OXM8F2dozS-_55EWkf_otrbXge_nV-SDn-_DbcY9WTddzPBrRER5-Ww1TIjJZvS7RTo49dD58s7sxalj1-IM5bkiq-2D27zabZ6AjY1s9PPBXCza2dxBQbNJLSg7vvEiHakb1LI7w_r1ULg/s320/schilt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have finished some silly (the Scoobies) and "sensible" (some 70s army guys troops to back my U.N.I.T. troops, some civilians) bods and terrain pieces.<br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DtC0_aOhLfv4Tc0Y3PAl8jNkdl0_k9vQSLxXqa7PUnVB2QEVe0sbj8uWoUwsyN4gttpWRh8jkHBiEJd0jFEN98PxrOvzR-_R3gH4hAAn-NcD_LeCCFYmLOXM9k4TIhlpfqzjj1d5Fj5Wbb9CQ2XT_-Z73O9TS_uCIcntevmPcwXYsYbv1_3ADIvHjhY/s2971/scoob62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2256" data-original-width="2971" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DtC0_aOhLfv4Tc0Y3PAl8jNkdl0_k9vQSLxXqa7PUnVB2QEVe0sbj8uWoUwsyN4gttpWRh8jkHBiEJd0jFEN98PxrOvzR-_R3gH4hAAn-NcD_LeCCFYmLOXM9k4TIhlpfqzjj1d5Fj5Wbb9CQ2XT_-Z73O9TS_uCIcntevmPcwXYsYbv1_3ADIvHjhY/s320/scoob62.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My first attempt at some Farscape figures was kinda OK.. <br /><br />The "Peacekeeper" heavies will do; the Ka D'Argo conversion is kinda OK. Zhaan (a bit of filing and a paint job) and Aeryn ditto... Chiana </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">(just paint needed) is a perfect figure vanilla I think. But I definitely "need" a better Crichton....</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYh9x3C15a6Vzl8FKz0awaMx3cIt6fLFCYg9wmrrmaAYItYBjwJBA5UaX9h03o_ChrM_1dHzp3-MLKC4IQWj4qbNFZmpPn8t1zPb_a8erzjZxfVjNXqQYng8I9X5G3wgpz5pHAoa4rVA2I_b9tMeCBQ5olH-AUeoNRt6dYJC7JCoolVronUbbA951hfK0/s3752/farscaq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2748" data-original-width="3752" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYh9x3C15a6Vzl8FKz0awaMx3cIt6fLFCYg9wmrrmaAYItYBjwJBA5UaX9h03o_ChrM_1dHzp3-MLKC4IQWj4qbNFZmpPn8t1zPb_a8erzjZxfVjNXqQYng8I9X5G3wgpz5pHAoa4rVA2I_b9tMeCBQ5olH-AUeoNRt6dYJC7JCoolVronUbbA951hfK0/s320/farscaq.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxywjAoISOy4unhsMwQUMqrkFB7MO1ar6w7lu7oW7rtLjIhK-U2ZPHdRoz5mS8eGzMylrt5lIh49F7XxeS7f9iOO20pt6dvgfSWXRv-ZSbM5xWfxi-pp7iOwdWob5KJqscvJuHLHO7r_si7TnPZxau6xbjkWqGwJrFsIZPz9H9jSf9Bq709t3QKwFqR7Y/s1496/farscdd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="1496" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxywjAoISOy4unhsMwQUMqrkFB7MO1ar6w7lu7oW7rtLjIhK-U2ZPHdRoz5mS8eGzMylrt5lIh49F7XxeS7f9iOO20pt6dvgfSWXRv-ZSbM5xWfxi-pp7iOwdWob5KJqscvJuHLHO7r_si7TnPZxau6xbjkWqGwJrFsIZPz9H9jSf9Bq709t3QKwFqR7Y/s320/farscdd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">Hey, ho... Hopefully we'll be back to games soon, but I'll likely set out some ideas and rules thoughts here in the meantime.. </span></div><br /><p></p>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-5910906276704509612023-09-12T22:22:00.004+01:002023-09-12T22:24:08.504+01:00Stopgap Post...<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">With Little To Report... </span>But I'm still here...</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Alas, there has been no gaming taking place since my last post due to reenactment, rehearsals for a re-run of last year's </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Regency</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">-related play, and all the ghastly </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">shenanigans</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> relating to house selling, searching and buying (these last three still being a work in progress).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">On the PLUS side I have been planning, researching and modelling/painting, so that I now have:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Enough 6mm bods painted up to </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">service</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> my planned AWI and 18thC Jacobite and Irish </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">campaigns (including FAR too many cavalry, but there we are..)...<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Made a good start on rebasing and adding to my 6mm Ancients (have been reading too much Tacitus and Xenophon)...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">A load more 1/72 bods and beasts now fit and ready for African Adventures...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Some figures & vehicles converted for some old - and some new - TV-related 20mm sci-fi silliness...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">A lot of 1/72 </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">scenery</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> bits & pieces made and painted up, and a French farm model all but complete.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">A bunch of wee </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">medieval</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> ships </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">awaiting</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> painting (Battle of Winchelsea anyone..?).<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Four </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">campaigns</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> and associated rule thoughts sketched out and just waiting for things to settle done before kicking off (IF we get the house we are after I will have more playing and planning space).</span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br />Watch this space...</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3O80KZzCidjDZDa8hIJc4x9jY4BvtegGXZkovXYfUTgqOtl9mTnZLQbD2uRcd4J150zxFc_0XrLNocCVnd_S5rP2fbV5HCvu0dYTtzJOy_jKV6Hz-CtipT9X7t93fQmZp4SvfFR161hZbEkq6ntrGKkgu9kXWd7YIrqlmd-fMxGDD7BgdcyzN8nou98/s2933/battle18.jpg" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="2933" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3O80KZzCidjDZDa8hIJc4x9jY4BvtegGXZkovXYfUTgqOtl9mTnZLQbD2uRcd4J150zxFc_0XrLNocCVnd_S5rP2fbV5HCvu0dYTtzJOy_jKV6Hz-CtipT9X7t93fQmZp4SvfFR161hZbEkq6ntrGKkgu9kXWd7YIrqlmd-fMxGDD7BgdcyzN8nou98/w400-h146/battle18.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span><p></p></h3>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-90452716787314306942023-07-18T15:10:00.002+01:002023-07-18T21:53:21.698+01:00Another Solo "Battle Generator" Experiment..<p></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Board Game Solo Protocols
("The 45")</b><br /><br />Reenactment season AND visits from prospective buyers have interrupted play, so no game reports, but <span style="font-weight: normal;">I've
been working on using "The 45" board game as a
scenario/battle generator (see previous posts on using AH's "1776"
for same).<br /><br />As part of this thinking I've decided to change (and formalise) my solo methods for
such games. This will be yet another experiment, but having recently
played some games using "Crossfire" principles and some
"searching" board games with "hidden movement"
protocols which actually represent forms of "delayed
intelligence updates" (for want of a better term) I've decided
to play around with these concepts.<br /><br />Basically the games I've
been playing required one player to "search" for hidden
parties belonging to another player (these were games based on
Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, where the Ringbearer/Fellowship's
location(s) clearly needed to be kept secret). To summarise, each
move the Searcher failed to locate the target the potential movement
range of the target was extended; thus bringing the target closer to
its destination. It seemed to me that this process could be applied
to more military games, hence......</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl35WaGaeJxPraJv5QWW2GgUZ3vGS5hbsEUpg-SsGmJroY3JjELmjmc1Xe90qBSaDn6c5DPcD751z87RZjcYaWLXgymcsB-YFLLlnAURDIQzsJBERgV1DlLAOwqIIRJbGHZQT8UnKFPKodWrb808XVCZMXZyN0-SqfMeI-3XojHmLZPAVoCSWr-5007yM/s1154/45game.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1154" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl35WaGaeJxPraJv5QWW2GgUZ3vGS5hbsEUpg-SsGmJroY3JjELmjmc1Xe90qBSaDn6c5DPcD751z87RZjcYaWLXgymcsB-YFLLlnAURDIQzsJBERgV1DlLAOwqIIRJbGHZQT8UnKFPKodWrb808XVCZMXZyN0-SqfMeI-3XojHmLZPAVoCSWr-5007yM/w400-h313/45game.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">So, I will begin by
working on the following processes. </span>
<p></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>A) Player Priority and
Phases:</b></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Before any
action the Priority for Player Move must be determined by a 1x6D
test. Highest dice score goes first, but modifier with +1 per Leader
token value in play and minus 2 if the testing player was first to
move the previous turn.<br /><br /></span><b>B) Phase Progression:<br /><br />1)
</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Active Player plays/moves as
usual, subject to Activation tests for detached commands and
Independent Action tests for same where appropriate. Government units
within striking range may be attacked, but may evade where allowed in
the rules. Government forces may intercept any Rebel forces as usual.
<br /><br /></span><b>2)</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Battles
arising from the above are fought out as normal on the Table wherever
practicable. Post battle retreats will be dealt with by means of ad
hoc tables. <br /><br /></span><b>3)</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
A new Phase for the Rebel Player will be introduced after the
reinforcement Phase. This is a Test for an Intelligence Update
(Modified as follows: +1 per major battle won,+1 for -2 per major
battle lost, +1 each Major Port and Fortress held, +1 (cumulative)
for holding Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Carlisle, York,
Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Sheffield, Hull and
Liverpool, + 1 per SP dedicated to scouting, +1 per cavalry unit
Rebel controlled, -1 per Government cavalry unit known to be deployed
on the board). <br /><br />Throw 3x6D. On a throw of 10 or above
Intelligence has been updated. A failure to update intelligence
counts as a free move accrued to Government Forces (see successful
updates).<br /><br />The test is Modified as follows: +1 per major battle
won,+1 for -2 per major battle lost, +1 each Major Port and Fortress
held, +1 (cumulative) for holding Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh,
Newcastle, Carlisle, York, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham,
Sheffield, Hull and Liverpool, + 1 per SP dedicated to scouting, +1
per cavalry unit controlled, -1 per Government cavalry unit known to
be deployed on the board.<br /><br />If successful first check for any
change in Government Policy (see below) by throwing 2x6D. <br /><br />On
a throw of 10 or more Government Policy may have changed. <br /><br />Then
throw 4x6D to check on what any Government Policy Change might be
(Modified cumulatively as follows: -4 per major battle won by Rebels,
+3 per major battle won by Government, -1 per English Port held by
Rebels, -1 per English Zone held by Rebels, +2 per Scottish Zone held
by Government, + 1 per French SP in England, -1 per French SP in
Scotland, +1 per Sea Action won by Government.<br /><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJhcu5jfy-3F0SfIC_Li-5Z_aMtRAaq_3A-SxJ5nVQHvMrLVU-XpS30D0rpHOc213bu4tPjnsD2EAWX8_a9jwmJf3OMqRKYQ2OF93w09EpgLc2fj2fNLV_MxiLCTr-x8dT_92EjIIxj9rHcBJ2BeGPWiieoonFgesGI0snE8xHqYegbJyvkkglt7XZe8/s799/gentlemen_he_cried,_drawing_his_sword,_I_have_thrown_away_the_scabbard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="799" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJhcu5jfy-3F0SfIC_Li-5Z_aMtRAaq_3A-SxJ5nVQHvMrLVU-XpS30D0rpHOc213bu4tPjnsD2EAWX8_a9jwmJf3OMqRKYQ2OF93w09EpgLc2fj2fNLV_MxiLCTr-x8dT_92EjIIxj9rHcBJ2BeGPWiieoonFgesGI0snE8xHqYegbJyvkkglt7XZe8/w400-h289/gentlemen_he_cried,_drawing_his_sword,_I_have_thrown_away_the_scabbard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Och.. Away wi' ye, ya wee Lithuanian dwarf that ye are..."</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>C)
Government Policy: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">This will
determine Government action/movement.<br /><br /></span><b>a) Minus
Result; Negotiation: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Counts as
a Move. Neither side may take any military action in England. Zones
outside England are unaffected UNLESS a stack contains French units
(such a may not move/act at all). Rebel/French Fleets must return to
Port of Origin. Rebels (only) may suffer Attrition.
Reinforcement/recruitment can take place.</span><p></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>b) Result of 0-5;
Hesitation: </b>Does NOT count as a
Move for Government Forces to accrue movement. No Government movement
except to garrison in the event of a French Intervention rise.
Reinforcement/recruitment can take place.</p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>c)
Result of 6-9; Containment:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Normal rules apply. Government will attempt to close/control routes
towards London (in order of distance from nearest Rebels to London,
shortest routes first) by occupation and digging-in. Government may
move to within 3 Zones of Rebel forces but may not attack. If already
within three Zones of rebels Government forces will dig in. March
ranges determined by time since last Intelligence Update.<br /><br /></span><b>c)
Result of 10 - 12; Consolidation: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Normal
rules apply. Government will concentrate forces (March range
determined by time since last Intelligence Update) to form as many
armies to match the largest Rebel Army strength and dig-in at points
of concentration.<br /><br /></span><b>d) Result of 13 - 17; Indirect
Action: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Normal rules apply.
Government will attempt to move armies past Rebel forces and press
towards (in order of priority):<br />i) Any ungarrisoned but
Government-held English port/fortification. <br />ii) Any Rebel
controlled English port/fortification.<br />ii) Any Rebel controlled
English city/town/zone (in that order of priority)<br />iv
Edinburgh.<br />v) Other Rebel-held zones in the Lowlands.<br />vi)
Rebel-held strong-points in the Highlands. <br /><br />March ranges are
determined by time since last Intelligence Update. Government will
attempt to concentrate into Field Armies meeting largest Rebel Force
value at move end. May Force March. Potential Overruns and
interception options may be tested for by means of ad hoc tables.<br /><br /></span><b>e)
Result of 18 - 24 or above; Direct Action: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Government
will attempt to concentrate a Field Army of at least equal strength
to any Rebel force in order of strength (strongest first) and, in
order of the following priority, and move to attack (within a march
range determined by time since last Intelligence Update). Where there
are multiple targets possible this will be decided by ad hoc test.<br />i)
Any Rebel force potentially outnumbered and containing Prince
Charlie.<br />ii) Any Rebel force in England.<br />iii) Any French (only)
Force in England.<br />iv) Any Hostile Force in any Friendly
Continental Zone.<br />v) Any Rebel/French Force in Lowland
Scotland.<br />vi) Any Rebel Force in Highland Scotland. <br /><br />Government
forces may Force March. Overruns and interception may be tested for.</span></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>3) Successful
Update/Government Move: </b>Government
forces may move in line with the Policy being adopted (above) using
any or all accrued Movement Points up to maximum distance accrued
(see below).</p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbD0uzO_GAB1G7hBshzMh8j2ENz2uyQWcYyfLC0roX-BqD0Tbs_2i5vryUHUot8uhxk-P_aGOFT-zxUteAbvk9D-Tno3VYxhFLkIQ8NqfKhyaHCRIiXMVNcG1de3uQul6iqNaORUOEvpaDPWaNZrBqYLJxdLvsY-5WxyLxkgNgsa1QT4kPH97tgaqpKRo/s1333/William_Hogarth_007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1333" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbD0uzO_GAB1G7hBshzMh8j2ENz2uyQWcYyfLC0roX-BqD0Tbs_2i5vryUHUot8uhxk-P_aGOFT-zxUteAbvk9D-Tno3VYxhFLkIQ8NqfKhyaHCRIiXMVNcG1de3uQul6iqNaORUOEvpaDPWaNZrBqYLJxdLvsY-5WxyLxkgNgsa1QT4kPH97tgaqpKRo/w400-h300/William_Hogarth_007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>D) Government March
Ranges:</b></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Government
forces can move up to the maximum move distance for ALL moves since
their last move/the last Intelligence Update. I.e. if three
Government moves have been "missed" due to lack of
Intelligent Updates Government units may move three move's worth of
distance. Government forces may be intercepted. Where alternative
targets of equal priority present themselves then an ad hoc dice
throw must be made to decide.<br /><br /></span><b>E) Government
Targeting:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Should normally be
clear through the Policy being adopted. When in doubt use an ad hoc
table test.<br /><br /></span><b>F) Government Reinforcement decisions:
</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">When relocating units to meet
garrison demands (as a result of French Intervention rises) the
NEAREST applicable units will be chosen. In any case where two or
more suitable units are at an equal distance to the region needing
garrisoning then a dice test will determine which unit moves. <br /><br /></span><b>G)
Weather: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">At the</span><b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">start
of each Player Movement Phase weather must be tested for on a 1x6D
throw for each region where Player Field Forces are present and each
Sea Zone. <br /><br />On a throw of 1 or less (modified by -1 in any
Winter Turn and a cumulative additional -1 for Regions in Scotland,
-1 for The Hebrides Regions (all) and Central North East, -2 for the
Western Isles and North Sea zones) NO movement can take place in that
Region/Zone for that PLAYER move (exception Forced March - treated as
Winter for losses, with + 1 to the Losses Table if actually Winter
and Interception). <br /><br />However, IF there is a 1 or minus result
for the </span><b>First</b> player
in any Game Turn these provisions affect BOTH players for the
duration of that entire Game Turn. <br /><br /><b>Summary:</b><br /><br />We'll see how things go over the next week or two. Any thoughts/queries, as always, welcome.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQv46FEKRGHC3sh0kYSGZDmq-sg66jdIiODwmusztmEJdJWzEoWf63LkaZPQsYue-D20njzzThJLEIZ9o3qmXiUOmUiJ9YnHKsvayxyKaxJ4g8WPOx6wIOhjU7GxocQJWT0tWwHAxLVXA6r4Jz1rzswp70V2EGwQuJxz1nf6xF3qyde86ETTwavACZ04/s600/Walter_Scott_Waverley_illustration_(Pettie-Huth).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="394" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQv46FEKRGHC3sh0kYSGZDmq-sg66jdIiODwmusztmEJdJWzEoWf63LkaZPQsYue-D20njzzThJLEIZ9o3qmXiUOmUiJ9YnHKsvayxyKaxJ4g8WPOx6wIOhjU7GxocQJWT0tWwHAxLVXA6r4Jz1rzswp70V2EGwQuJxz1nf6xF3qyde86ETTwavACZ04/s320/Walter_Scott_Waverley_illustration_(Pettie-Huth).jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br /><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><br /><p></p>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-53809959588240573352023-06-06T23:23:00.003+01:002023-06-06T23:25:25.471+01:00An Old Game Reprinted<p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Interim Post</span></h3><span style="font-family: verdana;">The moving house/reenactment/sewing season and getting the decorators and the carpet men in having curtailed my gaming for a while, I have re-hashed a post from a few years back and originally put on the FB Solo Wargame Group...<br /><br />My methods have changed over the years, but this may still be of interest. As usual, all queries welcomed.<br /><br /><b>The Table</b><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The board is set up as pic. ("North" is at the far end) . What do we see?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihv878rO7Nsn_-7wW8Ph-PuJoo8DO-f7c-_Rj6XxLqRKt5x6xaE5-Ljx46eafY2pG6X4_5ujP7oFJnXxDvljuA5_10exoKpCaCK28vrlbxEb0YWn-6XOjt_x96e11n6l1gsgRCAjuOliLYIvr6DTXAQhNMI_UysODGImFFSsBElb56ebOSZ6hzMdUo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="2294" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihv878rO7Nsn_-7wW8Ph-PuJoo8DO-f7c-_Rj6XxLqRKt5x6xaE5-Ljx46eafY2pG6X4_5ujP7oFJnXxDvljuA5_10exoKpCaCK28vrlbxEb0YWn-6XOjt_x96e11n6l1gsgRCAjuOliLYIvr6DTXAQhNMI_UysODGImFFSsBElb56ebOSZ6hzMdUo=w498-h219" width="498" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mixed terrain of open ground, fields, light woodland, some areas of dense, unmanaged forest (the latter being the stands of trees with thick "scrub" at the edges) and a small patch of marshland.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">A small, shallow river with several crossings (a bridge, a ford and two sets of stepping stones) cuts across the scene. There is a small scatter of isolated buildings (the two in the middle of the board are "The Bloody Boar" inn). A wagon-road crosses from North to South. There are a number of tracks crossing the area, some of which cut through the dense forest areas. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">All the points where tracks/roads leave the board are potential Deployment Points.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are already a scatter of "in view" potential blinds (annotated pics). No hostiles are in sight.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Most important for this scenario: the board is "live" - ie. it is not a nicely-cleared battlefield, for guys to bash each other on, which can be ignored as "just a playing field" - it is an active "living environment". There is wildlife. There are civilians. There may be road & track traffic. All of these will/may have an effect... There may be enemy out there, in the form of outlaws, bolshie peasants. Who knows..... </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">"MAY" ???!!!! I hear some folk scream (or maybe that's just me..). Yes.... "May"....... I sometimes play games where, due to the scenario and the play of the dice & cards, no enemy appear at all........ Sounds a bit weird I know, but stay with me on this.....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some of the tokens on the "live" field. The traveller on the track (below) will move, based the turn of the cards in conjunction with a Movement Loop (see below). The inn folk are static until contacted. The building MAY contain other folk (neutral, friendly or hostile).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg02a5_TDHJf3EGbctVDn62h5pkqQMSX5idYbQUjIV1uiqQYDTGiNcThsGI24xUVSZK2iMpkqGdSG51sknWkDSEvbq4ruwJ53L1bWW5_WvDrFe5CQaEM3NtR_-Ha-9jVAcP7SCDuOwOc_ZAUcB5nmcAmVEdCiZqHhXFOZ-6qSx8NA_-GMFyq0Mth41r" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="2048" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg02a5_TDHJf3EGbctVDn62h5pkqQMSX5idYbQUjIV1uiqQYDTGiNcThsGI24xUVSZK2iMpkqGdSG51sknWkDSEvbq4ruwJ53L1bWW5_WvDrFe5CQaEM3NtR_-Ha-9jVAcP7SCDuOwOc_ZAUcB5nmcAmVEdCiZqHhXFOZ-6qSx8NA_-GMFyq0Mth41r=w436-h229" width="436" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Inns/pubs(among other things) can also distract troops - but more of that later...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Wildlife - like other "blinds" - will be activated by cards & activities and moved based on the "Movement Loop" table. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Basically the "wildlife" kinds represents "disturbed wildlife". Could just be "normal" freaky-deaky inter- animal stuff, could be a disturbance caused by a body of chaps.. Who knows.. ?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5thZzdp50pcDAIklK_QBmnYQ8-kAJ4Rh2NSEu6YRhPPVLIzSlLvpthcFm_y1Ex-fIxGv1XLMBhkKYElQIvcjHU_mISwUCYraSVN_c12ucNIGmkbILBJlIgRYRQhAOPEJXGxxiN65G_fZsotMMgOGXKpRh1KND9N4a75k4qMN-vzEKveQe7OKOieDT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5thZzdp50pcDAIklK_QBmnYQ8-kAJ4Rh2NSEu6YRhPPVLIzSlLvpthcFm_y1Ex-fIxGv1XLMBhkKYElQIvcjHU_mISwUCYraSVN_c12ucNIGmkbILBJlIgRYRQhAOPEJXGxxiN65G_fZsotMMgOGXKpRh1KND9N4a75k4qMN-vzEKveQe7OKOieDT=w429-h322" width="429" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_jhUItIVwjkMRa8SjWCtqt0ruN6Bu736RT6cm9vrRSZYJcGhSlJwtV5kji3rdWth8glVdjMxNn_o-eU5MVTc2ZFMl0h8LLe8ruxVSvfGQtpw9kJNr96GfJZdfMXPDmNSLLoNucYln9sGtnOKO1sP7bSLVd9TwrAS2XYutvwbpbQbtBnGJ1fK9thtC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="2048" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_jhUItIVwjkMRa8SjWCtqt0ruN6Bu736RT6cm9vrRSZYJcGhSlJwtV5kji3rdWth8glVdjMxNn_o-eU5MVTc2ZFMl0h8LLe8ruxVSvfGQtpw9kJNr96GfJZdfMXPDmNSLLoNucYln9sGtnOKO1sP7bSLVd9TwrAS2XYutvwbpbQbtBnGJ1fK9thtC=w388-h280" width="388" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The fire in the woods could turn out to be anything, the locals (just everyday peasanty people) or hostiles. Their hut could be empty or.......?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Again, we all know that inns are notorious outlaw hang-outs.. or maybe not...<br /><br /></span><b style="font-family: verdana;">The Scenario:</b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> (As you may know, I am addicted to backstories).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mercenary captain Ruari O'Niall of the Fiach Dubh is taking his lads to the coast - and home - after the expiry of their contract for the Bishop of Hereford. <br /><br />Two years of public service, helping bring the firm smack, slash and gouge of Norman Government to the good Bishop's fief have been rewarding. Ruari and his crew of kerns and gallowglasses must make their way, along with their lawfully-gotten gains, across to the far side of the board. Shimples.......</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">[Technical stuff: The mercenaries' moves are controlled by me/</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ruari </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">- if still in command range of the C.O. - but activated by the card pack - as in Sharp Practice.. However, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ruari may have his own ideas..</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Movement Loop is as follows:</span><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCx92kRwyu_FXgAh0mjFCRekjyLC15mQ2mNBzey72NSmuAIOL6FyWVntS988Fmf2Th6zrtyQeiHvjYBWRjh2nrhQdHeOTZj3FG4lfzrAf_kyb8LMKhEWmzJbWjATHZxmO5tqqjbChDsnbKz3vNWVlfwtXM6F83Dn7CwOOouCCQo7vGWQNIJr5FXDpY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1356" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCx92kRwyu_FXgAh0mjFCRekjyLC15mQ2mNBzey72NSmuAIOL6FyWVntS988Fmf2Th6zrtyQeiHvjYBWRjh2nrhQdHeOTZj3FG4lfzrAf_kyb8LMKhEWmzJbWjATHZxmO5tqqjbChDsnbKz3vNWVlfwtXM6F83Dn7CwOOouCCQo7vGWQNIJr5FXDpY=w292-h284" width="292" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">I use my home-designed "Shaft Practice" cards for activation of personalities, Blinds and other figures. At the start of this scenario the deck contains a card to represent Ruari, his three sergeants, a card for "scouts" (all sides - should any enemy scouts appear), two cards for the "blinds", one card for "civilians" (which may be "blinds" themselves), one "enemy" and one "friendly" Event card (which requires the picking of a card form the separate "Events Deck"), a "Table Event" card (to potentially activate Deployment Points) and two "End Turn" cards (the equivalent of the SP "Tiffin" card).<br /><br />There are presently no "enemy personality" cards in the deck as there are no enemy personalities on the board. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cards will be added to the pack as personalities appear.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">I used an Action Loop for the AI. My Loops, when I use them, are modified by scenarios etc. - and will sometimes be "tweaked" for situations. When a decision not on the Loop - or a questionable one - needs to be made I make a list of options (based on IMP), set proportionate dice targets, allocate modifiers (if any) then dice.]</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: verdana;">The Game</b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">First move: Ruari is activated by his card and moves. Ruari's scouts (in his command radius) do not leave the road to investigate the peasants by the hut (or the "charcoal burners?" in the woods behind the hut) , but press on down the road, followed by the rest of the party.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjmMV5KivVMpP-LCqM-LtehWFK-bDev7n6n4_egMe_BUpqYl1nDLWmG0CRnrJUoGztI3rAzPu5_CJ9bbgRg4_hZ3srN6Kygh--XNZxj2Bq4A6VGpyX94vcm893_o6XtKBPMh1Xc3YlBJOi3LZe8VR5TAeDt1Y9Ccn8Atst270pnPJG1RClzhXahN0N" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjmMV5KivVMpP-LCqM-LtehWFK-bDev7n6n4_egMe_BUpqYl1nDLWmG0CRnrJUoGztI3rAzPu5_CJ9bbgRg4_hZ3srN6Kygh--XNZxj2Bq4A6VGpyX94vcm893_o6XtKBPMh1Xc3YlBJOi3LZe8VR5TAeDt1Y9Ccn8Atst270pnPJG1RClzhXahN0N=w252-h336" width="252" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Next card is one of the "Blind" cards. <br /><br />[Technical note: Movement of "Blinds" is based on my "Movement Loop" chart. I dice for those Blinds where dicing is appropriate.]<br /><br />In this move a couple of the far-off Blinds move and the rider on the road moves (turn of the "Civilians" card). Nearer Ruari the peasants by the hut also activate, make a decision (see the "Actions Loop") - and scurry off to cross the river.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ruari has already moved all of his men this turn, and there are no morale or other actions necessary, so no further turning of any more of his side's cards. A turn of a scout card allows his riders an extra move of 1x6d. He also gets one "Event" card (a bad one: his guys have used up all their water).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Turn ends. Had no "Blind" card been turned all Blinds which did not move during the turn could dice to activate as per the Movement Loop. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Next move most of Ruari's guys press on - but Himself sends one of his sergeants & command to investigate the cottage and fleeing "peasants".</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The scouts reach the pub. A dice check (see the "Actions Loop") to check if it is safe (i.e not harbouring hostiles) is inconclusive. His scouts also have to check to resist stopping for a drink. They succeed in this, so when a "Scout" card comes up later in the move they can move off.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtA_M-2WmeXGjiAFMjSAl_aA1JjIYeFznKb8dY_5UabGmr9aODXJP44JDTNZP78Hm9a2mXWSeLqMVnAAu1_Yx2wPpVF6xxNOEIu6UVsxeQuvyN1gaXLzZ5Ur7xRK0Umwnd7_cHY3tvZuNh2kPyyLkZ96kE5QWoP8Ts3UhcIe0IEkYnCDH5ffCRBBh4" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1750" data-original-width="2048" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtA_M-2WmeXGjiAFMjSAl_aA1JjIYeFznKb8dY_5UabGmr9aODXJP44JDTNZP78Hm9a2mXWSeLqMVnAAu1_Yx2wPpVF6xxNOEIu6UVsxeQuvyN1gaXLzZ5Ur7xRK0Umwnd7_cHY3tvZuNh2kPyyLkZ96kE5QWoP8Ts3UhcIe0IEkYnCDH5ffCRBBh4=w350-h299" width="350" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Again, some Blinds get to move and the civilians get to move.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The peasants by the hut go across the river and into the trees. - and the turn ends.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Following move: cards allow the main body to move forward, the sergeant loses control of his guys at the hut - and they loot and burn the place down.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Suddenly two of the blinds in the woods to the East of the inn rush towards the scouts...... My chaps duck, as I dice on the "Actions Loop", as a huge flock of birds tear out of the woods, over their heads and away (phew)....<br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQX4lp-8ycmTsYp5C0YJwM8pS4IRovSooyu2hf2oO1LAhIDky15_vv1iK7XbmuD6rII0H8niA4nNuXluJ0He3bRV1lQFTak027Fzq4cg3BSTy1Kv_KUW-vQ4v7xxROQuNlubwT0QoO63srQRZ8RUCoDtgwsbyf4nNGD2xdv_m2A0bysWVPTdMplPF_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQX4lp-8ycmTsYp5C0YJwM8pS4IRovSooyu2hf2oO1LAhIDky15_vv1iK7XbmuD6rII0H8niA4nNuXluJ0He3bRV1lQFTak027Fzq4cg3BSTy1Kv_KUW-vQ4v7xxROQuNlubwT0QoO63srQRZ8RUCoDtgwsbyf4nNGD2xdv_m2A0bysWVPTdMplPF_=w363-h272" width="363" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The scouts move off.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ruari arrives at the inn. He fails a reaction test. Twice - presumably the ale is good there. Also, his lads can re-stock on water.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nothing untoward so far.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">[OK. Technical recap:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">All blind movement was as per the Loop.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The two blinds (birds) from the woods got scores of 3-4 on their "reveal" die, were found to be neutral wildlife, and removed from the board.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The chaps looted the hut because they threw a "reaction test" of 5 on a 6d, this was higher than their sergeant's command level & die (despite modifiers of -1 for professionals).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">(I have a list of incidents/potential incidents/terrain and figure/situation effects with dice throws etc etc. Some are dictated by Event Cards, some by proximity to figures of "places of interest").</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ruari (unlike his scouts) also threw two high scores (5 & 6), both above his own command level & die, when testing against the temptation of the pub. Maybe he was demob-happy? Maybe he has a drink problem? Anyhoo, he stayed put.. (and who wouldn't...?)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the distance the scouts pass the traveller. He throws a 2. No issues there (on the Actions Loop). However, the traveller is not a "normal blind" (he is a "civilian," on a road & has a pre-set destination/target), so does not move away from the patrol, but continues on his route.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Note: had he been a "wildlife" blind, not a civilian, he would have moved away or, on a throw of 3-4 been revealed as neutral and removed from the board. As a civilian, had he thrown a 3-4, he would remain on the board, but now be neutral (no further testing). Note also; the Inn & staff all threw 3s & 4s on their "reveal" dice. Neutrals can go either way on a later test - or stay neutral..... ]<br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKB3PCpWrp_BJp1eNpXNOY0ZpVaFZ1YvBRpOSvNBRMJUwOVfAtcINcPxyibl5I_g-uGcknC8dfrvwJ2zfeXW8yj5_vzVhSy6nx8VmAfZuzKsKlu3eO6pl-Z7KK0DibQhIGeiLkSRDPtIuqsqWKhrDdQMkY2QNECO4XCP6VD0aJMyLigqQ5AchoPgQP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKB3PCpWrp_BJp1eNpXNOY0ZpVaFZ1YvBRpOSvNBRMJUwOVfAtcINcPxyibl5I_g-uGcknC8dfrvwJ2zfeXW8yj5_vzVhSy6nx8VmAfZuzKsKlu3eO6pl-Z7KK0DibQhIGeiLkSRDPtIuqsqWKhrDdQMkY2QNECO4XCP6VD0aJMyLigqQ5AchoPgQP=w421-h316" width="421" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Ruari gets the drinks in. The scouts keep moving off. The traveller arrives at the inn. Off picture, at the top, three blinds ("wildlife"?) are rapidly approaching, but what the heck.. It's a pub... It might be miles till the next one..<br /><br />Next move: the blinds moving in towards the inn, now in clear view, do their check - 1 neutral (4), but two hostiles (5s) - which turn out to be 40 angry, angry peasants (dice out as two stands. For this scenario the rule is throw 1x6d for each hostile blind. 1&2= one stand of troops, 3-4 =-two stands, 5-6= three stands).<br /><br />They are "Bold" and under command of bold commanders.....They make for the Irish lads........<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiay7LDheYk8haW1nVeoZZ8b3B9Uhn0c8JwrnTMksRicegOTqjW1axzqG9FkwASHO4v9FpKDnCvAHuItXcIpEuK94K6lAcu3SHAcPfPGJr1gzkRVF-s9_CI8PpcGYGHteeDp1Ny8jUh0n4MwHKP80bU1QPBF9nmR4beltavOh2MnW6Gl2jJwtXFCKPp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="2048" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiay7LDheYk8haW1nVeoZZ8b3B9Uhn0c8JwrnTMksRicegOTqjW1axzqG9FkwASHO4v9FpKDnCvAHuItXcIpEuK94K6lAcu3SHAcPfPGJr1gzkRVF-s9_CI8PpcGYGHteeDp1Ny8jUh0n4MwHKP80bU1QPBF9nmR4beltavOh2MnW6Gl2jJwtXFCKPp=w399-h279" width="399" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Worse - remember that neutral traveller. He checks again and turns out hostile; Sir Richard at Lee, ex crusader and all-round good guy - in disguise (scenario possibilities)...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">OK... Now Friar Tuck, John Tenpenny (no relation), one of The Hood's minor henchmen and Richard at Lee's command cards are added to the pack.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The pub is also re-checked at this change of situation - but proves to be just a pub (throw 1: phew - nobody hiding in the cellar then). The inn-keeping staff run off while Sir Richard (somewhat unchivalrously) gets a free hack at Ruari - who goes down.<br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjloobJlGp-jdZzj7YVzAdiNCigqDVNsvt9Jz239LCt14VcHRUv3-IjeH3OhE8EsYro78SXG_sAEmIYxBIchYKw3HVDhHX1Y6CtdcjhHh2d4ArEEVKUCzndbB-4N7wNrTZCtOfTGClFobcPy4cXEO6OWAkZELJiPVs5O9wIebGu4eJEP4uKqAIaF0P1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1742" data-original-width="2048" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjloobJlGp-jdZzj7YVzAdiNCigqDVNsvt9Jz239LCt14VcHRUv3-IjeH3OhE8EsYro78SXG_sAEmIYxBIchYKw3HVDhHX1Y6CtdcjhHh2d4ArEEVKUCzndbB-4N7wNrTZCtOfTGClFobcPy4cXEO6OWAkZELJiPVs5O9wIebGu4eJEP4uKqAIaF0P1=w353-h301" width="353" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Now things start to kick off. Another blind, spotted by the scouts, North of the inn turns out to be another hostile - 20 peasants, with Little John (his card now added to the command pack)....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">The cards are really against me today.... Next move Sir Richard get first go, and plays a couple of accrued "Event"cards... One enemy unit gets an extra move and Sir Richard can "hold" one of my units in place...... He does so. My attempts to form a line against the incoming peasants are hampered....</span><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_cgEgwPg3PW2oJUYoawrX07tpiFgVq-Sdrz0e1gJ8nfz2FNhrLCrRHIyezWP8lAwN58JJVAMuKqblLcx22aKfFSmRMX-_oQ5MpFDMomtZ7V3FV08XfltxwI0bO4j4rEVMUN0XliL5nzTO79qi-f63SSnVn_SopQnWDNPtdBfon7CmL0bHhNLD2U_R" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="2048" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_cgEgwPg3PW2oJUYoawrX07tpiFgVq-Sdrz0e1gJ8nfz2FNhrLCrRHIyezWP8lAwN58JJVAMuKqblLcx22aKfFSmRMX-_oQ5MpFDMomtZ7V3FV08XfltxwI0bO4j4rEVMUN0XliL5nzTO79qi-f63SSnVn_SopQnWDNPtdBfon7CmL0bHhNLD2U_R=w432-h219" width="432" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My only "lucky" Event card so far; a wild boar emerges from a thicket & (by chance) charges Little John's guys..... Takes out one of them & inflicts some shock, but then scampers ( Runs? Trots?) off and away (eventually vanishing into cover.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">When not being actively hunted wildlife will run for the nearest cover to where they ended in their first rush (itself controlled by directional & movement dice).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">If actually being hunted (yes - I do do tiny "pig-sticking games") movement is more random.... Boars turn on a groat... Excited knights can take waay longer to turn....<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdOFoVTCth-XX2M-_wG2H2zvIUcfNXz16a4zK83eXFzxuTy1-iAHF3o7E0-82NqE4DBan4QqJm61B9XTmTPUww1eIgdB5SjWdKKWI-myPyO3qqMWV79mEyVTINlxL6Cb-8uMmIO6wTa7qvjyyNzppDmY5ldVaF1_Y6YzaGaj0A7iBlm4fnVG5BTQvF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdOFoVTCth-XX2M-_wG2H2zvIUcfNXz16a4zK83eXFzxuTy1-iAHF3o7E0-82NqE4DBan4QqJm61B9XTmTPUww1eIgdB5SjWdKKWI-myPyO3qqMWV79mEyVTINlxL6Cb-8uMmIO6wTa7qvjyyNzppDmY5ldVaF1_Y6YzaGaj0A7iBlm4fnVG5BTQvF=w421-h316" width="421" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />The outlaws charge home. My guys' dice are rubbish, and (despite the enemy accumulating shock) I take casualties - must be those scythes & flails.. Or that beer..... Combat is (basically) adapted Dux Britanniarum rules.. The mercenaries get pushed back...</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS4O0jGM9ILbtEB9XrkLmf-BfAJbWEe83CPeDgze4WcsyPT-X0Ts4xkYc9rao2owentI9oTt7vQc7khF8veU9AEOKO_Wxu6NELgshmBnkouHUeG4f2aXHLjNHwyyGn8rAJVfjRJFT5enl5cY_AuPhPGhDg1DyyXUdpKm-BGxcwoNTT29VDHOv_Jnmr" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="2048" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS4O0jGM9ILbtEB9XrkLmf-BfAJbWEe83CPeDgze4WcsyPT-X0Ts4xkYc9rao2owentI9oTt7vQc7khF8veU9AEOKO_Wxu6NELgshmBnkouHUeG4f2aXHLjNHwyyGn8rAJVfjRJFT5enl5cY_AuPhPGhDg1DyyXUdpKm-BGxcwoNTT29VDHOv_Jnmr=w428-h262" width="428" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div>My Irish lads are beaten back to the river. Meanwhile the scouts have run into more peasants right by the far board edge, have got freaked and will sit this out on a hill, close to the board edge....... Morale is going, casualties mounting.</div><div>Meanwhile, cards and dice force Two Deployment Points on my flank and one at my rear to spawn more blinds.... Lady Luck is acting like a woman scorned. Have I forgotten an anniversary..?...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjayMOUVbE2W57RkPRmUFYvAGzssq6-V5N8RjW0VGLxJPJSwP0KtYPQKeT3z_WDGOgo551aGdOfUehYZWJe2zOdeQ7a3WtxH2tdrrH2TnkeC7ur43fwJyB_FRMyYByJ4Irgx61OYETJ3HoTpL-XBvY6v0OpFRtOhmyzDl4ok76Sb-AFPUKJ0p0YAEAv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1771" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjayMOUVbE2W57RkPRmUFYvAGzssq6-V5N8RjW0VGLxJPJSwP0KtYPQKeT3z_WDGOgo551aGdOfUehYZWJe2zOdeQ7a3WtxH2tdrrH2TnkeC7ur43fwJyB_FRMyYByJ4Irgx61OYETJ3HoTpL-XBvY6v0OpFRtOhmyzDl4ok76Sb-AFPUKJ0p0YAEAv" width="278" /></a></div><div><br />The situation really got messy quickly..<br /><br />Sir Richard got into some cut & thrust with Ruari's bodyguards, taking down one before being forced back towards the North.<br /><br /></div><div>The cards dictate the next sequence of actions: moral checks by the mercenary sergeants are not good - they are shaken, but form up to face the nearest bunch of peasants. - who charge home to meet the galloglasses, while the kerns skip out of the way.<br /><br /></div><div>There is a round of hand-to-hand, but it seems that the dice are against the Fiach Dubh today, and the gallowglasses are forced to fall back towards the bridge - while the kerns form up behind and along the Southern river bank.<br /><br /></div><div>Cards move the blinds - and the dice are really "unfair": one blind appears in the woods to the East of the Irish, one behind them on their line of retreat, and another comes on at the North edge - only for the scouts to spot it as being Robin Hood himself (dice & cared controlled) , and another 60 peasants & outlaws - some with bows this time......<br /><br /></div><div>Next move, and it looks like a stand-off at the bridge - but oh, the Blinds... The one at the Irish rear on the road reveals itself as just another traveller (at the moment) - but one in the woods on their flank manifests itself (Action Loop) as another body of bows & peasants (1 stand ordinary, one stand bows.... Oh, dear.... Right on my right flank....)....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcQJ038huA_5qpiKCmaapCfK0MIOCJFLIMYuK3hJlPODqvAibfWwD1ZJ8Flj6LvUPNoQirq6QI5XGlLcUxhpNc56H7QuCSdV9BuFH4DDXofXrzEZqbZdTMPa4tMwwCZDH9z70fSukdZ60zoJBX6pLVT9KFSi58k35cKohQPpjUNHbzsRpzanqzWVeb" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1505" data-original-width="2048" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcQJ038huA_5qpiKCmaapCfK0MIOCJFLIMYuK3hJlPODqvAibfWwD1ZJ8Flj6LvUPNoQirq6QI5XGlLcUxhpNc56H7QuCSdV9BuFH4DDXofXrzEZqbZdTMPa4tMwwCZDH9z70fSukdZ60zoJBX6pLVT9KFSi58k35cKohQPpjUNHbzsRpzanqzWVeb=w374-h275" width="374" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>Next activation cards and the situation prompt morale checks for the senior sarge. and one of the junior sergeants. They fail. <br /><br />Luckily for all concerned the next personality activation is Sir Richard - senior man in this part of the field AND of "Nobility Status" (a kind of "trump" when dealing with commanders - friendly or otherwise - of equal command value but lower social status)....<br /><br /></div><div>One of his special characteristics is the ability to force a "Parley" without an Event "Parley Card" - and he is a trustworthy egg (well, apart from being in disguise immediately before cutting down Ruari, but we'll draw a veil over that...). A quick check (dice) on his attitude and he offers terms, which are accepted by the pragmatic mercenaries (me - but morale is shot to ribbons and my senior sergeant & one of the others have already lost their bottle....). Game over.....<br /><br /><div>Who knows, my guys might even get SOME of their cash back..... <br /><br /></div><div><b>Technical points/Summary:</b> <br /><br />Hopefully the charts should be self explanatory. <br /><br /></div><div>The cards are an activation deck (like SP) plus an "Events Deck" (a bit like SP 1) both of which I got made up online, but SP type cards, playing cards or event tables work just as well (that's how I started this project).<br /><br /></div><div>Casualty markers are prettied-up Warbases dials and the bodies are Ykreol (1 body =10SP). Twigs work just as well.<br /><br /></div><div>Well, there we are. A short, but eventful, skirmish. I was kept guessing all the time - at first I really did think my guys would just walk across the board and I'd have to go again to demonstrate things. Instead, my guys got well and truly bashed.. I blame the drink m'self.... And the dice, obviously..<br /><br />Once again, all queries welcome...<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-60033836956940136792023-03-07T13:21:00.004+00:002023-11-02T22:15:43.410+00:00This Ain't Space Hulk.....<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: verdana;">A Bit of Quicky Sci-fi.</span></span></b></p><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">An idle day between house-horrors, so a quick game, thinks I... However, the curse of "Mission Creep" cut in and I ended up sorting my Space Hulk bits then making a big layout (DOH!)...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoZsieBrZ_LO6CA6sGygMRx31jhe16HYYWA1LnOGcjNX2lk_bx4_8VdsbBAqfwJRfKlgDCBPFNgeDB9OXMAJVrzHCenr8XT3gQ0acdN8FZ-h_B94Ojr7Z2pTf0Gab3jka6jk6woAYOMpavmcq7yWNWtfekry_AfyJlnw_Hc0-yi9KvEAgV9o-OVc_/s1383/Image2.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1383" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoZsieBrZ_LO6CA6sGygMRx31jhe16HYYWA1LnOGcjNX2lk_bx4_8VdsbBAqfwJRfKlgDCBPFNgeDB9OXMAJVrzHCenr8XT3gQ0acdN8FZ-h_B94Ojr7Z2pTf0Gab3jka6jk6woAYOMpavmcq7yWNWtfekry_AfyJlnw_Hc0-yi9KvEAgV9o-OVc_/w400-h260/Image2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Mission One:<br /></b><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">An exploratory game; a squad of troopers poking around to try to find survivors on a previously attacked vessel and bring them back to an Access Point. Scattered around the board are tokens which may represent survivors in "Safe Chambers". These must all be checked. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDO7Z4WIxulRFJQTYrseNcoEynYSEtyfpNIEIWAfQgCYDUOad8OZgYbXyIDthOSzgiwS7rhzlUUdHKE__NLPO4PpxmWtieW_kKpcIUb5TAv362GU9FHDfNOUjRrHK2x5-JOGCzQow4sdQp_gEPEO_TWI8Hmho5-8nOhpyLrBi6D20oGE_VUXwpvaUy/s1200/Image3.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDO7Z4WIxulRFJQTYrseNcoEynYSEtyfpNIEIWAfQgCYDUOad8OZgYbXyIDthOSzgiwS7rhzlUUdHKE__NLPO4PpxmWtieW_kKpcIUb5TAv362GU9FHDfNOUjRrHK2x5-JOGCzQow4sdQp_gEPEO_TWI8Hmho5-8nOhpyLrBi6D20oGE_VUXwpvaUy/w400-h300/Image3.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">Potentially hostile "Blips" arrive on a "6" each move (test for placement with a 12x6D and 1x6D for location coordinates, then throw 1x6D for number of Blips).</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vFVCe3lsgfoTWI7JCAzjXLwP2Zfy-ktIAQSoW5nLp2WavWCSO_y23pMawMAPfid8taEyHms40hXDFNHn42mmAKNAzH4WBAKzWFa2fhZMgzO8UlWnKi2n2qCoYI4GLMP2H593QZsf_K_5wV2HbiIHdkHRS-PqsqV3Q2hGUvCmkWdQzmXXDp9MzyQ9/s1021/Image4.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1021" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vFVCe3lsgfoTWI7JCAzjXLwP2Zfy-ktIAQSoW5nLp2WavWCSO_y23pMawMAPfid8taEyHms40hXDFNHn42mmAKNAzH4WBAKzWFa2fhZMgzO8UlWnKi2n2qCoYI4GLMP2H593QZsf_K_5wV2HbiIHdkHRS-PqsqV3Q2hGUvCmkWdQzmXXDp9MzyQ9/s320/Image4.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKp1ru69mobFtIPZ0w4fPy8ScBufcahBJtLCy6N-oLI7wmqkbWFteqV3GNQV_u3qIw7_ZyjUUFPY1MrvFrK3Rrv0llsPYiSxqGR7fvVi8x9HvD6jsMUpN-vmuZH2zSLCQ4JXOP41S3urlG-_XEiUUVPrls72wD_4rigFQ6-DR3GDiX4jD3fY6TrQ7/s460/Image19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="367" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKp1ru69mobFtIPZ0w4fPy8ScBufcahBJtLCy6N-oLI7wmqkbWFteqV3GNQV_u3qIw7_ZyjUUFPY1MrvFrK3Rrv0llsPYiSxqGR7fvVi8x9HvD6jsMUpN-vmuZH2zSLCQ4JXOP41S3urlG-_XEiUUVPrls72wD_4rigFQ6-DR3GDiX4jD3fY6TrQ7/s320/Image19.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Blip/Alien movement decisions are dice-dictated based on ad hoc probability tests unless Rescuers/survivors have been seen or are in LoS.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Among the Blip token mix are some "survivor group" tokens (I used the mutant/hybrid tokens for this). These guys may be stationary or even lurking around Alien groups (hiding in ducts/whatever and moving on the basis that Aliens may, like the survivors, be seeking the Rescue Party). When seen by the Rescuers a 1x6D test tells how many survivors are in the group. <br /><br />All main security doors are locked and can only be opened by the Tech. Crewman on a test throw [+10 on a Dx12D with a modifier of +1 to the throw per previous attempt. Ordinary crew using the Tech Crewman's equipment must get a 12 to succeed and gets no modifier).</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqS4sVJD6PytbmyXp88soSbzROmjxS9tdQju70hSh3kjIaO6a9hajlg2Cxwq29BXWhy5D-WZBQUcKCcoDm15n0OfyMdPZXPJd2m3i7dVOFyRJXCPoB2J5_R6iZEP9a221toucPZyhIo_rH2LYlTy8jrXNEMpAA1IatbCigXEK9atcuVh23pytaO8M/s1023/Image9.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1023" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqS4sVJD6PytbmyXp88soSbzROmjxS9tdQju70hSh3kjIaO6a9hajlg2Cxwq29BXWhy5D-WZBQUcKCcoDm15n0OfyMdPZXPJd2m3i7dVOFyRJXCPoB2J5_R6iZEP9a221toucPZyhIo_rH2LYlTy8jrXNEMpAA1IatbCigXEK9atcuVh23pytaO8M/s320/Image9.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Otherwise rules are pretty much as Vanilla Space Hulk.<br /><br />So to the game... </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQ75tnWIJZxp9RxZ8kTBEvGRukJkaxe5uzme0NU0qe4KgiCNNbkAnjrD39hhbTLD6uS63WDi2cFcTDjuknBWeYPf7qOn7-Lm6-0MuKrOpDxMqIjeTT0Pv4JjSenRLC-frcnjkY28ZxXD8yHdWHaNdCJHa31bJPpmTSs6zWB1rNHkFjgqYBSXFGa_g/s1200/Image1.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQ75tnWIJZxp9RxZ8kTBEvGRukJkaxe5uzme0NU0qe4KgiCNNbkAnjrD39hhbTLD6uS63WDi2cFcTDjuknBWeYPf7qOn7-Lm6-0MuKrOpDxMqIjeTT0Pv4JjSenRLC-frcnjkY28ZxXD8yHdWHaNdCJHa31bJPpmTSs6zWB1rNHkFjgqYBSXFGa_g/w400-h300/Image1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The guys poked about, but pretty soon some Blips appeared. It was decided to keep the group together as they headed up towards the crew and command area.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXXxHp4DN00lYLAX8KgzKBFwutfyDoht245FuaedcN3nb0OQA8ClgL2jagWgltuZjnMWW4B-pM0usPbebs8TfKpCtgGBI8uO_zHpi2L2bsjioWb6GXmkQk8aGseri5_2_XfUwhHx90kct9k-1wG42gt_wfl4bl9cs5ge_VUYd_ILXkUHyG-GxMjNm/s1606/Image6.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1606" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXXxHp4DN00lYLAX8KgzKBFwutfyDoht245FuaedcN3nb0OQA8ClgL2jagWgltuZjnMWW4B-pM0usPbebs8TfKpCtgGBI8uO_zHpi2L2bsjioWb6GXmkQk8aGseri5_2_XfUwhHx90kct9k-1wG42gt_wfl4bl9cs5ge_VUYd_ILXkUHyG-GxMjNm/s320/Image6.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOA8xSH4s3IdpwLtjCNaIufvIEEC_eIj7yq_6JZjypE8siMg9E0sO-8tPrMkEc8aDPf4sqjPN5_Q2pcI208zSK13loPkpPuvZPK0vJ1L1UyCCa7zQtCnl-s10w65DswOMkuUxTpam9eSGzl_yJlYS4zq6QNe3wZqq0xxuzpzEMcKfhCjMa6JMLySC/s3502/Image8.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="3502" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOA8xSH4s3IdpwLtjCNaIufvIEEC_eIj7yq_6JZjypE8siMg9E0sO-8tPrMkEc8aDPf4sqjPN5_Q2pcI208zSK13loPkpPuvZPK0vJ1L1UyCCa7zQtCnl-s10w65DswOMkuUxTpam9eSGzl_yJlYS4zq6QNe3wZqq0xxuzpzEMcKfhCjMa6JMLySC/s320/Image8.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />But things started to get pretty complicated pretty quickly and the team were quickly attacked.<br /><br />They managed the initial assaults well enough, but on approaching the command Area more and more enemy appeared [Unlucky dice]. Casualties were taken.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9O1uZuSTDoRRfvYRAa97aQ-AbdZFqM5uMg4_UtIzkFSJS9qL20RfJ8ZGtQCXfKpHgQhV0Nj-uoDm1o1wt5svGRD_ZNgZYgW8awh0GDACbeX7PJpjQIgjmvAAI9EM2FY8Glmvxo1uRziY96h5ij5EUcesjoLpgQ3kVW1a8KBRJKe7YW45fKgaPZzCj/s1874/Image11.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1874" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9O1uZuSTDoRRfvYRAa97aQ-AbdZFqM5uMg4_UtIzkFSJS9qL20RfJ8ZGtQCXfKpHgQhV0Nj-uoDm1o1wt5svGRD_ZNgZYgW8awh0GDACbeX7PJpjQIgjmvAAI9EM2FY8Glmvxo1uRziY96h5ij5EUcesjoLpgQ3kVW1a8KBRJKe7YW45fKgaPZzCj/s320/Image11.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQE-_vlRMROvst3QEdauH-E7tUoPC7NlYYBYMWW1cYGWvLfIwci_hFKkyrC0GaKJZgs2eldzTOvJkKEnH6STwqJvGjf-TpghoBywk5swFkcPoAQGuH2t27vJE8ozrvqo4DyCWzYfYABGTgJYp_dYrdrRAcXGXTqXRABn0PcP6iXbaoSyxZX3TL6CVh/s1935/Image12.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1935" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQE-_vlRMROvst3QEdauH-E7tUoPC7NlYYBYMWW1cYGWvLfIwci_hFKkyrC0GaKJZgs2eldzTOvJkKEnH6STwqJvGjf-TpghoBywk5swFkcPoAQGuH2t27vJE8ozrvqo4DyCWzYfYABGTgJYp_dYrdrRAcXGXTqXRABn0PcP6iXbaoSyxZX3TL6CVh/s320/Image12.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFR1vAXP3K_2qs7fJU-w3Rn2arC9DvPbMl1VqRx0jqp30NPVcQqvET5BXAWgBuuBk0WtUlrHX6p1q1-bzzZ7xhAdiPPi92_Abs6E2rY6oWiwvALEk4-5GmrsLviThYKrPt6g1AzUlEouOq8fsQ2r-eYrY9rdF12VQGNedx-VCwoBOIIFCUdlHN7Rg/s1735/Image14.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1735" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFR1vAXP3K_2qs7fJU-w3Rn2arC9DvPbMl1VqRx0jqp30NPVcQqvET5BXAWgBuuBk0WtUlrHX6p1q1-bzzZ7xhAdiPPi92_Abs6E2rY6oWiwvALEk4-5GmrsLviThYKrPt6g1AzUlEouOq8fsQ2r-eYrY9rdF12VQGNedx-VCwoBOIIFCUdlHN7Rg/s320/Image14.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHTevauK39ulo7ba2jL2TSZtpOhQuw4x8Ax1AomYMqhkE7a5kOlKZVmV5OK_hluNErP9zPPtxpjImuzBhyVAqEm9O9B9TBCzNKLp_-P06Oyrzcia6bLG8g2jSkfE2H2WfY9m0Nm7cU7dWxX5vIkEbQE0D1g_BoBiW8T4DZurtASKUGT8H7twAuNuD/s1777/Image15.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1777" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHTevauK39ulo7ba2jL2TSZtpOhQuw4x8Ax1AomYMqhkE7a5kOlKZVmV5OK_hluNErP9zPPtxpjImuzBhyVAqEm9O9B9TBCzNKLp_-P06Oyrzcia6bLG8g2jSkfE2H2WfY9m0Nm7cU7dWxX5vIkEbQE0D1g_BoBiW8T4DZurtASKUGT8H7twAuNuD/s320/Image15.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some survivors were unearthed (Blip)..<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVNjmjC7NVXdfDATvkQ4YQl48Bbnd-9iTUZ-s_67Gor8eCvi4PrSxdoJi2ttsP0J1gO1YOQWGgk38XWqe6YdrKtNdTqvH-x2bghn72oWlg5ynXa2h_6kOnDcdvnEsRiP7L6zq9mB4T5e7RV-tg_Z_OZVLZPCqbSZg2oYk0GySQ4u6FQKMuYQTKgaI/s1122/Image16.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1122" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVNjmjC7NVXdfDATvkQ4YQl48Bbnd-9iTUZ-s_67Gor8eCvi4PrSxdoJi2ttsP0J1gO1YOQWGgk38XWqe6YdrKtNdTqvH-x2bghn72oWlg5ynXa2h_6kOnDcdvnEsRiP7L6zq9mB4T5e7RV-tg_Z_OZVLZPCqbSZg2oYk0GySQ4u6FQKMuYQTKgaI/s320/Image16.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_IWhflwbeugIY2w_sb0shaLCLPAOIP9R0wuhxC5kAgN1M615CRn4TdTdFSmqGybWvf7djSKrSmXLE9z0fxBZq9PO6FNWMsqtScuGL9immZ5aCPzLsrDQphuZva9YeMuT4EnJjldy2rFeqB0z12jmIKoDOc_9JlfmY32Sw14dWuqLvRL0r-dYT7Pp/s1680/Image17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1680" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_IWhflwbeugIY2w_sb0shaLCLPAOIP9R0wuhxC5kAgN1M615CRn4TdTdFSmqGybWvf7djSKrSmXLE9z0fxBZq9PO6FNWMsqtScuGL9immZ5aCPzLsrDQphuZva9YeMuT4EnJjldy2rFeqB0z12jmIKoDOc_9JlfmY32Sw14dWuqLvRL0r-dYT7Pp/s320/Image17.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">B</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">ut then the Aliens attacked en mass. <br /><br />In no time at all folk were running for their lives - and only one person (one of the survivors) made it back to the access point. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />A quick and bloody game with my guys trounced but the rules worked well and kept be on edge throughout. The Space Hulk basic game rules, though very simple, always give a lot of fun. You don't need excessive chrome or several score pages of rules for that....</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv82ultoMKCV4tXw1D17tfgDDgQAWLHDW1nscZ96cRXOKJkqjjTSsibRZHDYZZRqRh8HxlT9n936tPGJHe-YfZfHa2EIWi8cfNzivC87SfmSzsXHxbUGcyG9ckADIDelNwxyevcLFDCrImwvR6UZmTfe_KlAukDwEKe_JYWiwLw3dktk770o2GBvQg/s900/Image10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="726" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv82ultoMKCV4tXw1D17tfgDDgQAWLHDW1nscZ96cRXOKJkqjjTSsibRZHDYZZRqRh8HxlT9n936tPGJHe-YfZfHa2EIWi8cfNzivC87SfmSzsXHxbUGcyG9ckADIDelNwxyevcLFDCrImwvR6UZmTfe_KlAukDwEKe_JYWiwLw3dktk770o2GBvQg/s320/Image10.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Mission Two:<br /></b><br />A bit more complicated. A ship (coincidentally the same design as above) wandering along, minding its own business. The c</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">rew are scattered over the ship, going about normal tasks in "soft" kit. They carry basic weaponry as standard but are not "on alert".<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">But then the vessel comes under attack - via the two vents.<br /><br />[Technical Notes: ; 1x6D attacker blips arrive at either or both vents on a throw of 5-6 (reducing to a 6 after three moves). The Blips want to prioritise as follows:<br /><br />1) Accessing the airlocks (at "A"). If they access these then they can let their fellows in. Once an Air Lock is broken open 1x6D additional blips arrive each move at that airlock.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPglsWy6Ne1iFTp3y0Yw9LHHyTEfFfrRmEStGQ-QsNwdbUoPFObfzYJH06J7AexaORjGADaP61hPQBQm9PdV8O_ymBlf3gJPt59B-jFkrz5Os_TnyI_k8VHofoxd2Dx5AmELCbWPu08YibiweiPw0joXvjvi2RXE8fpRCuvwvb_XpcoJQGJtlqst1/s2354/Image20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2354" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPglsWy6Ne1iFTp3y0Yw9LHHyTEfFfrRmEStGQ-QsNwdbUoPFObfzYJH06J7AexaORjGADaP61hPQBQm9PdV8O_ymBlf3gJPt59B-jFkrz5Os_TnyI_k8VHofoxd2Dx5AmELCbWPu08YibiweiPw0joXvjvi2RXE8fpRCuvwvb_XpcoJQGJtlqst1/s320/Image20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">2) Killing the crew. <br /><br />Where there is no clear advantage in a choice of routes or victims in sight then the route is decided randomly by dice throw. Some choice tests may be "loaded" for priorities in an ad hoc manner.<br /> <br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Opening an airlock sends out a general alarm across the ship and allows "space" in (or air out). <br /><br />This airless zone moves at 12 spaces per move. Aliens can survive this decompression and air loss, but any crew-person without a survival suit finding themselves in an airless zone MUST reach air/be behind a sealed door/in a survival suit within four MPs in the same move they have been exposed to space or die.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Survival suits are found in the five Survival crates scattered about the ship. On opening a crate throw 1x6D. This is the number of suits therein up to a total of 12 per crate. On a throw of 6 when testing for suit numbers throw once again. THIS total is the number of suits in said crate. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">It takes 2MP to put on a survival suit. Each crew-person can carry two survival suits (even when suited-up or carrying weapons; these are flimsy, crisis survival suits - not armoured or deep-space kit).<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">However, bad for the aliens; opening any airlock sets off an alarm automatically sealing all doors to unauthorised personnel. Therefore, once the aliens open an airlock all doors thus far unopened lock. Such doors can be opened by crew-persons, but aliens can only access such a door by forcing it open (on a throw of 6 - one attempt per move). </span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0mKcmCows7fhtt2lOJy7vMz4RoxzmiD7yhDiM8j5CIPRawV_-nNkaPm6c1nb4sf3uRIhOQMn-gLQiJft1JV0Ca531FgmQQsw4J-khokaQ-I1JwPg7I904qGGQFgKRF_rmqtjFPso2syu6Bzm9skkvhOVORV3MYX4CeDSjTY8-HrKQLHpeEpl-u2X/s1188/nnnage2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1188" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0mKcmCows7fhtt2lOJy7vMz4RoxzmiD7yhDiM8j5CIPRawV_-nNkaPm6c1nb4sf3uRIhOQMn-gLQiJft1JV0Ca531FgmQQsw4J-khokaQ-I1JwPg7I904qGGQFgKRF_rmqtjFPso2syu6Bzm9skkvhOVORV3MYX4CeDSjTY8-HrKQLHpeEpl-u2X/s320/nnnage2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">On the sounding of an Intruder Alarm or the Air Lock Breach alarm the Captain* must remain in the control room and test to see if he gives any instructions over the Tannoy (he does so on a throw of 5 or 6 on a 1x6D test made once per move). <br /><br />Once he has issued such instructions he must test again (and remain at his station) to see if he broadcasts beyond the ship for help (on a throw of 6).<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">(*If all this seems odd, remember the captain here is a civilian on a routine flight and could panic/shut down at this unexpected turn of events)<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">IF the Captain fails to issue instructions after an alarm then all local supervisors (blue caps) and individuals or work parties without a supervisor test to see what they do.<br /><br />On a throw of 1 they flee to try to reach the Command Area OR the nearest safe space/survival crate.<br /><br />On a two to five they remain put, securing the area they are in.<br /><br />On a 6 they go bug-hunting.]<br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />And so to the game....<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">From move one the Blips started pouring into the ship from the port-side rear and central ducts, triggering an Intruder Alarm. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Two crewmen were cut off in the port cargo bay by the sudden ingress. They killed a few attackers, but were cut down within a few moves. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBflGU-YnqdlZj8iV7RV-BMx0s1E8ntWByOsAB7VhYBiY4mdHD7zu7wyvaJr7bo-x1-4Q7HkJ2t_bMaI4zFok6yMeZJ2iovSJrAgwVSjdLbNsNRnhb-SLxqdjXjq_rSJqBA2J2BYxNtNSls1y_vOtaw75-SfI_IEIHouGX8k1EOFgtpbFFtmxA8o2m/s900/e51.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBflGU-YnqdlZj8iV7RV-BMx0s1E8ntWByOsAB7VhYBiY4mdHD7zu7wyvaJr7bo-x1-4Q7HkJ2t_bMaI4zFok6yMeZJ2iovSJrAgwVSjdLbNsNRnhb-SLxqdjXjq_rSJqBA2J2BYxNtNSls1y_vOtaw75-SfI_IEIHouGX8k1EOFgtpbFFtmxA8o2m/w300-h400/e51.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Captain froze - and issue no orders as he tried to assess what was happening.<br /><br />A couple of isolated crewmen, Barry and Jules, in corridors on the starboard side ran towards the command centre. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Supervisor Charles, in a room centre rear with a work crew, held his ground and put his men in Overwatch to repel any boarders heading his way. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwmYMeuuv_U33rdKm5RRmCOoLiVXkOPNVGDAZsltqbqKaiYw_JwPLhvhOj8vKYHsayHvuDdEJphqq8DG0qMveqWWz9JmdEWxvP12YJf-XgKrzObozoMgf9TJcdUDUsekl9S8yuSCe16XGrGLVFU7-3YkJ6u8nelWbQ_vIq2NjO1R4NZchRnDszVG8/s900/Image24.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="753" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwmYMeuuv_U33rdKm5RRmCOoLiVXkOPNVGDAZsltqbqKaiYw_JwPLhvhOj8vKYHsayHvuDdEJphqq8DG0qMveqWWz9JmdEWxvP12YJf-XgKrzObozoMgf9TJcdUDUsekl9S8yuSCe16XGrGLVFU7-3YkJ6u8nelWbQ_vIq2NjO1R4NZchRnDszVG8/s320/Image24.jpg" width="268" /></a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">On the Upper Corridor, repairing a floor breach, were Old Mac and Jimmy. They stayed put - Mac couldn't see the point of running about without knowing what was occurring and who was where. He and Jimmie simply drew their blasters and went into Overwatch.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvDwRpUTBXmYBlQukVU9xNBbRHOX-1TiniZryLXaU5QX2mhqC83TcNPUbdsMJLJ-ED92WIhuWxQNCxuu5laFasqMM1sd96PwGbiGeTI5WHB9wOZHebbuasFUrfigpnU2XO3w6BC4jUdC807SNZ6SBZfY_geLgNaI0ENxwM81oBpwq_UktK9BZ_afz/s1496/Image22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1496" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvDwRpUTBXmYBlQukVU9xNBbRHOX-1TiniZryLXaU5QX2mhqC83TcNPUbdsMJLJ-ED92WIhuWxQNCxuu5laFasqMM1sd96PwGbiGeTI5WHB9wOZHebbuasFUrfigpnU2XO3w6BC4jUdC807SNZ6SBZfY_geLgNaI0ENxwM81oBpwq_UktK9BZ_afz/w400-h263/Image22.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Crew-woman Lillie was alone in the Stasis Chamber (port central). She made for the Command Area, but in her haste forgot about the blocked and bulkheaded passage forward of her - losing three moves as she realised her mistake and returned to the Stasis Chamber - just as Aliens entered it. <br /> <br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">[Note: for Command Points sergeants/supervisors and the captain got a 1x6D's worth per move each. Isolated groups/individual outside the Command Area tested individually/per group on a 1x6D. On a throw of 5 or 6 for a group or 6 for an individual they could dice for CPs themselves on a 1x6D.]</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Aliens poured into the ship, swarming through the port cargo bay and heading towards starboard, while others pressed towards the central air lock. A group of others chased Lillie into the Stasis Chamber and/or headed for the forward Air Lock. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Crewman Jones was alone in one of the port cargo bays. He ran towards where Supervisor Charles was holed up. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the Stasis Chamber Lillie clambered up the ladder to to the Upper Corridor, and opened fire on her pursuers. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAslvawChbK3fFcIt0j1pbLbqXPttCB9eyGtkXSyUzBVZwu2kFEm0halIeq15BRz9MiIbglQBLscNMovUuZQF0bGinWk-8yMlW90IpqdQUwb5IgMZevhq1XQw8tACfVcwac8jwFXxZiJV_ieyhyB7lu5v3N2UatmXKncpK2aPq1CHrG6qHuAyVVoIJ/s990/Image25.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="990" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAslvawChbK3fFcIt0j1pbLbqXPttCB9eyGtkXSyUzBVZwu2kFEm0halIeq15BRz9MiIbglQBLscNMovUuZQF0bGinWk-8yMlW90IpqdQUwb5IgMZevhq1XQw8tACfVcwac8jwFXxZiJV_ieyhyB7lu5v3N2UatmXKncpK2aPq1CHrG6qHuAyVVoIJ/s320/Image25.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />The sound brought Mac and Jimmy running in Lillie's direction, guns blazing. It was a close thing, especially when Lillie's blaster jammed, but together they dealt with the few Aliens chasing Lillie. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJORJhx9LsT_9GNN-AFW40chUtg6o1DKN1siViUDyZRfm0qPmK8F1leA1UfZBlY2UQFJF3UuOi4UeoAOD620R22rgmhsUPyX35wlV0LRIu155yupOhaCZu0VNFPq0LDHRvRhTD_mPxlsHJq39DgbxjpsHsR95zsDW-r7KIltjfqddkSl3NvJjPC775/s3514/Image26.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="3514" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJORJhx9LsT_9GNN-AFW40chUtg6o1DKN1siViUDyZRfm0qPmK8F1leA1UfZBlY2UQFJF3UuOi4UeoAOD620R22rgmhsUPyX35wlV0LRIu155yupOhaCZu0VNFPq0LDHRvRhTD_mPxlsHJq39DgbxjpsHsR95zsDW-r7KIltjfqddkSl3NvJjPC775/w400-h109/Image26.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />The remaining Blip in the Stasis Chamber pushed on towards the forward Air Lock.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Jones ran towards Charles's room, but luckily for him kept his head (dice test) - stopping and shouting before he rounded the last corner of the corridor leading to the refuge. Had he run out unannounced into the view of someone on Overwatch without warning there was a likelihood (test) that they would open fire on him.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dzbfgyAtw0pEkA6O99wwckuvQpEnV35ZihR-BzTabXl2sTxZ45EydmeEUb240BPy_o2IvV5JGlpJ7GiXXXrWRZRaDnQo85Gwn6XleT57pmUhMy438Ryi-7e67YSiQxqh-p4mwAD7vWd6n9c_R_yEmWZqO7pC1xDX5LflhV0JR-E797ZrtTjab-OY/s1496/Image21.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1496" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dzbfgyAtw0pEkA6O99wwckuvQpEnV35ZihR-BzTabXl2sTxZ45EydmeEUb240BPy_o2IvV5JGlpJ7GiXXXrWRZRaDnQo85Gwn6XleT57pmUhMy438Ryi-7e67YSiQxqh-p4mwAD7vWd6n9c_R_yEmWZqO7pC1xDX5LflhV0JR-E797ZrtTjab-OY/s320/Image21.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif09CmBWvhNsOcdD0YeZeoBOWDAPeZmmnDWgQEjTm0HkICX0IrLvU7Oh-hRyiIdVsHVw7ivXjSg6ybLNLerG_IchM4NgxSrWNhOBB2azzoyVqcRsh1TLaNQWvyN4UWsY-002txpJbXxj-S9Z5mB8uiheV-P2ThTBY9l2SruniN3w49wKLsXKK9Pf-z/s1150/Image23.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1150" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif09CmBWvhNsOcdD0YeZeoBOWDAPeZmmnDWgQEjTm0HkICX0IrLvU7Oh-hRyiIdVsHVw7ivXjSg6ybLNLerG_IchM4NgxSrWNhOBB2azzoyVqcRsh1TLaNQWvyN4UWsY-002txpJbXxj-S9Z5mB8uiheV-P2ThTBY9l2SruniN3w49wKLsXKK9Pf-z/s320/Image23.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Up at the command Centre t</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">he captain still failed to act as the Blips ranged through the corridors and cargo bays.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Suddenly the Air Lock Breach alarm sounded - the doors locked - and there was a drop in pressure; the Aliens had opened the central airlock to their supports. More Blips poured in via the Air Lock as the reduced pressure wave tore along the corridors. Isolated groups of crew now tested - most in Command Centre rooms went into Overwatch.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Supervisor Charles ordered the doors to his room sealed.<br /><br />Lillie, Mac and Jimmie ran to the central chamber of the Upper Corridor and closed the doors at either end. <br /><br />In the Command Centre itself there was still inaction - and no commands from the captain.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Aliens now had free range in the unpressurised sections of the ship, breaking down doors to get to the Command Centre or forcing bulkheads and debris to get to the forward Air Lock. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5MULuo3TaNyUS1nOeVgPdMGHNE2QYBl3_V4qv6p-0F-NxF34vY4PFqRGJYI_mQsXEK4xB1Dulq1UpY3hfQs78Ew5tssHopNSvG0CqHbArKEmnEGrcwVM1Ek_0cBrEvV--MyPtdoAQheGmY7SpYvcMe_I0xhutsfL1Nbk7mlNqeyqqCLFhuFJGE0r/s1284/Image29.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1284" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5MULuo3TaNyUS1nOeVgPdMGHNE2QYBl3_V4qv6p-0F-NxF34vY4PFqRGJYI_mQsXEK4xB1Dulq1UpY3hfQs78Ew5tssHopNSvG0CqHbArKEmnEGrcwVM1Ek_0cBrEvV--MyPtdoAQheGmY7SpYvcMe_I0xhutsfL1Nbk7mlNqeyqqCLFhuFJGE0r/s320/Image29.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">In his refuge Supervisor Charles ordered the Survival Suit crate opened - six suits; one for each in the room and one to spare. This was good. Struggling into the suits his men could soon open the doors - giving them a wider field of fire if the Aliens approached. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mac opened the survival crate in their room - one suit between three. Not good.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Barry & Jules got into the Command Area - nearly getting shot down by trigger happy guys on Overwatch - just as the captain decided to take command. He ordered Barry & Jules back to the Survival Crate in starboard forward. Nine suits were found. Over the next two moves eight of these were distributed among the non-operational crew-persons in the Command Area.A Distress Signal has (finally) been sent out, but there has been no pick up from anyone within range [Test each move 2x6D. Result of 12 means a response]. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Meanwhile, Charles's group came under attack, they fired back - but crewman Wills overcharged an Assault Cannon, which exploded - killing everyone in the room. Disaster !! And just as things seemed to be going Charles's way.... <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQv3cdrQIKk2UKQ4JLgBgdYZ9MzWZ9wMCMPXxt2G7kCXwK51Qsh5-wRLNjsDxKlNLDQJiVi38jyp0JqIzdwKzNkxxI_yiJ2MO-0C-lKBllqfLoxDP1b8pQcJDe_BeMEtHAsmdb8K7M9ePRPqj4kYAdh1vd1KDF8l83A2eu6ThM07ZEPC1sIWlAFAw/s1757/Image27.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1757" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQv3cdrQIKk2UKQ4JLgBgdYZ9MzWZ9wMCMPXxt2G7kCXwK51Qsh5-wRLNjsDxKlNLDQJiVi38jyp0JqIzdwKzNkxxI_yiJ2MO-0C-lKBllqfLoxDP1b8pQcJDe_BeMEtHAsmdb8K7M9ePRPqj4kYAdh1vd1KDF8l83A2eu6ThM07ZEPC1sIWlAFAw/w400-h205/Image27.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /> <br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mac Jimmie and Lillie decided who would have the suit; the idea being that this crew member could make their way to safety. Mac (test) wouldn't take the suit. Jimmie wanted the suit, but (test) bottled out of leaving the room. Lillie (test) volunteered to take the suit, but instead of heading to the Command Centre she would try for the Port Cargo Bay and search the Survival Crate there, bringing back any suits found for Mac and Kimmie. She clambered into the suit and set off. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">By now the Aliens were pressing on the Command Area - there would be a prolonged battle, as the eight suited-up crew members set up fire lanes to control enemy access. Aliens fell by the dozen in frenzied attacks - though there were some close calls. By now the number of enemy making their way into the ship had dwindled (tokens had been exhausted), but nearly two dozen Aliens plus half as many Blips remained - and nearly half the crew in the Command Area were unprotected if the doors breached and the life-giving air lost. <br /> <br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">In a now quiet part of the ship Lillie made her lonely way to the cargo bay - dealing with one lurking Alien e-route and discovered four suits stashed away in the crate. Taking two of the suits she made her way back towards Mac and Jimmie - while being stalked by another lurking Blip - taking about seven moves to do so. All three now have suits. But what should they do...? <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHQIJGFHMcboFLA1efPYa-BcKO9J9cIi-sZq1wddBX7cYFcUdBWfX36hHTaqt4AV-SKVWvUDg_4BHdmRtE0Pv1y72DiwbssMYTGJeoV4LkhfgJ7jtQMtU5CwZw9B-Y5KtD6FwGtVGRQ0eQIARBdu_c2K5F8x7M2-00CDh7qsdIdMBNQeRionk68Q0/s1661/Image28.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1661" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHQIJGFHMcboFLA1efPYa-BcKO9J9cIi-sZq1wddBX7cYFcUdBWfX36hHTaqt4AV-SKVWvUDg_4BHdmRtE0Pv1y72DiwbssMYTGJeoV4LkhfgJ7jtQMtU5CwZw9B-Y5KtD6FwGtVGRQ0eQIARBdu_c2K5F8x7M2-00CDh7qsdIdMBNQeRionk68Q0/w400-h216/Image28.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Once "suited up" the trio decide to go and see if they can help the Command Crew [dice tests]. They do so, drawing off some of the attackers, but then they themselves have to withdraw, eventually making their way to the central air lock, followed by the enemy. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Meanwhile the Aliens continue to throw themselves at the Command Centre. The attackers get whittled away, but eventually they both breach the defence perimeter and break through to the Command Room.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMjSYpALZMoAzpX5k9sj53QoZx-2LvppZ2lL_1XHFi0vebXbruWGcmZ7qIR0yK17i02-4CdZulCybY1dJC6eB7yQdrqVjRZmVQbWDs1dJTHvNaAiv5dZk2FjfM5OSYW3djYRxlGyK1pxITGk0rKbGke473dleb-Q1KFbWr9Sx8nR9VUmMYbxgzpf0/s1205/control.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1205" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMjSYpALZMoAzpX5k9sj53QoZx-2LvppZ2lL_1XHFi0vebXbruWGcmZ7qIR0yK17i02-4CdZulCybY1dJC6eB7yQdrqVjRZmVQbWDs1dJTHvNaAiv5dZk2FjfM5OSYW3djYRxlGyK1pxITGk0rKbGke473dleb-Q1KFbWr9Sx8nR9VUmMYbxgzpf0/s320/control.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />The decompression kills the unsuited crew. The Aliens cut down the suited defenders. Only one crewman (sent to shut off/control the forward air lock in case of rescuers arriving ) gets away from the massacre, but is hunted down in the corridors. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Aliens now have control of the ship. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">No Distress Signal has been answered.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite success in taking down the few stray Aliens in their area the prospects for the trio in the central airlock do not look good....</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">End game.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_OTmEg6blaGltCt6tkgb2BHyeUCYVVDUJqYXlpLnl5eqrbAPuTKdXRnCvX8lswkGVaDzjLUKq4er1Mgb3vtWvCr7GLNt_L9UxCcpqBbQyVLIoTjgpbg7BwVahXKfC8WEq5Y7g6IUpYF7kI43fUkDf2ciSeiDLoH2vzRCEshwnOPFHMi1E3bNIBuG/s1792/ende1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1792" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_OTmEg6blaGltCt6tkgb2BHyeUCYVVDUJqYXlpLnl5eqrbAPuTKdXRnCvX8lswkGVaDzjLUKq4er1Mgb3vtWvCr7GLNt_L9UxCcpqBbQyVLIoTjgpbg7BwVahXKfC8WEq5Y7g6IUpYF7kI43fUkDf2ciSeiDLoH2vzRCEshwnOPFHMi1E3bNIBuG/w400-h201/ende1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Conclusion:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Well, that was another fun, furious game with lots of imponderables to make things interesting. Simple rules. The game is almost MADE for solo. Will have to dig out the old Space Hulk tiles more often. <br /><br />As always, queries and comments welcome.<br /><br />Apropos of which....<br /><br />I put a poll on the Solo FB page about my making links to/continuing this Blog.<br /><br />The jury seemed to think it worthwhile me keeping-up that practice and the Blog itself) up.<br /><br />According to the Stats. I seem to have a lot of "silent viewers", which is nice as at least I don't feel that I am crying into the void (they can't ALL be Bots.. ;) ) but as I have said before, any critiques and queries about the Blog itself, expansion on the methods used or even wanting to bounce ideas off of me (such as "how can I solo-ise this rule set/do you have any ideas to help me/how would you go about this project?") are always welcome...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQqJ-7xKy2qcnj79_S-vLhnkr0jeoTLgb6MeRhq1VtPXYTCI8h6UpYanqlr1v3LVKHEYTgBTmQtQV5dlt1Cdc0xd7_Flb_Yea8LzsroW1htdjrpJWFM946LJYP_NCjMaAbdNcV59swrm7EOyS-wA569hXF6zEHqknkIcoRlKnetC20p30WwPsyrav/s1694/tttge3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1694" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQqJ-7xKy2qcnj79_S-vLhnkr0jeoTLgb6MeRhq1VtPXYTCI8h6UpYanqlr1v3LVKHEYTgBTmQtQV5dlt1Cdc0xd7_Flb_Yea8LzsroW1htdjrpJWFM946LJYP_NCjMaAbdNcV59swrm7EOyS-wA569hXF6zEHqknkIcoRlKnetC20p30WwPsyrav/s320/tttge3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-51951008129644124722023-01-29T09:33:00.001+00:002023-01-29T14:23:41.100+00:00Post Xmas "Crossfire" etc.<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Delayed Follow-Up..<br /></b><br />Alas, seasonal duties and a series of seasonal bugs delayed my experiments (and some deliveries tempted me into some displacement activity), but here at last is the threatened "Crossfire" experiment write-up...<br /><br />First thoughts were that this would work fine with a terrain-heavy table, say for an ACW or AWI game, where men are not necessarily standing in full view of each other in a "please shoot me" manner, but on a classic 18th, 19th, medieval or Ancient style "open battlefield" - or battles on wide sweeps of veldt or steppe or deserty scrub ? Hmm.. My thoughts here, for those types of fights, were "This isn't going to work"... <br /><br />So that, of course, would be the type I would try...<br /><br />Normal "Hidden Enemy" rules would apply (i.e. test for each Potential Ambush Point approached) and anticipated that these would work fine in generating enemy reactive fire/presence, but my main concern was how I would manage any examples of long movement in the open and broad flanking movements, out of LoS of the other side's artillery and in areas uncontested/uncontaminated with PAPs and hostile troops.<br /><br />My answer was, in the event of such moves, to test for enemy action for each significance terrain feature crossed/approached as I would for a PAP and also perform a scenario-specific Events Table test per such "move" (standard movement per troop type + 1x6D x inches) to allow for poor guides/getting lost/officer incompetence/ unexpected halts or delays ("Nice strawberries...") etc.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48fW4eiDa0lXZMR1xy-oV79I40VyM8p7b7wYT7j5o_LmFFRqbZE3ASHRTBYe02QkjyVryk6JhgdV1f_4Or1NABJSxVxziJ0idmuVzoRkWT0h_bhZrYOoSLOjmzb_2KqCyniiyuo9kPH-A_UUBup2whW1JgCvPnbammHULy2PrPDScDK3Kh9J4XCGP/s1806/strawbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1806" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48fW4eiDa0lXZMR1xy-oV79I40VyM8p7b7wYT7j5o_LmFFRqbZE3ASHRTBYe02QkjyVryk6JhgdV1f_4Or1NABJSxVxziJ0idmuVzoRkWT0h_bhZrYOoSLOjmzb_2KqCyniiyuo9kPH-A_UUBup2whW1JgCvPnbammHULy2PrPDScDK3Kh9J4XCGP/w474-h201/strawbs.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">So, to the game. I foresee a simple scenario of two armies facing each other, with me playing one side and the AI the other. A quick set-up, and....<br /><br />The field is the ground facing a corner of the friendly city of Feroozabad, which, for the sake of the narrative, is being blockaded by the enemy. MY job (coming in from the left of the top of the pic below, on the "Wrong" side of the river) is to see off the hostiles facing me, and get my lads over the bridge and ford.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJBZGrV4kAEIjVvFIwKWZn_-z0vaICfzTMG4oNP9znxSewBeZsz0Ki7UwzUJPGZxbXb3TCMrjssUZi-rV-hgaCh5lw0l_CRIwT_1gpjzI8yr_s9r9KW1EDZqtEfWL0nfphIMTINEntt5IqnIS-S3o1ZgZDCWm3cN4gXFVo2wG8qFZ-rvQcj4KRZkA/s1419/Image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1419" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJBZGrV4kAEIjVvFIwKWZn_-z0vaICfzTMG4oNP9znxSewBeZsz0Ki7UwzUJPGZxbXb3TCMrjssUZi-rV-hgaCh5lw0l_CRIwT_1gpjzI8yr_s9r9KW1EDZqtEfWL0nfphIMTINEntt5IqnIS-S3o1ZgZDCWm3cN4gXFVo2wG8qFZ-rvQcj4KRZkA/s320/Image1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">I expect the immediate action to take place in the area below. There are plenty of potential PAPs, but also some large (in "Crossfire" terms) open areas where long movement could be made.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkIa4Cpj0RULMg6516wj7Vn4FUIIa2Kc3X8XzTu3ja3cPgSrNbdt55VfuSB_EVWGiFcXunrnJBRhakd4BwdsUPlEzfQDANySgas10NiUsx9oqzh5iy_Bfq_vq5GsgwbzjL3MIY3hKJ5xXS9xXuPSMcz01Y7AIx7snabHtA_ZZUlq8aPSxhvbIQSJt/s1203/Image2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1203" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkIa4Cpj0RULMg6516wj7Vn4FUIIa2Kc3X8XzTu3ja3cPgSrNbdt55VfuSB_EVWGiFcXunrnJBRhakd4BwdsUPlEzfQDANySgas10NiUsx9oqzh5iy_Bfq_vq5GsgwbzjL3MIY3hKJ5xXS9xXuPSMcz01Y7AIx7snabHtA_ZZUlq8aPSxhvbIQSJt/w400-h299/Image2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />I must deploy and formulate my Plan and orders first. My troops arrive (below): three infantry brigades, in roughly three lines, two guns (in the centre) and some squadrons of cavalry in two units (one on my left, one in reserve behind the infantry left of centre). I make my plans. <br /><br />My Right will advance to the ford, supported by the Centre. Once the ford has been secured we will then cross the open ground, dealing with any resistance, take the Bridge and cross with the main force there. No enemy are in sight while i make my plan. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqjwiK5pd7UCsvnZl5Y8X2KT5KaYx16KXAi_3y2gUHPJgvvaz5Ymrz-_bkbTe4jPMEeP0BklHRzLfcElHkhNgSPmfXWKIBPtj6wKSfK063kHEEYcTTW7M8G510TVUR0aGAZ0ej0mCu25QcqE2HQqrPlZ28X52_DEY_iMk0uZgg7xIkAwTw4pa4DKP/s1168/Image3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1168" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqjwiK5pd7UCsvnZl5Y8X2KT5KaYx16KXAi_3y2gUHPJgvvaz5Ymrz-_bkbTe4jPMEeP0BklHRzLfcElHkhNgSPmfXWKIBPtj6wKSfK063kHEEYcTTW7M8G510TVUR0aGAZ0ej0mCu25QcqE2HQqrPlZ28X52_DEY_iMk0uZgg7xIkAwTw4pa4DKP/w400-h309/Image3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Oh, there they are (below).... <br /><br />Six large regiments of infantry (in two brigades; each regiment being half as big again as one of mine) deployed in two lines on my side of the river between the Palace and the Royal Tombs. Also visible are two large bodies of cavalry (each roughly numbering my whole cavalry strength), on the other side of the river: one on a low ridge above the bridge, the other the other side of a nullah within attack distance of the ford. However, these are just the enemy I CAN see......</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP4m_sSAaLDxHGhWiSBFLahpM_-3eMcg5HORfyvcr9MBkFesHu_9ANyBEKgzRLU4Tkr5zyiLyOlE3qcPrjHlcWBTM708Alzbs_ylKz-wACseeAp2sAQn4SUiyjpaexjiDP4AQa9B20dz9NwipIPOYJy_-e09SoVqkXzVvqQfqgbU2Y0ISj2l4Y2A8/s2065/Image4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2065" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP4m_sSAaLDxHGhWiSBFLahpM_-3eMcg5HORfyvcr9MBkFesHu_9ANyBEKgzRLU4Tkr5zyiLyOlE3qcPrjHlcWBTM708Alzbs_ylKz-wACseeAp2sAQn4SUiyjpaexjiDP4AQa9B20dz9NwipIPOYJy_-e09SoVqkXzVvqQfqgbU2Y0ISj2l4Y2A8/w499-h217/Image4.jpg" width="499" /></a></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I dice to see who has the Initiative and I get it.<br /><br />I move two regiments (one European, one Sepoy) on my right wing towards the mill, so as to attempt to control the ford. Under normal "Crossfire" rules there would normally be no measuring, but I throw a red die (to see how far beyond normal move my guys have to test other than for PAPS) and get a One.<br /><br />The PAPS they would pass en route (the scrub by the river and the walled enclosures under the hill) prove "safe", however, at move end, approaching the Mill, we test again and get a 6; we must make a card draw for possible enemy action/reactive fire. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZIydY4qBlSWi5D88-bK7NOHZcS7OLQuoC327Hez8LXWaxeNaiP-FvcHNDDExEZpI322dAyMkgNPhf4WWzR0ci7zkihYCBk7Nnzichz5JS_haJUkXxEPdV-_phplHwn5lTgnPiWegmbH2dGPLntPPLpN2_auLEGPG4K6lgEoJUz_F3wzTuy_NvKHk/s1660/Image5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1660" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZIydY4qBlSWi5D88-bK7NOHZcS7OLQuoC327Hez8LXWaxeNaiP-FvcHNDDExEZpI322dAyMkgNPhf4WWzR0ci7zkihYCBk7Nnzichz5JS_haJUkXxEPdV-_phplHwn5lTgnPiWegmbH2dGPLntPPLpN2_auLEGPG4K6lgEoJUz_F3wzTuy_NvKHk/w400-h216/Image5.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />This proves to be a false alarm (red numbered card). We throw to move again as we still have the Initiative. We can move nine inches (red dice) but must test at move end for enemy action (card draw again).</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeJqh-cYsAobAqFwyjiZg73vIHio1ih2fl_a5Pcd85U43T7U-p2lQ6rApk6NKBr0Hpoe6TAZjwiH8rhEgDNdxRriQuhxB-54evNMOXuhPNHE2SleVwdbD2cQjEacnx7ztP1wZd-9pC3GNIhjmJnab5Dmu6JFTanAz4j7bHlYVixqlavQ_yVp-IhKf/s1297/Image7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1297" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeJqh-cYsAobAqFwyjiZg73vIHio1ih2fl_a5Pcd85U43T7U-p2lQ6rApk6NKBr0Hpoe6TAZjwiH8rhEgDNdxRriQuhxB-54evNMOXuhPNHE2SleVwdbD2cQjEacnx7ztP1wZd-9pC3GNIhjmJnab5Dmu6JFTanAz4j7bHlYVixqlavQ_yVp-IhKf/w400-h278/Image7.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />My chaps complete their move, blithely approaching the mill.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1EjfypSGu3tlQme9xIte6SC_5_YoWL0rJ0n9rxtCnjOQXe13Ymj_0SvQLv7yFtz6s-YJSSiZ2_fyL9-RVKiuDAAmkkKy8qtbmstWt37nGZ8Su3li6yFRPs9YhuauBAycJEpb5aODgxbLIDrEiBFwPzLWSy-bzCMCVARkkc3p_3DH4bMizhRUm1Z1/s1280/Image8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1280" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1EjfypSGu3tlQme9xIte6SC_5_YoWL0rJ0n9rxtCnjOQXe13Ymj_0SvQLv7yFtz6s-YJSSiZ2_fyL9-RVKiuDAAmkkKy8qtbmstWt37nGZ8Su3li6yFRPs9YhuauBAycJEpb5aODgxbLIDrEiBFwPzLWSy-bzCMCVARkkc3p_3DH4bMizhRUm1Z1/w400-h281/Image8.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Then I draw the card - at the same time dice testing for the flanking PAPs.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWiJysWOZb77S-_ytLM68Pp4yZQYYB_tbib-EWus5beGqveeNbU_3nA9S3ce2Agu1XRbTNS8CiFlBv-OuC74EHrCHje3GE7JmH3ecaXha4DLdn67UdJcQAaD-tY_VdDp-oZajuwzn8L_cKcmxePhTJFKTL9vEFKZHMWN3o6xjbiziiswOPmg6qtbX/s1308/Image9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1308" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWiJysWOZb77S-_ytLM68Pp4yZQYYB_tbib-EWus5beGqveeNbU_3nA9S3ce2Agu1XRbTNS8CiFlBv-OuC74EHrCHje3GE7JmH3ecaXha4DLdn67UdJcQAaD-tY_VdDp-oZajuwzn8L_cKcmxePhTJFKTL9vEFKZHMWN3o6xjbiziiswOPmg6qtbX/w400-h275/Image9.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Nine of Spades... This produces nine stands of enemy opening Reactive Fire at close range from the mill. Bad result for me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3K97qJqb1KWHbjo0TGz9xoRbU7Z7joStHbV4V1hJTJzxtGnoVq1ssKxPXw8HfW9tE9hxEmMVqht6p8hSA-cWvFjBZ5nQlDpPDCL6m0byoVBeela6yuVoM_bcS0IjFkuiy3rUGPwQ0R5_EKCD-2lzeCsb8siz81dslvonXnrYZ0l7xYHaMQsooNLv/s1139/Image10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1139" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3K97qJqb1KWHbjo0TGz9xoRbU7Z7joStHbV4V1hJTJzxtGnoVq1ssKxPXw8HfW9tE9hxEmMVqht6p8hSA-cWvFjBZ5nQlDpPDCL6m0byoVBeela6yuVoM_bcS0IjFkuiy3rUGPwQ0R5_EKCD-2lzeCsb8siz81dslvonXnrYZ0l7xYHaMQsooNLv/s320/Image10.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPd34JZjWNSAaqMbyocGhN69Mex2MVT9yDZ21ygG3-uGi6E-qDE40AuVa8Lt_R5xd32rbD2IzXxdvloJfOWprRJ4mGRMeJKCKWD6pgAFBy8sDW8PIKgM8nJYtD7fnWetaD0VYrq3Om7Va8-Jf5EjzPwaarEIta6YfXgG14tQ3SX3byAwNl1PD_MLYK/s1043/Image11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1043" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPd34JZjWNSAaqMbyocGhN69Mex2MVT9yDZ21ygG3-uGi6E-qDE40AuVa8Lt_R5xd32rbD2IzXxdvloJfOWprRJ4mGRMeJKCKWD6pgAFBy8sDW8PIKgM8nJYtD7fnWetaD0VYrq3Om7Va8-Jf5EjzPwaarEIta6YfXgG14tQ3SX3byAwNl1PD_MLYK/s320/Image11.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />My guys get nastily hit, their brigadier is killed, they are staggered - and the enemy gains the Initiative. Their two brigades facing my guys test - and will advance.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsOhUMnS77-KeLqKKNlsXiVk1nkNW6Y7PNQ2Fj6skRUFyInF-p96XcyKt7sadMiMS2srvRHqwu9xNhWOxHqMYofApzsXQdj84NglA-YsP8U4PRivT6CAn8SL-Cnc0NeOrlGqLs-Xe6vGrb0M41zN9TenpJQ7YFrd5W34Da1Vk_iMsIZNteCR3W7PV/s1848/Image12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1848" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsOhUMnS77-KeLqKKNlsXiVk1nkNW6Y7PNQ2Fj6skRUFyInF-p96XcyKt7sadMiMS2srvRHqwu9xNhWOxHqMYofApzsXQdj84NglA-YsP8U4PRivT6CAn8SL-Cnc0NeOrlGqLs-Xe6vGrb0M41zN9TenpJQ7YFrd5W34Da1Vk_iMsIZNteCR3W7PV/w400-h195/Image12.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />As the enemy start moving my artillery are permitted Reactive Fire, but I have to decide when to shoot - at long range - and keep them at a distance while reducing hits, and my chance to take the Initiative, or wait till they get closer - maybe even up to close range....<br /><br />I decide to open up at medium range and my gunners shoot at the enemy. <br /><br />Great result. Two enemy units are staggered by my guns. as a result. I regain the Initiative<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXsXDJvs2TD2mQHLRN3PRuWNfciPaTsLhZMxSd3zM6MvEvS4voCPftYVsQGVwST0g8JLMzo8HgIewB8Mss4vhdCEPX9awJHiH_RjKv4eoSRMbZ6zOaD_qRt1U6AqqhcQuOqM6TTsFIdcgxiCz_TJN6sLxOBGE7bTRrRiv4i_NasRmf7TTTw7_0yT0/s1848/Image13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1848" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXsXDJvs2TD2mQHLRN3PRuWNfciPaTsLhZMxSd3zM6MvEvS4voCPftYVsQGVwST0g8JLMzo8HgIewB8Mss4vhdCEPX9awJHiH_RjKv4eoSRMbZ6zOaD_qRt1U6AqqhcQuOqM6TTsFIdcgxiCz_TJN6sLxOBGE7bTRrRiv4i_NasRmf7TTTw7_0yT0/w400-h217/Image13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFBUYDBV2H_nWNzb-yYpiqfWA4htskhJG0pcDXmhmAKZVr5Ov0JRfymqpKg_WGSCOs0WXFGD0bAqjXZRv0odIIzXcC3KRIHRj9JB9sTon_fLIR1OIAiTjba5RJ9aWnWOG1qnP4l7XiSdcXLeC7CYf2aXf_4HQcswRd4_Ha82sp8g25ADUIEbP39g6/s1237/Image14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1237" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFBUYDBV2H_nWNzb-yYpiqfWA4htskhJG0pcDXmhmAKZVr5Ov0JRfymqpKg_WGSCOs0WXFGD0bAqjXZRv0odIIzXcC3KRIHRj9JB9sTon_fLIR1OIAiTjba5RJ9aWnWOG1qnP4l7XiSdcXLeC7CYf2aXf_4HQcswRd4_Ha82sp8g25ADUIEbP39g6/w400-h291/Image14.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My right flank units come under reactive fire (they don't need that), make a decision test (dice) and elect to fall back. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRI7_Wd6ODgOL8rFyUSr_vwz5GzCw2KNTPeWdqeV-YumGmNWkqtvyfal8SN_3m0fub6BKr88UHP761AHkvEI2J7Dylhu1JLxgY_8_W8dIJ7VeZqJ-QattiE_7PAoJW8ky00fUm0v0-A7c6MJIi36qjljDLQd-X41fJhLZOY_hkfhYsu1qydZ2BRr4n/s2031/Image15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2031" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRI7_Wd6ODgOL8rFyUSr_vwz5GzCw2KNTPeWdqeV-YumGmNWkqtvyfal8SN_3m0fub6BKr88UHP761AHkvEI2J7Dylhu1JLxgY_8_W8dIJ7VeZqJ-QattiE_7PAoJW8ky00fUm0v0-A7c6MJIi36qjljDLQd-X41fJhLZOY_hkfhYsu1qydZ2BRr4n/w400-h178/Image15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Meanwhile, my left wing advances, triggering a hidden Enemy Test at "move end".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYZ9IBos9G_XaP_Mqv_RXF9mRdTmu9QvnNZwO01wEs3LWDCHm5OiWPeShmLB9wXs3OkYoIuL2l275f6JJx5fvtw234hVlCwSpt-B6E5E6jB0WwXwbQ3JQWxA_a451_mRpBzdDwO5p1Xy4fyuPSEVg7NJQ9Ej0L8NU0T8Ms9yyH4_l4Ds-FRV_PA0q/s1200/Image16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYZ9IBos9G_XaP_Mqv_RXF9mRdTmu9QvnNZwO01wEs3LWDCHm5OiWPeShmLB9wXs3OkYoIuL2l275f6JJx5fvtw234hVlCwSpt-B6E5E6jB0WwXwbQ3JQWxA_a451_mRpBzdDwO5p1Xy4fyuPSEVg7NJQ9Ej0L8NU0T8Ms9yyH4_l4Ds-FRV_PA0q/s320/Image16.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />A six - I must make a card draw.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKNiY502pkHYros9CmULURzDCwPJ9oMlD-RJ6oLUJnP7FDFYxC_Q4U_XtknEfCvh5PFrq4nl2-crzC7thD1AvNb34MHkwC7jK_xcjZ6SAGW_aDykQIOUWhmUtaV5VttTZ5n0GMbmU8kTXjIHdR9iYV3kbK7A8eDIcXZB-YMZoddzEaD6X_1K8cJiJ/s1176/Image17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1176" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKNiY502pkHYros9CmULURzDCwPJ9oMlD-RJ6oLUJnP7FDFYxC_Q4U_XtknEfCvh5PFrq4nl2-crzC7thD1AvNb34MHkwC7jK_xcjZ6SAGW_aDykQIOUWhmUtaV5VttTZ5n0GMbmU8kTXjIHdR9iYV3kbK7A8eDIcXZB-YMZoddzEaD6X_1K8cJiJ/s320/Image17.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Oh dear... Joker - a enemy mass attack by previously unseen assailants. I throw a dice to see how many dice worth of Stands of three I face. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NjDbEDWQSm_wi-2ni5sfhp96-h5bj3BWFMvPE9qCY_fwxXwv_c-ZY7L8374gqDAEVpR2DSRkNpLc2TaeeL-fdak-8Ldx0XYZaAuvI86JCKjxlJB6TuCfQ2kv1ZhzC8Qp8X3qzV8MGBGF5k5y8eur0yT2hLCghBuEVwNwhls_lZL0XQqwYs0iXt0E/s1371/Image18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1371" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NjDbEDWQSm_wi-2ni5sfhp96-h5bj3BWFMvPE9qCY_fwxXwv_c-ZY7L8374gqDAEVpR2DSRkNpLc2TaeeL-fdak-8Ldx0XYZaAuvI86JCKjxlJB6TuCfQ2kv1ZhzC8Qp8X3qzV8MGBGF5k5y8eur0yT2hLCghBuEVwNwhls_lZL0XQqwYs0iXt0E/s320/Image18.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Five - so five dice loads. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVPXbMAFF4NG91GtuXhNFDjvTchmOha75rl3RCejKCGfCif0cQpuHNYqe9_DCl4QsBtmV6xIFH6gJtq3ja3ePZVivyZzji-_uUzALmqluRp5_WMxOnHp0P00mQGhTgVbZZe4KFuxUl6SEBX0qLR2rEsGhBmR9TvWhF_qRo0MMsxiMhcIL2xcHH3iA/s1254/Image19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1254" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVPXbMAFF4NG91GtuXhNFDjvTchmOha75rl3RCejKCGfCif0cQpuHNYqe9_DCl4QsBtmV6xIFH6gJtq3ja3ePZVivyZzji-_uUzALmqluRp5_WMxOnHp0P00mQGhTgVbZZe4KFuxUl6SEBX0qLR2rEsGhBmR9TvWhF_qRo0MMsxiMhcIL2xcHH3iA/s320/Image19.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />I score eleven on the five dice - not too bad. But eleven stand of three enemy per stand. Now to discover where they are coming from. I throw three dice - one pip = one inch maximum distance - and get fourteen.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5YLPONSraEODdbl7JH9cnX-2cpVUS-oNVYRn5dMcuRA_acXBU8vYZ8B12p_ncPbJ3WuxsbEkjOXvU-BSfff1D3YdaGgS4GviEiWOApqJBODIaxJ6yRrtFiGBkArXoCOtV4rRYpapb3A4gryAXdO8m1ReR_xZyIksKHsv2VvNHbgEAlFcbRKLhYyG/s1003/Image20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1003" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5YLPONSraEODdbl7JH9cnX-2cpVUS-oNVYRn5dMcuRA_acXBU8vYZ8B12p_ncPbJ3WuxsbEkjOXvU-BSfff1D3YdaGgS4GviEiWOApqJBODIaxJ6yRrtFiGBkArXoCOtV4rRYpapb3A4gryAXdO8m1ReR_xZyIksKHsv2VvNHbgEAlFcbRKLhYyG/s320/Image20.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />An enemy cavalry charge of eleven stands launches from the graveyard towards my Left.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsFJty0St0rEChk-B7KbB_GbykfHUhXw7dbGpRirRxNNQxJADkGweTdM2uyuj9tr_uc3FE97vTgTgbJO6sStU4IJhWR92nV7zgOCBfkkvdB4e4-QDuO4wMlRicJ9AiNvv-ZgSYLWy2MXB_rBp2HYaoZyTN65z-Xoh_57dhGUGi8UDD04JFTir22qz/s1518/Image21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1518" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsFJty0St0rEChk-B7KbB_GbykfHUhXw7dbGpRirRxNNQxJADkGweTdM2uyuj9tr_uc3FE97vTgTgbJO6sStU4IJhWR92nV7zgOCBfkkvdB4e4-QDuO4wMlRicJ9AiNvv-ZgSYLWy2MXB_rBp2HYaoZyTN65z-Xoh_57dhGUGi8UDD04JFTir22qz/w400-h158/Image21.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />As they charge my guys shoot reactively at close range, and the enemy are staggered. Excellent.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh8aLn4XidF7Pj46zeKbCiXsJXcqQGNTWt_KzVoaoqCJfGzRFI6tNK0o5BC-v2aSU9amyQfkC5Mxbn9h9QcYeebfekdw0PTNJE-lWKw93wPzrOeP73ooM_G8ZuvmKu0fuJXxU5Kn1wCtD_jcssHnHoIfid5A42rQ1w0FGC0AvYqeG3gYcVdCa2Lwz/s1454/Image22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1454" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh8aLn4XidF7Pj46zeKbCiXsJXcqQGNTWt_KzVoaoqCJfGzRFI6tNK0o5BC-v2aSU9amyQfkC5Mxbn9h9QcYeebfekdw0PTNJE-lWKw93wPzrOeP73ooM_G8ZuvmKu0fuJXxU5Kn1wCtD_jcssHnHoIfid5A42rQ1w0FGC0AvYqeG3gYcVdCa2Lwz/w400-h248/Image22.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7OSSb16vF3Bv2BwaLGSvTuxeegSBdGpEaZcPLxZZLENImIEctkGjkXxnMYIXK8w79ltzvEQoQdr99NmgpTfMD9jjbVIP8nSSbBBlKaDfF1O7PcDKTTT5yWt9t_SuMG2ThbWZbZftrZHERwovinuinxX1RHZG53lypix8ZBTZrmnCCbZE36aqJsO6/s1539/Image23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1539" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7OSSb16vF3Bv2BwaLGSvTuxeegSBdGpEaZcPLxZZLENImIEctkGjkXxnMYIXK8w79ltzvEQoQdr99NmgpTfMD9jjbVIP8nSSbBBlKaDfF1O7PcDKTTT5yWt9t_SuMG2ThbWZbZftrZHERwovinuinxX1RHZG53lypix8ZBTZrmnCCbZE36aqJsO6/w400-h234/Image23.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over on the Right my general trots down the hill to try to stabilize things. He rallies my leading regiment, but his actions prompt reactive fire from the mill, and although more Shock is received it is not enough to allow the enemy to seize the Initiative.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjoANNwswy62hyAjTMgJxFXCSRRMb0LK0jf-q-d0Vsg0cDImk7y92d63Pqc67W4gbgUzSX5bdIC1lBZLbvCPrzQ6J1YqLxz0s9dtWJzVkkmigHfgH2ul7DY0FOgGcQZseeifLj5_HO4aO2gtdbM0BCwc7FSbqNFes_9XqS27kK5K1i7blu6ueCXC4/s1351/Image28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1351" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjoANNwswy62hyAjTMgJxFXCSRRMb0LK0jf-q-d0Vsg0cDImk7y92d63Pqc67W4gbgUzSX5bdIC1lBZLbvCPrzQ6J1YqLxz0s9dtWJzVkkmigHfgH2ul7DY0FOgGcQZseeifLj5_HO4aO2gtdbM0BCwc7FSbqNFes_9XqS27kK5K1i7blu6ueCXC4/w294-h195/Image28.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QdrZB4yVIrQHevlhCDg5lejfmoWx6uWINtgCqDuC4XZFMSi5xW9eCQErZEHFk6t8UkIuqyNnX9UDssdfOtGvAIwOxhs7ZoSMoMfMUPEuy1Jwm7pcc5cm6rDxVr-uVhAv42IxHzmyMO4jVJyhesAzf4U0V-tb9PGKVaHRGqjCVxGre6cMDgFFCgLV/s2908/Image30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="2908" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QdrZB4yVIrQHevlhCDg5lejfmoWx6uWINtgCqDuC4XZFMSi5xW9eCQErZEHFk6t8UkIuqyNnX9UDssdfOtGvAIwOxhs7ZoSMoMfMUPEuy1Jwm7pcc5cm6rDxVr-uVhAv42IxHzmyMO4jVJyhesAzf4U0V-tb9PGKVaHRGqjCVxGre6cMDgFFCgLV/w400-h201/Image30.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Over on the left the enemy cavalry pull back, and as I still have the Initiative I advance my left wing. I am also able to launch my nearest cavalry at the discomforted enemy horse.. <br /><br />My donkey wallopers take serious casualties in the resulting melee, but the larger body of enemy is routed. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_moI5YQFz9xsMGNmn6lUCFe8myqMx5uKDbV0itzDYJqaqBgoSEckGWz8MDcihB9WSSbVUPbP_l0D3bkibNAwtxd4xCpeBNKPbTOShEJt7McO-4m0tBIeCpbD2EMdAxfWx4qjQrJ_8_mT5DtmiPDJNh7O7DSUQmlb_XvnCbYfbJSWda1BoBs8kYO0I/s900/Image32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="866" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_moI5YQFz9xsMGNmn6lUCFe8myqMx5uKDbV0itzDYJqaqBgoSEckGWz8MDcihB9WSSbVUPbP_l0D3bkibNAwtxd4xCpeBNKPbTOShEJt7McO-4m0tBIeCpbD2EMdAxfWx4qjQrJ_8_mT5DtmiPDJNh7O7DSUQmlb_XvnCbYfbJSWda1BoBs8kYO0I/w312-h324/Image32.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2rU5nJ4JO_QnXP0AjTYE5-E_T1Q7taqJxqh9JymZ3f-AjZ0rJEALGvx1o-vkozw-MKY8qPckU3uBTczCQ0UQ397-rNq5mfEQo6e1slc76CN1x8YibF6tCn0D4WcqkLrnZEmlBPpYgYhcx6oQzWj7g3kvbee0NafeFZXpBopbCerxURZuNl9QvCgc/s900/Image31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="785" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2rU5nJ4JO_QnXP0AjTYE5-E_T1Q7taqJxqh9JymZ3f-AjZ0rJEALGvx1o-vkozw-MKY8qPckU3uBTczCQ0UQ397-rNq5mfEQo6e1slc76CN1x8YibF6tCn0D4WcqkLrnZEmlBPpYgYhcx6oQzWj7g3kvbee0NafeFZXpBopbCerxURZuNl9QvCgc/w276-h318/Image31.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCBDWxurGsbO_XcH_5W8tJGYtAp934JFrQleGDGyWheK3OfNgMR3Aq5vLtl-bvSsV2HxD1mlZpMiamEeAyLCZ1DTeaiQKI1wcpGrzOyhwi90mX-DmBKKz259W1b9A-39SsMVlniutux6GSyoyG-gEAnB_emM57xGqVFqjCgeCjSpD5D0S1c8EjVAv/s1465/Image34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1465" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCBDWxurGsbO_XcH_5W8tJGYtAp934JFrQleGDGyWheK3OfNgMR3Aq5vLtl-bvSsV2HxD1mlZpMiamEeAyLCZ1DTeaiQKI1wcpGrzOyhwi90mX-DmBKKz259W1b9A-39SsMVlniutux6GSyoyG-gEAnB_emM57xGqVFqjCgeCjSpD5D0S1c8EjVAv/s320/Image34.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />The enemy perform long range reactive fire at my moves on the left, but to no effect. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-CS9fyRkMgVWLipwYIpLCTAec6cHOm87h0R7nkC94msuL1CWJm60xz-LwIUC3up20Pm5HlvIUaOtw3jvD0fgJwab5m5oWxv1xZQNtoLIWMeohFuGljjRMqHREAABhw21ZjWX6AJsA8cADbtNW1xCamuXowK2pGriNXJB4PYR_8D1RUUN-UifX98A/s1400/Image33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1400" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-CS9fyRkMgVWLipwYIpLCTAec6cHOm87h0R7nkC94msuL1CWJm60xz-LwIUC3up20Pm5HlvIUaOtw3jvD0fgJwab5m5oWxv1xZQNtoLIWMeohFuGljjRMqHREAABhw21ZjWX6AJsA8cADbtNW1xCamuXowK2pGriNXJB4PYR_8D1RUUN-UifX98A/s320/Image33.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />I still have Initiative, so move back to my Right. My European regiment opens fire at the enemy at the mill and their Sepoy supports charge home; intent on taking this troublesome building.This action produces reactive fire from the mill.... <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjkdZO83S8QeOknW_bQoH0HZ-c6b8ZK_jKxpnKGY5WGMB4VpmyT0aSZ9c6oU2903cfIxVHuNGL5NNaUmT-2XQk-jfggwtFch_xX1DwjTlCHb9SL9io6QdWRrvxAYIJv0dZTm-yiHLMyWKLanwy4RmEy7Ex1SHvDprkG-VZBFrIi36kuu3FJLuJ2Py/s1574/Image35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1574" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjkdZO83S8QeOknW_bQoH0HZ-c6b8ZK_jKxpnKGY5WGMB4VpmyT0aSZ9c6oU2903cfIxVHuNGL5NNaUmT-2XQk-jfggwtFch_xX1DwjTlCHb9SL9io6QdWRrvxAYIJv0dZTm-yiHLMyWKLanwy4RmEy7Ex1SHvDprkG-VZBFrIi36kuu3FJLuJ2Py/s320/Image35.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />......and THEIR supports. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNW6oB-uLSCLCTytBafprFBqtls0kDzIvN-LQcGMEDUyUhZLgGKAxxywUikSMfvyRvtJwxPP5rCsapafQuKvPEAg47Cf-uQxKJc-qgIfYzZmB2Qf4gMANj3WGAruGbho5SRA40Cd_MQtbjIrUDCcMe5synBKBkjeSywECrGa_cqEdGue2UVcTVJio/s1485/Image36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1485" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNW6oB-uLSCLCTytBafprFBqtls0kDzIvN-LQcGMEDUyUhZLgGKAxxywUikSMfvyRvtJwxPP5rCsapafQuKvPEAg47Cf-uQxKJc-qgIfYzZmB2Qf4gMANj3WGAruGbho5SRA40Cd_MQtbjIrUDCcMe5synBKBkjeSywECrGa_cqEdGue2UVcTVJio/s320/Image36.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />My Sepoys manage to charge home, but are thrown back, staggered - and I lose the Initiative.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEdqcTXw-V9sfrDj7uX-mBoiC1XayywVeK8Kn25ehVjePTKm8o5mwlRRuh1MNJEqtqw571UcSncA8I-QdCVrmOaXsQIzElhN5S2_f17HIrOy69Gcz5me4wf5BEfhGU2QkR4SaXQsLow49URgQYN6vaBf7Oariwtb3ytLe31FDm0GBXjUozwZR5My6/s1280/Image37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEdqcTXw-V9sfrDj7uX-mBoiC1XayywVeK8Kn25ehVjePTKm8o5mwlRRuh1MNJEqtqw571UcSncA8I-QdCVrmOaXsQIzElhN5S2_f17HIrOy69Gcz5me4wf5BEfhGU2QkR4SaXQsLow49URgQYN6vaBf7Oariwtb3ytLe31FDm0GBXjUozwZR5My6/s320/Image37.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />The enemy now have the Initiative, on my Right they continue to shoot at my troops, and stagger my troops. They advance a regiment to the base of the central hill, then attempt to rally other units in the centre, but are only partially successful - so lose the Initiative again. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ybUpbGnlCPjFA4LQ0ud93UYx6tVLmyFviEU2Gd3slGbKZVBWjxDRMzm_0FFjr9hfazRrhs4XGJWomL9D1X3GcssGTlsjIArTDfgCP87Y8Noecejw0SBWddmtAWNlhczO_qdw5rusvSC_jCoP8AROzZWnCi8KFG5jR_mDITjzclVCPmNjg4KXLOGj/s2190/Image38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="2190" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ybUpbGnlCPjFA4LQ0ud93UYx6tVLmyFviEU2Gd3slGbKZVBWjxDRMzm_0FFjr9hfazRrhs4XGJWomL9D1X3GcssGTlsjIArTDfgCP87Y8Noecejw0SBWddmtAWNlhczO_qdw5rusvSC_jCoP8AROzZWnCi8KFG5jR_mDITjzclVCPmNjg4KXLOGj/w515-h236/Image38.jpg" width="515" /></a><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over on my Right my men simply take in cover behind some walls - prompting some ineffective reactive shooting from the enemy. I decide not to risk losing the Initiative by a failed rally attempt, so look elsewhere..</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7dZz4LJ5sOvIEnmAaIPUg2TKFVsYoHmASQnJmNWf2IrxUSr9mMu-TL9kaFSk6cEAvwpKT9xMybXd95dO_lPWH6ILbiUg0hdHKGhClMkMZTIQV3GJSurGAGT1D_z-yzaaL9UHKs3bn3sXiAx31tfLPW4KjLDrVAMXbwzlYpqz7EuUro0JpXSNepOr/s1717/Image39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1717" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7dZz4LJ5sOvIEnmAaIPUg2TKFVsYoHmASQnJmNWf2IrxUSr9mMu-TL9kaFSk6cEAvwpKT9xMybXd95dO_lPWH6ILbiUg0hdHKGhClMkMZTIQV3GJSurGAGT1D_z-yzaaL9UHKs3bn3sXiAx31tfLPW4KjLDrVAMXbwzlYpqz7EuUro0JpXSNepOr/s320/Image39.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">I focus on my Left, advancing and opening fire on the enemy's already Shocked infantry.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyRa77vkKjJeuuFXeY_i2dPUbxGm-CCiiBvTMfKBblImY3V7ScK1P2oQvSDprq1BotBAJIEUcmphvFNoWsfYtZJ8wsSgdpRBwNqDVKQDqASNzHkGq2Ebno1zXopf_bZxUdU51IijRNfLVp5t5HkHQBUwcwT7rSEgWNdcaiR3MYsXiiSPLhhZQ-FJ4/s1856/Image40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1856" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyRa77vkKjJeuuFXeY_i2dPUbxGm-CCiiBvTMfKBblImY3V7ScK1P2oQvSDprq1BotBAJIEUcmphvFNoWsfYtZJ8wsSgdpRBwNqDVKQDqASNzHkGq2Ebno1zXopf_bZxUdU51IijRNfLVp5t5HkHQBUwcwT7rSEgWNdcaiR3MYsXiiSPLhhZQ-FJ4/w400-h194/Image40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They respond, but causing only slight Shock, and one of my regiments charges home, as I move my cavalry up to support and threaten the enemy flank.<br /><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguctZ4AZKv-VxisWvtx3C52YQJL14M1VvX532p6m54rlIKWxVBwkIrESt_i3Q2ZCC1kMhZX0VncOGgY1MSmNITRzwPQ6_KuTy4Yh3PjCH-yc0EO_NWbkN0HPKxNMqQfCHg52WueVvRSN_fHhq8af3kLsgzBWtDw1_Il-akWR5z0IiPYBfLlREN92tW/s1856/Image41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1856" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguctZ4AZKv-VxisWvtx3C52YQJL14M1VvX532p6m54rlIKWxVBwkIrESt_i3Q2ZCC1kMhZX0VncOGgY1MSmNITRzwPQ6_KuTy4Yh3PjCH-yc0EO_NWbkN0HPKxNMqQfCHg52WueVvRSN_fHhq8af3kLsgzBWtDw1_Il-akWR5z0IiPYBfLlREN92tW/w400-h241/Image41.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The enemy Right is discomforted and withdraws. <br /><br />With most of the enemy army shaken or pulling back, and only the men near the mill seeming determined to contest the field (and a</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">s this was a one-off, experimental fight, rather than part of a campaign) I decide that will do. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have tried the method as much as I feel necessary with this fight - and anyway have to clear the decks for visitors.... </span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Thoughts and Conclusions:</b><br /><br />I felt that the procedures had definite merits. Certainly the Hidden enemy element worked fine with the "Crossfire" concepts - and would work equally well if applied to the kind of fight the rules are actually intended for. Next time I go down the WW2 skirmish route I will give certainly give Crossfire a solo outing.<br /><br />I liked the fact that, as with the skirmishes for which the rules were designed, the Initiative aspect meant I spent a lot of thought in considering where and what actions I should carry out; balancing my wishes and needs with the fear of losing the initiative. <br /><br />As the game had to be played in spurts (due to other commitments) I did get a little lost at times - so some kind of marker system indicating who had the Initiative at any one time would have been be useful to me. <br /><br />When the Initiative lay with the enemy things were a bit scary - not a bad thing at ALL - as at any time a mass attack could come in, with me having to decide at what point to risk using my reactive fire (long, effective or close range). Luckily for me the AI had some dreadful failures in attempting to rally his Centre and Right. <br /><br />I'm not sure that the system doesn't make certain moves over-powerful (big, sweeping attacks), on the other hand that may be more realistic than the chess-like conventions of most wargames, where you have time to think and ponder (SO unlike the real world)<br /><br />I will have to think a bit about the Reactive Fire and Morale aspects a bit, but feel that it will be worthwhile thinking and tweaking the concepts. The game was fun - and certainly MUCH quicker to play than my usual "Activation Draw" way.<br /><br />So, there are. A worthwhile exercise..</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFhxiXMX9F9y8AiX3Yo-KO9AWYTLZrzMX_R8yKcN5C08388alCxSXa620MWkJnY9Orjnkyo8KhuaL-LtHidx7mDYKG3mgn6O8Da149omicPeAzMWtlqMp5K5B7Icw3N_SNJZ7z_cbzKwGPN5FuXmzSAJIrEuqXtVKgf_t-JLuhLVqOH78yrphrk3u/s3244/Image24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="3244" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFhxiXMX9F9y8AiX3Yo-KO9AWYTLZrzMX_R8yKcN5C08388alCxSXa620MWkJnY9Orjnkyo8KhuaL-LtHidx7mDYKG3mgn6O8Da149omicPeAzMWtlqMp5K5B7Icw3N_SNJZ7z_cbzKwGPN5FuXmzSAJIrEuqXtVKgf_t-JLuhLVqOH78yrphrk3u/w571-h177/Image24.jpg" width="571" /></a><br /><br /><b>Round-up</b>.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I have started the new year with some reading, researching and musing over 6mm gaming/Solo campaign priorities for 2023... </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Should it be the "This Ain't The 45" project (which I feel needs more Jacobites. The Irregular Miniatures ones are lovely, but ideally want mixing with the H&R ECW Highlanders, which are sweet and compatible, but which have not been re-issued yet) or the "This ain't Turkestan" one (which needs more folk painting up/converting)...? Hmmm....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Re. the former: an hour or two spent looking at lovely, lovely maps (links) may have swung the balance....<br /><br /><a href="https://maps.nls.uk/military/scotland_text.html#roads">https://maps.nls.uk/military/scotland_text.html#roads</a></span></p><p><a href="https://militarymaps.rct.uk/other-18th19th-century-conflicts/jacobite-rebellion-1745-46"><span style="font-family: verdana;">https://militarymaps.rct.uk/other-18th19th-century-conflicts/jacobite-rebellion-1745-46</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">We history lovers (& gamers) are SO lucky regarding the resources at our fingertips these days.<br /><br />There will likely be a hiatus here on the old Blog - as we may well be moving house in the next few weeks and my playroom activities are likely to be mothballed as we tidy, titivate and throw all hands to the pumps and attempt to generally make the place look ship-shape for selling..</span>. <br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Meanwhile, as always, comments, snipes and thoughts welcome...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-2648610982088446302022-12-18T23:00:00.010+00:002022-12-20T13:54:53.375+00:00A "Crossfire" Experiment...<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Initial Thoughts for a </b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Crossfire Principles Solo Experiment</b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div><b>Basics:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The principles follow those of the WW2 "Crossfire" rule set in that having "The Initiative" allows an Active Player to fire, spot enemy or move units/formations as many times or as far as he desires in a single move, until an attempted action fails or until action is interrupted by successful enemy reaction/action. There are thus, generally, no measured movements. </div><div><br /></div><div>The "Crossfire" rules are, however, intended for small unit WW2 skirmishes where distances are short and real-life weapon ranges, even when scaled to a ground scale, generally exceed the table dimensions. On large scale battles (e.g. in 6mm) and periods where missile weapons have limited ranges within the scale being used this will not the the case and there will therefore be a need for range distances to be applied to firing (as per the conventions of the rules being used). </div><div><br /></div><div>In some circumstances measuring movements ("Have they moved into range?") may also need to be occasionally measured. </div><div><br /></div><div>Certain periods/conflicts, by their general nature (usually dictated by the scale of operations and command and control issues) involve large areas of open land. Given that "Crossfire" is designed for small (company level) scale actions in close-terrain situations we may find that the rule conventions simply do not work well for the actions I have in mind. However, that is, largely, the point of the experiment. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOdftRUV-mbY6e8KdeYo_Sob4OMZFwPFLfKkce20eR94ymRR-jQI_KCox9HwllAyJ_GO_d2JSE1MMWajWs5RLC9hHWMve5ohMKTbLQN5WBFWtmR-VD3OzkhrDkAcGJpMj23fEiN1LNBuWfsLOCFar56szpDTQhdJ9Z1oPNqzDnXl6A0IniSZFoLBz/s1976/scurry.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="1976" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOdftRUV-mbY6e8KdeYo_Sob4OMZFwPFLfKkce20eR94ymRR-jQI_KCox9HwllAyJ_GO_d2JSE1MMWajWs5RLC9hHWMve5ohMKTbLQN5WBFWtmR-VD3OzkhrDkAcGJpMj23fEiN1LNBuWfsLOCFar56szpDTQhdJ9Z1oPNqzDnXl6A0IniSZFoLBz/w400-h266/scurry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>1) Hidden Enemy (moving/spotting):</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>Clearly, since I will be the "Human Player" I have to make a decision on how the AI will deploy and "act" in advance of playing. I considered using "Blinds" placed on the table, as used in some of my early games and as seen in some videos of certain online games of Crossfire where an attacker is approaching an unknown/unscouted defensive position. While these (a mix of "real" and "fake" Blinds) work perfectly well I have occasionally found them to be an unnecessary (if often visually pleasing) complication in solo games unless the Blinds are themselves called upon to move (i.e. as noisy/careless patrols, search parties,sentries etc.).</div><div><br /></div><div>I have therefore decided that the standard "Hidden Enemy" conventions used in some of my recent 6mm games will be used initially (being tweaked per game or being Scenario-dependant as usual) i.e. that the Table is "Live" for its entire width and length - as may be its edges (other than, usually, the Friendly Player edge). </div><div><br /></div><div>Thus as well as the general "End of Move" Enemy Action test (see below) a unit in the open passing in LoS of a terrain item ("Possible Ambush Point" - hereafter "PAP") providing cover for Hostiles within the scaled "shooting distance "set for the scenario must test for any AI action from said cover (See my Pushna Valley and "Ain't Zululand" reports - among others - for examples).</div><div><br /></div><div>ANY terrain item sufficient to provide cover for an enemy unit is a PAP and will need to be tested for when approached/passed by any Live Player unit moving with Initiative until "cleared" by a friendly unit (i.e. moved through or Scouted/subject to a successful "Spot" check and thus deemed safe). Once "cleared" no spotting or tests will generally be required for the PAP*.</div><div><br /></div><div>(*Note however that ranges - and hostile equipment - will need to be taken into consideration and that some Scenario Card Draws may allow for "safe & scouted" locations to become hostile - the pesky enemy can sometimes both creep about and hide).</div><div><br /></div><div>Like single PAPs, some linear cover features (e.g. stretches, rather than clumps, of woodland, dongas/wadis, river banks, walls, scubby slopes, military crests of ridges/hills etc. etc) may also have to be tested for as PAPS. This will generally need to be done per six to twelve inches of feature length, depending on scale of figures and scenario being used.</div><div><br /></div><div>The test is made on a 6D. On the throw of a "6" a card must be drawn from the Actions pack and the results applied. </div><div><br /></div><div>The above seems best suited to replicate the "Crossfire" conventions I have seen being used.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBR_7SwzzU7dhWqdXYvMwuYFTjQfNDN_ae9MCokJWLinZcQDDPuvMSe3BF_i0RTYoMvddbxwJgWROlOguFdy2SX5RPScN0h2IxvL1ahXYPd6T0yP-KHd7SdY5HyYc7sDVekhBG_BBbu7tqoRKRrYD1AW9Bj6Uj2PB8pL0G_G8tIIFZzQ9lLjgxaqc/s1226/hid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1226" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBR_7SwzzU7dhWqdXYvMwuYFTjQfNDN_ae9MCokJWLinZcQDDPuvMSe3BF_i0RTYoMvddbxwJgWROlOguFdy2SX5RPScN0h2IxvL1ahXYPd6T0yP-KHd7SdY5HyYc7sDVekhBG_BBbu7tqoRKRrYD1AW9Bj6Uj2PB8pL0G_G8tIIFZzQ9lLjgxaqc/w400-h255/hid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>2) Hidden Enemy (end of move):</b></div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to tests for terrain items, my standard, End-of-Move, card-based "Hidden Enemy" method will be applied at the end of each Human Player Initiative Phase (even if ended voluntarily).</div><div><br /></div><div>As with PAPs, above, a D6 dice is thrown. On the throw of a "6" each Friendly Unit/Detachment on the table tests with a further D6 to see if it is the unit affected by the possible enemy action. This dice throw is modified as below: </div><div><br /></div><div>Units which have carried out an action that Initiative Phase add one to their dice throw (to see if their actions this move have prompted any enemy response).</div><div><br /></div><div>Units which have taken no action this Initiative Phase have an unmodified test. </div><div><br /></div><div>Units which have taken no action this Initiative Phase AND are within one foot of the friendly table edge take one from the test throw. </div><div><br /></div><div>The unit scoring the highest is the one affected and a card is drawn and placed on the table in accordance with my usual Hidden Enemy distance placement rules and the Card Effects Table applied to see what has occurred. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the event of a highest scores being a draw ALL the drawing units test ONCE more. </div><div><br /></div><div>If a further highest score draw occurs ALL high drawing units are affected and a card is drawn for each unit. </div><div><br /></div><div>The affected units draw a card from the card deck and apply the result immediately. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>3) First Move Initiative: </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Unless dictated by the scenario whereby the Active Player is the attacker on the first move Initiative is diced for (1x6D), with the winner commencing the action. The following modifiers to the throw are made: </div><div><br /></div><div>+1 to the throw of the Attacker (if any) according to the scenario/campaign, etc.</div><div>+1 to the throw of any force consisting of tribal or irregular forces with an Irregular/Tribal commander.</div><div><br /></div><div>(Note:I had considered a modifier for "Commander Skill", but, seriously, I think that that to do so is best regarded as having an exaggerated effect UNLESS one is talking about a first-rate battlefield improviser/risk taker of Alexandrian or Napoleonic levels with a team of first-rate subordinates. Maybe more a "Boldness" rather than skill modifier needed..? Hmmmm.....)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibPXKxXDUCNEYN_-F1T8wWu1rwQqN6TxUKia3lZfyb9SG96Kii2VyqbVK2pu9XG7MHFA_Et-r_dlgPA2hFHfi_JI1EWegGk2lPy-vIDOUPR9lCRjPdGAC07N-cHy5p02YvElwlNQLYRPMWPvorfdo9ljVAGP8_wWvyDA4FAz6qJKJwbyzm2cSgT9c/s1383/turn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1383" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibPXKxXDUCNEYN_-F1T8wWu1rwQqN6TxUKia3lZfyb9SG96Kii2VyqbVK2pu9XG7MHFA_Et-r_dlgPA2hFHfi_JI1EWegGk2lPy-vIDOUPR9lCRjPdGAC07N-cHy5p02YvElwlNQLYRPMWPvorfdo9ljVAGP8_wWvyDA4FAz6qJKJwbyzm2cSgT9c/w428-h278/turn.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>4) Loss of Initiative:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Initiative passes to the other Player under the following circumstances. </div><div><br /></div><div>a) Initiative is always lost due to any of the following negative effects:</div><div><br /></div><div>Unit/Formation is halted/ by a negative close combat result or fire results ("Suppression", Shock/Disorganisation/Pinning level exceeding the number of Command Stands for the Unity/Formation) or takes casualties.</div><div><br /></div><div>b) Initiative is potentially lost due to any of the following negative effects. A Test based on the morale/training of the unit is made. Failing the Test results in loss of initiative:</div><div><br /></div><div>Unit/Formation is Surprised by an attack (i.e. the attack comes from any previously unspotted source).<br /><br /></div><div>Unit/Formation is Pinned by negative fire results of more than three Pin Points in any one move.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unit/Formation takes casualties from artillery fire/explosives (inc. IEDs).<br /><br /></div><div>General/subordinate commander falls - even if only wounded. Affects all units/formations in LoS.<br /><br /></div><div>Failure to physically cross an obstacle.</div><div><br /></div><div>c) Voluntary Ceding of Initiative:</div><div><br /></div><div>Either side my cede initiative to the other. However, the AI Player will ONLY cede initiative voluntarily IF the ONLY moves open to the AI involves exposing one of its units to close range fire in the open.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gZAI4DVQL3Nf9ISCjAFykO1aNeg_TUtoVSUB0nFrXa5tD81gUdULoaF1wNi-6qsEJYsVdg_T8lRxyt4u8V1v0K-fU3BMo4tfvx10VFjQC7I5gVqvdWbxhqyC9G4u8X4c8m4yQQYGkP2UfiG8q3dRz2zpdwjN9MpI-Lvzq7bv2IjY6n8bXjum9EDR/s3160/howfar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="3160" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gZAI4DVQL3Nf9ISCjAFykO1aNeg_TUtoVSUB0nFrXa5tD81gUdULoaF1wNi-6qsEJYsVdg_T8lRxyt4u8V1v0K-fU3BMo4tfvx10VFjQC7I5gVqvdWbxhqyC9G4u8X4c8m4yQQYGkP2UfiG8q3dRz2zpdwjN9MpI-Lvzq7bv2IjY6n8bXjum9EDR/w442-h225/howfar.jpg" width="442" /></a></div><br /><div><b>5) Human and AI Objectives:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The Human Player will have clear objectives set out as part of the scenario (as standard practice).</div><div><br /></div><div>The AI Player will be working to its own objectives unknown to the Human Player. In general, when the AI is acting defensibly, these will be to hold position and prevent the Human Player from securing his objective/s. Other objectives may be to hold/seize certain terrain features, control/dominate certain access routes, get units off table etc. etc.<br /><br />I MAY use my "Changeable Battle Plan" card method (a couple of examples on the Blog here) for AI "grand scale" decisions. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>6) AI Tactics: </b> </div><div><br /></div><div>In general, tactical terms AI priorities will be:</div><div><br /></div><div>1) For friendly units at immediate risk to seek cover.</div><div><br /></div><div>2) To attempt to rally any friendly units suffering Shock/Pinning etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>3) For friendly units to fire at or close assault any hostile unit currently threatening the safety of an AI unit. </div><div> </div><div>4) When the Initiative lies with the AI player and all actions related to the above have been completed successfully at least once, this action MAY be the action undertaken before any further action (Opportunity Test). </div><div><br /></div><div>Whenever there is the opportunity to complete /achieve a scenario objective or to throw units forward safely so as to by-pass or outflank Human Player units, gain a salient terrain feature or gain other advantage (e.g. close combat a weakened enemy, seize a feature offering LoS to attack Human Player forces) then a, Opportunity Test will be made for each unit with such an opportunity. </div><div><br /></div><div>If a test throw on a 6D totals 3 or more the testing unit will attempt to carry out that action. Leaders may modify this test throw up or down depending on their quality (Leadership Capability).</div><div><br /></div><div>If this action is successful then a further such Opportunity Test will be made for every other potentially advantageous AI action. </div><div><br /></div><div>IF the AI fails ALL tests, yet still holds the initiative, one last such test for appropriate units to use an opportunity is made. If the AI player fails this last test then Initiative passes to the Human Player.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuPok0O-lJEsRvXLohe5TPxjMmjiMFod6awQhZL-TKVN-MyFe2Mdp5GpmxoeccrPQJYKYSGN11rO0-_f1qgUvCRlcEOLFnOTxMGC15gJXh17Q9grx_OA284uXyIHuKsJdM04ihe7L_9PX3WV6uRTj5Hvee-AZm4YNf2-QmlTBd1ifpfBBXbZYI3Lz/s261/crossd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuPok0O-lJEsRvXLohe5TPxjMmjiMFod6awQhZL-TKVN-MyFe2Mdp5GpmxoeccrPQJYKYSGN11rO0-_f1qgUvCRlcEOLFnOTxMGC15gJXh17Q9grx_OA284uXyIHuKsJdM04ihe7L_9PX3WV6uRTj5Hvee-AZm4YNf2-QmlTBd1ifpfBBXbZYI3Lz/w246-h320/crossd.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Pre-Trial Thoughts:</b><br /><br />OK, I've set myself a target; time to play. It has struck me that the last "This Ain't Zululand" games would perhaps have proved faster to play using the above conventions. On the other hand I may find that my existing systems work just as well without the "Crossfire" principles. I'm not sure how more "formalised" battles (say, Ancient, Medieval or 18thC.) will work with the "Crossfire" principles. Only experimenting will decide. Watch this space...</div></span></div>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-28109074688905838732022-12-03T15:52:00.002+00:002022-12-03T15:52:33.090+00:00<p> <b style="font-family: verdana;">Time Flies...</b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Not a lot to report, so just touching base to show I'm still here..<br /><br />A busy last six weeks.. I was in a play. Our reenactment group marched in Lewes Bonfire March (again - pic) as Highlanders (again). <br /><br />Also two birthdays, a family gathering and all the minutiae of life have been getting in the way of gaming. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFstmcA2AyltsgX-JQ6l-42hb5XPybb1oDLDY6fNKTboUgUhwsaNxcW-LY_1HFnlRNc7t0oTPibKO-pdZ9bFLNJeB8i76l7kKQ5wClD_v9_Owht-t4-kUFJuY2FUFc40jFlalfxeOv0crogHUJRKeQsVBUBBO2K3N0sqRDpkhe1I38UA0-zaAhqcatw/s1704/lewes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="1704" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFstmcA2AyltsgX-JQ6l-42hb5XPybb1oDLDY6fNKTboUgUhwsaNxcW-LY_1HFnlRNc7t0oTPibKO-pdZ9bFLNJeB8i76l7kKQ5wClD_v9_Owht-t4-kUFJuY2FUFc40jFlalfxeOv0crogHUJRKeQsVBUBBO2K3N0sqRDpkhe1I38UA0-zaAhqcatw/w400-h300/lewes1.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br />I have, however been painting and base-flocking some more 6mms, plus doing some planning, map-making and a little solo board game playing.<br /><br />Also making some 6mm mid-east-ish buildings and town walls, hopefully soon to see service. I am awaiting a 19thC Russians in Turkestan board game, which I hope to use rather as I used 1776 earlier in the year as a "Battle Generator". <br /><br />While painting and modelling I FINALLY got round to watching Game of Thrones - which, of course, set me wondering about a GoT campaign game (based around Risk conventions?) but fighting battles out on the Table in 6mm, which led to me tinkering with a map found online....... <br /></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IYmAU08lk_10ak1s7VXWqHypW_a8mAbOE4sE9pRwnp-i9efX5It-e2F7npru-SsiW5ZYEiBwqR5UZgwfnePJtEm-ebvOlAgU2V2ZBYxpx_qz3J847kwdKT4VAaz8cubpcSSLbacIeAaism8XvJg-qScKjKiXgWXqChLymKeDiTDLhV9uKoN77RVtvA/s9449/riskofthronesFinalallnames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="7287" data-original-width="9449" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IYmAU08lk_10ak1s7VXWqHypW_a8mAbOE4sE9pRwnp-i9efX5It-e2F7npru-SsiW5ZYEiBwqR5UZgwfnePJtEm-ebvOlAgU2V2ZBYxpx_qz3J847kwdKT4VAaz8cubpcSSLbacIeAaism8XvJg-qScKjKiXgWXqChLymKeDiTDLhV9uKoN77RVtvA/w400-h309/riskofthronesFinalallnames.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">This would be a big commitment. But we shall see...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Meanwhile, I have this week been wondering about applying/experimenting with some of the conventions of "Crossfire" for some of my games. I rather like the sound of them and have watched some videos. They seem simple and different (though, as so often, I am well behind the curve..).<br /><br />I don't "do" WW2 (yet) but the system has been adapted for other periods, I see online, and the conventions would, I think, suit my narrative-driven games rather well.<br /><br />Solo-isation should be simple; my card-driven "Hidden Enemy" method would be a good start I feel. Watch this space....<br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDeNaKP2GibzW_Yb-EJge2-VPoZnD6XTwucqXiC3guGXLgwsOFMLkPKN77GPXExYUchjsgjlhK08QkfdH16GOGe41H_pdEBg7T5ijeqfOegYNlnV6PwwyxI_X4iXlOeYuJZeZHguxCQeonH2-mNNw-P20dyeHsKMplsaqQsI9BgPkhBzd0zVIR7FeAA/s1108/rommellafrika.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1108" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDeNaKP2GibzW_Yb-EJge2-VPoZnD6XTwucqXiC3guGXLgwsOFMLkPKN77GPXExYUchjsgjlhK08QkfdH16GOGe41H_pdEBg7T5ijeqfOegYNlnV6PwwyxI_X4iXlOeYuJZeZHguxCQeonH2-mNNw-P20dyeHsKMplsaqQsI9BgPkhBzd0zVIR7FeAA/w400-h294/rommellafrika.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />So, as may be seen, the old butterfly mind has been fluttering apace...<br /><br />Hopefully I'll have something more concrete to post - even if it's a modelling update, before Xmas...<br /><br />As always, any feedback welcome.</span></div>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-40527529300868821012022-10-23T14:48:00.008+01:002023-07-19T09:18:53.290+01:00This Ain't Zululand: Part The Last <p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Part Five: Playing the Home Team</span></b></p><p>Delayed by two re-enactment events (along with associated broken finger and bruised ribs), being in a play, dealing with a family crisis and a long weekend in Spain....</p><p>Basically a re-run of the previous games from a different perspective, as described in the last post. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Plan:</span></b></p><p>OK. My units are initially deployed in "Dintisni" ("brigades"; each of three regiments and a veteran command unit) as shown on the map. All units are initially concealed in dongas and on the plateaux of the kopjes and their scrubby slopes. </p><p>I have covered both drifts with (concealed) brigades.</p><p>I have units off-table awaiting instructions by smoke signal.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrfAnvnU_JbKnY3nlbF1ySZ-DbWEIwjUS-QPqZLM5FZT0jPFGwv8acA5PJ6KUEWzRnFMoJGTceENcDrM6WZuTzq0Nr8clHMa-tEn_qLTc_dyuoly7rQnAFbH1ABHdRxriwd_QcbWwBb2Ee6VXdtB7fVrxbMARVSzrktBKi27O5xva5q8M7GKmlbBb/s1634/planage2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1634" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrfAnvnU_JbKnY3nlbF1ySZ-DbWEIwjUS-QPqZLM5FZT0jPFGwv8acA5PJ6KUEWzRnFMoJGTceENcDrM6WZuTzq0Nr8clHMa-tEn_qLTc_dyuoly7rQnAFbH1ABHdRxriwd_QcbWwBb2Ee6VXdtB7fVrxbMARVSzrktBKi27O5xva5q8M7GKmlbBb/w464-h312/planage2.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><p>If the enemy are strung out in column we will wait until they are half across the drift, then launch a mass attack. </p><p>If the enemy are already in defensive formation our plan remains the same but we could attempt to slow the enemy advance more by having troops make themselves visible on the eastern kopjes; hopefully forcing the British keep more men on the eastern bank than they otherwise would. This threat may also slow them down, thus making wagon issues more likely and eating-up the time they have to complete their task. In the event that we launch a mass attack the enemy being concentrated will also allow my men to more easily surround them.</p><p>If discovered/once revealed my men in the open on the eastern kopjes COULD of course prompt the enemy into an actual attack on them, hence my men have orders to withdraw in the face of such an attack. Hopefully by then I will be "on scene" to coordinate things.</p><p>Basically I seem to have unconsciously planned plan a rerun of the last battle; catch the enemy at the drift to blunt their advance and divide their force, then sweep onto them from all sides. What could possibly go wrong.....?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SaLv2eIjUcSCQlG2etYAegLa0hlxaepv0MtaRMbBIV4MFBBV_sTYtQwNlAn5NcE193uSz4_lRqc6OPnSB8pzZJrmxQ6wsfJ2Iha813MgU46wcLLqcvqedhIBpSvo9viAegKFAIq9fwzZPwjhYSVqbTEAHGGSibqoGrEw-1nR5ufFrIlINAuJqjDq/s3220/Image10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="3220" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SaLv2eIjUcSCQlG2etYAegLa0hlxaepv0MtaRMbBIV4MFBBV_sTYtQwNlAn5NcE193uSz4_lRqc6OPnSB8pzZJrmxQ6wsfJ2Iha813MgU46wcLLqcvqedhIBpSvo9viAegKFAIq9fwzZPwjhYSVqbTEAHGGSibqoGrEw-1nR5ufFrIlINAuJqjDq/w528-h322/Image10.jpg" width="528" /></a></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Game:</span></b> </p><p>The British begin (again), with scouting on the east bank of the river (they again ignore the west bank) and my men on Black Calf and Black Bull kopjes are soon discovered - but not before the lead elements of the enemy column appear on the table. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNStoY1jXU9QOZlsoD--udWndXzwQFBmiH8ZO2Kcd4OwRfdF-iTLXfdRltuIG_ZOCSMRw2Yhd-ykq8CUNW8CJ_p5M69p6bwpzkKPu-JfoZSDvfmvIXLfdgONefQA4zZ3KUah2SwSO62W_elHcaAXMuNKbCs2mwGzMoY7m4QvwOBe4ttk8-qlo-Il6/s2574/Image2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="2574" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNStoY1jXU9QOZlsoD--udWndXzwQFBmiH8ZO2Kcd4OwRfdF-iTLXfdRltuIG_ZOCSMRw2Yhd-ykq8CUNW8CJ_p5M69p6bwpzkKPu-JfoZSDvfmvIXLfdgONefQA4zZ3KUah2SwSO62W_elHcaAXMuNKbCs2mwGzMoY7m4QvwOBe4ttk8-qlo-Il6/w400-h190/Image2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>At this stage I "know" none of this (so do not test to discover enemy deployment). However, an "Attitude test" reveals the enemy as being aggressive; the battle may be starting without me....</p><p>Here I need to decide how to handle things. I plump for "Battle Within A battle" mode - a self-contained action over which I have no control until my General is both informed and able to take action. As before, I test to see how the British column commander has decided to enter the field. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_wkcqnxAPaqZPZXMhmsXaTyKRU1lNQ2dxs7uFAxgUTEUX8NNz97nFE12XaTf1Jge5JWkHpyTIlURpyQOUoLfb0MdhTDpIF0IgHmNUtddGFkzxaw0iyXgcWnRUI5DFWrQSsO7zaTcSvzF_Q8vs_bPMtZ_mv6XBdBB6IKlsqKGGymApLiP6SFIoDhk/s962/SCOUTSge6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="732" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_wkcqnxAPaqZPZXMhmsXaTyKRU1lNQ2dxs7uFAxgUTEUX8NNz97nFE12XaTf1Jge5JWkHpyTIlURpyQOUoLfb0MdhTDpIF0IgHmNUtddGFkzxaw0iyXgcWnRUI5DFWrQSsO7zaTcSvzF_Q8vs_bPMtZ_mv6XBdBB6IKlsqKGGymApLiP6SFIoDhk/w304-h400/SCOUTSge6.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><br /><p>Oh dear (?). The advance elements of the enemy turn out to be some four companies of Red Coated Ones, deployed for battle. These move towards the eastern Kopjes. My commanders here test, and withdraw from the actual kopje edges as per my instructions (Phew..).</p><p>The enemy scouts push on to check the patches of woodland near the two drifts. </p><p>The Commander of the Wasps dispatches a messenger at double speed to tell me of developments (good - especially as the commander of The Bees appears too occupied to do so..)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkW9PlbZpNCUQ3_N6gV6O8z1o-Ea3DyY2Lqe_jZNj9u14OvUkwsWcQMBNkkt4N1vIAr8RUg7UiUBPbyke-RH-5HUtlpGV4h7ULkMK4iRry1lYclxyIfeXPHdbMteA_NlXCiPRsD80-wmVoJ6EjgGsEVFUqr5qLRuzLnP6Z5pJiDJdC98hHSDcOUpbP/s1332/two7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1332" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkW9PlbZpNCUQ3_N6gV6O8z1o-Ea3DyY2Lqe_jZNj9u14OvUkwsWcQMBNkkt4N1vIAr8RUg7UiUBPbyke-RH-5HUtlpGV4h7ULkMK4iRry1lYclxyIfeXPHdbMteA_NlXCiPRsD80-wmVoJ6EjgGsEVFUqr5qLRuzLnP6Z5pJiDJdC98hHSDcOUpbP/w400-h289/two7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Next move the enemy seem unsure what to do. One company advances towards Black Bull Kopje. The others remain still. Their scouts are still checking the woodland near the drifts. <br /><br />On my side the commander of The Wasps seems to have misunderstood his instructions, and pulls his men right off the Black Bull Kopje, falling back towards the (off table) Minnows. Maybe he thinks we are supposed to be luring the enemy onto the kopjes? Who knows?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1p3M-vini_QuW-u0dRwYsG0j3dQQMC19eiJrCOT3TJDgOgaZUoDUv9a-G4o7_uyWCqoySjR6iPFWV9Ta4LS5lxdoCUr3yPH0uC4So6PHHdiMkhLxIJm7zv1lJfuvORxKRCMff7pM8IlC-5A8520nJZ4AzERzsr842ZCzh287VIcF76ryRQ0xi9Ii/s2210/Image4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2210" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1p3M-vini_QuW-u0dRwYsG0j3dQQMC19eiJrCOT3TJDgOgaZUoDUv9a-G4o7_uyWCqoySjR6iPFWV9Ta4LS5lxdoCUr3yPH0uC4So6PHHdiMkhLxIJm7zv1lJfuvORxKRCMff7pM8IlC-5A8520nJZ4AzERzsr842ZCzh287VIcF76ryRQ0xi9Ii/w499-h203/Image4.jpg" width="499" /></a></div><br /><p><i>[Technical Note: All British local decisions are based on dice-controlled ad hoc tables, unit by unit at company level (except for scouting detachments) until a senior field/staff central officer appears within Command radius. Actions by those units of my army outside my immediate control are likewise controlled by tests. Friendly units with Standing Orders will generally abide with these unless local circumstances prompt a local decision. However, those with orders are less likely to react contrary to those orders - or more likely to obey them beyond "the letter of the Law" than those without. Where ad hoc decision tests - single or a flurry - have been involved I will hereafter mark them thus </i>{#}<i>]</i></p><p>The redcoats advance. The scouts continue checking along the river {#}. Strangely the enemy main column does not appear. Not MY problem, they are the ones on a schedule....</p><p>However, I come across an unforeseen issue; my messenger from The Wasps cannot cross at either of the Drifts - the enemy scouts are too close. He will have to re-route off table. I hadn't thought of that. Extra friction to be introduced, especially as I have not specified where the nearest off-table drift might be. Let's say he crosses the river off table on a throw of a 6, testing each off table move and adding one to the dice per one full expended turn while off table.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjs2LZpoT9xPt1eWEnejj4ir0ej7iNDCfdmqBGegxnKT4R5VKF0d9EIXZFKX6_nj9mdVU8mpx8AB-HbnjtaesyX9a8ow4rAIHEfG6Y4jnzcCRZf0pl7oT5koSx9D_JxHyTmkesSyiWornar8WgFLgjIyQ0eme1ZQHQRp10KtZC3o0-uk8oqNeF0hU/s962/stage3a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="732" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjs2LZpoT9xPt1eWEnejj4ir0ej7iNDCfdmqBGegxnKT4R5VKF0d9EIXZFKX6_nj9mdVU8mpx8AB-HbnjtaesyX9a8ow4rAIHEfG6Y4jnzcCRZf0pl7oT5koSx9D_JxHyTmkesSyiWornar8WgFLgjIyQ0eme1ZQHQRp10KtZC3o0-uk8oqNeF0hU/w304-h400/stage3a.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then, to add to my problems, the Wasps pull off table {#} - they ARE joining the Minnows - and so will not come back until I summon them. My local commander really has got things wrong. The commander of The Bees remains in the dead ground atop the Black Bull Kopje {#}, but I have no idea how he will react to the changing situation.</p><p>The enemy scouts carry out their various checks on suspicious ground near the river (on both banks) as an enemy company rushes to the top of Black Calf Kopje (maybe my commander here was right to pull back?), then pushes (next move) towards Black Bull as the enemy line advances and the column makes its appearance on the track {#}. My men on Black Bull remain in situ {#}, but are meant to pull back if the enemy press too hard.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuylM4cw87aO_WqT01psxFLhfMbCTXoyWgyaDUaBZKJmuqkCyO8Du7m0UDK7R3tvhZrXZwaLmU-5NYS38fXeLq7b5M5EjjN1SVVRw5AUKMgr2uJcAaSbizuJmvU7dNU1rBw7g7wHKhQ_qOwFaCPusWNkRfsDZlQ5wjcHn3Su5C4Uwnhl76r9HdXML/s3775/Image12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2625" data-original-width="3775" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuylM4cw87aO_WqT01psxFLhfMbCTXoyWgyaDUaBZKJmuqkCyO8Du7m0UDK7R3tvhZrXZwaLmU-5NYS38fXeLq7b5M5EjjN1SVVRw5AUKMgr2uJcAaSbizuJmvU7dNU1rBw7g7wHKhQ_qOwFaCPusWNkRfsDZlQ5wjcHn3Su5C4Uwnhl76r9HdXML/w453-h316/Image12.jpg" width="453" /></a></div><p>Luckily my off-table messenger has managed to wade (swim?) across the river and in theory will be with me next move, hopefully allowing me some input into the battle.</p><p>However, before this happens a body of enemy scouts cross Little Drift {#} and discover The Elephants hidden in the north donga. My men here (steady veterans) hold position {#}, and the enemy scouts run away, but the sight of another group of scouts, on the west bank, also poking about, prompts The Hornets into a wild charge {#}. This is NOT in the plan at all, but my bad; I didn't specify "which enemy" in my orders.<br /><br /><i>[Revealed friendly units now marked in blue on the plans. Note; to make pics/plans/tables bigger right click and open link in new tab.]</i></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFVHNN-8OrWOtKvCwaRW_t3Bq1bf02rEK3RzzOBtnNYqJ84ZOrVOgWPKYy7Oc_oM2_jAOqM5JjZSPxOY6MBQ164TFSGGtzViHuvpstwGf0srvXC_MhuJal0Zw61HZzAIAh9shKNbhjYDzH_9xPxdeLV1zPAA-IZCzI7eHKVGnTan07WS1crFM3WDZ/s1332/stage4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1332" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFVHNN-8OrWOtKvCwaRW_t3Bq1bf02rEK3RzzOBtnNYqJ84ZOrVOgWPKYy7Oc_oM2_jAOqM5JjZSPxOY6MBQ164TFSGGtzViHuvpstwGf0srvXC_MhuJal0Zw61HZzAIAh9shKNbhjYDzH_9xPxdeLV1zPAA-IZCzI7eHKVGnTan07WS1crFM3WDZ/w514-h371/stage4.jpg" width="514" /></a></p><p>The enemy column presses on - now accompanied by a small force of cavalry.</p><p>Their forward unit commander is informed by the retreating scouts of the presence of my forces the other side of the river. The enemy advance companies establish a firing line in the vicinity of Black Bull Kopje and at the southern military crest {#}.<br /><br />My commander on the kopje sees all this, but does not obey standing orders and withdraw {#}. (Because he hasn't been fired on ?).</p><p>My other units, on my side of the river, halt - the Hornets because the enemy now seem to be pulling back across the drift, and the Hornet commander is confused {#}... </p><p>I test to see if a messenger has arrived to update me. No messenger has arrived from ANY of my units - and there is no sound of firing. With there being no cause for alarm I carry on with my breakfast (or whatever..).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9dVD0m_lGA1bmFTfgFAh2aUUKGARU8fZbdFXLGbkdqyRbCtARj01rbNCbFNlVHLE_zlPHas0piE1f3OyJhx1sKE0-ehx72M21cXCVhUsyWeF9GwS7S-N_ZTdVAKPC-sODO-QPngE-A1QL3DtLebve1maL9FVPuICBS2vsIScmJSuJBjhQkuojTdp/s1367/Stage%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1367" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9dVD0m_lGA1bmFTfgFAh2aUUKGARU8fZbdFXLGbkdqyRbCtARj01rbNCbFNlVHLE_zlPHas0piE1f3OyJhx1sKE0-ehx72M21cXCVhUsyWeF9GwS7S-N_ZTdVAKPC-sODO-QPngE-A1QL3DtLebve1maL9FVPuICBS2vsIScmJSuJBjhQkuojTdp/w443-h317/Stage%205.jpg" width="443" /></a></div><p>Next go the enemy press on again. Then, after some confusion/readjustment on the slopes (their commanders seem spooked or wary), one of their companies opens fire on my men on Black Bull Kopje {#}. My men take casualties, and fall back, down the northern slopes of the kopje.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtQLYuD3EMxsAO3TAM7fxtgyKllp7WCNfI_LTRKwT8vv5Nkolg5EvWXFj3PSIad2QySGMu9N9GWKd6fHvsi12Kw97857-sBe3R576-mVFCeQAkfnyJgXfOBa9Ex5ZdKUjoh9u0Xaioo_ZgpdX_4ii1vvrrwMYvYBIrmYxx5dJH3Y77ClGKAOZLlWN/s1694/Image11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1694" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtQLYuD3EMxsAO3TAM7fxtgyKllp7WCNfI_LTRKwT8vv5Nkolg5EvWXFj3PSIad2QySGMu9N9GWKd6fHvsi12Kw97857-sBe3R576-mVFCeQAkfnyJgXfOBa9Ex5ZdKUjoh9u0Xaioo_ZgpdX_4ii1vvrrwMYvYBIrmYxx5dJH3Y77ClGKAOZLlWN/w511-h272/Image11.jpg" width="511" /></a></div><p>Messengers arrive (Yay..!! Three from three different units). I am now "Activated" and can start to take command. I now know of the enemy pressing on Black Bull and the general progress of the column (the most recent update coming from The Elephants' commander). Next move I have a decision to make - where do I head to to get the best view.....?</p><p>I decide I will head up to Cloud Kopje - which gives a good view of Black Bull, some of the plain and both of the drifts.</p><p>Meanwhile the enemy now seem to sort out an east-west Battle Line; anchoring their right on Black Bull (with a reserve to support) and their left on Trail Drift, and creating an enfilading skirmish line of Scouts to cover Little Drift. Other enemy companies push towards the Trail Drift. {#}</p><p>As my General gets to the top of Cloud Kopje he can see the enemy on Black Bull (he cannot see The Bees), enemy companies in the plain and covering Little Drift, and the strung-out column.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaxDgYm7wmF-WGXxzL1JxK1femzyMYLhkB7gV9TdzqEILwKzxK5eZozkLJgp1jeTDN_q2vkIf7MlH4uTN44tl4aLcar_baXgyLEGRWudUyzFp0QkRfixjezausnuOZMSHjmJjf8po9sBiI7Ysjfwk4XpnuUhRWR46BZUApT3uHpIMResyp6LJv_OF/s1367/stage%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1367" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaxDgYm7wmF-WGXxzL1JxK1femzyMYLhkB7gV9TdzqEILwKzxK5eZozkLJgp1jeTDN_q2vkIf7MlH4uTN44tl4aLcar_baXgyLEGRWudUyzFp0QkRfixjezausnuOZMSHjmJjf8po9sBiI7Ysjfwk4XpnuUhRWR46BZUApT3uHpIMResyp6LJv_OF/w457-h327/stage%206.jpg" width="457" /></a></div><p>He can see The Hornets and The Elephants, stationary in position. What he CANNOT see are the cavalry or the enemy reserve (hidden behind Black Bull) or the skirmish line of Scouts. This actually looks like a good time to attack from the east - with the Minnows and Wasps swinging onto the flank of the vulnerable column.</p><p>BUT......</p><p>My order to the Minnows was to await orders - they are therefore not going to move until I send for them. I reckon it will take eight moves for a messenger to reach them.. Dammit... </p><p>IF I order the smoke signal from Cloud Kopje the Wasps MAY obey it (they may, however, decide to wait with the Minnows) and attack, but the Bees certainly will attack, and, without support, are likely to be destroyed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrYLGdLCmMCRGXaDGdkthvlXulUk9ZVDC4Q3TvJmy6ZrSVQ7w6GObthl1Wuhw5U68PRY5Rw2ECO2mL1AIs6rMq6ktBIjnqtpJdnd8c1XfarwmtB3pK9eeTgO1O0hS2veIklAfK-z7a6WSGYqnmUarsY3fHEnFiGo6pQ9B6XAhwyoXphMbJsSGv7ix/s1954/Image13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1954" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrYLGdLCmMCRGXaDGdkthvlXulUk9ZVDC4Q3TvJmy6ZrSVQ7w6GObthl1Wuhw5U68PRY5Rw2ECO2mL1AIs6rMq6ktBIjnqtpJdnd8c1XfarwmtB3pK9eeTgO1O0hS2veIklAfK-z7a6WSGYqnmUarsY3fHEnFiGo6pQ9B6XAhwyoXphMbJsSGv7ix/w580-h267/Image13.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><p>If I summon the Great Bulls (to the west) they can do nothing useful presently without crossing the Trail Drift (like the Hornets). I have no intention of launching my men across a defended drift.</p><p>If I order The Elephants in now they will likely be shot to pieces struggling across the Little Drift or the space between the drift and the enemy line. </p><p>But I MUST make a decision (it is stopwatch time - the longer I take the more "free moves" the enemy get).</p><p>However, all this becomes somewhat academic as the commander of The Bees decides, on his own initiative {#} and against standing orders, to attack the enemy moving on his flank and cutting him off from the Little Drift. NOT good. I order the Signal on Cloud Kopje lit - in case this DOES prompt the Wasps into action...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEbT-1jmtJpxK5PoavpOk37U0WPLEJU8ag0U2BIN-xScWkfuXujHU7ZnFmpFeIrYbif5EO8bCkRTC3b8FSIX7FKHQY2vfpAwky1z_2CsTEgB0VtNn3ab3fWVeZBvS8NOVC6N3YPH63GW72n5yOu7p8QMnhV5dq6wo3ES7t0y5U8Ho2NALRCp5pnd_/s1367/stage7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1367" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEbT-1jmtJpxK5PoavpOk37U0WPLEJU8ag0U2BIN-xScWkfuXujHU7ZnFmpFeIrYbif5EO8bCkRTC3b8FSIX7FKHQY2vfpAwky1z_2CsTEgB0VtNn3ab3fWVeZBvS8NOVC6N3YPH63GW72n5yOu7p8QMnhV5dq6wo3ES7t0y5U8Ho2NALRCp5pnd_/w456-h326/stage7.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><p>The enemy company being charged by The Bees is in a rough "L" formation, with one platoon on the slopes of Black Bull enfilading The Bees and one in reserve. They have done nothing this move, and so can pour volley fire into my regiments. My men fall in droves and the two leading regiments are pinned. Next move the commander of the Bees rallies some of his men, and sends a regiment though the leading units and crashing into the nearest enemy platoon. There is an inconclusive hand to hand struggle, despite casualties on both sides, and my men pull back - only to be volleyed at again next move by the two uncommitted platoons. Altogether bad news.</p><p>Meanwhile the enemy have deployed a company by the Trail Drift, shifted a reserve company to cover the valley between Black Bull and Black Calf Kopjes and brought more troops onto the field {#}.</p><p>While The Bees attempt to rally, another enemy company arrives on the field and some of the column escort move further towards the centre of the table. However, the enemy commander is still being cautious - as appears to be the case with the company commander on Black Bull. Were the latter to move his platoons to the kopje edge and shoot down into the Bees' flank I fear that that would scatter them; but either the officer in charge doesn't see this opportunity, or is too cautious. It is too soon to see if The Wasps or Minnows have heeded the smoke signal. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3OL9dGrUPLkJZXyWKKgEoVWo6dabpLy_ApsEZsCyiWswfeuDS7ojGBA466zXUVfKKqzdn-kRzyCCXwiHDECfECeA9ckUQKl5UTzgGVm0trUn7FVqPs_Kv-SLj9SxsQhIIrGMMHorudFZGRm5bGo_ULQSgx6-ufUaZkDUrz-vGc86Z5Ye5VM1UBRr/s600/scoutp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="387" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3OL9dGrUPLkJZXyWKKgEoVWo6dabpLy_ApsEZsCyiWswfeuDS7ojGBA466zXUVfKKqzdn-kRzyCCXwiHDECfECeA9ckUQKl5UTzgGVm0trUn7FVqPs_Kv-SLj9SxsQhIIrGMMHorudFZGRm5bGo_ULQSgx6-ufUaZkDUrz-vGc86Z5Ye5VM1UBRr/w258-h400/scoutp.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><p><i>[Technical Note: It has probably been noted that British Line Companies deployed independently for battle usually separate into three platoons, deploying two forward and one in reserve as if ready for skirmishing. </i></p><p><i>British Platoons can fire independently if circumstances dictate, but do not not move as separate entities (other than minor facing adjustments) unless specifically detached from their companies or as a result of enforced actions (morale, combat etc.).</i></p><p><i>It is taken as read that once a company so deployed sees a mass enemy target in potential charging range it automatically closes ranks (for volley fire/to receive a charge), but the platoons themselves remain deployed as if in skirmish mode unless the forward platoons are commanded to close on the reserves/the reserve advances to form line with the advance units. While the former has the disadvantage of leaving two platoons potentially exposed to close combat while separated, it has the advantage of leaving the reserve still capable of volley fire into overlapping attackers between or either side of the forward elements. Once a platoon/concentrated company is involved in close combat it loses the volley fire option that move.]</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOPQFmc6Nqas96iOFVCyrl9SmBBPVpRO1o0e89OQ7NbM7I3qmp2wsQ-XDhbrcF4-1ukxDwG3LgbeYOEgODOQCBVRVPyzrLAVW4gjpno9grx9YKLTZobWdWSQ1CLNvy1fCNmRUCL0CjlB2sfRHjn5cL0Bq_R8zzq9dFx2OS6-VPMIOaIdnPo2t_Mh_/s634/article-2558949-00D3E7A900000190-364_634x434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="634" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOPQFmc6Nqas96iOFVCyrl9SmBBPVpRO1o0e89OQ7NbM7I3qmp2wsQ-XDhbrcF4-1ukxDwG3LgbeYOEgODOQCBVRVPyzrLAVW4gjpno9grx9YKLTZobWdWSQ1CLNvy1fCNmRUCL0CjlB2sfRHjn5cL0Bq_R8zzq9dFx2OS6-VPMIOaIdnPo2t_Mh_/w400-h274/article-2558949-00D3E7A900000190-364_634x434.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Bees are fired upon again by a single company, but to little effect and their commander pulls them back between Black Bull and the river {#}. This is still a potential deathtrap as next move the enemy on Black Bull shifts to the military crest commanding this patch, but The Bees' options are limited - and the commander is, at the end of the day, obeying MY orders; just not in the way I had hoped.</p><p></p><p>Surprisingly the enemy companies flanking the column push forwards towards the eastern kopjes and the company that has been shooting at The Bees decides to concentrate by the small kraal at the north west edge of Black Bull, rather than shoot again {#}.</p><p>Again, the enemy commander seems unsure what to do. Although he has secured against attack over the drifts and from the east, the column and it's escorts have halted on the trail and are sitting there exposed.</p><p>Perhaps unexpectedly The Wasps (off table) HAVE been activated by the smoke signal, but {#} move up behind The Bees - i.e. the "valley of death" between Black Bull Kopje and the river. There is no sign of The Minnows - and I am still sitting on Cloud Kopje trying to decide what to do next. I WANT to ride over on my pony to take command of my east wing - but the river is in the way and the enemy commands the Little Drift. I would have to go off table to reach them, which adds another element of uncertainty to the equation, PLUS I lose control of the smoke signal on Fat Pie Kopje, The Hornets and The Elephants. </p><p>Dammit... I bite the bullet and ride east.....</p><p>Meanwhile, the enemy commander still hesitates, the enemy on Black Bull fire on The Bees (to little effect) and an enemy company advances and takes Black Calf Kopje {#}. An enemy Native Auxiliary company arrives on table. The Bees pull off table. My figure leaves the table. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlVBF9L2ljIxIsY_-KA65LedocRosPSHeFN9RxUAXKmPT9HHU-RKgc8qiN2ykgFkMo9pwghxPch4gFz6vcBAkbljDgR4XircEmbzI1dMVd_xPzwJycIl6XitUHxwNJEIdwNXGRwTaTqneaSSzDW9pxoKAwLlZ728RDuciSnHzhqsJt4fX6oGH2GMh/s1367/stage8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1367" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlVBF9L2ljIxIsY_-KA65LedocRosPSHeFN9RxUAXKmPT9HHU-RKgc8qiN2ykgFkMo9pwghxPch4gFz6vcBAkbljDgR4XircEmbzI1dMVd_xPzwJycIl6XitUHxwNJEIdwNXGRwTaTqneaSSzDW9pxoKAwLlZ728RDuciSnHzhqsJt4fX6oGH2GMh/w474-h339/stage8.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><br /><p>Next move the Law of Sod comes into play; the enemy general decides to do something while I'm travelling. He tests on the table below.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilw5JbaSyLSDaKf5LNIiPXLhT7b3jxAuS2OW3Qre-VlEI63s76QFKVTy0bC6YH8JpPztmHjc01H4cAIGoVkeehCKHVzZDWze5BsCpkhq6sIxrnqN7ydiPnjh43dVloBsvRKRfrzMQ6aXHMy0m2wtNl52fU-ZbQzSlz1_VGFlFX3r3cSRdT-dowc6Xu/s1206/tablcoge7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="1206" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilw5JbaSyLSDaKf5LNIiPXLhT7b3jxAuS2OW3Qre-VlEI63s76QFKVTy0bC6YH8JpPztmHjc01H4cAIGoVkeehCKHVzZDWze5BsCpkhq6sIxrnqN7ydiPnjh43dVloBsvRKRfrzMQ6aXHMy0m2wtNl52fU-ZbQzSlz1_VGFlFX3r3cSRdT-dowc6Xu/w508-h132/tablcoge7.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><p>He elects to hold the Drifts & East Kopjes. Form Laager. Then force one of the Drifts with 1xAve.D Companies. His men move to effect this and the Laager begins to form. His men on Black Bull dig in {#}. The tail end of the column (the Naval Company) enters the field</p><p>While my general is still struggling to get to his off-table troops the British form their laager and begin mustering for an assault across a drift. They will deploy three companies for this. The enemy general pulls back the company at the foot of Black Bull to carry this out. That is possibly good for us IF I can get my guys moving. He also orders the Gatling Gun to Black Cow Kopje and pulls back a company to support.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCYWjS6TWk5AXSxpBJ0lg6MmG_p5074vSsMWJbzcMF0yPcI1jtt0WbXdW7qgtIJyIFdDtX4l1VagcGkbOBkSPm1uDjzenApZqYO0XT6SW2hiGBaK7pc18pydBctrkyiajkmeQ0bK0Rljulz4xY70ixUNdYRoNWWcStgY58spstb3CgJc5ZUFg2iym/s1389/Image17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1389" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCYWjS6TWk5AXSxpBJ0lg6MmG_p5074vSsMWJbzcMF0yPcI1jtt0WbXdW7qgtIJyIFdDtX4l1VagcGkbOBkSPm1uDjzenApZqYO0XT6SW2hiGBaK7pc18pydBctrkyiajkmeQ0bK0Rljulz4xY70ixUNdYRoNWWcStgY58spstb3CgJc5ZUFg2iym/w496-h321/Image17.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><p>Next go my general crosses the river, but it will be at least two moves before he can do anything useful.</p><p>In my general's absence the British sort out their laager and it's supporting troops/Gatling on Black Cow, then rush three companies across the Trail Drift. Two of these manage to form up before The Hornets, provoked by their arrival, charge {#}.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8difqSbNt1Yyd-so2vidr2-dAL6-eBGgW19nbP36VoqPHQJ-kUk58UuNEaNpWsvqsXTCn0Vgl0zgrTTCwRmb7LWUxwF71BO-QyNCm72bMkmZHhH2NYG1zibSoAOzAP0sIISTBPbDvXa2k654vCkq0DeLO7NZz6WmoN2bZeHJ_oI8zFoBAI3PhmQk/s1367/stage9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1367" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8difqSbNt1Yyd-so2vidr2-dAL6-eBGgW19nbP36VoqPHQJ-kUk58UuNEaNpWsvqsXTCn0Vgl0zgrTTCwRmb7LWUxwF71BO-QyNCm72bMkmZHhH2NYG1zibSoAOzAP0sIISTBPbDvXa2k654vCkq0DeLO7NZz6WmoN2bZeHJ_oI8zFoBAI3PhmQk/w491-h351/stage9.jpg" width="491" /></a></div><p>As the warriors rush into close range the redcoats unleash rapid volleys into their packed ranks. Two regiments of The Hornets are stopped in their tracks, but the third crashes into the line of bayonets. There is a sharp and bloody tussle - and the Hornets are forced to fall back. Not good.... </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnmXkQA_dO2XmmUHeOUTe92poWkmlHDyyMvFnWFHBKRJM4Xn8UvGsbURnbkVvl2M4rrfYloa4_5Zgrh-gvkr77zNSu7R2oz4Q7_uu_TIpQ6h673t9g0Q_1j07DthzLY7ZYiTOYuOPrFyq1aPxov61wyBkPOSpcgUWWyWRsFB45My9VlUy0QafQkMX/s3136/Image20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="3136" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnmXkQA_dO2XmmUHeOUTe92poWkmlHDyyMvFnWFHBKRJM4Xn8UvGsbURnbkVvl2M4rrfYloa4_5Zgrh-gvkr77zNSu7R2oz4Q7_uu_TIpQ6h673t9g0Q_1j07DthzLY7ZYiTOYuOPrFyq1aPxov61wyBkPOSpcgUWWyWRsFB45My9VlUy0QafQkMX/w567-h163/Image20.jpg" width="567" /></a></p><p>Then worse; the following move enemy non-volley fire breaks the two shaken regiments and the third regiment is pulled back by its commander to allow it to rally, after it comes under volley fire from the (previously uncommitted) enemy company {#}.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFq5w74IuzhQJX46RtLBDRWfQErABJDmE1ipa0LO6_I_7pNKcpBODmv9AGYCsN1bLe98ssAT6ARqFgQ_ZMXVC952a1-qYhLzIvn_OiKlOXlHUsQTMblj4_f6tI8nfuc9XAyF7kwiUFnqbgWKTdm_rSBMoaMw9aSGw24JA_Cb_eOUqWBpckzkeMylBK/s2634/Image21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2634" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFq5w74IuzhQJX46RtLBDRWfQErABJDmE1ipa0LO6_I_7pNKcpBODmv9AGYCsN1bLe98ssAT6ARqFgQ_ZMXVC952a1-qYhLzIvn_OiKlOXlHUsQTMblj4_f6tI8nfuc9XAyF7kwiUFnqbgWKTdm_rSBMoaMw9aSGw24JA_Cb_eOUqWBpckzkeMylBK/w548-h186/Image21.jpg" width="548" /></a></p><p>Meanwhile, my general has arrived at the force off table to the east.</p><p>He scouts forward, where he can see enemy soldiers on Black Bull and Black Calf Kopjes. He will leave The Minnows in sight of these, while moving the The Wasps and Bees as swiftly as possible round the south of Black Calf (off table) and entering the table close to the track. This could take up to nine moves - long enough to lose the battle - if his movement dice are bad, so it's a risk, but the troops on the eastern kopjes are interdicting practically all the east table edge save the two "death valleys" (by the river and between the kopjes) and I'm not throwing my men away down those (I do not know about the company the enemy has withdrawn from north of Black Bull. Mind you, I don't know about the bloody Gatling on Black Cow either...). </p><p>My general also sends a messenger to light the beacon on Fat Pie Kopje to Summon The Great Bulls, off table to the west..</p><p>While my general is faffing about off-table the British west of the river drive off The Hornets, then follow them up as they retreat towards their original position in the westernmost donga {#}. They also place one company to control part of the western table edge, opposite Trail Drift. This occupies about three moves. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlfURrJT4yuZwXIBaOs7_SiF53CDPvAm1wmpzogndqUwwkG4LnOYv_2JsUNCFE0FrIu8Q5eNckeB43qbyxrpcd2uIvSjMtpqJyLsDgD7vcpjYUqs4cs70ejkfEra8tw5N9KGujoYCifDNMdFXey-3wy0K3VDPcYyZvpClYVUTGUBd4z0idaBvfy2O/s1897/Image23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1897" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlfURrJT4yuZwXIBaOs7_SiF53CDPvAm1wmpzogndqUwwkG4LnOYv_2JsUNCFE0FrIu8Q5eNckeB43qbyxrpcd2uIvSjMtpqJyLsDgD7vcpjYUqs4cs70ejkfEra8tw5N9KGujoYCifDNMdFXey-3wy0K3VDPcYyZvpClYVUTGUBd4z0idaBvfy2O/w501-h238/Image23.jpg" width="501" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The west bank seemingly secure, the enemy general orders the column to reform and make towards the drift {#}. The troops who had been in the laager stay in square for the moment. All this takes another couple of moves to sort out. Meanwhile my general and his off-table force is making good time (due to lucky dice).</span></div><p>The enemy column reaches the drift and begins to cross, but is then halted as a company of redcoats and one of native auxiliaries jump the queue, followed by the cavalry {#}. The British general now heads for the west bank, and crosses to take command here {#}. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSGngxwYKwKPXL1Zb8oql7IwhMbG6_b4wsceeSyp17jqnJCWGGrSh7nJa6TEVoD30jkXBbBzPcqy-rZnVisKdHDxSMoYmzYpNH0mrHKSHgcGzRr2KXHQAguGvaYeeevmEUoNhq0wcgkIyl9xozUO1TZ5OoXbrIJrKZnaTXjUG3XLY8Q1Dzr5XsD5q/s1367/stage10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1367" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSGngxwYKwKPXL1Zb8oql7IwhMbG6_b4wsceeSyp17jqnJCWGGrSh7nJa6TEVoD30jkXBbBzPcqy-rZnVisKdHDxSMoYmzYpNH0mrHKSHgcGzRr2KXHQAguGvaYeeevmEUoNhq0wcgkIyl9xozUO1TZ5OoXbrIJrKZnaTXjUG3XLY8Q1Dzr5XsD5q/w464-h332/stage10.jpg" width="464" /></a><br /><br />While all this is going on the two companies facing The Hornets have kept up a harassing fire at long range on them - enough to keep my men's' heads down and cause casualties among the regiments on the slopes of Fat Pie Kopje {#}.</p><p>So, the situation, as my general approaches the south side of the table, is that the enemy have seemingly neutralised The Hornets and established a force on the west bank, which is being reinforced. </p><p>However, the Hornets will likely have to be winkled out of their donga with the bayonet. This could cause a headache for the British, whose real strength lies in their firepower (and who will have the uncommitted Elephants on their flank if they assault the area south of Fat Pie). Also, their column is strung out and potentially vulnerable to a thrust from the south, where my general and two brigades are lurking.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmr-lN30Vvv6IHu0pNrPfF10R-Z0RDcwFJie6APEVdAM8NsFjceWGkTfaEpLEa2PqrPYfhTNjvQSPYVJuloZecxm76BdGKV3U5y-zF_tovd07yxtFzAvcTLB9rUrkAP1Ui_zCaAlLuNkxzb6nm-yOhNSVbkROBjnfmap4TbV1AEIr072THitfzyvlJ/s1949/Image24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1949" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmr-lN30Vvv6IHu0pNrPfF10R-Z0RDcwFJie6APEVdAM8NsFjceWGkTfaEpLEa2PqrPYfhTNjvQSPYVJuloZecxm76BdGKV3U5y-zF_tovd07yxtFzAvcTLB9rUrkAP1Ui_zCaAlLuNkxzb6nm-yOhNSVbkROBjnfmap4TbV1AEIr072THitfzyvlJ/w484-h224/Image24.jpg" width="484" /></a></div> <br />However, I only really have a chance of catching the column if the British begin to withdraw more forces from the east bank. I expect the Great Bulls to be activated by smoke signal soon (WHEN it gets lit). They too will run interference on the enemy on the west bank. <p></p><p>I am feeling reasonably confident that I will be able to maul the column, IF the enemy are distracted by the action on the west bank. We shall see...... </p><p>Next move the enemy still do not move their troops from the eastern kopjes {#} - not good for me. I wait, holding my men in check. The cavalry and the companies in front of them cross the drift.</p><p>However, on the plus side someone on the east bank seems to have blundered - the two companies who had earlier been acting as column escorts and the rearguard (prior to the forming of the laager/square) move off alongside the column {#}. There is now no rear guard. Also, the Gatling moves off Black Cow and heads for the drift {#}. There are still companies on all three kopjes my side of the river (are THESE meant to form the rear guard? That sort of makes sense), but it looks like some confusion has set in as the enemy force moves off.</p><p>Not so good for me is the action of The Hornets - who pull back to the top of Fat Pie Kopje {#}. Or will this draw the leading enemy infantry further away from the column? We shall see.</p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsAlZ8A0SizquXNbvwx2pBXLlE2x-UNaNotA6VH0aiZ_1gNfifpwmKimXHK7MPzmTOlcZrSUaIKhtTLqxuS8BiQVDC7X7ZlE5WHK0Ru4LrfLd3DHdoqOSkLR4bLkdvZjEt887AlLrN-Geagzh0ZMF8Wl1-671ir24y3l-h3yQ5qZrGyr5KbLUmUAE/s1367/stage11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1367" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsAlZ8A0SizquXNbvwx2pBXLlE2x-UNaNotA6VH0aiZ_1gNfifpwmKimXHK7MPzmTOlcZrSUaIKhtTLqxuS8BiQVDC7X7ZlE5WHK0Ru4LrfLd3DHdoqOSkLR4bLkdvZjEt887AlLrN-Geagzh0ZMF8Wl1-671ir24y3l-h3yQ5qZrGyr5KbLUmUAE/w469-h335/stage11.jpg" width="469" /></a></div><p></p><p>It does...! The enemy on the west bank move towards Fat Pie {#}. They now have four companies, the auxiliaries and the cavalry - plus ALL the Staff on that side of the river. On the east side one company has deployed as rearguard to the column, but two are marching towards the Trail Drift and another towards Little Drift. In addition the companies of Black Calf and Black Bull have pulled off the kopjes and are marching to rejoin the column . I think this is probably my moment.... </p><p>Or do I wait a move...? Decisions, decisions....</p><p>I hold off - but the Great Bulls don't, and rush onto the field south west of Trail Drift {#}. Likewise The Elephants, presumably prompted by the arrival of the enemy below Fat Pie Kopje, shift position - luckily with most of them ending the move in dead ground {#}. None of my other guys move.</p><p>On the west back the British react {#}. The two companies below Fat Pie open fire on those of The Elephants they can see, causing casualties and pinning them and the company nearest the Great Bulls deploys to meet this new threat. The cavalry close on the units below Fat Pie and the Gatling crosses the drift {#}. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQY2esO5XUPaGwaR3OBdY0PHH64Bg7S46yDkYBeKjoJZMmzLcm-wJ5cZX9sKJsLgoElAjmdIqu3Lx1PsOrXYmTNF8AmzffEz-WEgmRRlfEa2OBg3wIy1l8oa3mekj5egivgigtNFYxy4UFC7g_ywS53IN5tO6t13Wu-eqr_LuxQtUsNRb7ZjAHPKT/s1536/Image28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1536" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQY2esO5XUPaGwaR3OBdY0PHH64Bg7S46yDkYBeKjoJZMmzLcm-wJ5cZX9sKJsLgoElAjmdIqu3Lx1PsOrXYmTNF8AmzffEz-WEgmRRlfEa2OBg3wIy1l8oa3mekj5egivgigtNFYxy4UFC7g_ywS53IN5tO6t13Wu-eqr_LuxQtUsNRb7ZjAHPKT/w427-h251/Image28.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the east bank all bar the Scouts (who remain dismounted in skirmish line) and one foot company crossing Little Drift, move towards Trail Drift {#}.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3q3PEYdSW0KE95Mn4MAbJRVhnPFDdvAXFEmaGLjIhQNDtGMI1Anyk34qLxjngVibIb4lHFGKoupvn0TTPY4d-3UHBFW-DtoWTqJFhr5_caV3mg_v43wp-S1YUPQTsFB7nNPwZAyfvr3UPnFSalhN5H42BkdDKKqPb4PlIKSKtxA4ScwHJ2FtBOVcp/s1367/stage%2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1367" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3q3PEYdSW0KE95Mn4MAbJRVhnPFDdvAXFEmaGLjIhQNDtGMI1Anyk34qLxjngVibIb4lHFGKoupvn0TTPY4d-3UHBFW-DtoWTqJFhr5_caV3mg_v43wp-S1YUPQTsFB7nNPwZAyfvr3UPnFSalhN5H42BkdDKKqPb4PlIKSKtxA4ScwHJ2FtBOVcp/w469-h335/stage%2012.jpg" width="469" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I let loose my men in the south. Luckily, at the same time, The Minnows enter the field between Black Bull and Black Calf. By sheer chance (lucky dice) all of my men, bar The Hornets (on Fat Pie) are moving or attacking.... Not only do I have this stroke of luck, but also good movement dice. The Elephants crash into one of the enemy companies below Fat Pie, while The Great Bulls strike the British company facing them. Meanwhile the Minnows rush along the valley between the eastern kopjes and my personal command (The Bees and The Wasps) race across the plain from the south. In theory I am doing well.....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpjVp5E_GMHIcTSc9Z2ZophmQ7zNQe6ggA7nAWZ7h76iz3FQmYGQfNeKkFW8knFNqMSb8KryhUHa8Ee9GcO0jue57Dmky3FOwwY2XKUyH4pruszla1BXuG54X_cffjMOji_Y6CY7vBH0uFDkj6wnyJEaptF7KpdJVxt9483r3a4QEQmvaSf90YvHB/s3650/Image30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1895" data-original-width="3650" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpjVp5E_GMHIcTSc9Z2ZophmQ7zNQe6ggA7nAWZ7h76iz3FQmYGQfNeKkFW8knFNqMSb8KryhUHa8Ee9GcO0jue57Dmky3FOwwY2XKUyH4pruszla1BXuG54X_cffjMOji_Y6CY7vBH0uFDkj6wnyJEaptF7KpdJVxt9483r3a4QEQmvaSf90YvHB/w515-h267/Image30.jpg" width="515" /></a><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaraizMOuaFAmrku7M4k_uSgnP8WHtlY6I21nRGzE5zrKN9Y9_cW6T0I1X2LscAqgsMxLRlP-8W1VJdQi2Ef4W0l5cXcyHcOcDiy1J96tHILcYVGYIa-Oa2AdgmXDViNlv92_bbf34KAOGb-0VxuP7Ut1hPwXZX5QIDVjdCcodJV_9X6FESJdNBKwa/s1367/stage%2012aa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1367" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaraizMOuaFAmrku7M4k_uSgnP8WHtlY6I21nRGzE5zrKN9Y9_cW6T0I1X2LscAqgsMxLRlP-8W1VJdQi2Ef4W0l5cXcyHcOcDiy1J96tHILcYVGYIa-Oa2AdgmXDViNlv92_bbf34KAOGb-0VxuP7Ut1hPwXZX5QIDVjdCcodJV_9X6FESJdNBKwa/w453-h324/stage%2012aa.jpg" width="453" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then even better. <br /><br />In close combat the Great Bulls cause the company they have charged to run for the Drift - but not before bringing down all but a scatter of men.<br /><br />Even worse for the British; The Elephants, by sheer weight of numbers, overwhelms the company facing them - taking them down to a man.</div><p>The Hornets do nothing{#} .</p><p>But now the British strike back... On the west bank volley fire from the units below Fat Pie pin and cause casualties to The Elephants. The Gatling unlimbers, the enemy supply units start to scatter. The company which has crossed Little Drift, unaware of the problems beyond the woods at the elbow of the river, cross the drift and approach the donga on the river's north side {#}. </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE3_vnp0ZZgLTaKDKheuKrkKdDmCGRw0Nw7Ioi_96sXvfPixT8Fscxak3284SNiMLUgLFxTAa6Kzc3ypUxXbqHEI8uE-omleOOcz1zxNlajI5_muuTJdWHMa7vCFIWKBqm4B7JKyBAz2BAKAl5XMRYH6-4ucHKqQAsIvVs5DgVcxDbbAe2GCrD105/s1905/Image29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1905" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE3_vnp0ZZgLTaKDKheuKrkKdDmCGRw0Nw7Ioi_96sXvfPixT8Fscxak3284SNiMLUgLFxTAa6Kzc3ypUxXbqHEI8uE-omleOOcz1zxNlajI5_muuTJdWHMa7vCFIWKBqm4B7JKyBAz2BAKAl5XMRYH6-4ucHKqQAsIvVs5DgVcxDbbAe2GCrD105/w484-h228/Image29.jpg" width="484" /></a></p><p>On the east bank a rough laager begins to form around the two companies (redcoats and naval) near the drift {#}. They are joined by the rearguard {#}. The company which had been on Black Bull rushes to join them {#}. However, the company from black calf - isolated in the plain and facing The Minnows and my command, halts and fires {#}. The enemy scouts seem confused, and do not move {#}.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYrQ2jzebZfPKMkdXEJ6VXh0iPZEIiZbYOhS9ZGm7Sj7x6NhxVzliU9h4RrPjP6GXouGoQBR-3YYQW5fRCln8Hz3CiIyyNe-MLG3pjoQMzliUn5x67YwMpOhZ2o9VRHvQaw9F11LWqPasY12M5wKpvg5qDSIz5Q_tFKbvr2rCJ-iClTLKKK4IJV1Z/s1367/stage%2013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1367" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYrQ2jzebZfPKMkdXEJ6VXh0iPZEIiZbYOhS9ZGm7Sj7x6NhxVzliU9h4RrPjP6GXouGoQBR-3YYQW5fRCln8Hz3CiIyyNe-MLG3pjoQMzliUn5x67YwMpOhZ2o9VRHvQaw9F11LWqPasY12M5wKpvg5qDSIz5Q_tFKbvr2rCJ-iClTLKKK4IJV1Z/w460-h329/stage%2013.jpg" width="460" /></a></p><p>In my move the Great Bulls get among the enemy wagons at the drift. The Gatling crew, the remains of the enemy company and several wagon/column elements are destroyed. The Elephants scatter another enemy company, and kill the enemy general. All is looking good here.</p><p>The enemy company caught on the plain below Black Calf in a pincer by The Bees and The Minnows are overwhelmed. They die hard, but die they do.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTGNJtd_DwzxzmRGCk8-m0xNFwno50vF0bZslo9GK_IaEqusvDBQql07pK2vvmXV9-sYV0ww_7SFDSO0aZDmdWDqWLeXq9cK6LxR7aol02bcXsFAbVQuCAWTdYI1v146hkNsivOG2lW6BsRH4dzrG-VkbrCjPSPZ5j_IhKqhdAWzHjQfFOvT33HW0/s3870/Image33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2760" data-original-width="3870" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTGNJtd_DwzxzmRGCk8-m0xNFwno50vF0bZslo9GK_IaEqusvDBQql07pK2vvmXV9-sYV0ww_7SFDSO0aZDmdWDqWLeXq9cK6LxR7aol02bcXsFAbVQuCAWTdYI1v146hkNsivOG2lW6BsRH4dzrG-VkbrCjPSPZ5j_IhKqhdAWzHjQfFOvT33HW0/w441-h314/Image33.jpg" width="441" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7dtrNIOE8ryflqsME3lxR7CETcQOvzqvTJkki-Fds7Q1VFp0PGcyVZ985242w2a86Sx2s8oazRk1SL8C1SKX2Eb32nPyu7njkIcOLH0s7us4EaVsqTqx7myPkE57IvntUA_U1qmBdVVOv0VyhvJMapPo6UclSiRzUz2bNUuZ6Qt9bJ2CSgplra46/s3880/Image34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2215" data-original-width="3880" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7dtrNIOE8ryflqsME3lxR7CETcQOvzqvTJkki-Fds7Q1VFp0PGcyVZ985242w2a86Sx2s8oazRk1SL8C1SKX2Eb32nPyu7njkIcOLH0s7us4EaVsqTqx7myPkE57IvntUA_U1qmBdVVOv0VyhvJMapPo6UclSiRzUz2bNUuZ6Qt9bJ2CSgplra46/w442-h266/Image34.jpg" width="442" /></a></div><p>The Hornets STILL do nothing {#} .</p><p>On the east bank the enemy form a laager and a SE-NE skirmish line with the company from Black Bull and the scouts {#}. They are clearly in no mood to go down lightly. The enemy rearguard company pours volley fire into The Wasps and Bees {#}, causing casualties and shock.</p><p>On the west bank a scratch laager is formed; manned by the cavalry and stragglers from one of the broken redcoat companies. The native auxiliaries and other redcoat stragglers bolt for the nearby woods.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2slPySO6ALg6SiySlKwKNpanUuphF6EBt2WrB8axtIcnIVIizf5LYqht2iTgjm1FN67cpBQliFTTq6OPVOgQl6CRuQHwKcICHbvhjA8Shra8n_QfIwgkiwpHrEwN7o9ljK2YVogqlZo8l6hItUCwzLaH2ycR342X7jLzbeIlO0yvp3ukP2hlgmrJ/s1959/Image40.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1959" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2slPySO6ALg6SiySlKwKNpanUuphF6EBt2WrB8axtIcnIVIizf5LYqht2iTgjm1FN67cpBQliFTTq6OPVOgQl6CRuQHwKcICHbvhjA8Shra8n_QfIwgkiwpHrEwN7o9ljK2YVogqlZo8l6hItUCwzLaH2ycR342X7jLzbeIlO0yvp3ukP2hlgmrJ/w449-h206/Image40.jpg" width="449" /></a></div><p>Then an act of sheer heroism (or desperation) {#}. Two platoons of the remaining enemy company on the west bank, below Fat Pie, charges the flank of The Elephant's Loins (command unit), forcing it back, while the other pours fire into one of the other Elephant regiments. The Elephants' Loins are driven back in confusion and fails to rally next move. It pulls back, and the rest of the Dintisna withdraws to match. The Hornets remain on Fat Pie. The Great Bulls wipe up the column units still on the west bank, then halt, facing the western laager {#}.</p><p>The one isolated enemy company makes for the kraal - seemingly unaware of happenings elsewhere {#}. </p><p>The west bank is entirely out of my control. We have badly mauled the enemy here and killed their general - but I don't "know" this. I also don't know about the enemy company blithely heading for the kraal. </p><p>On the east bank I have a choice; launch my regiments against the laager here, or stand off. But I hesitate. Then, while I am rallying my men on Black Cow, the Minnows charge the enemy skirmish line without orders. The enemy at the laager and the skirmish line open up - and I see myself how deadly their volleys can be. The Minnows withdraw at speed up Black Bull Kopje.</p><p>The remaining enemy company on the west bank runs to man the laager there {#}. The enemy company on the north bank - seeing the The Elephants and The Hornets unmolested to their left flank, turns and heads back across Little Drift {#}.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjws5DLJ1P1iD68_bfpPZkiFFn9UY-WkzYZIjyICpYJGo93If0-34vUhfND52UejXjpR-vO-F2x7XltN4Qdfut6WQ0ccsnlhJBockRd2yOPekaXTJPbjJelH2jmBjeQI4unYMqUPQLfRY9UE1uHfmBo20Lrl8Xyp0c4-w6tiha5xKy-mVtxrgJ8KgZX/s1367/final9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1367" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjws5DLJ1P1iD68_bfpPZkiFFn9UY-WkzYZIjyICpYJGo93If0-34vUhfND52UejXjpR-vO-F2x7XltN4Qdfut6WQ0ccsnlhJBockRd2yOPekaXTJPbjJelH2jmBjeQI4unYMqUPQLfRY9UE1uHfmBo20Lrl8Xyp0c4-w6tiha5xKy-mVtxrgJ8KgZX/w490-h350/final9.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><p>My men are weary. Losses have been heavy - and will only get heavier if I force the issue. The enemy have been badly hurt, and are now huddled down in their laagers like a warthog in a hole.</p><p>Almost half the British column of wagons and pack animals has been destroyed.<br /><br />Four Redcoat companies have been massacred and two others mauled. Their auxiliaries have fled.<br /><br />We have the head of their general and their Gun-That-Goes-Ha-Ha-Ha.</p><p>I fully expect that, left to themselves, they will pull back tomorrow. <br /><br />I think we can safely say we have given them a bloody nose and seen them off and, while setting a watch, tend to our dead and wounded in the knowledge of a job done....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsM-MeLVGBwK4Lfb1-sQEHo_Vi1lx9OOUnz4vftjToMAX78Ka3eD71Jhg1kfOhsX2UiChVPnho8j9pspsX7br8ic61hlqFQ9QPyhygBHX8BDRSPzoNVix4DCSmCuBtpx8XqIAl-WmqDObXT78R29jNOQnSlxbhaTpV7jjIJhmwG50zE_onIPIxo_tq/s3385/Image41.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1805" data-original-width="3385" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsM-MeLVGBwK4Lfb1-sQEHo_Vi1lx9OOUnz4vftjToMAX78Ka3eD71Jhg1kfOhsX2UiChVPnho8j9pspsX7br8ic61hlqFQ9QPyhygBHX8BDRSPzoNVix4DCSmCuBtpx8XqIAl-WmqDObXT78R29jNOQnSlxbhaTpV7jjIJhmwG50zE_onIPIxo_tq/w457-h244/Image41.jpg" width="457" /></a></div><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Summary:</span></b></p><p>Another great game - if frustrating (in a good way) - and again (unsurprisingly) a defeat on points for the British - but another sharp lesson for the home team.<br /><br />Most of the battle "fought itself", as my general figure was absent or too far away to affect matters. There were a LOT of ad hoc dice decisions made by local commanders (on both sides - the British having their own C&C problems), which I feel reflects the reality of a lot of actions (no matter what the generals' memoirs say).<br /><br />The "Butcher's Bill" was high for both sides. <br /><br />I lost about 150 dead and about 270 seriously wounded out of a total of just over 460 casualties). A lighter loss when compared with the previous action, but still steep. <br /><br />How many of my seriously wounded would survive, with little or no medical provision, is moot at this stage.<br /><br />For the British the overall number of casualties (higher than in the previous action) was lower than mine, but what with my men overrunning or breaking four companies - and taking no prisoners - their loss in dead exceeded mine considerably: somewhere in the region of 300 British troops dead (including around fifteen officers, the general and his staff) plus the Gatling crew and forty so wagoneers etc. lost, with around forty walking wounded getting away.<br /><br />I haven't worked out the fate of the redcoats or Native Auxiliaries who fled into the woods - how THEY fared is anyone's guess... Let's be generous and say they sneaked back to the laagers during the night.<br /><br />Oh, and the commander of The Hornets...? Let's just say he was "<i>Retired; with extreme prejudice</i>"....<br /><br />Probably this was an "unwinnable" scenario for the British, but no bad thing for that. However, like the previous "local generals" I learned a valuable lesson - don't charge the redcoated Soldiers from the front... </p><p>That probably ends the current "This Ain't Zululand" project. Watch this space for more fun.... </p><p>As always, any queries, comments or snipes welcome....</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjycNAXEmxsnDwOihCX-OWAUb8jkI4a6aLTd0QGfbnWZPYNhj4TJxm3LlHHE_2rWd7NE1fUcaeXNz9unAlKPH9mlrH8ob-_nCCBpWMZS7OQy9cBlVtWPV7je3t1J0qklH_nQvuRcBm4jc1Cw5iLNF5YPBMPbpfNI7ly_uidTT7kCdH1TPp0Gm6WaN/s2067/Image22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2067" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjycNAXEmxsnDwOihCX-OWAUb8jkI4a6aLTd0QGfbnWZPYNhj4TJxm3LlHHE_2rWd7NE1fUcaeXNz9unAlKPH9mlrH8ob-_nCCBpWMZS7OQy9cBlVtWPV7je3t1J0qklH_nQvuRcBm4jc1Cw5iLNF5YPBMPbpfNI7ly_uidTT7kCdH1TPp0Gm6WaN/w579-h251/Image22.jpg" width="579" /></a></p><p><br /></p>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-36586043896311594792022-08-29T14:48:00.003+01:002023-08-19T22:18:07.073+01:00This Ain't Zululand: Part Four<p><b>A Delayed Post:</b><br /><br />I'm a bit behind with posts & write-ups thanks to the Reenactment Season (Evesham, Bosworth etc. and associated injuries), heat-induced lethargy, a bout of Covid which I'm still shaking off (dagnabbit) and family-issue wrangling, but here we go. Thoughts on a replay of the previous TAZ fights, but from the Other Side of The Hill.... <br /><br /><b>Playing At Home</b>.</p><p>Same set up and scenario as the first battle, this time playing as the Great King's general. My job is to stop the British achieving their objective while not losing too many men.</p><p>The reason for this (apart from the fun) is to play around with a situation where it is MY guys who are hidden, to see how I can manage a "secret plan" of my own with limited data AND how to manage the enemy's reaction to what they find. There may be some seat-of-the-pants flying but should be fun.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOY-oK_hbS5SiYvHmobWZihKwrU-WGoA2EIf0KJ-qaOe3bZRcTX610pAqEMPcgDhwOFBZwSbYUT0mwVgsg8JXuqMqbRYSF9Pqg-6D8PJ3msUIDkBnXM_RjKWyEZMFq4fG2tFhi2cqSvGFrKGNxl-ARL_pi1Y_S4iwrA1c9BMH30lxDZNBBjeNa7Bls/s612/istockphoto-532446205-612x612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="612" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOY-oK_hbS5SiYvHmobWZihKwrU-WGoA2EIf0KJ-qaOe3bZRcTX610pAqEMPcgDhwOFBZwSbYUT0mwVgsg8JXuqMqbRYSF9Pqg-6D8PJ3msUIDkBnXM_RjKWyEZMFq4fG2tFhi2cqSvGFrKGNxl-ARL_pi1Y_S4iwrA1c9BMH30lxDZNBBjeNa7Bls/w400-h304/istockphoto-532446205-612x612.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Decisions, decisions:</b></p><p>My first decision will be how to deploy my forces.</p><p>It doesn't take a military genius to see that the British will be most vulnerable if their convoy straggles (test throws will be as before, and as we have seen before, so this cannot be guaranteed) or when they are crossing the Drift (or drifts). Having men to hand to take advantage in these situations would be good, but placing them so makes their discovery by enemy scouts more likely.</p><p>Scattering my regiments will allow wider coverage. However, this leaves them open to defeat in detail and increases the chances of independent action on the part of my sub-commanders. Placing troops off-table keeps them safe, but makes them difficult to summon - and again risks independent action on their part. Also, do I expose certain troops to view (and thus fire) in the hope this affects enemy decisions ? Hmmm....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkXlQ_AGaB4QiTQZq_KxKOoPK7PCpyBhJK9wpMrklzM_RPsLInJ835o-xOUgGbmOVdTZ_KkRT-5EGOWQVe9RKwxpOz_n97NLU9tjUOgXjygSkYWevBBikSPB9zKpKem2uGrCiGQpJfQ-PoGXPIYHynrIPouEyi1ChQzKRsoTFDtYgYWvE5ShYJ46w/s736/3293bc5a3c023bd7e24794a6ec2ae2ef--stanley-baker-zulu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="736" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkXlQ_AGaB4QiTQZq_KxKOoPK7PCpyBhJK9wpMrklzM_RPsLInJ835o-xOUgGbmOVdTZ_KkRT-5EGOWQVe9RKwxpOz_n97NLU9tjUOgXjygSkYWevBBikSPB9zKpKem2uGrCiGQpJfQ-PoGXPIYHynrIPouEyi1ChQzKRsoTFDtYgYWvE5ShYJ46w/w400-h315/3293bc5a3c023bd7e24794a6ec2ae2ef--stanley-baker-zulu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Once the British enter the field (via the track) they will be making their own decisions as to what to do. This will be hidden from me since while my general can guess at their route, how they actually approach and how (i.e. in column of march, deployed for battle or in mobile square) will only be "known to me" if I chose to place the general in Line of Sight of the column (i.e. close to the action) or when a report (Messenger) mentions this (see below: "Incoming Data"). <br /><br />The enemy "decision" will certainly affect the success of any moves on my part. Their decision may also affect how any of my sub-commanders react.</p><p>One thing I will need to decide is where to place my general. Ideally he should be able to see both the enemy and his own army. He should also be in a position to signal to his men so as to exert some kind of control over the action. However......</p><p>Given that on the two previous occasions the "Home Side" achieved their objective with just the AI as player (albeit at a cost) I feel that I should handicap myself. My general will therefore start the game in the kraal (let's say he is having "second breakfast"; one of the privileges of rank) and will not move from there until there is the sound of heavy gunfire (say at least a whole British company) within 36 inches of the kraal or a message arrives (see below) indicating that the enemy are here in force.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlprZtGoWW_QhbEanLSRTv2ZJGHj4M8CpfCfjCx7252qlbdW11OTNwuZXPDm3nySl7T2pbtMZrlyIQPLCfYgHtxbHiiri-gsymEB78oI-kmj086lT73eHUBg-Wmok_oFNdU4D6QE0T35c1qP-kG9b7bwr8s_XyRLhqZZvqmICdmwyvkgJRx294b_8r/s900/south-africa-zulu-warriors-20th-science-source.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="900" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlprZtGoWW_QhbEanLSRTv2ZJGHj4M8CpfCfjCx7252qlbdW11OTNwuZXPDm3nySl7T2pbtMZrlyIQPLCfYgHtxbHiiri-gsymEB78oI-kmj086lT73eHUBg-Wmok_oFNdU4D6QE0T35c1qP-kG9b7bwr8s_XyRLhqZZvqmICdmwyvkgJRx294b_8r/w400-h281/south-africa-zulu-warriors-20th-science-source.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Incoming Data: </b></p><p>Unless the enemy is in clear sight I won't know what they are doing unless informed by messenger. Unlike the enemy horse in the previous games I do not have separate Scout Units. Instead my units must spot the enemy, then send messengers to my general. These messengers are not professional soldiers (these are the junior ranks of the units - perhaps rookies or even herd boys). The process will work like this.</p><p>On an enemy force approaching within
sight and within twenty four inches of a friendly unit or scout a
test is made per friendly move on the table below to see if a
messenger is despatched:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwClFmAsV_S55PNub4EqnKG_p5Z49Xg4xT84szHL8otXYRQrOEUd7_y9Z7ejKRhCGJuhqsu1nczsAL2hBNHXckEVn6NJ9MK_mhh5M0UGK5eaO-ZPPUe8w3QtbOpMfhqIvveIT5Iaaj02UhUsWSrBPCrD0PQLN36iLkFWKo06dEaC18IFYwOKde9_a/s1108/table3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1108" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwClFmAsV_S55PNub4EqnKG_p5Z49Xg4xT84szHL8otXYRQrOEUd7_y9Z7ejKRhCGJuhqsu1nczsAL2hBNHXckEVn6NJ9MK_mhh5M0UGK5eaO-ZPPUe8w3QtbOpMfhqIvveIT5Iaaj02UhUsWSrBPCrD0PQLN36iLkFWKo06dEaC18IFYwOKde9_a/w485-h394/table3.jpg" width="485" /></a></div><div>We then assess how long, in theory, a messenger will take to reach the General and test once that time is expended to see if the message has been delayed.</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLLRJFm3hdW70MeQi7dN38wraYOOIRlMN5tVXGvQHKvYBOv66cYfMpMVFF3SJhaUkHLGSrlTmM3L_6xB9DvL8EBBPd9wB-uxP5ElPJLHDKMWn6xwqXEpqkUEQY2Qoqu7CnyOMBVkd5HKhaOsuAIlj2-JJh34xJy_88TWX2WCjeaBozIUG0TpcHoJS/s1456/table5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1456" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLLRJFm3hdW70MeQi7dN38wraYOOIRlMN5tVXGvQHKvYBOv66cYfMpMVFF3SJhaUkHLGSrlTmM3L_6xB9DvL8EBBPd9wB-uxP5ElPJLHDKMWn6xwqXEpqkUEQY2Qoqu7CnyOMBVkd5HKhaOsuAIlj2-JJh34xJy_88TWX2WCjeaBozIUG0TpcHoJS/w528-h327/table5.jpg" width="528" /></a></div><br /><div>Once the message has arrived we test again on the table below to ascertain how good the data sent actually is.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbhpwnJlUDqsMrRCLNpN1ti7T-wGHgqjHp2kz9KyaGF69hAstQIQn5sSLwYKluJyYfuabxjoHONaTXN8feyhAh0SQ9D3CuYJualFKLfIsjM3-8ilf2o3K3aKA9QQwQ_gkOlApvx0Nh5fhn4TjtAf1zO0X31Xc60Wp3LyT8z-_Lwgwthmt4C820dKh/s1213/table7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1213" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbhpwnJlUDqsMrRCLNpN1ti7T-wGHgqjHp2kz9KyaGF69hAstQIQn5sSLwYKluJyYfuabxjoHONaTXN8feyhAh0SQ9D3CuYJualFKLfIsjM3-8ilf2o3K3aKA9QQwQ_gkOlApvx0Nh5fhn4TjtAf1zO0X31Xc60Wp3LyT8z-_Lwgwthmt4C820dKh/w549-h406/table7.jpg" width="549" /></a></div><div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Summoning /Activating Troops:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>On-table troops will be activated in the normal way - i.e. their commanders will react to messages, pre-arranged signals, react to ad hoc decision tests with regards changing situations and standing orders etc. etc. However, off-table troops must either have specific instructions as when to enter (written before play) or must be summoned by signal or messenger. They will NOT enter the table without orders. </div><div><br /></div><div>Messengers sent by the general will be subject to the usual problems/factors of messengers, with a standard "Delay test". Messages must be written out and must be interpreted based on the actual words - not the intentions of the writer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Signals, if used, must have a pre-set meaning (written down at the start of the game, "e.g. On signal march to location of smoke", "On signal; march to Black Calf Kopje", "On signal; march to Black Calf Kopje, attacking any enemy seen en route"etc.). Their implementation may be subject to a "Delay Test". Once on the field they will be subject to normal sub-commander reaction tests.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pre-set instructions must be specific (e.g. "If many guns are heard march to them", "March to Black Cow Kopje when the sun is highest", "March to any Kopje from which I signal with smoke", "March to the Drift" etc.) with a supplemental instruction if desired (e.g. "If many guns are heard march to them. Attack any enemy seen." etc.).</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIgyhCCLNGujUlQkYLQnXI4_XGfPxrtJWF6IkUd8Ph3kZuAp9P6KsavNdOG0B6d8lT9Ia8nn0U8KVRRvzUYILHtnb8uiEtiO17_nHbFSpHmM4jzh7237wB5fm1J8jKVuL7w1PEvKgnkKJJM5ju-RfyVPLcoyqDlDewwKjgxfMfny2ZbzwvRZQ_cs_/s602/main-qimg-6e1311699dddac675cfe0c1482d74ac6-lq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="602" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIgyhCCLNGujUlQkYLQnXI4_XGfPxrtJWF6IkUd8Ph3kZuAp9P6KsavNdOG0B6d8lT9Ia8nn0U8KVRRvzUYILHtnb8uiEtiO17_nHbFSpHmM4jzh7237wB5fm1J8jKVuL7w1PEvKgnkKJJM5ju-RfyVPLcoyqDlDewwKjgxfMfny2ZbzwvRZQ_cs_/w400-h320/main-qimg-6e1311699dddac675cfe0c1482d74ac6-lq.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Summary:</b> </div><div><div><br /></div><div>Yet another "How Can I Introduce FoW into my Games experiment. OK, a lot of tables there, but I want to see how I can manage (or mismanage) on limited data. Playthrough next....</div></div><div><br /></div><p><br /><br /></p>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-65454882795893555082022-07-24T17:38:00.004+01:002023-08-19T22:18:23.809+01:00"This Ain't Zululand" Three.<p><b>The Empire Snaps Back....</b></p><p><b>Recap:<br /></b><br />After their reverse the British rest up for a day, plan and count the cost of the battle.<br /><br />The butcher's bill from the last encounter was bad from the British point of view. None of the men caught outside the wagon perimeter, overrun (or left when the companies on Black Cow Kopje were pushed back) survived. <br /><br />Some eighty men, including six officers and four sergeants, were lost by the Regulars; the bulk from Shoreham and Fairbrother's companies. The British have about 18 wounded, six of whom are fit for basic duties.<br /><br />The Auxiliary foot lost twelve men dead and about the same number wounded (but these only lightly; those more badly injured and unable to make off were "dealt with" by the enemy).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiha1u1OwxOt6o33BHku_IYH-TB1EgVyKVjBBywbU7hIs-rCLMdoyIK16airoNjlz11VyVaOl67runMUDmwPfCWtEaaO1VUwDz09vY89tMx9xZ30kAboTxYkEKFnWk0O2zhLN4bt8j-JKuuIMLE8U6Yh13Qz3XSUAFF8moyEBer5wJyiupah0wvZtld/s4000/P1010193.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiha1u1OwxOt6o33BHku_IYH-TB1EgVyKVjBBywbU7hIs-rCLMdoyIK16airoNjlz11VyVaOl67runMUDmwPfCWtEaaO1VUwDz09vY89tMx9xZ30kAboTxYkEKFnWk0O2zhLN4bt8j-JKuuIMLE8U6Yh13Qz3XSUAFF8moyEBer5wJyiupah0wvZtld/w400-h300/P1010193.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Casualties among the Great King's men were judged to be around the three hundred mark. With almost all wounds coming from the rifles most of these may regarded as hors de combat for the next day. These are SERIOUS losses for an army used to slapping their neighbours at little cost to themselves.<br /><br />[My usual "post-battle accounting system" was used here; see my "A Word About Casualties" post]<br /><br />However, it is known that the Great King's army has a tradition of Shigaba Tha Cickewa ("Constant Replenishment") of it's Immortal Regiments. Veteran soldiers ("Lions of the Loins") lost are replaced by warriors from experienced "sister regiments" ("The Bull's Head" Fahwini) of the same Hansi who have proved themselves in battle. Such "promoted" troops are then replaced by drafts from the youngest sister regiments ("The Horns and Wings"), who in turn have their numbers made up by the older and bolder herd boys, hunters, scouts and snuff boys who accompany the army.<br /><br />The British will still have a fight on their hands if they come again.<br /><br /><b>British Plans:</b></p><p>It is decided that, after a day's rest, the Column will advance - this time in hollow square - to complete the mission. It is unclear if the Great King's regiments are still in the vicinity. If the enemy are present they can perhaps be drawn into fighting to their disadvantage. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73aJrWc3nMMmHagoxXn28srryfQyuu5Fbr5SgNh89tiVuU64ZWki0_XDujRoeUNAQJuTjugGTq2nodO-2kApITm38Z1OinxbE3CasYEPIUIGWLnr3va33PKD5gZUsx7zX9b9QYl6XI5iPcLMpDKFbACdqjXp4vtkxGTU0PQZ2Jo1Wqk0gNMYnsnmc/s3996/Image1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2644" data-original-width="3996" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73aJrWc3nMMmHagoxXn28srryfQyuu5Fbr5SgNh89tiVuU64ZWki0_XDujRoeUNAQJuTjugGTq2nodO-2kApITm38Z1OinxbE3CasYEPIUIGWLnr3va33PKD5gZUsx7zX9b9QYl6XI5iPcLMpDKFbACdqjXp4vtkxGTU0PQZ2Jo1Wqk0gNMYnsnmc/w400-h265/Image1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>The Great King's Plans:</b></p><p>Who knows.....?<br /><br /><b>Technical:<br /></b><br />I felt that the game perhaps developed too quickly last time (in game terms, rather than realistically), to the disadvantage of the Great King. I'm therefore using a 1x12D for the Scouting and Off-Table Tests with a 12 prompting a reaction this time to see how that works.<br /><br />Like the last game there will likely be a LOT of ad hoc Decision Tests by detached British units and the local forces. When such a test is deemed necessary/appropriate/has taken place I will note this in the narrative (unless otherwise mentioned in the text itself) with the following <b>[DT] </b>annotation. <br /><br />Reaction Tests called for my morale rules will be mentioned in the text, but not highlighted since they are not "Solo Play" procedures.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5ksLVN1UakLvZmcfVBTJQlpiQH3aHaktWcsBb7Kcb1DRa7PYu7s07Gy-RLAtE9PCuZ4QNdAwj5lH5ti0R4MjUR0aEkDi-ao5t-be16F9Ra7WKc6EkgXATW7xJIRTX54Pxy4yZ1Y6BvF3_4MJOOsTDVD0EWJ__b0C3_ThsWlRoVguLaJpuaIeCLCj/s3340/Image2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2168" data-original-width="3340" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5ksLVN1UakLvZmcfVBTJQlpiQH3aHaktWcsBb7Kcb1DRa7PYu7s07Gy-RLAtE9PCuZ4QNdAwj5lH5ti0R4MjUR0aEkDi-ao5t-be16F9Ra7WKc6EkgXATW7xJIRTX54Pxy4yZ1Y6BvF3_4MJOOsTDVD0EWJ__b0C3_ThsWlRoVguLaJpuaIeCLCj/w400-h260/Image2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><b>The Game:<br /></b><br />The British move off, in hollow square this time, with Dunsfold's horse screening and scouting.. <br /><br />Three moves into the game a detachment senses something suspicious in the woodland by the river, west of Black Cow Kopje and withdraw up the hill to observe <b>[DT]</b>. The scouts do not at this time alert the Column <b>[DT]</b> as they are uncertain.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWffhDPiaGAHvQb0TKPlB0GJX37Xz0SZXspUGj1jbG9ks_n1NVgOXvrqluo1JPD9TgZhfAB3gfRgPYnuaOATC7QtBeCkmlZrM1WlDxRmixaOdQlBVj36jdOptTsOu1YTjqPPfLgBzZoBv0YxDh36i0ZdLOcxjYDVZP0YxS9nRTavBc848yYAYDmoJ/s2751/SCOUTS1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2751" data-original-width="2101" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWffhDPiaGAHvQb0TKPlB0GJX37Xz0SZXspUGj1jbG9ks_n1NVgOXvrqluo1JPD9TgZhfAB3gfRgPYnuaOATC7QtBeCkmlZrM1WlDxRmixaOdQlBVj36jdOptTsOu1YTjqPPfLgBzZoBv0YxDh36i0ZdLOcxjYDVZP0YxS9nRTavBc848yYAYDmoJ/w305-h400/SCOUTS1.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><p>Next move the noises and movement reveal themselves as.......<br /><br />Some foraging goats...<br /><br />The scouts move back down the hill <b>[DT] </b>and investigate the woods properly, before heading for the main drift.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraT8es1eyKg8ncotPvHXKkkRqHm5E_c2aAWURiYEzlOb8MPLxOhHIKpCpmGwVskRG5sVPTjSDliZT5euSn9JG9-81TwUxRpFZtZfyO2TYTZw9LwkkUbOtsM2hEzXrx0ro7TSYmkWSDskgopwGvHZWn6xoZgWn4-pVKnYLdTrB5Q7XQLM0sj-Gj-PJ/s3572/Image3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2068" data-original-width="3572" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraT8es1eyKg8ncotPvHXKkkRqHm5E_c2aAWURiYEzlOb8MPLxOhHIKpCpmGwVskRG5sVPTjSDliZT5euSn9JG9-81TwUxRpFZtZfyO2TYTZw9LwkkUbOtsM2hEzXrx0ro7TSYmkWSDskgopwGvHZWn6xoZgWn4-pVKnYLdTrB5Q7XQLM0sj-Gj-PJ/w400-h231/Image3.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>By now detachments of Dunsfold's Scouts have checked and established pickets on Black Bull and Black Calf Kopjes (to observe for any off-table movement from the east). Another detachment has crossed the Trail Drift and starts checking the patches of woodland beyond. <b>[All DT-led]</b></p><p>Dunsfold's detachment and another section begin to scout out the riverside woods near the small drift. <b>[DT]</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqio0tOyqONhs6iePZUlKGW6B90tNxW3H2Q79GSOBI_5fgMKvP-hT7CiiCg0YZA0s1KgtrP0pEgi-Ey0W6XejBF4ZU5bHXGmxYfssiq9gzWZNFflAdxGxsQOci5nyQYIscwHVbModdVR3XiK6jEeendMp7wCZ9mWPy6YTOfuWniFdEYuL6ITU2r_d/s2751/SCOUTSW1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2751" data-original-width="2101" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqio0tOyqONhs6iePZUlKGW6B90tNxW3H2Q79GSOBI_5fgMKvP-hT7CiiCg0YZA0s1KgtrP0pEgi-Ey0W6XejBF4ZU5bHXGmxYfssiq9gzWZNFflAdxGxsQOci5nyQYIscwHVbModdVR3XiK6jEeendMp7wCZ9mWPy6YTOfuWniFdEYuL6ITU2r_d/w305-h400/SCOUTSW1.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><br /><br />Next move proceeds without event. Then, as the lead elements of the actual wagon column reach and cross the Trail Drift one of the scout units sees something suspicious in one of the east bank river woodland patches. They stay in place to watch developments <b>[DT].</b><br /><br />At the same time a cloud of dust can be seen entering the field from the southern west side. There is nothing specific to be alarmed about yet, but the column will be at it's most vulnerable while crossing the Drift, so it is good to be cautious.<br /><br />On the next turn the two leading infantry companies and the British Commander himself cross the Drift.<div><br /></div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOutYrBxzcBzE16tr4gVXLsw3oPURpFEudxXIhTEKB_ORsdyOjiPZww8BSVl1bdVbzVzHILMuYSWzTQz38LifqUbqRZUbZAvTm_BMllCoq5AiODnz3fyCsqLUBiPqK4MDlynH3PAipMJWe5PdI-Oafk_y9rW1c4YNnDsFoDi5T0ZJHnkTE0qlTZ-4B/s3868/Image5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="3868" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOutYrBxzcBzE16tr4gVXLsw3oPURpFEudxXIhTEKB_ORsdyOjiPZww8BSVl1bdVbzVzHILMuYSWzTQz38LifqUbqRZUbZAvTm_BMllCoq5AiODnz3fyCsqLUBiPqK4MDlynH3PAipMJWe5PdI-Oafk_y9rW1c4YNnDsFoDi5T0ZJHnkTE0qlTZ-4B/w400-h272/Image5.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />The picket on Black Calf can see dust clouds (off table) to the east but the other seen dust clouds do not move. The scouts on the west side of the river check the woodland patches.<br /><br />As the slow-moving convoy begins to cross the Drift the British redeploy to screen against the possible dust cloud threats. Again there is no movement from the dust clouds.<p></p><p>Meanwhile I realise that not only is the convoy is getting spread out at the drift (and that there is a snarl-up of wagons, troops and scouts on the east side of the river) but that there are now too many companies stranded on that side if an attack comes from the west.</p><p>The cavalry (lancers) here seem to have got bored - or maybe they want to move to support the scouts at the woodland (who knows?) and have moved further north than I would have liked. <b>[Lancer commander </b><b>DT</b><b>]</b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsg8cdBDX2n1t1dOY14SNMmNC66LnYtIZT0U3Wmmooq6QRwkFsK7Fc0iA4_cyO8y9WZ-xMHLturXT0SlMd0b85sy-9D-Rq3fpT85udJLxQlu3FlgmnIkkq8jdTGzvS4eo0PRiIOhNkvT6g_AzImPlaT9uIuB54DVhV9h8QRxl-01U9vReRqy-AzIx/s2751/CONTASCT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2751" data-original-width="2101" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsg8cdBDX2n1t1dOY14SNMmNC66LnYtIZT0U3Wmmooq6QRwkFsK7Fc0iA4_cyO8y9WZ-xMHLturXT0SlMd0b85sy-9D-Rq3fpT85udJLxQlu3FlgmnIkkq8jdTGzvS4eo0PRiIOhNkvT6g_AzImPlaT9uIuB54DVhV9h8QRxl-01U9vReRqy-AzIx/w305-h400/CONTASCT.jpg" width="305" /></a><b><br /></b><br />I deploy the two companies I have on the west bank to meet any threat, but am nervous - despite the nearby, western woodland patches having been scouted and declared safe (there are still the table edges - and no high ground nearby to see off-table). The scouts here push ahead. <br /><br />The scouts by the woodland dust cloud have a decision to make; enter and investigate the woods - and risk being attacked at close range or watch and wait. <br /><br />They decide <b>[DT]</b> to enter the woods and discover.....<br /><br />Catastrophe !! (??)<br /><br /><b>[A card draw; Red King - thirteen regiments]</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQlwdi-fS2Fp6uAAai0MCWLVGzyfmO4wiW6vsl8x1FqpOv3Gf__ekbxU1HE49GyX7B9IHuVOFRNeMToUx_xfq64A9tbFbQfeSLccJBEPPkD--WHLvu7YcuAPO59FD_4YItvqIdEEBFqBhlgTUUbhmyxoX9Ryj_otIFLbbqs9Rg8i0nf-IL7zjQHWn/s3636/Image8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="3636" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQlwdi-fS2Fp6uAAai0MCWLVGzyfmO4wiW6vsl8x1FqpOv3Gf__ekbxU1HE49GyX7B9IHuVOFRNeMToUx_xfq64A9tbFbQfeSLccJBEPPkD--WHLvu7YcuAPO59FD_4YItvqIdEEBFqBhlgTUUbhmyxoX9Ryj_otIFLbbqs9Rg8i0nf-IL7zjQHWn/w513-h218/Image8.jpg" width="513" /></a></div><p></p></div><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">A huge mass of men rise from concealment in the woodland undergrowth and the riverside bushes and reeds and surge forward. Luckily they seem as surprised as the scouts (who scuttle back towards the rear of the convoy - clearing the Line of Fire of the redcoated escort companies) and simply deploy in the open and shuffle themselves into order. However, this is a shock!</span></div><p></p></div><div><p>Just to make matters worse; the scouts on the west side of the river have seen something suspicious in the donga fronting them and the dust cloud in the south east (still concealed from clear view by a rise in the ground) moves towards my troops at the west side of the Drift.</p><p>In the next British move the Lancers turn and gallop back to the main line of redcoats and dismount, pulling out their carbines . Dunsfold dismounts his group by the wood and does the same <b>[All DTs]</b>.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzFI75S_RNC_2x1PGOY9PPZi6hyalSk1PS7cPaRFWqlDXMUAk7l_FyoWSECFFCx3i3bkyWdOlY3zRq89tOF8EkX0SN2KapeKFWH9xX_9Ro1AFxyQGsXBb7328RXRyaO__LmMjBs-FMei7FOuy9ELDbSwzVhDGcsCPJgRWH9moBk3tY5NQSS2zHWgc/s2751/ATTACK2A.jpg" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2751" data-original-width="2101" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzFI75S_RNC_2x1PGOY9PPZi6hyalSk1PS7cPaRFWqlDXMUAk7l_FyoWSECFFCx3i3bkyWdOlY3zRq89tOF8EkX0SN2KapeKFWH9xX_9Ro1AFxyQGsXBb7328RXRyaO__LmMjBs-FMei7FOuy9ELDbSwzVhDGcsCPJgRWH9moBk3tY5NQSS2zHWgc/w305-h400/ATTACK2A.jpg" width="305" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DKxRtaw9ha8rV74tj7lcQIVckUr0e1VBtihnF3dfNd5Ftj-fxzJ7dXblPR8xRFcQOD2lYrDS7JQstcVfuLQMo5IGyEieYBaBTvH8xyStWTtKHY-UUk-Im96nSpn5XeQ0AzTJUAzQQpvnQFrQOE3NAj472S6CmzfM5MRH4_ukkpw2zymi3o23YegQ/s3704/Image9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="3704" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DKxRtaw9ha8rV74tj7lcQIVckUr0e1VBtihnF3dfNd5Ftj-fxzJ7dXblPR8xRFcQOD2lYrDS7JQstcVfuLQMo5IGyEieYBaBTvH8xyStWTtKHY-UUk-Im96nSpn5XeQ0AzTJUAzQQpvnQFrQOE3NAj472S6CmzfM5MRH4_ukkpw2zymi3o23YegQ/w576-h144/Image9.jpg" width="576" /></a><br /><br /></p><p>Luckily the British convoy guards on the north flank are already deployed for action, and the hesitation by the suddenly visible enemy is a godsend. It's longish range, but the British open fire on the mass of enemy facing them. The various company commanders make sudden decisions <i><b>[No central command here - so ad hoc reactions all round</b>] </i>but a reasonable, if ragged, perimeter forms.<br /><br />In their next move the Great King's Fahwini rush towards the British lines in a mass - but their leading unit is slowed by having to get rid of the confusion sown by the initial British volley. Thus they do not reach the British line - leaving themselves open to volley fire at close range next move.<br /><br />On the west bank a swarm of Great King's regiments emerge from the donga, panicking the scouts there, who flee to join their fellows near the drift woodland, and sweep towards the British column head<b>[DT]</b>. </p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQt_ZDx2p-dnyc_CrE18i5mqBfjoVu8DXGs9rGeN9bVMj4ZsXgrpzLS0CSKw3QzF1uR_iBOxwVR1HHnIINysON0c3969sVYQ9UzHb02wVGZCg2Ejhxm6F71o-AKotk54IJLJsS0EPpFXy46RtzoMkWy716HCRPUYCVwDEYtryveRwGJg1Q_W-tFoT/s3856/Image13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2072" data-original-width="3856" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQt_ZDx2p-dnyc_CrE18i5mqBfjoVu8DXGs9rGeN9bVMj4ZsXgrpzLS0CSKw3QzF1uR_iBOxwVR1HHnIINysON0c3969sVYQ9UzHb02wVGZCg2Ejhxm6F71o-AKotk54IJLJsS0EPpFXy46RtzoMkWy716HCRPUYCVwDEYtryveRwGJg1Q_W-tFoT/w523-h281/Image13.jpg" width="523" /></a></p><p>The Gatling Gun is unlimbered <b>[DT] </b>and the wagons that have crossed the river are hastily lined up to provide some basic cover.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpBjpWG0ul-_5bYVyw-kVTp6ZUVCwGwyudxD4wXXrrQ4kCQnu9Lq9oDiemLSbsS51CKmo2ovl2fFeZI8T1VwVlG99BJ230Q3gx1e8dMuFKEbkTD-kSkVZMBejalgRIH4Y8HMUHDVNvN8p4P9ZNt8JGAzWeaAngni7nj_8vpZylEtCgorexJjoNSDO/s3880/Image14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2124" data-original-width="3880" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpBjpWG0ul-_5bYVyw-kVTp6ZUVCwGwyudxD4wXXrrQ4kCQnu9Lq9oDiemLSbsS51CKmo2ovl2fFeZI8T1VwVlG99BJ230Q3gx1e8dMuFKEbkTD-kSkVZMBejalgRIH4Y8HMUHDVNvN8p4P9ZNt8JGAzWeaAngni7nj_8vpZylEtCgorexJjoNSDO/w400-h219/Image14.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><div>On the east bank the British open fire, while still trying to secure their flanks by moving units around. The Great King's casualties are considerable and the enemy centre right and right wing are stalled. However, next move their left wing sweeps over the slopes of Black Bull Kopje to outflank the British line, while one of their left centre regiments crashes into the redcoats. The British company contacted takes serious casualties and is pushed back.</div><p>Meanwhile the eastern dust clouds move towards the kopjes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE915kYSy_-Wt1V0QQWUzgcJkCwLF_QPBPAefR3QBqyvPV6w-z8BaeI-0Y_o0LiXXyR6pLww3BJ47OeUL5pedOlY0qcNadcB4PL7U3ENg_nffKj1v8OmqGh89CkNG5LcawN6ic6oyV2_IGAe7qi4p_JtFWQy-EfRHpwKdfbN0Sh8lFLeCeYqQI7tw/s2751/PHASE%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2751" data-original-width="2101" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE915kYSy_-Wt1V0QQWUzgcJkCwLF_QPBPAefR3QBqyvPV6w-z8BaeI-0Y_o0LiXXyR6pLww3BJ47OeUL5pedOlY0qcNadcB4PL7U3ENg_nffKj1v8OmqGh89CkNG5LcawN6ic6oyV2_IGAe7qi4p_JtFWQy-EfRHpwKdfbN0Sh8lFLeCeYqQI7tw/w305-h400/PHASE%202.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><p>But next British move the volleys crash out again. Dunsfold and a few of his scouts hold their position at the edge of the river elbow woods and fire into the enemy flank <b>[DT]</b>. The rightmost regiment of the Great King's army, taking casualties from front and side, breaks, a neighbouring unit pulls back in shock - and the regiment that had charged home on the British line is battered by close range fire and likely to reel back soon. The enemy bodies are taking punishment from the rifle fire. </p><p>However, the scouts over on the eastern kopjes panic as the Fahwini there sweep across the slopes. The riders rush to the rear; in turn alarming the Lancers, who also withdraw. <b>[All DTs]</b> The British right is looking badly exposed, and I have a bad feeling about this.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJtdnolZDF6uQH-2g2SVQhPiFFDEO-6Vd9liPw3wjbfybtzZCDm7XRvPe6vgk8WBpKwCEw0IwNuRmGE4ZiRCgyfdczVbKCtLPVm8nEMqPQfF8jpYx7xxRzVUg81FJhxM2dkDTXy_1KKzT8JRn3bheBx_MJfjb-ODQyInuxIHIfLo0NETr4buoKyYZ/s3380/Image19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2148" data-original-width="3380" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJtdnolZDF6uQH-2g2SVQhPiFFDEO-6Vd9liPw3wjbfybtzZCDm7XRvPe6vgk8WBpKwCEw0IwNuRmGE4ZiRCgyfdczVbKCtLPVm8nEMqPQfF8jpYx7xxRzVUg81FJhxM2dkDTXy_1KKzT8JRn3bheBx_MJfjb-ODQyInuxIHIfLo0NETr4buoKyYZ/w400-h254/Image19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Over on the west bank, with one company held back to cover the dust cloud hovering in the south east, the Gatling and the other companies fire from the cover of the wagons. The lead Fahwi is halted, taking casualties, but the remainder will likely soon push through and past it to crash into the little "bridgehead" on this side of the river. </span></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Just to make matters worse the scouts here panic too - and ride back (against the traffic) over the drift and eastwards.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRKZAxF5cgWVqWVfU9q7GkeZ8s_7KU5czuryKgkH-Wm5BgSDPseVFFeZCgzKsBOoEtI1cpVwr1thp47dKUGxWM_-Vvm7ZI9lGklgAV9KgXat4hfaB375Yefg7EyKKibibk858qfNhcFiCPGM9a_bUbdCxt33r3Jw7RPPNhs_0Afhs0eHkmthd9bWu/s2751/PHASE3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2751" data-original-width="2101" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRKZAxF5cgWVqWVfU9q7GkeZ8s_7KU5czuryKgkH-Wm5BgSDPseVFFeZCgzKsBOoEtI1cpVwr1thp47dKUGxWM_-Vvm7ZI9lGklgAV9KgXat4hfaB375Yefg7EyKKibibk858qfNhcFiCPGM9a_bUbdCxt33r3Jw7RPPNhs_0Afhs0eHkmthd9bWu/w305-h400/PHASE3.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><p>The next move is vital. On the west side of the drift the Gatling Gun is overrun and the crew killed. While the Great King's men at the wagons cause casualties among the British they in turn are forced back by bayonet and rifle fire. The next British move causes more casualties and disruption among the Fahwini, some fall back, but it feels like it's only moments until the British here will be overwhelmed.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBMzYJRNbMWnGoUY_bkNAabuF2jt1UAXR0AWBhpESB6SvIME1eNXy4RO_KFQuKQO8SkjdYaGwMxiaaxJedWIv8YuEG6voPiyx0_j5jDH0EK9u74221bs0_jsgLKyxp7wso2-ww-XVCUD-WGod65xX9B1rTGTBPeiJ9b-fgMfjaf2-tRBGjwU-dhuU/s3696/Image18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1732" data-original-width="3696" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBMzYJRNbMWnGoUY_bkNAabuF2jt1UAXR0AWBhpESB6SvIME1eNXy4RO_KFQuKQO8SkjdYaGwMxiaaxJedWIv8YuEG6voPiyx0_j5jDH0EK9u74221bs0_jsgLKyxp7wso2-ww-XVCUD-WGod65xX9B1rTGTBPeiJ9b-fgMfjaf2-tRBGjwU-dhuU/w400-h188/Image18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />On the east side of the river the British line takes casualties from hand to hand fighting and recoils. The native auxiliaries, hit in the flank, break; but the close range rifle fire also breaks a couple of the Great King's regiments. The fighting here seems more even.<p></p><p>However....<br /><br />Screened by the units fighting the redcoats, four fresh enemy regiments are now swinging past the right flank of the British. The scouts in front of them panic and the Lancers hesitate<b>[DT]</b> . It looks like these hostile units may well pivot round towards Black Cow Kopje - cutting off the British retreat. </p><p>Meanwhile the dust clouds generally move forwards <b>[DT]</b>- with the one south west of the drift proving to be potentially another six regiments !! This actually brings out only four - the remaining elements of the Great King's army. All of his regiments are now deployed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRqD8FkPKeo6z9jlB73KcOffXWX5TRX7mPjlTkVoERWf7MFEGYKFm3-fAyIwEIqcf7pYOrMwt_rJ1FCa80Oe19ZtoUZRQml8Hpdu38hRcD0HIdOUpw2D8Qv8CZm4Yboz6oQQFtFNr7JE0vae3hIsSbFmeRWw859SAZoO7I1BYW8kY4rgbiOSETdPE/s2751/PHASE4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2751" data-original-width="2101" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRqD8FkPKeo6z9jlB73KcOffXWX5TRX7mPjlTkVoERWf7MFEGYKFm3-fAyIwEIqcf7pYOrMwt_rJ1FCa80Oe19ZtoUZRQml8Hpdu38hRcD0HIdOUpw2D8Qv8CZm4Yboz6oQQFtFNr7JE0vae3hIsSbFmeRWw859SAZoO7I1BYW8kY4rgbiOSETdPE/w305-h400/PHASE4.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><p>This looks like endgame for the British on the west bank. Next move the British here have had enough, and they start pulling back across the drift - jostling with the panicking wagoneers <b>[DT]</b>.</p><p>On the east side the British consolidate their line as the bulk of the enemy hesitate. Another volley further discomforts the Fahwini in the centre, then the Lancers finally act, and charge the faltering Snake Regiment on the enemy left centre, breaking them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRWVZ4LE04YGnYv3tNTH_FUKzX1nCFp-VIP_Mo1f5YxPBnJVg5aZCorreVGpiJjGyRgetsEP5lwsbIaN0kM3kz6dVBwfoHZocRP_exfE1udeQ4oaLQgFS8jV-nbb6naqPqU5TrZ-I3qhhMCfgBTgr6RI5hV_Hvn3n4YoffYxxqUav8qWVuoa1XohC/s3852/Image22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="3852" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRWVZ4LE04YGnYv3tNTH_FUKzX1nCFp-VIP_Mo1f5YxPBnJVg5aZCorreVGpiJjGyRgetsEP5lwsbIaN0kM3kz6dVBwfoHZocRP_exfE1udeQ4oaLQgFS8jV-nbb6naqPqU5TrZ-I3qhhMCfgBTgr6RI5hV_Hvn3n4YoffYxxqUav8qWVuoa1XohC/w475-h190/Image22.jpg" width="475" /></a></div><p>The next move the Kings' men hover threateningly on the west bank, but do not close - nursing their wounds and reorganising <b>[DT]</b>. This gives the British breathing space enough to form line so as to control the river crossing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsTXsCSnywAJJkDUG-shexmLw4afFhqtNFvWnjK_J6Vy5TZJRoD6pe91W5fIdhRsEWz_jXtw1MnvPuiCNDkBHkPBHrmUrYsvyg9A6UbBSmIbQJWuRGsh84BWxsLJCi4Dz8fw-Ik_G9ibZXO9df_9Lk1SlpioHLLjYp8x02xFYx5bY6kuoiWL4g6u4/s3700/Image24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="3700" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsTXsCSnywAJJkDUG-shexmLw4afFhqtNFvWnjK_J6Vy5TZJRoD6pe91W5fIdhRsEWz_jXtw1MnvPuiCNDkBHkPBHrmUrYsvyg9A6UbBSmIbQJWuRGsh84BWxsLJCi4Dz8fw-Ik_G9ibZXO9df_9Lk1SlpioHLLjYp8x02xFYx5bY6kuoiWL4g6u4/w400-h201/Image24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>On the east bank the regiments also try to reorganise and rally. It is difficult to tell, but it looks as if the British volleys have taken the fight out of some of the regiments.</p><p>On the other hand the British are in a pickle. The wagon train is in confusion and about a quarter has been lost. Almost all of the native auxiliaries are now fleeing the field. The British line of retreat is threatened, with some companies having been nastily mauled.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwbXYM8YhcZULz0tbn2yB8pTYddOKHOkPjfs3Cp3oKHz2uy0YPkWgUVIaGNXg3w1QFkJcZ7CdrbC5VKZXp1N9kgSXywxTtmaoRxrjGtXGYdwPJb_7QWSJTmzMKg_hnQDhZKWq_tqo616GmAayoLgHtJywQQKez3BTMY8XENuhLToXmD5tmXyCoQFu/s2073/PHASE5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1851" data-original-width="2073" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwbXYM8YhcZULz0tbn2yB8pTYddOKHOkPjfs3Cp3oKHz2uy0YPkWgUVIaGNXg3w1QFkJcZ7CdrbC5VKZXp1N9kgSXywxTtmaoRxrjGtXGYdwPJb_7QWSJTmzMKg_hnQDhZKWq_tqo616GmAayoLgHtJywQQKez3BTMY8XENuhLToXmD5tmXyCoQFu/w400-h358/PHASE5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It looks like a draw is on the cards; the British being unable to fulfil their mission, the Great King's army unable or unwilling to charge into the face of the volleys again and finish the job. <br /><br />However, as the British try to move their remaining wagons back, off trail, one breaks a wheel (the remaining ammunition wagon) and an ox goes lame on one of the other wagons. Not good.<br /><br />The cavalry charge has panicked the enemy centre on the east bank, giving a breathing space, but the volleys from the line companies cause minimal disruption.<br /><br />Dunsfold's exposed troopers by the elbow woods pull back to the main column <b>[DT]</b>.<p></p><p>On the west bank the Great King's men surge across the drift <b>[DT]</b>, catching some wagons marooned there, but the warriors will still be wading across during the British turn, so are likely to be met with gunfire before they can close.</p><p>On the east bank the Great King's right wing holds, the centre breaks as the panic from the cavalry charge spreads, but the left wing of his force pushes south - still threatening to envelope the British line. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZR_v7M_QlvoRECETOiIMIa4jvmaYI0NlvhLOp7nEynCGIvQVZHSJ5v_6m32Wxqtbs4ZU-2N1l3mCl9N-4FT0RXhBKKP9jwuSREv38nMHOafDxgLkgWvfi2X-VqWBBzWUsI5mGeHxgEO5r2EqIZpIWTzSnqPZ4MKYqHeOTt4LPl38EVR2NE_H2CSD/s2014/PHASE6A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1710" data-original-width="2014" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZR_v7M_QlvoRECETOiIMIa4jvmaYI0NlvhLOp7nEynCGIvQVZHSJ5v_6m32Wxqtbs4ZU-2N1l3mCl9N-4FT0RXhBKKP9jwuSREv38nMHOafDxgLkgWvfi2X-VqWBBzWUsI5mGeHxgEO5r2EqIZpIWTzSnqPZ4MKYqHeOTt4LPl38EVR2NE_H2CSD/w400-h340/PHASE6A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Next move the British companies guarding the drift open rapid volley fire at close range at the enemy crossing the ford; tearing the leading Fahwi apart and breaking it. This unit rushes back though the supporting regiments, sowing disruption. The drift is holding.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZdwFsrDm-jBSBegEQxvHd2lkrQaTG6fsT5qIFFjxYcg3veBUAxdmvp63OAdrOkAoy-I835u5RXxSKoxF0rW77O-F4fh_XhivsDccJBwN1UJk4n4Pz5ivaXuPR0xKhouVdfAJvnjhPAcZlfNigYef3FatgUm2vszop7II49ImYlbx-0gNwx9Jh_1u/s3796/Image25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2176" data-original-width="3796" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZdwFsrDm-jBSBegEQxvHd2lkrQaTG6fsT5qIFFjxYcg3veBUAxdmvp63OAdrOkAoy-I835u5RXxSKoxF0rW77O-F4fh_XhivsDccJBwN1UJk4n4Pz5ivaXuPR0xKhouVdfAJvnjhPAcZlfNigYef3FatgUm2vszop7II49ImYlbx-0gNwx9Jh_1u/w400-h229/Image25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Any enemy advance on the east bank has likewise been stalled by volleys. A British company races to occupy Black Cow Kopje to prevent the enemy left wing from taking it. Dunsfold is sent in support. The reminder of the wagon train pushes slowly south.<br /><br />Meanwhile, on the east bank the Great King's centre, having taken enough from the British volleys, pulls back to Black Bull Kopje. The King's general has lost heart and he pulls back the right wing<b>[DT]</b> . Likewise the enemy left wing commander<b>[DT]</b> whose men have been unsettled by the breaking regiments and the presence of the cavalry. The fight seems to have gone out of the Great King's regiments on the east bank, with the volleys and cavalry having taken their toll. </p><p>But suddenly disaster for the British; a mass attack across the drift by the Great King's men <b>[DT] </b>leads to a vicious melee, and the British companies there are pushed back with severe losses. This could be a game changer - or the last throw of the dice for the Great King's warriors.</p><p>It is the British turn - and this will be key. <br /><br />They fall back and regroup successfully - leaving (sacrificing?) the companies at the drift to try to stem the flow of enemy here. These companies slow the enemy advance (next enemy move), but suffer badly and are broken by the action.<br /><br />This is enough, perhaps, for the British main force. The sacrifice at the drift has bought time, so in the next British turn almost two full companies can pound the leading elements of the west bank Great King's force with close range rapid volleys. This they do, breaking the lead Fahwi, which in turn runs though its supports, breaking these in turn.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqGT7dSyPRzWMIyPAo_UJw-mczVWjbmzb3S1VCniKRn1Jn7SC_nlxOE-NznE9d0pq33F1RydBtoR4wvXWg4r9tPgpporUfcifkkab2kF-a_QUBIFr3-uhlANg7-fCf6FFutxrHC_qaFHWVl-_cQoeAr2IkHVYU2kT3aiIFslfrVyBYRVtS7elN_VD/s2001/PHASE8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1416" data-original-width="2001" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqGT7dSyPRzWMIyPAo_UJw-mczVWjbmzb3S1VCniKRn1Jn7SC_nlxOE-NznE9d0pq33F1RydBtoR4wvXWg4r9tPgpporUfcifkkab2kF-a_QUBIFr3-uhlANg7-fCf6FFutxrHC_qaFHWVl-_cQoeAr2IkHVYU2kT3aiIFslfrVyBYRVtS7elN_VD/w400-h283/PHASE8.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />The British force now has a good front, with it's left protected by the river, and a right made up of the companies occupying the crest of Black Cow Kopje. Both front and side of the British position have clear lines of fire before them of between 400 and 800 yards; plenty of room to blunt a charge. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOiBUN-Ljf5T2Zog0FlW5v22g1x6bxJHTAv9yREWXreOFC3xqnBtyRWFojcAPF4lfFRLESK8671nAYdqzwRvkzsHkSLxnoaguJRiwqy3tt2gXzy4-NAZKjAx5IjIlaMmc6ofw37VJGjAuKyXRPeZcoE-PQEio4nQUCYZ82tUrZx9s7-qJ41PUtmAd/s3800/Image29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2052" data-original-width="3800" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOiBUN-Ljf5T2Zog0FlW5v22g1x6bxJHTAv9yREWXreOFC3xqnBtyRWFojcAPF4lfFRLESK8671nAYdqzwRvkzsHkSLxnoaguJRiwqy3tt2gXzy4-NAZKjAx5IjIlaMmc6ofw37VJGjAuKyXRPeZcoE-PQEio4nQUCYZ82tUrZx9s7-qJ41PUtmAd/w400-h216/Image29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>This seems to be it. The Great King's general has ordered his troops of his right wing to hold, and not pursue as the British seem to be pulling back <b>[DT]</b>. Those regiments which have just crossed the drift halt, in accordance with his signals. <br /><br />The remainder of his army (elements still on or those from the west bank broken after crossing the drift and his centre) are recovering their order or are still in flight. His left is wavering, but currently steady, having pulled back to long range. <br /><br />The Brits pull back unmolested. Endgame...</p><p><b>Result and Butcher's Bill:</b></p><p>So far as the Great King's men are concerned they have again driven back the supposedly invincible Red Soldiers. For them it is a victory.<br /><br />But at a cost. Today's losses to the Great King are 192 dead on the field and 168 seriously wounded, plus about 160 other wounded. Coupled with losses from the previous battle this is serious; about five Fahwini of experienced troops.<br /><br />The British lost about seventy Line Company men dead today (including eight officers), mainly on the west bank, at the drift and when the enemy's centre caught a company in the flank. They have about eighteen seriously wounded (as before, any wounded men overrun by the enemy were swiftly despatched) and about 30 other wounded. The column also lost twenty four native auxiliaries dead and about twelve walking wounded.<br /><br />Fourteen wagoneers/drivers and the Gatling Gun crew were lost. ALL of the regimental ammunition wagons were lost.<br /><br />On this expedition the British have lost the equivalent of two companies of Line Troops and about half their native foot. They have lost to the enemy most of their wagons, plus about two hundred rifles and masses of ammunition. Not good at ALL....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKMMMCZUxwgghZX2MoCTkmn_AqkU5VZ2KW7XYaTftMtJJLsdPIVxUfBv434v_FDB5NwtDRAs0LY7EQfTPPf1UV1X2V0cbHALWEmLOVJkAVytPx49aBMVhFWLnhWXJ75P3UOWYabsf1PS4EpLKG7uTvSv5TYuYm1xi2k6UraLn92zd874MxKrk3HXA/s3176/Image20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1312" data-original-width="3176" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKMMMCZUxwgghZX2MoCTkmn_AqkU5VZ2KW7XYaTftMtJJLsdPIVxUfBv434v_FDB5NwtDRAs0LY7EQfTPPf1UV1X2V0cbHALWEmLOVJkAVytPx49aBMVhFWLnhWXJ75P3UOWYabsf1PS4EpLKG7uTvSv5TYuYm1xi2k6UraLn92zd874MxKrk3HXA/w518-h213/Image20.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Summary:</b></p><p>Another exciting and unpredictable little game.<br /><br />The reduction in the likelihood of a PAP activating was a good move, and certainly worked in the Great King's favour. The "ambush" nearly came off - again the Brits were only saved by the devastating power of their close-range rifle volleys. </p><p>The chaos at the drift was nearly enough to tip the balance in the Great King's favour, but not quite. <br /><br />Could a more forceful approach by the Great King's general once the British had been pushed back across the river have led to greater British losses? Perhaps. Had his left wing not already shown signs of wavering, and had they been pushed south of Black Cow Kopje to cut off the British retreat I would have said possibly "yes". <br /><br />But on balance, with much of his army already having broken once, a proportion showing clear unease (having taken severe, and in the Great King's army's terms, extraordinarily high, casualties) I don't think he was wrong to call it a day - especially as he had already seen the effect the volleys and the British cavalry had had on his men. He would also have been unaware that the British troops had been left with only the ammunition they carried with them.<br /><br />Politically too, wiping the column out - complete with a "Famous Last Stand" to exercise the British breakfast table - would guarantee the British coming back mob-handed and bent on revenge. <br /><br />Both sides have learned a lesson. Perhaps (via the good offices of Commissioner Sanders - and some firm telegrams from the neighbouring French and German Protectorates) some accommodation can be reached between The Great King and "The Old Woman Across The Water". We shall see......<br /><br />As always, queries and comments welcome. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3SM01J-1UsNoq2NUgzZEwZaTWaU2NZZP_mZ3dXS6Gia0kDeGEKUZ9cCw0Dx_bFLc_P3DvmTmOpvehLQNUpmu2oVkydSJJsel10XU1unL6OYC-5A0xO3Xbi8Aj9lJzlyoy5jFX2rFA7adcQTCoEBdujYNCp09D85wdUxaqPiCOWTWKk5hT_dA0-lU/s2823/Image7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="2823" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3SM01J-1UsNoq2NUgzZEwZaTWaU2NZZP_mZ3dXS6Gia0kDeGEKUZ9cCw0Dx_bFLc_P3DvmTmOpvehLQNUpmu2oVkydSJJsel10XU1unL6OYC-5A0xO3Xbi8Aj9lJzlyoy5jFX2rFA7adcQTCoEBdujYNCp09D85wdUxaqPiCOWTWKk5hT_dA0-lU/w506-h182/Image7.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-71087939159695338142022-07-14T09:40:00.003+01:002023-09-12T18:08:11.496+01:00"This Ain't Zululand" Two: The Battle.....<p><b>The Game:</b></p><p>The Native Horse (Scouts) under Maj. Dunsfold enter the table and begin scouting; splitting into four parties. One will scout the eastward, Black Calf Kopje. Another team the riverside woodland with a third climbing up Black Cow Kopje. </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWY9oTjzrBA2yCSSC2qXbOX02aM7cMilcMjC8xOYJqTL6sNG50FYwp8Dr7RINu30mjkyhvLFYQs_s5EG5aY-rIm_OhFp_g1T9979Tm1RM50TtKVQNgDf8ZJx4ko3BtpGrfR7kL1PsJV0ZbHkEDQl7BOo3ayvUjFHb51YlpyNmPOOPwzNAOrfVXZTG/s3102/Image1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1734" data-original-width="3102" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWY9oTjzrBA2yCSSC2qXbOX02aM7cMilcMjC8xOYJqTL6sNG50FYwp8Dr7RINu30mjkyhvLFYQs_s5EG5aY-rIm_OhFp_g1T9979Tm1RM50TtKVQNgDf8ZJx4ko3BtpGrfR7kL1PsJV0ZbHkEDQl7BOo3ayvUjFHb51YlpyNmPOOPwzNAOrfVXZTG/w400-h224/Image1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Dunsfold himself moves to check Black Bull Kopje - but activates two enemy units hidden there, who show themselves.</p><p>Shortly after, more possible units are seen from the scouts now atop Black Calf Kopje, to the east of the trail (dust can be seen off table), then more dust is seen to the north of Black Bull. Already we have enemy activity on the table. This IS early in the game.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMD7Cr3w4Q8HGzhx7-wv3BlHgDrm5vC8y5Iicz4IM2DYfe1pKEt9Ei1XpksKvluY4ZxsaWYS2mXUFrveObulgrw3MsWGpOs5WgSQLUNZ4u8Bj7SAuTspJ1piyaKfzkoMPMFp1GImjEn2WbYZBcD810tQuZ1nknIa_6h9kEf2GA_h5WMaH7XfY2RK1i/s3720/Image1a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1698" data-original-width="3720" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMD7Cr3w4Q8HGzhx7-wv3BlHgDrm5vC8y5Iicz4IM2DYfe1pKEt9Ei1XpksKvluY4ZxsaWYS2mXUFrveObulgrw3MsWGpOs5WgSQLUNZ4u8Bj7SAuTspJ1piyaKfzkoMPMFp1GImjEn2WbYZBcD810tQuZ1nknIa_6h9kEf2GA_h5WMaH7XfY2RK1i/w400-h183/Image1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>However, intelligence suggests the enemy are not shy of using the old ruse de guerre of faking dust clouds with driven goats, cattle and herd-boys with blankets.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqZdJg-PyTWMgAk0kcxcPMnGqwGQ7nq8jUuskgHgliJwPPG27rbFJcZ7CDxKwZlMW0h-L1iOt2tv9GkTLazye6Enxc0mtFijKNbLNDP20c_zELj42rGq9HmyVEXPlu233qxqKg2hm05jsqNMT_DFfKh1kV-uXvf_w3YITVCdvdANtkcLi-vszhyfj/s2751/map2a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2751" data-original-width="2101" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqZdJg-PyTWMgAk0kcxcPMnGqwGQ7nq8jUuskgHgliJwPPG27rbFJcZ7CDxKwZlMW0h-L1iOt2tv9GkTLazye6Enxc0mtFijKNbLNDP20c_zELj42rGq9HmyVEXPlu233qxqKg2hm05jsqNMT_DFfKh1kV-uXvf_w3YITVCdvdANtkcLi-vszhyfj/w305-h400/map2a.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dunsfold's Initial Moves</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The detachment on Black Cow Kopje dismount and open long range fire at the hostiles moving down from Black Bull Kopje.</p><p>Dunsfold himself withdraws towards Black Cow. His troop on the east side of the table atop Black Calf Kopje also heads for the main body. </p><p>Meanwhile Dunsfold has sent a messenger back to the Column informing them of the enemy confirmed - and possible - presence. <br /><br />Once the woodland by the river has been checked Dunsfold's command concentrates on Black Calf Kopje. The hostiles are clearly in force in the vicinity of Black Bull. These two enemy regiments (Fahwi) move down towards Dunsfold's command. There is a desultory exchange of fire between Dunsfold's men and the enemy formations beneath Black Bull for a while, but while one enemy unit seems willing to close and moves across the open ground towards Dunsfold, the other pulls back up Black Bull and goes to ground.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0GcU6F8jNBH9c99VbtJt0OgRh9fNA_UxywQveoUbE6kCqAzdi7kENbEdN3OO_O3u3clfn5jd-XQrsq6puW5rcOx8CkEEDxj-UW8ukMZ6O4XU-1nBn2kdsY5lcMoTVhYSPM6aQcnfWf07NbTDTLuPtF5YuIlnMputuEP8AxOe-Jf69ysBrCCC49ca/s3876/Image6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2082" data-original-width="3876" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0GcU6F8jNBH9c99VbtJt0OgRh9fNA_UxywQveoUbE6kCqAzdi7kENbEdN3OO_O3u3clfn5jd-XQrsq6puW5rcOx8CkEEDxj-UW8ukMZ6O4XU-1nBn2kdsY5lcMoTVhYSPM6aQcnfWf07NbTDTLuPtF5YuIlnMputuEP8AxOe-Jf69ysBrCCC49ca/w400-h215/Image6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Unexpectedly the Column Activates - but having had time to process the information sent by Dunsfold we test for the Column Commander decision.</p><p>The leading elements enter play; two companies of the 18th Regt. of Foot (Capt. Luton and Capt. Shoreham) deployed for action. The companies advance slowly.<br /><br />The enemy make no move, seemingly thrown of balance by the sudden arrival of the redcoats.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYNXtRydlA50Oduyr0081JAEeo-HyEM9GwjQg_gIOnT8DvqW43xf2SKr6SHHQe6ggakw4oP3L8Sx13_nJYAdwIXytGEh43pVXt2LzRVgV-MrmYPaZx39HFnlgQB03tmnqAJpCX20GVb7zKnFqo-dn6UqfQse0Vmhc3dYErgoPXm-gLSCG_ykZjXMn/s3800/Image6a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2175" data-original-width="3800" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYNXtRydlA50Oduyr0081JAEeo-HyEM9GwjQg_gIOnT8DvqW43xf2SKr6SHHQe6ggakw4oP3L8Sx13_nJYAdwIXytGEh43pVXt2LzRVgV-MrmYPaZx39HFnlgQB03tmnqAJpCX20GVb7zKnFqo-dn6UqfQse0Vmhc3dYErgoPXm-gLSCG_ykZjXMn/w400-h229/Image6a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Now the head of the actual Column proper appears; a further company of the 18th (Cpt. Fairoaks) in column of march, and some wagons. Cpt. Shoreham's company opens fire at long range at the regiment in front of Black Bull.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfXMHzzNN36-QgbvWzCrCRl4DB7Hx0eGqGrMI4J0JCpbvDSMdJ58TJ8AIk94gULjX8gbPGvIoC5bU-Bv4WZNdp15n2CsGIVQWPz5ADwHXfjwVc6rn5R73H5Y68hDszqfyS4_uclZEhhOjXVM0EicN09Ylcw5F9Vl1YK4O6GHCDASp64Whl4tlKonj/s3900/Image7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2580" data-original-width="3900" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfXMHzzNN36-QgbvWzCrCRl4DB7Hx0eGqGrMI4J0JCpbvDSMdJ58TJ8AIk94gULjX8gbPGvIoC5bU-Bv4WZNdp15n2CsGIVQWPz5ADwHXfjwVc6rn5R73H5Y68hDszqfyS4_uclZEhhOjXVM0EicN09Ylcw5F9Vl1YK4O6GHCDASp64Whl4tlKonj/w400-h265/Image7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Far to the west, across the river, two clouds of dust suggests a further hostile force is approaching. </p><p>As the redcoats push forward, the enemy regiment fronting Dunsfold pulls back; having taken casualties from Fairoak's unit and the Scouts. The other enemy on Black Bull pull back from the crest and out of harm's way. It looks like these enemy bodies have taken the warning and know better than to face the British in the open.</p><p>Over the next couple of moves the hostiles sink into inactivity. The column moves forward with Fairoak's company in the van, Shoreham on the right and Luton's company clambering up Black Cow Kopje to secure the left. <br /><br />Dunsfold mounts his men and forms up fronting the Column north of Black Cow and moves north. Again, the enemy seem unsure as what to do.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMnRdfjXkwWrnAyPpiHwxuPhyxvWA_8GbhbPEKOQJ0zEevlfF-Yc-iBgooOxnOWtDHjUTrBLQMPK3tNST9ayie1tNRymttMk82upN2qT0FS8vRMm3x_wKGUC84BPmrKjpMJ8JnUhmBPC7H6Kb-q0upxzz0WFPo6xlB3BfwGkAfAPO_GEX_AOVpxa4/s3750/Image10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2574" data-original-width="3750" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMnRdfjXkwWrnAyPpiHwxuPhyxvWA_8GbhbPEKOQJ0zEevlfF-Yc-iBgooOxnOWtDHjUTrBLQMPK3tNST9ayie1tNRymttMk82upN2qT0FS8vRMm3x_wKGUC84BPmrKjpMJ8JnUhmBPC7H6Kb-q0upxzz0WFPo6xlB3BfwGkAfAPO_GEX_AOVpxa4/w400-h275/Image10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Dunsfold decides to divide his command one detachment to cross the river at the trail for, the other to scout the woodland in the elbow of the river. Meanwhile there is a sudden flurry of enemy activity on both the Black Bull and Black Calf heights, and on the far side of the river, with more dust in evidence. We seem to have more visitors...</p><p>Capt. Fairoaks deploys his men for action to cover any movement from Black Calf and to screen the column's north/right flank. A further company, escorting the wagons (Capt. Stansted) partially deploys to do likewise.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqR-lkAIQFZPGM82wDHbfAG02F5u7OTL01jYJ40_dhw4HIM_ofN9o2Oz2kmous69kZU3y5dAZ9RLXxy-AHS0G4gyCVmg5LMKFWm_e4FageanTz7eMJomUSXigMjM58WDB26wTbamjZh6DG7udpPihxGzg6l_qpVJqTt68pZOerQWZPsF0ihumqfQ6V/s3696/Image11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2388" data-original-width="3696" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqR-lkAIQFZPGM82wDHbfAG02F5u7OTL01jYJ40_dhw4HIM_ofN9o2Oz2kmous69kZU3y5dAZ9RLXxy-AHS0G4gyCVmg5LMKFWm_e4FageanTz7eMJomUSXigMjM58WDB26wTbamjZh6DG7udpPihxGzg6l_qpVJqTt68pZOerQWZPsF0ihumqfQ6V/w400-h259/Image11.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, Luton's company, having reached the top of Black Cow, opens long range fire on the hostiles across the river.</p><p>All seems under control; but then there is a rush from Black Calf and an enemy regiment is revealed; hurtling down towards Shoreham's men while two massive clouds of dust can now be seen on Black Calf and Black Bull. Shoreham's company pours rapid volley fire into the charging unit at close range and it is stopped in its tracks. </p><p>Of the dust on the eastern kopjes one of these clouds proves to be a false trace, made by herdboys and porters, but the other resolves itself into a force of eleven (!!) Fahwini pouring rapidly over Black Bull and the valley between it and Black Calf. The British suddenly have a major action on their hands! </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPk5MlIyCYKqMdQkhhVf_7odkS8jhtecRio9NU9Vn2yjWg6f7uGhcif7Pk_6fXeqtsyvYQHKpEQtotcYhc2PU4xCvnK8kCvWfXRqoOJuR5HadCgOr512NSlJFxh9toTGvYTfNs2urUbyAnwQu5ttc90cOz4aQk8f3HjTiAp4iKvg-6Ohb-PsNfF_A/s1291/Image12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1291" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPk5MlIyCYKqMdQkhhVf_7odkS8jhtecRio9NU9Vn2yjWg6f7uGhcif7Pk_6fXeqtsyvYQHKpEQtotcYhc2PU4xCvnK8kCvWfXRqoOJuR5HadCgOr512NSlJFxh9toTGvYTfNs2urUbyAnwQu5ttc90cOz4aQk8f3HjTiAp4iKvg-6Ohb-PsNfF_A/w400-h308/Image12.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>While the regiment facing Shoreham's troops pulls back, the British rapidly reorganise in their move. There is a real danger to the column and leading troops if the enemy charge home, not least because there is no time to form a proper laager. However, the lead wagons are taken off-trail and the off-table elements of the column halted. <br /><br />While Fairoaks's company pulls back to the slopes of Black Cow to join Luton's men (who are still engaging the cross-river Fahwi) the other extended companies rush back to concentrate behind the cover of the wagon line. If the enemy regiments rush the wagons now things could get dicey...<br /><br />They do.....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1IrWsYaijjUreUZ-gnEfLY32RYg___6N47kMg-xW7TLB59pKadxadWG08KPJ5jv9qxCQvRXOTIc7Zs9jIqDqQ3hbjEnxZH6EI2omp62Vm3_91az1NForC4fyMiXWXIHyCeRbk6flIGH_NC9vOM9CyLfE1WeD3xaf7UroR4zfZJplcqS-zjfslxrG/s3948/Image13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1812" data-original-width="3948" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1IrWsYaijjUreUZ-gnEfLY32RYg___6N47kMg-xW7TLB59pKadxadWG08KPJ5jv9qxCQvRXOTIc7Zs9jIqDqQ3hbjEnxZH6EI2omp62Vm3_91az1NForC4fyMiXWXIHyCeRbk6flIGH_NC9vOM9CyLfE1WeD3xaf7UroR4zfZJplcqS-zjfslxrG/w400-h184/Image13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iC_FkzII6L9duxjTmR8IBgxuC06ZKA3mA9hWi4R0iUtaWrNI2J97C-ml0ztMAYsGazZ7nlVAzzYP1GET9CJmAAdFAMFqtub5W-Az1lKSy4xmXQ0OWY0wWZrm_7ne_VqVD_o8K8XcoTyuOaKYDyrar0a_a-i2B0P7sLqHglLkbaIARbthpUUjB6LR/s3888/Image14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2226" data-original-width="3888" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iC_FkzII6L9duxjTmR8IBgxuC06ZKA3mA9hWi4R0iUtaWrNI2J97C-ml0ztMAYsGazZ7nlVAzzYP1GET9CJmAAdFAMFqtub5W-Az1lKSy4xmXQ0OWY0wWZrm_7ne_VqVD_o8K8XcoTyuOaKYDyrar0a_a-i2B0P7sLqHglLkbaIARbthpUUjB6LR/w400-h229/Image14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Nine hostile units pour rapidly across the plain towards the British lines. A platoon of Shoreham's company, too slow to get back to the wagon line, is caught in the open by the leading Fahwi and loses half it's strength to the spears of its pursuers.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_W28-EV5sLuQGOilLD9fS0d87VozJfWDo8bk-UEmqzleAGAqz1e6RWSJ_hFThtgNwNNc-QSiHudJuu0mXIiuytRzni_ZGWN77oELFWFXEx0AIo69O5WMvL4i07zYODz48DfjD5A0NzTxVmLdW2pZnCo59rxKnDQNsQdTJC9beA1krgaW4K5StFVq/s3750/Image16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2724" data-original-width="3750" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_W28-EV5sLuQGOilLD9fS0d87VozJfWDo8bk-UEmqzleAGAqz1e6RWSJ_hFThtgNwNNc-QSiHudJuu0mXIiuytRzni_ZGWN77oELFWFXEx0AIo69O5WMvL4i07zYODz48DfjD5A0NzTxVmLdW2pZnCo59rxKnDQNsQdTJC9beA1krgaW4K5StFVq/w400-h290/Image16.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>But now the remains of Shoreham's men and Stanstead's company, huddled between and behind the wagon teams, pour fire into the massed ranks of the enemy's leading units.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNN3gHepcFdeP2PuOxPT1oMSY0wP_o3f2TCKYimcRG_SlPew69x1jTnukgXlR5I0xlHxPD4IknBR138kc67AV_MrbwJsUl057r4Y0_1RBpR7plb3d949yDfhDhJ3oi_3gfqcwR-e5TWlGxeFq-QLbC-m29Mtk67PdPyzfffX7WlQGbRSuR5l_cWRq/s3906/Image17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1710" data-original-width="3906" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNN3gHepcFdeP2PuOxPT1oMSY0wP_o3f2TCKYimcRG_SlPew69x1jTnukgXlR5I0xlHxPD4IknBR138kc67AV_MrbwJsUl057r4Y0_1RBpR7plb3d949yDfhDhJ3oi_3gfqcwR-e5TWlGxeFq-QLbC-m29Mtk67PdPyzfffX7WlQGbRSuR5l_cWRq/w400-h175/Image17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Fairoaks on Black Cow Kopje, hurriedly redeploys to cover Shoreham's hanging flank with a field of fire. Meanwhile, more British troops, in the form of Captain Gatwick's company, march onto the field along the trail, then deploy parallel to it to face any threat from Black Calf.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyY3qTpcbZyyJ2U5uN04T42Q2ZJ7UOC5Js12grC4FG07Ts_U5igGaRj_oUf2NEQOw3_z_TlwO8kpUCy_BKuqOrMKn84W2-q84vHpyzHCG7YmpJ1duBYRO6yFvahzqVNOW42jFAWfvBmT9-2WRhqj6Bvy_H_XXXJpvMlRDDVQdWoTfiw4VzC_XhYfa/s3810/Image19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2754" data-original-width="3810" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyY3qTpcbZyyJ2U5uN04T42Q2ZJ7UOC5Js12grC4FG07Ts_U5igGaRj_oUf2NEQOw3_z_TlwO8kpUCy_BKuqOrMKn84W2-q84vHpyzHCG7YmpJ1duBYRO6yFvahzqVNOW42jFAWfvBmT9-2WRhqj6Bvy_H_XXXJpvMlRDDVQdWoTfiw4VzC_XhYfa/s320/Image19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85u5DAMA5-uI1182WNI7X7exIIFY9jXFO9y26uEdpTGrOdYM2QFVxv3yvegIjMrbYbQOL_ht5SUHNBRrIuHMxQuns8W0IpR3PId9Nq_3VGAc1nAd0KpxdBQ3G9hFAekgo_eFAMv5rJlh0rLkN9Blt41gjlm-a5331WXyWMwAE9dIRRysObW3FJTBY/s3558/Image18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3558" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85u5DAMA5-uI1182WNI7X7exIIFY9jXFO9y26uEdpTGrOdYM2QFVxv3yvegIjMrbYbQOL_ht5SUHNBRrIuHMxQuns8W0IpR3PId9Nq_3VGAc1nAd0KpxdBQ3G9hFAekgo_eFAMv5rJlh0rLkN9Blt41gjlm-a5331WXyWMwAE9dIRRysObW3FJTBY/s320/Image18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The King's Regiments sweep across the open ground. One unit of the enemy slams into the part of the wagon line held by Shoreham, but they are unable to force their way in.</p><p>The British loose close range volley fire, all along the line, into the charging and stalled regiments; causing havoc and bringing men down. <br /><br />However, this does not stop some of the enemy. Elements of the Banda-Beia (Black Shields) forces back part of Shoreham's depleted company and gets though the wagon line.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJad7zajtZaeBSIC4NkIunC5JVrUSBaXYSD6xJinyrGemyXQiBtdElYOhREs7l0x5YoxdbNWZz1xZlixJLsO-v-mtuIRqVlicu4OnLIqqR1V9Sd_JrZifqIP1zjO_IqTEVNJIupuAOq3ZkxEP0pnzfahtx0PiJlqmPrWoOiopBtPd5H1LhIXip8g5w/s1820/ANNOT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="1820" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJad7zajtZaeBSIC4NkIunC5JVrUSBaXYSD6xJinyrGemyXQiBtdElYOhREs7l0x5YoxdbNWZz1xZlixJLsO-v-mtuIRqVlicu4OnLIqqR1V9Sd_JrZifqIP1zjO_IqTEVNJIupuAOq3ZkxEP0pnzfahtx0PiJlqmPrWoOiopBtPd5H1LhIXip8g5w/w400-h330/ANNOT.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Then the veteran Toolah (Zebra) Fahwi - braving the fire from the men on Black Cow - hacks their way through a small gap between Shoreham's company and Fairoaks's. <br /><br />Shoreham's command is split as one platoon breaks and another part is cut off in the angle of the wagon line by the pursuing warriors; some of whom are now triumphantly chasing survivors up the slopes of Black Cow Kopje, supported by the Pala-Mubi (Brown Bee Fahwi).<p></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHfwBOS3dv5tEsQdSYLhyD0OFuinJBrbXAMksy058TtNe6M1w257ZnXJ7r3SZt26nkWz_xIOdb34IgaixnXgxzR54J5D-eJkzOq6hIqTCvzoxSnuik8B80jYh63k7jBzCreeUwffNJmMSw9dZRivoQZ76T1em3IB4hBUjr92BnWahheQNEHscUZFG/s2751/map2a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2751" data-original-width="2101" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHfwBOS3dv5tEsQdSYLhyD0OFuinJBrbXAMksy058TtNe6M1w257ZnXJ7r3SZt26nkWz_xIOdb34IgaixnXgxzR54J5D-eJkzOq6hIqTCvzoxSnuik8B80jYh63k7jBzCreeUwffNJmMSw9dZRivoQZ76T1em3IB4hBUjr92BnWahheQNEHscUZFG/w305-h400/map2a.jpg" width="305" /></a><br /><br />Another British company (Cpt. Hendon) arrives on table in column of march and pushes towards Black Cow to stabilise the centre.</p><p>Next move the British hastily try to form a coherent line to block those warriors who have got over the wagons. Part of Shoreham's company is still cut off, while others rally and form line by the wagons and yet more scatter up Black Cow to line up beside Fairoaks's men. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymmmtNbYYYOd6x58Kww9KJFVwM4iqQYwdYnCjRSoY1OFNEzh-v6sxfrNcdmQf22_nd-tpFQdQmXr_tQp_hBOn16_WcINdjRuOsw2e0uU9FUKH-e1iqEGorYy2AcHnIbiMvWqbVGSmq43PlQKqIxu0muXECuPPmFzdBQi6uttUFrXTdRnX6V19NKnp/s3810/Image20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2754" data-original-width="3810" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymmmtNbYYYOd6x58Kww9KJFVwM4iqQYwdYnCjRSoY1OFNEzh-v6sxfrNcdmQf22_nd-tpFQdQmXr_tQp_hBOn16_WcINdjRuOsw2e0uU9FUKH-e1iqEGorYy2AcHnIbiMvWqbVGSmq43PlQKqIxu0muXECuPPmFzdBQi6uttUFrXTdRnX6V19NKnp/w400-h289/Image20.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />The Banda-Beia and Toolah still have elements on the slopes of Black Cow and within the defensive perimeter. <br /><br />Nearby the Pala-Mubi (Brown Bees) Fahwi, on the north east slopes of Black Cow cannot being itself to attack, and becomes shaken. The crack Nueen-Plapa (Red Turtles) regiment is fighting at the wagon lines. Hendon's men are used to form a new line on Black Cow, while further reinforcements arrive in the form of Maj. Kenley's Native Infantry Auxiliaries and General Lympne himself. More volleys slam into the regiments facing the British companies; the Great King's men will not be able to take this punishment for long, but so far seem steady.</p><p>While all this has been going on the mounted scouts have been busy. One unit, now on the west side of the river, is being pursued by the Fahwi there, drawing it away from the main fight.</p><p>Meanwhile Dunsfold and his men clear the woods in the elbow of the river. However, they spot possible activity in a further stretch of woodland east of them. <br />This proves to be four more of the Great King's regiments. <br /><br />The situation indicates that is was clearly a well-planned ambush of some eighteen Fahwini, presumably intended to destroy the column while on the march - though perhaps prematurely launched due to the probing scouts. <br /><br />Dunsfold, now cut off, will pull his men south and west to the Trail Ford - later being joined by the remainder of his men. He will, once he sees what the main force is doing, react accordingly.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsqpm2AC-MdArISMT_FnA1BKQ7dLL9ujf88ZgNelohMjOfQlkjN4Yy9vD04HqZpCYI55OwfWra7CdYMIaByBH8NKW1qLJu1s8-_hKV3k12FHre3WzaGlO5Q_Ac-ww8OzhPhbvGOOCuYqShxIQR1QaAAGeAXP9k04UUPysvcCOrFpdHL87stxZseDN/s4000/P1010109.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsqpm2AC-MdArISMT_FnA1BKQ7dLL9ujf88ZgNelohMjOfQlkjN4Yy9vD04HqZpCYI55OwfWra7CdYMIaByBH8NKW1qLJu1s8-_hKV3k12FHre3WzaGlO5Q_Ac-ww8OzhPhbvGOOCuYqShxIQR1QaAAGeAXP9k04UUPysvcCOrFpdHL87stxZseDN/w400-h300/P1010109.JPG" width="400" /></a></p><p>Gen. Lympne gets his men together and does some damage limitation re. Shock and the British shake themselves into some kind of order. The regular close-range, rapid fire volleys cause three enemy regiments to pull back and stalls the attacks on Black Cow. However, this kind of action eats into the ammunition - and with no resupply system set up the Brits can only carry on with this level of expenditure for so long. And now the enemy regiments from the river woodland are fast approaching the battle lines. </p><p>Next move the Banda-Beia and Toolah Fahwini break, as do the Nueen-Plapa (Red Turtles) and Brown Bees. All along the line the leading Great King's regiments are faltering or flying - but behind them come the reserve. These steel themselves for an assault on Black Cow, but, like their comrades, are struck with heavy volley fire as they come into range.</p><p>However, on the British left fire is slacking: Luton's company and what's left of Shoreham's are almost out of ammunition and begin to pull back, leaving Fairoaks's command exposed to a sudden charge from the Grey Herons (Kerri-Nei) which drives them back.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngCBRbUpe94VQttxfwWlDyMSQiQRD-WOXUqpkht7NXXTaEwPjPT7tfnGXl4QTgBVbNLmqofzdiI-7ug3Fxvoljagg-5MrlIcBeczv1VbtSo7PqAm44VfIQOxvqWGgrlL3TRZKWMgbw81zVdq1F6j05E49IlPOWK16Jf0WzJIdIgEt80vPwKNK7WcI/s3660/Image21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="3660" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngCBRbUpe94VQttxfwWlDyMSQiQRD-WOXUqpkht7NXXTaEwPjPT7tfnGXl4QTgBVbNLmqofzdiI-7ug3Fxvoljagg-5MrlIcBeczv1VbtSo7PqAm44VfIQOxvqWGgrlL3TRZKWMgbw81zVdq1F6j05E49IlPOWK16Jf0WzJIdIgEt80vPwKNK7WcI/w494-h192/Image21.jpg" width="494" /></a><br /><br />The British now have to stabilise their line - abandoning most of the forward wagons; and giving the enemy breathing space to get back into order.</p><p>The Grey Heron and Wasp (Zebuni) regiments now push along the west slopes of Black Cow, supported by the veteran Stingless Bees (Kerri-Mubi Naseb) and junior Split Rose (Devi-Noon) regiments; but the earlier punishment unleashed by the British volleys means they have to rally and reduce the shock and confusion they have suffered; giving the British the chance to reorder their line below and south of the Black Cow slopes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4wRAKDkTJWIZ2XbPflFEOGzjlRlGYihKzem0qrIoIJixZ3tDGUcbDMVZCAsJnebgPXPtIAcsub-jtzYexToYPZGN7G44iEg0DwCmfXU5DpLZkhRIPLY7msN3qQKxcJVC9k61Au17SuTSYTe5fWUw3OCcHu3iE-RnqIgStVnyNFQdgYw7F4XhV8HG/s2751/Image3d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2751" data-original-width="2101" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4wRAKDkTJWIZ2XbPflFEOGzjlRlGYihKzem0qrIoIJixZ3tDGUcbDMVZCAsJnebgPXPtIAcsub-jtzYexToYPZGN7G44iEg0DwCmfXU5DpLZkhRIPLY7msN3qQKxcJVC9k61Au17SuTSYTe5fWUw3OCcHu3iE-RnqIgStVnyNFQdgYw7F4XhV8HG/w305-h400/Image3d.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><br /><p>But while the Great King's men draw breath, from the British perspective things are not good...</p><p>Ammunition is low in some companies. Two companies are severely shaken, having been reduced to token strength, and some units have become mixed up. The British form a line of sorts and behind that try to pull back those wagons and mules still under their control (several having already been lost) and take them from the field.</p><p>Now the Split Rose (Devi-Noon) and Grey Herons charge towards the British left, the Herons hitting Luton's company and forcing them to fall back. Only a sharp charge by Kenley's Native Auxiliaries gives the Herons pause. Kenley's men are repulsed, but they have halted the Herons and left them disorganised.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiva7qH1q40Lb1IRtvzFktriz7b5UEbspMHFocswakFXbxdgQbPiPcFe-MdOsE1soys2MKyUTvqsR9OU6-dYbdGKYizB_laysbgXXwLQjSgYKAZLeS-Vs9NtXc9WppRL2HImpTUT4ILhqopV0UnKpRI2dbxp8jFMMddG7zdFx7QRIfTl86rc-c_uEl-/s3325/Image24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3325" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiva7qH1q40Lb1IRtvzFktriz7b5UEbspMHFocswakFXbxdgQbPiPcFe-MdOsE1soys2MKyUTvqsR9OU6-dYbdGKYizB_laysbgXXwLQjSgYKAZLeS-Vs9NtXc9WppRL2HImpTUT4ILhqopV0UnKpRI2dbxp8jFMMddG7zdFx7QRIfTl86rc-c_uEl-/w400-h279/Image24.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />The Great King's regiments are now in various stages of disorganisation across the field. Although the advancing reserves are fresh, those units nearest the British are wavering or recovering from earlier flights; with some having suffered heavy losses. It will be at least two to three moves before another serious assault can be launched.</p><p>From Gen. Lympne's point of view, however, things are equally unpromising. His men are tired and low on ammunition. What looks like some five to seven fresh to semi-fresh enemy regiments capable of attacking are moving up the field towards him. He does not have time or space to turn this into the Right kind of Fight for his men. <br /><br />He gives his instructions. The British begin to fall back in good order with what they can salvage, to the off-table laager, to rethink their approach, and fight another day. On the west side of the river Dunsfold follows suit. <br /><br />The army of the Great King remains on the field. The plan did not go as expected, the ambush being sprung too soon - but they have seemingly driven back the Red Soldiers, if at a cost. <br /><br />The battle is over. For the moment.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQo6wVOGJowsEY2hq_Qt8eGToG20yZ4sPoVlNznmsjazVBAzhH_J_q6Bu82-1qOVrK0RXEbM4TnvVwU2L_HOY-qoLYMKruuExuQbLxBWD_pEf6N-gQ7efbW0_27QXUNPV4NbooVuFOaj6zFimuUoUbg0MJ4rYREqQQgCf-AIT4UAOMTTFcF5K0iSeR/s4000/P1010129.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQo6wVOGJowsEY2hq_Qt8eGToG20yZ4sPoVlNznmsjazVBAzhH_J_q6Bu82-1qOVrK0RXEbM4TnvVwU2L_HOY-qoLYMKruuExuQbLxBWD_pEf6N-gQ7efbW0_27QXUNPV4NbooVuFOaj6zFimuUoUbg0MJ4rYREqQQgCf-AIT4UAOMTTFcF5K0iSeR/w400-h300/P1010129.JPG" width="400" /></a></p><p><b>Summary: </b></p><p>An exciting little battle which could have swung either way at times. <br /><br />The British volleys are, predictably, devastating in the right terrain but the clincher here, I feel, was the scouts triggering the ambushes before the whole column was on the table and before any wagon/trail issues could break it up. I'll think more about the mechanics here. <br /><br />The scouting adds a lot to the initial tensions, but in this case clearly prompted the early discovery/attacks of the Natives' forces, to their disadvantage. Realistic? Perhaps. It lessened the chance of a decisive Native victory, but on the other hand meant the British didn't have the chance to form a concentrated laager with all their resources on the field (which might have helped with both their defence and the ammunition issue). <br /><br />Maybe I need to lessen the likelihood of there being a force at a PAP, but allow a "cleared" PAP to become reactivated after a period of it being outside "observation range"...? Hmm.... <br /><br />But the game isn't over. The British still have their mission. Part Three awaits. Watch this space.<br /><br />As always, queries, comments and snipes welcome...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaYbgmuauvWkYtNY5-htPZGOh_bH4S_NHnnC4eOrcp3a9-7l3C3jwyTKLTz72FfeYQiBj08LXvqaq_QTGlJK0FPIcc3xyvMAho2ZykkRCcorpnSool04t1AAzfmaxYtGqEnw3-6GdVgpj5NqnRg0yqBt07_8uoFv7Ee9dcvubL8cWs_e3M6j13lXv/s3212/Image3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1740" data-original-width="3212" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaYbgmuauvWkYtNY5-htPZGOh_bH4S_NHnnC4eOrcp3a9-7l3C3jwyTKLTz72FfeYQiBj08LXvqaq_QTGlJK0FPIcc3xyvMAho2ZykkRCcorpnSool04t1AAzfmaxYtGqEnw3-6GdVgpj5NqnRg0yqBt07_8uoFv7Ee9dcvubL8cWs_e3M6j13lXv/w508-h274/Image3.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div><br /></div>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-5726361495341563742022-07-13T20:35:00.002+01:002023-08-19T22:18:49.747+01:00"This Ain't Zululand": The Prep.<p><b>The Trouble With Trekking...</b><br /><br />A quick trip to Sander's Patch to test some rules.</p><p><b>Backstory & Mission:</b></p><p>Very basic this time. After discovery of gold within his domains the colonial power (against local advice) has decided to stamp on the Great King; and has thus gone to the trouble and expense of shifting an expeditionary force way up the Great River. <br /><br />A British Column, consisting of wagons and impedimenta, plus an escort of about a regiment of redcoats, some Native Auxiliaries (horse and foot,) and a few cavalry is therefore approaching the River Tembi, intending to move from the south of the table to the north, burning the kraal, while en route to the Great King's main city.</p><p>There are hostiles reported in the area, in some strength; but their intentions (and locations) are unknown.</p><p>The Head of the Column must feel it's way across the table within Thirty Moves to be successful. Until Activated the Main Column will not enter the field. This is randomised so I do not know how long I will have to scout and "clear" potential ambush points (PAPs) before it arrives.<br /><br />Wagons can break down and other hazards could delay progress.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDREQXzCKj5CB6-gnyfXYha_lCapI0iJc599On7Q-J3WcraJnW448NcyLuUxUMbdbcJtK65JrbG6EROc7XzzZU797lNWT3VkNaz81qzGqTT5EWaeGN0OSx0iabgRvvEcyvHdkMMOzJUFUp0W8CR2aEzOj-SCEqjXU8awNe-r9K--dAZnR22mwRYQ6/s2751/map2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2751" data-original-width="2101" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDREQXzCKj5CB6-gnyfXYha_lCapI0iJc599On7Q-J3WcraJnW448NcyLuUxUMbdbcJtK65JrbG6EROc7XzzZU797lNWT3VkNaz81qzGqTT5EWaeGN0OSx0iabgRvvEcyvHdkMMOzJUFUp0W8CR2aEzOj-SCEqjXU8awNe-r9K--dAZnR22mwRYQ6/w305-h400/map2.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lt. Hawarden's Sketch Map <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>The Field</b>:</p><p>There is a clear wagon and cattle trail for the column to follow.<br /><br />The terrain is generally flat, so some off-trail wagon movement is permitted.<br /><br />Elevations include a scatter of rocky kopjes and some significant stretches of donga (the old Tembi riverbed). The ground is pretty open, with some patches of woodland along the River Tembi, which splits the Table. </p><p>All kopjes, the donga and woodland patches (there are no Napier Grass patches - as I couldn't find any suitable terrain models in my boxes) could conceal hidden enemy and must be Scouted before deemed safe or tested for as Potential Ambush Points (PAPs) if approached.<br /><br />Because the scouts are with the column (rather than me losing them scouting off-table) parallel Table-Edge tests must be made each move for each third of the table the column has traversed/is traversing. <br /><br /><b>Randomising/Solo Stuff:</b><br /><br /><b>1)</b> The Column: Incidents relating to the column<b> </b>will be handled by a dice throw per move and (on the appropriate throw indicating an incident has occurred) a test throw on the Convoy Table below.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNy1WJdTVJx-e2uR0STe4BFd3NP998wXbNyKhSCbmA_fC5OceXBcdoK9W524iBYKK3e4kREPB_s8hLOEoQtzHOlsLNYk4cjhiHzcvyONgxo89sQQoJfn72alHrGrpp3tgCVVg0hjq70illEmCsrmlp5tpzKXSTc8ZpfK2IJUOTytvDySvHsMIGVlXW/s1916/convotytable0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1916" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNy1WJdTVJx-e2uR0STe4BFd3NP998wXbNyKhSCbmA_fC5OceXBcdoK9W524iBYKK3e4kREPB_s8hLOEoQtzHOlsLNYk4cjhiHzcvyONgxo89sQQoJfn72alHrGrpp3tgCVVg0hjq70illEmCsrmlp5tpzKXSTc8ZpfK2IJUOTytvDySvHsMIGVlXW/w225-h400/convotytable0.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>2) </b>Enemy Entry: Enemy
units enter play only when a test reveals them. Every move a British
unit is within fourteen inches of a Potential Ambush Point (see
below) or within two feet of an east or west table edge test is made (1x6D). In the case of table edges a throw must be made for each 32 inches of table length falling within these parameters. On a throw of six a potential threat
has been perceived and a Blind is placed.<br /><br />This Blind tests (1x6D)
each enemy move and if a six is thrown then at the start of the next
enemy move a card is drawn and placed at the point where the threat
has been perceived. After this point the Blind Card activates and moves as
normal units. <br /><br />On a card being "revealed" by proximity/within LoS of a friendly unit, the card is revealed; with any units prompted by the card type/value being
placed (as per my standard Hidden Enemy Protocols but with one red Pip = one unit picked at random from the unit storage tray).<br /><br />It is assumed that ALL Enemy Brigade Commanders will have been ordered to act aggressively. This will, however, be tempered by ad hoc Decision Throws based on conditions on the field as soon as any reverse has been experienced.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtGf4aHDkvPh99RQZrvjH83pNSpEDLxWZxSPYxgaB-AgjYnIIGjGn008fpl0SlrXWPhmjVzLM_izVUkSFCyrJOMzr8EVkSHNZ1v4D9BM6Ryq3_ueWw2msSidC5E_nuAGwLlSYAF_eMZowxWY7F8Vv_qx9irvJ_xebsBvIrVxDX5kMdJT_k_6F9t11/s1291/blinds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1291" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtGf4aHDkvPh99RQZrvjH83pNSpEDLxWZxSPYxgaB-AgjYnIIGjGn008fpl0SlrXWPhmjVzLM_izVUkSFCyrJOMzr8EVkSHNZ1v4D9BM6Ryq3_ueWw2msSidC5E_nuAGwLlSYAF_eMZowxWY7F8Vv_qx9irvJ_xebsBvIrVxDX5kMdJT_k_6F9t11/w400-h279/blinds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>3) </b>Scouting: Scouting
(and other movement where Scouts have not already passed or cleared
Potential Ambush points - see below) is dealt with as per my standard
Hidden Enemy Procedures (see also above).</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">However, in addition toll PAP and table edge rules, because of possible long distance off-table
threats, Scouts within three inches of a table edge or on a kopje
plateau edge facing a table edge and within a foot of that edge may
ALSO sight to off-table areas. Enemy seen in these areas may be
engaged (long range fire). Enemy so spotted cannot return fire and
MUST enter the table within one foot of the spotter; being so placed
on a throw of 5-6 on a 1x6D test (per move). However, such units may
be "Pinned" as per shooting rules, and thus denied entry to
the Table.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>4)</b> Potential Ambush Points: There
are several Potential Ambush Points (PAPs) on the table. These
are:</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Type 1) Any kopje plateau</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Type 2) Any
isolated patch of woodland, any large patch of scrub/Napier Grass,
any isolated patch of rocky scrub and/or the main kraal <br />Type 4)
Any donga or long stretch of woodland or rocky/scrubby slopes (e.g.
kopje sides) <br /><br />If not rendered harmless these can provide
assembly points for Native Surprise Attacks. To be rendered harmless
these features must be either Scouted, passed through or
occupied.<br /><br />To Scout a Type 1 PAP a British unit must climb to
the actual plateau of the feature, then make a "Discovery Test".
It must then move across the plateau to the furthest (in distance)
edge from it's arrival point. It must then test again. Should a
plateau contain any Type 2 or Type 4 PAP then these must be tested
for separately as below.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">To Scout a Type 2
PAP a British unit must move to within two inches of the edge of the
feature, then make a "Discovery Test". It must then pass
through the feature, making another test each move in which it ends
it's turn in/remains in the feature, until a total of three tests
have been made. Only after three tests have been passed without
prompting and Ambush is the PAP deemed cleared.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">To Scout a Type 4
PAP a British unit must either enter or move to the very edge of the
feature then make a "Discovery Test". This is deemed to
have cleared a six inch stretch of this kind of feature. To clear any
further stretches further moves taking the unit/s along the feature
must be made and tests taken per such move.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">IF,
at any time, an enemy force (including retreating/routed units)
passes through/occupies a preciously "cleared" feature it
reverts to being a PAP.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHP3gD_EjG3UzZ_lDpz0hCZaG9q8JErxNBYLK20SdNe6kpr03K_dhCliU1kyyjSHiSmXggT2g1fOGau0pPALZvPcsePckeIWRw4JMPZKfyfgacWJHOFTAyMc0hh4iCpK0zM98ZMotHvRC3XKMxt10iS8B95YVzb1oc-PUbFur8BhPIvrtidbhqonQ/s1919/wild80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1919" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHP3gD_EjG3UzZ_lDpz0hCZaG9q8JErxNBYLK20SdNe6kpr03K_dhCliU1kyyjSHiSmXggT2g1fOGau0pPALZvPcsePckeIWRw4JMPZKfyfgacWJHOFTAyMc0hh4iCpK0zM98ZMotHvRC3XKMxt10iS8B95YVzb1oc-PUbFur8BhPIvrtidbhqonQ/w400-h225/wild80.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>5)</b> Wildlife: Apart
from encounters on the Table above there is only one kind of wildlife
of concern - a Wildebeest herd. These move randomly (basic six point
360 degree Spider Test) three inches a move. If spooked by a body of
men (must be more than 12 strong) they will stampede away from them
at six inches a move for three moves (six point half Spider Test for
direction). The Convoy cannot pass through the herd, but must go
round or halt to let them move on.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>6) </b>Convoy Arrival: Order
of march will be written out in advance. Two moves in after the
Scouts hit the table a 1x6D dice will be thrown. On a throw of "6"
the lead element/s will arrive on the table at the Arrival Point.
<br /><br />However, IF a scout has been dispatched off-table with data re. seen
enemy/enemy threats within 3 feet of the Arrival Point the Order of
March MAY be changed by the Off-table Column Commander. This is
represented by the following table.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14A6EdGF_e5p_xqvnIoDKgnYK_DueozAg0IA10xbH6zt5r2uH4VxSbMLNU6D97E-hWjdtjd5AV0nyEwTF3YAK3ek45WX0z2YPwcCiv77aERdLZhfNHoh3qRdsmBGHWTG_WS5l6Rl8nbaHVQ-wgGI0JV3SUFLFn5G-GGsRVCrepB0Bvf6WLZ7hzNry/s948/arrivalse13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="948" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14A6EdGF_e5p_xqvnIoDKgnYK_DueozAg0IA10xbH6zt5r2uH4VxSbMLNU6D97E-hWjdtjd5AV0nyEwTF3YAK3ek45WX0z2YPwcCiv77aERdLZhfNHoh3qRdsmBGHWTG_WS5l6Rl8nbaHVQ-wgGI0JV3SUFLFn5G-GGsRVCrepB0Bvf6WLZ7hzNry/w400-h286/arrivalse13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>7)</b> Sub-Unit Commanders: As always Friendly sub unit commanders will be subject to ad hoc tests when detached or without orders and a decision is required. I (as General) will have no influence on these decisions if the sub commander is outside my Command Radius. <br /><br />Units within Command Radius may also be affected by the following circumstances:<br /><br />Unexpected sighting of enemy<br /><br />Unexpected exposure to sudden, serious threat.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Ammunition issues<br /><br />Enemy sub-commanders will be similarly affected.</p><p><b>The Enemy:</b></p><p>There may be no opposition, other than (maybe) at the kraal itself. <br /><br />On the other hand a mass attack from the Regiments of the Great King is possible. Scout reports are inconclusive - not least because they have been ordered to stay close to the column.<br /><br />Likely hostile strength is unknown but could consist of anything up to twenty of the Great King's regiments (or Fahwini) of warriors. These troops have in the past occasionally crossed spears with the Protectorate's Hausa Police, with mixed results, but have never pushed into "The Patch" in strength. Neither have they faced British regulars before. They can be expected to be confident and aggressive. </p><p><b>Summary:</b><br /><br />OK, the scene is set. The scenario rules laid out. Next Post; the game itself....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0WUnsl-o56OXn8DkTaDp5xJeiuFp9ccF0EK7w14UspWm-oEcgYgSxvd5yZSzWOXGRp5s4tOcR1iYh53sEiSjmvlB26giZxRHUWVpa7IWro2KBC01tE7-YZyt0409XYCxunUZPCacN8WogvAi9Wdxige6mqs17EHLOHFYipZjHZ6mTOlQr4CZwUhL/s3744/zuzu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="3744" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0WUnsl-o56OXn8DkTaDp5xJeiuFp9ccF0EK7w14UspWm-oEcgYgSxvd5yZSzWOXGRp5s4tOcR1iYh53sEiSjmvlB26giZxRHUWVpa7IWro2KBC01tE7-YZyt0409XYCxunUZPCacN8WogvAi9Wdxige6mqs17EHLOHFYipZjHZ6mTOlQr4CZwUhL/w573-h248/zuzu.jpg" width="573" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-13951778919882423082022-06-04T12:28:00.004+01:002022-06-04T12:30:15.329+01:00Interim Musings: Free Form or Form Threes...?<p><b>Give me Liberty, and Give me Dice...</b><br /><br />The new camera never arrived, so no pics of recent play-throughs, and to be frank I've just had a couple of little simple old school DBA games, as the reenactment season has kicked off, and I've been kit-prepping and fighting. Fun, but time-eating and exhausting (plus a nasty hurt hand from the last one, possibly a minor bone-break; due to stopping a double-handed axe coming down on my head about five times too many. Could have been worse - that's what shields are for...).<br /><br />Meanwhile, I've been musing over the various FB wargaming groups I look in on, and the different types of games and rules other folk seem to like - and examining what my own personal likes, and prejudices, might be (and come from) - and whether I'm limiting my own fun by my tendency to follow a particular course (albeit with some experimentation and occasional bought-in rule-set try-outs).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAQ_JYprQp6cX9-YKyERd2TAO7Fjja1zfxaWmB8Uh_jpETiJEaXcf2kt4-6RSZJ8b_Im4lOc6UwpvO8D1aLMTgZAtVjn8amzIYPFkCpqR3VrMwjke669Aj2VWb702z_JG1a_s7hIqwgmPiMp6SLg2qJ_zJFoaXGUV9VxgoNcOS23RU3MdDn1E9YkV/s612/rulest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="612" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAQ_JYprQp6cX9-YKyERd2TAO7Fjja1zfxaWmB8Uh_jpETiJEaXcf2kt4-6RSZJ8b_Im4lOc6UwpvO8D1aLMTgZAtVjn8amzIYPFkCpqR3VrMwjke669Aj2VWb702z_JG1a_s7hIqwgmPiMp6SLg2qJ_zJFoaXGUV9VxgoNcOS23RU3MdDn1E9YkV/w400-h300/rulest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br />Now, since not all of the groups I dip into are Solo I run into a broad church of opinions and preferences on FB (as is right n' proper).<br /><br />What is clear is that this is SUCH a personal thing....<p></p><p>Some folk like a nice, logical game of "chess with toy soldiers", with every unit commanded instantly by the player's whims and fingertips, with no imponderables; be those large battles or skirmishes.</p><p>Some like fighting mass battles as if they are skirmishes: with the army commander/Player micro-managing (i.e. having a say) in every little action; sometimes with units fluttering all over the field with no thought of actual C&C limits (other than the magical "Command Radius") or Army or Wing coherence and as if as if local commanders have the same idea/motivation etc. etc. of the Player. Nothing wrong with that. Largely unrealistic for most periods perhaps, but hey, it's your game....</p><p>Others go the other way; recognising the reality that, by and large, The General sets "The Plan", then sits back and "The Plan" works - or doesn't, depending on<br />a) the actions of the enemy, b) the junior commanders out of his immediate control, and c) the (limited ability) of The General himself to affect matters once the hounds are loose.</p><p>Lucky folks can go multiplayer of course.</p><p>Myself, as will be seen by the various posts here, enjoy the frustrations and joys of a straitjacketed commander overcoming the C&C issues and imponderables of the period being played; sometimes juniors do what they're supposed to, sometimes they don't. Just like Life in fact. <br /><br />For me, of course, all games have to be Narrative Driven to hold my interest (just setting the guys out without knowing why they are there just doesn't cut the mustard for me these days). <br /><br />Also, for certain types of low level skirmishes, I've noticed that my games are moving towards a more "free-form" style; with many more "Lets chuck a dice to see what happens next" aspects rather than complex tables etc.. Purists won't approve, but my goodness the games are fun.<br /><br />If anyone feels moved to comment in the comments section - or even make suggestions, please feel free.<br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtJoFdEwlAZDp29tvQad2nugTmewkip73g9iLOMufyAJAvI8cFCNajX080rY_jSTtjzaEDN9GRLw7egJOilb5N1UWsseIQ6ZR2nKkGYIW-FHiS7xjiNikbjmqDMyEM9AvXk2siK7BbiF-ite3blKw01dlDDOkxkU_zkqdcsYykEeun_n2bRqMUFC3/s1414/pbplaysheet1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="984" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtJoFdEwlAZDp29tvQad2nugTmewkip73g9iLOMufyAJAvI8cFCNajX080rY_jSTtjzaEDN9GRLw7egJOilb5N1UWsseIQ6ZR2nKkGYIW-FHiS7xjiNikbjmqDMyEM9AvXk2siK7BbiF-ite3blKw01dlDDOkxkU_zkqdcsYykEeun_n2bRqMUFC3/w279-h400/pbplaysheet1.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Modelling:<br /></b><br /></span>The other year, for a public demo project, I was feeling lazy/had little time so bought some pre-painted bods on Ebay. They were fine for the project, and were squirrelled away after. They resurfaced this week, while I was wondering about using them in another game alongside some home-painted bods.. <br /><br />Now....Whoever did the original painting was much more skilled/patient than I am and did a really nice, detailed job (nice colour schemes, nice shield details etc. etc.) but then spoiled the lot by using that ghastly Army Painter shader gloop; which dulled all the colours, made the figures look too "samey" (they were non-uniform figures), gave what were supposed to be Anglo-Saxons with the skin tones of an offensive 1940s caricature of someone from East Asia and left them hideously shiny (a nice job spoiled. I suspect that's why he sold them on) so totally different from my own lads..<p></p><p>I bit the bullet, and tried to salvage them....</p><p>Certain colours were spot highlighted where yellowed/darkened too much by the gloop.</p><p>Flesh areas highlighted/drybrushed to "European" colours where necessary.</p><p>Mat varnish was hand applied on non metal areas (left most of the metal shiny).</p><p>Luckily these figures were mainly Revell 1/72s, so had good detailing to make drybrush & highlighting easier - even over the all-coating gloop..<br /><br />Bods rescued and fit to play with. All in all am classing this as a success..</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdYrMHLyNfRjxEVsHbarUGXDunad6CyCOl8n-y27VCfC3P5vHX0UOdJWxGsfs8vO9bCW0CDMzXLd7NJswzVw7G1UByq1wU_u6ZbiRPXncfDxIdyJmAb1AbSHfk9QYEmWqhM2Fn_W74RRkVpGxbLt5ocLFlVf_PQvzsISoqniCWD-2gz6JlvDuRkcn/s1260/gloop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1260" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdYrMHLyNfRjxEVsHbarUGXDunad6CyCOl8n-y27VCfC3P5vHX0UOdJWxGsfs8vO9bCW0CDMzXLd7NJswzVw7G1UByq1wU_u6ZbiRPXncfDxIdyJmAb1AbSHfk9QYEmWqhM2Fn_W74RRkVpGxbLt5ocLFlVf_PQvzsISoqniCWD-2gz6JlvDuRkcn/w400-h270/gloop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Also modelling related: years ago I bought some terrain-related bits & bobs from an online model railway supplier (Scale Model Scenery here in the UK), and as a result get mailed their regular modelling tips and links. Visiting model railway sites are, of course, a seriously good idea for all folks making terrain, in all scales. This week (links).</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gueGywEQgGQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gueGywEQgGQ</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGfbfD6MBYY">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGfbfD6MBYY</a></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Am also planning making some very basic scratchbuilt 1/72 "go-downs". I feel I "need" more warehouses.</span></p><p><b>18th Century</b></p><p>I note that the excellent Kabinettskriege Blog has listed a kind of "library of articles". Always worth a visit for those interested in the period.</p><p><a href="https://kabinettskriege.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_13.html?fbclid=IwAR2xg0UR5C0AO5ILOYydGdRKPcIUYA4Zd1NxsrTpeTZW7jbipXt_NSnDRgw">https://kabinettskriege.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_13.html?fbclid=IwAR2xg0UR5C0AO5ILOYydGdRKPcIUYA4Zd1NxsrTpeTZW7jbipXt_NSnDRgw</a></p><p>Also, seen this week; Heroics & Ros have got their Seven Years War range up on their website. I mustn't, I told myself... But I already have....... </p><p><b>Plotting & Planning</b><br /><br />Am considering (due to reading too much Fraser over the last month) a "Flashman" skirmish game, am split over which new campaign to kick off (Ireland 1898, Roman, Africa...?) between reenactments and am also being tempted into WW2 6mm... Hmmm......</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqy5xoZi-YMEjEjq30FYyOkmNAqy4qFkwCBGvQ1UT6P3swNgBORxy9jh_KQ2aWHkZo3aP8iva9z-uZT6uV6SM1Sjn24_AKP1duOUWstFzBgfCbRlaqHki7ii05Lujnb45OBpMsy709Ab_V9SSpch8ScTn42ud9EWRrfRjO-LSGcGxTS8RUIjQj8PLc/s900/lewesbadge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqy5xoZi-YMEjEjq30FYyOkmNAqy4qFkwCBGvQ1UT6P3swNgBORxy9jh_KQ2aWHkZo3aP8iva9z-uZT6uV6SM1Sjn24_AKP1duOUWstFzBgfCbRlaqHki7ii05Lujnb45OBpMsy709Ab_V9SSpch8ScTn42ud9EWRrfRjO-LSGcGxTS8RUIjQj8PLc/s320/lewesbadge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-43835246358846805082022-05-18T22:17:00.002+01:002022-05-18T22:18:34.141+01:00Not Dead, Just Resting....<p><b> An Interim Post...</b><br /><br />Not a lot of time for playing or painting the last few weeks, what with the reenactment season kicking off with The Battle of Lewes (pic), certain commemorations (inc. the 200th anniversary of the birth of Harry Paget Flashman) family/friend stuff etc. Plus my camera bust...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72WQ5B3sez7j030XTUcUSLMVHNJ72Xt2Y1p-EJZ5oBRze3byaVKfsRIuF8nL3IJwlxXUOAdyItFhftELZY3o_6odTQBgED3SnTygpmeo3ILOWpqamUy8K9I8od_LXBkv9c-gACeMUJlnBYiqIinjWaF2Z1vaXSXsx77WQJT2FP1BnF0Q5guiKMACz/s2048/uslads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72WQ5B3sez7j030XTUcUSLMVHNJ72Xt2Y1p-EJZ5oBRze3byaVKfsRIuF8nL3IJwlxXUOAdyItFhftELZY3o_6odTQBgED3SnTygpmeo3ILOWpqamUy8K9I8od_LXBkv9c-gACeMUJlnBYiqIinjWaF2Z1vaXSXsx77WQJT2FP1BnF0Q5guiKMACz/w400-h266/uslads.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I had a couple of one-off fantasy and sci-fi knockabouts (my UNIT bods getting their first proper outing), some quick chase games and some experiments messing about with blinds etc. but nothing worth a big write-up.<br /><br />Included were...:<br /><br />1) The lads from UNIT & the Doctor investigate a mysterious arrival... But it all ends without fisticuffs (blinds, event tests and diplomacy checks)...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFwAjfgEHhgqIXnOMOs6aLGS7eHkxBwE-YeqxuROpidxLEJCE0EELGEq5CwOJwz5Fs4UCYBwilR4f3JZn3Gwfx7L-giPxLIx31thTW8h1G7mLzGMrSZt1LcxvK1l_sPNWk6bo4imr5jIGn6jrLKc7cAUTEnSFHpFY1cNxmbQvFfPoHSLYJHC8mflM/s1200/Image2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1200" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFwAjfgEHhgqIXnOMOs6aLGS7eHkxBwE-YeqxuROpidxLEJCE0EELGEq5CwOJwz5Fs4UCYBwilR4f3JZn3Gwfx7L-giPxLIx31thTW8h1G7mLzGMrSZt1LcxvK1l_sPNWk6bo4imr5jIGn6jrLKc7cAUTEnSFHpFY1cNxmbQvFfPoHSLYJHC8mflM/w400-h305/Image2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoP6dH04Qr_vkyU-oHzKqHqs2ZEyNFKGDaUT20nO1A0D8U6Ry2CEiKBwLLkD8gCrGzUSH5t3iKC2neYvK3J0zyzHGrIsVAvogvPBFIUhEe3J-y1EngbWZICTBXLsMTDVUsdSLLuq2FQchktM2wvE7dtqyicTGfjTAK_vDOpYCocUf1VhnH3-z0oEbp/s3248/Image30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3248" data-original-width="2947" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoP6dH04Qr_vkyU-oHzKqHqs2ZEyNFKGDaUT20nO1A0D8U6Ry2CEiKBwLLkD8gCrGzUSH5t3iKC2neYvK3J0zyzHGrIsVAvogvPBFIUhEe3J-y1EngbWZICTBXLsMTDVUsdSLLuq2FQchktM2wvE7dtqyicTGfjTAK_vDOpYCocUf1VhnH3-z0oEbp/w363-h400/Image30.jpg" width="363" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI36k61CG6lNpGASRagikCjldlRWqitfNgzMYHrtm4S6j-ZK3cytXY7koOsbLDl6ecKPJ2VmYN-cfZlGoc8aPHLAowQevmGrIs4K3lm9uRgHdjkPwKBcagZjWm9ttHEVmNYRUse2F4sDosi98MUSEZ8MdGwC1c7-bAYxCfgwCHWJDbKt0TyoyQ_K66/s1200/P1070704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI36k61CG6lNpGASRagikCjldlRWqitfNgzMYHrtm4S6j-ZK3cytXY7koOsbLDl6ecKPJ2VmYN-cfZlGoc8aPHLAowQevmGrIs4K3lm9uRgHdjkPwKBcagZjWm9ttHEVmNYRUse2F4sDosi98MUSEZ8MdGwC1c7-bAYxCfgwCHWJDbKt0TyoyQ_K66/w400-h300/P1070704.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdX9eHBdJxxkX9DtfCPlTZYzYbaqoyxV5mVb3P0dU-uwmkpYcjkkpJQgQXYfDX0a0jSB6zWCCwNrKJGGoNbgE8arz_UThF4prf47cMPpoI-I6yBPQ-dB2ynYBqCidrlI88kPvh3DBO1nenV8fx6Xi1Sk6ONNxHLXzByKkSXnBgFQOg6wb8ubj8NDK/s4046/Image33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2450" data-original-width="4046" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdX9eHBdJxxkX9DtfCPlTZYzYbaqoyxV5mVb3P0dU-uwmkpYcjkkpJQgQXYfDX0a0jSB6zWCCwNrKJGGoNbgE8arz_UThF4prf47cMPpoI-I6yBPQ-dB2ynYBqCidrlI88kPvh3DBO1nenV8fx6Xi1Sk6ONNxHLXzByKkSXnBgFQOg6wb8ubj8NDK/w400-h243/Image33.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLX4PUQpRZzZvIWJXeg5EZzCz4t2VcS51t0SCUSTNgMWDmz4QPZZXluEjKnxMcx8iO4mpyNRc9FRwYRhS7ljs_YvzA1YF7IbUaAjRkXaqnwN2Z-V3j9YS7c2-uCyeNLQ9Nx53O3mZkK_PE5C9vKqdFvFqy8g0EmvHnMSv5xT7NPMvINozAg0Oh_Vpo/s3528/Image5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="3528" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLX4PUQpRZzZvIWJXeg5EZzCz4t2VcS51t0SCUSTNgMWDmz4QPZZXluEjKnxMcx8iO4mpyNRc9FRwYRhS7ljs_YvzA1YF7IbUaAjRkXaqnwN2Z-V3j9YS7c2-uCyeNLQ9Nx53O3mZkK_PE5C9vKqdFvFqy8g0EmvHnMSv5xT7NPMvINozAg0Oh_Vpo/w400-h184/Image5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vi25yRVjTiaHFTlIKoABSA1ZRPwIR3RCjyl746ncspmbNL57x8UKgUB-XJyh6wkGaCLcPlRbhCW9_pLpqnRGDbj-iLIFvrWLkEXvhlRJ_CVBL519ugeHZ6WgqFT_kp23Kz2vJvtPgZiF59UqgnhU_g_FhdNFC5O6fFG0O2z7S9hK5HKtG1-1U_gg/s1542/Image4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1542" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vi25yRVjTiaHFTlIKoABSA1ZRPwIR3RCjyl746ncspmbNL57x8UKgUB-XJyh6wkGaCLcPlRbhCW9_pLpqnRGDbj-iLIFvrWLkEXvhlRJ_CVBL519ugeHZ6WgqFT_kp23Kz2vJvtPgZiF59UqgnhU_g_FhdNFC5O6fFG0O2z7S9hK5HKtG1-1U_gg/w400-h234/Image4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2) Rincewind makes a couple of escapes (my usual; "Chase" & "Encounter rules..).<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3F2c11yzZJGMUE_8xSf1AJO2HRNBpkct3CA8LdN9QKCrQb9SLlRnuXk21uO7MFmfomordeg3IgR9h4tx1jG2iI7YJz1LnGPiLWYGX-Z9ONLrM2wjlcqvL9T8dq9g6binOOOIGTqxPrO9o2UhFA_DG2TUbp_myLYRmOXlpJhkfdyD64u3RDZFTJtx/s2940/Image10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1946" data-original-width="2940" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3F2c11yzZJGMUE_8xSf1AJO2HRNBpkct3CA8LdN9QKCrQb9SLlRnuXk21uO7MFmfomordeg3IgR9h4tx1jG2iI7YJz1LnGPiLWYGX-Z9ONLrM2wjlcqvL9T8dq9g6binOOOIGTqxPrO9o2UhFA_DG2TUbp_myLYRmOXlpJhkfdyD64u3RDZFTJtx/w400-h265/Image10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>3) There is some trouble in the Valley of the Crows, with an army of Undead, Trolls and miscellaneous wossnames seen off after a stiff fight (thank the local Gods for arrows and javelins..)..<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRY_g1oAHQ6dB1gmn-040pIJXf1gD9oOgkk8mmXtoWsYOoUtje25mFsJBLMbaBl05qkwHHJ4RlM6swXd2Hu47_3rhqeko2YgxEVdbSR8yc2OnsTP--TgplPccjJBPVXjD4NLt6nva0DqLMNHne_qdOvdyHSQPCVCFGnDcHMwE-vls2WYhlS6LGvAu/s4608/P1070561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRY_g1oAHQ6dB1gmn-040pIJXf1gD9oOgkk8mmXtoWsYOoUtje25mFsJBLMbaBl05qkwHHJ4RlM6swXd2Hu47_3rhqeko2YgxEVdbSR8yc2OnsTP--TgplPccjJBPVXjD4NLt6nva0DqLMNHne_qdOvdyHSQPCVCFGnDcHMwE-vls2WYhlS6LGvAu/w400-h300/P1070561.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zrUiuP1QtRTVTIGVqHoUrKgXH5YjQnskOCjsAbiRs7QSIF3s0Fr7SmRSQ33M3gy8QbYbNcyA3MdUcaJtG2NqjvlV8--BfJk99qah_5lffICg1GPIrqRscF_svEON0ollD0kpkmO1TUZgHT3nmr9aW55fv-nyf6uv4So9b0wBiv5qVb1iwl2fAwB-/s2078/Image11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="2078" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zrUiuP1QtRTVTIGVqHoUrKgXH5YjQnskOCjsAbiRs7QSIF3s0Fr7SmRSQ33M3gy8QbYbNcyA3MdUcaJtG2NqjvlV8--BfJk99qah_5lffICg1GPIrqRscF_svEON0ollD0kpkmO1TUZgHT3nmr9aW55fv-nyf6uv4So9b0wBiv5qVb1iwl2fAwB-/w400-h260/Image11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXSAzcULdQ-NTaefyJs-RjqcS3i_B8Cq7TbvVXdrzEZKZK60d0fuWfy6W1phTUsUQZAKItjH51b9txItAgXgrS2L5UCLwHBFRbl9w_6qmSyWZqpPCREUGQ_hWxHNXgAZCQHvFndufPT5WqfOxX__8QvlWXHWlezGCGYNnvBKDf7Qe-67gCKF7-rQK/s3844/Image12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1918" data-original-width="2919" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtWTZggEbovGRqBPiNk8-33wRuoPI_GqHPIEEKmst2fLSmT6IMGe83X4Vmktt5hOL5X5oN37vIcLnwiFwHgbWc2F-e5y5tVshruXQdGzGSnXP6EtN7YTkci2GwhowTQKHGwHt4DxqEgiORxRx5SAyKLEnxrflj9NKdDvBroaHTa4yKxqa-hHvAMQe/w400-h263/Image24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAtbvRLmqfVcFKejNPy-DWzfDeYveYs7Ht6k187AwiKIW7FhYt3QLA7XA_gX0_Q-y0IcVEFVYDJP2v9wh0vC4kqr3LQSPYq8ybu6nJDzfnLI5El_0nLq5dRcMW20VnpQEWz9dqAgsF88D53Z9cZByRIgdxSoN03JqZIH-VAo5e5KT14rP8GKuqpQ8/s2078/P1070591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1558" data-original-width="2078" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAtbvRLmqfVcFKejNPy-DWzfDeYveYs7Ht6k187AwiKIW7FhYt3QLA7XA_gX0_Q-y0IcVEFVYDJP2v9wh0vC4kqr3LQSPYq8ybu6nJDzfnLI5El_0nLq5dRcMW20VnpQEWz9dqAgsF88D53Z9cZByRIgdxSoN03JqZIH-VAo5e5KT14rP8GKuqpQ8/w400-h300/P1070591.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAiD_lp15GdOMOzd0hNA5V7aXPG1kIugCqJsGuLIs74fEjFBkMO1o1-EbK6uJIgzwWzeclSpDx7lV3qYPVdNF4YRcErccpAT-snfgb72m52bBDRaFC7HVP2mGSUDUg0KiAmvke-jqqxNBxC3bAGN5lQH4RpFLInMoY-ROSMhO145UhADFXA4BNwMu/s2078/Image25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="2078" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAiD_lp15GdOMOzd0hNA5V7aXPG1kIugCqJsGuLIs74fEjFBkMO1o1-EbK6uJIgzwWzeclSpDx7lV3qYPVdNF4YRcErccpAT-snfgb72m52bBDRaFC7HVP2mGSUDUg0KiAmvke-jqqxNBxC3bAGN5lQH4RpFLInMoY-ROSMhO145UhADFXA4BNwMu/w400-h211/Image25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4) Some 6mm modelling experiments re. palisades.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8g2iAVn9ze2spLI2E8x1g7wKNvMV6anwb3N4Wa_n6oDeuX6mQo0bYoZ-PHeDd9r-taebgX_m-0GCRTuPV0bsuE_KN9XEajkCbNUdjqFDAXEi2E-8J71ZbtAphS2jlT047toqw6UQYuyimIEf9hk5TbKLpE-4TqhwvVAidV-wA4lA4VWNwVIYi1iwa/s1920/Image31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1920" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8g2iAVn9ze2spLI2E8x1g7wKNvMV6anwb3N4Wa_n6oDeuX6mQo0bYoZ-PHeDd9r-taebgX_m-0GCRTuPV0bsuE_KN9XEajkCbNUdjqFDAXEi2E-8J71ZbtAphS2jlT047toqw6UQYuyimIEf9hk5TbKLpE-4TqhwvVAidV-wA4lA4VWNwVIYi1iwa/w400-h235/Image31.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5P-8ynZPFA8vV2vuvHGHwihkNeA6FNK2po2vqn6cl9iAjLF5Xwo3nVaJbrASSKEXHtwzQ9kyY4X79IJsmpb4EAftIy0xxjSIxhHCOuUeCAEz3qM0qFlBN7JmOW7eeG7SLouJa9F_cYodztO1LZj7gfKJ6a-gSBd4XbHhQwDxHSRlFjKrKrlRRE9O8/s2674/Image26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1645" data-original-width="2674" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5P-8ynZPFA8vV2vuvHGHwihkNeA6FNK2po2vqn6cl9iAjLF5Xwo3nVaJbrASSKEXHtwzQ9kyY4X79IJsmpb4EAftIy0xxjSIxhHCOuUeCAEz3qM0qFlBN7JmOW7eeG7SLouJa9F_cYodztO1LZj7gfKJ6a-gSBd4XbHhQwDxHSRlFjKrKrlRRE9O8/w400-h246/Image26.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5) More UNIT fun; searching for more mysteries......<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuP6_6A_9VkLjOfRd9BuNZq56THfM7HzAajKB499r7HTwYKmUkQPlE35ktCw1zvSrzJsI0AOS28G1CkXNpupJ7NqnAtzvRB908qsr_IXYK0N7m0poYyPeYJnz6JQ67O4Ey23ivCiooir60f4UkA8pGjGktp_DiubH3tZJuw5WCrZJueYNdYYfum4B/s2078/Image29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="2078" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuP6_6A_9VkLjOfRd9BuNZq56THfM7HzAajKB499r7HTwYKmUkQPlE35ktCw1zvSrzJsI0AOS28G1CkXNpupJ7NqnAtzvRB908qsr_IXYK0N7m0poYyPeYJnz6JQ67O4Ey23ivCiooir60f4UkA8pGjGktp_DiubH3tZJuw5WCrZJueYNdYYfum4B/w400-h270/Image29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0X1lIzBGJ4Fuh4XZh2w18mB9D1m1rEfhqGdDFe-F5iDThE9rXeKbuPAgc3GciVEWtjGOf5JXFP35ujni2KFuvLV0rJMy0E7CSAxcEYtSTHLeBOWUX7rjsFucj8AUCSr42yF6JDWq2sBNDhNrQnunOoHdO7YvV_ahDRD-Zt1P3tWdVkgxmQDqovp-v/s3661/Image28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2254" data-original-width="3661" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0X1lIzBGJ4Fuh4XZh2w18mB9D1m1rEfhqGdDFe-F5iDThE9rXeKbuPAgc3GciVEWtjGOf5JXFP35ujni2KFuvLV0rJMy0E7CSAxcEYtSTHLeBOWUX7rjsFucj8AUCSr42yF6JDWq2sBNDhNrQnunOoHdO7YvV_ahDRD-Zt1P3tWdVkgxmQDqovp-v/w400-h246/Image28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJ8PLagL_5Eb7ZKdOXHhKFNqLKp4D5X3NBR-iHD9j0ryZNouveS5P_5gB6444P36hGhASCePUCiV2oEeJntMvahrDZj0nf00F7SRbOtJBNCmIu2H2sk60T2sgnuNCByiRDlAXmP-nfWMhFqwNMPWpVkMbPBwKx5Z8OsAa4_vJU6LPL3wMgOwppbIf/s3542/Image27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2373" data-original-width="3542" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJ8PLagL_5Eb7ZKdOXHhKFNqLKp4D5X3NBR-iHD9j0ryZNouveS5P_5gB6444P36hGhASCePUCiV2oEeJntMvahrDZj0nf00F7SRbOtJBNCmIu2H2sk60T2sgnuNCByiRDlAXmP-nfWMhFqwNMPWpVkMbPBwKx5Z8OsAa4_vJU6LPL3wMgOwppbIf/w400-h268/Image27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxv5Jo7iUqBeQmYNz6zqe8VrkzmPENRoeP9HCP4boQ4dA4edwV8bNaP6fIGLJ3e8wexcE1UA4wHweMAliFPfbVEgJ0qP_MXKE7c2p4F9l-aBGked0glPAwxK1-n_k5lHfjfSoJIoOEDNLcZKOo7rzBfsBQ7Dy84rW0OXJ-h6aWO1F25XKghrsk9gsn/s4608/P1070705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxv5Jo7iUqBeQmYNz6zqe8VrkzmPENRoeP9HCP4boQ4dA4edwV8bNaP6fIGLJ3e8wexcE1UA4wHweMAliFPfbVEgJ0qP_MXKE7c2p4F9l-aBGked0glPAwxK1-n_k5lHfjfSoJIoOEDNLcZKOo7rzBfsBQ7Dy84rW0OXJ-h6aWO1F25XKghrsk9gsn/w400-h300/P1070705.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And finding one.......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOvHRNDS5GN7X9xXripZjOvhjNiwaFsB2SjgZV8DnDCZoINkWoPFpM3TE6sMyMzmGVodgEZsz_TG2kzjAzvQmgFBhutuak-gcF8ICKwEUt-tBXUHg8ggDKzcJcTQVLdtBVvw9crC4y0hD1lwLL5IGIIiKqcYAg-rJVHOicXMZrgIVvBbC23zC4roO/s2078/Image8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="2078" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOvHRNDS5GN7X9xXripZjOvhjNiwaFsB2SjgZV8DnDCZoINkWoPFpM3TE6sMyMzmGVodgEZsz_TG2kzjAzvQmgFBhutuak-gcF8ICKwEUt-tBXUHg8ggDKzcJcTQVLdtBVvw9crC4y0hD1lwLL5IGIIiKqcYAg-rJVHOicXMZrgIVvBbC23zC4roO/w640-h310/Image8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>All in all a bit piecemeal. I hope to get to grips with another campaign soon, but we have a busy reenactment summer ahead. Watch this space....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-46809030174066123292022-04-19T21:35:00.004+01:002023-09-12T18:16:35.499+01:00Company F, Where Are You...?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b> A "Pony Wars" Test-Run</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>I missed the "Pony Wars" rule set by Ian S. Back back in the day but, having heard so much about it over the years, decided to splash out last year on the reprint; a very pretty book, with some nice artwork and cute old photographs, a LOT of tables and a potentially useful set of cards. Designed largely for cooperative and/or demonstration/participation play it sounded as if it had some mechanisms ideal for solo and, at the very least, would likely provide some ideas to be nicked and tweaked for other periods etc. <p></p><p>Anyhoo, I decided to have a slimmed down try-out, tweaking the "Albany" table set up from the last table game (and before I altered it for the second campaign battle). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8N5r_8TzRrZ5SHzEDICkgW8sEpjmIgbo9iZY89rjMdZD1dCJXtYX4b7JcuPi4sjOuqUDt5b0rOWi1bXCpHEop4iV_fDYO2z67Pn5JXEKho6tXnNTj3VEM6lm-WNDGdYzr3I8_ZYzZAnYJgUIOb-1QJT3ryTUQTG1nBdFjemrcDyYGhrw1XS38I6vt/s630/hhhhge7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="477" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8N5r_8TzRrZ5SHzEDICkgW8sEpjmIgbo9iZY89rjMdZD1dCJXtYX4b7JcuPi4sjOuqUDt5b0rOWi1bXCpHEop4iV_fDYO2z67Pn5JXEKho6tXnNTj3VEM6lm-WNDGdYzr3I8_ZYzZAnYJgUIOb-1QJT3ryTUQTG1nBdFjemrcDyYGhrw1XS38I6vt/w303-h400/hhhhge7.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Technical Notes:</b></p><p>Basically I tried out the PW threat generation/action/reaction system, rather than the full rules (I have move/shoot/C&C rules). After the bulk of the enemy arrived I also cut down the number of card draws; making them dice throw per move/detachment dependant, as per my usual "Event" processes. <br /><br />I didn't complicate matters with too many settlements, the fort, miners etc. and limited reinforcements for the cavalry, so the Card Pack was adjusted accordingly. I also used SP style Token Activation for leaders/units, rather than IgoUgo and my House Combat & C&C rules rather than the somewhat complex (?) percentage chart system in the game.<br /><br />As I did this in 6mm I used two companies (troops) of cavalry at a 1:1 ratio (one of the joys of 6mm) at, say, 40 men per company.<br /><br />I can run to about 230 hostiles (horse and foot - but don't look too close at the horse...) on the table at the same time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5Z9zYRZctsiPxUiZT53o65-GhOdmL84_qUhQtN12qzql1Eb7Bw49LMQrXtLP-cVM8azgcbHIGxKV3gmQHk-5l_sYTNunRcLmEd3EO7qAbODWkjb9AKfSov1o1iPKV8D1hntcsO_aXImWZsnGAmHA5BqRt5zIROAwWhousA9n_TgYkA7jzILKLwUM/s425/pwrules.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="425" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5Z9zYRZctsiPxUiZT53o65-GhOdmL84_qUhQtN12qzql1Eb7Bw49LMQrXtLP-cVM8azgcbHIGxKV3gmQHk-5l_sYTNunRcLmEd3EO7qAbODWkjb9AKfSov1o1iPKV8D1hntcsO_aXImWZsnGAmHA5BqRt5zIROAwWhousA9n_TgYkA7jzILKLwUM/w400-h310/pwrules.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b>The Backstory:</b><br /><br />Captain Beech and Lt. Aspen (of E and F Troops) have been ordered to the Brown Beaver Agency after a request from the local Agent. A number of families from the resident tribe have gone awol from the Reservation. This is a concern since a not-insignificant number of bravos (in fact several score) have been going missing over the last few weeks - possibly influenced by a renegade warrior named Two Trees (a situation which the Agent had not seen fit to inform the Authorities until now).<br /><br />The Captain has been ordered to seek out the wandering families, who are believed to be in the vicinity of the Little Beaver headwaters, and return them to the Reservation. He has been given several friendly Brown Beaver scouts as guides and interpreters. <br /><br />Information from passing trappers have indicated that there are tipis camped in Hemlock Valley, near the Balsam farmstead and where the stage road from Cypress Springs crosses Little Beaver Creek. This is where the troops will head first. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLUhr9Q9L6iboiMYBThmWftyrvriyQMmpARFA2W4jvXsO4kV135vny05QPBoPMbLVO4rwR3LUseKqL7hHMmPUHha4WOgvckpR-m35cuR_F-1mvOfd7Ahh94TnotpdsEyijs18jFGdq-XwHuIW9Q91hhFNvk0qQQNcfVSwwTO1CwJaqW4TlslOP39o/s1740/Image6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1740" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLUhr9Q9L6iboiMYBThmWftyrvriyQMmpARFA2W4jvXsO4kV135vny05QPBoPMbLVO4rwR3LUseKqL7hHMmPUHha4WOgvckpR-m35cuR_F-1mvOfd7Ahh94TnotpdsEyijs18jFGdq-XwHuIW9Q91hhFNvk0qQQNcfVSwwTO1CwJaqW4TlslOP39o/w400-h208/Image6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>The terrain is hilly and somewhat broken, with outcrops of rock, clusters of impenetrable thorny scrub and patches of woodland, particularly by Little Beaver Creek. In the north west corner there is the edge of the Trembling Forest - which could prove a haven for hostiles or fleeing families.<br /><br />[Technical Note: There are no "Passes" or Buttes as used in the "Pony "Wars" rules. Instead of "Passes" I will use "Ambush Points". These are basically any spots on the table - cover, pockets of ground, "choke points", narrow valleys etc. - where hostiles might hide in waiting. Local forces will emerge from the table sides (as per the Rules/dice throw) or the native villages or from ambush.] </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_xNvn0GcQUeiF0sLVBVx3H-yj9W767kuYZtLJ89Sa4GSLleP5dde_f5RmANQ_A1hNJAksAHJthAcuoO2VF_Z_SnXGoykZrFOo5ZA_3Q0GZFlOnLbhjV-NoknIv8WTpcZKV87IXUwkN-dHm-8qJTFBAlI2kbnaHj4lmVpRKrPqu9902gljkPBEciw/s1498/ponymap.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="1498" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_xNvn0GcQUeiF0sLVBVx3H-yj9W767kuYZtLJ89Sa4GSLleP5dde_f5RmANQ_A1hNJAksAHJthAcuoO2VF_Z_SnXGoykZrFOo5ZA_3Q0GZFlOnLbhjV-NoknIv8WTpcZKV87IXUwkN-dHm-8qJTFBAlI2kbnaHj4lmVpRKrPqu9902gljkPBEciw/w491-h368/ponymap.jpg" width="491" /></a></div><p><b>The Plan and Game:</b><br /><br />OK.. So the plan is that both Troops will move until they spot the village. A Plan will then be formulated.<br /><br />Three uneventful moves into the game and good progress is being made. Scouts report they can see tipis in the distance, and the force gathers on a high point we will call "Rocky Hill". To their front, along the creek and nestling beneath the tree-covered foothills of Trembling Forest, they can see the native camp. We halt the command on Rocky Hill to consider our options. <br /><br />We won't want the hostile civilians to make off into the forest, so the plan is that the C.O. and Troop E will proceed out of sight of the villages to the Balsam Farm, accompanied by a detachment and First Sergeant Elm from F troop. The rest of F Troop will hold, hull down, at Rocky Hill.</p><p>On arrival at the farm the F Troop detachment will escort the settlers there to safety. Meanwhile, E Troop will move on the village due north, to cut off the escape route to the forest. <br /><br />As soon as E Troop makes its move (signalled by bugle call and gunshots) the remainder of F troop holding at Rocky Hill will charge the east end of the village. This combined assault should be enough to cow the natives there. These will be then be gathered together and escorted east alongside the creek, up onto the Stage Road and off the table. Simple..... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguh0LbeI74sqS4_fX34CNpBsCmfOiDwIqGxwiGyhbU_6RVPTHfenbp2HlXfr1u2fyS_z08vjvvfgfNRHe6rglpPqbNC1sNBoKgtP7YHBHiMfV_L33P2P-gPIKHd7LYJ_ueWRJsVhmoItq-M-i8Xtzz2nbGV1HudrFnmj2UE6KnGQKImY7ew0iHs7CA/s3804/Image1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1979" data-original-width="3804" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguh0LbeI74sqS4_fX34CNpBsCmfOiDwIqGxwiGyhbU_6RVPTHfenbp2HlXfr1u2fyS_z08vjvvfgfNRHe6rglpPqbNC1sNBoKgtP7YHBHiMfV_L33P2P-gPIKHd7LYJ_ueWRJsVhmoItq-M-i8Xtzz2nbGV1HudrFnmj2UE6KnGQKImY7ew0iHs7CA/w400-h208/Image1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Meanwhile, scouts to the south east of the main force spot a group of twenty or so braves galloping north/east between them and the farm. Two scouts take cover, while one gallops to inform the main force.. <br /><br />E troop and the detachment move off - avoiding the high ground so as not to be seen. However, on reaching a narrow spot in a valley between some woods and a long hill, lets call it "Boulder Hill", they come under fire from the trees. The cavalry take hits, and rush away from the shooters, climbing up to Boulder hill. Here E Troop dismounts and forms a skirmish line among the rocks, but the detachment from F Troop, having lost men, including First Sergeant, Elm, and become disorganised climbing the hill, panic; riding off towards Rocky Hill. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOfn9j-OlSy_ZU3nCtnhnd17xo-PK1SLllcysxyNxFqnpIHLqxLbpduXQWPx0JsIZIwLSDyirDdiQNxU7j73Lx9dlWtTiznRpN6rvF9JSn4LaIpqsVv3Ugkfh3WwTPqKtz7XZM2MTOGgiQV6GoZb24bOEzLCTQSc0clZ9eXl1PaU8lT0jWQzZhy75/s1788/SSSage14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1788" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOfn9j-OlSy_ZU3nCtnhnd17xo-PK1SLllcysxyNxFqnpIHLqxLbpduXQWPx0JsIZIwLSDyirDdiQNxU7j73Lx9dlWtTiznRpN6rvF9JSn4LaIpqsVv3Ugkfh3WwTPqKtz7XZM2MTOGgiQV6GoZb24bOEzLCTQSc0clZ9eXl1PaU8lT0jWQzZhy75/w400-h241/SSSage14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>From Boulder Hill E Troop exchanges fire with the natives in the woods. Lt. Aspen dismounts one of his sections on Rocky Hill. These give supporting fire from the flank. <br /><br />However, the group of braves seen earlier by the scouts react to the sound of the shooting and race to the ridge-line overlooking Boulder Hill. From here these warriors open fire on the Flank of E Troop. Captain Beech pulls two sections back at an angle to face this new threat and there is an exchange of fire with the natives on the ridge. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifETHrQxLEf9eUkJ3If2GgczzKmIMxCwGIl2non5pFVj6P1BPqPqOs0Re06dfeUeIWXaEJ97TBoi5QPZMDBE6HTGJub5mH6mVET0ftVVxM952waO0plMDy-0XvW2ne8U-3kitdHTNwDmdGpx2MFaYnGU6KCQCwE_FkjA4mM3-kVoeBB8y9MGUCHb0f/s1511/Image13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1511" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifETHrQxLEf9eUkJ3If2GgczzKmIMxCwGIl2non5pFVj6P1BPqPqOs0Re06dfeUeIWXaEJ97TBoi5QPZMDBE6HTGJub5mH6mVET0ftVVxM952waO0plMDy-0XvW2ne8U-3kitdHTNwDmdGpx2MFaYnGU6KCQCwE_FkjA4mM3-kVoeBB8y9MGUCHb0f/w400-h239/Image13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwNtwMhRE2NrhtMESO13x9nHJ_MarfeIcgIquANuy1fg-AzXYyG4NraPfbUGGU7MQdW-rQ7lacW-iJtGzyfJUL7lFnaWTBDaAAVbk47u_PcKLoopMKqtBiw0vAWtjXBBvxDyWLMNEdWisJ1GeyX5RjDOQM9ntk4oTnTxZgxPMuB9-gTCS4c4xD56v/s1656/Image14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1656" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwNtwMhRE2NrhtMESO13x9nHJ_MarfeIcgIquANuy1fg-AzXYyG4NraPfbUGGU7MQdW-rQ7lacW-iJtGzyfJUL7lFnaWTBDaAAVbk47u_PcKLoopMKqtBiw0vAWtjXBBvxDyWLMNEdWisJ1GeyX5RjDOQM9ntk4oTnTxZgxPMuB9-gTCS4c4xD56v/w400-h217/Image14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Within two further moves the Indians in the wood become discouraged and pull away to lick their wounds. <br /><br />[Meanwhile a card draw starts "The Drums". This is not good, as it allows an off-table build-up of potential enemy reinforcements.]</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5piXUv5TGLe0PgxHenuNrb6P18MzuwiJcevBCACX2gwNLMSGbKASbqXulj0lu25AQ2ULvYuCmg0lIKOaZ-AAN6U4Bqr8ZjMJYR4U_kIZhKtzJixcuxjaQihp9Oxmc9GV8UjEdU1DIrXzFrnRKZW81L3jq2C6RdGV01CwNBUv4US_5BM9jibWoLhCQ/s1004/Image15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1004" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5piXUv5TGLe0PgxHenuNrb6P18MzuwiJcevBCACX2gwNLMSGbKASbqXulj0lu25AQ2ULvYuCmg0lIKOaZ-AAN6U4Bqr8ZjMJYR4U_kIZhKtzJixcuxjaQihp9Oxmc9GV8UjEdU1DIrXzFrnRKZW81L3jq2C6RdGV01CwNBUv4US_5BM9jibWoLhCQ/s320/Image15.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />The panicked unit from F Troop rejoins their Lieutenant and rallies on Rocky Hill. Aspen organises his command, but takes no aggressive action; preferring to maintain a firing line in case of more hostiles emerging and await further orders.<br /><br />At Boulder Hill things aren't going well. Although the shooters in the wood have pulled back the mounted hostiles on the ridge get lucky; several troopers of E Troop fall - including Captain Beech himself, killed outright. This and the sudden build-up of shock, prompts a rush for the horses, and the next thing I know E troop has totally panicked, and rushed off towards Rocky Hill. Not at all good.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The shooting, meanwhile, has alerted the folk by the tipis, and they have already started slipping away into the woods. Things have gone VERY wrong indeed very quickly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">[These civilians are marked by Blinds and are activated/moved in the usual way]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiW8KnVpfIlrNKyfqm9rSUVVb4WAFyxSnDWX3zy7mphjY55RFs6UbgrPeznXK5vVbcs06j0ubzkaF5wis_WveFwLpJ7nCRUfmfKD7k-WSfga9fRcNwJz-ptG1Dg8kq2muz1n0EX-IDdk_RxZctyOOZ5KBFZ6W2IS2rHg2Be9MTg7kA5NTznkvnYaP/s1461/blinds12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1461" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiW8KnVpfIlrNKyfqm9rSUVVb4WAFyxSnDWX3zy7mphjY55RFs6UbgrPeznXK5vVbcs06j0ubzkaF5wis_WveFwLpJ7nCRUfmfKD7k-WSfga9fRcNwJz-ptG1Dg8kq2muz1n0EX-IDdk_RxZctyOOZ5KBFZ6W2IS2rHg2Be9MTg7kA5NTznkvnYaP/w400-h246/blinds12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>As the fleeing E Troop pull alongside Rocky Hill, their First Sergeant, Oak, quickly joined by Lt. Aspen, manages to halt their flight and regain some sense of order.<br /><br />The mounted hostiles on the ridge are content to cheer, as they watch the cavalry run off. Then, seeing Aspen making no move, they race across to Boulder Hill and occupy it (no doubt dealing with any wounded troopers left by E Troop's flight). They stay here for several minutes. From their point of view it is "Job Done". <br /><br />However, all of this takes time - and over by the tipis practically all of the women and children have run to the safety of the forest. THAT objective has sailed; leaving only the settlers at Balsam Farm to be "rescued"....<br /><br />Up on Rocky Hill Lt. Aspen gathers together the remains of E Troop and his own. He still musters over 70 troopers, plus scouts. With no movement among the tipis it would look as if those birds have flown. He comes to a decision, and will proceed to Balsam Farmstead. However, as he watches the hostiles on Boulder Hill, he formulates a Plan... <br /><br />First Sgt. Oak of E troop will lead two sections of men down towards the river, as if to move on the village. Hopefully that will draw the hostiles down from Boulder Hill, allowing Aspen to charge them, and trap them against Oak's men and the river - or at least to scatter them.<br /><br />However, as soon as he has given his orders, smoke signals can be seen coming from the trembling Woods. As if in response to this, the mounted hostiles on Boulder Hill fall back to the ridge, where they are joined by the riflemen from the woods. Hmm..... All very suspicious, but Oak continues down to the river.<br /><br />On Aspen's next activation he sends scouts down to inform Sgt. Oak of the latest developments and a change of plan. Aspen will bring the whole command down towards the river, join Sgt. Oak, then proceed along the river flats before heading up to the farmstead.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStIomKxHKMDm_OsebbK3Cm7kMhOMy4TKbul4kRYPt8cGt_T4nE6nobhBaLPWvawBP1VXkzHek7u2G9znvJ43OEMaw2n0pUw8rkQgcBE0uspu6YA_e5-iv8K5hd2mNh6BVNMFuarvyoKdbbc-kp4DhUVbV-1ZBZOdBzizttU4f_feIhmizLR0MaMOl/s1788/PHASE%202age15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1788" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStIomKxHKMDm_OsebbK3Cm7kMhOMy4TKbul4kRYPt8cGt_T4nE6nobhBaLPWvawBP1VXkzHek7u2G9znvJ43OEMaw2n0pUw8rkQgcBE0uspu6YA_e5-iv8K5hd2mNh6BVNMFuarvyoKdbbc-kp4DhUVbV-1ZBZOdBzizttU4f_feIhmizLR0MaMOl/w400-h241/PHASE%202age15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>While Aspen's men make their way along the river flats, the mounted hostiles on the ridge return to Boulder Hill on Aspen's flank - unaware of the scouts climbing up the opposite side - while the hostiles on foot run to the scrub on the river end of the ridge to Aspen's front.<br /><br />[Technical Notes: While this is going on, with the Drums Beating, the hostile reinforcement cards are building up. When (or if) these activate Aspen's command could be in serious trouble.]</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcH5GBbel354is4nMn-NhNFUtlmhOMVUD35tE7LLsaKYpmIfymINMtScURZR0tPov7Yh5eJsooorg8Lql4h9VrNNhf03iQ1VlvUMwFJ9RNNHIyXh1Zoi4ZOJjmJ04t2kvnhuwOHTGXig_rVhIz3Ac5-NNfx5dXdZ8jwWK3vRzdXL0EMC_GWdyu2bv/s1424/Image21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1424" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcH5GBbel354is4nMn-NhNFUtlmhOMVUD35tE7LLsaKYpmIfymINMtScURZR0tPov7Yh5eJsooorg8Lql4h9VrNNhf03iQ1VlvUMwFJ9RNNHIyXh1Zoi4ZOJjmJ04t2kvnhuwOHTGXig_rVhIz3Ac5-NNfx5dXdZ8jwWK3vRzdXL0EMC_GWdyu2bv/w400-h253/Image21.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Next turn the hostiles on Boulder Hill spot the scouts - who see them at the same time. The scouts react, and try to turn and run. The hostiles also react - and charge - easily overrunning the scouts [Some hurried dice tests], who are cut down in their saddles as they try to flee. However, this brings the hostiles on the hill in view of Aspen's men.<br /><br />As if prompted by all the noise from Boulder Hill the hostile riflemen on the ridge open up at Aspen's column. This is probably a mistake, as at this distance they are unlikely to cause much damage. The sudden volley causes a stir among the troopers, but no casualties. Aspen moves, but then the riflemen get another chance to shoot. A trooper falls, and the men of Oak's section start to get worried.<br /><br />Next move; the Drums stop... Oh, oh..... Suddenly the eaves of Trembling Forest echo with war-whoops, as about 125 hostiles rush from the trees, the majority of them mounted. But can Aspen see them..? Some quick eyeing-in at table level. He can see SOME - but will have no idea of how many there might actually be. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RO5SHS6GYFAtNynhMz7_6ecKdH7835CetFVcAvxMYnO9dNh5dD1uxDnfNIEqJw22orI0nijJ1qgzgEgJGfljG9B7ohD9UtaPUml81myINa1MXmQM-YP5DTDyC30ZPEK9bgmflQtDxfzXnKYPcGhuAMiDmTNRGavuqrOnbf-7BTeOhYGguCOXzMNU/s1824/Image22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1824" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RO5SHS6GYFAtNynhMz7_6ecKdH7835CetFVcAvxMYnO9dNh5dD1uxDnfNIEqJw22orI0nijJ1qgzgEgJGfljG9B7ohD9UtaPUml81myINa1MXmQM-YP5DTDyC30ZPEK9bgmflQtDxfzXnKYPcGhuAMiDmTNRGavuqrOnbf-7BTeOhYGguCOXzMNU/w400-h198/Image22.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />[<i>Quick decision table, since I have more knowledge than Aspen and I don't like playing All-Seeing Eye....<br /><br />Ok.. He can see and hear an unknown, possibly large (they are noisy) body of hostiles coming out of the trees to his front right. He has been shot at from cover on high ground to his left flank and taken casualties. He has hostiles to his left rear who have killed the scouts there. Earlier on his commanding officer was killed, some of the men of the leading troop broke, he has lost his own First Sergeant. All pretty bad. <br /><br />However, I never did a "Personality Test" for Aspen (I was "playing" the now deceased Cpt. Beech), so I'd better do that....<br /><br />Using an SP type process he turns out to be a good-looking young buck, of average build, from a good military family, went to military college, is mild-mannered and polite - even chivalrous - with no known vices. He has a good seat and is accomplished in the hunting field and with weaponry. He has been in action twice already and is reasonably secure in himself. He is above average in courage, being neither rash nor cautious. As a result of all this he is popular with his men and they are reasonably confident around him.<br /><br />Ok.. This suggests he will be able to assess the situation calmly and sensibly, come up with a reasonable number of actions and give calm, precise orders which will be obeyed. <br /><br />I start the stopwatch..... It takes about a minute and forty five seconds to sum up the situation, make a quick Ad Hoc Decision table based on his personality and the options open to him, and for him to make that decision, call over his sergeant and pass the orders.. So a full move</i>.]</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aspen decides that pressing on to the Balsam settlement (which may have already fallen) against an unknown enemy is too risky at present, as is retracing his steps on the south side of the river. Instead he will lead his men to join Oaks, then across the creek and up onto the the high ground above the bluffs which run parallel to the creek. These will allow him to view the field better, assess the size of the enemy force and, if necessary, pull away with flanks secure - with the bonus, if the enemy presses too close, of the undulating bluffs providing places to halt detachments to delay any pursuit.</div><p>On the other hand, once above the bluffs he is confident that he can form a fighting line and scatter any attacking enemy force (of whatever size) foolish enough to attack him, with firepower; then allowing him to proceed to the farmstead - if still standing (which he will be able to see from the bluffs).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54REnwj47DKX1STppCMIdMmbc7_aL87YDK9TL_j1CwgtGU0oWzqUm431SibKQtq-2ZA9-S4r76d9NsgjDCfKfdWoMVVsOlGZMcJZJGymCQA2b_AuGahZ-8PpxfLxGIDUtu3ew362OwGtELJMh5105eg3PaulmLTJud_4G4pu625KZnsTDxtr5yxg_/s1682/Image19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1682" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54REnwj47DKX1STppCMIdMmbc7_aL87YDK9TL_j1CwgtGU0oWzqUm431SibKQtq-2ZA9-S4r76d9NsgjDCfKfdWoMVVsOlGZMcJZJGymCQA2b_AuGahZ-8PpxfLxGIDUtu3ew362OwGtELJMh5105eg3PaulmLTJud_4G4pu625KZnsTDxtr5yxg_/w400-h214/Image19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>He moves his force down to the creek to join Sgt. Oaks. but as they reach the flats gunfire erupts from high ground. <br /><br />Meanwhile the mounted hostiles in the vicinity of Boulder Hill move along his flank, eventually turning towards the creek, as if to cut him off from heading east.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvl1PvssWQ7ALisq7wKOy_ssvPhdOM1TLxornVTFI0XNZPAvS7W1gMy5ZSKrqlNV1zvyT_0X5wyBKs3CbTDp2QJZQLjqu_iLPPz5_y8KbGKjs6YTX8d3SM5YzNlFiGEi2lauEXs0TAzKODLZxX-c2oVtpHKQCdFNYymbI4Md2Ob0aiaywn30S5Z3l/s1766/Image23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1766" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvl1PvssWQ7ALisq7wKOy_ssvPhdOM1TLxornVTFI0XNZPAvS7W1gMy5ZSKrqlNV1zvyT_0X5wyBKs3CbTDp2QJZQLjqu_iLPPz5_y8KbGKjs6YTX8d3SM5YzNlFiGEi2lauEXs0TAzKODLZxX-c2oVtpHKQCdFNYymbI4Md2Ob0aiaywn30S5Z3l/w400-h204/Image23.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />The two cavalry scouts, on the south edge of the board and who have (wisely) been laying low all this time, take the opportunity race eastwards. <br /><br />Aspen's men reach the woods by the ford and cross the creek.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeOzg2yMY-B15FHlUsfiEzQhyJYj67Hm60NhqQqdZ_y3_ThmcblLWHWn5s5EH7bZKhGXwC6MN9Ac6ZruyYUbibnU5_3jQRT4jVcdZVX4XJhWLzUBaD9ryhxCRKbIYUpa0eF0VFPOPZh5EHtvF6jQSeg5sTxBFs7sGmo7eKzCSz7vGZ_8uKVF_y6uR/s1762/Image25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1762" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeOzg2yMY-B15FHlUsfiEzQhyJYj67Hm60NhqQqdZ_y3_ThmcblLWHWn5s5EH7bZKhGXwC6MN9Ac6ZruyYUbibnU5_3jQRT4jVcdZVX4XJhWLzUBaD9ryhxCRKbIYUpa0eF0VFPOPZh5EHtvF6jQSeg5sTxBFs7sGmo7eKzCSz7vGZ_8uKVF_y6uR/s320/Image25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Fire suddenly erupts from the trees and bushes - ambush [card] !! A trooper falls, and Aspen's men become shaken, but he forces the pace [lucky CP tokens] and they begin to mount the ridge on the north side of the creek. However, the gunfire has prompted the mass of hostiles by the forest edge to race down to the noise.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6QUCMo71vQKOOLd7EmzTc60iVDkEEkgujMVHBNYKrfoS_n18SgIE5MjPrp85NuUypXnKmCZRuC76eRySzSYs0oSUB-GI0fvo3hAsDE4MHjfJPC7GHDIzfzS1vosG6ktmbAXI-MhWSnPkkFP6W4Lmj2zHJfeoVRXRPJ03Ufiq10lta6XohysrgOJu/s1678/Image31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1678" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6QUCMo71vQKOOLd7EmzTc60iVDkEEkgujMVHBNYKrfoS_n18SgIE5MjPrp85NuUypXnKmCZRuC76eRySzSYs0oSUB-GI0fvo3hAsDE4MHjfJPC7GHDIzfzS1vosG6ktmbAXI-MhWSnPkkFP6W4Lmj2zHJfeoVRXRPJ03Ufiq10lta6XohysrgOJu/w400-h215/Image31.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s4ffiu6TLVi1EXbAbTod42FjktVI1D9bnaZAA_lib8ez7Oo3XoRkdBuFpAzDNWNfLua6EogeVdqBhF6KoUILcrRVMP-KeqCBxIgAv4JfplU20TpADQnJ4c14eONz3E03F2NvGc96CG5RwEwBc3tA8iiK_t_5xaa0IwUhSetezP4ugTD05RaHAcTC/s1663/Image27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1663" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s4ffiu6TLVi1EXbAbTod42FjktVI1D9bnaZAA_lib8ez7Oo3XoRkdBuFpAzDNWNfLua6EogeVdqBhF6KoUILcrRVMP-KeqCBxIgAv4JfplU20TpADQnJ4c14eONz3E03F2NvGc96CG5RwEwBc3tA8iiK_t_5xaa0IwUhSetezP4ugTD05RaHAcTC/w400-h216/Image27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><p>Next move the whole hostile force, all war parties, home in on Aspen's command and, as they mount the narrow track up the ridge above the bluffs, the rear of his column (the remains of E Troop) is struck by warriors of the Boulder Hill band and another trooper falls.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrbSieKPMQMidLp3bQ_gmZIq93GhDc2YvxORhvlPHP_bf5gp5m1ZoIyyoyPu2w3NA2G4_tk2ahqrt-HLKr2xISf-rWb5SawgGwlRXFAfUDj_3fsw4lmtQ9RCvkkpbHlu6B8ulvBnmpSQjHoTfWawuLsbNYBapKn3GnZ3v5TcWADsbKenFmBZArFkX/s1621/Image34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1621" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrbSieKPMQMidLp3bQ_gmZIq93GhDc2YvxORhvlPHP_bf5gp5m1ZoIyyoyPu2w3NA2G4_tk2ahqrt-HLKr2xISf-rWb5SawgGwlRXFAfUDj_3fsw4lmtQ9RCvkkpbHlu6B8ulvBnmpSQjHoTfWawuLsbNYBapKn3GnZ3v5TcWADsbKenFmBZArFkX/w400-h223/Image34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNB0JenrBdl7r_rE81EHSahaQwwPkJttW08W6wE-heaqhp4csFRvl7_PUQ21yeRNLIqddgr_qS8GOaxvNOaHg1JdqVuvxfRbL62_N8lwYiOKxN6IrKqJw6zDYDRZFz3t05y7EXZNOHN3SZeiymrr-AaQjs5LAG_ba1PIruiXWizHRk9QPkrQD306v/s979/Image35.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="979" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNB0JenrBdl7r_rE81EHSahaQwwPkJttW08W6wE-heaqhp4csFRvl7_PUQ21yeRNLIqddgr_qS8GOaxvNOaHg1JdqVuvxfRbL62_N8lwYiOKxN6IrKqJw6zDYDRZFz3t05y7EXZNOHN3SZeiymrr-AaQjs5LAG_ba1PIruiXWizHRk9QPkrQD306v/w400-h368/Image35.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Things are hotting up. The column comes under fire from hostiles on foot by the creek, causing panic among Aspen's men, then more hostiles arrive at the bottom of the track to the Bluff Ridge; but this only causes confusion among the braves, as both groups struggle to close and count coup among the apparently fleeing troopers. However, despite this, three more cavalrymen fall to the spears and tomahawks of the braves.<br /><br />Suddenly a stroke of luck for Aspen [three CP tokens and good dice]. At the brow of the Bluff Ridge he rallies his Troop, is able to dismount most of his command and form a firing line. E Troop is still panicked and in disorder, as it rushes up the trail, but things could be worse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhz3UYBuoH3QeI2Eb-8JZ-hGt5JybkEY9t1m-_cFExkxU3et2d8mWMB26ebQPJktMcd7G3FdLVH6LO5vnF-EW-dIaV_KJm9UbWDuOLM7ahBASGyJ1UaF-z_abRUkimnhbN2ejiDKfisb-iMDMUG3GscFF52mmTyqsx_-txw8rtZZGGxIQ4zptuiHl0/s1215/Image36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1215" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhz3UYBuoH3QeI2Eb-8JZ-hGt5JybkEY9t1m-_cFExkxU3et2d8mWMB26ebQPJktMcd7G3FdLVH6LO5vnF-EW-dIaV_KJm9UbWDuOLM7ahBASGyJ1UaF-z_abRUkimnhbN2ejiDKfisb-iMDMUG3GscFF52mmTyqsx_-txw8rtZZGGxIQ4zptuiHl0/w400-h296/Image36.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>As we go into the next move, again, Aspen is lucky [first token to be drawn]. Inspired by his encouragement his men fire with a good, orderly volley towards the hostiles. It only causes a little disruption at this range, but seems to do the trick; sending a message to the hostiles that the troopers are organised and waiting on the high ground. The main force of hostiles halt on the slopes south of the creek. None of the hostiles on the north bank want to make a suicide charge up the narrow trail to the ridge, and their mounted elements begin to fall back to the main group.<br /><br />Aspen, given breathing space, considers withdrawing slowly, by sections, along the ridge. He is unlikely to be followed; so far as the hostiles are concerned they have got their women and children off to safety and successfully seen off the cavalry. They have nothing more to prove and nothing to gain by losing men to a retreating enemy. <br /><br />However, there is still the settlement. In theory Aspen's sixty-odd remaining troopers should be a match for the hundred and eighty or so hostiles visible, but with any element of surprise gone and his men - especially E Troop - jittery he is in a bit of a quandary. He COULD pull back along the ridge, pass down the larger coulee to the east, cross the creek and try to reach the farmstead - risking more ambushes and an attack from the hostiles - or simply return to the fort..... <br /><br />Aspen decides on one last throw of the dice. Leaving two sections and E Troop's bugler on the bluffs, with orders to move about to demonstrate their presence and respond to firing - but to skedaddle if the hostiles move forward - he will take the rest of the force east to the coulee, cross the stream and make his way along the low-lying land out of sight of the enemy, until level with Rocky Hill. He will then form line in the dead ground and rush the enemy flank, building to a charge on approaching.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEntm_VgHn41fecILwYzcuM2WkNjweWrFj7zbiJj6GnQUx1lXOK6jIO2VHOwoW43QHOfgc9mxZneD67yxZrM5ujUQ7E9_u9J2uiuw5aNiHTwSp-03MZ8VeXCstR20SnP9J9VMSYaKOCZFaWvddJLf44b6YJohQYZP-El3glouRwx1_wk7zRv3A9nmo/s1788/PHASE3%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1788" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEntm_VgHn41fecILwYzcuM2WkNjweWrFj7zbiJj6GnQUx1lXOK6jIO2VHOwoW43QHOfgc9mxZneD67yxZrM5ujUQ7E9_u9J2uiuw5aNiHTwSp-03MZ8VeXCstR20SnP9J9VMSYaKOCZFaWvddJLf44b6YJohQYZP-El3glouRwx1_wk7zRv3A9nmo/w400-h241/PHASE3%20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAT0dyyrX8MGgGrAbq3x_JSVrateLGG_Mn3pmishOZWOQwFSzHjbT_TeCIX3sVg_lnuhKdzbbwuvPjSWDudEtImfhyo8X3zTAZUo2iBrxyUUYkcoTch85UVTnyeXSXcWT3Bd_hA3X3TS3iC3CmTbsB1Y8AwC2rsQf5ni43_PH1WGV88Ep0xB0HU2_o/s1529/Image37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1529" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAT0dyyrX8MGgGrAbq3x_JSVrateLGG_Mn3pmishOZWOQwFSzHjbT_TeCIX3sVg_lnuhKdzbbwuvPjSWDudEtImfhyo8X3zTAZUo2iBrxyUUYkcoTch85UVTnyeXSXcWT3Bd_hA3X3TS3iC3CmTbsB1Y8AwC2rsQf5ni43_PH1WGV88Ep0xB0HU2_o/w400-h235/Image37.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>His force does this without incident. Meanwhile the hostiles are content to exchange desultory fire with the section on the bluffs. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoEcoX9q_HsBdBAXnHellLtmKuTdkqJ0LOMaqx7oD8SUMcTaUNzoOaCExemmgWHiStC-otXZpSiSHjEIQe-qR3C9etmm3gtI-6zv6SlbTC3vJrvaagLTuWgiVx-vGI2GXLQuoFAkAwMx6gkNtVUD-71DKR84viVIrUBf2pYxCU8aIarSlhrJ5UrzI/s1410/Image39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1410" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoEcoX9q_HsBdBAXnHellLtmKuTdkqJ0LOMaqx7oD8SUMcTaUNzoOaCExemmgWHiStC-otXZpSiSHjEIQe-qR3C9etmm3gtI-6zv6SlbTC3vJrvaagLTuWgiVx-vGI2GXLQuoFAkAwMx6gkNtVUD-71DKR84viVIrUBf2pYxCU8aIarSlhrJ5UrzI/s320/Image39.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Aspen's main body move along the top of the bluffs without incident. They negotiate the coolee and cross the creek, reaching the dead ground beyond unseen. So far so good.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBYGJ6lHMQ6kCbv0yW6J2OWE0w0vCSFPbSWy5WWT8BRF_HgloWaJgjqEUsxnl7a6xwesEck-J_HpKxNVMec86pRh8kUZQbi58MnliYb66180mIRiTAtRsOP5hTkaDgNGsxJeo0JamydKF2m_h7Dw3aHd92xGhW4GHaHfpi-AP7idW3I6igfuH3JU7/s1221/Image40.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1221" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBYGJ6lHMQ6kCbv0yW6J2OWE0w0vCSFPbSWy5WWT8BRF_HgloWaJgjqEUsxnl7a6xwesEck-J_HpKxNVMec86pRh8kUZQbi58MnliYb66180mIRiTAtRsOP5hTkaDgNGsxJeo0JamydKF2m_h7Dw3aHd92xGhW4GHaHfpi-AP7idW3I6igfuH3JU7/s320/Image40.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8QzF6QToVEkYeA5_Za_Y1gCnCXlmHc0pE8buzraLQDN9vES6nqROieyeydVLIt6o6ml5kJZmv50yXwBbKOvKG0Y3BAn1Y4sWaLBHkyBxr4ZR6JM1Q0ork2GY9Fj9Dck9cjOISHXTj-eoqdJcSx0rm2Ls2XoBOAS3pgetA8OAcujFe-Wv8jar9FLP/s1308/Image41.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1308" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8QzF6QToVEkYeA5_Za_Y1gCnCXlmHc0pE8buzraLQDN9vES6nqROieyeydVLIt6o6ml5kJZmv50yXwBbKOvKG0Y3BAn1Y4sWaLBHkyBxr4ZR6JM1Q0ork2GY9Fj9Dck9cjOISHXTj-eoqdJcSx0rm2Ls2XoBOAS3pgetA8OAcujFe-Wv8jar9FLP/w400-h275/Image41.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />As soon as Aspen's force is in position he gets them in order, then trots them forward, up out of the dead ground, in two lines..<br /><br />His (bugle blowing) line of horsemen appears "out of the ground" on the flank of the hostiles, and they panic - perhaps assuming that this is a new force ("<i>Here comes the cavalry!!</i>").</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EQ0a49uShgFxny652gyHskpVQB__1ZzRNPExL90qfDUnZtCx6bmKlrU0xWvdUCoEKzgUZMY_ahnqYogXpp_v8Gj9826oLlRP7o3zXrbqe8ElwCC1ky-QvuIxYg9BtcU_aZIdNHdf_RUzl_AMLBrBmBMuPH-wk15Ahj93gfzQtOWg7Jh0P5WgmTu-/s1527/Image44.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1527" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EQ0a49uShgFxny652gyHskpVQB__1ZzRNPExL90qfDUnZtCx6bmKlrU0xWvdUCoEKzgUZMY_ahnqYogXpp_v8Gj9826oLlRP7o3zXrbqe8ElwCC1ky-QvuIxYg9BtcU_aZIdNHdf_RUzl_AMLBrBmBMuPH-wk15Ahj93gfzQtOWg7Jh0P5WgmTu-/w400-h236/Image44.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpfAvvbluIv0t2LY3g63hXtoowt6KJ5VKj3F4U4gb46Fm1qeK7zt38SAODAFr9uodgV-uLE-5rjCWAjf_ZGn3PI7UJPtq4OemSr0KQSY_tFLCf7iFkzTSyaM09nLHGwA7UDswQtlcZMSIAa5bw_iYX5zieHc4Jmo-hZucOwqiOG0YB0pbM2gILJJw/s2107/Image43.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2107" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpfAvvbluIv0t2LY3g63hXtoowt6KJ5VKj3F4U4gb46Fm1qeK7zt38SAODAFr9uodgV-uLE-5rjCWAjf_ZGn3PI7UJPtq4OemSr0KQSY_tFLCf7iFkzTSyaM09nLHGwA7UDswQtlcZMSIAa5bw_iYX5zieHc4Jmo-hZucOwqiOG0YB0pbM2gILJJw/w400-h171/Image43.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />However, next move the hostiles Activate first, and move further off at high speed. There is no opportunity for Aspen to charge to contact.<br /><br />The main body of hostiles moves to the edges of Trembling Forest, and halts.<br /><br />For Aspen the idea of charging into the trees - with his horses needing a period of slower action if they are not to become blown - is not an option. Instead, Aspen turns his command and moves off into the dead ground and valley between the ridge and Boulder Hill towards the farmstead. Among the trees the hostiles hesitate. They don't like the look of things.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCTBt0TBJvhjQWIk-A4UZU6fCbKvczdVmEEptPKU1wtB3xpWAzJStzm3jemzFr_zyMKf3S9lRdNhjoVLV3V1d3wA13KX3P_hSNlwTZiQ6e4lFPvdkNAUIYR5OnNgO0fl-ybDYKOziPDwxOzLXc3a8Fh-JffZgRcizWkAEMsCGRGpaR7Idc1R6x0-K/s1444/Image45.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1444" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCTBt0TBJvhjQWIk-A4UZU6fCbKvczdVmEEptPKU1wtB3xpWAzJStzm3jemzFr_zyMKf3S9lRdNhjoVLV3V1d3wA13KX3P_hSNlwTZiQ6e4lFPvdkNAUIYR5OnNgO0fl-ybDYKOziPDwxOzLXc3a8Fh-JffZgRcizWkAEMsCGRGpaR7Idc1R6x0-K/w400-h249/Image45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While Aspen's men on the bluffs, seeing him marching off and the enemy pulling back, quickly mount-up to make their way back to the fort, Aspen, out of sight of the hostiles, continues to the farm without incident. The folks here have not been attacked or molested, but agree to come back to the fort with Aspen's force. He makes his way eastwards with his charges. </div><p>The hostiles have no cause to lose men harassing Aspen, having secured their vulnerable women and children and already have counted coup against both E troop and the men they caught crossing the creek and at the foot of the trail to the bluffs and, to their mind, seen them off. They decide not to needlessly risk any more lives against this "new group" of Long Knives...<br /><br />It seems to me that things have reached a conclusion, narrative-wise. Aspen can leave the table with the settlers - which he does. Roll credits...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-mVaf4356OJz0SzmIvgET1Ubg5OnICNmI-BY7Mera_3s2bRFxqK0Bz48ypo0gTHb-GwQLb0NzzmwoBKpSonDZrTchy4qMiXi85Vn3gggIrcz-EX39s0C9FAVP02bjzlN5SpMsSKZIV620zo1okXq-X0bREBXZeOGH9MYZa1x0zYYxP14gLXuLp_o/s1788/PHASE4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1788" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-mVaf4356OJz0SzmIvgET1Ubg5OnICNmI-BY7Mera_3s2bRFxqK0Bz48ypo0gTHb-GwQLb0NzzmwoBKpSonDZrTchy4qMiXi85Vn3gggIrcz-EX39s0C9FAVP02bjzlN5SpMsSKZIV620zo1okXq-X0bREBXZeOGH9MYZa1x0zYYxP14gLXuLp_o/w400-h241/PHASE4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Conclusion:</b></div></div><p>That was a fast moving piece of fun. The rules and systems worked, though I thought the "pick a card every move" process - fitting to a demo or co-op game where you want constant stimulus to keep folk interested - was a bit "overkill", and moderated this (with a dice test to draw a card) once more than 160 hostiles were on the board. <br /><br />Also, I was working 6mm, not 15-28mm, on a 4.5 foot x 7 ft table. With 6mm you can do wide-sweeping movements which suit the genre (plus go for a 1:1 ratio) but this will mean more moves, and thus more card drawing.<br /><br />I can see this as a great idea for a near-RPG or inter-unit (say, between forts or troops) campaign for a group/club, as well as working for solo.<br /><br />Were this part of a campaign this would count as a "lose" for the cavalry - and a mixed result for Aspen personally.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJx_dP2xfhDi2QKC1kiNpgjweEpFctzQrnQEDcTNqB2qVcVtgRrwb20oSyT5_U_WI54zqzGADs4w9QVwoGlEi0mEVaVfBvfDTSgHJvJJioNtm1A2pvMr78gsNcGKjO73rHR4D1wMoo2p-L94Y98o6yS_qMtbVkcyTqALkOQfnXwkuX_BdRTW1nwOPq/s2034/Image24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2034" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJx_dP2xfhDi2QKC1kiNpgjweEpFctzQrnQEDcTNqB2qVcVtgRrwb20oSyT5_U_WI54zqzGADs4w9QVwoGlEi0mEVaVfBvfDTSgHJvJJioNtm1A2pvMr78gsNcGKjO73rHR4D1wMoo2p-L94Y98o6yS_qMtbVkcyTqALkOQfnXwkuX_BdRTW1nwOPq/w400-h178/Image24.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />The cavalry got a punch on the nose, losing an officer, a senior NCO and several men, failed to secure the tribe's civilians, failed to cause any significant loss (from the cavalry "body count" point of view) to the hostile warriors and withdrew (albeit in the face of superior numbers). <br /><br />Aspen himself SHOULD have come out of this well; he took command after his superior fell, rallied his men, developed a plan on the hoof and carried this out - securing his men and the settlers. <br /><br />However, he is the sole surviving officer in a cock-up, plus totally neglected to address the issue of the bodies of Beech and his troopers; which were left to be treated in traditional manner by the tribe, and which will need to be recovered - at risk - by a burial detail.<br /><br />Were this part of a campaign, his future career (and promotion) would depend greatly on how his immediate superior feels about him personally - and the political considerations higher up. If they want a scapegoat he will be in the frame. <br /><br />However, given his family background and connections (plus his "bankability" as a personality) he might come out of it well, and even step into Beech's boots; especially if the Army wants to sell the "Beaver Creek Incident" as a success ("Junior Officer Steps Up And Saves The Day" etc.) rather than a damp squib....<br /><br />But those bodies could very well come back to haunt him, and affect the morale of his next command. Kipling (as so often) comes to mind: <i>"The papers 'id it 'andsome, but you know the Army knows.."</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84TvZbhDuz3VNBW8i_rYbDjYFVaw7qMW4CUxsqfWj1fMG4mtrF6bFxyiVnNemly_iup8n8PQSM92usEZr-T3afzA152tJns2S_WV5a83bfXHsgXiI4DcDq_CqrrwLigl_ac2M181kyGlOicItTk8rW7vgLJxOt9w6Ip-kEbeJtGBGEiyLxQ2Nq3PE/s900/Image4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="807" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84TvZbhDuz3VNBW8i_rYbDjYFVaw7qMW4CUxsqfWj1fMG4mtrF6bFxyiVnNemly_iup8n8PQSM92usEZr-T3afzA152tJns2S_WV5a83bfXHsgXiI4DcDq_CqrrwLigl_ac2M181kyGlOicItTk8rW7vgLJxOt9w6Ip-kEbeJtGBGEiyLxQ2Nq3PE/w359-h400/Image4.jpg" width="359" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As always, comments/snipes etc. welcome.</span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><p></p></div>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-75544127891788702442022-03-12T14:01:00.000+00:002022-03-12T14:01:33.358+00:00Off on a Tangent....<p><b>The Curse of a Butterfly Mind....</b><br /><br />As has happened before (See "The man Who Found Too Much" and the related follow-up posts) a simple query on the Solo Facebook group has got the Little Grey Cells bouncing about....</p><p>The query related to "combat between Icelandic Vikings and American natives", with mention being made of the "Battle of Vinland" and suitable rules systems.<br /><br />As always my first thought was "it's not the rules system" for the running & hitting that will make this different, it's the narrative and different cultural aspects. <br /><br />Anyhoo... Here are SOME random thoughts (in italics - as posted on the Group - and others)...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4wuRE5CW6mw57Whz2eeg0X3eWPC-i8cFa92F2bmAuw_0y3U0dTAYFq3afzmDukvWPcp80_9C6x08RrT6aX6RToaKAoZhC4jyOISl62SX8m39fkiLSLFnENu8TaTDkLF7svRqGb91YRjTV7EQbS1zQw0xf1jM-_wxsncBXChooLz0sxzJvGfdVpCwZ=s1494" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1494" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4wuRE5CW6mw57Whz2eeg0X3eWPC-i8cFa92F2bmAuw_0y3U0dTAYFq3afzmDukvWPcp80_9C6x08RrT6aX6RToaKAoZhC4jyOISl62SX8m39fkiLSLFnENu8TaTDkLF7svRqGb91YRjTV7EQbS1zQw0xf1jM-_wxsncBXChooLz0sxzJvGfdVpCwZ=w400-h250" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>The Vikings:</b></p><p>"<i>The Norsemen's reasons for being there will be simple (land hunger or trade/profit). They may (or at least their elites may) be willing to risk falling in battle to a greater degree than the locals but this is NOT a going to be a raiding warband...</i>.". <br /><br />So I'd have a very mixed crew (of different ranks down to slaves and women) with a right old mix of available resources and motivations - and not a tooled up warrior band. In theory this should be three ships and 140 chaps of all sorts.<br /><br />"<i>Crew make-up will be crucial. Have they brought any/many REALLY skilled hunters with them? Spears/throwing spears for hunting they'll have - but any bows at all? If not they may have a problem... What food do they have...? Which craftsmen do they REALLY need to protect.</i>"<br /><br />However, I'd go straight back to source to see what that says - Eric The Red's Saga; all there on the wonderful Gutenberg...</p><p><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/17946/17946-h/17946-h.htm">https://www.gutenberg.org/files/17946/17946-h/17946-h.htm</a><br /><br />Plus:<br /><br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saga_of_the_Greenlanders">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saga_of_the_Greenlanders</a><br /></p><p>For further inspiration I suggested Thomas Holt's "Meadowland".</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjouvrBNfliNPY-vjBznEsPBLD5MX6vQYZC7T4Pj4jUgPPvGw-6LBmCxkvZgE5BLbr1_JaqJ4F2ngj0taF59ttJDcNdL2ANd8pD-3bL2M8YzuGfXLqKEFQ5-CEmALfMHhBd_u7O1pYyRlR9HseaV-U00XCj5w9FZTyLBnoBq8rPBF87wE_HzmYtJku6=s282" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="179" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjouvrBNfliNPY-vjBznEsPBLD5MX6vQYZC7T4Pj4jUgPPvGw-6LBmCxkvZgE5BLbr1_JaqJ4F2ngj0taF59ttJDcNdL2ANd8pD-3bL2M8YzuGfXLqKEFQ5-CEmALfMHhBd_u7O1pYyRlR9HseaV-U00XCj5w9FZTyLBnoBq8rPBF87wE_HzmYtJku6=w254-h400" width="254" /></a></div><p><b>The Rules:<br /></b><br />My thoughts here were;</p><p>"<i>Any basic hand weapon/hand missile weapon rules (simplest always being best) where you have rules to allow for different equipment/troop types/fighting methods will do the basics - no need to spend for those, you can use free rules/home-bash easily.</i></p><p><i>However, the main piece of "situation chrome" won't be the fighting/moving mechanics but the different mind sets, abilities, motivations and intentions of the participants and the "culture clash"... Otherwise you'll just end with (yet another) "marginally different" Dark Age Bash rule set but just with different figures.</i></p><p><i>Personally I'd also look beyond simple skirmishes and do this as a "fill in the map" mini campaign.. This could be set up really easily and would be a LOT of fun..."</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM9xX0EPGusFL4LdRfaE6OeqyxN4_gok9y_3VNOyZX5jD0HohiwH-a4KekTc9Z3IAu9ko9d3HrltvfD3ZsfCgINbLYGUkQu55BB3OQPWillbwrY58n30BgC4NOuhm7wzVMWbpNC5bMd9yfmk7mc8hJRRGq7NxEq6czra3xyh_ZIqRdaC5WPVBpFgvt=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="2048" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM9xX0EPGusFL4LdRfaE6OeqyxN4_gok9y_3VNOyZX5jD0HohiwH-a4KekTc9Z3IAu9ko9d3HrltvfD3ZsfCgINbLYGUkQu55BB3OQPWillbwrY58n30BgC4NOuhm7wzVMWbpNC5bMd9yfmk7mc8hJRRGq7NxEq6czra3xyh_ZIqRdaC5WPVBpFgvt=w400-h263" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>It was suggested that the Norsemen's equipment (maille and metal weapons) would give a major advantage in combat... Being very suspicious of rules that stress technology over psychology my thoughts were; </p><p>"<i>On paper. In reality the technological advantage will be minor, as maille use will (or certainly should) be heavily restricted to a small minority </i>[of vikings]<i> (as will swords) and stone/shaped hardwood is as good at inflicting crushing trauma as anything else..</i></p><p><i>Sharpened stone is as good as piercing, cloth/flesh etc. as anything else...</i></p><p><i>As for maille (OK, later comment, but it gets the point over): Letter from Gonzalo Mendex de Canzo to King Philip III in 1600 "For war with the Indians no other armour except this (padded armour) is of any value. As for the coat of mail, the arrow could go through it and splinters of it would be very dangerous; the buffalo-leather coat designed to absorb sword-cuts is </i><i>pierced very easily; and the corslet </i>(plate breastplate) <i>is very dangerous, moreover, if the arrow hits it will re bound and injure the next person..."</i></p><p><i>Metal axes will be more effective cutting against indigenous wooden/bark armour, but have to hit right and provide no more blunt trauma than a shaped hardwood weapon would.</i></p><p><i>But mainly the approaches to hand to hand will be culturally different because the Way of War is different...</i></p><p><i>Case a) Weird guy in some kind of protective gear (like indigenous wooden armour traditions but bigger/better) wants you to get into his kind of fight..</i></p><p><i>Response from people who see no advantage in dying stupidly in battle: Never get into his kind of fight...</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSwYS-K2gp_x3zPDfs116r7M5ppH74J70aGmRoemjSH_W1ewUoEY2Mzo6ivLYWRDCqpZLZSamdsFfHUqRW6agy3ACdsIYSwOMK2Ca8_b4El6fEjjT6gplN9gRsqLUvIbNa3g8pJfU6QnLKb_S1_LjHFMG5ZOmhpy-jr0jeJ422rBA9oXOk4mQI81VZ=s736" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSwYS-K2gp_x3zPDfs116r7M5ppH74J70aGmRoemjSH_W1ewUoEY2Mzo6ivLYWRDCqpZLZSamdsFfHUqRW6agy3ACdsIYSwOMK2Ca8_b4El6fEjjT6gplN9gRsqLUvIbNa3g8pJfU6QnLKb_S1_LjHFMG5ZOmhpy-jr0jeJ422rBA9oXOk4mQI81VZ=w313-h400" width="313" /></a></div><i>Case b) Guy is seemingly wearing/carrying something which protects him REALLY well.</i><p></p><p><i>Responses;</i></p><p><i>1) You never go hand to hand from the front and, like Kipling's British in Burma, you don't go for him "When none of your mates is near" (One to distract, One to hit from behind).</i></p><p><i>2) Shoot his legs out - they HATE that... Or poke 'em with a spear (Rock beats paper. Spear beats sword)..</i></p><p><i>Or run past quick and bash/slash his knees and ankles from behind.</i></p><p><i>(Remembering where most Viking period wounds are archaeologically 🙂).</i></p><p><i>Case b) Guy is wearing something which slows him down and affects his movement and fighting abilities in dense terrain.</i></p><p><i>Get him to follow you into dense terrain... If he's THAT stupid enough to want to die in battle, give him what he wants....</i></p><p><i>The rules should reflect all this - and certainly NOT have indigenous folk fighting like vikings..."</i></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtvQY9OsBD_RdfoSU6haKDfd9RFb6oZANVAnvCwRE08FKROA_dl6d49qAVw6h6oFP0WmZRQRAV1t1w1kKAtxngcNZzUE4jz6j8OPMDccu6ZMcLSuWsjRqRE5-vfIT0W4Bv5gJAwYoTrxtBoSXV4obhubmmWfgyi4N4tLZ98VWIk_8yF4jcNQjlMKdT=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1179" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtvQY9OsBD_RdfoSU6haKDfd9RFb6oZANVAnvCwRE08FKROA_dl6d49qAVw6h6oFP0WmZRQRAV1t1w1kKAtxngcNZzUE4jz6j8OPMDccu6ZMcLSuWsjRqRE5-vfIT0W4Bv5gJAwYoTrxtBoSXV4obhubmmWfgyi4N4tLZ98VWIk_8yF4jcNQjlMKdT=w295-h400" width="295" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WRONG KINDA FIGHT......</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>The Locals:</b><br /><br />First thoughts were:</p><p><i>"Meanwhile, unless there is a real expert out there who has evidence for the contrary, I see no reason why the Ways of War of the aboriginal folk of the north east woodlands should have altered much from the earliest descriptions we have of them. That is that only an idiot gets himself killed unnecessarily, and that their conflicts will normally mainly consist of individual or small scale raids being undertaken for reasons of social advancement, recreation/excitement, religious obligation, for the capture of women and slaves, plundering, revenge or as a Rite of Passage - with larger group actions only being prompted by the drive to take territory or trade routes, or to defend same or out of fear of a threat to same or due to some misunderstanding which leads to such. </i></p><p><i>I guess I'd look further into the differences between the (apparently more aggressive) Hunter/Gathering peoples and the agricultural folk".</i></p><p>I also included a link to:</p><p><a href="https://anthrosource.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1525/aa.1947.49.2.02a00020">https://anthrosource.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1525/aa.1947.49.2.02a00020</a><br /></p><p>I also did some more research, including in Jones's "Native North American Armor Shields and Fortifications".<br /></p><p>However.......<br /><br />I soon realised I (you guessed it) was looking very much at the indigenous peoples we know most about ( i.e those woodland folk further south than Newfoundland who were still around to write about in detail in the 16th/17thC) rather than the indigenous Newfoundland folks who had (largely/likely) been of a different culture (possibly more like the Thule/Inuit ?) - and who had suffered from a European presence since late medieval times before being recorded....</p><p><a href="https://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/aboriginal/beothuk.php">https://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/aboriginal/beothuk.php</a></p><p><a href="https://www.heritage.nf.ca/.../abori.../beothuk-clothing.php">https://www.heritage.nf.ca/.../abori.../beothuk-clothing.php</a></p><p>From the saga there are "missiles" (bows/javelins), slings and what sounds like a staff sling in use, plus shields by the locals...<br /><br />So, conclusion was that we probably have a very different look for the locals than the "Woodland Indians" one initially imagined...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqjwtMvw23gtiZy1e_degdFzHLhrwXw5MxMB_85EAZidm0JCxceCvU-2lYoJy9xJA9xqgnSMgZfn6tuRDPTHVNyOzEVr8wNTJvDzfHt5pZM16DO7vfY1lWI_enedD6Va5BSC7QmYYdm96-clRp92z8ZIGaRnjEowmY9dKlVx9wSBS26xX6esre-8sL=s273" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="185" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqjwtMvw23gtiZy1e_degdFzHLhrwXw5MxMB_85EAZidm0JCxceCvU-2lYoJy9xJA9xqgnSMgZfn6tuRDPTHVNyOzEVr8wNTJvDzfHt5pZM16DO7vfY1lWI_enedD6Va5BSC7QmYYdm96-clRp92z8ZIGaRnjEowmY9dKlVx9wSBS26xX6esre-8sL=w271-h400" width="271" /></a></div><br /><p>Also, re-reading the sagas (it's been a while) it sounds like (as so often) that the conflicts were more due to misunderstandings than anything else...<br /><br />Personally, the more I think about this the more I'd go for a blank map campaign - but maybe further south than Newfoundland? Unhistorical, but possibly with more going for it...?<br /><br />A (maybe) painting project for the future.... (?)<br /><br />Next up a Battle Report from the other month (as already promised..?)</p><p><br /><br /><br /></p>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-44382498466448818912022-03-01T15:37:00.007+00:002023-02-23T21:45:25.727+00:001776 and All That (part seven/the last)<p><b>They think It's All over.....</b><br /><br />After the action at Jackson's Farm we move to the last map move in the 1776 Saratoga Scenario - and the randomised leader activation makes things tricky for me...<br /><br />Grey assaults Philadelphia, which falls. This alone probably loses me the scenario - but Washington, up in the hills, simply just doesn't have the manpower to contest things, so there's nothing I can do. <br /><br />In the north Burgoyne splits his troops at Albany; leaving a garrison there and himself heading up towards Ticonderoga (hoping to thwart Lafayette's move along the St. Lawrence? Who knows..?).<br /><br />Warner, lacking the troops (or bottle?) to tackle Brant, moves to reinforce Fort Oswego.<br /><br />Despite the "friction" encountered at Jackson's Farm Clinton (unluckily for me, dice-activated before Gates on the map) has swept up the Mohawk Valley in pursuit of Gates. I decide to break down the move down with simple dice tests (with a penalty for Clinton) to see how far Gates gets before being caught up.<br /><br />Luckily Gates makes it past Fort Stanwix before the British get near. This is key. As Clinton approaches Stanwix he then has a choice - attack the fort, and risk losing contact with Gates, or pressing on. He elects to attack the fort and takes it in two assaults. <br /><br />Meanwhile Gates continues his march unmolested and joins Warner at Ft. Oswego. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxcNqJKw4DFIDes9DaJ8xSHJN66WqQ-_uMAHDWR8lczufRNds6jTZni0hewDlplLGoXl-J_1R3TsX1x-zxg5MKbDMMv1xEdEXqmtu0SuvoBFzfOf_MOH0t41GA6EXnBfly6ZXi89KlFFoQAtB6LERdsKV4pyN-YBgRichxeMmL_mTrZBDs_baPsRGk=s4286" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2107" data-original-width="4286" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxcNqJKw4DFIDes9DaJ8xSHJN66WqQ-_uMAHDWR8lczufRNds6jTZni0hewDlplLGoXl-J_1R3TsX1x-zxg5MKbDMMv1xEdEXqmtu0SuvoBFzfOf_MOH0t41GA6EXnBfly6ZXi89KlFFoQAtB6LERdsKV4pyN-YBgRichxeMmL_mTrZBDs_baPsRGk=w525-h257" width="525" /></a></div><p>With the fall of Stanwix the British have now definitely won the scenario.<br /><br />Lafayette is too slow making his way up the St. Lawrence to take Montreal or Quebec. <br /><br />Washington, in the hills north of Reading, is impotent, due to lack of men.<br /><br />Stark could have run minor interference in New England, but hasn't enough men to make a difference or to force a battle and is being pressed by Howe and another detached force. He withdraws into the White Mountains. <br /><br />At move end, while the Americans hold one of their objectives - Ft. Oswego - the British have taken Ticonderoga, Albany, West Point, Ft. Stanwix and Philadelphia, so have piled up the Victory Points.<br /><br />On the other hand, looking beyond the scenario, the Continental forces have avoided costly losses, so still have two viable armies in the field. Personally I think THIS should count in the VP tally, but I don't make the rules. Were this part of a longer campaign this successful avoidance of destruction would be counted a good thing....<br /><br />However, HAD there been a further move or two Lafayette could have pressed further into Canada, but he would likely have had to face Burgoyne and the Canadian garrison troops (now released from their static role by his incursion). A defeat here for either side could have been disastrous.<br /><br />Up by Lake Ontario Gates could possibly have been forced to battle by the combined forces of Brandt & Clinton. Or he might have slipped away (again) and headed south to join Washington - or even (more unlikely) north to follow Lafayette. Who knows..?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha0qkte_kWY9lDR3-P5CFFuHl-kexFS9KYQV8N82aOiNS4KV-5jxF92HvdkSNNb22dAAtmAksXJo09GnoAXplRlbh-xVG4p3vrSaW5A2mor7C8i__By4KlmdDOQgoRRSXnltbQVbuqjfCeuOcSzUlxSnn2m2-GPfaOD2W0wW9ffEj6mW9Jl0XfdRaA=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha0qkte_kWY9lDR3-P5CFFuHl-kexFS9KYQV8N82aOiNS4KV-5jxF92HvdkSNNb22dAAtmAksXJo09GnoAXplRlbh-xVG4p3vrSaW5A2mor7C8i__By4KlmdDOQgoRRSXnltbQVbuqjfCeuOcSzUlxSnn2m2-GPfaOD2W0wW9ffEj6mW9Jl0XfdRaA=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Looking at how the game panned out The (dice-controlled) British were FAR more active than historically.<br /><br />The march on Philadelphia was perhaps predictable, as was Burgoyne's progress towards Albany. Howe' unexpected move into New England stopped Stark being a nuisance, but it was Clinton's march on West Point then, critically, on to Albany that was the clincher. <br /><br />Had Clinton not pushed beyond West Point - and had instead sat there, or, say, had reinforced Howe' push into New England, or even pulled back to New York - Gates, when facing Burgoyne's (rash?) attack at Albany, would not have been worrying about the threat to his rear, and thus would have had the aggressive and capable Arnold, plus his regiments, at his side in the redoubts above the town. Had Arnold been there, to perhaps blunt Fraser's flanking move, the Battle at Albany COULD have been a Saratoga.... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkaKu1UVo8prHU8aZm4A-h1KMbflhTK5SOpCjhXOz-dZJfQswPKFh3wsT2gGCks84TBM2YqQuhMiq-gCYERXGuIBf_W6MnfeZBVUKOCZhHXWrwkqMybTBgaA6yt21f7MPZsWTM9z5jx2L9Timz5MaCQmZFSTDLseHB3RMQULgs9ImfAmVZXWuHZUev=s2747" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1811" data-original-width="2747" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkaKu1UVo8prHU8aZm4A-h1KMbflhTK5SOpCjhXOz-dZJfQswPKFh3wsT2gGCks84TBM2YqQuhMiq-gCYERXGuIBf_W6MnfeZBVUKOCZhHXWrwkqMybTBgaA6yt21f7MPZsWTM9z5jx2L9Timz5MaCQmZFSTDLseHB3RMQULgs9ImfAmVZXWuHZUev=w400-h264" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Conclusion:</b><br /><br />THAT was fun.... 1776 was already one of my favourite board games, always repays replaying, and has proved to be perfect as a "scenario generator". Had I wanted to I could have fought a number of fort assaults and a city assault, as well as the two field battles. The great thing with tying a battle into a campaign being that by there was a reason for each fight AND a clear intention/objective on the part of the combatants. Using a board game makes campaign "creation" far, far less work..</p><p>I will note down down the forces Gates/Clinton/Brandt & Warner would have had next move at Ft. Oswego, and also the respective forces available to Lafayette and Burgoyne in Canada - thus giving me two ready-made battles to fight out later, should I so wish.<br /><br />That was a try-out WELL worth repeating.<br /><br />As always, I welcome any queries or feedback. Next, a different write-up of a different battle I fought the other week, working with the "Pony Wars" rule set. Watch this space.</p><p><br /></p>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-85851769112214996892022-02-25T22:37:00.007+00:002023-11-20T15:27:43.711+00:001776 And All That (part six)<p><b>The Battle of Jackson's Farm;</b><br /><br />Right, a quick bit of thinking and messing about with the table and I'm good to go. <br /><br />As this will be a likely be a short fight (I reckon) I've created a random layout (below) rather than get bogged down in maps etc. (note the river and other bank in the photo are "cosmetic photo-shopping". I should be so lucky as to have that big a space..)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqRw_thJ09DTWxVMGj7sOWageMXZynUvraJ2IP-FQSFT7kxCZe01KtIisPu7PMbtDZswjx7HH0ZCNuJkDLGgnmTlTGati9wYH1zxjU0O1X-cD9iGNCQ_g2A8fs_9TMhX3MQQEgN0tAqPhO2hoQLI4lW_Q39EQXt0MeEkURGuXjJ0p1x907NV4Sfv6m=s4585" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2590" data-original-width="4585" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqRw_thJ09DTWxVMGj7sOWageMXZynUvraJ2IP-FQSFT7kxCZe01KtIisPu7PMbtDZswjx7HH0ZCNuJkDLGgnmTlTGati9wYH1zxjU0O1X-cD9iGNCQ_g2A8fs_9TMhX3MQQEgN0tAqPhO2hoQLI4lW_Q39EQXt0MeEkURGuXjJ0p1x907NV4Sfv6m=w444-h251" width="444" /></a></div><p>Basically the north edge of the table will represent the vegetation edging the Mohawk River, the rest of the table the re-entrants and general "messiness of the hills etc. in the rough vicinity of present Jacksonburg (pic) before the main, modern routes were carved through them. </p><p>One problem - as one can see from the pic below - it's ALL bloody woods !!" (I'm assuming the big empty fields, like the roads literally carved out of the landscape, are all new....).</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYr8bq8uM2fqXwCLODU4Ia2zFmamFJv_gSGgbgrYdpolB4SDMmgLh1nkLu-UUfB0W5pj_e5ajwwelriJp48xAv23ARhHyJ28RTR-oU_ECHQUbFlFyBuP5OrkrEUv5On_UksbXmwOd65gM_rlIlhGZArZer6m7xsI-BXn6w26rTpzHc_cPvZEN316M-=s1056" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1056" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYr8bq8uM2fqXwCLODU4Ia2zFmamFJv_gSGgbgrYdpolB4SDMmgLh1nkLu-UUfB0W5pj_e5ajwwelriJp48xAv23ARhHyJ28RTR-oU_ECHQUbFlFyBuP5OrkrEUv5On_UksbXmwOd65gM_rlIlhGZArZer6m7xsI-BXn6w26rTpzHc_cPvZEN316M-=w438-h264" width="438" /></a><br /><br />Being UK-based, and never having been to New York State, and really having previously only looked closely at maps (rather than Google Earth) of this area before this campaign I am slightly staggered by just how much dense-looking woodland there still is - and I was born & bred in the most wooded County in UK... The daft thing is: I should know this already... I've seen the movies, and the documentaries and read the books. There are LOTS of trees in the eastern states. I knew that.. But....<br /><br />So... Back to the table. There ought to be more tree cover. It SHOULD look something like THIS:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghsoyzqaWrMFL8kBkCwRwqOoGkJ8oU2xUrD3OckCHrSL4iw_cxbcVcFaVmxsMafDwTGRa3t0A22w86Hirhzh5s-8b2_fyl7oA0h38Oh_3q4L3e2PbyfTvaV4oqw9DNOKdqL2tqTisHu6ZynlPCJY64mpv7aKkUadEIkHeczpTaz0CT6CEvLzAyYz4v=s1474" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1474" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghsoyzqaWrMFL8kBkCwRwqOoGkJ8oU2xUrD3OckCHrSL4iw_cxbcVcFaVmxsMafDwTGRa3t0A22w86Hirhzh5s-8b2_fyl7oA0h38Oh_3q4L3e2PbyfTvaV4oqw9DNOKdqL2tqTisHu6ZynlPCJY64mpv7aKkUadEIkHeczpTaz0CT6CEvLzAyYz4v=w400-h256" width="400" /></a><br /><br />However, moving guys about on a tree-covered table is difficult (once upon a day I'd have fought a battle like this in board game style) so that the physical on-table wooded areas are actually deemed Heavily Wooded Thickets while all other areas, except enclosed fields and "rocky clearings", are deemed to be "ordinary" woodland (which from the Web looks much like the woodland we have round this part of the world). <br /><br />Thus, I reckon <b>Special Rules </b>are called for<b> </b>...<br /><br /><b>Woodland Movement: </b>All movement unless in fields, Thickets or on tracks is assumed to be taking place in woodland. <br /><br />Woodland restricts line of sight to 50m*. <br /><br />All infantry units must be in open or extended order to operate in woodland without penalty. Units in close order move at two thirds speed and suffer 1 disruption point per move if moving.<br /><br />Mounted aids proceed at half speed.<br /><br />All units in woodland count as being in soft cover UNLESS within 10m of shooters.<br /><br />All non-light troops/skirmishers suffer 1 Disruption Point while moving in Woodland.<br /><br />*Blind shooting by volley may take pace at normal ranges but uses twice the ammunition. Non-volley shooting out of LoS is not permitted. <br /><br />Some "rocky areas" in the woodland are deemed "clearings" (marked out on the table by small twigs and rocks) so count as normal open ground/fields.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzkzoohr9k5YetKzx5H4Iv8sx0zJ5YJmus94Pt4ARDyrwqlJbXbO4YawjMrz6-EWcHzZQof4RCA-icUWfRlLesxpUNLa8HbpzSJnCEQkbr7TJp2w76jj5mScD08b_U_MfoNXfRaOMZORFHVwpM1sZNpDInFpqLBsyocOySxykqHS0YvsYmUK4xGGMU=s2792" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="2792" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzkzoohr9k5YetKzx5H4Iv8sx0zJ5YJmus94Pt4ARDyrwqlJbXbO4YawjMrz6-EWcHzZQof4RCA-icUWfRlLesxpUNLa8HbpzSJnCEQkbr7TJp2w76jj5mScD08b_U_MfoNXfRaOMZORFHVwpM1sZNpDInFpqLBsyocOySxykqHS0YvsYmUK4xGGMU=w400-h144" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Thickets:</b> Only skirmish/light units or units in open order may enter thickets. No horse can enter thickets.<br /><br />All units move at half speed. Line of sight is reduced to 10m*. All units in Thickets count as being in soft cover within 10m and hard cover beyond that. <br /><br />All light troops/skirmishers suffer 1 Disruption Point and all non-light troops suffer 2 Disruption Points while in a Thicket. <br /><br />(*Blind shooting into thickets by volley may take pace at normal ranges but uses twice the ammunition and all results are halved after all other factors have been taken into consideration. Non-volley shooting out of LoS is not permitted.).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBUrfYYICguJ_eh6e6jAlADRoeGsL7_9nqJDNLedhJvG_vurgzZ6Q_YBxgC2-xZMCW8jQ7yrnNDcffqmlrW1XUf0v9dP4B3e4mImFZF1RV0mycmSeGVmI8OaOUGbEKzr5OwAiJtrycikq4Sqoe16ITxE7QaYyJbmClMwf5XCzsMpBEXFHPjExHt2wn=s3127" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="3127" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBUrfYYICguJ_eh6e6jAlADRoeGsL7_9nqJDNLedhJvG_vurgzZ6Q_YBxgC2-xZMCW8jQ7yrnNDcffqmlrW1XUf0v9dP4B3e4mImFZF1RV0mycmSeGVmI8OaOUGbEKzr5OwAiJtrycikq4Sqoe16ITxE7QaYyJbmClMwf5XCzsMpBEXFHPjExHt2wn=w400-h127" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Victory Conditions:</b> Clinton needs to rout or destroy the defenders or get at least 6 elements of his main force off the West table edge and his heavy train to the midway point of the table in 24 moves to claim victory.<p>The Colonial force needs to prevent this.<br /><br /><b>The Game (Summary): </b></p><p>I set out two regiments of my guys among the fences at Jackson's Farm in two lines. The other units are extended in a line south to a hill a little more than halfway across the table. I do not have enough guys to muster any more of a reserve than the second line at Jackson's.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJ_GJceCTOVyXdubp_r80mfThPX_XU7jgg3_p_-n6eUoJw-sOGbKdFsdwcTbU-cjhxDRNf1ipDhYkbM77nNebdjE5cJvkhwklgvd-ovHkhATvDXOfgLdHG2n_J7QQK0aj4-zZ1l5Je0vWF0jknGpKXc4kj7hTM8iNJRbukzlohs0oeL3u0lTHlZZpT=s1474" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1474" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJ_GJceCTOVyXdubp_r80mfThPX_XU7jgg3_p_-n6eUoJw-sOGbKdFsdwcTbU-cjhxDRNf1ipDhYkbM77nNebdjE5cJvkhwklgvd-ovHkhATvDXOfgLdHG2n_J7QQK0aj4-zZ1l5Je0vWF0jknGpKXc4kj7hTM8iNJRbukzlohs0oeL3u0lTHlZZpT=w400-h309" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhw1f71WW6ZLjpJ54GhDi1_z3mE01Yo3GrX41Q4CnyhHYPBPEqbM5urNWmyjaO0Zqul_1OXi_rP7_OCgX7bZsL270xciUIduBQkIl8_3GzIAakiEJ1AKcwYoFBF1QM9EulPyu4L0y3xdMYWsxKosvlMVEIkyQkMlPN1ElRnky-qLx_bIWydCyWF0Dl=s1403" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1403" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhw1f71WW6ZLjpJ54GhDi1_z3mE01Yo3GrX41Q4CnyhHYPBPEqbM5urNWmyjaO0Zqul_1OXi_rP7_OCgX7bZsL270xciUIduBQkIl8_3GzIAakiEJ1AKcwYoFBF1QM9EulPyu4L0y3xdMYWsxKosvlMVEIkyQkMlPN1ElRnky-qLx_bIWydCyWF0Dl=w400-h285" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I spend the first few moves pushing forwards detached companies as strong pickets to reveal/provoke/draw on the Enemy Blinds (advance units) in the woods.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Slowly I become aware of movement ahead, and facing both my flanks. There is firing at the far right on my line, then reports of suspicious movement on my actual right flank. Over the next few moves it is clear that there is a significant force moving through the woods towards - and more worrying, beyond - my flank.<br />Enemy units open fire on my troops on my right flank and in the centre. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgukEn73bGeLK5QUz7Rx18aeVDBKBn4LA5IF7P3TH1qAnQRzWR50nXxU8cRhYXuMBlFC-FsofyobwUet_zrulSq1HecQhCGoLNM8OyAdw_7NBYks1N3U_p8hAH63QCcPXRAy73J5pJbw0fgKTQydLZ-oZt-M56WSYJsCnHSfKyOIb3VwDqJQz4u3zY2=s1000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="713" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgukEn73bGeLK5QUz7Rx18aeVDBKBn4LA5IF7P3TH1qAnQRzWR50nXxU8cRhYXuMBlFC-FsofyobwUet_zrulSq1HecQhCGoLNM8OyAdw_7NBYks1N3U_p8hAH63QCcPXRAy73J5pJbw0fgKTQydLZ-oZt-M56WSYJsCnHSfKyOIb3VwDqJQz4u3zY2=w285-h400" width="285" /></a><br /><br />Just as I'm getting worried about my right flank a firefight develops to my front - where three manhandled enemy light field pieces appear, and open fire on my guys at Jackson's Farm. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz7Sl_p_2RmD5qantJVkuTLr7sgA2jB8eUMiczcwnaoX16-AF5a18oVQ5u902YJhn7OOoAX1WWz6gpLvCTyraqy6JmG06lR0QFnIKwoP-0cIzkEIdPrONgTsqVyt9l3Vb0TNK-Po9EOndW6V3wKD7pXXcl2caQi7S4YR53qhY5KAJZvXP02lIO6a17=s1370" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1370" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz7Sl_p_2RmD5qantJVkuTLr7sgA2jB8eUMiczcwnaoX16-AF5a18oVQ5u902YJhn7OOoAX1WWz6gpLvCTyraqy6JmG06lR0QFnIKwoP-0cIzkEIdPrONgTsqVyt9l3Vb0TNK-Po9EOndW6V3wKD7pXXcl2caQi7S4YR53qhY5KAJZvXP02lIO6a17=w400-h293" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>As I ride over to see what's happening on my right more enemy appear. Hessians and redcoats are in the woods, and my men start falling back. There is suspicious movement around, and soon to the rear, of my right flank. <div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEmwiNuvE5HNw3IXXm-kNs8WbUHyufLFl1sSS45J2QIkz_VKopaEjOqp_qOuN9E_TXdg3aNhdiZSNifyYrBjAHP-gzreRGCvnzJkTYsIO0LcrNqC7xC_3MiYry_cabQ67U9scHFf1JmqaEGkIB0iBWBLf7FmkXgX_uzSNKeTICJf-vX-ZOxuIxiUR8=s1541" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1541" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEmwiNuvE5HNw3IXXm-kNs8WbUHyufLFl1sSS45J2QIkz_VKopaEjOqp_qOuN9E_TXdg3aNhdiZSNifyYrBjAHP-gzreRGCvnzJkTYsIO0LcrNqC7xC_3MiYry_cabQ67U9scHFf1JmqaEGkIB0iBWBLf7FmkXgX_uzSNKeTICJf-vX-ZOxuIxiUR8=w400-h260" width="400" /></a><br /><br />At Jackson's Farm a regular regiment supported by light troops appear in the woods by the river. There is a short firefight, but then an enemy assault sends my guys reeling. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiExUUhN5pgpvY3DlA-ewGdlaqIbvgjLbsnbB4wXD34aWsi0wZcgrmxu4KSdQNmI4MOFRlODgkT3CPlucRllQtxDv2SRD_DBjESP097wkreBtQ_NIgvNehxt1IDEyE5LEzxCKmUaPoDeJDKvRI_nbGQhPFSZIyiKKt1NpGu4CRWZW_DF9v7OZssrgpm=s1411" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1411" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiExUUhN5pgpvY3DlA-ewGdlaqIbvgjLbsnbB4wXD34aWsi0wZcgrmxu4KSdQNmI4MOFRlODgkT3CPlucRllQtxDv2SRD_DBjESP097wkreBtQ_NIgvNehxt1IDEyE5LEzxCKmUaPoDeJDKvRI_nbGQhPFSZIyiKKt1NpGu4CRWZW_DF9v7OZssrgpm=w400-h284" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Meanwhile my centre unit falls back and my right is seriously unhappy. I decide it's time to fall back to Mohn's Farm and form a second position there.</div><div><br />All the time the enemy keep up the pressure. There are a couple of successes (a British regiment is checked and badly mauled at Jackson's farm by my second line and another mauled in the central woods) but my men are getting jumpy.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhC2VhewNs0LjfHLibpc7gZhD0fbgj7Ub_41yUiGexw31jdt1pNQhGFxQf2bOqkS9qNBUzEEY1__OzoQlTxAwoLk6IElDu_IO7LOeNOZfusjpvkFGRwJA9a6uJKGU7k_bpxpTtIE2CQCMi6dQfdCae12B5mUO-73sD4l_6GRlPtx4vY6jcj9rMwRTiJ=s1936" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1936" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhC2VhewNs0LjfHLibpc7gZhD0fbgj7Ub_41yUiGexw31jdt1pNQhGFxQf2bOqkS9qNBUzEEY1__OzoQlTxAwoLk6IElDu_IO7LOeNOZfusjpvkFGRwJA9a6uJKGU7k_bpxpTtIE2CQCMi6dQfdCae12B5mUO-73sD4l_6GRlPtx4vY6jcj9rMwRTiJ=w400-h206" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The big problem is the feeling that we are being outflanked. I want to get my guys back to Mohn's Farm, and the walls and fields commanding the road, so that this issue isn't relevant, but the enemy advance is relentless (if slow in the woods). </div><div> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAOF_yZObYjJzvFnx4u_CFJQG6hZGiwsddHBZu316aZi93294UtYU9bEqy4zPiNUl3hntQ-8atHLQdlUtqcwd1wsshNDSuVUIQN9cD_iI3IRnBNyDoSaEq3Mxn0vUZiWQOETgNoBP7fSrBF6U5JGT3t09L7jdlbWmekqyh68SA-NQ7awtbnmzIqnxR=s1146" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1146" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAOF_yZObYjJzvFnx4u_CFJQG6hZGiwsddHBZu316aZi93294UtYU9bEqy4zPiNUl3hntQ-8atHLQdlUtqcwd1wsshNDSuVUIQN9cD_iI3IRnBNyDoSaEq3Mxn0vUZiWQOETgNoBP7fSrBF6U5JGT3t09L7jdlbWmekqyh68SA-NQ7awtbnmzIqnxR=w400-h349" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>I head back to the road, but a swiftly advancing enemy unit charges out the woods, breaks the unit I am with - and my general is captured.<br /><br />The enemy are now pressing on towards Mohn's Farm themselves - and whenever the Redcoats get the change they are aggressive; throwing bayonet charges at my flustered troops.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinON1B7cJ9CpbHOjwTqAeNPzjTW9hSNm9eOIPWVngwBaN8Z72fImJmA2WAkquakz-U414wFtAO0URuEjwks_XwItPdJMTY2lH8LUQtgIIYIERbP8nRzJV7xw8PDC1zhhPA4_6GQLx8fDKPIjdT_WgQ4z2D2zUilvt1jiaJvbzC6gdSVQq6v0rrxBaI=s1293" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1293" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinON1B7cJ9CpbHOjwTqAeNPzjTW9hSNm9eOIPWVngwBaN8Z72fImJmA2WAkquakz-U414wFtAO0URuEjwks_XwItPdJMTY2lH8LUQtgIIYIERbP8nRzJV7xw8PDC1zhhPA4_6GQLx8fDKPIjdT_WgQ4z2D2zUilvt1jiaJvbzC6gdSVQq6v0rrxBaI=w400-h309" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Just west of Jackson's Farm, the supports of the broken unit, already demoralised by the artillery fire and having their mates flee through them, and seeing another unit break and their general captured - plus being cut off from the road to Mohn's Farm by more enemy emerging swiftly from the woods to its rear and flank - butt-end their guns and surrender.<br /><br />It really is time to fall back to Mohn's Farm, but there is now no central command to coordinate things, so each regimental commander makes his own decision. <br /><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIjlOAzaUl2cVgiL5dWkxb9fIjoiLI9uyohZw_ksrMFZc3rekrgKGuatFIQpJm6uMrRF5hJLrmxuHcuSnNyLHMwy8ndXIdRxuXMf2sbj6VhntDhU56SMp8xekiRBG8CVzk61ndEzM7qX0Roxc7okUmzZFj9bEw8U0HNnnGNBd2hetdLckXqFLxSx9U=s1462" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1462" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIjlOAzaUl2cVgiL5dWkxb9fIjoiLI9uyohZw_ksrMFZc3rekrgKGuatFIQpJm6uMrRF5hJLrmxuHcuSnNyLHMwy8ndXIdRxuXMf2sbj6VhntDhU56SMp8xekiRBG8CVzk61ndEzM7qX0Roxc7okUmzZFj9bEw8U0HNnnGNBd2hetdLckXqFLxSx9U=w400-h320" width="400" /></a><br /><br />It's a bitty process, but my remaining units begin to rally at Mohn's Farm. However, with enemy Blinds pressing forwards, and more more enemy now emerging from the woodland to command the road westwards, things are going to pieces.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibhqM86t1xTEsUkyhEacTBM1QfshGyrKmFklm0sxlZmuLqMiXDyU6ei5NuWYWK8Lf583txFb0UiD9bnuhc3y6eJF_SL1YhdizPNHkrdzTDS7iEYO2I_MbdG2ifSXr6oIQJDUALzhw6s-p03gZfiIOsy0vY_NdR7Rj6HJVMzFX1uK5WtlS-xQNgObQm=s1548" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1548" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibhqM86t1xTEsUkyhEacTBM1QfshGyrKmFklm0sxlZmuLqMiXDyU6ei5NuWYWK8Lf583txFb0UiD9bnuhc3y6eJF_SL1YhdizPNHkrdzTDS7iEYO2I_MbdG2ifSXr6oIQJDUALzhw6s-p03gZfiIOsy0vY_NdR7Rj6HJVMzFX1uK5WtlS-xQNgObQm=w400-h259" width="400" /></a><br /><br />But time is nearly up - although their baggage train has been slowly advancing along the road and has now passed Jackson's Farm - there is little chance the British will exit six units off the map edge in time. <br /><br />And so, outnumbered by two to one, and with no central command, my men, regiment by regiment, decide to withdraw rather than stand against the overwhelming numbers. It is probably the best thing to do.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghBya01vNYwAJLDU5mdRkAvhaz9r6bZivGMEo9ln89LiXV0LHKKZnmjySZ3l2f20CUaKObj8U-xGSADhFvvFjLitNjcPZawCNLd58E1uFfi8Hl1uw1P7acz7ewlD417Lc0NzbtbGSFfKXlSEYaZqurV-ezjW-rBkeuWGaf0otQJJTebpCA9iR-0fe7=s1468" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1468" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghBya01vNYwAJLDU5mdRkAvhaz9r6bZivGMEo9ln89LiXV0LHKKZnmjySZ3l2f20CUaKObj8U-xGSADhFvvFjLitNjcPZawCNLd58E1uFfi8Hl1uw1P7acz7ewlD417Lc0NzbtbGSFfKXlSEYaZqurV-ezjW-rBkeuWGaf0otQJJTebpCA9iR-0fe7=w400-h311" width="400" /></a></div><p>Endgame - but my boys at least have the satisfaction of knowing that the enemy advance has been slowed by their actions......</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Conclusion:</b><span style="text-align: left;"> Phew... That was tense.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br />Throughout, the Blinds (represented in the table by "dust" clouds.. Yes, I know it's woodland, but I couldn't be bothered to make a load of birch seed bird flocks) clustering round my Right Flank were a real worry (Clinton doing his signature outflanking), and by the end I was seriously outnumbered.<br /><br />Had I fought another move I would either have had to skedaddle, at the risk of being charged as I did so, or lose two regiments in pointless fighting around Mohn's Farm (losses Gates could well do without). It would have delayed the British further, but they had already used their last move.</span></div><p>The British achieved half their Victory Conditions (Clinton got his Baggage Train more than half way across the board), but failed to get the required six units off the west table edge (though two more moves would likely have done this for them; maybe three if my lads had been wasted in a fight at the farm...). </p><p>Enemy losses were light. Mine far, far heavier than I would have liked; a regiment surrendered (not to mention the general) and my gross losses in actual casualties or missing totalled 540 men (more than a fifth of my force) though a majority of these will either be wounded, "temporary deserters" or lads hiding-up in the woods, and intending to make their way to Fort Drayton by the backways.<br /><br />I'll do the calculations for the campaign later. </p><p>I guess it was kind of a draw. Most of my guys lived to fight another day (as did Gates's force) but I lost a lot. Even if Clinton didn't catch Gates the fight was a "British Victory" on paper in that they held the field and suffered less. So call it sort of even but the British winning on points. <br /><br />The above was a precis of the battle. I did a (long) near move-by-move write up as I went along (and, as sometimes happens, took far to many random photos). If anyone is interested on more of a blow-by-blow I can post that (just make a comment). <br /><br />As always, thoughts, queries & comments invited.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9w0QguMui71PUHUhcUmtkfpQ4zw8lki4pq2iAiVPEowK4ehrqyrlTgOk-iM__bPuA6mkV_pvc2uoMzk7VTfa2tJC5_cwm6QYcdVCsGZSHI-kF_xK9FepPm7-VdBjI88krztZUgnxQrZBuSk7SSPC3YR9_Z4oMZ71Zt-I0AzbqiLLPkdDLPW9UBIDp=s1680" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1680" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9w0QguMui71PUHUhcUmtkfpQ4zw8lki4pq2iAiVPEowK4ehrqyrlTgOk-iM__bPuA6mkV_pvc2uoMzk7VTfa2tJC5_cwm6QYcdVCsGZSHI-kF_xK9FepPm7-VdBjI88krztZUgnxQrZBuSk7SSPC3YR9_Z4oMZ71Zt-I0AzbqiLLPkdDLPW9UBIDp=w400-h238" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>The Game Blind Processes: </b></p><p>For this game, to see if Enemy Blinds appear I throw a 1x12D each move, adding 1 to the dice throw (cumulatively) for each move AFTER the first complete move.<br /><br />On a (modified) score of 12 an Enemy Blind is created/has been spotted. <br /><br />To find the location of this Blind I dice 1x6D for EACH Picket, then for the centre of each space of four inches more than four inches away from a picket - including the ends of a picket line.</p><p>Note that at the end of each Move a marker is moved 6 inches along the long board edge. Only friendly units east of this marker need make this test.<br /><br />I do the same for any forward (first line) units without pickets to their front/sides.</p><p>The highest scoring picket/unit has encountered/become aware of something and a Blind will be placed.</p><p>In the case of different units drawing the highest score then all highest drawing units have seen something and Blinds are placed accordingly.<br /><br />Blinds appear 4 inches distance from the spotting unit; to their front, or flank if a flank test. Enemy Blinds cannot be placed directly in the middle of Thickets. Neither, initially, will they be placed behind friendly units, but that may be possible if dictated by card draw.<br /><br />In any Blind Location tests where a friendly unit is already within four inches of an existing Blind such a unit adds one to it's test throw for each such Blind already so placed.</p><p>I also make a single test per move for eastern end of the Main Road to Schenectady.]</p><p>Next move I push a rifle company to investigate the Blind. They get within 50 yards of the Blind and... </p><p>There are two Blind Movement Tokens in the tub mix, but Enemy Blinds only actually test once per move even if the second tokens is later drawn.</p><p>The test is a simple throw of a 1x6D. <br /><br />On a result of 1-3. Blind remains stationary. <br /><br />On a 3-4 Blind moved forwards four inches with a direction test made based on IMP. <br /><br />On a 5-6 Blind moves four inches plus 1xAveD in inches towards nearest Patriot force/unit.</p><p>Once a friendly unit moves to within clear LoS of a Blind a test on a standard card deck is made as follows (right click, open and expand).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDQjBxi48s8v1hEfbYMs3j0KxRtMFkAAwV5dpQaPVCZkdyCQ-_0JEHziaL2DjAXduf-apkKVaZyJWgvyLsOahqom4xnKgXNyhWy9oRqZ-eNFy2JWTakaXmcyOJLlu_DPU9nW-Zl8NuS8ucD5h_xDQPUWnJqp51rPJjapjA2iPIXWQc71D5WEzNU8Tr=s2234" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2234" data-original-width="850" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDQjBxi48s8v1hEfbYMs3j0KxRtMFkAAwV5dpQaPVCZkdyCQ-_0JEHziaL2DjAXduf-apkKVaZyJWgvyLsOahqom4xnKgXNyhWy9oRqZ-eNFy2JWTakaXmcyOJLlu_DPU9nW-Zl8NuS8ucD5h_xDQPUWnJqp51rPJjapjA2iPIXWQc71D5WEzNU8Tr=w153-h400" width="153" /></a></div><p><b>Other Thoughts:</b> </p><p>Below are some ideas that came to me during the game, for me to ponder over at some time....</p><b>Panic:</b> Thinking here about F&I war variant..? More research needed.<br /><br />Units which are in themselves within 100 yards of hidden Enemy Blinds or which have come under fire while in Woodland or in or within 25 yards of Thickets may be subject to Panic Firing. <br /><br />Test 2x6D per move per appropriate unit. <br /><br />On a result of 2 or 12 Theatre-Trained Regular infantry will fall to panic firing.<br /><br />Veteran Militia riflemen or Theatre-Trained troops on a throw of 2. <br /><br />On a result of 7-8 all others will fall to panic firing. <br /><br />A unit which fails a Panic Firing Test will halt, suffer 1 Disruption Point per move, remain stationary and fire in a direction (dictated by 2x6D dice throw - see below) using double ammunition until rallied.<br /><br />On a result of 2 to 3 half the unit deploys to refuse its left flank, receives an additional Disruption Point and shoots half it's strength to that flank and half to it's front. Neighbouring friendly units in range may take casualties.<br /><br />On a result of 11 to 12 half the unit deploys to refuse its right flank, receives an additional Disruption Point and shoots half it's strength to that flank and half to it's front. Neighbouring friendly units in range may take casualties.<br /><br />On a result of 3-10 unite fires to it's full front. Neighbouring friendly units in range may take proportionate casualties.<br /><br />Any unit in woodland or thicket taking casualties from unseen shooters (including from friendly fire) will take twice the number of Disruption Points (but not casualties) inflicted on it that move. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2PkrAaAVrugjm9rbq3AJTNJ5zz7Db8Th_edWvxdsNOAqPy9LSLAj-xMpYJ9f8ooxI_9m-Bp1aOwYe5Cm72prCGrYZYwziw-YambQu-GHB93Gw5hpDHqQJ1ZmCfbq6u72lg4GFqZAYtICKhyfSXUg0A5eP_GEVmluCROJ3eFZVNcmus5OwrQdUubb3=s1746" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1746" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2PkrAaAVrugjm9rbq3AJTNJ5zz7Db8Th_edWvxdsNOAqPy9LSLAj-xMpYJ9f8ooxI_9m-Bp1aOwYe5Cm72prCGrYZYwziw-YambQu-GHB93Gw5hpDHqQJ1ZmCfbq6u72lg4GFqZAYtICKhyfSXUg0A5eP_GEVmluCROJ3eFZVNcmus5OwrQdUubb3=w400-h229" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><p><b>Baggage/Artillery Train: </b>Thinking about baggage...<br /><br />A heavy baggage train can only move at full speed on tracks. It operates at half speed in fields. The train cannot climb steep slopes. It cannot enter thickets. It cannot enter very rocky ground.</p><p>If operating off-track (other than in fields; so thus in woodland) it moves at one quarter speed and MUST be preceded/accompanied by a full regiment; which is assumed to be manhandling wagons, cutting and laying timber to allow it to progress at all etc. etc.<br /><br />This regiment becomes, effectively, part of the train. It cannot fire or attack or move away from the train while so committed. It cannot separate itself from the train without spending a whole move doing so. If it separates itself from the train the train cannot move - not even to retrace its steps. While part of the train, and until subsequently rallied if it detaches itself, it is already considered Disrupted to level two (note; this disruption level does not affect movement of the train). <br /><br />Heavy to medium artillery cannot deploy in Woodland. Light guns can, but must be manhandled and not use limbers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcYWWNF-SET7xZTkZVnwW2U-rj_xGgZgGK-qBxzlaboxotbjSjeGSA1O4ggvJDnZ9VbkYf4p3AcGkghOpy7E_York---7Sg5ZHhyUBj-nIOLARE-85lfVMdesPGDy0dlInKYACStY0pVZ08RusziNAM4e_sSOr50ALcMjHI5ivA0fPpdU3LbHk-gwE=s2236" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="2236" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcYWWNF-SET7xZTkZVnwW2U-rj_xGgZgGK-qBxzlaboxotbjSjeGSA1O4ggvJDnZ9VbkYf4p3AcGkghOpy7E_York---7Sg5ZHhyUBj-nIOLARE-85lfVMdesPGDy0dlInKYACStY0pVZ08RusziNAM4e_sSOr50ALcMjHI5ivA0fPpdU3LbHk-gwE=w400-h179" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Further Thoughts on Scouts and Spotting:</b> <br /><br />Thoughts about Blind reaction tests using a table like this....? Hmm... Of is that a complication I don't need. The system above worked fine....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxjijJvp0SGvj7jGEYSaPgJ44QLOefy6vS-1mrrMzaL1g91K7Ku8yrulwWHuUU8K3nt1YSrhjWdCh2WBZS7lRrshTP5GBCFyEKFzwGCTFTe4al6EX1WgjgKAr7GwBaucfSi5GNwBvqmfO7K-8Ab_exctrY96oPN-A8Dh6HvaXJL6sKszJSq7A7wrhk=s888" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="888" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxjijJvp0SGvj7jGEYSaPgJ44QLOefy6vS-1mrrMzaL1g91K7Ku8yrulwWHuUU8K3nt1YSrhjWdCh2WBZS7lRrshTP5GBCFyEKFzwGCTFTe4al6EX1WgjgKAr7GwBaucfSi5GNwBvqmfO7K-8Ab_exctrY96oPN-A8Dh6HvaXJL6sKszJSq7A7wrhk=w486-h433" width="486" /></a></div><p>I thought about using Blinds for friendly units (only be placed if a friendly unit "seen" by a hostile unit subsequently moves out of LoS of hostile units). Why..? Because their presence could affect AI decisions. Maybe a thought for another day...<br /><br />As with the rest of the above; thoughts etc. welcomed.<br /><br /></p><p><br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div></div>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-23209946973191836252022-01-28T12:31:00.002+00:002023-06-07T08:26:44.009+01:001776 And All That (Part Five)<p><b>Back to the map...</b><br /><br />Next move for the 1776 map scenario. <br /><br />Post battle I allow Gate's a 1x6D "retreat allowance"; not in the board game rules, since he had already had his "move" - and stayed put in Albany, but it seemed reasonable as he had got away and the British not been right on his tail. As did deducting 3 SP militia units for the troops which had actually scattered off-table (they went home). He proceeds up the Mohawk Valley. If activated again he can use the remainder of his Movement Points.<br /><br />[I also, out of interest fought two rounds on the game's CRE based on what occurred on the table; the first with Gates standing and defending against an enfilade by Burgoyne's force alone. The second with Gates withdrawing against a reconnaissance in force - so as to allow Gates to end the battle. The losses matched the deductions I had made above. The only real difference to the result was that I allowed him "wigggle room" to move up the Mohawk.]<br /><br />Grey passes through Princeton and crosses the Delaware at Coryell's Ferry, en route for Philadelphia, which he puts to siege. Washington has not the men to challenge this.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3NBNfcxjD67f01OL2xJEg0QhViD0HoM00CUaYQSWxOnHCQqp099HDVDA3tt1mhp_MofX1zJtxViydiJ9nCkT17rQg2Hq3MoygXub-Ts9RbP4uBMDeloT7iRedv02APCGI2nQZJN2MIRIJghPlHq_ZKRGFpsz5ayZdVMpW3s5rMLhA_mmPJoA3EnNH=s1270" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1270" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3NBNfcxjD67f01OL2xJEg0QhViD0HoM00CUaYQSWxOnHCQqp099HDVDA3tt1mhp_MofX1zJtxViydiJ9nCkT17rQg2Hq3MoygXub-Ts9RbP4uBMDeloT7iRedv02APCGI2nQZJN2MIRIJghPlHq_ZKRGFpsz5ayZdVMpW3s5rMLhA_mmPJoA3EnNH=w400-h364" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Brandt, by water, moves across lake Ontario to the head of Seneca, passing Lafayette, who is marching along the eastern shore of Ontario, en route for the St. Lawrence, and Warner, who has reached the lakeside near Oswego. <br /><br />Stark moves into New Hampshire, but so does Howe (after leaving Cornwallis and a small force at Bennington) and another British column which has come over the Green Mountains..<br /><br />Burgoyne has elected to remain at Albany; presumably resting his men, gathering supplies and writing home to justify (and advertise) his actions.<br /><br />As we saw, Gates moved up the Mohawk Valley. He then pulled over to rest and recuperate among the German farmers in the vicinity of Forts Dayton and Herkimer. There he is joined by about 2,000 militiamen*.<br /><br />[*As generated by the scenario reinforcement rules. These should have arrived at Albany, but default to the nearest strategic town if that is in the hands of the enemy. I allowed them to default to Forth Stanwix - in the hex next to the settlements and forts at Dayton/Herkimer - on the basis that 1) getting there from the vicinity of Albany was simple and logical and 2) all other major centres were in British hands, within a British controlled area or within a single move of a British force.]</p><p>However, next activated and hot on his heels is Clinton, who catches up with him on the 18th. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8sUfAh-siBTVXUkcnT0f3oN56a6cL7SElH3Lexbm7mxS6YSNx5zGBccOf6DI9BdE3MzE6Lel7wpb07Nms4PeLr_UAzYNNmX77KkoSpTMM3SOicFYec9Sg_FSQ59peRVzGfSKbbS2-Xy-aj6_4Tizu5uuE_N8zDPxv5iL64rvG4TjRS4mjSZpzhQ96=s1900" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="1900" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8sUfAh-siBTVXUkcnT0f3oN56a6cL7SElH3Lexbm7mxS6YSNx5zGBccOf6DI9BdE3MzE6Lel7wpb07Nms4PeLr_UAzYNNmX77KkoSpTMM3SOicFYec9Sg_FSQ59peRVzGfSKbbS2-Xy-aj6_4Tizu5uuE_N8zDPxv5iL64rvG4TjRS4mjSZpzhQ96=w400-h240" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Gates, despite losses due to stragglers and desertions, now has about 6,000 militia and 3,000 Continentals with him. Clinton leads fifteen (understrength) regiments of British Regulars, Flank Companies and Hessians, plus an artillery and supply train.</p><p>Gates now knows that Lafayette has moved as if to press into Canada, leaving Ft. Stanwix and Ft. Oswego exposed by Clinton's unexpected move up the Mohawk. He has also received news of Grey being across the Delaware (but does not know that he has reached Philadelphia). Gates is also aware that Washington desperately needs troops in Pennsylvania. <br /><br />It is clear that Gates needs to preserve his force and not risk its destruction but we have another potential table battle. <br /><br />Clinton, particularly chagrined by Burgoyne's precipitous attack which allowed Gates to get away at Albany (and the unfair criticism he has himself received regarding this) will likely be aggressive and imaginative. Given that he was (historically) a promoter of imaginative flank marches and similar it seems reasonable that he would attempt something like that. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzPQ-ylqLDGQa2oQaoLP__AuH2bfdE5LyZHVkRQBdFK5QNtMYucdOkAbowSO158BU9nrwaRye2SJG7JHXj-LHO2Z-pq12FCFmruHkL2W860kMK3xkO96OTZQIeB8CUPqvpCMNRnDdERmQ1UH5yRcvOdV-dS7WV59dPy3xRiHiQ1SZxppLofhDlifxn=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="469" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzPQ-ylqLDGQa2oQaoLP__AuH2bfdE5LyZHVkRQBdFK5QNtMYucdOkAbowSO158BU9nrwaRye2SJG7JHXj-LHO2Z-pq12FCFmruHkL2W860kMK3xkO96OTZQIeB8CUPqvpCMNRnDdERmQ1UH5yRcvOdV-dS7WV59dPy3xRiHiQ1SZxppLofhDlifxn=s320" width="250" /></a><br /><br />I look at the data online on the area of Dayton/Hermiker/German Flats. It seems to me that, since he has been caught up with and cannot pull away without some kind of fight (he cannot risk being chased and caught while in line of march), Gates has three choices;<br /><br />1) Hold position and fight Clinton in the area of Hermiker. This risks his whole force, which I think would be unwise.<br /><br />2) Leave a blocking force at a suitable location at Dayton/Hermiker/German Flats to delay Clinton enough for Gates to get his main column away.<br /><br />3) Send a small force back along the Mohawk valley to block Clinton further downriver. In theory the area of Little Falls Gorge and the road over the hills to the south looks good - but there are alternative routes here, and knowing Clinton he will use these to outflank any force in the vicinity of the gorge, and trap them. <br /><br />Perhaps the area around what is now Jacksonburg looks best, or maybe at Hermiker Fort itself. Looking at Streetview, and taking away the canal, this looks a good place for a small formation to run interference on a larger.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS8470qGMVILl2loBFFZKBTlRq_1D0br1gG80ezsowGSXiQtc8HSKHYmqEDjxrERKkUoJM3rr5fjMHHAvn1WQi5kOeO3C3dkgL1PRTX9eD8dOmRjdgyZoL8PmR3omkGt833jf2hUCSWQaBjSqAof9o_qUnYNSTcBK12B4r7vW8_O76_9E3vmTe-Yvu=s634" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="634" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS8470qGMVILl2loBFFZKBTlRq_1D0br1gG80ezsowGSXiQtc8HSKHYmqEDjxrERKkUoJM3rr5fjMHHAvn1WQi5kOeO3C3dkgL1PRTX9eD8dOmRjdgyZoL8PmR3omkGt833jf2hUCSWQaBjSqAof9o_qUnYNSTcBK12B4r7vW8_O76_9E3vmTe-Yvu=w400-h160" width="400" /></a><br /><b><br /></b></p><p><b>The Table Transfer:<br /></b><br />OK, the thing to do here, I think, is to again "play" the British - as Clinton will be feeling his way along the road from Albany, so what I will do is set up a basic table roughly according to local terrain at the point between Hermiker and Little Falls where hills seems to come right down to the Mohawk (roughly where the canal cuts off from the river), with no Colonial forces on the table (using Hidden Enemy rules) and Clinton having to make his way across the board in a race against time. That should make for a short, if interesting game. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhn1Mnik75H6l7rNrrDFakYraZuFA8ud3rxCdVxA46T3Wew0A5jyc4e-ckVXF1oX9BeKWJNfPEYHRDUyPYUrIHeAk4vE6r_R9mGaG_9l6TlzBu-60UdmdAfKdTOgmXK770VMWCloaW9ktuv84g60262nCL-t8efSHruvLywt3QGWnOrky1rOG71SFlA=s1113" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="1113" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhn1Mnik75H6l7rNrrDFakYraZuFA8ud3rxCdVxA46T3Wew0A5jyc4e-ckVXF1oX9BeKWJNfPEYHRDUyPYUrIHeAk4vE6r_R9mGaG_9l6TlzBu-60UdmdAfKdTOgmXK770VMWCloaW9ktuv84g60262nCL-t8efSHruvLywt3QGWnOrky1rOG71SFlA=w400-h200" width="400" /></a></div><br />Before I do that, however, I will have a couple of plays on the table as it is.. <br /><br />As always: feedback welcome.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-59936975400398488652022-01-21T13:00:00.000+00:002022-03-01T15:39:40.065+00:001776 And All That (Part Four) <p><b>Battle of Albany: Rules and Stuff....</b></p><p>The previous post was a general narrative, not a "dice by dice" commentary, but I'll set out some of the details below.<br /><br />All "non me" decisions were made by using simple Ad Hoc Decision tables (see below). </p><p>Activation of Generals/Brigade commanders - or detached/specialist units where appropriate - was by token using the 1 token per commander/unit, two blank token draw system; with drawing of tokens stopping when only two tokens remain in the tub. <br /><br />Unit commanders/Leaders which had not moved/fired/carried out any action/been activated in a move can, automatically, fire/ remove disruption in line with their inherent abilities at move end. </p><p>A note was kept of artillery ammunition used - limited to 12 salvoes per gun - but apart from tallying the number of moves expended and the special activities detailed below there was no bookkeeping.</p><p>The actual fighting/moving/morale rules were an amalgam of Andy Callan's LF&AAS and ideas nicked from SP/NMTB, plus house conventions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2-5yqpf8qRY8kGn3rsi1x45v_Mj4JsMlZCSIwLglq4TKSjhtMy6ikosCSV3uEWYv_f18yNccGVGeNh1vZLi7XiwRLk4VaEh1BZ874CFE6vzwhusCKPK6Ayx6pszyk2J_gNlr7DEOELVA0w8UC3M-M0peXALXFJ7QhID05k3n1-3XpQ1n5SXOx81r1=s485" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="485" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2-5yqpf8qRY8kGn3rsi1x45v_Mj4JsMlZCSIwLglq4TKSjhtMy6ikosCSV3uEWYv_f18yNccGVGeNh1vZLi7XiwRLk4VaEh1BZ874CFE6vzwhusCKPK6Ayx6pszyk2J_gNlr7DEOELVA0w8UC3M-M0peXALXFJ7QhID05k3n1-3XpQ1n5SXOx81r1=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p><b>a) Detached Town Force:</b></p><p>While the British were setting up on the table the detached force (two of Burgoyne's regiments) were sent to secure the warehouses in Albany. They arrived at the town gates at dawn. <br /><br />How matters actually went for them was not revealed (to me/Burgoyne) until after Game Move six (i.e. no actual tests on progress were made until after Game Move move 6) and only then on a throw of 6 on a 1x6D test dice made at the END of each subsequent Game Move. </p><p>At time of The Reveal the Detached Force tested for the circumstances below.</p><p>i) On arrival a 1x6d test is made to see if there were sentries at the town stockade/if they were awake.</p><p>1-2; they were absent, tucked up in bed.</p><p>3-4; they were asleep at their posts and the British lost one move in securing them quietly.</p><p>5; they were alert, fired a warning shot and sent a courier to alert Gates. If this occurred Gates will be informed of the presence of British troops in the town at the end of the fourth move after the British entered the town. The British lose a move to subduing the sentries. </p><p>6; There were enemy militia units manning the stockade. If this occurred Gates will be informed of the presence of British troops in the town in four moves at the end of the fourth move after the British entering. Throw 1x6D for the number of Rebel militia companies present. On a result of a 6, roll again for more.<br /><br />(This force number is cumulative with no upper limit. These units will be assumed to have been taken from Gates' force. IF Gates's whole force has already been deployed on the Table then companies making up this total units must be at once removed from any unengaged Rebel militia units thereon. Otherwise these units are not available to Gates.)</p><p>Resolve resulting combat on the 1776 CRT, each round of combat taking 4 table moves. <br /><br />IF the rebel militia defeat the British Detached Force then these units will arrive on the battlefield to support Gates with a throw of 6 on a 1x6D test at the end of each subsequent rebel move.<br /><br />These militia units will arrive as a single force either on the track by the fort (held by Morgan) or on the access track from Albany previously used by the British (test for this). A Token for this force will be placed in the token tub and Activated as per normal rules. </p><p>ii) If the British got into the town successfully then the Detached Force has to cover 1000 yards or so to get to the warehouse district. They march at 75yards plus 1x6D x 25 yards per move. <br /><br />Once the detached units enter the town itself they will test per move for problems, until the warehouses are secured, on the table below (if you cannot read any of the tables open them as new tab).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtP-2EVRB7wpnwtXeJGPLwQ-CkC060WD3SI091m2SBuMlcmqz6E4uKQ0bCE-YD-tm07NQMsgtFUOWcY5IKGLrXAXDrUXhz3TCjXRTLSYgk4Or9fGfpq300wO89d8FrkE7CKAdEyP4LG6v1j7rQpGPiJZS4-ctp9CnY0YNvbNA4KCE8DKQ4XEB9johz=s1000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="857" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtP-2EVRB7wpnwtXeJGPLwQ-CkC060WD3SI091m2SBuMlcmqz6E4uKQ0bCE-YD-tm07NQMsgtFUOWcY5IKGLrXAXDrUXhz3TCjXRTLSYgk4Or9fGfpq300wO89d8FrkE7CKAdEyP4LG6v1j7rQpGPiJZS4-ctp9CnY0YNvbNA4KCE8DKQ4XEB9johz=w343-h400" width="343" /></a></div><p>Once the warehouses are secured by the British the town is deemed taken and the Detached units and the town take no more part in the table battle.</p><p><b>b) Fraser and the Lights:</b></p><p>On move six Fraser moved off with the Light Companies, Jaegers/Rangers and Indians following waypoints marked on the Table. The rules I set for myself were as follows: </p><p>Once he enters the woodland Fraser must test each subsequent move based on standard "Hidden Enemy" protocols (Throw a 1x6D each move. On a result of 6 a card draw takes place to see if he comes under attack), EXCEPT that all Red number cards under eight are removed from the deck and the following table used:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqZ-WjjK5WRghXeG7THEidiLEA6DC3dOUDz6X1ZQ7TlH9A_Z0W0RkEbOyqWEqczKon_jb9pDCUr-wq8bq9MHZq8cMt8q-BjqUHQmvp_W-8o9mvcAyw_YSoiUzoPUagHwGFB8DQdsgwbrGNvaP5XcCYI66GI4oHEN-YzOprFDhTMrCE2YuWJOLZKDYc=s1857" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1857" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqZ-WjjK5WRghXeG7THEidiLEA6DC3dOUDz6X1ZQ7TlH9A_Z0W0RkEbOyqWEqczKon_jb9pDCUr-wq8bq9MHZq8cMt8q-BjqUHQmvp_W-8o9mvcAyw_YSoiUzoPUagHwGFB8DQdsgwbrGNvaP5XcCYI66GI4oHEN-YzOprFDhTMrCE2YuWJOLZKDYc=w400-h215" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Note: the rebel companies activated on the above will be taken from as yet unactivated commanders on table.<br /><br />If all commanders have already been activated it will be taken that these units are previously undiscovered local rebel units - i.e. reinforcements not shown on the Map Game. Such units will disperse at the end of the action and NOT subsequently appear on the Map.</p><p>However, whether this occurs or not Burgoyne (I) will have no idea of Fraser's actual progress or position on the Table until and unless:</p><p>1) There is a message from Fraser regarding his position and circumstances.<br /><br />However, he will only report with updates if there is something salient to report (e.g. he has run into opposition in force greater than his own, come across enemy entrenchments etc. etc.). He will give a position, but may be out by a four inch radius - the centre point being calculated from the move distance from his start position towards his target, but adjusted for deviation (see below). This message will head towards Burgoyne at 8 inches per move.</p><p>2) The sound of reasonably extensive gunfire can be heard (say two moves' worth with at least four companies engaged). <br /><br />Such an occurrence will be the result of him finding the flank of the main enemy position, as planned, and engaging OR his running into unexpected opposition generated by standard "Hidden Enemy" tests (taken each move). IF such gunfire is heard the location may be marked on the table but will only be approximate, i.e. within an eight inch radius of the calculated move distance centre point, adjusted for deviation (see below). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiO289Y0guE6Lbd3h2QeJmMwqQVZWGT8JtDL9-fKSBo5T01Qg2uk4cVDpluShmWUZwOIAMQRwruZu7eGZdPJ9hdGIbCcVJm-nHZItZkGBe1dQz_5mBXl5HiFwIBXgEdriBJN3qDBnoYJJ4iJFS6GfdnrPq2G9TvvKyxghS8t2NeF-xnUmqfwjmZRYgq=s831" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="599" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiO289Y0guE6Lbd3h2QeJmMwqQVZWGT8JtDL9-fKSBo5T01Qg2uk4cVDpluShmWUZwOIAMQRwruZu7eGZdPJ9hdGIbCcVJm-nHZItZkGBe1dQz_5mBXl5HiFwIBXgEdriBJN3qDBnoYJJ4iJFS6GfdnrPq2G9TvvKyxghS8t2NeF-xnUmqfwjmZRYgq=s320" width="231" /></a></div><p>3) His Indians raise a column of smoke indicating to Burgoyne that Fraser is in (or within six inches of) the agreed position to harass the enemy (the final waypoint). <br /><br />Calculating Fraser's position:<br /><br />Once his position needs to be calculated he will, in theory, have moved four inches plus 1x6D inches per move between waypoints (these being already marked by "pules" of smoke on the table). <br /><br />However, at the start of each move from a waypoint/his current position a 1x6D will be thrown to discover if he has deviated from his intended line of march.</p><p>On a result of 3 or 4 he makes a bee-line for the next Waypoint (no deviation). </p><p>On a throw of 1 the line of march is 5 degrees off centre to the left of said bee-line, on a throw of 2 the line of march is 10 degrees off centre to the left.</p><p>On a throw of 5 the line of march is 5 degrees off centre to the right, on a throw of 6 the line of march is 10 degrees off centre to the right. </p><p>Note: none of these calculations (neither the distance moved nor position relative to the Waypoints will be calculated UNTIL he has reported or gunfire is heard as per 1) or 2) above OR until after move 12. After move 12 test with a Dx6 per move. On the throw of a 6 some of his scouts have arrived at the planned destination and signalled - but the position of his main force must then be calculated and placed on the table. A Token for Fraser is then added to the token tub. .</p><p><b>c) Ad Hoc Tests</b></p><p></p><p>Throughout the game there were (as usual with me) a series of ad hoc tests whenever a decision was called for for a detached Leader/Unit and Enemy leader.<br /><br />Some would be specifically slewed (like the Gates example shown on the game report. Others less so. here are some VERY basic examples.</p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_bmCC7PQOWvSFHyCkGWniW6RCxHsgRCF2XBV3rmdPmL3Gpm4EJgPPP3fTHDL2AhJ1cVq1jVfi6-wWFNNqAU1OpVEwbSSIui5cqgEbgzNyaofRJ46vL8DSQb1jD9kvZABn26nztsR_cS0l69_5Ri5LM0TOCAFOY_0my-4U57-2gqmkGMRFjCFJaK1i=s1457" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="1101" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_bmCC7PQOWvSFHyCkGWniW6RCxHsgRCF2XBV3rmdPmL3Gpm4EJgPPP3fTHDL2AhJ1cVq1jVfi6-wWFNNqAU1OpVEwbSSIui5cqgEbgzNyaofRJ46vL8DSQb1jD9kvZABn26nztsR_cS0l69_5Ri5LM0TOCAFOY_0my-4U57-2gqmkGMRFjCFJaK1i=w303-h400" width="303" /></a></p>Where appropriate many such tests will be based on IMP and use two dice, with probabilities matching likely decisions (as in the gates test table in the previous post). As always; queries etc. invited re. this. <br /><br /><b>d) Gates's Plan</b><br /><br />We knew Burgoyne's battle plan. Did Gates have an actual plan? Or was he winging it?<br /><br />There has recently been some discussion on the FB solo Group about Solo AIs, and how their "decisions" need, in some folk's eyes, to follow some kind of logical sequence or flow or plan, rather than being random. I'll post MY (idiosyncratic?) thoughts on this, and the place (or absence) of sequence, flow, planning and logic in human affairs - and especially regarding definitive pre. 20thC battle plans (other than "<i>this is where we'll go, and see what happens</i>") - another time. <br /><br />Meanwhile, here is a brief account of the Battle of Albany by that little known military historian Lambert Funtnell (Bart.).<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjii7nZ_jj_aLTe0Ixj9U5bM7hkIJ3-OQ6D_u0Edl-3BJcvTjChF-g4w64xo71dsNktmBl0L7uFgV1BEVUlMB7_Sps41YLUGcuA1tzI7EW6V4W7vhg5o_Tr4ejwarR28EUNLArG7169W21qx2VHy-YXaYgCqb_VBY8TC7UVa5hTDV-6yrEMEsCXrxKB=s1084" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1084" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjii7nZ_jj_aLTe0Ixj9U5bM7hkIJ3-OQ6D_u0Edl-3BJcvTjChF-g4w64xo71dsNktmBl0L7uFgV1BEVUlMB7_Sps41YLUGcuA1tzI7EW6V4W7vhg5o_Tr4ejwarR28EUNLArG7169W21qx2VHy-YXaYgCqb_VBY8TC7UVa5hTDV-6yrEMEsCXrxKB=w400-h305" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>"<i>And so, with cautious Clinton hesitating beyond the creek to the south, and the brash Burgoyne pressing from the northern lakes, it would have appeared that Gates, encamped on the slopes above Albany, </i><i>had placed himself in a trap of his own making</i><i>. But not so. <br /><br />Knowing his man, Gates, no doubt instinctively, felt he could rely upon Burgoyne to make some dramatic, and no doubt dashing, venture against his entrenchments. And so proved to be the case. True, his local levies would not stand to meet the steel-tipped musketry of the mercenary enemy; but all the better, for the old fox had a plan. <br /><br />Throwing forward a taunting line of skirmishers to the Paltroon Creek bottom he drew the enemy on. Down from their secure ridge the British and their foreign lackeys came. Across the murky creek they splashed, then crawled their slow and mud-clagged way up the steep slopes on which his embattled redoubts lay. In vain, their gunners squandered their precious shells against the unyielding earthworks, where Gates's militia bands waited.<br /><br />Then, just as the wily fox had foreseen; while the weary redcoats breasted his very palisades, his swift-heeled, local sons of the soil, after taking a toll with their trusty, if rustic, flintlocks, rushed to the security of their drilled and regular brethren in blue, waiting in serried ranks on the Schenectady Road. </i><br /><br /><i>From here, gathering his charges like a trusty shepherd, brushing aside the half-hearted efforts Fraser's savage auxiliaries and scattering of light troops, Gates and his loyal regiments slipped from his assailants' fingers; leaving the exhausted Burgoyne and his lackeys, panting with impotent frustration on the hilltop."</i><div><i><br /></i><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitXarNcHCZjSDqQzyS_4Uav-oWFEm3IPOLk8tolK-m4VCOqdGYls_YHxzrue3M4Z17RvE76v_AGZ8GkSUTFKQRmFYqwMPGIi3d4rD60MojbrDDmovwrMHqtJ1RcReUYlJX8Ng8T85bO7bZtOuePFKBA1BYJpggzwo14W39_pnxfcuG2RlLfdS9jR60=s1208" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="1208" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitXarNcHCZjSDqQzyS_4Uav-oWFEm3IPOLk8tolK-m4VCOqdGYls_YHxzrue3M4Z17RvE76v_AGZ8GkSUTFKQRmFYqwMPGIi3d4rD60MojbrDDmovwrMHqtJ1RcReUYlJX8Ng8T85bO7bZtOuePFKBA1BYJpggzwo14W39_pnxfcuG2RlLfdS9jR60=w400-h196" width="400" /></a></div><br /><i>Next Post will continue the map campaign....<br /></i> </div></div></div></div>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-22469887439638071262022-01-20T20:19:00.001+00:002022-03-01T15:39:59.317+00:001776 And All That (Part Three - The Battle of Albany)<p><b> The Battle: </b></p><p>OK... Previous posts looked at how we got to where we are.</p><p>Burgoyne's (my) main force moves off just (two moves) before dawn.
However, on arrival "On The Field" there is a chance the
enemy will scupper British plans before things start by having units out n'
about on patrol or as a screen (someone like Arnold insisting the job
is done properly?).</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The British units start in column of march along the Cahos
Falls track, but screened/preceded by the Lights, Jaeger and Indians;
who will "clear the ground, testing per move as per my standard
Hidden Enemy protocols (but with a card deck of two black suits - as
dummy cards - and one suit of red cards, minus the Character Cards,
due to Gates's cautious personality). <br /><br />As it happens this
whole process, including the unlimbering of the heavy guns and the
movement into their starting positions by the infantry, takes five
moves in total with no enemy interference. Maybe they're still abed? The battle proper can now commence.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlaNANOZeP0q45EszvSoMLms62UKNuNZVlprK3paQvUHjkgGYSFDEiG4qiNVb6mmAc4fqrkRD-EvjMttoG8zcdwOtUnud7R6TAf_vgFUuS-RPaoMBY1NSOrM0jtErCr46L0REaFs_fqTjNh7EKUDdJbwOYvLJXXbBetmvFxfLAbac2l1D0durpENPt=s1510" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1510" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlaNANOZeP0q45EszvSoMLms62UKNuNZVlprK3paQvUHjkgGYSFDEiG4qiNVb6mmAc4fqrkRD-EvjMttoG8zcdwOtUnud7R6TAf_vgFUuS-RPaoMBY1NSOrM0jtErCr46L0REaFs_fqTjNh7EKUDdJbwOYvLJXXbBetmvFxfLAbac2l1D0durpENPt=w400-h239" width="400" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The battle opens with a volley from the guns into the enemy camp. No casualties, but it got their attention.</p><p>I randomly draw and place the various Rebel Commanders (their individual commands having been allocated on the Board Game board). </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHe7BNBSdPh9ahG-y6p19r9CocNhr-mISDFw-3kTSdqt8Z9La9m9Tj90aFF1prM66ZGaDcZuJ7gXZC1Qe8FHJMi2vVNjIpPk6qcarSG2hf65qV561DXI-yjYsrwBseyYf6Avm66oy39CVI6udccHlUADvebD9Z1TC-WVy1mm6iAhPDKkw7X-bZNV5F=s1050" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1050" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHe7BNBSdPh9ahG-y6p19r9CocNhr-mISDFw-3kTSdqt8Z9La9m9Tj90aFF1prM66ZGaDcZuJ7gXZC1Qe8FHJMi2vVNjIpPk6qcarSG2hf65qV561DXI-yjYsrwBseyYf6Avm66oy39CVI6udccHlUADvebD9Z1TC-WVy1mm6iAhPDKkw7X-bZNV5F=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Over the next few moves three out of the four rebel brigades activate, but only Morgan (based in the old fort overlooking Albany) does anything active, moving two of his regiments towards the firing of the British cannon - possibly intending to pot at the artilleryists with his rifles. But to do this properly he would have to come down off the hill he is tasked to defend. He resists the temptation.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5xxmPBeAxyGIXBoJfh67BzzLow0TNfoho-9XuomPxHzP0Z-h-jjiJpAJjSOUJ6wPepL0z6BmllXEAh_nUJNmFM4fYe-Yg-J6RmH4cuD6IU4iGawT4xa0ZyNr9jGRJVRLHjEjF8M-aaf3QtadYKnHQsZegbbZV0gZE7O9ZJOY9GSNzB56e5GwxlXNV=s1884" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1884" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5xxmPBeAxyGIXBoJfh67BzzLow0TNfoho-9XuomPxHzP0Z-h-jjiJpAJjSOUJ6wPepL0z6BmllXEAh_nUJNmFM4fYe-Yg-J6RmH4cuD6IU4iGawT4xa0ZyNr9jGRJVRLHjEjF8M-aaf3QtadYKnHQsZegbbZV0gZE7O9ZJOY9GSNzB56e5GwxlXNV=w400-h191" width="400" /></a></div><p>(Note: that in randomised initial positions for the rebel brigades Arnold - who would likely have been pro-active - drew to man the defences facing Clinton, off table...)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoqH-MXbqgsjlrR_YR8RHh7ibbFScCwEpdQ7X47m9oroV_J_tDgG3eQa6udXG0TIDVqQnDN6pXGRrUjD0KCl_m6VZwdXhG2MTjvfvoCJ18N94nspLHw7XGJaw0ug7WktrmoMwZAE-bRbvjAe2g092LEwI_4uSUGHNJrKZwGTap3nlSoH1OycqGBHds=s1191" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1191" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoqH-MXbqgsjlrR_YR8RHh7ibbFScCwEpdQ7X47m9oroV_J_tDgG3eQa6udXG0TIDVqQnDN6pXGRrUjD0KCl_m6VZwdXhG2MTjvfvoCJ18N94nspLHw7XGJaw0ug7WktrmoMwZAE-bRbvjAe2g092LEwI_4uSUGHNJrKZwGTap3nlSoH1OycqGBHds=w400-h303" width="400" /></a></div><p>The others Colonial brigade commanders elect to keep their men out of the direct fire from my heavy guns and back from their entrenchment line. Probably a wise move if Gates isn't going to to order an attack.</p><p>With neither side willing to make a serious move time passes. Burgoyne is waiting to hear from the Town and Fraser. Gates is simply cautious.</p><p>By move six Burgoyne gets an update from the town (see next post for the process used). There was no resistance at the town stockade. The troops were stoned by children while marching through the streets at one stage, and some men returned fire without orders (their names have been taken for later punishment). Luckily no casualties ensued, and the warehouse district was secured without further incident. </p><p>Meanwhile Fraser is still somewhere out there in the woods. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM_Kk7QOSdmpYMy3Jo06tM-YhBS0lXMQlbm1KpBACzrCLKcBvXspfuhg9XLwMTER7mcG3ccnuXrmbZWmWhCzdYImnU3rEsfCWWItKKZDWANHq6hHSN7KQ0aAsQ7UfGfCALOJdO4sdx0LnY6498KT7FdN2725TDmvYNmyDTa_YP6StwwQm8p4fn01YV=s1510" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1231" data-original-width="1510" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM_Kk7QOSdmpYMy3Jo06tM-YhBS0lXMQlbm1KpBACzrCLKcBvXspfuhg9XLwMTER7mcG3ccnuXrmbZWmWhCzdYImnU3rEsfCWWItKKZDWANHq6hHSN7KQ0aAsQ7UfGfCALOJdO4sdx0LnY6498KT7FdN2725TDmvYNmyDTa_YP6StwwQm8p4fn01YV=w400-h326" width="400" /></a></div><p>Burgoyne now has a choice..</p><p>a) Call off today's attack on Gates's defences; holding position while sending more men into the town (perhaps the grenadiers?) in case Gates decides to move in that direction, meanwhile bringing up his supplies and back-up to nearer the town. At the same time he should be informing Clinton that the town is theirs, but that they should both coordinate an attack on Gates on the morrow. The only problem with calling off the attack is letting Fraser know.</p><p>b) Proceed with the original plan - but now that most of the enemy are visible it is very clear that Burgoyne does NOT have the three times superiority he ought to have to secure an attack on a fortified place. However, if Fraser paralyses Gates with his flank attack and distracts the commander of the main position, a sudden rush across the valley, following and supported by an all-out bombardment, might still succeed.</p><p>Burgoyne elects to stick with the plan. </p><p>Meanwhile, Gates, concerned by the tooled-up British force sitting on the hill opposite his position and the news from the town, moves himself and a Continental Army regiment up to the Main Redoubt. He starts positioning men to defend against an assault from the north. All this seems sensible.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKO788X0WK5e2pagF5a48qBkqWfwaWQkn63HKdahZbei75IKKNmp_X2pTQNC416MgUNDn7ugdaSKMtSnx8QIpLEC7RqpOp7brkanf4y6htKq6o1wIKcsVXtSezpZdBH4vKHLOCaCVnXIkRxYFZe5qbRNsIOTR7-jjj5UC9p5sQVR7BbGxJ64ssnAP7=s2987" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2780" data-original-width="2987" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKO788X0WK5e2pagF5a48qBkqWfwaWQkn63HKdahZbei75IKKNmp_X2pTQNC416MgUNDn7ugdaSKMtSnx8QIpLEC7RqpOp7brkanf4y6htKq6o1wIKcsVXtSezpZdBH4vKHLOCaCVnXIkRxYFZe5qbRNsIOTR7-jjj5UC9p5sQVR7BbGxJ64ssnAP7=w400-h373" width="400" /></a></div><p>Morgan's rifles push on to the creek, where they begin sniping at the grenadiers. Lincoln, commanding the small redoubt overlooking the bostals, following Morgan's example, orders a militia unit forward to harass Burgoyne's gunners. Both these moves are unauthorised by Gates, but he sees no reason to call them back.</p><p>The commander of the Grenadier brigade, von Riedesel, adjusts his line to meet the threat from the enemy skirmishers, who are now peppering his men, while the artillery opens fire on Lincoln's men as they make their way down the open slopes towards the cover by the creek. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgKvkEMG4BJnaoivhdiGxJDRSNJH-T7PZ4jNcmVhX4HvCbP8qQtmoD_O0oiZX78nu7uOEtGvJcCvlNSB08cpXv_V5HnnKrqnvtrNp0igFilsStnKbncLcRQt5TpNmu_3IOn3pU2zKs3FrTcwHB5iRni3fWIkrgZIt8BzntDkUrGh9jIvJa0BSulkPC=s1442" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1442" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgKvkEMG4BJnaoivhdiGxJDRSNJH-T7PZ4jNcmVhX4HvCbP8qQtmoD_O0oiZX78nu7uOEtGvJcCvlNSB08cpXv_V5HnnKrqnvtrNp0igFilsStnKbncLcRQt5TpNmu_3IOn3pU2zKs3FrTcwHB5iRni3fWIkrgZIt8BzntDkUrGh9jIvJa0BSulkPC=w400-h250" width="400" /></a></p><p>As more rebel skirmishers reach the creek von Riedesel has sudden change of mind. Perhaps hoping to tempt the skirmishers into crossing the creek he withdraws his command to the reverse slope of the small ridge he is on and tries to keep his men's' spirits up (removing Disorder Markers caused by the sniping). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6SSyq3aNWW8fpI5jlB-FGJHhSk6TLigm95LF6lxwLEoQdNgvsAILhx2cDeKiJBHpym7Ab7ngRzx5DFOwzh3RNLKwZWfXLeChN8e20i2RmT--KmF9OY31qMDNFRCtnSip-iIBHT7vUkl12OjrXvAISBdE1Ln6jAJTcsNvQEFT-u5a9_TkGrpv7I3i0=s1625" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1625" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6SSyq3aNWW8fpI5jlB-FGJHhSk6TLigm95LF6lxwLEoQdNgvsAILhx2cDeKiJBHpym7Ab7ngRzx5DFOwzh3RNLKwZWfXLeChN8e20i2RmT--KmF9OY31qMDNFRCtnSip-iIBHT7vUkl12OjrXvAISBdE1Ln6jAJTcsNvQEFT-u5a9_TkGrpv7I3i0=w400-h221" width="400" /></a></div><p>Up on the main ridge Gate's now makes what may prove to be the clinching move. Clearly concerned by the British across the creek, and, seeing the grenadiers taking advantage of the reverse slope, maybe he is wondering what else Burgoyne has concealed up his sleeve behind the track. Whatever the reason, Gates summons two Continental Army regiments from the woodland redoubt on the west up to the main ridge. This reduces the number of men guarding his flank, but will strengthen the Main Redoubt.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnYLmJPTOIlEHw3-7xLJYw19r2GlB5Y8NqQSLnHPKa_FqrmjV8xw9xLtWucixFaZBZ0mXYFUQRkJvpXvh5yFVbsSdBOplGAJepI2gg4MC---7z-KFJCyhvvVI_hGionm5dxbEO2rEhIukebPspQa9yW9Sbhxvd1wv64hPe2D_UnCOT3K4nsAbAb7JR=s1981" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1981" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnYLmJPTOIlEHw3-7xLJYw19r2GlB5Y8NqQSLnHPKa_FqrmjV8xw9xLtWucixFaZBZ0mXYFUQRkJvpXvh5yFVbsSdBOplGAJepI2gg4MC---7z-KFJCyhvvVI_hGionm5dxbEO2rEhIukebPspQa9yW9Sbhxvd1wv64hPe2D_UnCOT3K4nsAbAb7JR=w400-h181" width="400" /></a></div><p>Unknown to Gates, it is still thought by the British colonels that the redcoats will likely get a very bloody nose if Burgoyne tries to assault with his five regiments against Gates's entrenched ten.</p><p>Burgoyne's guns, surprisingly, now exchange fire with Lincoln's militia, both sides taking hits, but the rain of heavy balls smashing though the trees around them, and the dropping howitzer shells are upsetting the inexperienced militiamen, who start to fall.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTeST_Ipckc0LJjBNOYBJ_GtVBc7b0-Jq8Qtbl4kol3mn_fldGPDP0Bb0AQzfthua5-MnsZh72pUFqxt1AKj50fCCjjwYPYm9IhrZC290flCq-GoHyolPvt_uweOEvaBWyQDJytZVpvUhO3hC3GdhawoE_7ZIX0pb3ACvT8ZoFJ-6LK9JqTsUIwP77=s1531" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1531" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTeST_Ipckc0LJjBNOYBJ_GtVBc7b0-Jq8Qtbl4kol3mn_fldGPDP0Bb0AQzfthua5-MnsZh72pUFqxt1AKj50fCCjjwYPYm9IhrZC290flCq-GoHyolPvt_uweOEvaBWyQDJytZVpvUhO3hC3GdhawoE_7ZIX0pb3ACvT8ZoFJ-6LK9JqTsUIwP77=w400-h235" width="400" /></a></div><br />The next move von Riedesel reorganises his grenadiers in the safe area below the small ridge. Lincoln's skirmishers again open up on the gunners who, instructed by Burgoyne, also seek the safety of the reverse slope.<p></p><p>With the British gunners and grenadier on the reverse slope - and Lincoln's shaken skirmishers and Morgan's riflemen not being stupid enough to cross the creek - things have reached a stalemate in the valley. </p><p>Only the Continental Army two regiments summoned by Gates (and which have decided to go the long way round to the Main Redoubt by road, rather than cross country and up the steep rear face of the hill) are moving.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6Qj52IvYUuthaaDfiPgQ9IrpSbkqmQcYc5sVm7NEeAsEl_GjV36SwRYAxhn_9gw0c4oxZkS3E8CRDpndDVcilbgMHHxnYJGY34TeK1BF3vq3w3ZRZEsBmmM2wUCcQlboE69VSpXv6JMfKxpWJIbFhwtmljAUl9UKP0_yf1lrbOXdsEPaKKXDYTVrn=s2209" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2209" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6Qj52IvYUuthaaDfiPgQ9IrpSbkqmQcYc5sVm7NEeAsEl_GjV36SwRYAxhn_9gw0c4oxZkS3E8CRDpndDVcilbgMHHxnYJGY34TeK1BF3vq3w3ZRZEsBmmM2wUCcQlboE69VSpXv6JMfKxpWJIbFhwtmljAUl9UKP0_yf1lrbOXdsEPaKKXDYTVrn=w400-h163" width="400" /></a></div><p>It is now approaching midday. Suddenly, near eastern edge of the woodland west of the redoubts there is a plume of smoke... Fraser has signalled that he is in position.</p><p>Burgoyne at once launches one of his British brigades and von Riedesel's grenadiers brigade down the ridge towards the stream, and brings back his artillery crews to their guns. The gambler makes his throw..... </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdlI-o3wk6ueT7BFMNh7jjt-wKLQBpzDjHwRBI30nrOOgu91y3YwnvKEYyNAKmFE00HyT9_ADVOoR32GSt69TVebvnPLtBgGjF5cBuL51MiZnE2d0EmBhjLjQHwr_ZIDlilIc5wrMiuUqTS_VJPPzu4f9ARKis7abwTv3ZKCDGpY7JY9Y8eNchqRyz=s1983" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1983" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdlI-o3wk6ueT7BFMNh7jjt-wKLQBpzDjHwRBI30nrOOgu91y3YwnvKEYyNAKmFE00HyT9_ADVOoR32GSt69TVebvnPLtBgGjF5cBuL51MiZnE2d0EmBhjLjQHwr_ZIDlilIc5wrMiuUqTS_VJPPzu4f9ARKis7abwTv3ZKCDGpY7JY9Y8eNchqRyz=w400-h181" width="400" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Suddenly - and fortuitously for Burgoyne - there is a whooping and a hollering as Fraser's, Lights, Jaegers, Indians and Highlanders rush the westernmost of Gate's defences - catching the Continentals there by surprise; they are standing easy, and not even close-manning the barricades as Fraser's men sweep in. There is brief fight, before the shocked Continentals turn and run. Fraser's men have taken the woodside entrenchments at a single blow, but now have to halt to reorganise.</span></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKnnDvSg4k7zLvwjQhK0Vqw1U06mi3ET7WsfkRzE2MpmQggxRMN86x0YSa_G9NJZ1PKvK0471NbNtkcNEpAeE5ROlW05kciod03Ga4rkoejB8yslnzYci7NKQA9B9IkxDsFs6t-dZcOHnvXUHeIOOzTurfmodbuxqcLd09Eyl_6sIfH_bhx3lmsN70=s1397" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1397" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKnnDvSg4k7zLvwjQhK0Vqw1U06mi3ET7WsfkRzE2MpmQggxRMN86x0YSa_G9NJZ1PKvK0471NbNtkcNEpAeE5ROlW05kciod03Ga4rkoejB8yslnzYci7NKQA9B9IkxDsFs6t-dZcOHnvXUHeIOOzTurfmodbuxqcLd09Eyl_6sIfH_bhx3lmsN70=w400-h258" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></p><p>The Continental are running, but more due to surprise and shock than actual casualties. </p><p>The British guns open up on the Main Redoubt, but do little damage. Gates hesitates, then orders two militia regiments to the man rear of the Main Redoubt, to prevent Fraser sweeping up the slope, and two more to man the front facing Burgoyne. </p><p>Meanwhile the the Continental brigade who ran from Fraser's Lights and Indians reform, and the two regiments ahead of them (which were earlier ordered to march to the Main Redoubt) halt, and form line to face Fraser.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF2gf0gdPogm0WGL80EYM2cByVy0dy_t-J1QGw7BkPG3KK7OYUIByhOXW1mHU_lvfL2IZWIvJtPHC8HCYBpJaUl55t4z3eSf5r02QRb2cAc_XeNfSoG0dO1KojmWWcTjAXdpZE1mG69WxceemUV_lQHu2vYARK6aWS2XPXa8lp5XFcfmc-tQKNW4Vk=s1119" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1119" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF2gf0gdPogm0WGL80EYM2cByVy0dy_t-J1QGw7BkPG3KK7OYUIByhOXW1mHU_lvfL2IZWIvJtPHC8HCYBpJaUl55t4z3eSf5r02QRb2cAc_XeNfSoG0dO1KojmWWcTjAXdpZE1mG69WxceemUV_lQHu2vYARK6aWS2XPXa8lp5XFcfmc-tQKNW4Vk=w400-h321" width="400" /></a></div><p>At the creek, Morgan's riflemen pull back - intimidated by the approach of the Grenadiers - and just in time as, with unexpected speed (good dice) these rush down the slope and splash across the stream to occupy the very position Morgan's men had recently stood.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz_E13PNE0rIdXuWpz1G9tz1YLQGZtCqyWw672x5Ch02QBko16K2H23Uh0sfl31ZkWMLWZ58yig6ym2mb_6XTwa7RHMwj78k6IB7euvcKoJkuZ6Q8nmWi9ZXWtu0-yNv4i8Oajpe4EKM5ceH_70O9X_48SJR3U5mknv_THJ8WkPNSNOUUJZX3jyUmu=s1215" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1215" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz_E13PNE0rIdXuWpz1G9tz1YLQGZtCqyWw672x5Ch02QBko16K2H23Uh0sfl31ZkWMLWZ58yig6ym2mb_6XTwa7RHMwj78k6IB7euvcKoJkuZ6Q8nmWi9ZXWtu0-yNv4i8Oajpe4EKM5ceH_70O9X_48SJR3U5mknv_THJ8WkPNSNOUUJZX3jyUmu=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpx-iVCn6FjKiaIkV_RogAzNs7XBznOx68JnYK_mVljKUD6O8oAFyXyNU-OUng64qsUei5gXZJjUXSRhEuy2eCn3V7RtoorWQU88Wxc_uziY3rEBsqt4spW7OqPCeb6RA90oOHIHOnXFTeO8pFNunp7_k9z8VJTbqkoOA0lIgzsCoPkflzryIN12tj=s1655" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1655" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpx-iVCn6FjKiaIkV_RogAzNs7XBznOx68JnYK_mVljKUD6O8oAFyXyNU-OUng64qsUei5gXZJjUXSRhEuy2eCn3V7RtoorWQU88Wxc_uziY3rEBsqt4spW7OqPCeb6RA90oOHIHOnXFTeO8pFNunp7_k9z8VJTbqkoOA0lIgzsCoPkflzryIN12tj=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">With most of the British from the ridge now across the creek and Fraser's troops deployed to command the Schenectady road (his only viable line of retreat) Gates has a dilemma; to deal with Fraser now, or see off Burgoyne first. He hesitates.</span></div><p>Next move von Riedesel is activated first. His men order their ranks and shed their disorder, five companies firing into the backs of Morgan's rifles, sowing more confusion.</p><p>Gates rides off the ridge to pass orders to the troops on the lower ground facing Fraser. He can be reasonable confident that his troops in the redoubts can hold Burgoyne's gamble, so it looks like he wants to concentrate on drive Fraser back into the woods. He has four regiments of Continentals and two of Militia to hand. He could also draw off another Continental regiment from the bostal redoubt, just to make sure. </p><p>Burgoyne's guns batter the redoubt, while his redcoats reorganise themselves after crossing the creek. Burgoyne himself brings down one of the two reserve regiments from the ridge, leaving the other to protect the guns. </p><p>Despite their disruption level, and the British forces from the ridge moving swiftly at them and in reach of both flanks - not to mention Morgan's rifles' speedy withdrawal on their right - Lincoln's skirmishers down by the creek and fronting the bostal redoubt, elect to hold position and open fire on the redcoats. They cause no damage, but one has to admire their (surprising) pluck.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiCY5mvgs94lBs5DTEocgY2PVQsEn4Sga-XZ5B9BszonoREC8NVZ1-Fntx2i5Zemv51htUdEp9XZwcm4gGA9oYK3f4a1BXx77Dcjidew8X0aDFTA4WHeIvfO2PEPo8422SoxAdE6fzXIPne_rl_7qBtnXdecHATY8wjMMOStSu9EorLSl_WA7wpU-p=s1403" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1403" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiCY5mvgs94lBs5DTEocgY2PVQsEn4Sga-XZ5B9BszonoREC8NVZ1-Fntx2i5Zemv51htUdEp9XZwcm4gGA9oYK3f4a1BXx77Dcjidew8X0aDFTA4WHeIvfO2PEPo8422SoxAdE6fzXIPne_rl_7qBtnXdecHATY8wjMMOStSu9EorLSl_WA7wpU-p=w400-h256" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Having crossed the creek, Burgoyne's leading British battalions slowly move up the main ridge, flanking Lincoln's skirmishers. </p><p>At the next opportunity Morgan's rifles pull back further towards the defence line of the town, meanwhile, von Reidesel's Hessians, facing them, deploy towards the westernmost bostal (evidently he does not fancy going up the eastern arm, flanked as it is from both sides) while his British grenadier companies charge into the flank of Lincoln's skirmishers by the creek. Unsurprisingly these skedaddle up the hill; but not after some losses to the grenadiers' bayonets and being shot at, as they run, by the artillery.....</p><p>Frazers Light troops deploy, with his Rangers shooting up at the militia manning the rear slopes of the Main Redoubt, while his Highlanders slog up the slope on their flank, where they are met by an (ineffective) volley from the militia there.</p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcbLekD9poSMfukg1IPJ9SdAkZJBQta0bymy4lDMt4b3xvnFeTqlgbEDOfCHJlG4r69cLmtP_K_quAipEILR4ZCA9Qs-i9QpmQu7rxf9GJ68VE_4Un9_DDOE-5U9WZeOh0QUsjxx82qLkHr5xVqsfEnERsro2CsdZVVCX7qVsBsRYIvp_x3-klsC8S=s4452" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3220" data-original-width="4452" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcbLekD9poSMfukg1IPJ9SdAkZJBQta0bymy4lDMt4b3xvnFeTqlgbEDOfCHJlG4r69cLmtP_K_quAipEILR4ZCA9Qs-i9QpmQu7rxf9GJ68VE_4Un9_DDOE-5U9WZeOh0QUsjxx82qLkHr5xVqsfEnERsro2CsdZVVCX7qVsBsRYIvp_x3-klsC8S=w400-h289" width="400" /></a><br /><br />The Indians meanwhile scuttle between the redoubt hill and the woods, seemingly with the intent to flank the defences. Seeing this the brigadier at the redoubt swivels his reserve regiment of Continentals to face this threat, just in case.</p><p>South of the Main Redoubt the four Continental regiments advance on Fraser's light companies. If Gates's plan here is to secure the Schenectady road this looks likely to succeed.</p><p>And so another move ends as we creep into early to mid afternoon.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1IwWMnFFRcbZ-ZLafaVddwBVIy_1vzJB72LJwHzTRn5CyD_GUCIxWZAT_usypK-pbRWpWiNA62yyl9VIbe2OAo3JnRyQLJzacWhmwisczx-SyGtGONexXKEnGbuvLc_adCFpwhTkOKQTHXvI8jyDBUw4XF3NO1X3C561Iya3k1fRosgqt5YirRSSp=s1487" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1487" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1IwWMnFFRcbZ-ZLafaVddwBVIy_1vzJB72LJwHzTRn5CyD_GUCIxWZAT_usypK-pbRWpWiNA62yyl9VIbe2OAo3JnRyQLJzacWhmwisczx-SyGtGONexXKEnGbuvLc_adCFpwhTkOKQTHXvI8jyDBUw4XF3NO1X3C561Iya3k1fRosgqt5YirRSSp=w400-h243" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Personally, at this stage, I cannot see Burgoyne's attack on the ridge succeeding without heavy loss. His only real hope, I feel, lies in Fraser so upsetting things on the flank of the Main Redoubt that the garrison here loses its nerve. I'm convinced that any attack on the entrenchments will prove costly. On the other hand, most of the Continental regiments are south of the Main Redoubt, facing Fraser, so the redcoats will mainly be up against untried militia... Maybe it's worth pushing luck a little further..? Burgoyne certainly thinks so.<p></p><p>Lincoln's skirmishers keep running, but as they scramble up the broken ground flanking the nearest bostal it's noticeable that some are slinking off the field, such is their level of disruption.</p><p>The British artillery again turns it's attention to the Main Redoubt, while Gates rides to help reduce the disruption among his Continental regiments threatening Fraser. The British light companies facing them open fire, to little effect. </p><p>However, on the main ridge a sudden charge by the Highlanders and Rangers is too much for the militia on the west side of the redoubt, and they turn and flee, upsetting their supports. Just to make matters worse Burgoyne himself is the next commander to be activated. In good order his regiments make their way up the main ridge.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZzLWGzsAMFhVKTV18RdvnVlBKU25sYyQ7VUQBwaJuEExEJsQRyT0Eew5WILvH-8VhuxDh6wvD2PvTUkzN4y2J0kXW9tYDVHWNHVSTVpB9ZQqwcorJkzHi7PY94AHUw7NIe74AUR-_OS3BxcxN2H5qpnlwVrBbBhAvUnxKCguxRw-xUhHlF1auEdYc=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1920" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZzLWGzsAMFhVKTV18RdvnVlBKU25sYyQ7VUQBwaJuEExEJsQRyT0Eew5WILvH-8VhuxDh6wvD2PvTUkzN4y2J0kXW9tYDVHWNHVSTVpB9ZQqwcorJkzHi7PY94AHUw7NIe74AUR-_OS3BxcxN2H5qpnlwVrBbBhAvUnxKCguxRw-xUhHlF1auEdYc=w400-h188" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Over near the town fort Morgan steadies his rifles and awaits developments, while Lincoln rallies his skirmishers.</p><p>The Continentals to the south of the ridge adjust position to take into the account issues on the main ridge, and one regiment fires upon Fraser's light companies, causing little damage.</p><p>Up in the Main Redoubt the commander here seems to panic, drawing back a regiment from the north-facing entrenchments to bolster the unit of Continentals facing Fraser's highlanders, but upsetting them in the process. The Continentals would like to get off a volley into Fraser's men, but the range is too great. </p><p>Next move, and Gate's on the south side of the ridge, can't see what's happening in the redoubt. By the same token, Burgoyne can't see what's occurring in the fortifications either. </p><p>The MORE good luck for the British; Fraser is the first commander to be activated. The Rangers slam into the flank of one of the militia units in the Main Redoubt while the Highlanders, Fraser at their head, charge the Continentals. The militia unit panics and routs. The Continentals also turn and run, upsetting the nearby militia units at the entrenchments. Suddenly all is going to pot in the Main Redoubt as the commander here gets cut down by the Highlanders. The bagpipes of the Highlanders and the war whoops of their supporting Indians echo along the entrenchments, further upsetting the militia.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY090KzxhO6OheiigIcFv89VskmqM_exc4LybQJ_Nw9HlBMUqfkXhdyFZXeh7axHQKeNQ5BxhOm5GTpYh02Gl3hc1IJaOBltyO4v6VndWhFH2YZS_f5Phfv0r7X4Bir5ZnXy627r4Dxxb3zUET6xlqBiOL6QrX_z_0kgUZ4lagcbT4nrSGycnSKdLb=s1350" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1350" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY090KzxhO6OheiigIcFv89VskmqM_exc4LybQJ_Nw9HlBMUqfkXhdyFZXeh7axHQKeNQ5BxhOm5GTpYh02Gl3hc1IJaOBltyO4v6VndWhFH2YZS_f5Phfv0r7X4Bir5ZnXy627r4Dxxb3zUET6xlqBiOL6QrX_z_0kgUZ4lagcbT4nrSGycnSKdLb=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></p><p>Next, the grenadiers start moving up the slope to the bostal, then (the luck is all going the Britishers' way) Burgoyne is activated! The lead British regiments reach the breastworks; they aren't even charging - but this is enough for the militia facing them. Already shaken by the other rebel units withdrawing or routing, and the falling of the redoubt commander, these too make off, only to be struck by a salvo from the British guns....</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4YM6MchaEWVZGsyufv_DcSfrarF-lUBUNSgdes5pg9zEOYv3IyC3ys24Dxcf9Jpt5NHlRLtMu3xCEH8jyY3bXt4iHpdwIhN7M2kUfcj-WZcPSPLIxXPcWMmOtNJaCbAv3hvjtCrCVzfNx2KxPyi7qomMnvnWTQ2OO7LO0DmcOU8FMT572YfCq8NLD=s1160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1160" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4YM6MchaEWVZGsyufv_DcSfrarF-lUBUNSgdes5pg9zEOYv3IyC3ys24Dxcf9Jpt5NHlRLtMu3xCEH8jyY3bXt4iHpdwIhN7M2kUfcj-WZcPSPLIxXPcWMmOtNJaCbAv3hvjtCrCVzfNx2KxPyi7qomMnvnWTQ2OO7LO0DmcOU8FMT572YfCq8NLD=w400-h310" width="400" /></a></p><p>Lincoln and Morgan brace themselves for an attack, but do nothing aggressive.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Gates is determined to secure the line of retreat to Schenectady, and, after getting his men in order, pushes two regiments towards Fraser's light infantry.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEildMUub7XxmUKbt8Et-1pvteJC-_K80LKNh-0x_hZr8OFkikx4Ou9sb4k5vGAzKDo13zJEURPR1HTMvlrTT74KnWod5tNVok29qAFiE5lBd9CCVzTz54RCFm-C4DRqvFd-l4UQ-ZIXfCRRq1XJGMEcIOtr_WIKcqc-n9Yr5_d-vAw0UUroz7ChCpkw=s1780" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1780" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEildMUub7XxmUKbt8Et-1pvteJC-_K80LKNh-0x_hZr8OFkikx4Ou9sb4k5vGAzKDo13zJEURPR1HTMvlrTT74KnWod5tNVok29qAFiE5lBd9CCVzTz54RCFm-C4DRqvFd-l4UQ-ZIXfCRRq1XJGMEcIOtr_WIKcqc-n9Yr5_d-vAw0UUroz7ChCpkw=w400-h203" width="400" /></a></div><br />That last bound was a bad one for the Americans. The Main Redoubt has all but fallen and all the units in it have been discomforted in one way or another. However, Morgan and Lincoln still hold their entrenched positions and Gates has four Continental regiments in hand south of the Main Redoubt. All is not lost - and the British KNOW that they have been VERY lucky in getting into the Main Redoubt so cheaply...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMdcWl_R7Cp5P8EC1sASmrRZ4MqnD9Me461ZvgB5bleLrt3eJxVqiD-DIvh8WbI2GjNESLrXMJWqNq0rXYFE1FRuwR6NxbkxPdkAGpT4uYQeRjFqzgOqfm3CDSdsJ492eBh0fOHOS03bDLkv4gg4Yi3pdrM7YGSLoSdDJGhShAFHJ4ezrCwD4AKjjR=s1255" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1255" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMdcWl_R7Cp5P8EC1sASmrRZ4MqnD9Me461ZvgB5bleLrt3eJxVqiD-DIvh8WbI2GjNESLrXMJWqNq0rXYFE1FRuwR6NxbkxPdkAGpT4uYQeRjFqzgOqfm3CDSdsJ492eBh0fOHOS03bDLkv4gg4Yi3pdrM7YGSLoSdDJGhShAFHJ4ezrCwD4AKjjR=w400-h286" width="400" /></a></div><p>Next go the British guns open up on Lincoln's redoubt, but to no discernible effect. The broken militia flee from the Main redoubt while the regimental commanders there make their own decisions to pull back and consolidate - the overall commander being hors de combat.</p><p>The Hessians start climbing the bostal. Burgoyne is activated and another of his regiments charges into the main redoubt, driving back a small militia unit.</p><p>To the south of the Main Redoubt the Continentals exchange fire on Fraser's lights and sort themselves out into defensive lines in case any enemy swarm down from the ridge. Gates rides off, hat in hand, to the routing militia - successfully rallying one regiment.</p><p>Next move - we are now into mid afternoon - Fraser's Lights south of the Main Redoubt again come under volley fire, and scurry back to the cover of the woodside entrenchments.</p><p>Fraser is activated. He sorts out his Highlanders and moves them forward in the Main Redoubt, while his Rangers both advance and give a harassing fire to those of the redoubt garrison still showing fight. Meanwhile his Indians, like a bad movie, rush to the skyline of the Main Redoubt ridge and glower down on the Continentals below and to the south.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgvgiDCmhAYdesFxCiVyDSCFonvaeqStD-wjtal9hZHpsjtmFr1xJYFVq2ymN2xwL6D1D7n8ye4j1-yBwVpsbmQMEMFbLDqgtBP9nCcw5Y2x13FY0I6Tccg8iDMGwxCbpuv0wKLimnu1pHcB_O7NsmU_nbBy6DfYXYTxp4lt4XNle9GIn6SnuLFTsk=s1572" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1572" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgvgiDCmhAYdesFxCiVyDSCFonvaeqStD-wjtal9hZHpsjtmFr1xJYFVq2ymN2xwL6D1D7n8ye4j1-yBwVpsbmQMEMFbLDqgtBP9nCcw5Y2x13FY0I6Tccg8iDMGwxCbpuv0wKLimnu1pHcB_O7NsmU_nbBy6DfYXYTxp4lt4XNle9GIn6SnuLFTsk=w400-h229" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Over towards the town Morgan decides to hold his ground, while von Reidesel's men carry on, clambering up the up the western bostal stream-bed.</p><p>In the Main Redoubt Burgoyne's regiments either get themselves back into order or open fire - or, in once case, charge the defenders; forcing one militia regiment to break off contact and routing another. These units fall back through the other rebel units in the redoubt, causing more disorder - as well as upsetting Lincoln's skirmishers on their flank. To all intents and purposes the Main Redoubt has now fallen to the British. </p><p>While the British guns open up on his redoubt, Lincoln's skirmishers in turn open fire on the British Grenadiers, causing some shock - and that ends another move.</p><p>Next go Fraser sorts out his men, moving the Highlanders towards the woods. His Lights reform down by the woodland entrenchments. Some of his Indians and rangers open fire on their nearest Continentals, but to little effect. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqKDC1RCnP83Jo_E1hCRH58MMSfBdCwAphDXTK7jWC06-HquCb83-YoJJOJVbSCgcceBZH3e9VhQLlfL5qccXo_EohMaJ4pe9PdpEY4gn8Brgh2VXRN-dbrS_OR0B9eMLK4lxQGx3wJKFC4nHrJ-5XzmY61j2akgp0XjKMBCaDgFi6MgJOo1MPq6T9=s1147" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1147" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqKDC1RCnP83Jo_E1hCRH58MMSfBdCwAphDXTK7jWC06-HquCb83-YoJJOJVbSCgcceBZH3e9VhQLlfL5qccXo_EohMaJ4pe9PdpEY4gn8Brgh2VXRN-dbrS_OR0B9eMLK4lxQGx3wJKFC4nHrJ-5XzmY61j2akgp0XjKMBCaDgFi6MgJOo1MPq6T9=w400-h314" width="400" /></a></div><p>The remaining rebels begin to withdraw in good order from the Main Redoubt.</p><p>By the bostal some of the Hessians reform themselves, others open fire on Lincoln's men, who also come under fire from the artillery. The British grenadier companies charge and push back Lincoln's skirmishers, while Morgan shifts HIS rifles over the bostal ridge to support Lincoln.</p><p>One of Burgoyne's regiments charges one of the militia units falling back from the redoubt and speeds it on it's way, while another flanks Lincoln' skirmishers. End of the move - and Gates doesn't get activated.....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9L4LPyZewjQylbr6SLu4ocCkxEuk_tbemTOhGCCUYeyHUeT125Of5Lny_0OcsXtgp-DY5A3-8BSWbUFe54Hbtbcj4jURLftRTnrEXH2tGQboz5cAndo4S-kpI2tYdMz8K1AMvC-Nt0C051FhGISNAJ1HMjGQobT2TzVMfBsfdZRQx3gjir3Mlf4g4=s1516" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1516" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9L4LPyZewjQylbr6SLu4ocCkxEuk_tbemTOhGCCUYeyHUeT125Of5Lny_0OcsXtgp-DY5A3-8BSWbUFe54Hbtbcj4jURLftRTnrEXH2tGQboz5cAndo4S-kpI2tYdMz8K1AMvC-Nt0C051FhGISNAJ1HMjGQobT2TzVMfBsfdZRQx3gjir3Mlf4g4=w400-h238" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicS6PcsTbQzrGUh1ihlSNGrNasWgA0l3p5dmsyT6sa7DDzUl0DdlN_7lTa6di1gI_HRnPLdS-QlKqE5bLgN4TpWZn9S4Vk-jLFTpp50m08N7YtdP-1jkUpVHma8TDRD4aT-NN8iyBvhWM_9DIxOhp-yZPIKt2-xtbtSQfnmIkpgXGaQWMI6ByRAesV=s1735" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1735" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicS6PcsTbQzrGUh1ihlSNGrNasWgA0l3p5dmsyT6sa7DDzUl0DdlN_7lTa6di1gI_HRnPLdS-QlKqE5bLgN4TpWZn9S4Vk-jLFTpp50m08N7YtdP-1jkUpVHma8TDRD4aT-NN8iyBvhWM_9DIxOhp-yZPIKt2-xtbtSQfnmIkpgXGaQWMI6ByRAesV=w400-h208" width="400" /></a></div><p>At the beginning of the next bound Fraser's Indians and Lights fire upon the Continentals below the Main Redoubt, while his Rangers and Highlanders deploy. Another broken militia unit flees off table and the British guns fire off one of their last salvoes into Lincoln's redoubt.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLrl_81pOoAlyKPtTl8WErks87UdkmQn1CpYW48DPHF0-3T3coiXqzU68MftuuOr8V4Un2qR2o-cHCGrFJLDExeO5CKG9pMHLKSfYvJgp1pU_CIXjO60mJVbQIq4VM47BHRL2PwymSUYknZj17tTE7We6Q7egPZtHJ81tT479rkTSPfmZQ4DlLvwTa=s1900" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1900" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLrl_81pOoAlyKPtTl8WErks87UdkmQn1CpYW48DPHF0-3T3coiXqzU68MftuuOr8V4Un2qR2o-cHCGrFJLDExeO5CKG9pMHLKSfYvJgp1pU_CIXjO60mJVbQIq4VM47BHRL2PwymSUYknZj17tTE7We6Q7egPZtHJ81tT479rkTSPfmZQ4DlLvwTa=w400-h190" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtuiPpDu80d7NAnO0q5-4xhxS2XPVG8wQ9VH2WxVDPaagLIjd9A_UId7alt560XWObJLPzQuRNpq60zRZsRDnzebv7cTrIpq0hqPwES4cyeJ-MKY944HkOD6dwsl7Xf0JBO0v9BmyekgR3MfsVk5F1bjFTT-sbjE-0avNEg3J0ny3MsSa6FYpk-9mr=s1594" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1594" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtuiPpDu80d7NAnO0q5-4xhxS2XPVG8wQ9VH2WxVDPaagLIjd9A_UId7alt560XWObJLPzQuRNpq60zRZsRDnzebv7cTrIpq0hqPwES4cyeJ-MKY944HkOD6dwsl7Xf0JBO0v9BmyekgR3MfsVk5F1bjFTT-sbjE-0avNEg3J0ny3MsSa6FYpk-9mr=w400-h226" width="400" /></a></div><p>But then Gates is activated.. I reckon he now has some serious choices to make...</p><p><b>Gates's Options</b></p><p>It looks to me that Gates is in a bit of a pickle. </p><p>He has six militia regiments already at breaking point or actually broken (both have already left the table), with one of his Continental regiments wavering.</p><p>He has lost the Main Redoubt to the enemy. </p><p>However, he still has four Continental Army regiments in the south which are more or less intact and in good order.</p><p>Although Lincoln and Morgan's are redoubts holding steady, and their regiments (seven militia and once CA) are relatively unblooded and secure, there is a danger they will soon be attacked by Burgoyne and von Reidesal's troops. Experience has shown that the militia will likely not stand when charged. </p><p>Even if the British are thrown back from or hold off attacking these redoubts today they will still hold the Main Redoubt, and likely cut the Schenectady road - Gates's only line of retreat - if they bring some of their heavy guns up to the main redoubt overnight. </p><p>Gates knows that, off-table, the town has been occupied and that Clinton (with fifteen regiments and more heavy guns) waits in the wings, likely to attack Arnold's four militia regiments tomorrow.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA6zEhJ0s1y_-X8NfdfdVlRjeRXCOmGxs2-xn3f4uwkIwoTAcHlSiF1w6EVuLuou5a7n1N471Nfd63oCTDgKAQE79dQmhcR5ARZ7VfORre3B6kqZPHLS1PK0JiRkxrRp609Bp78ecoWxYOV0CIz3GX06leebVkQXhzgSyH4wzloi6NiwUDXRXEL3df=s900" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="705" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA6zEhJ0s1y_-X8NfdfdVlRjeRXCOmGxs2-xn3f4uwkIwoTAcHlSiF1w6EVuLuou5a7n1N471Nfd63oCTDgKAQE79dQmhcR5ARZ7VfORre3B6kqZPHLS1PK0JiRkxrRp609Bp78ecoWxYOV0CIz3GX06leebVkQXhzgSyH4wzloi6NiwUDXRXEL3df=w314-h400" width="314" /></a></div><br /><p>Although it looks like an attack on Lincoln's redoubt is imminent, if this falls Burgoyne may well be satisfied with the day's gains and may not risk pressing on further south. If this turns out to be the case - or if Lincoln holds - then this could allow Gates to extract him and Morgan to join with the Continental Army units, plus the militia units now retreating from the Main Redoubt. With his force concentrated (and stabilised) south of the Main Redoubt he can then decide to either:</p><p>1) Push past Fraser's Light Infantry, extract Morgan and Lincoln from their redoubts before they are assaulted and pull his force away down the Schenectady road (informing Arnold of the plan and instructing him to also withdraw towards Schenectady in the night). </p><p>Pluses: He gets his army away pretty much intact and avoids another action tomorrow - with the combined armies of Burgoyne and Clinton attacking him; leaving him a chance to fight another day.</p><p>Negatives; This is admitting defeat, plus he will be abandoning Albany and his heavy supplies in the Main Redoubt. </p><p>2) Attempt to establish a new defensive position off-table behind Arnold (who is holding the south-facing defences).</p><p>Pluses: His army is still pretty much intact and he may well give a bloody nose to the combined armies of Burgoyne and Clinton if they attack him tomorrow.</p><p> Negatives; He will be abandoning Albany and his heavy supplies in the Main Redoubt. He may become trapped and put to siege, rather than assaulted. If he loses, whether in open battle or siege, his army will likely to be lost to the Struggle.</p><p>3) Reorganise on-table and attempt to retake the Main Redoubt. </p><p>Pluses: He may regain his heavy supplies in the Main Redoubt, making a night-time retreat to Schenectady less humiliating, plus securing the Schenectady road to allow the extraction of Lincoln and Morgan (and off-table Arnold).</p><p>Negatives: He may lose heavily, Lincoln and Morgan could be cut off, and swamped - or forced to accept terms - tomorrow. </p><p>4) Reorganise on-table and attempt to retake Albany. </p><p>Pluses: His army is still pretty much intact and he may well give a bloody nose to the combined armies of Burgoyne and Clinton if they attack him tomorrow.</p><p> Negatives; He will be abandoning his heavy supplies in the Main Redoubt. He may become trapped and put to siege in Albany, rather than assaulted. If he loses, whether by storm or siege, his army will likely to be lost to the Struggle.</p><p>5) Leaving Morgan and Lincoln in position, reorganise on-table and attack Burgoyne with what forces he has at what seems the best place - possibly pushing Burgoyne back. </p><p>Pluses: He may regain his heavy supplies in the Main Redoubt. By rebuffing Burgoyne this will make a night-time retreat to Schenectady less humiliating, plus securing the Schenectady road to allow a retreat overnight.</p><p>Negatives: He may lose heavily and be knocked back with losses. If so, Lincoln and Morgan could be cut off, and swamped - or forced to accept terms – tomorrow.</p><p>None of the above are ideal, but then, he is in a bad position. I scribble a quick Ad Hoc Decision table: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghzPf9KhUGZDKvxys7uHKiaRNe62Ek7X2VmpTyF4GCVlHlhATCzloDQBaCuFu69MA2E2YCrE079PFjGZdefL8vIs9MC6xUwhplJMaFGPGmMeDl21Mz8-rD5b-MhdJ-rg-Im4R0BzXcMC89MDlP_3p5fzHuKfz79SvTNhqZnrrw5qMwQEXIkwBxt8qy=s840" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="840" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghzPf9KhUGZDKvxys7uHKiaRNe62Ek7X2VmpTyF4GCVlHlhATCzloDQBaCuFu69MA2E2YCrE079PFjGZdefL8vIs9MC6xUwhplJMaFGPGmMeDl21Mz8-rD5b-MhdJ-rg-Im4R0BzXcMC89MDlP_3p5fzHuKfz79SvTNhqZnrrw5qMwQEXIkwBxt8qy=w400-h122" width="400" /></a></div><p>Result is a nine - Option 1. Given Gates's situation I will switch player and play him, with Burgoyne "going on automatic". An aid is sent off to inform Morgan and Lincoln.</p><p>But before any action can be taken first Burgoyne, then von Reidesel are activated and throw their regiments at Lincoln's troops, Morgan's Rifles and the remaining dispirited garrison of the Main Reboubt. The militia on the slopes from the Main Redoubt and in Lincoln's redoubt will not meet the bayonets of the Hessians and Redcoats and three units break. Morgan's men retreat to their supports.</p><p>Gates has suddenly had the situation taken out of his hands. With more than half his army routed or wavering near breaking point all that can be done is to salvage what he can from the wreck and pull back towards Schenectady. Luckily Burgoyne and Reidesel's men are too exhausted to pursue. All is over bar the withdrawal.<br /><br />In campaign terms this was not a disaster for the rebels. Losing Albany and the supply train was bad, but Gates got away with most of his army.<br /><br />Burgoyne will claim this as a win - but in strategic terms it was not. OK, Albany was taken and Burgoyne's army suffered minimal casualties in pushing gates off his perch, but now Gates can head north towards Lafayette. Had Burgoyne waited for Clinton to be ready this could (and should) have been a decisive victory.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZm3bZHN9DLRV8TUovjGpXBvFiq5jHJ99XLCallr96q5fGh0-fxfJYE5_OW0gBCPPxe4NYL8gtVY0XMwLE2w0FPX_yJZqviUHmlDScsXpi93eupPuj8z48SRvCgM6avjaqO3xqQ44s6TRVSIiG3D-9hKUxwkXecZX0lzvdtSW63l2V27-T1qbTYad4=s2406" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2406" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZm3bZHN9DLRV8TUovjGpXBvFiq5jHJ99XLCallr96q5fGh0-fxfJYE5_OW0gBCPPxe4NYL8gtVY0XMwLE2w0FPX_yJZqviUHmlDScsXpi93eupPuj8z48SRvCgM6avjaqO3xqQ44s6TRVSIiG3D-9hKUxwkXecZX0lzvdtSW63l2V27-T1qbTYad4=w400-h150" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Conclusion:</b> </p><p>Well, that was an exciting little game which did NOT end as I expected - I fully anticipated Burgoyne getting a bloody nose; but then I hadn't fought this kind of fight with these rules before. <br /><br />The result was partly due to a LOT of luck on the British side regarding Gates's initial dispositions, good Leader Activation/good movement dice and Fraser's successful progress though the woods. Add to that mix a LOT of aggressive action test results on the part of the British junior commanders (plus the failure, on EACH occasion when tested, of the militia to hold the ground they were given when faced with a bayonet charge) and maybe this was too one-sided a fight. </p><p>The British artillery was pretty ineffective though.</p><p>Technical thoughts: I need to make some different colour-coded markers for Disruption Levels and Casualties.</p><p>I may consider making some "formation change templates".</p><p>I maybe need to research/revisit/revise the rules regarding heavy gunnery, esp. howitzers.<br /><br />I need to do some more reading-up on British officer casualties. </p><p>Had I not been doing a lot of reading which challenges a lot of the myths about the AWI I would have been more concerned by the results.<br /><br />As it is, the adjusting of the traditional picture of the effectiveness (or otherwise) of musketry and the taking into consideration how British troops ACTUALLY behaved and fought in this period (amongst other things the lying down/using reverse slopes when under fire during this period - a practice I had previously understood to have been adopted later, in the Napoleonic Wars, rapidity of approach, flexibility and the speedy nature of British charges) meant that the rules seemed to reflect the reality quite well.</p><p>Next post will consider some of the rules and off-table action processes I used for this game, along with some technical notes and decision table examples. </p><p>As always, any thoughts, queries, critiques and comments welcome. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnpX1purvoRvaBfSGkd-ZRAi-sDmWj33e8-4nDnuzLvfz0aci5S7P4wKzHS6ZXZrv12TelNfB1bMqw2xpO-USbwFkeLZGb1WFGUDoBLp0S3q0EUqRdXz_eu9iVRzrW1Hm5cJ-jfK6u9VsgXwAkxV1TkyDKFE6ridj0khLHPHW-FZRnGV_zPqTkm5tg=s1628" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1628" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnpX1purvoRvaBfSGkd-ZRAi-sDmWj33e8-4nDnuzLvfz0aci5S7P4wKzHS6ZXZrv12TelNfB1bMqw2xpO-USbwFkeLZGb1WFGUDoBLp0S3q0EUqRdXz_eu9iVRzrW1Hm5cJ-jfK6u9VsgXwAkxV1TkyDKFE6ridj0khLHPHW-FZRnGV_zPqTkm5tg=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6240037031475318548.post-30400089715123098572022-01-07T14:05:00.002+00:002023-06-07T08:27:45.712+01:001776 And All That (Part the Second)<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>The Battle Prep.:<br /></b><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Having had a good old poke about online looking at period, near period and modern (from Victorian to modern </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">topographical</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">) maps I have come up with a rough sketch map of the area, with which I'm reasonably happy.<br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400;">On this I have set out what I think is a reasonable position for Gates to adopt, based on the decisions made in the previous post.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAzOSJMZMwBP70qUwXfv9sOoViLSfRgH531kfXWVl20Q46b1ThWru9bNKyWAchFwxJ8NMIoNWD1C11SNp031zYpteSO4FUjomNVd16L4tBjxpteQDVP0QZTlNUbAklLYazJT3XfwsafejxB9JSDYj0smoN-944QHQD-QZq-TOFxvHCT7v7gvGwl8Ti=s3250" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2042" data-original-width="3250" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAzOSJMZMwBP70qUwXfv9sOoViLSfRgH531kfXWVl20Q46b1ThWru9bNKyWAchFwxJ8NMIoNWD1C11SNp031zYpteSO4FUjomNVd16L4tBjxpteQDVP0QZTlNUbAklLYazJT3XfwsafejxB9JSDYj0smoN-944QHQD-QZq-TOFxvHCT7v7gvGwl8Ti=w400-h251" width="400" /></a></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Using this map (and as I am "playing" him) I have formulated Burgoyne's general plan of approach. </span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Burgoyne</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> will NOT launch a major attack via the town (street fighting is too messy.. Plus he </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">does</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> not want his troops and Indians running </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">amok among the warehouses - he want the town and its supplies intact). Instead, he will move towards the town, then pull most of his force off the Albany/Ft. Edward road and up the track to Cahos Falls (and the Mohawk River - with its portage and ferry connections). This gives him two practical lines of retreat to his bridgehead if he is repulsed. Here he will set up his main line of battle and his batteries.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">From the above map I have cut a "Table Map" (below) scaled to my Wargames Table and covering the area most likely to be affected by </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Burgoyne's</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">' (my) plan; i.e. the northern flank of gates's </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">position. This terrain will be laid out on the Wargames Table. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLIDsM0qLy2moP8DjgkrsMCZSW1otHt8YFFotDRNkfhY62dZiJFjDedEaKmi7pJrbI29qkTGicF8kgcL2TXA3uSDhzek7VZzlK2A5QBXzOHnvi63KTFoMK7Ih2xs3axFTD6mWVyafw-ne22AD_YfCcqqewMjkzR9xyPqxyoPETMOGsnTfQog3uSdaA=s1596" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1596" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLIDsM0qLy2moP8DjgkrsMCZSW1otHt8YFFotDRNkfhY62dZiJFjDedEaKmi7pJrbI29qkTGicF8kgcL2TXA3uSDhzek7VZzlK2A5QBXzOHnvi63KTFoMK7Ih2xs3axFTD6mWVyafw-ne22AD_YfCcqqewMjkzR9xyPqxyoPETMOGsnTfQog3uSdaA=w400-h200" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400;">I have allowed Gates to dig-in (basic </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400;">entrenchments</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400;">) during the time Burgoyne has been faffing about. This seems fair and in character. it will also make my job (as Burgoyne) harder.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; font-weight: 400;">While the rough layout of Gates's defences has been viewed from the high ground north of the Paltroon Creek valley and probed by his scouts, Burgoyne (i.e. me) does not know how exactly how Gates has deployed his actual forces.</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: 400;"><br style="font-weight: 700;" /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clinton, to the south, is still an unknown quantity. In theory he could "march to the guns" once the battle gets started in earnest. This will be an in-game decision, but would complicate matters as, assuming Gates will have set up some kind of defence to cover himself from Clinton, he would have to fight his way onto the ridge or into the town or even across Normans Creek (or even be really clever and try to outflank Gates by crossing Normans Creek further upstream). To be fair this ought to be fought as a separate action.</span></span></span></div><p></p><span style="font-size: small;">The British Battle Plan <br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is a real Gambler's Throw...<br /><br />The British Plan is to set up their heavy artillery on the northern ridge (using the track to the Ft. Edward road for access) to play on the enemy, while a reconnaissance in force (Light Companies, Jaegers and Indians under Fraser) moves through the woodlands to the west-cum-north-west to feel out Gates's western flank and attract his attention to that point of the field. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 400;">When the time is ripe, and gates engaged on his flank, the main force will then make as if to push from the northern ridge, across the relatively open area of mainly farmland in the Patroon creek valley, to demonstrate, and if opportunity allows, attack Gates's north facing entrenchments. <br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">At the same time, with Gates now distracted, two picked regiments will swiftly enter the town and secure the warehouse district (off table). Once the docks and warehouses are secured one regiment may be used to push up to the </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">dilapidated</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> fort and secure that and the defences facing Gates's position. However, that would be a bonus and at the discretion of the officer in command.<br /><br />We may find the Gates has placed forces in the town. If these are in any strength the attempt to take the warehouses will be aborted. </span><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Meanwhile a force made up of Hessian and British Grenadiers, under Von Riedesel, supported by a sudden and concentrated artillery barrage, will thrust up the bostals </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">where the two small tributaries of the Platroon cut into the slopes of Gates's ridge,</span> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400;">near the north end of the town entrenchment, </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">to take the small redoubt there. </span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZNqRLp1peyX6GpQcSmp-6UEVflflvZ-Mdr_mpj2udjE697s9Wo-Grmu8_wOPupXB-91RRfhL3dpTNJsG7v6YPmCmSxx-1mQ8i8KJVPURXhYuuuu300RvrvaTXzF4OIG8kM5ZCLFThw4351hKcJG4w0Pm73nwEoJZtSCMaTBGS91i4qyfYhRX5XaF1=s1426" style="font-family: Verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1426" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZNqRLp1peyX6GpQcSmp-6UEVflflvZ-Mdr_mpj2udjE697s9Wo-Grmu8_wOPupXB-91RRfhL3dpTNJsG7v6YPmCmSxx-1mQ8i8KJVPURXhYuuuu300RvrvaTXzF4OIG8kM5ZCLFThw4351hKcJG4w0Pm73nwEoJZtSCMaTBGS91i4qyfYhRX5XaF1=w400-h243" width="400" /></a><br /><span><br /><span style="font-weight: 400;">[There are no tracks actually marked on the period maps, but it seems reasonable to assume that these little valleys would be regularly used to access the top of the ridge from the valley/farmland - see pic from Mr. Google above, looking up towards the ridge - and thus, at the very least, have paths up them.] </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">With both his flanks threatened it is thought Gates will likely pull back from his defences facing the Paltroon Valley, possibly allowing these to be overrun by the British by the main force with light losses.<br /><br />He may withdraw into the town of course, or pull back to his southern (south-facing) defences, and hunker down there.<br /><br />However, with luck - and bearing in mind Clinton breathing down his neck in the south - forcing him to fall back MAY end with him attempting to withdraw along to the track to Schenectady (and Lafayette) rather than heading into Albany to make a fight of it there. However, this will rely on him not feeling too pressed by the Lights and Indians.<br /><br />If he takes the Schenectady route he can then be </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">harassed by the lights and Indians to see him on his way. <br /><br /></span><span><span style="font-weight: 400;">If he simply concentrates in the south then a combined attack by both Burgoyne and Clinton should end him tomorrow. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div>If he pulls into Albany this will be a bit of a pain (and a risk to the warehouses?), but the combined heavy artillery of Burgoyne and Clinton on the heights should make him see sense in a day or two.</div><div><br /></div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIzKzmlCToCNNjqg7CQ8aOfNQtUd8MdIWXd7Q0MOPAyNTWG9BeCztCgmi4qCuooffXxVP7qJNPa3l_rTDqUfJeKfSkayCWu2-jEPMRwQ2WnW1Y_m2MGuEBoSWJ4Ii_hg-KKkDJK4KQfwDRSWX0tetujAWjXQZQ1uEzXMriDrjAoE4h5geHC9Kkdxb0=s2214" style="font-size: 18.72px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2214" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIzKzmlCToCNNjqg7CQ8aOfNQtUd8MdIWXd7Q0MOPAyNTWG9BeCztCgmi4qCuooffXxVP7qJNPa3l_rTDqUfJeKfSkayCWu2-jEPMRwQ2WnW1Y_m2MGuEBoSWJ4Ii_hg-KKkDJK4KQfwDRSWX0tetujAWjXQZQ1uEzXMriDrjAoE4h5geHC9Kkdxb0=w400-h226" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gates's Plan:</span></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Not known to me... We can guess at:<br /><br />First: To preserve his army as a fighting force.<br />Second: To see off the British.<br />Third: To hold Albany and prevent the warehouses etc. falling into British hands.<br /><br />If he succeeds achieving a stalemate there is a light chance that the British may falter, giving Lafayette the chance to come to Gate's assistance in the coming weeks.<br /><br />Of course, with gung-ho commanders like Arnold in his army he may have difficulties here and there.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Victory Conditions:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">I'm a great </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">believer</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> in Victory Conditions </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">suiting</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> the contemporary narrative, not being "points" based, based on the military ideal or some retrospective concept of "aims" as imposed by historians. <br /><br />With Gates his (unknown to me and to be decided post battle) Victory Conditions will match with the above plan. With Burgoyne self-interest will have an influence on the British Victory conditions...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 400;">OK, if Gates pulls out towards Lafayette this will not achieve a decisive victory for the British since Gates's army will likely have suffered few serous losses. However, from Burgoyne's personal point of view this is possibly the best result since it will mean:</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 400;">1) Burgoyne </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400;">(and not Clinton) </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">will have been seen to have defeated the enemy - and alone, with no help from "sluggard" Clinton.<br /><br />2) </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400;">Burgoyne </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400;">(and not Clinton) </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400;">will have captured Albany intact (Yay Burgoyne!).<br /><br />3) As a result it will be Burgoyne </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400;">(and not Clinton) </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">who will be seen to have given the Rebels a bloody nose, and hence it will be Burgoyne who will be lionised in the newsheets, given a vote of thanks in Parliament, congratulated by the king etc. etc. etc. Who knows, there may even be a complimentary cartoon to prop up on the mantelpiece... ? Or maybe there's even a play in it..? Here's dreaming....</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQKmXuM_ZYqH7aZW8ceT2dTXiME2sBLKWLy2Mzxb1KpSdAqGowm0P1HJ5mi0dnK3LV2j67AYqqlyEvfduLUyGy-6BisvLCMtZhJ5n_Y_SjU4hnSIf-5oDBg6bW95uBBe_E1cOx1iqDyec6jIJHv-uQy3_F6hSlqjJFoobUX5NbzwOXdzyaNey7CveR=s1000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQKmXuM_ZYqH7aZW8ceT2dTXiME2sBLKWLy2Mzxb1KpSdAqGowm0P1HJ5mi0dnK3LV2j67AYqqlyEvfduLUyGy-6BisvLCMtZhJ5n_Y_SjU4hnSIf-5oDBg6bW95uBBe_E1cOx1iqDyec6jIJHv-uQy3_F6hSlqjJFoobUX5NbzwOXdzyaNey7CveR=w400-h213" width="400" /></a></div></span></div></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />So let's say British Conditions are:</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">First: Push Gates from his northern defences and secure the warehouses in Albany, </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">with minimal losses.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Second: </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;">Take Albany, pushing Gates aside, and effecting a junction with Clinton.</span></span></div></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Third: Drive Gates reeling towards </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Schenectady and take Albany</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pre-Battle Thoughts:</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;">This has the makings of an interesting fight. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;">The British plan is perhaps over complex - a real Gambler's Plan - which could go VERY astray. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;">Gates (or at least his sub-commanders) is a bit of an unknown quantity. He may be sensibly cautious. He may be prompted by others to be more aggressive. </span></span></div></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Apropos Burgoyne himself; I first became aware of the fascinating "Gentleman Johnny" at school via a play reading of Shaw's "The Devil's Disciple" (I read "The Sergeant") and, about the same time, an account of Saratoga in my childhood book club copy of "Great Military Battles" by Cyril Bentham Falls. I have yet to read any of Burgoyne's plays, but have seen some of his verse. An interesting guy...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 400;">In passing, I stumbled across this somewhat idiosyncratic biography of Burgoyne online the other day.. A little odd, and somewhat dated perhaps, but I found it amusing - plus providing some interesting scenarios in his earlier adventures...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 400;">http://joan.delahyde.com/johnny/Gentleman_Johnny_Burgoyne_Complete.pdf </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><div><span style="font-weight: 400;">So.. All I have to do now is finish some scratch-built field defences and set up the table, and we're away.... I will try to make sure the post battle report contains details of the "Decision Process" and C&C Difficulty issues. Watch, as they say, this space....</span></div></span></div></h3>Ian Denyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125926108621282248noreply@blogger.com0