tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23285669820754126542024-03-18T03:02:32.987+00:00Devon Wargames GroupA blog for the Devon Wargames Group, which meets on the second Saturday of each month at the Whipton Institute, 16 Whipton Village Road, Whipton, Exeter, EX4 8AW.
Doors open at 10.30am.
jcrallshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03641911656118603234noreply@blogger.comBlogger395125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-41730018188305342342024-03-16T07:40:00.000+00:002024-03-16T07:40:21.737+00:00Camperdown, Attack of the Leeward Division - Kiss Me, Hardy.<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicu8b9VpKb58ygQr8Ohou2Ud7Pc4TGH09eWEk33dQz9F5bPIHSiYrxgTsMT9xRAWkEOkd1uKOGIYsyvAIdVsiRqVRuLQqggeiKQSspCimdqZNrd2vqGTdvPRDjxTLwdgp-QQgMoqUKbGILUQ9c1ByT-gLxiHY7wmo2vig_Ece8JxGatxA9TypKa1esVMI/s860/batavian-republic-navy-nav-images-in-publ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="860" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicu8b9VpKb58ygQr8Ohou2Ud7Pc4TGH09eWEk33dQz9F5bPIHSiYrxgTsMT9xRAWkEOkd1uKOGIYsyvAIdVsiRqVRuLQqggeiKQSspCimdqZNrd2vqGTdvPRDjxTLwdgp-QQgMoqUKbGILUQ9c1ByT-gLxiHY7wmo2vig_Ece8JxGatxA9TypKa1esVMI/w640-h358/batavian-republic-navy-nav-images-in-publ.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The previous six months has seen me focussing on building the British and Batavian Dutch fleets that fought the Battle of Camperdown on the 11th October 1797 in 1:700th scale using the range of models from Warlord Games' Black Seas collection.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgs3Su7nSkznJTebwX70UVNSBl1UnmxhVDyLiLjP6VD1pFuYIJJQ5PnsrUVg1ZN6fJ580P9a4Q1-F8GnkVIlR4rb6DAfrR2-cfvnKr8bFGI8n9X_x-iPrX3EKnAvqrg5TN-CwyaQ5agbZRtUMV6Vy_8wPLAFnRsY02LePfhZZpNuHb3KBJUPNyV7A9ImXU/s860/batavian-republic-navy-nav-images-in-publ_7e3a013eba85fbba10e98e1447571907.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="860" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3Su7nSkznJTebwX70UVNSBl1UnmxhVDyLiLjP6VD1pFuYIJJQ5PnsrUVg1ZN6fJ580P9a4Q1-F8GnkVIlR4rb6DAfrR2-cfvnKr8bFGI8n9X_x-iPrX3EKnAvqrg5TN-CwyaQ5agbZRtUMV6Vy_8wPLAFnRsY02LePfhZZpNuHb3KBJUPNyV7A9ImXU/w400-h236/batavian-republic-navy-nav-images-in-publ_7e3a013eba85fbba10e98e1447571907.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://jjwargames.blogspot.com/2024/03/all-at-sea-battle-of-camperdown-project.html"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">JJ's Wargames - All at Sea, Battle of Camperdown - Project Build, Part Six</span></b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As well as documenting the progress of this project build on my personal blog 'JJ's Wargames' I have been keen to try out ideas for playing the battle with a new set of fleet rules, 'Far Distant Ships' (FDS) by David Manley whilst also preparing the option for using the tried and trusted Kiss Me, Hardy (KMH) rules where time permits to play a longer game.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjFCouSAHqYrB4ChlIIvn3ZzezySzLl0Aba1moeSbBO6AckwLKV2YNBKmlDhl-8uTVGQH33K8a9NWvMVgL_BzSKvVGE9_dRFg0wKXX75wJa7tYraB9temRtnU_O8Iw20EN8sfbotemCu1xL3DQS-IoBesJQrvDugoZYhTw1F_yl1RiWYkHjh5KWAPR_jFs/s640/Header%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCouSAHqYrB4ChlIIvn3ZzezySzLl0Aba1moeSbBO6AckwLKV2YNBKmlDhl-8uTVGQH33K8a9NWvMVgL_BzSKvVGE9_dRFg0wKXX75wJa7tYraB9temRtnU_O8Iw20EN8sfbotemCu1xL3DQS-IoBesJQrvDugoZYhTw1F_yl1RiWYkHjh5KWAPR_jFs/w400-h225/Header%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://jjwargames.blogspot.com/2024/02/battle-of-camperdown-leeward-division.html"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">JJ's Wargames - Battle of Camperdown - The Leeward Division Attacks, Far Distant Ships</span></b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can follow the progress too-date with the project build and the recent play-test of FDS in the links above.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My original plan was to try out some other ideas with FDS at club, but with the number of folks wanting to play and keen to keep everyone involved, something my current collection using FDS would struggle to do, I opted to play the same scenario recreating the attack on the Batavian rear by the British Leeward Division, seen in the illustration and map below, using KMH to compare and contrast the games those rules will produce.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjJAghx4RdMEoq9IbtgMxw2731zgT-L6i32T5hcGLn3zNaBRALG4tf9OOajwvE_aNNzYMqSeC9e5mL9ODAuKy_N58U_Zb4ecOVIdljtuIFyHWIr8lRAw1WUmp1wYJSRtt_mWGeumLKdn_XvmqtRfQ1ie1mdHN3FyyFAG9j1mvzC_XD9vHpOnrx21oOeatM/s1838/Panorama%20adapted.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1838" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAghx4RdMEoq9IbtgMxw2731zgT-L6i32T5hcGLn3zNaBRALG4tf9OOajwvE_aNNzYMqSeC9e5mL9ODAuKy_N58U_Zb4ecOVIdljtuIFyHWIr8lRAw1WUmp1wYJSRtt_mWGeumLKdn_XvmqtRfQ1ie1mdHN3FyyFAG9j1mvzC_XD9vHpOnrx21oOeatM/w640-h254/Panorama%20adapted.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A primary document illustrating the developing British attack on the Batavian line at Camperdown, with our game focussing on the attack of the British leeward division as highlighted</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The set up uses the ships identified in the plan below. leaving out the British fourth-rate <i>Adamant</i>, not really needed given the superiority of the British force, or any of the British light ships for that matter.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhq_AenqsS1dA5eydblP7dsfTbtTfPbUfFxHG-jxcXtELkz9BLVejga0r3l01g2R6rkv-zheS77d1yIRnjOCZ4Zg2RreYVJq51h8fuRCbWAVlviOta7flzgAWz1K9XeM6axQzolR3IZRDaKsSV05gUpXu7nSzyQk8lRPBC8JbhgzybRbonQyR_cxtpQ4mU/s602/Plan%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="602" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_AenqsS1dA5eydblP7dsfTbtTfPbUfFxHG-jxcXtELkz9BLVejga0r3l01g2R6rkv-zheS77d1yIRnjOCZ4Zg2RreYVJq51h8fuRCbWAVlviOta7flzgAWz1K9XeM6axQzolR3IZRDaKsSV05gUpXu7nSzyQk8lRPBC8JbhgzybRbonQyR_cxtpQ4mU/w640-h268/Plan%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plan illustrating the primary ships involved in this battle within a battle at about 12.30 on the 11th October 1797.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The table below illustrates the set up, with the Batavian rear, drawn up in line of battle to the left, with the 40-gun frigate <i>Monnikkendam </i>and the 16-gun brig <i>Daphne </i>acting as a second line and ordered to engage any attempts by the British to penetrate the battle-line.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the opposite side are the British leeward division led by their flagship HMS <i>Monarch </i>74-guns bearing down on the enemy line in line abreast (well sort of), not quite in 'Spithead Review' order given the necessity placed on them to close with the enemy quickly to prevent them from edging into the shallows beyond, that would better enable the more shallow drafted Dutchmen to escape battle.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEhXRL2z3JdmhXHVCg-2RFMML2VtYp7tutQ9xdtoEDqbO9zkd0zGcbLbLLRR1mllwOd8xdxTNiHBEEh-IDBaKn6xHNZ6JYq_fXjETw_1zG7q9y2LyhMTX_YTnOi_oBgZu_KGAd6lrfYZuT5Q-zQx6tHcbwU1oto8pE2v9DobU1Aa4GJDDxV_q88O_3hXEJc/s4631/P1120177a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1914" data-original-width="4631" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRL2z3JdmhXHVCg-2RFMML2VtYp7tutQ9xdtoEDqbO9zkd0zGcbLbLLRR1mllwOd8xdxTNiHBEEh-IDBaKn6xHNZ6JYq_fXjETw_1zG7q9y2LyhMTX_YTnOi_oBgZu_KGAd6lrfYZuT5Q-zQx6tHcbwU1oto8pE2v9DobU1Aa4GJDDxV_q88O_3hXEJc/w640-h264/P1120177a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plan and panorama brought to life on the table as the battle commences.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As in the previous game the Batavians were accorded the benefit of superior gunnery given the training they had indulged in whilst blockaded in their home port of the Texel, in this game fighting as 'San Culottes' under KMH to reflect their lesser sailing abilities compared to the British but with their gunnery upped by one class, thus for example seeing an Average Sans Culottes crew firing as an elite crew.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgNWVVYipeQ1j535Yx84NtcXd56p9uxsyvm-qEtKkpHIMo92_Ychx-6aKundKQncNw7cAikx01YIypXg2jiOaWKIjdyQ-93gai2BFvTyq80lKdXHPoQEY3HtEIbZZhNXQFhdhEdlXXcEOWQjSAbaLy-apIsii5gHlpLdZ9oVlKDuBhtASNh_hznGSYjQBc/s4328/P1120178a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1733" data-original-width="4328" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWVVYipeQ1j535Yx84NtcXd56p9uxsyvm-qEtKkpHIMo92_Ychx-6aKundKQncNw7cAikx01YIypXg2jiOaWKIjdyQ-93gai2BFvTyq80lKdXHPoQEY3HtEIbZZhNXQFhdhEdlXXcEOWQjSAbaLy-apIsii5gHlpLdZ9oVlKDuBhtASNh_hznGSYjQBc/w640-h256/P1120178a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of the approaching British from the deck of the frigate <i>Monnikendam</i>, with closest to camera <i>Cerberus </i>68-guns, with following the flagship <i>Jupiter </i>74-guns, the <i>Haarlem </i>68-guns and the <i>Alkmaar </i>56-guns.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Similarly, to reflect the Batavian captains reports of having to close lower gun ports on the leeward side because of the effects of the wind, we had them test prior to firing their leeward guns for said effects with a simple die roll that would see ports closed on a score of 1, 2 or 3 and a partial broadside resulting. </div><br /><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/AVvXsEjV4Pszp7qO2k_cm8AfzJs58ip-bB1-IACsz298xTwPIbMtKbFhxXMOF_Xph5PjZQ3JhnhVOiZUNRji3wvraV256tc90YOufFHCiMCs-wzmHdzWQpPMY-ApeDfGxVqJ9Ki0NQjj-3-fcELcDSV9yZzp1SEHY-Cbh7ESCUSEfPkjpmM7V8w_wp9V8xXNSBI/s4896/P1120181a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2533" data-original-width="4896" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4Pszp7qO2k_cm8AfzJs58ip-bB1-IACsz298xTwPIbMtKbFhxXMOF_Xph5PjZQ3JhnhVOiZUNRji3wvraV256tc90YOufFHCiMCs-wzmHdzWQpPMY-ApeDfGxVqJ9Ki0NQjj-3-fcELcDSV9yZzp1SEHY-Cbh7ESCUSEfPkjpmM7V8w_wp9V8xXNSBI/w640-h332/P1120181a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Batavian line maintains its heading and holds its fire as the British bear down.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the British, we played a test to see if captains would obey the signal to pass through the enemy line to leeward with a D6 test, with ships failing on a 1 or 2, the <i>Monarch </i>on a 1, for which a failed test would see the affected ship turn away and engage their opponent on the windward side.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgFGAntBjKdf0Hcg62olXxmk0J4qaX6zVEYeQYt3sYIkyW04dHLS3L9be1MiRClb-ONVSbKq2MqNobquFScFoxjalYDAzMgrh0hKQ-x4iaI0TbmIWTspiJmZ2iiJpR1yHEWhE2_pJ45C3tA7iCw-NhTgRlMpRs1hNSzQwbo80px2AeMMMaFP8-KdBOh2Is/s905/Captain%20John%20Williamson%20circa%201775.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="733" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGAntBjKdf0Hcg62olXxmk0J4qaX6zVEYeQYt3sYIkyW04dHLS3L9be1MiRClb-ONVSbKq2MqNobquFScFoxjalYDAzMgrh0hKQ-x4iaI0TbmIWTspiJmZ2iiJpR1yHEWhE2_pJ45C3tA7iCw-NhTgRlMpRs1hNSzQwbo80px2AeMMMaFP8-KdBOh2Is/s320/Captain%20John%20Williamson%20circa%201775.jpg" width="259" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The infamous Captain John Williamson</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In addition we had the 'battle-shy', Captain John Williamson, commanding HMS <i>Agincourt </i>64-guns, modelled by having said ship turn away to windward once withing medium gunnery range, only able to come closer to any enemy vessel that had struck previously. </div><br /><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/AVvXsEgplA7Irv4nuXFl6i1LwI0UMoFCiha_8g7tEOSq5IKCcb55p0qkkYnwGVgr6PQXH5BaB1yfrB4euDdUJyYZsEwefY5Duu0_nZ4E1SecOnsvC1SP4IsqIjrCRdYWncJV46Hy7YjQnM_H0C4h2cbYjU_EaJ6jWXvr5eQS6h4KUgUfNd43WMoyqQLHAKhJeJ8/s4896/P1120182a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3271" data-original-width="4896" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplA7Irv4nuXFl6i1LwI0UMoFCiha_8g7tEOSq5IKCcb55p0qkkYnwGVgr6PQXH5BaB1yfrB4euDdUJyYZsEwefY5Duu0_nZ4E1SecOnsvC1SP4IsqIjrCRdYWncJV46Hy7YjQnM_H0C4h2cbYjU_EaJ6jWXvr5eQS6h4KUgUfNd43WMoyqQLHAKhJeJ8/w640-h428/P1120182a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HMS <i>Monarch </i>opens the British account with a daring short range bow-chaser pop at the Batavian flag ship <i>Jupiter </i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With a quartering wind the British barrelled along, to come within short range in about three turns of play, with the Batavians holding their fire, not able to take advantage of the normal Sans Culottes advantages of firing at the rigging, as this was not in their doctrine, with all the added bonuses better suited to firing into British hulls instead.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEh4BzBdY4ZxeQX_Y9k1xCbCtumiy8oVNWdOilIqQaJ2POG4x35G8uZ7KI6TfqhN6tgb7E6aleYSpJC0tiqe8r8WBxaUUiCldcRQO_LZkJcJbQBqJSUyYjAo3VrIsu5Wrj3COQSxPi2SYw5isAv6v3mflb37HRhZdJMEJSMcmBKkrk5BpkU5suHbwwXWS5M/s4896/P1120183a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2105" data-original-width="4896" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BzBdY4ZxeQX_Y9k1xCbCtumiy8oVNWdOilIqQaJ2POG4x35G8uZ7KI6TfqhN6tgb7E6aleYSpJC0tiqe8r8WBxaUUiCldcRQO_LZkJcJbQBqJSUyYjAo3VrIsu5Wrj3COQSxPi2SYw5isAv6v3mflb37HRhZdJMEJSMcmBKkrk5BpkU5suHbwwXWS5M/w640-h276/P1120183a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was not long in coming, as the <i>Jupiter </i>acknowledged the British salute with one of her own </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With some contempt, the two British 74's, <i>Monarch</i>, and <i>Powerful </i>closed to short range with their bows pointing at Batavian broadsides yet to open fire, gambling that the next opportunity to fire would see the appropriate chit drawn after the ships concerned had moved away presenting their stern galleries for a following rake.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As if to underline the contempt, the <i>Monarch </i>blasted the Batavian flagship, <i>Jupiter, </i>with her brass bow-chasers, only to get a full salute back at short range, the gamble having not quite paid off.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERs-AWfzHRsntqdKuhFF8NYkaBKgtXahF8As6xU4XfT7ddXEZFU_WWSxOGqh3Ds8RU498-0zAw17mNfdzNUPkhJhYIaSxySBg6zK08xjyQWlN-FZu5jVxUXmMwGRZHB6sGic-uMgtLCHLWnYF7nrW4zsjMHKhNdxVvRbqLyr7Caf3TQ4efwPa5mq4X9k/s4542/P1120184a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3188" data-original-width="4542" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERs-AWfzHRsntqdKuhFF8NYkaBKgtXahF8As6xU4XfT7ddXEZFU_WWSxOGqh3Ds8RU498-0zAw17mNfdzNUPkhJhYIaSxySBg6zK08xjyQWlN-FZu5jVxUXmMwGRZHB6sGic-uMgtLCHLWnYF7nrW4zsjMHKhNdxVvRbqLyr7Caf3TQ4efwPa5mq4X9k/w640-h450/P1120184a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The <i>Monarch </i>got off comparatively lightly with the <i>Jupiter </i>failing to convert a critical hit result to add to the pain of her initial broadside, easily shaking off the resulting strike test for taking a bow rake on her approach.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">However the <i>Powerful </i>wasn't so fortunate, taking a well directed broadside from the <i>Haarlem </i>following the <i>Jupiter </i>that caused severe damage with a critical hit resulting in high officer casualties that also saw Captain O'Bryen Drury killed, (I include a test for captain's being killed or wounded whenever a ship get's a 'high officer casualties' result from the critical hits table, thus adding to the narrative of the game) well illustrating the respect needed for Batavian gunnery.</div><br /><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/AVvXsEhPBBANky5tzqnYWn9daB89i3ewWMlbUb3r0vVCC1CIYP3NnIJsKsXP-OQYDZbKyBkzjZfs-svQw0oj3HgLWwsdAfqD4EuYeZUSmtMIVuN8W5eckwgXHqYtYxZd6DlD2sJrZhzmjq-TaBBbizFyOv2G0h9QuuhtxrcEtBFVN2Shal_XToPUqKi6JdELXMc/s4896/P1120185a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3282" data-original-width="4896" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBBANky5tzqnYWn9daB89i3ewWMlbUb3r0vVCC1CIYP3NnIJsKsXP-OQYDZbKyBkzjZfs-svQw0oj3HgLWwsdAfqD4EuYeZUSmtMIVuN8W5eckwgXHqYtYxZd6DlD2sJrZhzmjq-TaBBbizFyOv2G0h9QuuhtxrcEtBFVN2Shal_XToPUqKi6JdELXMc/w640-h430/P1120185a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two flagships <i>Monarch </i>and <i>Juno </i>dishing out the short range broadsides with the Batavian ship carrying a strike test marker</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The two leading British third-rates heralded the wave-like attack of the British line as one by one they passed their test to pass through the Batavian line issuing passing stern and often bow rakes to their nearest opponents that left the Batavian line reeling under this first fire, with the two fourth-rates, Delft and Alkmaar bringing up the rear amply illustrating the obsolescence of this rate to take its place in the line of battle, both having their helms shot away in critical hit damage that added to the hits already sustained.</div><br /><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/AVvXsEhTEPjxETeSStdTQa7J9EvzAtSNn69i1gl_NSMmG4swlefQANr8MhRZsDliGLaCt8p5asBQuzYf-VKLfAwT_sR_ludbCA3nw0LlbU7Wn_IMvfjpa4HxdvjSpzqYx-lkgsnPnHEWe53LScD-NRecD4P3atNtumVWcYgCwhYtEG3uBuyBgQTaEyoK9FU1ggY/s4896/P1120186a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3123" data-original-width="4896" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEPjxETeSStdTQa7J9EvzAtSNn69i1gl_NSMmG4swlefQANr8MhRZsDliGLaCt8p5asBQuzYf-VKLfAwT_sR_ludbCA3nw0LlbU7Wn_IMvfjpa4HxdvjSpzqYx-lkgsnPnHEWe53LScD-NRecD4P3atNtumVWcYgCwhYtEG3uBuyBgQTaEyoK9FU1ggY/w640-h408/P1120186a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Powerful </i>74-guns goes broadside to broadside with <i>Haarlem </i>68-guns, the latter out of control having lost her helm in the previous rake and both ships carrying red-bordered strike test markers, which both ships would subsequently fail to pass.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The passing rakes were leaving the Batavian line tottering on strike tests as their shattered ships decided whether they would continue to resist, with most passing the test but now having to face the contest fought out on their larboard side.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The two flagships began the contest battering each other at short range in a test of will as to who would concede first, that would see the <i>Jupiter </i>battered into submission over the next couple of turns, losing her main mast and half her guns as the <i>Monarch's </i>got into the rhythm of their gunnery to force the Batavian flag to strike</div></div><div><br /></div>However the <i>Jupiter </i>was not the first ship to haul down her colours as <i>Alkmaar </i>grabbed that dubious honour, unsurprisingly coming off the worse with a close encounter with Captain Bligh's <i>Director</i>, but was swiftly followed by HMS <i>Powerful</i>, losing her fight with the <i>Haarlem </i>together with her bowsprit which coupled with the loss of her captain seemed to take the fight out of the British third-rate; failing her strike test on an asked for pass of 80% or less and rolling 91%!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7inCnUWuFjhMf1la-AZSGmJEDkA9ZTIRmgEhm1L-jr-_d18Bw4LUKmmyiwDQz73MjusGRQa4V8qMyoaSAKCJP6plJCBCL3rpXyXi-_P5jiX5huv8E_A2DHLXGZMkRDSeD0UE3hcVrx1Dpa_4vcoYqy8_fZHYlbHmiG-8fuXlAYgbqffYVL8qPnek1DU/s4323/P1120195a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1389" data-original-width="4323" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7inCnUWuFjhMf1la-AZSGmJEDkA9ZTIRmgEhm1L-jr-_d18Bw4LUKmmyiwDQz73MjusGRQa4V8qMyoaSAKCJP6plJCBCL3rpXyXi-_P5jiX5huv8E_A2DHLXGZMkRDSeD0UE3hcVrx1Dpa_4vcoYqy8_fZHYlbHmiG-8fuXlAYgbqffYVL8qPnek1DU/w640-h206/P1120195a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As the <i>Monarch </i>and <i>Triumph </i>were entangled with their respective fights with <i>Jupiter </i>and <i>Haarlem</i>, the other British third-rates started to pass through the rearward ships of the Batavian line, whilst the <i>Agincourt</i>, true to form, swung away to a larboard course at medium gunnery range to run a parallel course with the enemy line.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qQsnDl9SN0eFSUTENjqGddcQ5iRN1W3EPgu9LOuxgSVYW28DKIPXZBbbFDm6Mx-oB9JHZjjXq-3yaGU3oB3H0ehjvJPParmTlqStLVfpzDH0Pc5En_HSlVRV1yW3t91ychkqZoaUOnwVfdKabwLZ1eZqfnc9raZc-eTU1ZObj98NLRRUqy5oMetY2k4/s4896/P1120194a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2035" data-original-width="4896" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qQsnDl9SN0eFSUTENjqGddcQ5iRN1W3EPgu9LOuxgSVYW28DKIPXZBbbFDm6Mx-oB9JHZjjXq-3yaGU3oB3H0ehjvJPParmTlqStLVfpzDH0Pc5En_HSlVRV1yW3t91ychkqZoaUOnwVfdKabwLZ1eZqfnc9raZc-eTU1ZObj98NLRRUqy5oMetY2k4/w640-h266/P1120194a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Captain Bligh in the <i>Director </i>64-guns came up in support of the struggling <i>Powerful</i>, pouring in a stern rake on the <i>Haarlem </i>as she closed to replace the <i>Powerful</i>, now struck and drifting out of the fight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Behind the <i>Director </i>came the <i>Russell </i>74-guns, <i>Monmouth </i>64-guns and the <i>Montagu </i>74-guns with the first two dismantling the Batavian 56-gun fourth-rates, <i>Delft </i>and <i>Alkmaar </i>with raking fire, causing the latter to strike almost immediately after the punishing fire destroyed her helm and knocked out half her battery of guns.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4aW7geUl7Gw20Dui5iNIAA6wQhEILMpONtbKfu2A3BwR4hEbaSNvb7c_KP5eLkfzHI2wWJLwT3fqg896sYKtdqz8eoDiVA2J0bzeU9WLQXigWw1e2tOfDIGzCRo6EDDWbGAnynS6YbtrXf3WgGMMVxOHuGco5vQUj02sqsyZ-xCTj-RicSZzOa2_tFA/s3810/P1120193a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2533" data-original-width="3810" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4aW7geUl7Gw20Dui5iNIAA6wQhEILMpONtbKfu2A3BwR4hEbaSNvb7c_KP5eLkfzHI2wWJLwT3fqg896sYKtdqz8eoDiVA2J0bzeU9WLQXigWw1e2tOfDIGzCRo6EDDWbGAnynS6YbtrXf3WgGMMVxOHuGco5vQUj02sqsyZ-xCTj-RicSZzOa2_tFA/w640-h426/P1120193a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>With the striking of the <i>Delft</i>, soon to be followed by the flagship <i>Jupiter</i>, the Batavians were still fighting hard but teetering on a break-off test, with another two strikes likely to cause those still under orders to make best course for the nearby shoals in the hope of shaking off any British pursuit.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgqd3UKuxS6ju3Fh26662kpc1w3jlPYACJ14SQuXwnzWYJ5EoSlLXSRqiBpgT5OlDO-eF2R5OHYk6oQ0Tl7-WmcG0vXZxgvJ_REaCZe4X_z-v8Rc-rEDc_1k3aYK-7XLkGwg6KQpYs_F1CK4zUB1AjY_oAydb0P929oXQObvgNEPb1gFtXdbdQ614geVpc/s4896/P1120189a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2483" data-original-width="4896" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqd3UKuxS6ju3Fh26662kpc1w3jlPYACJ14SQuXwnzWYJ5EoSlLXSRqiBpgT5OlDO-eF2R5OHYk6oQ0Tl7-WmcG0vXZxgvJ_REaCZe4X_z-v8Rc-rEDc_1k3aYK-7XLkGwg6KQpYs_F1CK4zUB1AjY_oAydb0P929oXQObvgNEPb1gFtXdbdQ614geVpc/w640-h324/P1120189a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Cerberus </i>68-guns makes good her escape as the <i>Agincourt </i>stands off with the <i>Monarch </i>just off her larboard side overseeing the Batavian surrender</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>The end was not long in coming with the <i>Delft </i>striking soon after the <i>Alkmaar </i>after drawing the attention of both the <i>Russell </i>and <i>Montague</i>, with the former taking a broadside from the diminutive little Batavian 16-gun brig, <i>Daphne </i>trying to offer support to her struggling comrades.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEgsrS9vrNNApjAUellVyyXzVZHXlqBFTvq4LOMddjHgItBEKJB3dmbmo5DJei7bJ7qb8-pfHfTbUBkd6qe1b_5cmCtkdZvt3XtSPtfJF2OhnjLKnTWr_RGqtP5TJzq4QbhXkMroOr840JilRwG3UlMESq80DSn8yLKoenslBEzv0Aj29SYC21pO9kSCOoU/s4406/P1120187a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2517" data-original-width="4406" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrS9vrNNApjAUellVyyXzVZHXlqBFTvq4LOMddjHgItBEKJB3dmbmo5DJei7bJ7qb8-pfHfTbUBkd6qe1b_5cmCtkdZvt3XtSPtfJF2OhnjLKnTWr_RGqtP5TJzq4QbhXkMroOr840JilRwG3UlMESq80DSn8yLKoenslBEzv0Aj29SYC21pO9kSCOoU/w640-h366/P1120187a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The British attack reaching its climax with the <i>Montagu</i>, <i>Russell </i>and <i>Monmouth </i>battering the two Batavian 56-gun fourth-rates <i>Alkmaar </i>and <i>Delft </i>as they prepare to pass through their line</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><div>There are not many historical sea fights involving ships of the line and the smaller fifth-rates, sixth-rates and lesser vessels exchanging fire, with notable exceptions such as the Battle of the Nile when the 32-gun French frigate <i>Sérieuse </i>unwisely opened fire on the British 74-gun third-rates <i>Goliath </i>and <i>Orion</i>, with the latter reducing the frigate to a smoking wreck with a single close broadside in response.</div><div><br /></div><div>Likewise the Battle of Camperdown was a notable exception, with the Batavian light ships used as a second line to support their main battle line, with one of the Batavian brigs reported sunk in British log books from the battle after receiving return fire.</div></div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEizo5WVndfT32hHSc9CL3Ld0KMD8FBdqAkf-l2h92BfWhaMRdr9s6tugjduGyV3jOMDI3V1FlncoE_sEN4ciitlr6_FIewFHQSHsCQC5hcWqAbDFHa05qF0abzDkZIlE0Pfjo9CLegc3ZnQsU0XgnVi7MmlJIytdRVcgVNNgHbES8tZ4eGCx7iB_OTldN8/s4896/P1120188a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3078" data-original-width="4896" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizo5WVndfT32hHSc9CL3Ld0KMD8FBdqAkf-l2h92BfWhaMRdr9s6tugjduGyV3jOMDI3V1FlncoE_sEN4ciitlr6_FIewFHQSHsCQC5hcWqAbDFHa05qF0abzDkZIlE0Pfjo9CLegc3ZnQsU0XgnVi7MmlJIytdRVcgVNNgHbES8tZ4eGCx7iB_OTldN8/w640-h402/P1120188a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Batavian brig <i>Daphne </i>16-guns opens fire on the 74-gun <i>Russell</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div>The fire from the <i>Daphne </i>barely scratched the hull of the <i>Russell</i>, however the same couldn't be said for the <i>Daphne </i>as the 32-pounder shot shredded the hull of the brig, leaving a floating mass of matchwood and sealing the defeat of the Batavian rear with just the <i>Cerberus </i>68-guns and the frigate <i>Monnikendam </i>40-guns able to escape the table, leaving the British leeward division free to lend their support to the more hard-pressed windward division under Admiral Duncan further along the line of battle.</div><div> </div><div><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/AVvXsEia8I54AA5fRgJqogkI2o053gwnH-o1ezxJy7VCL7zrlbDcubbYH1lgkps6A7vcp8MugiLv3-7Yw3CkHwLO5gEqSur9heXuODg9vptDr3muPUurXvrdtp13OPAn55lq5Za1H3rDnHKtY8qcbHjCsPNzF1ALoXMno8zJZaF5imT6_FMsAftxi2p-4mUWRt0/s3568/P1120192a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3477" data-original-width="3568" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8I54AA5fRgJqogkI2o053gwnH-o1ezxJy7VCL7zrlbDcubbYH1lgkps6A7vcp8MugiLv3-7Yw3CkHwLO5gEqSur9heXuODg9vptDr3muPUurXvrdtp13OPAn55lq5Za1H3rDnHKtY8qcbHjCsPNzF1ALoXMno8zJZaF5imT6_FMsAftxi2p-4mUWRt0/w640-h624/P1120192a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The British division victorious with five Batavian prizes to secure, and the <i>Powerful </i>now able to honourably run up her colours and make repairs. The escaped <i>Monnikendam </i>can be seen off table to the right, and the furthest Batavian third-rate <i>Cerberus </i>is making good her escape unhindered by the <i>Agincourt </i>on her larboard quarter.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As is my usual practice with my games using KMH, I like to record the damage the players capture on their ship record cards, which help to underline the outcome of any tabletop action and the narrative created, by the damage inflicted on the respective fleets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjIY2fkS6o1_ePkK2JvvW0bwP9SxuSiIUkKb8KRnW7UEllc3AyctyOMXADgYc-DIP3GAbkx63jdwzZjdVFyK3oXNKPihlfr-0VOrdeFnroKkbtyMErRLQNpyVb21Z2xyTYHaD9ko36FM_k70oz-o_sjDGOzM0FjSVlKSdIjMDmyi1zeGy6efRahD44uHak/s4158/P1120196a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1928" data-original-width="4158" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIY2fkS6o1_ePkK2JvvW0bwP9SxuSiIUkKb8KRnW7UEllc3AyctyOMXADgYc-DIP3GAbkx63jdwzZjdVFyK3oXNKPihlfr-0VOrdeFnroKkbtyMErRLQNpyVb21Z2xyTYHaD9ko36FM_k70oz-o_sjDGOzM0FjSVlKSdIjMDmyi1zeGy6efRahD44uHak/w640-h296/P1120196a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Russell </i>74-guns, closest to camera, lowers boats to rescue the survivors of the sinking <i>Daphne</i>, now struck, whilst the two surviving Batavians break contact.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Batavian flagship <i>Jupiter's </i>Ship Record Card (SRC) seen below is illustrative of the battering received once the British opened fire at short range often starting with a stern rake and finishing off the job in another two turns of battle with short range broadsides, her opponent being the British 74-gun <i>Monarch</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhcFmHN80ghzL5AUU84u07bR-kAP6IpMDB2faNijREG6DTvEUXVvcFVq3vm2hzizwMTpiTL2aPwz_nma9qgnjZEc-y9YZDrxBLcQPbUZTIGQ6uu79Iy7Radpqbojrp3RiDId9vxLKtFKp0GHBpkyevrjNo9yyUT6i8QO5hjCg1hEIT33iryisRQeDqs780/s1824/SRC%20Guide%201.1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1824" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFmHN80ghzL5AUU84u07bR-kAP6IpMDB2faNijREG6DTvEUXVvcFVq3vm2hzizwMTpiTL2aPwz_nma9qgnjZEc-y9YZDrxBLcQPbUZTIGQ6uu79Iy7Radpqbojrp3RiDId9vxLKtFKp0GHBpkyevrjNo9yyUT6i8QO5hjCg1hEIT33iryisRQeDqs780/w640-h314/SRC%20Guide%201.1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Jupiter </i>battered into submission by <i>Monarch's </i>close range fire.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgzQgJSbLXtSSvU-sR2ppu1FiUvBGqWK9TscxhDX1k5SRueJi9P_ke8NhEfa4yQaWrxPSv3GlXm138AMq7JG2CydTYmyZPO_hI419sed7HE6A2IFqLUAsoX7Af7l-23hDmQaZnvmpI8M3kPuAFBH6BXrwXphEwg51IsXEocXUD0aZF2Yxt4SklfpJ4Vr5M/s874/Haarlem%20SRC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="823" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQgJSbLXtSSvU-sR2ppu1FiUvBGqWK9TscxhDX1k5SRueJi9P_ke8NhEfa4yQaWrxPSv3GlXm138AMq7JG2CydTYmyZPO_hI419sed7HE6A2IFqLUAsoX7Af7l-23hDmQaZnvmpI8M3kPuAFBH6BXrwXphEwg51IsXEocXUD0aZF2Yxt4SklfpJ4Vr5M/w602-h640/Haarlem%20SRC.jpg" width="602" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On a 35% strike level the <i>Haarlem </i>rates as carrying medium damage to her hull principally caused by the stern rake from <i>Triumph </i>and the follow up fire from <i>Director</i>, which also left her without helm control.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><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/AVvXsEgyFIDT58oimaYQW54QxWllYatBMBbPTYh1sgkjH-urNZZj1fJvB2dng72HC37WzQCJFyYhEP_Sk13KcGcn8foXLlMQ2SPwSHRqvfObv5jDn_GMgTETHfeGNUq_lFeaDzGlABDOg7cuoKA3lUe1L5WBUnUhOhlA8Ol1S0mwQfJvxyDWbRdYA0oALhHwAhc/s874/Alkmaar%20SRC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="823" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFIDT58oimaYQW54QxWllYatBMBbPTYh1sgkjH-urNZZj1fJvB2dng72HC37WzQCJFyYhEP_Sk13KcGcn8foXLlMQ2SPwSHRqvfObv5jDn_GMgTETHfeGNUq_lFeaDzGlABDOg7cuoKA3lUe1L5WBUnUhOhlA8Ol1S0mwQfJvxyDWbRdYA0oALhHwAhc/w602-h640/Alkmaar%20SRC.jpg" width="602" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As with <i>Jupiter</i>, the hull of the <i>Alkmaar </i>is absolutely shattered, easily explaining her decision to strike.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><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/AVvXsEiqDx9Q-fVRNMyiEY16yXRUeSu6CyUzB9PD27OzwPCLRoLqbmqhTBzuBtuzmbWP-SxDbkKTyGMdRVMjwUi8c4ITzQbXuD5RYtf2CCtSXegGinMvqsFY4s45RKquJp2-1tuc4DaSn-UrRMcStKCZWc1Y1TQ-_Kl1hwDYBth1i-TL4lXVF7ny3jFGnNKz7Co/s874/Delft%20SRC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="824" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDx9Q-fVRNMyiEY16yXRUeSu6CyUzB9PD27OzwPCLRoLqbmqhTBzuBtuzmbWP-SxDbkKTyGMdRVMjwUi8c4ITzQbXuD5RYtf2CCtSXegGinMvqsFY4s45RKquJp2-1tuc4DaSn-UrRMcStKCZWc1Y1TQ-_Kl1hwDYBth1i-TL4lXVF7ny3jFGnNKz7Co/w604-h640/Delft%20SRC.jpg" width="604" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like her sister fourth-rate, the <i>Delft </i>is equally battered, losing her mizzen mast from the passing stern rake.<span> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhJBABdEdQP2xvTIMDy1K7aNl3RWI2k5FKtmjmQbT_Rl7E0pnvy4m04REW4wxBSZ5McLKpdiNbTHu-ORDoDBf3l-eDVxwLkIwH30vws5hWqGtRtV_iAS0W27Di3mj6Of1ZHmBBjCKqnbrFdhjqmX9FExk5au1mXxkhWuefPihaENebtVrl0SG3-XGBrdo8/s873/Daphne%20SRC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="822" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBABdEdQP2xvTIMDy1K7aNl3RWI2k5FKtmjmQbT_Rl7E0pnvy4m04REW4wxBSZ5McLKpdiNbTHu-ORDoDBf3l-eDVxwLkIwH30vws5hWqGtRtV_iAS0W27Di3mj6Of1ZHmBBjCKqnbrFdhjqmX9FExk5au1mXxkhWuefPihaENebtVrl0SG3-XGBrdo8/w602-h640/Daphne%20SRC.jpg" width="602" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The brave, perhaps foolhardy little brig <i>Daphne </i>illustrates why unrated vessels should refrain from tackling anything much larger than a small sixth rate, that alone a British 74-gun third-rate.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEi32hOO7UHUeucjraFSvNHDn5ZEVhRynaLsf5mRNhwfV2DqA8sFG78aMgcUa_LHhfM6OqJnrMi9rOa-dJyzM28mvcZsLNihLjyFEJud60gqcObHhk98wUzBTWHHYIrO1GUR7x8F5P7GX88fYp3ARshMB7U22aOVgKfrFjlu5uQ-BBptAQC-AvDhMop_-bg/s875/Monarch%20SRC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="823" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32hOO7UHUeucjraFSvNHDn5ZEVhRynaLsf5mRNhwfV2DqA8sFG78aMgcUa_LHhfM6OqJnrMi9rOa-dJyzM28mvcZsLNihLjyFEJud60gqcObHhk98wUzBTWHHYIrO1GUR7x8F5P7GX88fYp3ARshMB7U22aOVgKfrFjlu5uQ-BBptAQC-AvDhMop_-bg/w602-h640/Monarch%20SRC.jpg" width="602" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Monarch </i>made short work of the <i>Jupiter </i>once she had passed her stern, taking most of the damage recorded here from a bow rake by the Batavian in her approach </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><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/AVvXsEg4aqHNIHJOUhtj_JC-wztuNgFWI-iQj0KRRxVx5CtQR_oedVQ8Gvyp5-gCyxGBWVRh8NaUpJcVBu9KeWNKBkqOu4HtErVcq63sbzJS1l-5HXrbKbWt5q2M2MjtdkO6ygPZI5rPlgs9CghC20WHoJH_tUkiktWHfDoPjHeLl7xi9Ioq_0aPyPKoMy9It6E/s873/Powerful%20SRC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="823" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aqHNIHJOUhtj_JC-wztuNgFWI-iQj0KRRxVx5CtQR_oedVQ8Gvyp5-gCyxGBWVRh8NaUpJcVBu9KeWNKBkqOu4HtErVcq63sbzJS1l-5HXrbKbWt5q2M2MjtdkO6ygPZI5rPlgs9CghC20WHoJH_tUkiktWHfDoPjHeLl7xi9Ioq_0aPyPKoMy9It6E/w604-h640/Powerful%20SRC.jpg" width="604" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Powerful </i>carries the damage from her bow rake received from the <i>Haarlem </i>which left her captain dying and impacted on her ability to rally from the subsequent strike test.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEiE0IApiybUsN7o2WCuk1j07s6JdLL2fUtXH6crCZ0jrEH8qxy9VxteLg3NWUj5qesvWLYWrBaWEY2bH9xBp3ZOKI5GhKn1gmUEm3QBKiaBIh2kCOzIp2Y3Wucz5JSLYbbggZy3z14LULCnK61CThsk6tvbJvYcPdwMjAIvwgf3Vc_YD2ee8WCcnhNhjaU/s1600/William_Bligh_-_Project_Gutenberg_eText_15411.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1256" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0IApiybUsN7o2WCuk1j07s6JdLL2fUtXH6crCZ0jrEH8qxy9VxteLg3NWUj5qesvWLYWrBaWEY2bH9xBp3ZOKI5GhKn1gmUEm3QBKiaBIh2kCOzIp2Y3Wucz5JSLYbbggZy3z14LULCnK61CThsk6tvbJvYcPdwMjAIvwgf3Vc_YD2ee8WCcnhNhjaU/s320/William_Bligh_-_Project_Gutenberg_eText_15411.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain William Bligh, referred to by his crew behind his back<br />as 'the Bounty Bastard', not renowned for his 'man-management' <br />skills, if his captaincy of HMB Bounty and later short lived <br />governorship of the penal colony in Sydney are illustrative, <br />but his performance at Camperdown, showed initiative and determination</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjhz2gdK98oaQHjfolfznnnqaH19sb0c8fry3qrnbMi6xV3PiVl1SQvofzFjqBCiVU8smCM2h6vZGOvGD1LJ1sHOyBO9OOaE1vTV3QqqzY3TppqmUA_GXnm0uduxWsuRk6bBHVSTPYARw03ZRmrfQxcbMR6VJscJCG11UMv_U01EZDNoojbLXDIEBfBV5w/s873/Director%20SRC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="834" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhz2gdK98oaQHjfolfznnnqaH19sb0c8fry3qrnbMi6xV3PiVl1SQvofzFjqBCiVU8smCM2h6vZGOvGD1LJ1sHOyBO9OOaE1vTV3QqqzY3TppqmUA_GXnm0uduxWsuRk6bBHVSTPYARw03ZRmrfQxcbMR6VJscJCG11UMv_U01EZDNoojbLXDIEBfBV5w/w612-h640/Director%20SRC.jpg" width="612" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aggressive <i>Director </i>led the charge against the two rearward Batavian fourth-rates, bow raking the <i>Alkmaar</i>, and stern raking the <i>Haarlem </i>as she came up to relieve the <i>Powerful</i>. Her hull damage and lost main-mast illustrates the fight put up by the <i>Haarlem</i>, already victorious over the <i>Powerful</i>, and perhaps the star performer in the Batavian line.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was great fun reacquainting myself with KMH last played back in October at the NWS meeting in Yeovilton playing the Bantry Bay scenario.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Compared with FDS the game was very different, with KMH putting the players firmly on the quarterdeck of each ship under their command and not quite catching the same feel of playing at the level of an Admiral or Commodore created by the former. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The result was the same, closely following the historical account if you overlook the striking of <i>Powerful </i>with both games giving a very strong narrative to the play with lots of drama and decision points for the players.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That said rules are indeed like golf clubs, designed for a specific job in mind, and FDS is a perfect compliment to recreating a large fleet action in a day of play, whereas KMH is perfectly positioned for squadron level and single ship actions despite our having successfully used it for Trafalgar, where it will give a very entertaining game for multiple players, but where FDS will, I think, give a better portrayal of the battle from the perspective of a senior commander.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you to Ian, Ian T. Sam, Capt. Steve, Paul and Lawrence for creating all the fun and drama in what was a very entertaining game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All the models are from the Warlord Games Black Seas range and the sea cloths from Tiny Wargames.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">JJ</div><p></p></div></div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-22053346051783866152024-03-09T07:34:00.005+00:002024-03-09T09:33:10.935+00:00O Group. Spring 1946. Soviet Invasion of The West AAR<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bC2bQVihsifuG_V0h5xVeJfJVvepTRJedvWHoSwAXiCgdwcbl3B7_x3J7I0-wwTIZp8aPQnIa7aYgAWs-OL_8RLgTgvUlTyvMZ5emwPY8t_2C-rTDD3FzH5u5sYR9IuI9BVCwjEupZr2plWV6tScaMxM0SV2IrSp5zPw6O-Zbvyds_E0gMljkDAz2HI/s2000/Soviet%20Tank.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bC2bQVihsifuG_V0h5xVeJfJVvepTRJedvWHoSwAXiCgdwcbl3B7_x3J7I0-wwTIZp8aPQnIa7aYgAWs-OL_8RLgTgvUlTyvMZ5emwPY8t_2C-rTDD3FzH5u5sYR9IuI9BVCwjEupZr2plWV6tScaMxM0SV2IrSp5zPw6O-Zbvyds_E0gMljkDAz2HI/w640-h400/Soviet%20Tank.webp" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It’s April 1946. Stalin has decided that this is the most opportune moment to unleash his forces against the Western Allies. The British and Americans have either transferred troops to the Far East or have started to de-mobilize their forces and he also has the Communist (Labour) British Government subverted.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjn98zbJtN1EjbE0aH1pm5AXPznN2Rvk85nUNO7u4fAruk5m80Yr2AILCCdlkJq0aF-5HGcbfr-WPOHkUW46_BZmgZua_ZzO40Pit_a7HvEZJY5soKnv5KbU_8MRZ1_n6COzyZGa9DReWacXfcjrD8ySLZxDUJlYS2gH4V_NVjpPCvFOZePn4N2d-6fI/s1516/O-Group-Cover-Small.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjn98zbJtN1EjbE0aH1pm5AXPznN2Rvk85nUNO7u4fAruk5m80Yr2AILCCdlkJq0aF-5HGcbfr-WPOHkUW46_BZmgZua_ZzO40Pit_a7HvEZJY5soKnv5KbU_8MRZ1_n6COzyZGa9DReWacXfcjrD8ySLZxDUJlYS2gH4V_NVjpPCvFOZePn4N2d-6fI/w316-h400/O-Group-Cover-Small.png" width="316" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He also knows, through his spies at Los Alamos, that the Americans will not have produced sufficient</div><div>Nuclear-Weapons to cause him a big problem. Who cares about the loss of a few cities. Fewer mouths to feed with the limited resources at his disposal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Materiel will rapidly run out without the West’s Support. NO MORE SPAM. He must move fast and capture any supply dumps he can.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJOAXJ5GvLg2nzKcXjqKribqQoVcJcAkQi9W7GJors76bnRqgfqEP_vvst8heAOhBVyFegRQfath-ECnkSmNSRCcpMOFsCkLD_G9acgh38cQx7tls71fuoKob5gKL0jcPqvPlXOwiSomuAdn4vGhQdKLNlMCBnir7T-0jez8HAcI1_fxtyfuv1Q0cbfU/s4896/P1110796.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJOAXJ5GvLg2nzKcXjqKribqQoVcJcAkQi9W7GJors76bnRqgfqEP_vvst8heAOhBVyFegRQfath-ECnkSmNSRCcpMOFsCkLD_G9acgh38cQx7tls71fuoKob5gKL0jcPqvPlXOwiSomuAdn4vGhQdKLNlMCBnir7T-0jez8HAcI1_fxtyfuv1Q0cbfU/w640-h480/P1110796.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">NOW IS THE TIME</span></b></div><div>Marshall Rokossovsky has been allocated the Northern Sector. He is pushing elements towards Wolfsburg. British and rapidly reconstituted German Forces are setting up choke points on as many crossroads as possible, in an attempt to slow him down. This action will be just one of many played out in the near future. These delaying actions are necessary to enable the US to turn those ships around, and the UK (if we can get Churchill back) to re-mobilise and deploy. Oh I forgot someone also has to wake up the French.</div><div><br /></div><div>Troops are the key. The armour, munitions and food supplies are still in place from the end of WW2. Joe knows this as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Game.</span></b></div><div>The game was set up so that the west was defending a crossroads. At their disposal they had two companies of British Infantry, a company of German Fallschirmjager, a PAK 40 75mm ATG, a 17Pdr ATG, two Panzer IV and in reserve, just shipped out from the UK, two Centurion MBT with 20Pdr Gun. They also had two rounds of off board artillery.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wf0addzKS2AAGdR0ohPLZ5gi06_hC_u2O2XVWa1KKfCmGC4UBjtwwMfsJNirWTGZmllbUMmXIhoNeTXUHgiIV782jwI2qkJHMBfxtVm9lnHUCp9bmTAdgsl0vDyav-T00sfsRxs0pFlRP19u_coyl2CHiv6KBFtWFYC3v3KFE9jL3MxwnIwAJ8zkzes/s4896/P1110797.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wf0addzKS2AAGdR0ohPLZ5gi06_hC_u2O2XVWa1KKfCmGC4UBjtwwMfsJNirWTGZmllbUMmXIhoNeTXUHgiIV782jwI2qkJHMBfxtVm9lnHUCp9bmTAdgsl0vDyav-T00sfsRxs0pFlRP19u_coyl2CHiv6KBFtWFYC3v3KFE9jL3MxwnIwAJ8zkzes/w640-h480/P1110797.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Soviet forces arrayed against them were three companies of infantry, one SU100, four T34/85’s and IS2’s. In reserve the had a two Platoon company of infantry and two more IS2’s.</div><div><br /></div><div>During the deployment phase the allies lost one platoon of infantry but were able to have two ambushes. The two ATG’s were allocated.</div><div><br /></div><div>The game started in the usual way with Combat Patrols being arrayed by both sides. The Soviets pushed forward on both flanks. They immediately took the farm on the left and set up their FOO. Platoons were deployed from CP’s on their right and overran and shot away Allied CP’s.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQeIJdqee0Zu8wyDm9u2my0lZxFcA1GomMs-cBelAxAk2GZFDULgu7uCQcdTWuaK5ssTfu8wRFUzTCTkUkU7u2XUJ1Pc5jVW7EY0M6931XOx2TzgITtuwKSHsQ2pkt9wcBSKBiN6JKl3q-hjqTlc4b5-aF4dXaU2sYf2OVXpXMCu7YuWh_RJeKnZ1Zvo/s4896/P1110798.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQeIJdqee0Zu8wyDm9u2my0lZxFcA1GomMs-cBelAxAk2GZFDULgu7uCQcdTWuaK5ssTfu8wRFUzTCTkUkU7u2XUJ1Pc5jVW7EY0M6931XOx2TzgITtuwKSHsQ2pkt9wcBSKBiN6JKl3q-hjqTlc4b5-aF4dXaU2sYf2OVXpXMCu7YuWh_RJeKnZ1Zvo/w640-h480/P1110798.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The British deployed into the BUA’s and the soviets pushed forward to assault the British and so came the first of the Lawrence vs Paul Dice Outs. During this encounter Lawrence scored twenty-one hits but Paul saved eighteen and so the platoon was only suppressed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back on the Soviet Right a platoon of T34’s advanced in support of an infantry platoon against a wood containing a British Platoon. As they approached, they were ambushed by the PAK40. One T34 was destroyed in the action but fire from the infantry and HE from the remaining T34 forced the PAK40 to retire.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfzWyyqIY8W58DPeAMz5O51j1FT8PChp1tziV24x8xPdQBKuhWp5c6SbC13PKSBLCI7yPLjZT5fXZEynlYtEwk4oydCKKZ5ddz8WA-X9XTsbFePaJBRbrALNnpFp4BKsfzt7Tkau980TKhCOaSuwsg0uEVbPQ1fuBNvt2S_QfPeyVBwGfVVyN_MymFWI/s4896/P1110799.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfzWyyqIY8W58DPeAMz5O51j1FT8PChp1tziV24x8xPdQBKuhWp5c6SbC13PKSBLCI7yPLjZT5fXZEynlYtEwk4oydCKKZ5ddz8WA-X9XTsbFePaJBRbrALNnpFp4BKsfzt7Tkau980TKhCOaSuwsg0uEVbPQ1fuBNvt2S_QfPeyVBwGfVVyN_MymFWI/w640-h480/P1110799.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The British platoon in the BUA was forced to retire following intense MMG fire from the Farm and mortar fire. Lawrence then decided to do a three dice Rally. Unfortunately all three failed. This causes a retreat which is a three dice move. The platoon was 16 inches from board edge. Averages say about 12 inches, but a 6, 6 and 5 was thrown, 17. 3 points towards a FUBAR.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Soviets bring on their reserves straight up the road. Two IS2’s advance supporting the short company.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPHpUsYErn38l0om2eFAmaaDaOZJivVatdlI8efu7KhPLuYYthWt60e3hjSeW6y1-7uVrGSLZDAnqXetx_PQCgFIv_hLukn8xuihnhS9VKLhegsz8NjlFFjdIHL51gjnnw6s4eeIrWY5Ibapnmbdd2huymdPRJcomdTFdHcWfCSUOet0lHGva_V8wd5k/s4896/P1110800.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPHpUsYErn38l0om2eFAmaaDaOZJivVatdlI8efu7KhPLuYYthWt60e3hjSeW6y1-7uVrGSLZDAnqXetx_PQCgFIv_hLukn8xuihnhS9VKLhegsz8NjlFFjdIHL51gjnnw6s4eeIrWY5Ibapnmbdd2huymdPRJcomdTFdHcWfCSUOet0lHGva_V8wd5k/w640-h480/P1110800.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the Soviet right their forward infantry platoons encounter two PzIV’s and start receiving HE fire as well as mortar fire. More losses and the FUBAR’s are racking up on both sides.</div><div><br /></div><div>Paul on the Soviet right tries a three dice Rally on a supressed platoon. Yes you guessed it retreat, but right off the Board edge.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho94TS36A7LkZ3zvFw0mmzfVA14IeZnEycLuDqEGwExj-t-Uof3twa_zC-DGSTmp2oMcBVP-TtaXmRyrNcrZ1hI_A_XD0ELnQq3Pm2pJVt9ol_KsGpTZa89NcSIXm7WtnSJStoDuucnShi-ZHdHSNtLLHuWQ0Mpn1hPJbOanHvuj3QOM9LLioFTgleFJo/s4896/P1110801.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho94TS36A7LkZ3zvFw0mmzfVA14IeZnEycLuDqEGwExj-t-Uof3twa_zC-DGSTmp2oMcBVP-TtaXmRyrNcrZ1hI_A_XD0ELnQq3Pm2pJVt9ol_KsGpTZa89NcSIXm7WtnSJStoDuucnShi-ZHdHSNtLLHuWQ0Mpn1hPJbOanHvuj3QOM9LLioFTgleFJo/w640-h480/P1110801.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lawrence now brings on his reserves of two Centurion 20-pdrs to take on the IS 11 advancing on his side. He gives and takes casualties and shock. A three dice rally is attempted on the Centurion's. And here is where we got it wrong, sorry Lawrence. I only found out when we played the next game in our series. The Centurion's only have two Shock. The rules state that the retreat only applies to units who are Supressed.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRsm6Xy5YoAcW5qysBGtrfYJ0cVTRrJMnRXyIAzuUiJb0fkWnNyPNz8WQbn1QGH_R5-Dn9XGw8XJRLMtaBn2ClweaJUpXxmhIwJNxDHvqa9gL9cvMvPZlvMTU_RWuMgEotVveQVJNLINTEiSAGEQeQnX8Apb9nK36UhLHpMXdtWcpqB0FEOj3mVuNdhI/s4896/P1110802.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRsm6Xy5YoAcW5qysBGtrfYJ0cVTRrJMnRXyIAzuUiJb0fkWnNyPNz8WQbn1QGH_R5-Dn9XGw8XJRLMtaBn2ClweaJUpXxmhIwJNxDHvqa9gL9cvMvPZlvMTU_RWuMgEotVveQVJNLINTEiSAGEQeQnX8Apb9nK36UhLHpMXdtWcpqB0FEOj3mVuNdhI/w640-h480/P1110802.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Western Allies now press their advantage on their left and inflict the rest of the required FUBARS. The game ends in an allied victory.</div><div><br /></div><div>I enjoyed umpiring these guys. The two newbies, Paul and Lawrence, appeared to enjoy the game. Ian and Vince, I play with regularly and helped a lot.</div><div><br /></div><div>This series of games will continue in due course. I hope you will keep a look out in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div>Steve L</div><div><br /></div><div>The figures and vehicles came from all over the place, I can’t remember where now. Building by Hovels and a company which is no longer in being. Trees, mainly from Buffers of Axminster and the walls and hedges from ebay. Roads by Fat Frank. The BUA’s I made from bits and bobs I had lying around. I made them generic so they can be used for other eras.</div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-22404079036025155232024-03-02T07:42:00.001+00:002024-03-02T07:44:11.928+00:00Crossing of the Kolnica - Spring 1807.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-r7h4Fae61sy3BCDghzI9UhXDAohbsc7882Z3kQgxmIiVIcSRl4EmgjSdGyEuA6XzOiQC6SaGpq7fPnvFJKlFctZc_HVC760UWRFSyRy3fSvn8xmrPp44qL-NB8tTY8mlXSL_MUHBI0d7LIRNh6SiXewJCebppP3DNHRlUNG4OQN2VFTOW1Fj0CiSxw/s1919/Header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1919" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-r7h4Fae61sy3BCDghzI9UhXDAohbsc7882Z3kQgxmIiVIcSRl4EmgjSdGyEuA6XzOiQC6SaGpq7fPnvFJKlFctZc_HVC760UWRFSyRy3fSvn8xmrPp44qL-NB8tTY8mlXSL_MUHBI0d7LIRNh6SiXewJCebppP3DNHRlUNG4OQN2VFTOW1Fj0CiSxw/w640-h360/Header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This was a game played using some home-brewed rules called ‘My Napoleonic Rules’, by Dave Hedges. Played in 18mm Napoleonics, based on a fictional encounter in Eastern Europe during the Spring of 1807, during the war of the fourth coalition.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuNIq99IB01zM7ED8NskjaWrb5OnmnND9xZsz99TjYEeYXhEzLK2Ps169XWk0zwpjtowcfTktDfZ-dHFPAiqZEU78-wcVWWjzcAYg1VSu2ga3JDcPvk4PIA3KL_a0uYq3XPSAbVJo2qRojP9ygC9iA4M2nSMtaAqlLHMFWqTpjM83aVU17E4WKME-FcA/s4671/P1110778a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3040" data-original-width="4671" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuNIq99IB01zM7ED8NskjaWrb5OnmnND9xZsz99TjYEeYXhEzLK2Ps169XWk0zwpjtowcfTktDfZ-dHFPAiqZEU78-wcVWWjzcAYg1VSu2ga3JDcPvk4PIA3KL_a0uYq3XPSAbVJo2qRojP9ygC9iA4M2nSMtaAqlLHMFWqTpjM83aVU17E4WKME-FcA/w640-h416/P1110778a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNR5x7FRbeEkDdcz_pA-byTZ8n-w_Ff5rtm_PQrNnlcYr8ysiXcXz6ft4gAkrxVm_ayjc06IoAfaIW3SFc4SWghRzCPns1Z3p_AOnvh5vQVwwgQtRLL1Sa2tRNmVYxKieSP9F4jdbZV2DigAhfbN6mWQIJetOgN_Bquq5NcxfOuhnW-uEyfXThfNw79gE/s4406/P1110779a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2875" data-original-width="4406" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNR5x7FRbeEkDdcz_pA-byTZ8n-w_Ff5rtm_PQrNnlcYr8ysiXcXz6ft4gAkrxVm_ayjc06IoAfaIW3SFc4SWghRzCPns1Z3p_AOnvh5vQVwwgQtRLL1Sa2tRNmVYxKieSP9F4jdbZV2DigAhfbN6mWQIJetOgN_Bquq5NcxfOuhnW-uEyfXThfNw79gE/w640-h418/P1110779a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In a fog shrouded valley, a weary French division made its way slowly along the muddy track that passed for a road in those parts. Marshal Lannes found himself somewhere far to the East of where he should have been and on the south side of a river, when he most certainly should have been on the north side.</div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4O69za8ecKWnM1ZUMJywtsDckYM-yl32d-3GnusYqri-xP94nHE8T9wl0QvGj35qL6K3sGCTxyZROwWFXrYsRLZaUEm8i7ZS6XH99DKsFMqQEB6e7pic3OKBPziJwuOzFT7bfV-atT1QV-xITacJEP0KeJUJwBxLPSz2Hg8eFkz0qGFQOfC9d77fSyPo/s1003/Map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1003" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4O69za8ecKWnM1ZUMJywtsDckYM-yl32d-3GnusYqri-xP94nHE8T9wl0QvGj35qL6K3sGCTxyZROwWFXrYsRLZaUEm8i7ZS6XH99DKsFMqQEB6e7pic3OKBPziJwuOzFT7bfV-atT1QV-xITacJEP0KeJUJwBxLPSz2Hg8eFkz0qGFQOfC9d77fSyPo/w640-h432/Map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEj-n3XpxyAzXfu75y_jtdv_0SV0ZQTvPmJowcLyrO1dXgfZGeFLlzIS0weYhZ0f0ZwhGkyKcz97jgT9JES-q5oHGnlubKyGbi6_1ygQ8jM62mPoSphL35NEng5n-8vQ0pzM5EbhX9VXgbUMBiqHvW8qY7XkInNg5cEfadmDkJTzcSR6rsKno8kywFqj5So/s4896/P1110780a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-n3XpxyAzXfu75y_jtdv_0SV0ZQTvPmJowcLyrO1dXgfZGeFLlzIS0weYhZ0f0ZwhGkyKcz97jgT9JES-q5oHGnlubKyGbi6_1ygQ8jM62mPoSphL35NEng5n-8vQ0pzM5EbhX9VXgbUMBiqHvW8qY7XkInNg5cEfadmDkJTzcSR6rsKno8kywFqj5So/w640-h480/P1110780a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thick fog sees all units and dummies positioned on the table using coloured counters.</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEicZ_iT6uvAuzSA4qsc9YlKVXRU3csOKQSc-meYRA7CqBZOTgnvT70MkCi9EQlboiGMhwK_zKGIVCy2lN6wOSKhpKM-yCD1FbEobWwYakVLcG3VEo1HL483lJf8mz6FdFKJl9MkJaTbLKrWCpefqA_4QgqMUQ3_BTXM9jzJhi7EPkhAij8YHKHM5TFK5t8/s1039/French%20brief%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="1039" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZ_iT6uvAuzSA4qsc9YlKVXRU3csOKQSc-meYRA7CqBZOTgnvT70MkCi9EQlboiGMhwK_zKGIVCy2lN6wOSKhpKM-yCD1FbEobWwYakVLcG3VEo1HL483lJf8mz6FdFKJl9MkJaTbLKrWCpefqA_4QgqMUQ3_BTXM9jzJhi7EPkhAij8YHKHM5TFK5t8/w640-h618/French%20brief%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Peasants in the nearby village of Kabosnik called it the River Kolnica but Lannes could not find either on any map. The capture of a lone Russian scout confirmed a very large enemy force was in the vicinity and that a rapid river crossing was of the utmost importance. Fortunately, there was a team of pontoniers on detachment with the division and they had destroyed a bridge between the two forces, which would slow the onslaught.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujI69l_uWKg0Nleb7HtgN0pCJm_KDRfZdL9RuPHIdrnLmm5D6wWM0NQtYzrH3c36SiQ8nyT4AS_wH0iAY-VOvCNFp06cikSt-LPA7jQICivun3MxTPlG4wj5yZ3MFqFe_TBqa9N2LYRNNeDyWsZJz4T4zrUcIT_WhRxA6QJbkxXxx6scw5EtQZWljJbo/s1343/Russian%20brief%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1343" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujI69l_uWKg0Nleb7HtgN0pCJm_KDRfZdL9RuPHIdrnLmm5D6wWM0NQtYzrH3c36SiQ8nyT4AS_wH0iAY-VOvCNFp06cikSt-LPA7jQICivun3MxTPlG4wj5yZ3MFqFe_TBqa9N2LYRNNeDyWsZJz4T4zrUcIT_WhRxA6QJbkxXxx6scw5EtQZWljJbo/w640-h442/Russian%20brief%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEifYg8TCkyGMePGXYpmhduc5G4tTPmtbVx34cNSBbAnKXhMH410-cs-aXZlQZjTOrrBRucjm74z1-jyLKjFFbU3kYPvvdIQeO4gFfg9au4LTZl56Ef3emzay6SrgouF2RWSaRBs2xmZLZtQgsxoNMOhPP_-Vbvc8rbsqK9OuAPZWmjzy7iDYFqoHcvGxV8/s4896/P1110781a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYg8TCkyGMePGXYpmhduc5G4tTPmtbVx34cNSBbAnKXhMH410-cs-aXZlQZjTOrrBRucjm74z1-jyLKjFFbU3kYPvvdIQeO4gFfg9au4LTZl56Ef3emzay6SrgouF2RWSaRBs2xmZLZtQgsxoNMOhPP_-Vbvc8rbsqK9OuAPZWmjzy7iDYFqoHcvGxV8/w640-h480/P1110781a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The destroyed bridge in front of Kabosnik</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Ever a man of action Lannes passed the orders, and the race was on to get over the river as soon as</div><div>possible. The division moved at the first hint of daylight and raced for the bridge at Kabosnik and to safety.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgppXai0s6h0syxcLfYU-mHIOMpnQwAo1s_0pn8-mrCLA8kUzYgWDhJ4bVzs2Z3LnqWWcVayHcWsK4xbvwugxMAYiuCXnOsaPBTyLOpEFCZ8PbaaQ70J79RF-XOLimIwu1O_imCDGR_407qCaFvhi4HLEJDz16mBs1Q7X8V06Sc6Je7lGd2mMc_NFUVIkc/s860/French%20brief%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="860" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppXai0s6h0syxcLfYU-mHIOMpnQwAo1s_0pn8-mrCLA8kUzYgWDhJ4bVzs2Z3LnqWWcVayHcWsK4xbvwugxMAYiuCXnOsaPBTyLOpEFCZ8PbaaQ70J79RF-XOLimIwu1O_imCDGR_407qCaFvhi4HLEJDz16mBs1Q7X8V06Sc6Je7lGd2mMc_NFUVIkc/w640-h570/French%20brief%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French Order of Battle</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEg0dvRRbelNV1wasttGn4CgwXjWDpHkJ-O-7c6dk8Ey7NrAL8z4fvEoh3yRfVVIYerW6RPOD4qsVnnNaksEx7lVp81fKD3Z8UeR4fwl4to5DFHUfZpJELuBC13J5OsgiJU9fBdPcdi9lgyeBdSsuZiSfJ9Kaxze6qlE5pwW0NmYZc668OaU-IJgQzO7Oik/s1343/Russian%20brief%201%20-%20Copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="1343" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dvRRbelNV1wasttGn4CgwXjWDpHkJ-O-7c6dk8Ey7NrAL8z4fvEoh3yRfVVIYerW6RPOD4qsVnnNaksEx7lVp81fKD3Z8UeR4fwl4to5DFHUfZpJELuBC13J5OsgiJU9fBdPcdi9lgyeBdSsuZiSfJ9Kaxze6qlE5pwW0NmYZc668OaU-IJgQzO7Oik/w640-h568/Russian%20brief%201%20-%20Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Russian Order of Battle</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjiEYNZTSTIBVVsT1hNiTeER4XYXFhpbvFIWu4kILaLgih_rLyzetWQyQR2KWOk0tosXoqdskw1mX9ecCzvkZwGRa3mvugwfrPa_XkU2MhxKKnyvBdm8OvySGpRTsKTC5ZF16zSHuy8Y8zxD0uPmRbE7cnJwvoqvtgO4Rz0eOE00TA0gukpzlTiP2dViO0/s4896/P1110782a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3554" data-original-width="4896" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEYNZTSTIBVVsT1hNiTeER4XYXFhpbvFIWu4kILaLgih_rLyzetWQyQR2KWOk0tosXoqdskw1mX9ecCzvkZwGRa3mvugwfrPa_XkU2MhxKKnyvBdm8OvySGpRTsKTC5ZF16zSHuy8Y8zxD0uPmRbE7cnJwvoqvtgO4Rz0eOE00TA0gukpzlTiP2dViO0/w640-h464/P1110782a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First contact! Russian cavalry advance out of the fog and are met by rapidly redeploying French cuirassiers straight off the route of march.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>A thick fog covered the low ground by the river and only by staying in close order could the units keep together. The cavalry Brigade led by General Trelliard followed close behind the Marshal, followed by Generals Doursenne leading the 1er and Soules the 2me brigades respectively.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgHihyQ_FCx03nU47-s-kk6J6cYS8V1iBncH0pSZsA3WHsguZ3ONNeFnfWqGGGIyNDTSM73NLjH8N0BYoYY-pHgVDKS6Zfhah00zmIM9yFYRQDLBlmv2uTJaWH9PtlURCtt44L5e8cIFxjIbGhqdpDghTAydfCInX4TAFrLovr1TkIZW6CetrrlzIXox08/s4896/P1110803a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHihyQ_FCx03nU47-s-kk6J6cYS8V1iBncH0pSZsA3WHsguZ3ONNeFnfWqGGGIyNDTSM73NLjH8N0BYoYY-pHgVDKS6Zfhah00zmIM9yFYRQDLBlmv2uTJaWH9PtlURCtt44L5e8cIFxjIbGhqdpDghTAydfCInX4TAFrLovr1TkIZW6CetrrlzIXox08/w640-h480/P1110803a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the cavalry struggle continues on the French right flank, more Russians in the form of infantry and artillery loom out of the thinning fog and the French battalions form up in readiness to guard their crossings.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dPpE0ULZoyhJziycB_9wJbj7OhhXZAF7-MM50D9YQJC3reoMbAqVoSG050G2hj9Z42TZ5dL9-i3QQNHg6bCge8LnQ9LQUogPK0WZik2ISE5K2B-YqLi4_LULmR_u2XfVahwKDvx43kIA21XYdsHkWbPgeB6DYE5TiuXulsNBZdYPUawED_s-6C9Vtj0/s4896/P1110804a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dPpE0ULZoyhJziycB_9wJbj7OhhXZAF7-MM50D9YQJC3reoMbAqVoSG050G2hj9Z42TZ5dL9-i3QQNHg6bCge8LnQ9LQUogPK0WZik2ISE5K2B-YqLi4_LULmR_u2XfVahwKDvx43kIA21XYdsHkWbPgeB6DYE5TiuXulsNBZdYPUawED_s-6C9Vtj0/w640-h480/P1110804a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The poor visibility meant that positions where only approximate and all units were presented by counters until they became visible. Additional counters represented false alarms and individual scouts.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtmFIdBwwb2MMYNer2aHcXEpXX1YUosgoeYKshDEi1pdUJ1YHfUCj_hsIYTpLtjyRHpIycEu66X-XhJwzrsidku52tWLOwBRLT8TvKFNP9EycxePQr5FXcTyvakCgmt90hbhkvryfrBPgJdcJjun0bp3iR9oGsit0ZOYTwQjOicu8GkFZesNx1HhOwkA/s4896/P1110805a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtmFIdBwwb2MMYNer2aHcXEpXX1YUosgoeYKshDEi1pdUJ1YHfUCj_hsIYTpLtjyRHpIycEu66X-XhJwzrsidku52tWLOwBRLT8TvKFNP9EycxePQr5FXcTyvakCgmt90hbhkvryfrBPgJdcJjun0bp3iR9oGsit0ZOYTwQjOicu8GkFZesNx1HhOwkA/w640-h480/P1110805a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54PxlJOueDjpOzgtsQ3hBv3veEYoYRVhHdqktBA8h9DyjijwICp-UCZx0GCcoKcw8hcYMYvS95eOg4VwUQcXnothlAW0vTaim6FmGb-0WRVbUa5Ima4QfGdPZJSnWkfvZM3kmZDGrwH6BjrRojqat2Yd1v1CyS65KgteX6aUuSpxONivSrNki2Xco7Fs/s4241/P1110806a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2670" data-original-width="4241" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54PxlJOueDjpOzgtsQ3hBv3veEYoYRVhHdqktBA8h9DyjijwICp-UCZx0GCcoKcw8hcYMYvS95eOg4VwUQcXnothlAW0vTaim6FmGb-0WRVbUa5Ima4QfGdPZJSnWkfvZM3kmZDGrwH6BjrRojqat2Yd1v1CyS65KgteX6aUuSpxONivSrNki2Xco7Fs/w640-h402/P1110806a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On arrival at the village, Marshal Lannes was met by an officer of pontoniers, who somehow failed to give his name, or rank, but provided both good news and bad. They had indeed blown up a bridge; sadly it was the bridge they had intended to use to cross the river. By a miracle they had managed to set up a (first) pontoon bridge just a little further to the west and there were two more pontoons being rushed along the road to speed the crossing. </div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEj7iDdplUTRXwPA4Oy1HYB-5ZhdQaI7aGfDHwjAsB88T3qZs-Zmmp07QsOVaGe6T7MuosxcCfhYohglQlBOHFdF0Ea0Bq4sEne4YjDGBDtQZKcpynV9O_yry7vuHpVOOnhUYZQ1NWC07Fs08ekje-t5lcNMDH5GcxwH6jnFArumuJSKyvUtckNLcMp6ppI/s4896/P1110807a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iDdplUTRXwPA4Oy1HYB-5ZhdQaI7aGfDHwjAsB88T3qZs-Zmmp07QsOVaGe6T7MuosxcCfhYohglQlBOHFdF0Ea0Bq4sEne4YjDGBDtQZKcpynV9O_yry7vuHpVOOnhUYZQ1NWC07Fs08ekje-t5lcNMDH5GcxwH6jnFArumuJSKyvUtckNLcMp6ppI/w640-h480/P1110807a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the French Chasseurs observe the Cossacks in the wood beyond, the heavies go to work with Klingenthals in hand and a grim determination to overcome.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><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/AVvXsEjIy_y0jcCL58X69qBJ2xxrtVB7T9Um0qmej0YxcVMNvLjQ3VPNv2xrLIZ1gUo_SCRX9Yt2wOHFHWJh1MRpJShCt9zicvptgybhwEuQrNvCwqsG7uue7LU7O0uPcCYYRASXAZqu_v8o8Jpp3oOLHdRPGBx85xg61GGpQQxdYIbZamaM-wdiyxwjYmeo5zg/s4010/P1110808a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2711" data-original-width="4010" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy_y0jcCL58X69qBJ2xxrtVB7T9Um0qmej0YxcVMNvLjQ3VPNv2xrLIZ1gUo_SCRX9Yt2wOHFHWJh1MRpJShCt9zicvptgybhwEuQrNvCwqsG7uue7LU7O0uPcCYYRASXAZqu_v8o8Jpp3oOLHdRPGBx85xg61GGpQQxdYIbZamaM-wdiyxwjYmeo5zg/w640-h432/P1110808a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lannes positions foot artillery on the heights of the south bank to help support his hard pressed troops</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>With no time to debate the issue, or assign blame, the division marched west, becoming strung out as they forced their way through the village streets. As the crossing started, the first faint sounds of an army on the move drifted down from the hills to the south. The jingle of harness and the creaking of gun limbers heralded the approach of a force that had to be confronted.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEifKJwXUGIwJFBV_Briape05RbnSIUJxMZJ3yxW-_2VTPcDUEYvY4Erb-DTuopMk6454WC_C3VOSFhvv4kdNNGQCpwTutI2KXPl5mVL1Cw9Q8UevRoRu3Ibi6VoXLYLSPmLZ_Ljz5iBXMXM4uMa0BTgVgmTyyqGyVA3rw4VMY6gwpEh2krDW9dv96WSqsc/s4896/P1110809a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3188" data-original-width="4896" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKJwXUGIwJFBV_Briape05RbnSIUJxMZJ3yxW-_2VTPcDUEYvY4Erb-DTuopMk6454WC_C3VOSFhvv4kdNNGQCpwTutI2KXPl5mVL1Cw9Q8UevRoRu3Ibi6VoXLYLSPmLZ_Ljz5iBXMXM4uMa0BTgVgmTyyqGyVA3rw4VMY6gwpEh2krDW9dv96WSqsc/w640-h416/P1110809a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French infantry attempts to withdraw as the struggle becomes general along the front.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Scouts headed south towards the sounds of the approaching Russians, and it appeared that the Russians were moving north like Polybius searching for the Argonauts, with blind groping fingers.</div><div><br /></div><div>The brave French cavalry decided to follow their last set of orders and headed over the westernmost pontoon bridge, following after the Marshal, who had crossed at once with the divisional artillery.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjNwIGN_VKfH0GKD-a2NBuBCBWaD_fjuBIGHjHgvd9sukg-j0XOVB7ml7BjmDucpkd_v_ufvSPuXbDmFwzcWiPVT0-pfT3RhNgMGKjOwS7z99fvjsWZ5CTYwQWIP7Qy8XOC5QSt8ZmCDX7StX6d4xuMHOCBamd8Q-U-8CiyTItsb1TmH13zSZkzf63o7k4/s4896/P1110810a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwIGN_VKfH0GKD-a2NBuBCBWaD_fjuBIGHjHgvd9sukg-j0XOVB7ml7BjmDucpkd_v_ufvSPuXbDmFwzcWiPVT0-pfT3RhNgMGKjOwS7z99fvjsWZ5CTYwQWIP7Qy8XOC5QSt8ZmCDX7StX6d4xuMHOCBamd8Q-U-8CiyTItsb1TmH13zSZkzf63o7k4/w640-h480/P1110810a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A desperate fight develops in front of the pontoon bridge crossing.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The two infantry brigades prepared for battle. The 1er Brigade occupied the village and began to fortify the church at its centre. The second pontonier regiment rushed from the village centre to the nearby riverbank and began to assemble the bridge, adjacent to the recently destroyed stone bridge. The 2me Brigade headed north to the riverbank east of the village and gathered around the third pontonier regiment who were encouraged to ‘get a bloody move on’ and build yet another bridge.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEi63nXnDZv9ZXxdVRuLOsXXHRApYsUCustlCmyHji-qSxqp8cloSUrGlARGH5ajaEXaUL8N4vR80p17PDyHaxld_xvUqa81-GeqkovK39UAEjldfnNALX6giRJDWpnUfOdnUcztCgCLxyW4-lKGerkcIPbmpmqaRhJ04qoZL8JNPzZcnLO-7kVXNHKB0s0/s4896/P1110811a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63nXnDZv9ZXxdVRuLOsXXHRApYsUCustlCmyHji-qSxqp8cloSUrGlARGH5ajaEXaUL8N4vR80p17PDyHaxld_xvUqa81-GeqkovK39UAEjldfnNALX6giRJDWpnUfOdnUcztCgCLxyW4-lKGerkcIPbmpmqaRhJ04qoZL8JNPzZcnLO-7kVXNHKB0s0/w640-h480/P1110811a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More French infantry break off and head for the crossing as French cavalry wait their turn to cross</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Then it all started to go (even more) wrong. The miracle bridge collapsed whilst the Artillerie a Cheval was crossing, sending the 4-pounders to the bottom of the river. While many of the gunners and their horses survived, the unit was effectively destroyed. The rest of the cavalry brigade was now trapped the wrong side of the river and were going to have to fight to survive. They became the French right flank of battle.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEj7WCvZ7eci0-RyoPFnWOG07b_Gp8b2L0o7eYIYUxK2dPevkbNJNeV8k6qfRom9xKQv5ledl-6iS4S_xKGQ4NxaMnSP-oemiKfuLEaEHn1LZP-hLzJpg6c1hmMx6UlTP4_2nF55y9ioVRQmdGv5N5Mi7Bw7iakkqxWIEOgcpdV-3Mgy-Xle4amkOk476tE/s4896/P1110812a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2853" data-original-width="4896" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WCvZ7eci0-RyoPFnWOG07b_Gp8b2L0o7eYIYUxK2dPevkbNJNeV8k6qfRom9xKQv5ledl-6iS4S_xKGQ4NxaMnSP-oemiKfuLEaEHn1LZP-hLzJpg6c1hmMx6UlTP4_2nF55y9ioVRQmdGv5N5Mi7Bw7iakkqxWIEOgcpdV-3Mgy-Xle4amkOk476tE/w640-h372/P1110812a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massed Russian guns add to the problems of the hard pressed French rearguard.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The 21e Régt de chasseurs à cheval were the first to see battle. They scouted south towards the sounds of movement just west of the village and uncovered some cowardly Cossacks lurking in the mist. An immediate charge drove them away and uncovered a whole cavalry brigade advancing towards the trapped French Cavalry.</div><div><br /></div><div>The rapidly receding early morning mist started to reveal the extent of the opposing force as the heights to the south became blanketed from east to west in a solid line of Russian troops. Their simple faces, uncomprehending of the danger they faced, driven forward by the whips of their officers, they prepared to sell their lives to bring down the eagles of the mighty French army.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblsZCaEg8dEB80bzjGeAsZeAjeBtnx_ELpm78DihMJaSfSbrWJ81frPM6aOmbIqb3Wvc1O8rijf-HYdXi3tlvKuTSJk8oPjTmNZSOo2xac8i7V7rQT2dzqhkQ0OG8tCjpK1GxNlUyia5azOhpvKS6arSVKKxfMnVKC4YmxaHeebP2WZ1Pc4-MjtGxm6M/s4896/P1110813a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2357" data-original-width="4896" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblsZCaEg8dEB80bzjGeAsZeAjeBtnx_ELpm78DihMJaSfSbrWJ81frPM6aOmbIqb3Wvc1O8rijf-HYdXi3tlvKuTSJk8oPjTmNZSOo2xac8i7V7rQT2dzqhkQ0OG8tCjpK1GxNlUyia5azOhpvKS6arSVKKxfMnVKC4YmxaHeebP2WZ1Pc4-MjtGxm6M/w640-h308/P1110813a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the French right, the treacherous Russian cavalry charged forward as soon as they had sight of the French cavalry. The Russians charged without any preparation and paid the price. The caution of the French Cavalry commander was well served as the chasseurs evaded the clumsy thrust and two regiments of cuirassiers held and threw back the surprised Russians. The Russian cavalry withdrew and played no further part in the battle, deciding that hiding behind their guns was a much better way to face the French cuirassiers. This allowed much of the French cavalry to cross over the river, without interference.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEi8K-RaTkmwywJlKFyc5JwHsIK0k2q5p_aCfFTiBY1GsUiXdP-ATaiBZLpPhSTIB1LTrNeeBh8ski88o5Oc2_xU8pF6T6TlLRqrGqltj_26x_Xqt0n5_RxW7Lq0OFIVx7ToS7KXB2nyIazMbTmmj2wFlQZh9um-iuwD435yofAhVH1jE_hNMi8ZTbECxoM/s4896/P1110814a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K-RaTkmwywJlKFyc5JwHsIK0k2q5p_aCfFTiBY1GsUiXdP-ATaiBZLpPhSTIB1LTrNeeBh8ski88o5Oc2_xU8pF6T6TlLRqrGqltj_26x_Xqt0n5_RxW7Lq0OFIVx7ToS7KXB2nyIazMbTmmj2wFlQZh9um-iuwD435yofAhVH1jE_hNMi8ZTbECxoM/w640-h480/P1110814a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The French rearguard around the left flank pontoon starts to give way after an heroic stand</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>In the centre the village acted as a fortress against the Russian masses and the first Russian regiment to march on the village was utterly destroyed in a single volley from the 2/28em Régiment de Legere. On the left flank to the East, the Russian forces threw themselves against the tough 2me Brigade defending the third regiment of pontonniers. Serried ranks of infantry and cavalry surged forwards. The 12-pounders of the 2me Brigade wreaked a terrible slaughter against the hordes from the steppes. Cannister ripped through them, bullets slew more and yet, despite terrible losses, the stubborn Russians pushed forwards. </div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhkZtJvl_dUhTutcoNk16GErtVY8sO1p1bxEWxck8r_vleG3D3rzCdom4tE0BGAD_x8Yeh9iOhyphenhyphenlty6VWWslN7ZYTxoiMpFC9FCHHtkaPLQG745a0N4q8jefasxbmjMNm6hy9PpWANJmL8J80nmgmIqmPAZSTQ4U8NP4nhs77mYURQKyUg1LFOkxy0EzG4/s4896/P1110815a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZtJvl_dUhTutcoNk16GErtVY8sO1p1bxEWxck8r_vleG3D3rzCdom4tE0BGAD_x8Yeh9iOhyphenhyphenlty6VWWslN7ZYTxoiMpFC9FCHHtkaPLQG745a0N4q8jefasxbmjMNm6hy9PpWANJmL8J80nmgmIqmPAZSTQ4U8NP4nhs77mYURQKyUg1LFOkxy0EzG4/w640-h480/P1110815a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fortress of Kabosnik</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The French soldiers reloaded and prepared to shoot again. Several Russian regiments were driven back by the guns, and massed volleys, their courage failed in the face of French steadfastness. One lone infantry regiment managed to reach the French gunners and the cries of victory could be heard from the Russian staff officers as they relished the thought of their sharp massed bayonets in amongst the poorly armed gunners. They were unprepared for the fighting spirit of the French gunners. Grabbing ramrods, picks, and shovels, the gunners fought like Corinthians of legend. The Russians, expecting an easy victory against mere gunners, were shocked by the elan of the emperor’s finest troops and fell back in disarray.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhIBxbmYW-oPNuIsredvZ3XD3rcqkVjB19D5nDUMcdHND-sjS8CZUbgGq0OXOJ8aXTJFHm-FrY4CiqZY0Ju6g-Rsrh4s18VPZLN_N6M6UotfmzhnUIr5lCr9JN3aLhN_H7G9qhu3CLbJjI7epwzFCfPwljQyLsu4lwIBWxwoR0TesnOHgQfzBqg2Wjr1Vo/s4896/P1110816a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2831" data-original-width="4896" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBxbmYW-oPNuIsredvZ3XD3rcqkVjB19D5nDUMcdHND-sjS8CZUbgGq0OXOJ8aXTJFHm-FrY4CiqZY0Ju6g-Rsrh4s18VPZLN_N6M6UotfmzhnUIr5lCr9JN3aLhN_H7G9qhu3CLbJjI7epwzFCfPwljQyLsu4lwIBWxwoR0TesnOHgQfzBqg2Wjr1Vo/w640-h370/P1110816a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The French cavalry, bowed but not beaten are taunted by Cossacks.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>In the centre the battle for the village raged, as the Russians threw multiple divisions against the single brigade, holding steady in the ruins of the splintered wooden buildings. Supported by massed cannons the Russians were convinced they were headed for a quick victory.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite severe losses in the centre and the East, the Russians simply threw more troops into the attack. Their endless numbers replaced skill or tactics. The French cannons on the left, spoke again and drove off another attempt to rush them, but the injuries dealt the far-left flank regiments of the second brigade was enough to cause some troops to break and run. Fresh Russian brigades advanced on the far left of the French position and started to unleash a terrible volume of fire.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrOmxSbZwCbtryP-qcGGM5Gtt27uoX2ETszQV0mx8REU1-TIz6NFX5GmzNAJc-tuA37rAJa9zP6IaLo8fH090STfbMTHGdNRSsrC5V4DKjWQRPUwWtZpaWxaeJERlY3duAkJ_IwSh6M-JT0gARl2rlskxYpmMnfjTJNv2qDcrnvVSoMHTChlJRdFsUqA/s4896/P1110817a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2379" data-original-width="4896" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrOmxSbZwCbtryP-qcGGM5Gtt27uoX2ETszQV0mx8REU1-TIz6NFX5GmzNAJc-tuA37rAJa9zP6IaLo8fH090STfbMTHGdNRSsrC5V4DKjWQRPUwWtZpaWxaeJERlY3duAkJ_IwSh6M-JT0gARl2rlskxYpmMnfjTJNv2qDcrnvVSoMHTChlJRdFsUqA/w640-h310/P1110817a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In the centre the Russians charged into the village and were repeatedly driven back by incredible courage. General Doursenne himself led a bayonet charge to drive back some Russians occupying the edges of the village and, as luck would have it, was struck down by a stray cannonball. In the following confusion the 1/64em Regiment de Ligne fell back to save the body of their commander and, with no further orders, withdrew from the battle.</div><div><br /></div><div>While the battle raged French troops had been withdrawing over the newly erected pontoon bridges. While sometimes in good order, some units were rushing over without waiting for the command, leaving weapons and equipment behind.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w6S6r0vrmF-XMa3T5jOzVgFyfZ_KfsMnEet76daVts82p4Nn8fFYPN3W9XVFQ0tzhQ0K5TTDa0P04Ot8UBMHEhgT5bx0JWH9VAO6jNEJR19IrmtdJ3-qvrbb_ssU3IDjlEqzkffxm_TyKxtiqnw1LQLzx3S9CGekoof9zpGE5JHIojTk5uSGSRBX8c8/s4896/P1110818a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3145" data-original-width="4896" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w6S6r0vrmF-XMa3T5jOzVgFyfZ_KfsMnEet76daVts82p4Nn8fFYPN3W9XVFQ0tzhQ0K5TTDa0P04Ot8UBMHEhgT5bx0JWH9VAO6jNEJR19IrmtdJ3-qvrbb_ssU3IDjlEqzkffxm_TyKxtiqnw1LQLzx3S9CGekoof9zpGE5JHIojTk5uSGSRBX8c8/w640-h412/P1110818a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Marshal Lannes seeing that defeat was inevitable sounded the general retreat and, though many troops were lost, all the eagles were retrieved. The sad sight of 12 pounders spiked and abandoned was a pitiful sight after so many soldiers died to protect them. As the last of the troops crossed over the river, covered by the divisional artillery, the pontoons were cut free and the remaining forces withdrew with heavy hearts; leaving the Russians to claim a temporary victory, little knowing that their defeat lay ahead of them on the battlefield of Friedland. One of the last to cross the river was an exploring officer who had become lost in the thick forest south of the first pontoon bridge. He had some fanciful story that he was chased by a whole brigade led by Barclay de Tolly himself. If true, that lone officer was responsible for saving all the cavalry. If only there was some other proof. We will never know.</div><div><br /></div><div>This (possibly biased) report was Translated by Ian Macdonald.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was a very enjoyable game. David’s games are always unpredictable with surprise events on both sides, and they create a marvellous narrative, as well as being a delight to fight. The French definitely lost the battle, but the story makes it a victory. Thanks to JJ Mike and Nathan for making defeat so entertaining.</div></div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-55193717729021005822024-02-24T09:51:00.000+00:002024-02-24T09:51:54.134+00:00Mobile Bay, 5th August 1864 - Dawn of Iron.<p></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/AVvXsEgQuaXOc1OD5kkRrafnwf0DNwHxRzzqxf61mmG7uf0ar8sHYPSvZq0OA23_aD7hMy84lAbCbK5YngoSrsAlSRPenMwVKQ-6I7vT7lX1i5a33wKCeIjv72r_uqGIQ53sXJoLE5WNrik2d35xwgYxpIUSZTgqkD7mwPdfGXxAbSeUhA5w7CTdLXOkIyTP7Iw/s2712/Bataille_de_la_baie_de_Mobile_par_Louis_Prang_(1824-1909).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1897" data-original-width="2712" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuaXOc1OD5kkRrafnwf0DNwHxRzzqxf61mmG7uf0ar8sHYPSvZq0OA23_aD7hMy84lAbCbK5YngoSrsAlSRPenMwVKQ-6I7vT7lX1i5a33wKCeIjv72r_uqGIQ53sXJoLE5WNrik2d35xwgYxpIUSZTgqkD7mwPdfGXxAbSeUhA5w7CTdLXOkIyTP7Iw/w640-h448/Bataille_de_la_baie_de_Mobile_par_Louis_Prang_(1824-1909).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Battle of Mobile Bay, by Louis Prang. </div><div style="text-align: center;">At left foreground is the CSS Tennessee; at the right the USS Tecumseh is sinking.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">This battle was an opportunity to dust off some much loved Peter Pig ACW ships and try out a new set of naval rules.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqiQAZf9Zo3yQvT6lwj3ZdoBHEUaz3rI635aOIUSmganELui-ujMdsN0Bio67wN8_R6a2SSbDdW7F5jxD1U251BPJdI3i79OB4tqzkyplkpzUp02lPXUmGZcB9a0WZDOrNyYW_VPKh9WTNrrUu2iZxR7L6p13W4eog1pt8pcgLG-_WIZNq63oi83Az6U/s4896/P1110687a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2438" data-original-width="4896" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqiQAZf9Zo3yQvT6lwj3ZdoBHEUaz3rI635aOIUSmganELui-ujMdsN0Bio67wN8_R6a2SSbDdW7F5jxD1U251BPJdI3i79OB4tqzkyplkpzUp02lPXUmGZcB9a0WZDOrNyYW_VPKh9WTNrrUu2iZxR7L6p13W4eog1pt8pcgLG-_WIZNq63oi83Az6U/w640-h318/P1110687a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>The rules are “Dawn of Iron” and are published by Scary Biscuits Studios. They are a simple set of rules that are easy to learn. </div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgPUlbi7RaAlhDYyzHjCWql_JOOHkihN8wKeu88WZqhh-hfxAdCA_Zemwm3KA1uOhtpE4f-xJfEoiYk34b-Hw5nGd_OSu2Beq7gWt0JElqNoNbfRNDSOUgmToacwQJuKfWV1eFvfr0RXWQykfWoEIbM1X3k_Nln1Gy9RG211xeuHP7-qBKlQ5KXTKUtbJE/s338/SBS-SmallLogo.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="338" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUlbi7RaAlhDYyzHjCWql_JOOHkihN8wKeu88WZqhh-hfxAdCA_Zemwm3KA1uOhtpE4f-xJfEoiYk34b-Hw5nGd_OSu2Beq7gWt0JElqNoNbfRNDSOUgmToacwQJuKfWV1eFvfr0RXWQykfWoEIbM1X3k_Nln1Gy9RG211xeuHP7-qBKlQ5KXTKUtbJE/s320/SBS-SmallLogo.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.scarybiscuitsstudios.com/dawnofiron">https://www.scarybiscuitsstudios.com/dawnofiron</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This is ideal for a club game where we wanted to use a lot of ships. In addition they are devised so the book keeping is kept to a minimum.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEiGPtyoLls178TxYUNT_z7HkJokj-kM1pcFVfgxPQnGhK-ynjgM0CSZeE8msN9_0FDcM6nB_j8KLCaKxOUhkxF3kO3rgs7y5LL_wuAGgeCDYiK2ZBtZwAe61CkS6JsUd9kGP97Sr0roDNzzRnFR39-es2nAPPNGWJ23pTe5pXzwIST29FfVXc6EAV9rxMk/s588/Ship%20Card%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="588" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPtyoLls178TxYUNT_z7HkJokj-kM1pcFVfgxPQnGhK-ynjgM0CSZeE8msN9_0FDcM6nB_j8KLCaKxOUhkxF3kO3rgs7y5LL_wuAGgeCDYiK2ZBtZwAe61CkS6JsUd9kGP97Sr0roDNzzRnFR39-es2nAPPNGWJ23pTe5pXzwIST29FfVXc6EAV9rxMk/w400-h290/Ship%20Card%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Example of Ship Card.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><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/AVvXsEj-1a-pWxRvwrsadDh9nyz4-9Ge0It-85vyuOupBu18vY2VxoOeYDqBqxsFXguOFJOyLLF6PI8zM-cbip6_7iQJsn1x-WGplHc_qmsZ4u2ZO3H7ehbZpiRb8McwNRxa1ru2Wq_D-UipaXBK7fBPZLHcx1myu-y5dUuLzb353HNTzcok6lIdJ4CCeFOE-yw/s330/Damage%20Card.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="236" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1a-pWxRvwrsadDh9nyz4-9Ge0It-85vyuOupBu18vY2VxoOeYDqBqxsFXguOFJOyLLF6PI8zM-cbip6_7iQJsn1x-WGplHc_qmsZ4u2ZO3H7ehbZpiRb8McwNRxa1ru2Wq_D-UipaXBK7fBPZLHcx1myu-y5dUuLzb353HNTzcok6lIdJ4CCeFOE-yw/w286-h400/Damage%20Card.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Example of Damage Card.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This scenario “Damn the Torpedoes” was taken from their extensive Battles Packs. There are plenty of battles to choose from.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgIHVczlvyrnydEy0F3mX-ANR7tf689FQm_ZCB-h1yvBqnDYHnUMdgpFGjaur6FrmDHJEOX5eRy3d0h-ODZNlcsfTkrScd_y5DalCCrLTbVjTAQPavN0RPqvaiJeQ85YzuvV-lz0f9jGXuYwZM3xIOFWkjt4_-gW6d_8IpT6vigCxXg93q2-SzWzIBQk/s4896/P1110688a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgIHVczlvyrnydEy0F3mX-ANR7tf689FQm_ZCB-h1yvBqnDYHnUMdgpFGjaur6FrmDHJEOX5eRy3d0h-ODZNlcsfTkrScd_y5DalCCrLTbVjTAQPavN0RPqvaiJeQ85YzuvV-lz0f9jGXuYwZM3xIOFWkjt4_-gW6d_8IpT6vigCxXg93q2-SzWzIBQk/w640-h480/P1110688a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We played the rules with no changes except to reduce the turn arc to 22.5 degrees from 45 degrees. This worked well in our game and did cause a few more collisions that would have otherwise occurred. Always a good outcome in a naval game.</div><div><br /></div><div>The table set up :-</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRVNQ9cI5_XEaBiPyR6RmHFusoXlVkz0ol6STDzoqn7L9J_Q9SzhvFY-X5_0fgBspwFiJPC0W3EdRn5yzkOfpxUItJiIzbGT4VLh4FoigxkKd58netSt5b5-EsyGGcWrvDquQC0ul43lfAErAhA8oM1H_ROymaxvG5VwZw4GeQXrboGqljRt-gO97lHk/s483/Map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="483" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRVNQ9cI5_XEaBiPyR6RmHFusoXlVkz0ol6STDzoqn7L9J_Q9SzhvFY-X5_0fgBspwFiJPC0W3EdRn5yzkOfpxUItJiIzbGT4VLh4FoigxkKd58netSt5b5-EsyGGcWrvDquQC0ul43lfAErAhA8oM1H_ROymaxvG5VwZw4GeQXrboGqljRt-gO97lHk/w400-h353/Map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The CSS Tennessee is the pride of the Confederate navy being a large Ironclad. The other three ships were less impressive but well armed.</div><div><br /></div><div>The four Union ships are Ironclad Monitors, all with large guns.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf88ob2fkVG_3VLNS_M0LmHBg6h8YpszWMAcwKh4v7u6WoB-Pr3PpViXNSQ2G0dKiWmiAImZudEIWc-p2-W56AlCSlKK3uTNTkfObVqNNLNi7CjIuaLEIhPs-wpJDiLZJAMp1M0nd0YC6u84oxerHVJZt2v4L13wkF-fJNuHksyj9lzkmGNKj4ER5m16Y/s3321/P1110689a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3176" data-original-width="3321" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf88ob2fkVG_3VLNS_M0LmHBg6h8YpszWMAcwKh4v7u6WoB-Pr3PpViXNSQ2G0dKiWmiAImZudEIWc-p2-W56AlCSlKK3uTNTkfObVqNNLNi7CjIuaLEIhPs-wpJDiLZJAMp1M0nd0YC6u84oxerHVJZt2v4L13wkF-fJNuHksyj9lzkmGNKj4ER5m16Y/w640-h612/P1110689a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In addition the Union had the following wooden ships:-</div><div><br /></div><div>USS Brooklyn & Octorara</div><div>USS Hartford & Metacomet</div><div>USS Monongahela & Kennebec</div><div><br /></div><div>The Union Fleet was bigger than this but we did not have enough models, also, we wanted the Confederates to have a chance of winning.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX52ZMty_2OKqMYk9uj3PDcysfPs3mW5qaHAK27Bj7etUbzE9gxZv5gw_L3sXwr_9wMH_o_Du7nzmA5jKC_sgg907R9WncD0EjD4MU6bYLVcLkRy-8eVgVvPCwpxKx9k8ipps0xhShAkbW3UPK89_rNa8ghu8j-GOKXssXCu1wSePwKnnNiO7bsQMEoc0/s4617/P1110719a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3462" data-original-width="4617" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX52ZMty_2OKqMYk9uj3PDcysfPs3mW5qaHAK27Bj7etUbzE9gxZv5gw_L3sXwr_9wMH_o_Du7nzmA5jKC_sgg907R9WncD0EjD4MU6bYLVcLkRy-8eVgVvPCwpxKx9k8ipps0xhShAkbW3UPK89_rNa8ghu8j-GOKXssXCu1wSePwKnnNiO7bsQMEoc0/w640-h480/P1110719a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The objective of the game was for the Union fleet to enter the harbour and eliminate the Confederate ships. The Confederates would win by preventing this and by sinking half the Union ships.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before the game started the Union commander opted to attack at high tide. This would allow ships to sail between the torpedoes and land. However this would be for a limited time before the tide started to go out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gregory, who was given the job of Admiral Farragut, planned for the Monitors to sail through the gap and silence the Water Battery and Fort Morgan.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmqC6m9wx0fooBub5PeoDLii4kzjBBQ4nbbWwDFx6tomUWjKy2N7yctjlAhVNY_tFT76Iyp7vd_x5bvcHjDNwo09IVCtAjutUAWiEOGEgXcY1lg_fGY95edMtsbYy9-HKgQ9QIWIvS78QRUZgFLNlTVUxquVnHcrIaq17FZmS8iRJUY5rTMk6jxvf3jA/s4896/P1110707a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="4896" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmqC6m9wx0fooBub5PeoDLii4kzjBBQ4nbbWwDFx6tomUWjKy2N7yctjlAhVNY_tFT76Iyp7vd_x5bvcHjDNwo09IVCtAjutUAWiEOGEgXcY1lg_fGY95edMtsbYy9-HKgQ9QIWIvS78QRUZgFLNlTVUxquVnHcrIaq17FZmS8iRJUY5rTMk6jxvf3jA/w640-h382/P1110707a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Things started well, the Union soon silenced the Water Battery and were steaming past Fort Morgan. It was then that the Tennessee came into sight. Gregory told Vince to take her on with the USS Tecumseh. This he did by ramming into her. Both ships were now entangled for rest of game.</div><div><br /></div><div>At this point the two Steve's who commanded the Confederate Fleet were not looking confident. Gregory now unleashed the rest of his fleet to finish of the Confederates.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1vvJX5U_2rrz9uYZxQy5BgqjhsFMaO7ZMFY32dB-TX49fgY25BlbNb6ESuGMd-qhZ99-tg7fQNEGt4Ea5CZRpAZfOIvvcaOaWRjcxQiwFhwJdYa1XVeUREsUTnNhJKZfp_C5YfMtFhMvy1bztJFw1dMybuWps7ENizwSdmhtD-ejm2Cbp4sqCWy9jk4/s4896/P1110708a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2333" data-original-width="4896" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1vvJX5U_2rrz9uYZxQy5BgqjhsFMaO7ZMFY32dB-TX49fgY25BlbNb6ESuGMd-qhZ99-tg7fQNEGt4Ea5CZRpAZfOIvvcaOaWRjcxQiwFhwJdYa1XVeUREsUTnNhJKZfp_C5YfMtFhMvy1bztJFw1dMybuWps7ENizwSdmhtD-ejm2Cbp4sqCWy9jk4/w640-h304/P1110708a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This was when the Union snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. As each wooden ship came on and tried to sail through the gap they were hammered by the remnant of Fort Morgan. What was worse, the tide started to go out, the USS Manhattan got stranded and then Admiral Farragut was killed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then the Confederate Gunboats sailed in for the kill and finished off the Union Wooden ships.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWxSi-pnvNknhJlfnZqfY7Ms92HEsYc98_G2mnRd-kdB518T7ylv4v2Tn8cG_ocDQuttlN3ECBxWYkUqICkKTb-PpCKoyYtGNOUyro6qKo4Tr0iQtHLawCLTDQ1LPBTg85u6I27abeVBRyMR-9fi75DCXmyIzV5IT3537UzPBz3esZ3QVfdZtaMdVUJo/s4896/P1110709a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2373" data-original-width="4896" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWxSi-pnvNknhJlfnZqfY7Ms92HEsYc98_G2mnRd-kdB518T7ylv4v2Tn8cG_ocDQuttlN3ECBxWYkUqICkKTb-PpCKoyYtGNOUyro6qKo4Tr0iQtHLawCLTDQ1LPBTg85u6I27abeVBRyMR-9fi75DCXmyIzV5IT3537UzPBz3esZ3QVfdZtaMdVUJo/w640-h310/P1110709a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally remember the Tennessee and Tecumseh, well they were still entangled. They had been hammering away at each other and finally the Tecumseh was beaten into a derelict vessel and surrendered.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiqz08ErVGZwTqQykgIa1YvCnTUMvMdHPHeOdon1tqEd3Doi1lhV2HpWrQYmJG8h6vukc4jHA4So6GpSj8vpQ6bQry-IuUG25l8OeGVr0gl_uF1mWJzoXUboqsm76FqyEHrG2QUqg_2sU0Iddp6epfTYaJ0SNzPeir5qdqZAq6afvZuPNaQsVQvP-wu8/s4896/P1110717a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiqz08ErVGZwTqQykgIa1YvCnTUMvMdHPHeOdon1tqEd3Doi1lhV2HpWrQYmJG8h6vukc4jHA4So6GpSj8vpQ6bQry-IuUG25l8OeGVr0gl_uF1mWJzoXUboqsm76FqyEHrG2QUqg_2sU0Iddp6epfTYaJ0SNzPeir5qdqZAq6afvZuPNaQsVQvP-wu8/w640-h480/P1110717a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Union had now lost 50% of there fleet so the Confederates claimed a victory.</div><div><br /></div><div>A most enjoyable game played in good humour. Steve M and Steve L were the Confederates who did not give up when the Monitors broke into the harbour. Gregory and Vince were the gallant Union players who were convinced they would win in a return game.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9uRHm2N_x6Vz-eqlCtEnvz6JGQJ71QdA8z8frNaX9lQJ68I4ZZZNUJtL0PsydVIvRmB0pZMjlqnlobfDhyurogAROezEnXkfXlOWslRZ-19mxsqwpgCeAzd1KPYmI6_jfaun_j0yTUuGTLdJ-imyDlX4LyB-jP6ujpDjE-zSDuueB2RA-fhdmThj_5E/s4896/P1110718a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2367" data-original-width="4896" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9uRHm2N_x6Vz-eqlCtEnvz6JGQJ71QdA8z8frNaX9lQJ68I4ZZZNUJtL0PsydVIvRmB0pZMjlqnlobfDhyurogAROezEnXkfXlOWslRZ-19mxsqwpgCeAzd1KPYmI6_jfaun_j0yTUuGTLdJ-imyDlX4LyB-jP6ujpDjE-zSDuueB2RA-fhdmThj_5E/w640-h310/P1110718a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The rules played well and gave a good feel of the period. Some realism has been sacrificed to keep the game mechanism simple but they have captured the main elements of the conflict. </div></div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-83943380010565549092024-02-16T10:14:00.000+00:002024-02-16T10:14:27.195+00:00French Indo-China - Dinassaut Commando Raid on Gian Khau 1948.<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NOIBIVFhxpOttqp3b9Veyr6ZVEMsV6vdXep3VtkqdLHfmgu5vtXpgRTPmfaLOy6zuwIhlEzq2UGlK9UUpCV50yU-vjbxJplKsL1HI29ECPfYBjDI4jGyGHfPwsW3RAO7qh2rBGd7EEEJf1pcamYfFzeoYpO4qvf_3CZhLRKBe0QFPF9JQljmEFbSCnw/s1298/Header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="948" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NOIBIVFhxpOttqp3b9Veyr6ZVEMsV6vdXep3VtkqdLHfmgu5vtXpgRTPmfaLOy6zuwIhlEzq2UGlK9UUpCV50yU-vjbxJplKsL1HI29ECPfYBjDI4jGyGHfPwsW3RAO7qh2rBGd7EEEJf1pcamYfFzeoYpO4qvf_3CZhLRKBe0QFPF9JQljmEFbSCnw/w468-h640/Header.jpg" width="468" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Background</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We tend to think of the French position in Indochina as “a losing-hand”, that wasn’t always so. Following the post war reoccupation, the French pacified most of Indochina more or less. The Viet Minh found it hard to operate outside of their strongholds, in the face of superior French firepower and aggression. Only after the fall of China to Mao’s communist forces, did the Viet Minh have a safe-havens in to train and equip. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEi4JNRD59MaTpgJP7noYwi9YGMXgUMvBtNKiupLayPDTG5UKlMDPuqoHsKmzptSInPUYvXMSgT83W-VR3or6_MHhfx9IWyFRMrGDRP1tyO34NSQtVVmIx-3_rNUHdgl9yccvxUrV2vU7Z6qAShl9wBrtX09KWacnY90THTS6TTZuAEeE_5ZlgVM7pnnKZc/s599/Commando.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="599" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JNRD59MaTpgJP7noYwi9YGMXgUMvBtNKiupLayPDTG5UKlMDPuqoHsKmzptSInPUYvXMSgT83W-VR3or6_MHhfx9IWyFRMrGDRP1tyO34NSQtVVmIx-3_rNUHdgl9yccvxUrV2vU7Z6qAShl9wBrtX09KWacnY90THTS6TTZuAEeE_5ZlgVM7pnnKZc/w640-h440/Commando.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinassaut Commandos</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today’s game is set in this earlier period and is a French Dinassaut raid on a village, used by the Viet Minh for logistics and training, along the River Day (Song Day). The village of Gian Khau is deep in Ninh Binh province and in the heart of Viet Minh resistance. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The time is 04.30 on 2nd February 1948, the weather is clear and warm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm36tfsUxm8RxX6eopa5qNmy6ghfUSsD-AebHpzTRdM-bOxgWSQkK6NXXtnxxz00pRVIqrJeQ2pTV1bruwpvaxqPUDCiAQQVGeNslo_XonYiGiWaJya6KcwWsaHpKCyQ1_yarb_vXP6dfJWbmcKOod4B-w3lOHGSOuo0zB_dyfk4zdFIiD20oMV6jxiws/s400/1re_DINASSAUT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm36tfsUxm8RxX6eopa5qNmy6ghfUSsD-AebHpzTRdM-bOxgWSQkK6NXXtnxxz00pRVIqrJeQ2pTV1bruwpvaxqPUDCiAQQVGeNslo_XonYiGiWaJya6KcwWsaHpKCyQ1_yarb_vXP6dfJWbmcKOod4B-w3lOHGSOuo0zB_dyfk4zdFIiD20oMV6jxiws/s320/1re_DINASSAUT.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Dinassat - Division Navale d’ Assaut (Naval Assault Divisions) was a riverine unit employed by the French Navy in Indochina; ten units were created by General Leclerc in 1947. Each Dinassault consisted of approximately 12 craft, often American landing craft modified with armour and using tank turrets or 81 mm mortars, to be employed as riverine artillery (source Wikipedia).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEh0gLHIKjdT_eQN6c0gV7RFUqhXTjVdFkWWjW9XQsPZJoUiEHnBfp7JMJapBn-VjfJXP5XrVfsSvjeYV57HqmxcCU54mnDJtYOdNB1tHriZQl8wxIWFCyCO1IC-Hqiw4geiwt6U_uX87_b4gWUrguL5jsPBLSKFEEDTguB1ialvFpB2hVoqfM2xCwQFjF4/s934/Riverine%20Monitor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="934" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gLHIKjdT_eQN6c0gV7RFUqhXTjVdFkWWjW9XQsPZJoUiEHnBfp7JMJapBn-VjfJXP5XrVfsSvjeYV57HqmxcCU54mnDJtYOdNB1tHriZQl8wxIWFCyCO1IC-Hqiw4geiwt6U_uX87_b4gWUrguL5jsPBLSKFEEDTguB1ialvFpB2hVoqfM2xCwQFjF4/w640-h356/Riverine%20Monitor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riverine Monitor</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Rules</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We used Chain of Command by Two Fat Lardies, with the Vietnam and French Indochina supplements by Jason Sendjirdjian, see link below:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEicakAnN8fV7b879rM75LhYhOd8GreEprhZXZfe5TyKLfpzoDrXzGoxFl4NzbBTxYyRIRfb-LE5WBfYnA0U7HUWPXV4HjUffC58m1vU7US_mJfQ-WK93j4hpxtasY21JHHkDwpv0iHa9oTFadkY44KLZSS_K6SXKNjdET9qI43KfcatV-OR75cD1l7j7eU/s555/Rules%20Pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="391" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicakAnN8fV7b879rM75LhYhOd8GreEprhZXZfe5TyKLfpzoDrXzGoxFl4NzbBTxYyRIRfb-LE5WBfYnA0U7HUWPXV4HjUffC58m1vU7US_mJfQ-WK93j4hpxtasY21JHHkDwpv0iHa9oTFadkY44KLZSS_K6SXKNjdET9qI43KfcatV-OR75cD1l7j7eU/s320/Rules%20Pic.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://carportgaming.blogspot.com.au/" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">http://carportgaming.blogspot.com.au/</span></b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">French Order of Battle</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Six Command dice, one of which is red and counts for 1,2,3 & 4 only. All troops are elite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Commando HQ</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Officer (Snr Leader), SMG and grenades. 2 i/c Snr Sergeant (Snr Leader), SMG and grenades plus Medic.</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Commando Stick One</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Sou Sargeant (Jnr Leader), SMG and grenades</li><li>8 commandos with SMG’s and grenades</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Fire support team</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Inferior Jnr Leader &</li><li>BAR with 3 crew</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Commando Stick Two</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Sou Sargeant (Jnr Leader), SMG and grenades</li><li>8 commandos with SMG’s and grenades</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Fire support team</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Inferior Jnr Leader & BAR with 3 crew</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Fire Support Team Three</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Bipod MMG with 5 crew</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Sapper Demolition Engineers</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Sou Sargeant (Jnr Leader) carbine</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Two Demolition Teams</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>3 sappers, demolition charges and carbines per team</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Riverine Monitor</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>37mm gun, 81mm mortar and two MMG’s. All fire is long range.</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Notes:</b> troops that disembark at jetty deploy and move normally, those that disembark in the river</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">have no deployment bonus and move as difficult terrain. French troops are motivated and well equipped, the rules limiting hand grenades to not apply. Commandos will not surrender.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>French Briefing and Objectives.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Gian Khau village is identified as a Viet Minh logistic and training hub. Gian Khau cannot be attacked by land due to the poor roads and many ambush positions. A paradrop was considered and rejected because extraction will be by via same roads. The newly formed Dinassaut forces have been allocated this task.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You will attack just before first light, taking advantage of the river mist to approach (visibility is limited to 10 inches at least to start with). The village is lightly held by local defence troops but recent aerial reconnaissance has been hotly engaged by ground machine gun fire; three possible locations for these guns have been identified; two emplacements on the riverbank and one on the jetty. The best place to land is probably alongside the jetty, but the river is wadable to a certain extent (counts as heavy terrain). You can expect enemy reinforcements to arrive quite quickly, as this is an enemy training area too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBT1puqiNoPqkQYBrDSgzeRofFwVWwaJgrtvluMSxqMG7AzKjLHh8dT-8_wPI21sd7DgW_6Z_LcNaX5hH0lzI5jj4EwdBaZeaIeQp4m_Wdn7cXAWdi-jKjwMzeFSy3hNIGSk41NiXRdp1IG9IfoDNRvBTIuvtCl6xC3GtFaJuw62Jpwdc3oaxOfEylCo/s934/recon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="934" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBT1puqiNoPqkQYBrDSgzeRofFwVWwaJgrtvluMSxqMG7AzKjLHh8dT-8_wPI21sd7DgW_6Z_LcNaX5hH0lzI5jj4EwdBaZeaIeQp4m_Wdn7cXAWdi-jKjwMzeFSy3hNIGSk41NiXRdp1IG9IfoDNRvBTIuvtCl6xC3GtFaJuw62Jpwdc3oaxOfEylCo/w640-h356/recon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A recent photo-recon image is enclosed showing Gian Khau and jetty, possible machine gun positions and the roads leading to the nearby training camp.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UYsaTOVYsPs3D_NAUs7J8VXA2JZhhCXkrim6QiPgMJ_23B3n4XWlaUEJLplO5WbJvvuuy_WrXDG02AhTNfJlKQlkT2z1fB7nt9EfTI2L3arov8Usre80RyUPessjiTUbZiFlxbcFnnwMNQ5nL9HAwyYKtZCWUN60ck8nZpDpurpAR3OOej4rn43W8i4/s4896/P1110690a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3489" data-original-width="4896" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UYsaTOVYsPs3D_NAUs7J8VXA2JZhhCXkrim6QiPgMJ_23B3n4XWlaUEJLplO5WbJvvuuy_WrXDG02AhTNfJlKQlkT2z1fB7nt9EfTI2L3arov8Usre80RyUPessjiTUbZiFlxbcFnnwMNQ5nL9HAwyYKtZCWUN60ck8nZpDpurpAR3OOej4rn43W8i4/w640-h456/P1110690a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Your objective is to destroy all the building and transport which are filled with supplies. Then make an expeditious exit the same way you arrived. Buildings are of light weight construction and can be easily demolished by gun, mortars or by engineers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Viet Minh Order of Battle and Briefing</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Five Command dice, most units count as regulars.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Gian Khau Village Garrison</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Snr Leader pistol (no grenades)</li><li>2 i/c Snr Leader, SMG (no grenades)</li><li>Commissar & two runners</li><li>1 squad of 6 rifles (no grenades) Green Troops</li><li>Support Weapons, Regular, 2 x MMG in sand bagged positions, with crew of 6 each</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Gian Khau Main Force Training Camp.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Company HQ</li><li>1 superior Snr Ldr, pistol (no grenades).</li><li>2 commissars, pistol with two runners each (no grenades).</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Platoon</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Snr Leader, SMG (no grenades).</li><li>2 i/c Snr Ldr, SMG (no grenades).</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">4 rifle squads each consisting of:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 Jnr leader with rifle and</li><li>9 riflemen (no grenades)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Viet Minh Briefing and Objectives.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Deuxieme Bureau in Hanoi has released part of a speech by a senior commissar who visiting</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Gian Khau; it is all you need to know:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>“Comrades of Gian Khau village, by your efforts the day of liberation draws ever nearer. Daily you unload motivated comrades, weapons and rice, the three wants of the peoples’ struggle. After a dangerous transit, often from far away, these three wants are delivered for your safekeeping. By day you labour and by night you guard the three wants vigilantly. Even though Gian Khau is far from our beloved leader, your unceasing struggle does not pass unnoticed.”</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Your objective is to defend the village buildings and lorry-park, where these important stores are kept. But first, you must mark the positions of your two machine guns and the entry route of the Main-Force reinforcements, on the aerial photograph recently acquired by one of our comrades working in the Deuxieme Bureau, Hanoi.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">How the Game Played</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Before the game started the Viet Minh (VM) player, had a couple of decisions to make; the location of two machine guns and where the Main Force reinforcements would enter. With his map now annotated the first set of six command dice were rolled by the elite French Commandos, commanded by Lawrence and Tom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgKz_i-UMjdOGcYtGc-y_AJxFlwMTCsoIE0AW8h6Ji1GG_196gkLfOwrbxtA9vfoFBBnGaLRs-TUmOuU_mDPUVZy3OjxIEkVplHpFaQkUL-MUaE7B8NPrAtmwVn1OZV7T1l-zSXj1oBCE-7O4ZAEwsQ_tcyV5iFUmVblLBpFRstHHIrgsB4NNs2Na4xM/s3672/P1110692a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="3196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgKz_i-UMjdOGcYtGc-y_AJxFlwMTCsoIE0AW8h6Ji1GG_196gkLfOwrbxtA9vfoFBBnGaLRs-TUmOuU_mDPUVZy3OjxIEkVplHpFaQkUL-MUaE7B8NPrAtmwVn1OZV7T1l-zSXj1oBCE-7O4ZAEwsQ_tcyV5iFUmVblLBpFRstHHIrgsB4NNs2Na4xM/w558-h640/P1110692a.JPG" width="558" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The French split their forces into two almost even groups and stormed ashore from the river, rather than land at the jetty. During the first turn the range was limited to ten inches, but despite being sufficient for the two machine gun positions to see the landing, the VM held their fire. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As the French consolidated their landing position, by bringing on more of their force, the VM deployed their village defence force, a small and poorly armed body of village folk, but well-motivated by their leader and supporting commissar. With the village force deployed the two VM machine guns opened-up, one in a sand bagged position and the other at the end of the jetty, killing two French commandos but ineffective against the monitor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc2EN7G9w6GJNIZtYY0t813qYsFsxMGp7ny-F9qo63k2LbUnr2CwmgQ0keRMdYeOuHoOVy7BMJ5Xj6r7vucOkcnV0Dt5XY8h_x9Jde3siWqX84ST3GhP5AMVtq1Fw5QRzOYjE5yaoDUbVsCaiNze-R3HdNFZi6pY15L_T3QS_9sdnMEfTCujBM0WjQsU/s4896/P1110694a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc2EN7G9w6GJNIZtYY0t813qYsFsxMGp7ny-F9qo63k2LbUnr2CwmgQ0keRMdYeOuHoOVy7BMJ5Xj6r7vucOkcnV0Dt5XY8h_x9Jde3siWqX84ST3GhP5AMVtq1Fw5QRzOYjE5yaoDUbVsCaiNze-R3HdNFZi6pY15L_T3QS_9sdnMEfTCujBM0WjQsU/w640-h480/P1110694a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Luck now favoured the French with a double phase and they poured a huge return fire of sub machine gun, grenades all supported by the monitor’s machine guns and 37mm gun fire too; the VM gun crew were soon reduced to one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lady luck now gave the VM a double turn. The VM realising that they would never out gun the French, used the tactic of “grasping the enemy by the belt buckle” and surged forward towards the nearest group of commandos and into melee. The village VM group never got to roll their second phase; the melee saw their whole force destroyed and village morale collapse to zero. In one sweep the village defence had been overrun by the French but not without cost as four more French commandos had been killed in the desperate hand to hand fighting; something the French force could ill afford.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Xp6TLX4wYLDC0sLhoPx9pGiuX5j52vM1dUfXJ4SSHgb3KkIIXU10X5GHpKRI_cJ5kOhAN_iOnMniQA_cObEbfZFzOz1g0e10UMB5NaqACfLISkhSGmu_RNaQf7Jy3OYfcS-dYGQeAOnNow1PVk2vEePbltwaT53fgXMgqcqMCGDgWHpUkLNwO1U2eug/s4896/P1110702a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2392" data-original-width="4896" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Xp6TLX4wYLDC0sLhoPx9pGiuX5j52vM1dUfXJ4SSHgb3KkIIXU10X5GHpKRI_cJ5kOhAN_iOnMniQA_cObEbfZFzOz1g0e10UMB5NaqACfLISkhSGmu_RNaQf7Jy3OYfcS-dYGQeAOnNow1PVk2vEePbltwaT53fgXMgqcqMCGDgWHpUkLNwO1U2eug/w640-h312/P1110702a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The sound of the fighting in the village had alerted the VM main force troops at the training camp, who now started to appear at their pre-designated jump off point (B). Equally as poorly equipped and equally as highly motivated as the village defenders, the VM Main Force were determined to see off their oppressors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The French demolition teams wasted no time in moving though the village destroying buildings and supplies. The monitor crew joined in the process using gun and mortar fire to destroy further buildings. The commandos meanwhile spread out into the paddy fields behind the village, taking up positions behind the field bunds. And to bring their superior firepower to bear, the French used their chain of command dice to end the turn, which increased visibility to 15”.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiln0Pw56Z6kL6ch_KjfyT95hZYJbLUBtdlfpPaN9aUXaBtZfxgHkE-kz6ZQRR-5BK1ZvuhiU3KvKAlwakr1rsudoiNkEgSvGX64fPU7ak4y8C-Brp8lbTCrz51IxhYMeUpZ0ZviNuHfVZRVQsvANfz4AV_tgWmv3caXxuaOhR0794O6eXnnoSr-JRIXF8/s3984/P1110703a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2965" data-original-width="3984" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiln0Pw56Z6kL6ch_KjfyT95hZYJbLUBtdlfpPaN9aUXaBtZfxgHkE-kz6ZQRR-5BK1ZvuhiU3KvKAlwakr1rsudoiNkEgSvGX64fPU7ak4y8C-Brp8lbTCrz51IxhYMeUpZ0ZviNuHfVZRVQsvANfz4AV_tgWmv3caXxuaOhR0794O6eXnnoSr-JRIXF8/w640-h476/P1110703a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With increased visibility some fire was exchanged but with little effect, one side or the other would have to close the range to achieve anything decisive. Knowing that their firepower was distinctly inferior to the French, the VM accepted that it would have to be them. Skilfully using the poor visibility to avoid being caught in too much cross fire, the VM entered the paddy fields making use of the bunds for cover, while concentrating their attention on the weaker of the two French groups. Awaiting the right moment a commissars leapt to his feet, grasped the flag and as the bugle sounded the charge he fell-over as he crossed the bund and splashed into the paddy (that is to say - the VM rolled a one on their movement dice!). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fortunately, the hail of French fire only caused one VM casualty; perhaps the commissar was not that inspiring after all? On the second attempt the VM poured over the bund and meleed the French commandos. The result was predictably a brave loss by the VM, who lost all their men, except for the commissar and the senior leader, both last seen skedaddling-back the way they had come. But the French suffered two killed and the squad Sou-Seargent wounded as well; fortunately for both sides the morale effects were not very severe. The French, realising that they need more visibility to bring their superior firepower to bear, ended the turn so increasing the range to 20 inches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJe3oJ70Y5N3RVhtTsf11gy187UC0Yt6Hk4thinThxBeh9berglR8tvF1wxJZryJc7gTlixDPfOn_3YwrXSb0GmHP1RmxsM0VAU5X4G6BzxZM7b6MYNKLyAIN9oCw7Juz7OoewdCkEXpnzMde2ig3Dn2T-VgEdb2_x34w-sdzk5yyHtkE1T6krFACRMrc/s4896/P1110704a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJe3oJ70Y5N3RVhtTsf11gy187UC0Yt6Hk4thinThxBeh9berglR8tvF1wxJZryJc7gTlixDPfOn_3YwrXSb0GmHP1RmxsM0VAU5X4G6BzxZM7b6MYNKLyAIN9oCw7Juz7OoewdCkEXpnzMde2ig3Dn2T-VgEdb2_x34w-sdzk5yyHtkE1T6krFACRMrc/w640-h480/P1110704a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The French and VM had fought each other to a standstill on one flank but on the other the French, meeting little resistance had made good progress. All the stores and building in the village had been destroyed as they pressed deeper into VM territory to blow-up and last storage area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSaxBX9OMoyU4hNHCmCvIu2H0JDiH305ELxxfLsd5tguy6dBhKu0YyrVXfTKUA_nqF7kue42tuNoAhyphenhyphenZ42fQ2MjghgJXnW-TcL73akGrBQTuXCVpWAqeyPMd30694eUgq4W5Bu6Da-AybC7wzkngbVVUrtWUtKVfhn72-X6O5tnediDaD5KGhRZ-gZm-k/s4896/P1110705a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2175" data-original-width="4896" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSaxBX9OMoyU4hNHCmCvIu2H0JDiH305ELxxfLsd5tguy6dBhKu0YyrVXfTKUA_nqF7kue42tuNoAhyphenhyphenZ42fQ2MjghgJXnW-TcL73akGrBQTuXCVpWAqeyPMd30694eUgq4W5Bu6Da-AybC7wzkngbVVUrtWUtKVfhn72-X6O5tnediDaD5KGhRZ-gZm-k/w640-h284/P1110705a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The senior sergeant had established his men and the company support machine gun, in the paddy fields where they engaged fleeting VM targets, though with little effect. He had hatched a plan whereby the engineers would outflank the VM positions through a burnt-out wood, supported by suppressive fire from his men and the mortar on the monitor; sadly things quickly went pear-shaped. There was a breakdown in walky-talky communication with the monitor as the supporting mortar fire went everywhere, except on target. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFvcN2j_8P0-IHvY5U4qP7gLqGcpIzqkEtocv8pNYQSygioPURVDmxY3rDWzjH54KSQxJUlVo2DmPK2zNO3hXYWL3or8ytpyi3vtdKj7C39o6tVW6I2aynmwvkTvbi1I_2Zua5_OCya-W-WBlz-l3B97V5orSxs3_HtQmLccpUzUEfWawsB2RWBe9qjw/s4606/P1110706a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3060" data-original-width="4606" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFvcN2j_8P0-IHvY5U4qP7gLqGcpIzqkEtocv8pNYQSygioPURVDmxY3rDWzjH54KSQxJUlVo2DmPK2zNO3hXYWL3or8ytpyi3vtdKj7C39o6tVW6I2aynmwvkTvbi1I_2Zua5_OCya-W-WBlz-l3B97V5orSxs3_HtQmLccpUzUEfWawsB2RWBe9qjw/w640-h426/P1110706a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The VM senior leader quickly deducing the French plan and used his chain of command dice to move his jump off point, so he could more effectively deploy his remaining reserves. A clash ensued between the engineer team and a squad of approaching VM riflemen. While there were no casualties to either side, the French realising they were outnumbered retreated from the hill, pausing long enough to point out the approaching VM to the senior sergeant. This was just as well because the senior-sergeant had just enough time to rearrange his defences before the VM charged down-hill to melee his men. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcm8AQD_9c86ky_kK1gWhyphenhyphenvRvQuhQ4KQvnYBF21z9EAtfpprFAVraQkXdpeMDnh-pTdceIkUBDaT3knS1qVIFVX45OvUOgGZ6mIkf0Z6WdiGx-pG-FaAESWzOhxXBaH_75etS_nV5r_b3ONj-WNTSUl4SK9JK6iOScUGLRChE_LWhG5YoliL4ITmNZUw/s3895/P1110720a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2482" data-original-width="3895" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcm8AQD_9c86ky_kK1gWhyphenhyphenvRvQuhQ4KQvnYBF21z9EAtfpprFAVraQkXdpeMDnh-pTdceIkUBDaT3knS1qVIFVX45OvUOgGZ6mIkf0Z6WdiGx-pG-FaAESWzOhxXBaH_75etS_nV5r_b3ONj-WNTSUl4SK9JK6iOScUGLRChE_LWhG5YoliL4ITmNZUw/w640-h408/P1110720a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As in previous melees the French superiority in fire power carried the day, killing every single VM, but not before three commandos were killed, including the senior-sergeant. This time the morale dice rolls were not so kind the VM and their steadily declining morale collapsed and the remaining VM force quitting the field.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8JiqzNzT7KH5-EZYeGlkWtwm57sET0DHmnf3YsT4TBo3ltPBAAqvppdF7GAp87Z-BgIlgRqPjqZwkd6cIooVNdGyrXN3RyZRnWY6Qf_9II3pLc6w5QMlImOsBZ-Nhs6IsJ0UhCwuLsXPBesAt50BrtWf595Ug_fHNk_gv3CnAjXIF088VYrqsWoCR_o/s4529/P1110721a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2817" data-original-width="4529" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8JiqzNzT7KH5-EZYeGlkWtwm57sET0DHmnf3YsT4TBo3ltPBAAqvppdF7GAp87Z-BgIlgRqPjqZwkd6cIooVNdGyrXN3RyZRnWY6Qf_9II3pLc6w5QMlImOsBZ-Nhs6IsJ0UhCwuLsXPBesAt50BrtWf595Ug_fHNk_gv3CnAjXIF088VYrqsWoCR_o/w640-h398/P1110721a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Conclusion? While the French had carried the day and destroyed considerable amounts of VM stores, they had taken heavy casualties amongst the highly trained commandos. With the village and surrounding areas now secured, the French would demolish the reminder of the VM buildings and stores. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRo9t2NlvwR6oFCORmwdXbc-Dnd2nSpzeUzcXbLrZ_DWawcekJyZ6t9vSgGzCKPiDC43iYjY1H59xOPn3ELVjt4GWYZrJ4ybo3BMM9Y42n0F4PfLxgE_OPgTNdBP9vpSNN40uOUG77CdzBsuIuzZo0Kv4MQdlAP_uePS_rEfNActFUUUJy493BM-fZqFI/s4438/P1110722a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2335" data-original-width="4438" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRo9t2NlvwR6oFCORmwdXbc-Dnd2nSpzeUzcXbLrZ_DWawcekJyZ6t9vSgGzCKPiDC43iYjY1H59xOPn3ELVjt4GWYZrJ4ybo3BMM9Y42n0F4PfLxgE_OPgTNdBP9vpSNN40uOUG77CdzBsuIuzZo0Kv4MQdlAP_uePS_rEfNActFUUUJy493BM-fZqFI/w640-h336/P1110722a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the VM, the decision to melee the French were ever possible, would always result in heavy casualties but with inferior firepower it was probably the best decision. While the precious stores were lost, both the VM main-force senior leaders and commissars had all survived; the VM could rebuild their force and the struggle continue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Acknowledgement</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Most of the information used to construct this scenario comes from “Mourier pour L’Indochine – Wargaming French Indochina 1946-54”, by Shawn Taylor. While these are not the rules used to play the game today, they are a set that I will try to use in further games at the DWG, especially as they allow for larger scale deployments than do Chain of Command.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thanks to Tom, Paul and Lawrence for playing the game, especially as VM Paul managed to keep an inscrutable poker face throughout. Figures are Empress Miniatures alongside several Warlord Games and Rubicon Miniatures plastic sets that I have “kit-bashed”, plus US troops I purchased second-hand but don’t know the manufacturer. Apologies for some of the French riverine fleet. Perhaps, since the vessels are more representative than involved, I should get these models in 15mm so the table would be less cluttered.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Stephen Huntsman</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">29 1 2024</div></div></div></div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-25106961918530574122024-02-10T09:11:00.000+00:002024-02-10T09:11:21.528+00:00Guadalcanal 1942 - 'O'Group.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzvvqIz8fQKndc9q9p5xiGd_w3r6LZhdwZA8VdsC3oWtCHc-sWLTmvIUvbkRpS0pYlA4A-ItLe1pLWVBybS9CNRMgLjrTNki-uvDljqMYaLR1_HmT_Jk1YtsC43BEx9Wk8hBxsy7mCrVEDi9_PCviX-KRUzn664CLJlX7a0fzxNkRVmOSJIzjum8U0QY/s2080/6s9mn4i3sxwy.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="2080" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzvvqIz8fQKndc9q9p5xiGd_w3r6LZhdwZA8VdsC3oWtCHc-sWLTmvIUvbkRpS0pYlA4A-ItLe1pLWVBybS9CNRMgLjrTNki-uvDljqMYaLR1_HmT_Jk1YtsC43BEx9Wk8hBxsy7mCrVEDi9_PCviX-KRUzn664CLJlX7a0fzxNkRVmOSJIzjum8U0QY/w640-h434/6s9mn4i3sxwy.webp" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>This game was based on the fighting around the Matanikau River 21st October 1942. </div><div><br /></div><div>The American Marines have formed a defensive line to the East of the river, one flank is against the sea the other extends into the jungle.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgbn_bZXoT7au3tKRvO_toJPnKZy-mk4Fx55cO9z-eJMqyGeOQCmiD0OpJYbu2TiBFMISP44AEvKcTgC9o7N2a9sFhFZ0OPNVXIjHMZjUizR-jQL2q6tv7s6E4_h5kdFQBqZRcV0C4L2EmfbIBB-45OFx3bYjBt1wrpxjQfEOrU7Wo1Qzf4qP6mi-2RlIw/s3993/P1110587a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3111" data-original-width="3993" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbn_bZXoT7au3tKRvO_toJPnKZy-mk4Fx55cO9z-eJMqyGeOQCmiD0OpJYbu2TiBFMISP44AEvKcTgC9o7N2a9sFhFZ0OPNVXIjHMZjUizR-jQL2q6tv7s6E4_h5kdFQBqZRcV0C4L2EmfbIBB-45OFx3bYjBt1wrpxjQfEOrU7Wo1Qzf4qP6mi-2RlIw/w640-h498/P1110587a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The table set-up with the American lines to left of picture, holding the river line and with the beach area closest to camera.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The Japanese objective is to break through this defence and for one of there units to exit on the coastal road on Eastern table edge.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kQUefyhnRv3SLXkrdMv-nfzg7F5Xq9J0C22z6xeiQQYMVyVmyHfYXBHvtEbUS-sNDrji82i95p-iukt2J0_BTtJmxeRmfs9fSosq0GcCvSAELlEFqcsXO6Q_yT9rtMZ8xDnxdyXExmFYQK3FBko7KZ8lp_B2oovTD4AlCz7mRVYDciGc37gvmNaL-9Y/s1024/O-Group-Cover-Small-811x1024.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="811" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kQUefyhnRv3SLXkrdMv-nfzg7F5Xq9J0C22z6xeiQQYMVyVmyHfYXBHvtEbUS-sNDrji82i95p-iukt2J0_BTtJmxeRmfs9fSosq0GcCvSAELlEFqcsXO6Q_yT9rtMZ8xDnxdyXExmFYQK3FBko7KZ8lp_B2oovTD4AlCz7mRVYDciGc37gvmNaL-9Y/w316-h400/O-Group-Cover-Small-811x1024.png" width="316" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For this game the rules chosen were O Group by Reisswitz Press.</div><div><br /></div><div>An initial bombardment was quite brutal on the Marines and they lost a platoon.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQ77cX0SdMQXQs3Klo7WywNoH5v80SfB04QI-oDby4EDEYYF5fH-LTOyD5RktATxNK3oA3XusY4AFtTYaTz0q1oBlJH3WAwQEP08BvIiO_rliRRNqAgNtu0NwGk0tIzjkXHEUeHB9aOBZ_nJv04AcTTxoIHsnOnSf8twT6eYpZw3U2u5jBSDgzqJqwy4/s4896/P1110589a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQ77cX0SdMQXQs3Klo7WywNoH5v80SfB04QI-oDby4EDEYYF5fH-LTOyD5RktATxNK3oA3XusY4AFtTYaTz0q1oBlJH3WAwQEP08BvIiO_rliRRNqAgNtu0NwGk0tIzjkXHEUeHB9aOBZ_nJv04AcTTxoIHsnOnSf8twT6eYpZw3U2u5jBSDgzqJqwy4/w640-h480/P1110589a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then the Japanese opened the attack with heavy weapons whilst advancing to the river. This was driven back when the Marines exposed their position and fired upon the advancing Japanese. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESaJQ2FOPzqfH59uwGRoW8bjYpJhwFPMSgQHGWjNX1-HvzY_rrNhKQwPUbdUqhXLMM_BoJukLYvD5YvKARj6Apjs59eHZaFG8tHZ93DoU5eegg2HGexVkov8rttdRwAgtlPiCXLVqWiDG5uVmH3nfCjOE7TY6Dtse6sOsuVvP8diiP4BqynpNdYi6BoY/s4896/P1110590a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2720" data-original-width="4896" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESaJQ2FOPzqfH59uwGRoW8bjYpJhwFPMSgQHGWjNX1-HvzY_rrNhKQwPUbdUqhXLMM_BoJukLYvD5YvKARj6Apjs59eHZaFG8tHZ93DoU5eegg2HGexVkov8rttdRwAgtlPiCXLVqWiDG5uVmH3nfCjOE7TY6Dtse6sOsuVvP8diiP4BqynpNdYi6BoY/w640-h356/P1110590a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Following this initial setback the Japanese started to deploy their infantry platoons for an attack on the exposed ridge. As they could deploy Combat Patrols from the Southern table edge the ridge was in danger of being flanked. Therefore the Marines started sending reinforcements to this area.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZTCKAdfOjMrFMSK_jE34_AAwAAtHEElzhGUsMzGIgkTcmkm5RL1M0RGheYBCoEzcg-9rlNTLODc5vL9TM1iZNUuWmx5JcWDlYyCZFLlCYdfpeK47Me232wlDyRUci8kEOI_G8MX9aI0BttYcBLuVQ-Cg5spxYirKC0w96hk9TiYTY7LIwrtgQkOlVhk/s4896/P1110622a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZTCKAdfOjMrFMSK_jE34_AAwAAtHEElzhGUsMzGIgkTcmkm5RL1M0RGheYBCoEzcg-9rlNTLODc5vL9TM1iZNUuWmx5JcWDlYyCZFLlCYdfpeK47Me232wlDyRUci8kEOI_G8MX9aI0BttYcBLuVQ-Cg5spxYirKC0w96hk9TiYTY7LIwrtgQkOlVhk/w640-h480/P1110622a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>However by the time they arrived onto the ridge the Marines front line had collapsed as the Japanese initiated Close Combat assaults.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7LXHXsqARprKIwCxOn6imkncuY8kaFFIvrSNicQybx1Ta4vqn0O0jqbLOTwkfmdAtqPZVL6dLCt5OjuRMCHsHHrQGBWfu_apsHEpO_fF9pTy9jZmfDq2EWEfqensdBEacqCV8SoBaEyLO_aNYDVGcVTGgo0QB0bCFOMDH8ZTlNSuKzz6VCc7kHpTwl0/s4896/P1110624a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7LXHXsqARprKIwCxOn6imkncuY8kaFFIvrSNicQybx1Ta4vqn0O0jqbLOTwkfmdAtqPZVL6dLCt5OjuRMCHsHHrQGBWfu_apsHEpO_fF9pTy9jZmfDq2EWEfqensdBEacqCV8SoBaEyLO_aNYDVGcVTGgo0QB0bCFOMDH8ZTlNSuKzz6VCc7kHpTwl0/w640-h480/P1110624a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Things were not looking good for the Americans, however time had run out and the game had to finish.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2_rhn76oJgVSOkLud0LmDDA2EtiOc3s5EYphlTEXCvdG-R8yp2FlxwpBca0xpZvgNp498iYmkVigEQYwLZennKZsuz-BccYaFNSTCMXPQoI6ul7svcawrvf7_rObV2MuMnnnA2OCGLra04XjApUz9-KqUMA5SxKJ7_0WXlG-dKqIgIuskuW_Dk2K7jM/s4896/P1110625a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2_rhn76oJgVSOkLud0LmDDA2EtiOc3s5EYphlTEXCvdG-R8yp2FlxwpBca0xpZvgNp498iYmkVigEQYwLZennKZsuz-BccYaFNSTCMXPQoI6ul7svcawrvf7_rObV2MuMnnnA2OCGLra04XjApUz9-KqUMA5SxKJ7_0WXlG-dKqIgIuskuW_Dk2K7jM/w640-h480/P1110625a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Technical Stuff</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbFbAm5aBFVVvNkwuYP9dICdASfHDfrlxiVjbYdI0zpY8LACga4WvnWXa6Ngfp64r8sxKyt1KPXuRmQggqqindkn4jvMizYd1JnJtlbKXdXPDbL54zFIPtFRUeLNwwxCcv5edRtM7bby_EJeD7SwMGG3Girl_NQZIOZxCPfuRturSR7m9yEQgS5la1hY/s577/image016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="577" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbFbAm5aBFVVvNkwuYP9dICdASfHDfrlxiVjbYdI0zpY8LACga4WvnWXa6Ngfp64r8sxKyt1KPXuRmQggqqindkn4jvMizYd1JnJtlbKXdXPDbL54zFIPtFRUeLNwwxCcv5edRtM7bby_EJeD7SwMGG3Girl_NQZIOZxCPfuRturSR7m9yEQgS5la1hY/w400-h304/image016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At present there are no official order of battles for the Pacific War so I compiled my own battalion organisation which is attached.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdUnJiZ1MSctp4c6uq5xtrUPYtgc0trd-JzhYwKWtAe3Ti2vGAu0otcCtiO9mAzkx3ijm4SdAwofacZUQmOkow0Y6iviLFK9k07IOrnr0kS-qsIc__OBd3Oa-8s7Y3-Be8hwX1CuvZkiK9833723QRQVEXwCm3QZBDcfbsVdYMpYbu2AkUbYnsG8qztA/s910/Japanese%20Bn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="622" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdUnJiZ1MSctp4c6uq5xtrUPYtgc0trd-JzhYwKWtAe3Ti2vGAu0otcCtiO9mAzkx3ijm4SdAwofacZUQmOkow0Y6iviLFK9k07IOrnr0kS-qsIc__OBd3Oa-8s7Y3-Be8hwX1CuvZkiK9833723QRQVEXwCm3QZBDcfbsVdYMpYbu2AkUbYnsG8qztA/w438-h640/Japanese%20Bn.jpg" width="438" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Japanese were based on the 1940 lists (poor artillery etc) but they were made confident as they were very sure they were going to win. I also, used some ideas suggested by the Lardies Forum.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEiV1zu96cnMv_NGSWFpodZf8o8aI0HTPhiBYpK7yT3FjVCM2WZVCVEL89zbt8GdV0mNddylvGd1JifXH5ehrgrWI266NUYkbBbJK9vWHU9vaBNzdnUChiiikwl-QxlVSM-epA0n3yU7wyVZ0oSJ7zr17C4bSbzOkwnlkA7ANPNsbusu8sngu-shLLtuWSY/s1790/Forum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="1790" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1zu96cnMv_NGSWFpodZf8o8aI0HTPhiBYpK7yT3FjVCM2WZVCVEL89zbt8GdV0mNddylvGd1JifXH5ehrgrWI266NUYkbBbJK9vWHU9vaBNzdnUChiiikwl-QxlVSM-epA0n3yU7wyVZ0oSJ7zr17C4bSbzOkwnlkA7ANPNsbusu8sngu-shLLtuWSY/w640-h116/Forum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://toofatlardies.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=45&sid=48232f5a1f2809e34a75e3c23ef7df5a"><b>https://toofatlardies.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=45&sid=48232f5a1f2809e34a75e3c23ef7df5a</b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c0jsvfQzDwdbvC83ixcnbTZazPm1emw8FUR8k2vnjhSJt42-8FTRQbqTtJISOnm6wB_2_mpDRPb5aE56bRMQp9uRDf4yOa20VGg65bhxINshvmrvd_P6FKqns_N-BK113jr4eXLTazuokdI83kL1_zkOS862qe3pmLsg8IhfgKzXx6aNBSaxVTKQ840/s1001/Japanese%20Divisional%20Support.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c0jsvfQzDwdbvC83ixcnbTZazPm1emw8FUR8k2vnjhSJt42-8FTRQbqTtJISOnm6wB_2_mpDRPb5aE56bRMQp9uRDf4yOa20VGg65bhxINshvmrvd_P6FKqns_N-BK113jr4eXLTazuokdI83kL1_zkOS862qe3pmLsg8IhfgKzXx6aNBSaxVTKQ840/w386-h640/Japanese%20Divisional%20Support.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The US Marines were based on the US list from the rules but using bolt action rifles. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwESkK0XBSMiNxMwYVEZJFgmfYEn1VfA9Gis-k7BIFW1dGlAJysEzx07pr0K3rFIc7DCWvI0FzAVQ_M9jgC5fOeNof5VTnrXLEjM2rC8IX-C9wKEoJP7ASzw9UzuTdCevIpAnYkb1R9mlqytSs8DwWxv0av2C-RSiI3G5Ge-XqDDCR2LQLdeu1wIMmUQ/s235/images.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="214" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwESkK0XBSMiNxMwYVEZJFgmfYEn1VfA9Gis-k7BIFW1dGlAJysEzx07pr0K3rFIc7DCWvI0FzAVQ_M9jgC5fOeNof5VTnrXLEjM2rC8IX-C9wKEoJP7ASzw9UzuTdCevIpAnYkb1R9mlqytSs8DwWxv0av2C-RSiI3G5Ge-XqDDCR2LQLdeu1wIMmUQ/w364-h400/images.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Changes to the rules were minimal. Jungles had to be traversed by infantry in column. All motorised units had to throw for bogging if off the road or beach. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhyphenhyphenp2MfOGyyvxFKHy9Tr54Lsg9E992xa52CgNYau1qnmXi55jADiPdYkO7mRh29k6zppbw-tfW0xebGaTMga8s3UIAj94ggUCk94GV15n_Cu2j46_VDpyiN5v54yONpSU5Hha6ck_PDSSo577eKzSm1GqASlXafqSFEuhTS4y-3cnDIAabHlT9uX7AsY/s905/US%20Marine%20Bn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="613" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhyphenhyphenp2MfOGyyvxFKHy9Tr54Lsg9E992xa52CgNYau1qnmXi55jADiPdYkO7mRh29k6zppbw-tfW0xebGaTMga8s3UIAj94ggUCk94GV15n_Cu2j46_VDpyiN5v54yONpSU5Hha6ck_PDSSo577eKzSm1GqASlXafqSFEuhTS4y-3cnDIAabHlT9uX7AsY/w434-h640/US%20Marine%20Bn.jpg" width="434" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTjp_5QnbiPpo8NJUs0rFGfNnosc-1PkIDNLdc0fv_I1sxu5mP6EADEM0CgrOszoQjNLkNTu2OAO-EkBnR-E1Ql7EvnZ43hv7-g5DCPhkrVYyKitNpdOAeWqXErydqAGjlFUS-bnB_vOSu-jlw0e54Z6WpJD4Uw5WduhVZi-Nvxl_-5uF5euAGb0ls3U/s879/US%20Marine%20Div%20Support.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="611" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTjp_5QnbiPpo8NJUs0rFGfNnosc-1PkIDNLdc0fv_I1sxu5mP6EADEM0CgrOszoQjNLkNTu2OAO-EkBnR-E1Ql7EvnZ43hv7-g5DCPhkrVYyKitNpdOAeWqXErydqAGjlFUS-bnB_vOSu-jlw0e54Z6WpJD4Uw5WduhVZi-Nvxl_-5uF5euAGb0ls3U/w444-h640/US%20Marine%20Div%20Support.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Thanks to Gregory, Vince, Dave and Stephen for playing the game in the fun manner it was intended.<br /><div><br /></div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-5340939016960285002024-02-03T08:49:00.000+00:002024-02-03T08:49:23.937+00:00Zulu - The Boys from Isandlwana.<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnv-9zBCDjgzHz5NCTvdjYYiLSUaM_Bv-iszv9Npy7Kur4ceUBEqfEyf4oH-_W3Mm1V2irB5rU8MMQt_eAgCBF6qcUD0BGhh-NLaBCmIQbtOv-PkbIQLm2p0lU61pMx-_128A3xqUPHl11XLeu-idbBEkbE-v73BukJIoOPfcp5SrCa82NcmlCccTsCAI/s1920/4ft34i3opgu91.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnv-9zBCDjgzHz5NCTvdjYYiLSUaM_Bv-iszv9Npy7Kur4ceUBEqfEyf4oH-_W3Mm1V2irB5rU8MMQt_eAgCBF6qcUD0BGhh-NLaBCmIQbtOv-PkbIQLm2p0lU61pMx-_128A3xqUPHl11XLeu-idbBEkbE-v73BukJIoOPfcp5SrCa82NcmlCccTsCAI/w640-h360/4ft34i3opgu91.webp" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the 22nd January 1879, Witt's Missionary Station at Rorke's Drift, a remote outpost held by one-hundred and fifty British soldiers, thirty of whom were sick and wounded, held off a force of 4,000 Zulu warriors, this following the crushing defeat of a 1,300-man British column by the Zulu armies at Isandlwana.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><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/AVvXsEgXLSOSOZEmy9IuwwQs_7Ci7-MKC5KERXpIWIuW7wC5JG6Un78p45UBcbPM1HAQOE0v1UlapoALddwDdx4aNCaHLoX9RDDSlZ3KJoRK2JW2fmizKJIcK__QuOPSQURvm52HzTOynAMpgBYM0Ml7G8MxLz-Ql3_FM_4Lh9hNUKeGUaU9PNLSkpe4NeQFMBg/s720/387556.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="551" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLSOSOZEmy9IuwwQs_7Ci7-MKC5KERXpIWIuW7wC5JG6Un78p45UBcbPM1HAQOE0v1UlapoALddwDdx4aNCaHLoX9RDDSlZ3KJoRK2JW2fmizKJIcK__QuOPSQURvm52HzTOynAMpgBYM0Ml7G8MxLz-Ql3_FM_4Lh9hNUKeGUaU9PNLSkpe4NeQFMBg/s320/387556.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.wargamevault.com/product/387556/The-Boys-From-iSandlwana-Zulu-War-rules?filters=0_0_44596_0"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Wargame Vault - The Boys from Isandlwana, Zulu War rules</span></b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The film Zulu depicted this heroic stand and was first shown on the 22nd January 1964 on the 85th anniversary of a battle that saw the award of eleven Victoria Crosses, one of the largest number awarded for a single action and the largest number, seven, awarded to one unit, the 2/24th Foot, in a single action, and is considered by many as the finest example of a masterly defensive action and heroism against overwhelming numbers.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Little wonder then that as a wargamer I never grow tired of playing this famous stand or of enjoying my pal and fellow DWG club mate Nathan's wonderful collection of terrain and figures to do it with and I think this is probably my third go at playing this action, this game in the week of the 145th anniversary of the battle, and another chance to roll out the regular film quotes, my favourite being;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>'Why us Sarj?'</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>'Because we're ere laddy, now face your front, and mark your target.'</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo490mDV8TiV2S6DjuD7R1Jp2gQVbZWwebuLa-wIEBmYzzCv8sZ6X7_ArsrzGWUDgKR9jMAPVRCGUXIlM2USMfyl5SH0h-yG7zI9hBok18dFzn1i2MIPb7ICxAX3TTjEYnKEsc5YZQucADpPqj8G8MKaIHZ8Zkkl1rIzYQ0geAgAEXnobQ6Y_0oT7V0M/s4281/P1110682a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2964" data-original-width="4281" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo490mDV8TiV2S6DjuD7R1Jp2gQVbZWwebuLa-wIEBmYzzCv8sZ6X7_ArsrzGWUDgKR9jMAPVRCGUXIlM2USMfyl5SH0h-yG7zI9hBok18dFzn1i2MIPb7ICxAX3TTjEYnKEsc5YZQucADpPqj8G8MKaIHZ8Zkkl1rIzYQ0geAgAEXnobQ6Y_0oT7V0M/w640-h444/P1110682a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So with this little battle, or probably better described siege, being probably the most famous action of its type, I will not take too much time describing the scene, with massed Zulu impis surrounding the defended compound of the Rorke's Drift, hospital and missionary station.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_avQYVZ0vrXzzMpUfMUXxmcGUd8hzgnkaQvP6n_09DU3U8gFsl8oO3986AdyGlIDE8RwJ3qBI97LH0KvZELMc27pxk_7nT-GJuGLpAsZvb45MznS6yyypjFMd2x2sxtmadX47rlD9ye4DpGdkwN08w6dyYIrvfYt7jdsB1CUfuqIiFwlQS6KtZBE-Ngo/s4140/P1110683a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3406" data-original-width="4140" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_avQYVZ0vrXzzMpUfMUXxmcGUd8hzgnkaQvP6n_09DU3U8gFsl8oO3986AdyGlIDE8RwJ3qBI97LH0KvZELMc27pxk_7nT-GJuGLpAsZvb45MznS6yyypjFMd2x2sxtmadX47rlD9ye4DpGdkwN08w6dyYIrvfYt7jdsB1CUfuqIiFwlQS6KtZBE-Ngo/w640-h526/P1110683a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjok18FUYoQO05qRfKessSaQTLKnz_vhlNW2ghvrb_rXYnUgAFry5H6RE4mBPePaCNIdUcAje_Mq0NWXG5hzRhOpPpgniaMM3P8QA5WKDlNSbuQBX5w-ZSFNLBDTUb15gw12M8D3-907AwJ_qlc1oaMMECaALruvJg9HUZkPgkVoApgLNDCOulw2Gi8Cn0/s4813/P1110684a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3032" data-original-width="4813" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjok18FUYoQO05qRfKessSaQTLKnz_vhlNW2ghvrb_rXYnUgAFry5H6RE4mBPePaCNIdUcAje_Mq0NWXG5hzRhOpPpgniaMM3P8QA5WKDlNSbuQBX5w-ZSFNLBDTUb15gw12M8D3-907AwJ_qlc1oaMMECaALruvJg9HUZkPgkVoApgLNDCOulw2Gi8Cn0/w640-h404/P1110684a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The rules is use were our usual choice of 'The Boys from Isandlwana' by Chris Pagano, which provide a fast flowing sequence of play that recreates quite well the relentless Zulu movements in the face of withering British fire as they seemingly defy the casualties suffered in their drive to bring the redcoats into assegai range, if they can get past the Martini Henry bayonet - Colour Sergeant Bourne, over to you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsPukZ6elDW7jPhZ82bvynTiv2WM7DIXv8bOKZS_wnNvhlnOpnTcWEG7L4lYcfeJgbUMQ33ZJErPbRbPv8Nx1K-_9shbEByGCup5PaEknJa7GhUzEHcP93p0TMmyT-y2H73TO87dJ8u7Rt5FcdXiSBS4wmVni5fXFJ61yPUGcNzNon3qZsNKcE6qFMOM/s4896/P1110685a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsPukZ6elDW7jPhZ82bvynTiv2WM7DIXv8bOKZS_wnNvhlnOpnTcWEG7L4lYcfeJgbUMQ33ZJErPbRbPv8Nx1K-_9shbEByGCup5PaEknJa7GhUzEHcP93p0TMmyT-y2H73TO87dJ8u7Rt5FcdXiSBS4wmVni5fXFJ61yPUGcNzNon3qZsNKcE6qFMOM/w640-h480/P1110685a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PLrZY0Slp-JYg6eLZ7NgHFDQ28eNe1W2-f1U-FK6ZLe3gCphlHnUfHHB9JRdKe4ox_9fcP69r8Ij1-VHd8sYlOOC5tPq6OpgYsc8AvWjkgLD0Kv7HiEZhlFk3CoYejtpUYZx4cBLC2l5PVDLcesgjRstmOvHhonLMu98aWQ3288-FrsIoNYl6o1VSsU/s4896/P1110686a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PLrZY0Slp-JYg6eLZ7NgHFDQ28eNe1W2-f1U-FK6ZLe3gCphlHnUfHHB9JRdKe4ox_9fcP69r8Ij1-VHd8sYlOOC5tPq6OpgYsc8AvWjkgLD0Kv7HiEZhlFk3CoYejtpUYZx4cBLC2l5PVDLcesgjRstmOvHhonLMu98aWQ3288-FrsIoNYl6o1VSsU/w640-h480/P1110686a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Having played this action several times commanding both sides, the key to British success is to vigorously defend the perimeter until you can't and then to give ground grudgingly, inflicting punishing casualties on the Zulus as you retreat to a smaller perimeter, with the redoubt ready to administer the final coup-de-grace for the defenders. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWL8MKTPpPGtpgl9Z5kueM5zZHwN64PBVo5XYV8jmCmZe1W1KmF-lex4M2AjfWXT_7GWRHC1a2xAP7o38tIgo5cStqu09G4VuI2WoRsrBGaTc-UhJMqN8mfaZ5IaFcIwas2ElCJ8Wns4G1xXVVuDb-Ioa36rF0Z5eMn5B3j5XV2MN7abjpuO0JwIIvCuU/s4896/P1110695a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3241" data-original-width="4896" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWL8MKTPpPGtpgl9Z5kueM5zZHwN64PBVo5XYV8jmCmZe1W1KmF-lex4M2AjfWXT_7GWRHC1a2xAP7o38tIgo5cStqu09G4VuI2WoRsrBGaTc-UhJMqN8mfaZ5IaFcIwas2ElCJ8Wns4G1xXVVuDb-Ioa36rF0Z5eMn5B3j5XV2MN7abjpuO0JwIIvCuU/w640-h424/P1110695a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the Zulu commanders its a case of feeling out for the weak spot and rapidly reinforcing success to prevent the new defence line taking shape, or by making the defence harder by causing enough casualties during the pull back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course this presupposes that the British will defend their perimeter until they can't, but in our game, our two Imperial commanders, Chard and Bromhead decided to take men off the back wall of ammunition boxes, mealie bags and the transport wagon, to focus efforts on building the redoubt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhFNEfOhm4ROSIqJL88jB1xBzMfTVblNQUZ4QhPjaz_acSHdesWX_J-k_DjUioWvgKx16su0baQ6q-KTP9mvGJ2hhiE-wC3wGl6pkAGOfkhMAgu2XjUQsKLIPMWkFjhmBSLZWSotu0LhJZ0pDWq0NekdufUM2FZeKIoHw7VBlTNrZOw0BwGowuwl_cEBGI/s4896/P1110696a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNEfOhm4ROSIqJL88jB1xBzMfTVblNQUZ4QhPjaz_acSHdesWX_J-k_DjUioWvgKx16su0baQ6q-KTP9mvGJ2hhiE-wC3wGl6pkAGOfkhMAgu2XjUQsKLIPMWkFjhmBSLZWSotu0LhJZ0pDWq0NekdufUM2FZeKIoHw7VBlTNrZOw0BwGowuwl_cEBGI/w640-h480/P1110696a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zulus cascade over the vacated rear barricade and enter the hospital compound. Oh dear, never mind!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As can be readily imagined the men facing their front in front of the hospital must have become decidedly nervous as they became increasingly aware of Zulu chants to their rear as seen in the pictures below</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/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLf6xwzIKziKlA_W4F3pxnZdjfyMUMSLNWsSssXykSjYojVQKomi-qwLA8PhNFb0vcB6HxYpPP744sIaR1u1Cbwq1hS1digHXViwHODsHtJGUSU0ekv2Gb0VsamC0aCNaTmo3eR2EVYvtye4RbYjuQ7bQjhQVkzusM9BRUsXGkd7XO8MYsy-WzAkO4Gw/s4896/P1110697a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3465" data-original-width="4896" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLf6xwzIKziKlA_W4F3pxnZdjfyMUMSLNWsSssXykSjYojVQKomi-qwLA8PhNFb0vcB6HxYpPP744sIaR1u1Cbwq1hS1digHXViwHODsHtJGUSU0ekv2Gb0VsamC0aCNaTmo3eR2EVYvtye4RbYjuQ7bQjhQVkzusM9BRUsXGkd7XO8MYsy-WzAkO4Gw/w640-h452/P1110697a.JPG" width="640" /></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/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWjt4bU8csyTCh-vG9McshByuXFrtHI82DZIxiDZl9LlfYUAzqkvvFhpvR2b42JNl5k0s0o5mJk363M88eqyPuk7JdgrTwYcuZ4SaejVpyaF3ysK39ycVgLDOHW_6Ml-c2DEOqbJl40pU0DkBKBPG9lvAMRZ06hL4DxJYW_0nfVBlkXcgZQdQE8oLdgU/s4896/P1110698a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3116" data-original-width="4896" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWjt4bU8csyTCh-vG9McshByuXFrtHI82DZIxiDZl9LlfYUAzqkvvFhpvR2b42JNl5k0s0o5mJk363M88eqyPuk7JdgrTwYcuZ4SaejVpyaF3ysK39ycVgLDOHW_6Ml-c2DEOqbJl40pU0DkBKBPG9lvAMRZ06hL4DxJYW_0nfVBlkXcgZQdQE8oLdgU/w640-h408/P1110698a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjju9vBRd_BTR5XCX-Tzhxmhpj5wDEHsB72KMoK7qCUho06hZzxd8NB_e6KYW18P-zfrSoAmpaX-akIxMNAQOUmukNf4buuqlUbQI7TovUnBztI07FXri4t3kdW3_to-xlHEwR6ikFRzKcY5FMzXMG7s9lbnvnUuJ2F_mqZ-turEbn4LfEjkD2Mxl-2eTc/s4896/P1110699a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2786" data-original-width="4896" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjju9vBRd_BTR5XCX-Tzhxmhpj5wDEHsB72KMoK7qCUho06hZzxd8NB_e6KYW18P-zfrSoAmpaX-akIxMNAQOUmukNf4buuqlUbQI7TovUnBztI07FXri4t3kdW3_to-xlHEwR6ikFRzKcY5FMzXMG7s9lbnvnUuJ2F_mqZ-turEbn4LfEjkD2Mxl-2eTc/w640-h364/P1110699a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's the noise behind Sarge?</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEiTUmB0_WZvM1NqF7eEua3q5cxgA4KaxA0u1XIFDHhlGYPO1-Yb9ERf8fNdgtBe9fQZH41DuVQoz1ndWEzh-_CiEUTqKUxQhrOl1jsyLlde8ZZib4B2gI0fSNxB8xO1xEEZtFEd0QYy72nHez27teKMptYXQ08jzZqmp1SYRMpjXd2mpI8d8gdTji_2skA/s4896/P1110700a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3489" data-original-width="4896" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUmB0_WZvM1NqF7eEua3q5cxgA4KaxA0u1XIFDHhlGYPO1-Yb9ERf8fNdgtBe9fQZH41DuVQoz1ndWEzh-_CiEUTqKUxQhrOl1jsyLlde8ZZib4B2gI0fSNxB8xO1xEEZtFEd0QYy72nHez27teKMptYXQ08jzZqmp1SYRMpjXd2mpI8d8gdTji_2skA/w640-h456/P1110700a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never mind the noise behind, face your front and mark your target!</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEj3jM76rshhEYNl4OofIdnWXLTm2oZD77pasVmy_r4cxBewvCyr1Lr9yLMFzydAYijgCZhy8XLX7c5EcDfQUF4vA8gNqG1HlSi_OARoJChH1dV913yOWS0NcjO-A6y5QNA2XZa0b-m91gpL_QpuOJhyVWZAYvl9EhMunDl1v97esEZVSWasdPpLZLlkNDQ/s4896/P1110701a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jM76rshhEYNl4OofIdnWXLTm2oZD77pasVmy_r4cxBewvCyr1Lr9yLMFzydAYijgCZhy8XLX7c5EcDfQUF4vA8gNqG1HlSi_OARoJChH1dV913yOWS0NcjO-A6y5QNA2XZa0b-m91gpL_QpuOJhyVWZAYvl9EhMunDl1v97esEZVSWasdPpLZLlkNDQ/w640-h480/P1110701a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The decision to focus efforts on the redoubt had resulted in a rapid building of said defensive work at the expense of lots of Zulus getting into the hospital compound and forcing a retreat from the front facing barricades to the hospital building and effectively dividing the compounds into two separate battles </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To add further woes to the British defence, the Zulu snipers from the rearward escarpment were proving more than usually effective, only hitting on 10 on a D10, they picked off at least six redcoats over the course of our battle, that didn't make things any easier for the garrison.</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/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87syJFTLiG5XkrF19mF5mfVpLwnt67bDxAwGumyhLB3ULg4JLcOqlkL4md_s32bhivduWW9AxjNwtUuC7cOy1MRy7I8xki2m_ZWEm_FdpfR2JKP-qJ6-Z0MHTSZej8Y-z5ZaS95AR_vpWUQIZkjFpaoDBTLszYZC-R8JuxPl6uO1XhKz4vadNSQur8Uk/s4896/P1110710a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2975" data-original-width="4896" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87syJFTLiG5XkrF19mF5mfVpLwnt67bDxAwGumyhLB3ULg4JLcOqlkL4md_s32bhivduWW9AxjNwtUuC7cOy1MRy7I8xki2m_ZWEm_FdpfR2JKP-qJ6-Z0MHTSZej8Y-z5ZaS95AR_vpWUQIZkjFpaoDBTLszYZC-R8JuxPl6uO1XhKz4vadNSQur8Uk/w640-h388/P1110710a.JPG" width="640" /></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/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9x0fiNFUMx1S3dh0RjucbLhRmwL17KEWTTcKlkHqPUA23pu2ePwzWw2Za-Hej_MOsGgywtqWKBd17jRsUwva2BrO2WIQu_RcRq5NiX9ujU50LKLkOjISpWAy8-t8mDsuBtA1bP2QSWiGj4haB8fCRrf1EiQHk01eL5L-SZ-W6tp1wBYalhkkVhWVlLg/s4896/P1110711a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9x0fiNFUMx1S3dh0RjucbLhRmwL17KEWTTcKlkHqPUA23pu2ePwzWw2Za-Hej_MOsGgywtqWKBd17jRsUwva2BrO2WIQu_RcRq5NiX9ujU50LKLkOjISpWAy8-t8mDsuBtA1bP2QSWiGj4haB8fCRrf1EiQHk01eL5L-SZ-W6tp1wBYalhkkVhWVlLg/w640-h480/P1110711a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our two British commanders were experiencing the utter sense of desperation that probably typified much of the actual defenders experience as the Zulu's kept up a relentless attack, recycling destroyed regiments and able to bring in fresh reserves sprinting across the now open ground around the perimeter to rapidly support the advances made by their compatriots.</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/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUTXGlsSsSQQf4iuJi9SMtpvNKiP3sXg2O1nOGaNs8MPkms_-GSb1mY3M1wH00s7n6PQkTUlrlniCCMgg0ugKWTUKiz0ZJGVrGvhVc-_XphgA_o0y-2_WfVGYqigxsiKvNwnIavKVGaKyXaVTp99cR4K1kCcnZzEho5V3WcF97E_Hws6xaG59fnAPWgw/s4778/P1110712a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3501" data-original-width="4778" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUTXGlsSsSQQf4iuJi9SMtpvNKiP3sXg2O1nOGaNs8MPkms_-GSb1mY3M1wH00s7n6PQkTUlrlniCCMgg0ugKWTUKiz0ZJGVrGvhVc-_XphgA_o0y-2_WfVGYqigxsiKvNwnIavKVGaKyXaVTp99cR4K1kCcnZzEho5V3WcF97E_Hws6xaG59fnAPWgw/w640-h468/P1110712a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However the Zulus weren't having it all their own way, as the redcoats kept on taking a fearsome toll on the warriors that were forced to fight their way into the compound, sector by sector and with each of the four Zulu players able to bring on a further six regiments each, it was interesting to see how many of our allotment we had used, with all my six on the table at game end.</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/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7mXWdKjF_r0WWkQmhaobKpUyELnNaAi7pDxj0RB17Ub4nXtxPHiEHViR3mzrEAvZ_MTb1gqcW-AKxG_UCBTqm5sEr2owMK117uN7B8Dr1f0KG6pMhab8cVjVjGSOsWOI20zbwyT7Pq2x1oEKekLuEshN3HmoULSgk6CN2te44Ek1EMNlzpDIKgS9A7M/s4896/P1110713a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2846" data-original-width="4896" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7mXWdKjF_r0WWkQmhaobKpUyELnNaAi7pDxj0RB17Ub4nXtxPHiEHViR3mzrEAvZ_MTb1gqcW-AKxG_UCBTqm5sEr2owMK117uN7B8Dr1f0KG6pMhab8cVjVjGSOsWOI20zbwyT7Pq2x1oEKekLuEshN3HmoULSgk6CN2te44Ek1EMNlzpDIKgS9A7M/w640-h372/P1110713a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8PWnarGC3hq26B6mutw4y34QWt7ACX0p_RwNLtpwqx3GBzJ_T2ymPx3dPiR0hoxrxD9OoQ24EQULPvopuWi3EvqyNewf3it6doJQ-M_s_BTJIhRoK1_tl0fPOUwZ-Qo40wCdOFCH984Xkr31-Y4zavlMjHjM7XAHExgND3VGLsAnnkLgx3UokA81qxE/s4896/P1110714a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8PWnarGC3hq26B6mutw4y34QWt7ACX0p_RwNLtpwqx3GBzJ_T2ymPx3dPiR0hoxrxD9OoQ24EQULPvopuWi3EvqyNewf3it6doJQ-M_s_BTJIhRoK1_tl0fPOUwZ-Qo40wCdOFCH984Xkr31-Y4zavlMjHjM7XAHExgND3VGLsAnnkLgx3UokA81qxE/w640-h480/P1110714a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQM4398mpwFJYzMvNzqy88ujZOX7adf5MNugAxpWpG-xcPox3Dk_Xgwjt8HSD-u9dqR-55ttkk-jTEnTtfxsCkDeGF71vCc1dremx4Ax_tHX3R3JPtjDhSCP3epDWoxW0V8xQVGESczs0KJWVv6Y0hUxgPUOSlOdLDusziAsGNJc7Z2GRXLrS2WaVUZk/s4896/P1110715a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQM4398mpwFJYzMvNzqy88ujZOX7adf5MNugAxpWpG-xcPox3Dk_Xgwjt8HSD-u9dqR-55ttkk-jTEnTtfxsCkDeGF71vCc1dremx4Ax_tHX3R3JPtjDhSCP3epDWoxW0V8xQVGESczs0KJWVv6Y0hUxgPUOSlOdLDusziAsGNJc7Z2GRXLrS2WaVUZk/w640-h480/P1110715a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjS-CcKjiTysVbMhrZ5xxKj7K-WZ7-dWBupsIfVfRSF-Ydj0FpRfL-9lojbBKkZQybNaMhUYddzjfXMLA_eTW-K45fd21v4kA223NOKYGAFAY4nqa2ADAqFsnUEVdE93UvNjGg6-lzlN3qoBNO1ya2gJIPldnfoKGLpSbFoyXsqqrUQ71PKGIzVE3ZSVU/s4896/P1110716a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjS-CcKjiTysVbMhrZ5xxKj7K-WZ7-dWBupsIfVfRSF-Ydj0FpRfL-9lojbBKkZQybNaMhUYddzjfXMLA_eTW-K45fd21v4kA223NOKYGAFAY4nqa2ADAqFsnUEVdE93UvNjGg6-lzlN3qoBNO1ya2gJIPldnfoKGLpSbFoyXsqqrUQ71PKGIzVE3ZSVU/w640-h480/P1110716a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As the relentless Zulu attack made ever encroaching gains, with desperate fighting in the hospital building as the defenders left in that sector were force to fight in the rooms and on the veranda as Zulus above set light to the thatch, the centre of Imperial resistance devolved in front of the mission station building and around the redoubt.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Sn1xjNUTT9ENvPm-t2YRuxX2WAXdM-hh9x6mh5VcWKV6IZyozBI2_76s1DXo0rzYCVKByAzIxYySoey92uESw66DKbe8rER8zz6ZbUBcDuOpUdy0wJ29FLW_d7aIQOLOBh4YoV5juQ_Gq8bxk15fijMsCZn1XHhlM3XaUS199oDSPuhExLcMCT6zbK0/s4896/P1110723a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Sn1xjNUTT9ENvPm-t2YRuxX2WAXdM-hh9x6mh5VcWKV6IZyozBI2_76s1DXo0rzYCVKByAzIxYySoey92uESw66DKbe8rER8zz6ZbUBcDuOpUdy0wJ29FLW_d7aIQOLOBh4YoV5juQ_Gq8bxk15fijMsCZn1XHhlM3XaUS199oDSPuhExLcMCT6zbK0/w640-h480/P1110723a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbPDHR1At6AgPafFzlh64__qpODRWl_Cov6TUV1aJd9bqyyMsKTAEnOhj3h4R4xDdJItfqhHdSTwut8zwzABqHx9MStpgVG0bJrAiI347FCmDc6KPcMXNo_3Dn_UKuUHbSyhHMHaDU30NSTHKXH1uDZYCZbS8Ge4RdMda2wLpjlI0hZ4SfrhVLR78YcI/s4896/P1110724a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3206" data-original-width="4896" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbPDHR1At6AgPafFzlh64__qpODRWl_Cov6TUV1aJd9bqyyMsKTAEnOhj3h4R4xDdJItfqhHdSTwut8zwzABqHx9MStpgVG0bJrAiI347FCmDc6KPcMXNo_3Dn_UKuUHbSyhHMHaDU30NSTHKXH1uDZYCZbS8Ge4RdMda2wLpjlI0hZ4SfrhVLR78YcI/w640-h420/P1110724a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJAr5uSGPQVZbkUB5hohHnHJcMMBC_tUvtrOUD_IWlFwkbTJdHaNX9LIJNy8a6oEkajGYQ2ne2vwvUnDwjhossROq0Je2LoGNAjmH8CZ8I69YbGozX1zBR204oMiaPLxHSvyZg8lBWcZ9RY4Cx8lDFkkNgiRM6VjdXDzEdcejKaHxtkxM_dY-B5O6YVw/s4896/P1110725a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJAr5uSGPQVZbkUB5hohHnHJcMMBC_tUvtrOUD_IWlFwkbTJdHaNX9LIJNy8a6oEkajGYQ2ne2vwvUnDwjhossROq0Je2LoGNAjmH8CZ8I69YbGozX1zBR204oMiaPLxHSvyZg8lBWcZ9RY4Cx8lDFkkNgiRM6VjdXDzEdcejKaHxtkxM_dY-B5O6YVw/w640-h480/P1110725a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Eventually the British defenders in the missionary compound were forced back from the cattle kraal walls and out of the main building to find themselves compelled to form the classic double line alongside the redoubt, as the hospital garrison fought back to back amid waves of ebony warriors and it seemed that the defence had reached its end point, with Lieutenant Bromhead, a prominent casualty, killed defending the front barricade on the missionary compound.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaT_94HNUD-adx38sbnBLT96PZ5kezjaVWxFMfXxnXnC96g1ldIyIHER3SUqaLKACjuJVHimN2F1z-UwCZQwAcNc-Ul1qH0rtboJ9o97qNM2_nGsI1v8TjKiFA0vnjApGyNcVaS9PDGpgStVHgOGCagzZIwWlpmJ4_KfxSleC9UDTaRVCqaj1gwGidu0/s4896/P1110726a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaT_94HNUD-adx38sbnBLT96PZ5kezjaVWxFMfXxnXnC96g1ldIyIHER3SUqaLKACjuJVHimN2F1z-UwCZQwAcNc-Ul1qH0rtboJ9o97qNM2_nGsI1v8TjKiFA0vnjApGyNcVaS9PDGpgStVHgOGCagzZIwWlpmJ4_KfxSleC9UDTaRVCqaj1gwGidu0/w640-h480/P1110726a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObv2DxihknQ3UzVj5nLEp-vtHKvUT6IQ7fd1PU5bSySxMZpAJP5FIwz_llaQet7y_fmgA0r_2kdlrLurHakWHvlnO6BVnVZKJ9MCCv2khyphenhyphen6VDBLrYgWqTie6o0aF8g-LT0yQfGM9ZqQrwW1wVyFdIRP2FjZ3FjiLhZqUHUEvwtO1yF1XXuSCb5tuFp0I/s4896/P1110728a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObv2DxihknQ3UzVj5nLEp-vtHKvUT6IQ7fd1PU5bSySxMZpAJP5FIwz_llaQet7y_fmgA0r_2kdlrLurHakWHvlnO6BVnVZKJ9MCCv2khyphenhyphen6VDBLrYgWqTie6o0aF8g-LT0yQfGM9ZqQrwW1wVyFdIRP2FjZ3FjiLhZqUHUEvwtO1yF1XXuSCb5tuFp0I/w640-h480/P1110728a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3C9sd66iVDj2xFowzUAqESyjqvQS1Mnfk_7KYYt1cYMYQTd-XuzgvRmZlZe3K2ni1GOcWZ4eq-v1VrO8yjfuPnxnCMKtt_uP7AWipssAS_D0FFDkXyUUxg67gmguQeCkJUsSa_psSKjuAk-su5uocOoBJOiBhkvdFACgaPtSFu9v9GbmFjLW490pDNU/s4896/P1110729a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3170" data-original-width="4896" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3C9sd66iVDj2xFowzUAqESyjqvQS1Mnfk_7KYYt1cYMYQTd-XuzgvRmZlZe3K2ni1GOcWZ4eq-v1VrO8yjfuPnxnCMKtt_uP7AWipssAS_D0FFDkXyUUxg67gmguQeCkJUsSa_psSKjuAk-su5uocOoBJOiBhkvdFACgaPtSFu9v9GbmFjLW490pDNU/w640-h414/P1110729a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfTwRD7zr1-nixnHu7QpKHYfjNuJ4zUaYHqGZkalvWBHevWPHCHj0ozLBy5OOBA7y4INkuMNLMZ931zafrhgxZ0qtWab7TK_UEw4WYm0Tbw2eq8y94nfPo86PmmXp8OOm2eIuxRsySASA9miiq_fcvck8_LbcCzRvY5zjINFccQfrJotgliSy1mZr3go/s4896/P1110730a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfTwRD7zr1-nixnHu7QpKHYfjNuJ4zUaYHqGZkalvWBHevWPHCHj0ozLBy5OOBA7y4INkuMNLMZ931zafrhgxZ0qtWab7TK_UEw4WYm0Tbw2eq8y94nfPo86PmmXp8OOm2eIuxRsySASA9miiq_fcvck8_LbcCzRvY5zjINFccQfrJotgliSy1mZr3go/w640-h480/P1110730a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Great fun once again and I consider my Zulu War itch well and truly scratched.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you to Nathan for hosting this year's anniversary Rorke's Drift game and to my fellow combatants, Ian Mc, Mark C, Mark & Matthew, Mike B, Mark E, for helping to create all the drama behind this narrative.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until the next time</div><div>JJ</div></div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-35662536557993743642024-01-29T12:35:00.000+00:002024-01-29T12:35:02.771+00:00Clotted Lard 2023 in Support of Devon Air Ambulance<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrKHg11z169FJzvXwrP3K9Wk26RYqvPBaSM8qh8acxjQrYXw3nzMRLr8qwt5P3abRTyYZ8Kj_5zp3Mz_qpHSMSfZGZxq1YdKpN47nJOjWx2BQ1IdqVyFdhtaQ2ye4xVt2dg5uGxSA3eeniFdiRcs-grlGdjlPiL_2a44qesQQA3BApF-qZ5Ul9Q0AZpg/s640/Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="207" data-original-width="640" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrKHg11z169FJzvXwrP3K9Wk26RYqvPBaSM8qh8acxjQrYXw3nzMRLr8qwt5P3abRTyYZ8Kj_5zp3Mz_qpHSMSfZGZxq1YdKpN47nJOjWx2BQ1IdqVyFdhtaQ2ye4xVt2dg5uGxSA3eeniFdiRcs-grlGdjlPiL_2a44qesQQA3BApF-qZ5Ul9Q0AZpg/w640-h208/Header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Following up from the post covering the fun and games at Clotted Lard 2023, link below, it gives me great pleasure to update the club and all our fellow Lard enthusiasts who attended last year's meeting, that the event raised £350 in support of our chosen charity Devon Air Ambulance.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The helicopter rescue service does a magnificent job in keeping Devon residents and all our annual visitors, of which the county welcomes double the population in the busy months of the summer season, with folks flocking to enjoy the beaches and their traditional Devon clotted cream teas, with of course jam on top, safe on our very rural roads, often many miles from a General Hospital and the critical care that can be provided there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgCSOlksgbwNfWf82PBVNbqkpmn2E8l3H2De6gldpvU0kueRo9iqjiN3Y-per7dZS42jjzN0QCYJm5cvVsjhoqJJu_WAQvUFe75eWYR1JULbUx_nCc8NJRbPNhyphenhyphenfAHr98zFCyybKDVou_Dv6XB7s5los1mM_sCrTt9hjGOsH1FV7Axrx9c8VORGWsjkF-Y/s320/DAA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="320" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSOlksgbwNfWf82PBVNbqkpmn2E8l3H2De6gldpvU0kueRo9iqjiN3Y-per7dZS42jjzN0QCYJm5cvVsjhoqJJu_WAQvUFe75eWYR1JULbUx_nCc8NJRbPNhyphenhyphenfAHr98zFCyybKDVou_Dv6XB7s5los1mM_sCrTt9hjGOsH1FV7Axrx9c8VORGWsjkF-Y/w400-h260/DAA.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.daat.org/"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Devon Air Ambulance Trust</span></b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As always, much fun was had by all and we had some wonderful games and figure collections on show, all being played in the characteristically light hearted style that typifies the way Lardies like to play their games with the emphasis on <b><i>'playing the period not the the rules'</i></b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So it was great to know that at the same time all contributions raised on the day were helping to support a very important charity.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgxDQ8MIYv4Md9b_bC1wJL23KYN56kEjdpnBgKnPOF8ZyF9Os40snpUkDYu0Zul1uoIW9pggExa_KSZqTBVMlyHG50OENoCbVZ0OXRuvsEZ8yBioZ0jN11DeNPgaDDTqcbcSDol0JSoFPfCgx0x6-_26GFu6ri6jrdoxjWiTpu-M-mRmNV7mywIrN81YHc/s640/P1110287a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="640" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDQ8MIYv4Md9b_bC1wJL23KYN56kEjdpnBgKnPOF8ZyF9Os40snpUkDYu0Zul1uoIW9pggExa_KSZqTBVMlyHG50OENoCbVZ0OXRuvsEZ8yBioZ0jN11DeNPgaDDTqcbcSDol0JSoFPfCgx0x6-_26GFu6ri6jrdoxjWiTpu-M-mRmNV7mywIrN81YHc/w640-h336/P1110287a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://devonwargames.blogspot.com/2023/10/clotted-lard-2023.html"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Devon Wargames Group & Too Fat Lardies - Clotted Lard 2023</span></b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In addition to the monies raised on the day, the club, as usual, was very happy to top the amount up by a further £100 agreed unanimously at our AGM held the following month, together with another £10 donated by a visitor on the day allowing us to send a cheque for just over £460.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdh0rG8PsfbMSxMGkPlGZDyKpGoCIaC51wXHdiZzjRZP3Ox5wQrmSvLiP8jMCSXtNMIuXeTzYGhqTFzt0dL4UiE4k8clI3DXAcoFFxJZWW_gevQe-jqmbsNiqrEBJL7Ahj5nnRekGwq7eYtxMcXjBzrvWtCmjbSAfP6EKpcwqq0Zkcgm8KTyzFCvVehY/s640/Devon%20Air%20Ambulance2%20(1).BMP" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="452" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdh0rG8PsfbMSxMGkPlGZDyKpGoCIaC51wXHdiZzjRZP3Ox5wQrmSvLiP8jMCSXtNMIuXeTzYGhqTFzt0dL4UiE4k8clI3DXAcoFFxJZWW_gevQe-jqmbsNiqrEBJL7Ahj5nnRekGwq7eYtxMcXjBzrvWtCmjbSAfP6EKpcwqq0Zkcgm8KTyzFCvVehY/w452-h640/Devon%20Air%20Ambulance2%20(1).BMP" width="452" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once again, thank you to everyone who took part in Clotted Lard 2023 and for making it such a successful day in more ways than one.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you especially to Bob Connor for all his hard work pulling this and the previous five Clotted Lards together, with this meeting his signing off and handing over management to our new Clotted Lard Cat Herder, Colin, who will be picking up the reins in 2024. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLH6dal7r5b7SHqj1ravEFvcE_05s6OQCRK1nheKn5AHXy4ZofSNel4AEK4aLrk0WSyYTiNhaZiuo9I1PnoN-N5eFaAJ0xuRQSZdPyGIE6H200awmLg76or0ncDGSXM-j9UxMK7Z_fiFiAYf_8Aw2JzlKcWnc4yvtMScscRDXq2LzTucklwEuCG_I9J4/s640/Devon%20Air%20Ambulance.BMP" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="452" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLH6dal7r5b7SHqj1ravEFvcE_05s6OQCRK1nheKn5AHXy4ZofSNel4AEK4aLrk0WSyYTiNhaZiuo9I1PnoN-N5eFaAJ0xuRQSZdPyGIE6H200awmLg76or0ncDGSXM-j9UxMK7Z_fiFiAYf_8Aw2JzlKcWnc4yvtMScscRDXq2LzTucklwEuCG_I9J4/w452-h640/Devon%20Air%20Ambulance.BMP" width="452" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>The Devon Wargames Group looks forward to hosting Clotted Lard 2024 and welcoming our guests later this year.</p><p>JJ</p>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-19261403385617629962024-01-27T07:15:00.001+00:002024-01-27T07:15:57.595+00:00Romans v Goths/Huns in 28mm - Lion Rampant Second Edition.<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTbl_VXnt2ax4UHtg5glFsYaQjjMUiH-L7rLP-PUPw89txeNOEvQe6pIwNtBonVEMijAoG9TZ0Z7Tw4n9WIb0qWErCZEG0E4N-SwHL-wP5cJ17GU1Zubw4pPXR8omOHNZBOlXRqHNwahxfnN9P8IYEQ46HNk7Tj9-htOFDl1KM40YiIjIG-2gpzd0qMw/s900/battle_of_adrianople.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="900" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTbl_VXnt2ax4UHtg5glFsYaQjjMUiH-L7rLP-PUPw89txeNOEvQe6pIwNtBonVEMijAoG9TZ0Z7Tw4n9WIb0qWErCZEG0E4N-SwHL-wP5cJ17GU1Zubw4pPXR8omOHNZBOlXRqHNwahxfnN9P8IYEQ46HNk7Tj9-htOFDl1KM40YiIjIG-2gpzd0qMw/w640-h284/battle_of_adrianople.webp" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The new wargaming year got off to a cracking start when Mike C offered to bring his lovely collection of late Romans and opposing barbarians to run a Lion Rampant (LR) set-to at club this month based on the scenario 'Hammer and Anvil'. </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/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszTAIEKnF92Kbg0da_5Z85C6okaxAEVhcoJU_DALl91JH2ZID1qExRegxLI3XFyt1s4oZQpBKNj-5KYc4uj08AMWX_24aC8FrTrdzfa0HTgpuvv79AucO6CMVxkbt_bOwoU3J8nok3qMjaJfUvF7McPyzINKHP_tyNSFXcc4xcE7aGQkXLq_A4rOhZaE/s459/9781472852595.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszTAIEKnF92Kbg0da_5Z85C6okaxAEVhcoJU_DALl91JH2ZID1qExRegxLI3XFyt1s4oZQpBKNj-5KYc4uj08AMWX_24aC8FrTrdzfa0HTgpuvv79AucO6CMVxkbt_bOwoU3J8nok3qMjaJfUvF7McPyzINKHP_tyNSFXcc4xcE7aGQkXLq_A4rOhZaE/w314-h400/9781472852595.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I still refer to my first edition copy of LR, and must update myself with the newer second edition at some time, but found the rules just as fun as the first time I played them, perhaps more towards the game parameter rather than simulation, but still a well crafted set of rules that produced a gripping narrative of a game.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhACEDoPgus1loa2fnlCHO-VVcbhVGrUc_Myz4rR7wMK1BbLp5l2V98CTIhM5bQg7GXqcXcuuESV4gTsHw2nhyuynJf5VzRG4PqWpWE-pCnZpcc_OXR0KndIXf26RB76eWd2iudqs9xFwZ1IMTHhvYmpFDX68xBGUFptUdobT00NuDGPraWIk46NpLiYsE/s4034/P1110582a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3147" data-original-width="4034" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACEDoPgus1loa2fnlCHO-VVcbhVGrUc_Myz4rR7wMK1BbLp5l2V98CTIhM5bQg7GXqcXcuuESV4gTsHw2nhyuynJf5VzRG4PqWpWE-pCnZpcc_OXR0KndIXf26RB76eWd2iudqs9xFwZ1IMTHhvYmpFDX68xBGUFptUdobT00NuDGPraWIk46NpLiYsE/w640-h500/P1110582a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our table set up with the Roman infantry in the centre and their cavalry and supporting light infantry nearest to camera. At the opposite end of the valley are the approaching Goths and Huns </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>The preamble for our late Romans versus Goths and Huns clash sees the latter returning to their homelands after a successful expedition raiding the Empire and have been tracked down and cornered by the local Roman Dux in a wooded valley, with a Roman force of heavy infantry together with some light troops and archers thrust forward to its centre intending to provoke an attack.<div><br /><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/AVvXsEj5i0K4w_V3SHwq_DTZ8NGpm1jK68YG2pBBYnkGwgpMj0BuLfbXfsBymoHgJf4TmXCxFUZFdqzt5Y-Xnkldei-Z2y7IJugkUjlzS_e7wf4lP13_jMqQldEnOs-wgyJh7sXZ7o9qgN3ugfUqfTmEyLbVN_W-sDhYOo5W5nK05y2EN-hSl7oot59CTtB8-Ks/s3709/P1110583a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3341" data-original-width="3709" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5i0K4w_V3SHwq_DTZ8NGpm1jK68YG2pBBYnkGwgpMj0BuLfbXfsBymoHgJf4TmXCxFUZFdqzt5Y-Xnkldei-Z2y7IJugkUjlzS_e7wf4lP13_jMqQldEnOs-wgyJh7sXZ7o9qgN3ugfUqfTmEyLbVN_W-sDhYOo5W5nK05y2EN-hSl7oot59CTtB8-Ks/w640-h576/P1110583a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Goths and Huns, full of bravado after a, so far, successful raid into the Empire, advance up the valley with a mixed force of infantry and bow armed cavalry</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>The Roman infantry have the support of a strong body of heavy and light cavalry, with some drawn up at one end of the valley behind them, ready to come up in support and deal with any barbarians attempting to pass and escape home, whilst coming up behind the Gothic-Hun horde are another force of Roman heavy cavalry and light infantry, acting rather like 'beaters' to drive the game-birds towards the guns and pick up any limping stragglers.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEjuxlmXPn8y_hDckJh0c57ucLNdRZsQrgvf5N2mEO1WZ4XjsULI-wdp9ADHnSYn0T07394ZU4pzCMbfEJbm6s6bfqU8jgHpR-s0SK_SEWEHR35vZGYhxdy13kEHsLJBe9fE0Z4ovmH3CLVdrwcstVY4jibSzTEo3OznAATxn0B-l1AHw2pcFM30pIHJ5NA/s4896/P1110584a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxlmXPn8y_hDckJh0c57ucLNdRZsQrgvf5N2mEO1WZ4XjsULI-wdp9ADHnSYn0T07394ZU4pzCMbfEJbm6s6bfqU8jgHpR-s0SK_SEWEHR35vZGYhxdy13kEHsLJBe9fE0Z4ovmH3CLVdrwcstVY4jibSzTEo3OznAATxn0B-l1AHw2pcFM30pIHJ5NA/w640-h480/P1110584a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gothic light infantry move into the woods flanking the valley sides</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>The Goths and Huns have only one object in mind and score victory points accordingly, namely to exit as many units as they can off the opposite end of the valley, whilst the Romans are seeking to send a firm message to other potential raiders by destroying as many of the enemy that they can, being rewarded similarly for doing so, in victory points for each enemy unit dealt with.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEiEmT_1sbcFF0vvd4g7CMaCMh_KsLLM6VAju8NCt4bXbqS0b0z2zx3WyRGlMaJkndtodqaQPn256oZlFqG027uDTAaGkYWBPXHI2Z-Fqr8KbDYTyuIUR3hy3r7JmVa-u77-GUam_Cfno_QIsqtmP3Cx3CUEVd1OLRX3zypQYfJ48Ag0JPFjjYx-A_VgCXc/s4896/P1110585a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmT_1sbcFF0vvd4g7CMaCMh_KsLLM6VAju8NCt4bXbqS0b0z2zx3WyRGlMaJkndtodqaQPn256oZlFqG027uDTAaGkYWBPXHI2Z-Fqr8KbDYTyuIUR3hy3r7JmVa-u77-GUam_Cfno_QIsqtmP3Cx3CUEVd1OLRX3zypQYfJ48Ag0JPFjjYx-A_VgCXc/w640-h480/P1110585a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gothic-Hun force are very mobile with plenty of missile troops as well</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Steve M was my fellow Roman commander and duly took the Roman infantry in the centre of the table, whilst I strapped on my spurs, grabbed my kontos and led the Roman cavalry, ably supported with a unit of light infantry specially trained to keep up with and support my 'donkey wallopers'.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEgs1XgBdrQtXlV52J3yZcsr70PUBOPyk0FbVQOZo9nao2mrGkBSVRlTnHB24uR1Z5WN_VTC_uihQH9cf225cvXXO-yJmAKVuHJdwuDcOLwDFmZZxQS7WRB2O3Y1dzVNiT25ILby9rypJMazeRa2V9VdOB6_Ft6h1vEhUDKa6GbKs5KPbFkg6tvuL3jYiRI/s4274/P1110586a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2580" data-original-width="4274" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1XgBdrQtXlV52J3yZcsr70PUBOPyk0FbVQOZo9nao2mrGkBSVRlTnHB24uR1Z5WN_VTC_uihQH9cf225cvXXO-yJmAKVuHJdwuDcOLwDFmZZxQS7WRB2O3Y1dzVNiT25ILby9rypJMazeRa2V9VdOB6_Ft6h1vEhUDKa6GbKs5KPbFkg6tvuL3jYiRI/w640-h386/P1110586a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Roman shield wall braces itself for the impending assault as their cavalry advance up the valley to their support.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Meanwhile Nathan and Sam loosened up their bow arms, filled the quivers with extra arrows and divided their forces as they led their men towards the Roman line ready to pepper them with missiles as other units explored the flanks of the valley looking to exploit beyond and enable better routes of exit for their comrades.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEhPKzSGBiJoD3GBcKd4cEcNZYUhtWxR0o75ZuI3DD8FahTPeotIx5LsyJ2uBfxzva1l1FDhBDWKvAdB9Jcv0idInecRLP4-6HHe2Ftf0gLiHHYge4kKILA9b7mruqk3va4nhujEVykk1-tuDFdkgP8UpDycmCDAdrdFxW73CtTFQ8iY83SKRkOZdiDt0FU/s4623/P1110614a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2783" data-original-width="4623" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKzSGBiJoD3GBcKd4cEcNZYUhtWxR0o75ZuI3DD8FahTPeotIx5LsyJ2uBfxzva1l1FDhBDWKvAdB9Jcv0idInecRLP4-6HHe2Ftf0gLiHHYge4kKILA9b7mruqk3va4nhujEVykk1-tuDFdkgP8UpDycmCDAdrdFxW73CtTFQ8iY83SKRkOZdiDt0FU/w640-h386/P1110614a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First clash as the elites of both sides go toe to toe on the Roman left as the Huns try to force a way past the Roman infantry. Both Roman commanders would meet their end on this part of the battlefield.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The scenario creates a great struggle as the barbarians attempt to force their way up the valley by either breaking Roman units already in their way, attempting to hold them up, or using their rapid movement capability inherent in a light cavalry force to exploit gaps to either escape off table or support the struggle in the centre.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However with fresh Roman units, mainly cavalry, entering the table at either end, the Gothic-Hun force have to be wary of becoming to embroiled in the fight and forgetting their mission objective, namely to escape off table</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjYBAkObwf7XGoZmUUU1-JDaYRoPbs49pBwHcVzdH0N3mbDA6cYrp81bxUDVXshAG_yCz6lYzxc4j494e39DzWKArxiKJycRyBPpX9ezsWgN7T-L7TkLwMCIXXFxfA0xvLx6R8g4-9Le0m3l579giP-dk7lkaZDxvzi3YlLz2DwZRa7F_FDDhNNdMy2qcM/s4308/P1110616a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2679" data-original-width="4308" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBAkObwf7XGoZmUUU1-JDaYRoPbs49pBwHcVzdH0N3mbDA6cYrp81bxUDVXshAG_yCz6lYzxc4j494e39DzWKArxiKJycRyBPpX9ezsWgN7T-L7TkLwMCIXXFxfA0xvLx6R8g4-9Le0m3l579giP-dk7lkaZDxvzi3YlLz2DwZRa7F_FDDhNNdMy2qcM/w640-h398/P1110616a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman heavy cavalry come up at the canter.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Similarly the Roman force is looking to fight and win as many struggles as possible by routing enemy units, but are forced to spread themselves thinly initially to plug potential escape routes, with the cavalry acting like fire brigade units moving back and forth to plug gaps or aid in the destruction of an enemy units brought to battle.</div><div><br /></div><div>Inevitably gaps in the line occur and the units end up too busy fighting elsewhere to plug them all and so the game develops into a struggle for both sides to put points on the scoreboard with early victories.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEhzRyEu46hDv5XXLjj4SDU3fi27HPPOCRJ0WOyLqvCWDcI5oRhjdORKbRQ7X_skvgY5PdxF0DYZdJLRducC7_OIljvrm_4kTO2q9fNl9APnZBVrWd7FEbeS1awvYW7A0mLuVsszWxK7xsJZnXQ38XbBqxK9gu7v7zkl9KaDLb7y0Z-Hs5MQRvi7mvMnU5w/s4896/P1110617a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRyEu46hDv5XXLjj4SDU3fi27HPPOCRJ0WOyLqvCWDcI5oRhjdORKbRQ7X_skvgY5PdxF0DYZdJLRducC7_OIljvrm_4kTO2q9fNl9APnZBVrWd7FEbeS1awvYW7A0mLuVsszWxK7xsJZnXQ38XbBqxK9gu7v7zkl9KaDLb7y0Z-Hs5MQRvi7mvMnU5w/w640-h480/P1110617a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Roman infantry are forced to spread their line to contest the passage of enemy units.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Our game followed the script closely, with the Romans scoring some early victories that forced the Goths and Huns to fight and destroy Roman units to create gaps in the line, which created choices for the Romans as to when and where to put their units into fights to attempt to overwhelm opposing enemy units, or to leave a fight in the balance to free up a unit to move to fill a gap in the line.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEjG2PXFN2MXdestE65BIKHR8-KwaTozggdcqTuTmT0Qcz2MwxgiHqkAxeQM9e1UMgNmwOzZdUG5QSdzJN3SWBZoUepV05hnbZhw2E3Levov0QquCNOXGnPihtphvtk0MmEIdV3VFC6-wSCejzxdAVAzJcNuKj_DNKrDbUQL1ArzLiGv7VWnu3PMXRheUgA/s4896/P1110618a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2330" data-original-width="4896" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2PXFN2MXdestE65BIKHR8-KwaTozggdcqTuTmT0Qcz2MwxgiHqkAxeQM9e1UMgNmwOzZdUG5QSdzJN3SWBZoUepV05hnbZhw2E3Levov0QquCNOXGnPihtphvtk0MmEIdV3VFC6-wSCejzxdAVAzJcNuKj_DNKrDbUQL1ArzLiGv7VWnu3PMXRheUgA/w640-h304/P1110618a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the Huns and Goths press forward the trap is sprung as the first pursuing Roman units enter the valley in their rear.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As the game progressed more and more units were removed from the table either as battle casualties or as escapees, with the final fights producing a close finish as both sides looked to see how many successes they had accumulated and where another potential success beckoned, with the last few remaining barbarian units moving at flank speed for the nearest exit, whilst Romans sought to overwhelm those not quick enough to join the withdrawal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgNx11yvsPZ17SiHoad4AAMzHOF-MOt2tQ_Pb-3k5vBUtDPh5gQySWOhLGK6LPY2A_vGt6zeFhdxd3zNN9UJjv_HmygVXGZnXyWf-Jxyafckn1xOrinxPU-0Gwr6eKNRSgqiM6MVqYroUcxOJngY4qUbnhU2ru8bGtqlpffkwlnFdU24puJTWY_TnmbIp8/s4312/P1110620a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3141" data-original-width="4312" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNx11yvsPZ17SiHoad4AAMzHOF-MOt2tQ_Pb-3k5vBUtDPh5gQySWOhLGK6LPY2A_vGt6zeFhdxd3zNN9UJjv_HmygVXGZnXyWf-Jxyafckn1xOrinxPU-0Gwr6eKNRSgqiM6MVqYroUcxOJngY4qUbnhU2ru8bGtqlpffkwlnFdU24puJTWY_TnmbIp8/w640-h466/P1110620a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman heavy cavalry come on in pursuit of a Hun unit.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As it turned out, after the dust of battle had settled, the game ended in a draw with equal points gained by both sides, but with the Romans paying a dividend on their hard earned result, with both their commanders in the infantry and cavalry making the supreme sacrifice for the Empire.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEgtXfIX1kwtpKwaRTfCXSGCDCQR6weOXz08we3yCkKXuQCqcT0EFzToVQG_7rhmSyoIeCwl5GKMZVOTuDDpb9H94O5A2uewtPhyphenhyphen50aeXX-O2P4RxeSr2is5D-wrZ8W6Zq3-pzsmFSQG6HjBiNwMIwl-7mGDcbOHGhbFgBzOWkzYGa7N0vQEaRwYkiXErWg/s4896/P1110621a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3383" data-original-width="4896" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXfIX1kwtpKwaRTfCXSGCDCQR6weOXz08we3yCkKXuQCqcT0EFzToVQG_7rhmSyoIeCwl5GKMZVOTuDDpb9H94O5A2uewtPhyphenhyphen50aeXX-O2P4RxeSr2is5D-wrZ8W6Zq3-pzsmFSQG6HjBiNwMIwl-7mGDcbOHGhbFgBzOWkzYGa7N0vQEaRwYkiXErWg/w640-h442/P1110621a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The battle reaches its close with the Roman infantry thinned out but not beaten but with Roman cavalry forced to ride to their right flank looking to cut off escaping enemy units.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Thank you to Mike for hosting a splendid game to start the new year on and to Steve M, Nathan and Sam for creating the drama of our game.</div><div><br /></div><div>JJ</div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-66605476053236071412024-01-20T09:42:00.000+00:002024-01-20T09:42:22.335+00:00Frostgrave Campaign (2023-24) - Game Four, Felstad.<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78sWMT0Vfx9UC1bmHeRvmQl2x5z-UCZq-k4rprXJnB38myL1-VBGDgSDmDu0MuLBfhV2ejbo_NELIoLzq8fWYnMh8ub6YOLZ2YEEr1xC9prQe5EqEkNu4I-86q0UjaHtbLyK1u2VDQGkorIKuHPs_X0qAVicCRMvjVP2_ISV_4H7QEuRlZ29qKXjScXs/s1005/frostgrave__zombie_assault_by_devburmak-d94ffbo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1005" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78sWMT0Vfx9UC1bmHeRvmQl2x5z-UCZq-k4rprXJnB38myL1-VBGDgSDmDu0MuLBfhV2ejbo_NELIoLzq8fWYnMh8ub6YOLZ2YEEr1xC9prQe5EqEkNu4I-86q0UjaHtbLyK1u2VDQGkorIKuHPs_X0qAVicCRMvjVP2_ISV_4H7QEuRlZ29qKXjScXs/w640-h506/frostgrave__zombie_assault_by_devburmak-d94ffbo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite an enforced break over the Christmas period the warbands had only to pass through the gate at the edge of the last table to find themselves in the city square of Felstad, with all its attendant mystery and danger. [In the photo below you can see the stone gate on the right of the picture, with the graves at the bottom of the picture nearest you on the Northern edge of the city].</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfE6WaJpBKOLftyc2uhSbfjS2p-04KeuIOOiG5QJX5JWSzyYW4BZ8C1a6fQxLwRIO9Gnglx9X2X7f6qgb24mTIqs6OePuAr-S9J56NuYhfrW8ExeLBj3gZ6UCXa3ZXCHimVLh1oW5gBobJn6BcoYApvjDBXIeE0KsUR-jNIOEsLBaLzJBPc-NAYfnASvI/s672/FG%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="672" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfE6WaJpBKOLftyc2uhSbfjS2p-04KeuIOOiG5QJX5JWSzyYW4BZ8C1a6fQxLwRIO9Gnglx9X2X7f6qgb24mTIqs6OePuAr-S9J56NuYhfrW8ExeLBj3gZ6UCXa3ZXCHimVLh1oW5gBobJn6BcoYApvjDBXIeE0KsUR-jNIOEsLBaLzJBPc-NAYfnASvI/w640-h412/FG%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Having been the first through, the Chronomancers (Orange Team) were able to deploy in the furthest (Eastern) half of the table, whereas the Elementalists (Green Team) were slowed by having to roll 5+ (D20) to enter.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0uqQD7A1tEyWGqtgQ7Wc3ifUdU_qUKaX3_ngk_iFGaNYVhjTvBKzW_WOMc6ViXX34H8P0QhnCnmFSsmsOvpcjypL6DHac0GI61STlod3IlQs5z5nCpUQ3rRqfh7__yDAVIfPFx1QmyLD9ujRpUVvdeOdwsZbrKHV25fM-KwxS4pTIhxZDkx-6BQLc7c/s4896/P1110607.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0uqQD7A1tEyWGqtgQ7Wc3ifUdU_qUKaX3_ngk_iFGaNYVhjTvBKzW_WOMc6ViXX34H8P0QhnCnmFSsmsOvpcjypL6DHac0GI61STlod3IlQs5z5nCpUQ3rRqfh7__yDAVIfPFx1QmyLD9ujRpUVvdeOdwsZbrKHV25fM-KwxS4pTIhxZDkx-6BQLc7c/w640-h480/P1110607.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This hindrance worked well to set the warbands up to fight each other (as opposed to staying out of each other’s way as per the beginning of other games) because the Elementalists saw it as an attack/defend situation and launched an aggressive thrust South out of the gate.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wB5UJzm0YuAhi6XrfcyyHuK_auD-zKJnP1_oxnfp8jGJpzVjuk1_aVWgL0SoPf4tdXHBcpkPL6SxmR7mm2T8j4DnFZ2dyCW7xd0cFLlvbM1j3oWl5AsishZ2mqrddPlkEseYtaUbM4xaVt-k3aU__-4nzLxrydd47mTz3pRwwuY1rzM8OwmFXhgHhMM/s940/FG%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="940" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wB5UJzm0YuAhi6XrfcyyHuK_auD-zKJnP1_oxnfp8jGJpzVjuk1_aVWgL0SoPf4tdXHBcpkPL6SxmR7mm2T8j4DnFZ2dyCW7xd0cFLlvbM1j3oWl5AsishZ2mqrddPlkEseYtaUbM4xaVt-k3aU__-4nzLxrydd47mTz3pRwwuY1rzM8OwmFXhgHhMM/w640-h360/FG%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Chronomancers, having deployed as two groups to cover the maximum ‘discovery’ area, adopted a more of a foraging strategy and quickly discovered three of the seven ‘Shards’, five of which had to be brought together to imbue a magic user with ‘The Knowledge’ to exit the table, winning the game and beginning the long trek back to their magic order. Magic users were able to sense shards within 6”, whereas mortals had to have line of sight, which ended up with a ranger walking right past one as he saw it through a doorway!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwxsR3alRlBJRdhC4L2MZCYFP2p9xmrDmceeNHI0okHIYIdtS0QurPIG8Gr7xNRCfqABzDAscvDOefNVeyEZI_KZmMFPn6VH3h522T7U3x6EmyrHWh_2zBjdDZIxUIW4KwF5Z69mZlZRFkNUEHMXhQl6SjIQZiQ62ZbipHwRI87dpmvicUvxrx3RT5YU/s530/FG%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="491" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwxsR3alRlBJRdhC4L2MZCYFP2p9xmrDmceeNHI0okHIYIdtS0QurPIG8Gr7xNRCfqABzDAscvDOefNVeyEZI_KZmMFPn6VH3h522T7U3x6EmyrHWh_2zBjdDZIxUIW4KwF5Z69mZlZRFkNUEHMXhQl6SjIQZiQ62ZbipHwRI87dpmvicUvxrx3RT5YU/w592-h640/FG%203.jpg" width="592" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Things were going well for both sides until they both ran into unique problems: for the Elementalists, they were striding forth attacking one of the groups of the Elementantalists in the South. Their weapon of choice was Conan, their barbarian (I know, I know. It had to be done.)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUb12ygE4pdPuZhfbdvQFp9ASrPaWuHKniRxNDYAbtgmkTMN_qsGAegFnRXgh8ZLy1Kl2mOzskTc6vaqDhcBHUiLDrdlceTzy-6Lo3Wts-r3EAZ2JALqXZsbgBDh4RNl4pjrFLyk5N2y81W0Dg8hz_wrgqVVBkJWg8SGb_CZ5yI7_t2Cs6z40QXbV4bvQ/s940/FG%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="940" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUb12ygE4pdPuZhfbdvQFp9ASrPaWuHKniRxNDYAbtgmkTMN_qsGAegFnRXgh8ZLy1Kl2mOzskTc6vaqDhcBHUiLDrdlceTzy-6Lo3Wts-r3EAZ2JALqXZsbgBDh4RNl4pjrFLyk5N2y81W0Dg8hz_wrgqVVBkJWg8SGb_CZ5yI7_t2Cs6z40QXbV4bvQ/w640-h360/FG%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Having a magic weapon and all sorts of useful buffs he was designed as a one man killing machine, pairing with the Wizard to lead the attack on anything in their path. Poor Conan (centre - with axe - on picture above) must’ve overdone the steroids though, because though he had the muscles of a god, he had the mind of a jelly-baby. Just before the Chronomancer’s own barbarian could step up to challenge him, a quick thinking apprentice cast mind-control on him and made him one of their own. [This was done on a roll of 20, making it virtually impossible for the Elementalists to regain control of him in later turns.]</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_VK2z4Nbhpoa9i_JI6MJcwG1NjIWbLXSuS8sEGa9Kj8_Ysl9U6pV7_ahgp6VYzWRyArPykfNadzNcqVCazqG0HxZnfQPgbrnFYTT1txHWrZqa1_C1OJ5OXfM0_TyhMyC4Ts6p8HDOMCI4tE_10uCeZhqkolhue7HbKJ3ULApI1pey8B0FCgsLF4ztnE/s4896/P1110608.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_VK2z4Nbhpoa9i_JI6MJcwG1NjIWbLXSuS8sEGa9Kj8_Ysl9U6pV7_ahgp6VYzWRyArPykfNadzNcqVCazqG0HxZnfQPgbrnFYTT1txHWrZqa1_C1OJ5OXfM0_TyhMyC4Ts6p8HDOMCI4tE_10uCeZhqkolhue7HbKJ3ULApI1pey8B0FCgsLF4ztnE/w640-h480/P1110608.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Disaster! Immediately Conan turned on his own Wizard and started swinging his axe. The</div><div>next few turns saw the Wizard reduced to just one point of health, desperately running from his own accomplice and eventually having to ‘Leap’ himself to safety (if he’d failed that spell he’d have died, having just one health at the time). It just went to show that a well timed strategical magical spell can disrupt the most dire of circumstances.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Chronomancers weren’t faring much better at this point either. Having collected three shards [picking up a shard ‘activated’ it and caused the figure to be flung in a random direction, as well as running the risk of activating a demon] they activated their first demon.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIsMjQ7gKJBA7es0vIUyDgj5_APY90qb_2CifqxU_hWsk9mgWu5yBTCkjHW8Wt1qt4Ns-b-5VfwEwWkr6voGF02qk_MFrMVChcjg2TlHqbtVqHdbY3JuiJ0ypQwZBK2862Ozb7LSnpKLqLE4HNw33j3f9q9juOQKA96tmWzkB2XzZC5cm0QJnQHsisDo/s940/FG%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="940" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIsMjQ7gKJBA7es0vIUyDgj5_APY90qb_2CifqxU_hWsk9mgWu5yBTCkjHW8Wt1qt4Ns-b-5VfwEwWkr6voGF02qk_MFrMVChcjg2TlHqbtVqHdbY3JuiJ0ypQwZBK2862Ozb7LSnpKLqLE4HNw33j3f9q9juOQKA96tmWzkB2XzZC5cm0QJnQHsisDo/w640-h360/FG%205.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These hideous protectors of the shards had rules that made them ‘recycle’ until all shards were activated, and all four of them were guaranteed to appear by the time the seventh shard had been activated.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CFTmp_xdgDB7ENTLZW3U_gRfVIWm9UqpB6Re-mQsERH_dPKoUXc3zVkqUuQp6I8bGB33CC0jyuujKL-6XsvIHx2OCLqL-1JkDn4wTJFryH3eCMA1ZVbaf20EBrubVjPclGwuE_E2fPJHvk3j6zwPPtiN2jf5km62fhi-fpDnJ3XAFsNQAV12jpsto8M/s4896/P1110610.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CFTmp_xdgDB7ENTLZW3U_gRfVIWm9UqpB6Re-mQsERH_dPKoUXc3zVkqUuQp6I8bGB33CC0jyuujKL-6XsvIHx2OCLqL-1JkDn4wTJFryH3eCMA1ZVbaf20EBrubVjPclGwuE_E2fPJHvk3j6zwPPtiN2jf5km62fhi-fpDnJ3XAFsNQAV12jpsto8M/w640-h480/P1110610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>First impressions obviously count, because one Major Demon was sufficient to cause the Chronomancers to change their strategy. Instead of picking up the shards and carrying them, which attracted the attention of demons, they opted to find them all first, leaving them in-situ and intended to scoop them up at the end using distraction to divert the demons’ attention. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48KBO7K3AMmq1mXr0GrqWx3huf_luI45Eq5tJT1WfXLD5sFglkGuDNB4K8DfbJeaGD-bxjeVvCffmL2HKdBMXruZcrtZOv3iFl9L__TOGTblSE8wQtY0cbpydyDcsOV_o1ADZzBK6xz5p2gKAz-d7LHhKA0nkm0p_v6qXwNONFHHzmz1JWkfF2UZJzn8/s940/FG%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="940" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48KBO7K3AMmq1mXr0GrqWx3huf_luI45Eq5tJT1WfXLD5sFglkGuDNB4K8DfbJeaGD-bxjeVvCffmL2HKdBMXruZcrtZOv3iFl9L__TOGTblSE8wQtY0cbpydyDcsOV_o1ADZzBK6xz5p2gKAz-d7LHhKA0nkm0p_v6qXwNONFHHzmz1JWkfF2UZJzn8/w640-h360/FG%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, the Elementalists were gathering on the old library near to both the demon and the other warband. Within it lay one of the entrances to the dungeon (a separate ‘table’ set up adjacent to the main play mat), the other being found underneath the planar tear (Quartz geode) in the other building. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8LsTishcoScvu9Ki2l3PyODK6cQnYgovQrSblzfqxZbI6vaH-hdkxybH0a3QBj-6mVG7hDTk_T183v_Ftq_EUCLfuTO5pF_3RsAszJh_pOVZdh7dWlDzJ4EU4mgRRZ7Tk8luNEL6TflcYEUAnwj3J5owmjzBl4r_bfCuQofGOYTclG09gG-ESjTrBvg/s883/FG%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="883" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8LsTishcoScvu9Ki2l3PyODK6cQnYgovQrSblzfqxZbI6vaH-hdkxybH0a3QBj-6mVG7hDTk_T183v_Ftq_EUCLfuTO5pF_3RsAszJh_pOVZdh7dWlDzJ4EU4mgRRZ7Tk8luNEL6TflcYEUAnwj3J5owmjzBl4r_bfCuQofGOYTclG09gG-ESjTrBvg/w640-h368/FG%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Bravely, the Elementalist apprentice ventured down the steps with a few of his comrades, discovering a small group of armoured skeletons shambling aimlessly in the centre of the first room. With a combination of ranged attacks and shooting they soon despatched them, but instead of venturing further into the dark void they elected to return to the surface.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VVD_94VNpEGLQQk7humEDcqb-J9H_jombDh14ZDugpEN5esdlQ5qQdznqjrKCSO5ZSILZOE7zVSeajoBYEqqPi82MDDE_eWWAu4K5d_lsI0GENYOSm_iRg4UaEiftOi02-LtH5vezXqRfFlSiCxctwkp-sQvEvAg0SOPgD-XZp2mBcbv2zgopP4ZlXU/s940/FG%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="940" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VVD_94VNpEGLQQk7humEDcqb-J9H_jombDh14ZDugpEN5esdlQ5qQdznqjrKCSO5ZSILZOE7zVSeajoBYEqqPi82MDDE_eWWAu4K5d_lsI0GENYOSm_iRg4UaEiftOi02-LtH5vezXqRfFlSiCxctwkp-sQvEvAg0SOPgD-XZp2mBcbv2zgopP4ZlXU/w640-h360/FG%208.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Why? Because the conglomeration of just about every other model on the table around the dungeon entrance had turned the game into a huge bun-fight (finally I’d managed to get them to confront each other. Yay!) mostly forced by an aggressive Elementalist contingent who’s strategy seemed to be to remove the competition before looking for the shards.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV3KRVTnNRkmYMSvYKeu7nomhIz0YZOV_BEBfcm7IdHLtPUDlzsfxECPbQAafFVRPRv-i2gDPSr0kOXJZQfGOiLquzsWKXJu3H8j2neiVmkEmGl4cJFLxVgF4EsWwU8l_JseSCml73BLJ46S1bSUlt_gzmuUvoawbcHNKiXw7oujRj3PLqIvbLT-HL4s/s436/FG%209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="337" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV3KRVTnNRkmYMSvYKeu7nomhIz0YZOV_BEBfcm7IdHLtPUDlzsfxECPbQAafFVRPRv-i2gDPSr0kOXJZQfGOiLquzsWKXJu3H8j2neiVmkEmGl4cJFLxVgF4EsWwU8l_JseSCml73BLJ46S1bSUlt_gzmuUvoawbcHNKiXw7oujRj3PLqIvbLT-HL4s/w494-h640/FG%209.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BVoBtrkKPVgBjvFfcBPpv_0CYXA13AdxMfwk0UBCWF3WWULhQ1B0WpVjHvOoTyRWztUf6QPYYJTI76UEnUTTQ8kObGklvoELyfutcnLbi3D1aw5OE-TIR0IpAASXyG_EPit9OjzFTuc23H6LLF3v5ObVghZVxVRdlOD9Tb3fhtbyQ10MKN1gu_sCpZY/s940/FG%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="940" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BVoBtrkKPVgBjvFfcBPpv_0CYXA13AdxMfwk0UBCWF3WWULhQ1B0WpVjHvOoTyRWztUf6QPYYJTI76UEnUTTQ8kObGklvoELyfutcnLbi3D1aw5OE-TIR0IpAASXyG_EPit9OjzFTuc23H6LLF3v5ObVghZVxVRdlOD9Tb3fhtbyQ10MKN1gu_sCpZY/w640-h360/FG%2010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9OHWLul3EgueeQXVg0UUMr3jIJ9BnlAB9RMXLCQhMkuHGpGWZbFyyvbjjev54dl_QRxj5e9W89tllVNF3HVUqhvV0TH0ubY3CWEUKUzfJKPu6R5oNaTsEJJrWsyC_aiXlrvb6CL6yMUiZCy_scCIePqI5I5N34IdO3MTqnUu5VQ1ITn8lkwsyTFMsFE/s530/FG%2011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="393" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9OHWLul3EgueeQXVg0UUMr3jIJ9BnlAB9RMXLCQhMkuHGpGWZbFyyvbjjev54dl_QRxj5e9W89tllVNF3HVUqhvV0TH0ubY3CWEUKUzfJKPu6R5oNaTsEJJrWsyC_aiXlrvb6CL6yMUiZCy_scCIePqI5I5N34IdO3MTqnUu5VQ1ITn8lkwsyTFMsFE/w474-h640/FG%2011.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Rejecting the suggestion of temporary collaboration, the two warbands slapped each other with handbags for a number of turns, reducing the model count on both sides. In fact the Elementalists got quite a kicking, striving for a pyrrhic victory that never came. Both of their magic users were slain at this point, so like Madonna they decided to reinvent themselves once more, adopting the strategy of ‘stopping the other team from winning’. Down to just two figures, the main ploy seemed to be to stay alive and let the Demons kill the remaining Chronomancers!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9jCmGUicBkUAONPxkeb6hl7c0ZnCkMXi6t_lylNDByqQ2V7BrOJGnYsqk4rU8pu_HVK34lT-pZ8_Ir6pklciyhPZxzo6cZ33-77OOCY3E4RKEduDjusLMKH-EFJrSQyqBHjV2Wi4LdVmytpUaAa7t5W1JLKcZbVdjl42KidDLK7MTqNhBehftI04S_M/s4896/P1110612.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9jCmGUicBkUAONPxkeb6hl7c0ZnCkMXi6t_lylNDByqQ2V7BrOJGnYsqk4rU8pu_HVK34lT-pZ8_Ir6pklciyhPZxzo6cZ33-77OOCY3E4RKEduDjusLMKH-EFJrSQyqBHjV2Wi4LdVmytpUaAa7t5W1JLKcZbVdjl42KidDLK7MTqNhBehftI04S_M/w640-h480/P1110612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Duly so, one of the demons chased the remaining Chronomancers down the dungeon steps with her imposing presence, but remaining above for now as no shards were in danger.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44ke5kcpWPD_wZO9l3HuUn3QUOXPYinbG8uJEB7Rx6ksxehYCal7l0bSKWMfRZTh2kbF-MXweTjHuXUnCvQPU-YI3JBsUTSYcwS8oH-FOwr1t_33qTLsjppIKhQc_G-kc15-DKn4HDggLj6u-clEqG1ZtUm2XKjHjJDSYLqg7DJLS_MW6d-veXZHTfko/s530/FG%2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="350" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44ke5kcpWPD_wZO9l3HuUn3QUOXPYinbG8uJEB7Rx6ksxehYCal7l0bSKWMfRZTh2kbF-MXweTjHuXUnCvQPU-YI3JBsUTSYcwS8oH-FOwr1t_33qTLsjppIKhQc_G-kc15-DKn4HDggLj6u-clEqG1ZtUm2XKjHjJDSYLqg7DJLS_MW6d-veXZHTfko/w422-h640/FG%2012.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Reaching the bottom in a jumble of confusion, the canny wizard decided to still use thelmind-controlled Conan as the pointy-end of their advance.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2d5kJ1-QiPIC2Rrs3DOgNOFJw2SLKv-CSk-JNWgGMmJDiK2-0jf0TpYfhEE2n2bgbP15ol8bcrjgLTzyCS_kTlgfDzgCy4U-QqJTrP6HpjW4PXm5Fczsn472Akbh7n-qAXpKH4js8q8U_IEGUkThwbBStQymrBhh6JGt4X_hJEj39pQQO6n8Af_Fatg/s940/FG%2013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="940" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2d5kJ1-QiPIC2Rrs3DOgNOFJw2SLKv-CSk-JNWgGMmJDiK2-0jf0TpYfhEE2n2bgbP15ol8bcrjgLTzyCS_kTlgfDzgCy4U-QqJTrP6HpjW4PXm5Fczsn472Akbh7n-qAXpKH4js8q8U_IEGUkThwbBStQymrBhh6JGt4X_hJEj39pQQO6n8Af_Fatg/w640-h360/FG%2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Further horrors awaited them, and the gang came upon four ethereal ghosts guarding a door to the furthest cavern Just as he was getting stuck in, Conan remembered who he was and was able to turn back on his tormentors.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV61XWN0qjLclTe9HO4MN6_mAs-CEygtomQgyqDadbbsQtDUFy5-Uwi7TKFSjNjLZI8ZR5ExUVO9v2WqJKhqlFZtgb3HbYfZqDfthyphenhyphenAD0KHLJOc8854mSDfEzK0ABESigSQr51ckTldRa97GpIPcOZidmGBtR2ybbQidX8lq_cUA-j7o43KzagkKB2bgc/s940/FG%2014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="940" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV61XWN0qjLclTe9HO4MN6_mAs-CEygtomQgyqDadbbsQtDUFy5-Uwi7TKFSjNjLZI8ZR5ExUVO9v2WqJKhqlFZtgb3HbYfZqDfthyphenhyphenAD0KHLJOc8854mSDfEzK0ABESigSQr51ckTldRa97GpIPcOZidmGBtR2ybbQidX8lq_cUA-j7o43KzagkKB2bgc/w640-h360/FG%2014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With all the activity down in the dungeon the demons had been obliged to protect the shards down there and were entering on both staircases, forming a pincer movement on the already engaged warbands underneath.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqCUpHDSCRHTsH8_mMbuidkf1hkTRWNUhO6LAuf9S5YEkU5iyHq8D-ZsZiqJugVfrDFfMzjVpxUGFg-auaHEOJ6wFAZTJlAbzaEURIUhznO-d1RH6XlBN_NaO6KyVqAc2kcsvVZugdSF0s6IZVQtJHS3fbQxZ7q4heTVaoCqWojOhyEK4yWxSTKo2Z4E/s940/FG%2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="940" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqCUpHDSCRHTsH8_mMbuidkf1hkTRWNUhO6LAuf9S5YEkU5iyHq8D-ZsZiqJugVfrDFfMzjVpxUGFg-auaHEOJ6wFAZTJlAbzaEURIUhznO-d1RH6XlBN_NaO6KyVqAc2kcsvVZugdSF0s6IZVQtJHS3fbQxZ7q4heTVaoCqWojOhyEK4yWxSTKo2Z4E/w640-h360/FG%2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2PJ53oKhc8bGsYFo6Dbtr6r7OgWWn-7dWuKzhGwA0HFcFSawJooktIyw8BYC76QE8mHTCN5UhU2uQQX7HQH026HXdiKougw-bAW1nAs2SHFd69Os8duWxJ5bsPlbKFTuPL5dV1IWFR5kjq4HOryAHLgM31DaNMS5pWxRBhVb9e8xfKYgaJ_HQwUUGRQ/s530/FG%2016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="422" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2PJ53oKhc8bGsYFo6Dbtr6r7OgWWn-7dWuKzhGwA0HFcFSawJooktIyw8BYC76QE8mHTCN5UhU2uQQX7HQH026HXdiKougw-bAW1nAs2SHFd69Os8duWxJ5bsPlbKFTuPL5dV1IWFR5kjq4HOryAHLgM31DaNMS5pWxRBhVb9e8xfKYgaJ_HQwUUGRQ/w510-h640/FG%2016.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The trapped Chronomancers turned back to fight new threat from behind, and with a coordinated combination of magical, ranged and meleē attacks they soon discover that demons, despite their fearsome appearance, bleed just like everyone else.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNu3oHy0rT31gmj4FLXE4cS5X0kilpyWcAnw3O0aRAWb9zVqxoNfKBsx9UYxe5CSszK48UH1WbxtjP3QeSpiBj6XKOtF2qV26X5bXVEcZvE1P-ibwH6mVRIxh6lN8ezuVeXqzOPAsGAeUkPMK4SUtNJVu46P2GXQ9r_Q2hKIIfSxdpdF4kKJaVpOXgOxo/s940/FG%2017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="940" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNu3oHy0rT31gmj4FLXE4cS5X0kilpyWcAnw3O0aRAWb9zVqxoNfKBsx9UYxe5CSszK48UH1WbxtjP3QeSpiBj6XKOtF2qV26X5bXVEcZvE1P-ibwH6mVRIxh6lN8ezuVeXqzOPAsGAeUkPMK4SUtNJVu46P2GXQ9r_Q2hKIIfSxdpdF4kKJaVpOXgOxo/w640-h360/FG%2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCpNUzD5U_eMvU4S9St3hhQiQAwuKe-uZyFL18yY6Td9L66n_Mzp6ARjj8MvZlxQjKHxlnaQmXIp2RMdSWMKwVO6btqZowC757hJb3teY21JKDImBzOVoVzN2a8AV3mduEijpSdbbtT6DMTUt5zg0iej6dKGkytu6LwX8MpEYroqBl3VQqK9WIInQIZ4/s940/FG%2018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="940" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCpNUzD5U_eMvU4S9St3hhQiQAwuKe-uZyFL18yY6Td9L66n_Mzp6ARjj8MvZlxQjKHxlnaQmXIp2RMdSWMKwVO6btqZowC757hJb3teY21JKDImBzOVoVzN2a8AV3mduEijpSdbbtT6DMTUt5zg0iej6dKGkytu6LwX8MpEYroqBl3VQqK9WIInQIZ4/w640-h360/FG%2018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At this point though, unlike everyone else, the slain demon simply respawned back above in Felstad.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55NvFCUEOuXTroXnFPEd-Fk0Z7c8peM4BWrvetQatSnqTsUTHHveQf_TMt21QBt5eznvdUFEIp_70hjveLk00iMytLReCBhXTIctIjGHl0Azv47ImPEWtGx_gQjXMrupBJxMDOcXrYd3V-k0xIj_HRHOH-Ci2Zl4c5sdY-E5qUZEPuANMcqL0ZVVnGiw/s940/FG%2019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="940" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55NvFCUEOuXTroXnFPEd-Fk0Z7c8peM4BWrvetQatSnqTsUTHHveQf_TMt21QBt5eznvdUFEIp_70hjveLk00iMytLReCBhXTIctIjGHl0Azv47ImPEWtGx_gQjXMrupBJxMDOcXrYd3V-k0xIj_HRHOH-Ci2Zl4c5sdY-E5qUZEPuANMcqL0ZVVnGiw/w640-h360/FG%2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Seizing the opportunity for revenge, Conan checked his pockets and discovered a whole load of useful potions which he could use against his former captors. Throwing a magical grenade on the otherwise distracted Chronomancers he killed one and wounded another. This was to be his last victory however, as one of the ghosts he had turned his own back upon sucked the last remaining drops of life force from his majestically chiselled body and caused him to fall to the floor like a felled statue.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, the last remaining Elementalist, hiding in the South tower above, put down his tea and decided to chase down a lone Chronomancer archer and steal his shard. This was sensed by the demons on the other side of the dungeon and they turned to ascend once again in defence of a shard.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3MNgKTFkmoPR7_4ASt7tDVZhZx4A4ONSoIUgrj7IdTRgdvhXDqbJvLvK8WS2jD82B4_yCIwq_GV74_OtAyJlPYvVsB1TmH7uG1h2tUcMMo-mPqQfqAN_XXzKlVL29aiAqLA2uohlnP9ywEZ2ZvamfNlTNL64ILMImi79AkCdUW2wgNThD5j2jMx32yg/s4896/P1110613.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3MNgKTFkmoPR7_4ASt7tDVZhZx4A4ONSoIUgrj7IdTRgdvhXDqbJvLvK8WS2jD82B4_yCIwq_GV74_OtAyJlPYvVsB1TmH7uG1h2tUcMMo-mPqQfqAN_XXzKlVL29aiAqLA2uohlnP9ywEZ2ZvamfNlTNL64ILMImi79AkCdUW2wgNThD5j2jMx32yg/w640-h480/P1110613.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The exciting swinging back and forth of the pendulum of fortune had led to a situation where the Chronomancers had struggled through every stick between the legs given to them by their bitter opponents and emerged daylight side with a huge demon between them and the previously discovered shards. However, the demons were now mortal as all seven shards had been activated, and this particular demon was down to just one health.</div><div><br /></div><div>A final crossbow bolt from one of the soldiers rolled a 12 for a combat score. The demon also rolled 12.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEalU1-dWR6VUjO0TO4NIOmPRYwow0k6FVmIed7qL1F3Yzd5awGPD43eD-69g-G8CPL66n9uXcGewSZraEUbUZ4j3oLre-gMYUWX3V0yt-WmD6ndjNslxix1IbLyX5Ya50SpLeWvbpo5o4Gm2HSVwRpZGYfJvIaOXm0vE1XDTw1cJeXTX7wk5sOv1TVE/s439/FG%2020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="439" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEalU1-dWR6VUjO0TO4NIOmPRYwow0k6FVmIed7qL1F3Yzd5awGPD43eD-69g-G8CPL66n9uXcGewSZraEUbUZ4j3oLre-gMYUWX3V0yt-WmD6ndjNslxix1IbLyX5Ya50SpLeWvbpo5o4Gm2HSVwRpZGYfJvIaOXm0vE1XDTw1cJeXTX7wk5sOv1TVE/s320/FG%2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It looked like the demon might survive, until the shooting bonus of the crossbowman (+2) was added to their combat roll. This won the attack, causing 2 damage against the demon, sufficient to see it erupt into a cloud of fiery dust and return to the other plane whence it came.</div><div><br /></div><div>With this final foe slain, it became clear that the Chronomancers would win by scooping up the remaining shards and killing the last two demons with ranged attacks, and so they were declared the winners of the campaign. Well done Orange Team!</div><div><br /></div><div>This final game was played in great spirit, with much laughter, tension and cunning use of magic (some of which not detailed here) and made for a fantastic finish to a really enjoyable set of linked games. Thank you to all those who played across the games, and to JJ our club history monitor who seems, despite public facing protestations to the contrary, to be quietly succumbing to the heresy that is fantasy wargaming at Devon Wargames club. </div><div><br /></div><div>Mike Robinson (Jan 2024)</div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-84755329374646667002023-12-16T08:41:00.002+00:002023-12-16T08:41:49.328+00:00Gus Murchie Memorial Christmas Game 2023 - French Indian War (Rebels & Patriots)<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs49Y2eO2MLl-lWIsdue1y6e7IpKsVoUEPCxVooB7uDSLjkwu3HOV3lzHPe8FCNUhBqVdNVP7QWw0WKKqU5aFbZ_JYLKa0F-zqk8Jd8lqYuQCD_xiMp-1-Q-ckX2TRrGT_5eL3bVosPoJ-fmUo2ssz_D7pbMRGnYTKu7PKgSy0gYJMzHXuTdz4IboONCw/s1852/Header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1852" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs49Y2eO2MLl-lWIsdue1y6e7IpKsVoUEPCxVooB7uDSLjkwu3HOV3lzHPe8FCNUhBqVdNVP7QWw0WKKqU5aFbZ_JYLKa0F-zqk8Jd8lqYuQCD_xiMp-1-Q-ckX2TRrGT_5eL3bVosPoJ-fmUo2ssz_D7pbMRGnYTKu7PKgSy0gYJMzHXuTdz4IboONCw/w640-h354/Header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Another year is fast reaching its conclusion and another wargaming year in the Devon Wargames Group finished last weekend with our annual Gus Murchie Memorial Christmas Game, when we come together as a club to celebrate our hobby with one big final end of year game in which all members are invited to come along and get involved and enjoy a day of great gaming, chat, banter and some seasonal snacks to keep body and soul together, followed by a final beverage in a local hostelry for responsible members of the club.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgOviHP8PgG1gztZvimP9D9cLk704DUWnlHODh-WFMK0Ecu9gNv4-HJhNRj9H741szerGQn2JhOWMAhAkqvhQoZ7tWp7IxPrlJgykZ7JQIiNgP3no1MsgEZuynjep9Qz2G7cUmMV3q_vcuFnACEaoV7FF-KkxDyTY6FY7I5QH-t1vTZMtQ1UcSpWGPmUsU/s4618/20221210_113118.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOviHP8PgG1gztZvimP9D9cLk704DUWnlHODh-WFMK0Ecu9gNv4-HJhNRj9H741szerGQn2JhOWMAhAkqvhQoZ7tWp7IxPrlJgykZ7JQIiNgP3no1MsgEZuynjep9Qz2G7cUmMV3q_vcuFnACEaoV7FF-KkxDyTY6FY7I5QH-t1vTZMtQ1UcSpWGPmUsU/w400-h300/20221210_113118.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I missed last year's big Xmas Game for the first time, being on my travels down under, with the club indulging a big ACW recreation of the Battle of Stones River or Second Battle of Murfreesboro, 31st December 1862 - 2nd January 1863.<br /><a href="https://devonwargames.blogspot.com/2022/12/gus-murchie-memorial-christmas-game.html"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Devon Wargames Group - Gus Murchie Memorial Christmas Game 2022, Battle of Stones River </span></b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This year has been a golden year in the forty-two years of club history with the membership matching the club's longevity, topping forty and stretching it to provide games for everyone that wants to play, with a regular attendance of around twenty to twenty five folks at any meeting, and normally with four games running at each.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In our efforts to meet that demand, the club now hosts two meetings a month from January to April instead of the more normal once a month meeting during the rest of the year, and the club membership is not so grey as the hobby press would suggest the wider hobby might be becoming, in that we have a good core of younger members who are the future players of the club.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhUj0O1bjHhjSJtL1HnK_45IdWpCPHNgZom9U25UTooOlRuuE7-vjTFOjB-5lc14mNl8GdzN9iWxAfjv-eEXWKvEh7mhRxjHjxnF3ODCmLgk8L1DTkLzANMPOrHROl5aRk2jfDbBNawV-n9O5tbq_1Uj7Aijb8ax4kCeg_THhjZXONmri9I_ujpIYPjOWI/s4896/P1110561a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUj0O1bjHhjSJtL1HnK_45IdWpCPHNgZom9U25UTooOlRuuE7-vjTFOjB-5lc14mNl8GdzN9iWxAfjv-eEXWKvEh7mhRxjHjxnF3ODCmLgk8L1DTkLzANMPOrHROl5aRk2jfDbBNawV-n9O5tbq_1Uj7Aijb8ax4kCeg_THhjZXONmri9I_ujpIYPjOWI/w640-h480/P1110561a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our team of players for this year's Gus Murchie Memorial Christmas Game</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The menu of games and rulesets has blossomed this year and games have ranged from ancients to modern, historical to classic, and not so classic fantasy, on land sea and air, and a scan through our year's posts will amply illustrate the variety of games and rulesets the club is able to offer together with some great looking tables, figure and model collections to play with, in a club that continues to welcome new members and looks to make sure everyone can get involved.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0-Q9p-ySwu7ydbUpF1MdMd72AiOejXNmhoz2G4gVU5B_NwnmRDB1ZNkh09L_xXZg_z-6ZByrU-hignjgEnZWE4OQoo1yzW-q-yt5moWEOjrliDpxEcsnzpS94qd_2AkOfy86A9w_GrcEkcjOUoltha5LR8nHCeM2ARqzqFBcDJj9b-Ebf_jh9pALqOw/s1000/811l5Fla9wL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="741" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0-Q9p-ySwu7ydbUpF1MdMd72AiOejXNmhoz2G4gVU5B_NwnmRDB1ZNkh09L_xXZg_z-6ZByrU-hignjgEnZWE4OQoo1yzW-q-yt5moWEOjrliDpxEcsnzpS94qd_2AkOfy86A9w_GrcEkcjOUoltha5LR8nHCeM2ARqzqFBcDJj9b-Ebf_jh9pALqOw/w296-h400/811l5Fla9wL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The theme for this year's game was a French Indian one, in glorious 28mm, using the tried and trusted Rebels & Patriots rules from Osprey Wargames a very suitable set of rules for a large group of players, many not too familiar with the set.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mike C and Steve M. were given the task this year to herd the cats, pull together the required figure and terrain collections, plus a suitable table arrangement and scenario structure, so that everyone could sign up for the game and turn up on the day ready to play with an assigned command.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhwLKDl_CcPGSolnZcU3lwQsoZ0OzlUx3dLV5ztc6zSDxoNMhKeMwmKYBBuGSLizZ-OMYv3dOZeyDMRJCL8tPePmKKgP2jqNwLQoqMAyPZQNRnvge9nkYbrWX4pV1nnsX17Tst5s5qPbqNLGaNMfsIT82Cfdv-pU3bkdNDizKGrimYpgaJ4I91I8ynLKYo/s4896/P1110522a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLKDl_CcPGSolnZcU3lwQsoZ0OzlUx3dLV5ztc6zSDxoNMhKeMwmKYBBuGSLizZ-OMYv3dOZeyDMRJCL8tPePmKKgP2jqNwLQoqMAyPZQNRnvge9nkYbrWX4pV1nnsX17Tst5s5qPbqNLGaNMfsIT82Cfdv-pU3bkdNDizKGrimYpgaJ4I91I8ynLKYo/w640-h480/P1110522a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tables all set up and running </td></tr></tbody></table><br />We are blessed in the club with folks who can step up when required to make events like these happen and with members bringing along a fine selection of festive fodder we were very well catered for during our day's play.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciN-qjFALE26zcH93CQPwiwZmAio4NpDlXIj-KTnMH1s0kY_YfSG6q9LXbNxEK24oZ1tj2vw6eoY117aOBexA8sDoU8dLL5CQb6LmWaYlKf1OFKx3ltjraAw9uedh-JOHfjXnTNbKhXVXsXabwiZty1nEqz6FZCdzmQLncqHYzy-S5lj3UuVvxYahWRo/s4896/P1110521a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciN-qjFALE26zcH93CQPwiwZmAio4NpDlXIj-KTnMH1s0kY_YfSG6q9LXbNxEK24oZ1tj2vw6eoY117aOBexA8sDoU8dLL5CQb6LmWaYlKf1OFKx3ltjraAw9uedh-JOHfjXnTNbKhXVXsXabwiZty1nEqz6FZCdzmQLncqHYzy-S5lj3UuVvxYahWRo/w640-h480/P1110521a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvs64CCZFB4z6A1XMVJKis9WnGUSG4WxCI8UiF2EDA1TZymcCD5yGCIO8dWkvPmyPx0vDnt7195Mmt495do-ZEfBNCl2y7tDsAuNaVCrD65qFuE24sJEZgptci6LBvzTeusntArj2jxKpi3BYVPj2tbVscVgLhcn0S8RvWx7I5m-UxDM0qzytdVP-RaE/s4896/P1110523a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvs64CCZFB4z6A1XMVJKis9WnGUSG4WxCI8UiF2EDA1TZymcCD5yGCIO8dWkvPmyPx0vDnt7195Mmt495do-ZEfBNCl2y7tDsAuNaVCrD65qFuE24sJEZgptci6LBvzTeusntArj2jxKpi3BYVPj2tbVscVgLhcn0S8RvWx7I5m-UxDM0qzytdVP-RaE/w640-h480/P1110523a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XGxgXBdAqibxSXnuaS7mwaNQADFoh0kfDcj4Z8LCD_mve9fSCGCM54UOF2p-dEPVnS4s6ugbQofn2TC2O4skv6t3VzPimR4EA6XNc_Nhd4H8WULUxL8-9oIuRTmtvGoJPbI2a20A6UPUhIGQx8gG0aBi9SRte8mY4WECGyroQU34X4LjaGS3A8Mvxpw/s4896/P1110524a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XGxgXBdAqibxSXnuaS7mwaNQADFoh0kfDcj4Z8LCD_mve9fSCGCM54UOF2p-dEPVnS4s6ugbQofn2TC2O4skv6t3VzPimR4EA6XNc_Nhd4H8WULUxL8-9oIuRTmtvGoJPbI2a20A6UPUhIGQx8gG0aBi9SRte8mY4WECGyroQU34X4LjaGS3A8Mvxpw/w640-h480/P1110524a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Back in the day, we could usually get everyone turning up for a game like this around one big table, but those days are long gone, and with more folks wanting to play we usually have to create more table space, but are always keen to have everyone involved in one game, even if it is a bit spread out, rather than the often four different themed games that are our normal arrangement during the rest of the year.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfe7dci0QuVmhXOeax8N4NJAaOoIQwcM3VuzpRtuX4MaFSdcMRp01rhdBjCXVoO2L6PkRv7u427FiZiVLx-Q6SQa2mgTiMdNT5dJHfk74qGwPU1NO5YTRyyOMi8U42xr0RxlCzaivcUbVao4FWifq86x8bzu0OFK4dQ6dMNHr3vhiepoDmWyj8KkvC74/s4896/P1110525a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfe7dci0QuVmhXOeax8N4NJAaOoIQwcM3VuzpRtuX4MaFSdcMRp01rhdBjCXVoO2L6PkRv7u427FiZiVLx-Q6SQa2mgTiMdNT5dJHfk74qGwPU1NO5YTRyyOMi8U42xr0RxlCzaivcUbVao4FWifq86x8bzu0OFK4dQ6dMNHr3vhiepoDmWyj8KkvC74/w640-h480/P1110525a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Of course with a large one off game like this it is important to <u>K</u>eep <u>I</u>t <u>S</u>imple <u>S</u>tupid and the KISS principle paid dividends in heaps, as players were quickly getting the hang of Rebels and Patriots as we cycled through the turns, with our Game Miesters, Mike and Steve, keeping the two factions in step with their respective movement and combat phases of play and with a simple attack and defence scenario rewarding the French players for capturing livestock and burning down anything with a roof on it, whilst the British tried their hardest to stop that from happening.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvFJo13RZ5yLngfQqRSZQe2JjZPl_OCplGlFOKLCkuBr2jL-YuXmCoHru9hWR_kOIu0d409fUqP4AQtzPLgdZwasqXSuDd8dO7eZVWpqy26iYOJ2-80SP9Fh1XHmVZZDEeE4DWyNZN4i9Yr9h8RlxL5ilgvIosrwBw0XYnZucy926zKFDqzCDonSR8Sw/s4896/P1110526a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvFJo13RZ5yLngfQqRSZQe2JjZPl_OCplGlFOKLCkuBr2jL-YuXmCoHru9hWR_kOIu0d409fUqP4AQtzPLgdZwasqXSuDd8dO7eZVWpqy26iYOJ2-80SP9Fh1XHmVZZDEeE4DWyNZN4i9Yr9h8RlxL5ilgvIosrwBw0XYnZucy926zKFDqzCDonSR8Sw/w640-h480/P1110526a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Whilst the musketry and cannonades gathered apace, I was able to step out of the game and hand over my command to a Xmas Game Newbie, Uzo, one of four first time DWG Xmas Game players, which allowed me to circulate, camera in hand to record the days fun and try and capture the magic of the pleasure of enjoying a game like this played in the right festive spirit.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2biWTP10-W6TFN_SAP94NN4Tka2508d7yElEqNg_44TU7qTDoC8RK6Tgclw0HL-iVHKcB1Kj4hyphenhypheneHpLF_OgkRUCR9JoEqH7AtpItW_mY7mbWUZ2VpWNpY4z7vAdxfkvr88BnEUSaXto_bsGxOQ3NpFIubxDRyGPIA2kio7gOTE0wrNv8ZsAejCRsHxc/s4896/P1110527a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2biWTP10-W6TFN_SAP94NN4Tka2508d7yElEqNg_44TU7qTDoC8RK6Tgclw0HL-iVHKcB1Kj4hyphenhypheneHpLF_OgkRUCR9JoEqH7AtpItW_mY7mbWUZ2VpWNpY4z7vAdxfkvr88BnEUSaXto_bsGxOQ3NpFIubxDRyGPIA2kio7gOTE0wrNv8ZsAejCRsHxc/w640-h480/P1110527a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibe9V24-DkKozQf6yhbIDz3WaSWWnLwSGD9ynvde1YJ7BB7rbtbbwkNd-sDISlg9U8CKyebkFZo54UfVaxRc4HEsxEBMHZfeQbxt1MSQwUwV8SYlkGYWLcdk7jLYBm8jphunYMHvZX9YLqOHm-W2cQ9pMoPh38zotGBYn9RsVthYjQJXCfSNeDl1hlkf0/s4896/P1110528a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibe9V24-DkKozQf6yhbIDz3WaSWWnLwSGD9ynvde1YJ7BB7rbtbbwkNd-sDISlg9U8CKyebkFZo54UfVaxRc4HEsxEBMHZfeQbxt1MSQwUwV8SYlkGYWLcdk7jLYBm8jphunYMHvZX9YLqOHm-W2cQ9pMoPh38zotGBYn9RsVthYjQJXCfSNeDl1hlkf0/w640-h480/P1110528a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As well as enjoying the ambience in the room and the banter flying back and forth, which is the normal state of affairs when old friends in the club gather around a table full of figures or a few drinks, it was a pleasure seeing the great figure and terrain collections brought together only adding to the day.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wOZmP-J61yMpbYQH1OON8ZpaPr23z7W_BO2D1ZBPzGrZvrQlUbOVXyAM4-w2QkG9IVQrPc3zWXjhpfc-xf_vVGTnecSa2kz8Or-lV28sCCICcBurAgouhO8JN-xrFps_d9iM8tdaa3q3qCNysL2EYFyeDEyIH4PwmVqlkGLJlqCmAdrxE-dBe6Eo4vA/s4896/P1110529a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wOZmP-J61yMpbYQH1OON8ZpaPr23z7W_BO2D1ZBPzGrZvrQlUbOVXyAM4-w2QkG9IVQrPc3zWXjhpfc-xf_vVGTnecSa2kz8Or-lV28sCCICcBurAgouhO8JN-xrFps_d9iM8tdaa3q3qCNysL2EYFyeDEyIH4PwmVqlkGLJlqCmAdrxE-dBe6Eo4vA/w640-h480/P1110529a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu53c8MVjpMs0Lo-cwf-ivP3S3cRd8WVjjS2PutjXBfFBLXLLWF2q6mk4SfA-yqJYj-Oj8SM8EaJqWIrjJg0UuDDKlBv-JHdvH1VuUvyjxv9SJ80eC_X85DZH_WR5H-eaTySNZm6C-Re3kLZywT4lX4VHWlUQoQk9TNI9bUKAO6tA_bUVPmZitiDzBQ0o/s4896/P1110530a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu53c8MVjpMs0Lo-cwf-ivP3S3cRd8WVjjS2PutjXBfFBLXLLWF2q6mk4SfA-yqJYj-Oj8SM8EaJqWIrjJg0UuDDKlBv-JHdvH1VuUvyjxv9SJ80eC_X85DZH_WR5H-eaTySNZm6C-Re3kLZywT4lX4VHWlUQoQk9TNI9bUKAO6tA_bUVPmZitiDzBQ0o/w640-h480/P1110530a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2IbN6lNwIXqGZ9qMBpNEQhDVvNeZEk8Sz16GqzvgC2hNn7NTR7Qaearewrj8C5Ik8guwN-F1kPKCRJA_IDeq8xg3mL5od6tWKuWd6-ZueX0O6MB_Tr1REe7fX2nZEdfAK5rvzdPGeuoOMT4lnQfBw1Rvr622dHeB5be5sMq4JH_MRhdFXCxXiUHdJ5o/s4896/P1110531a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2IbN6lNwIXqGZ9qMBpNEQhDVvNeZEk8Sz16GqzvgC2hNn7NTR7Qaearewrj8C5Ik8guwN-F1kPKCRJA_IDeq8xg3mL5od6tWKuWd6-ZueX0O6MB_Tr1REe7fX2nZEdfAK5rvzdPGeuoOMT4lnQfBw1Rvr622dHeB5be5sMq4JH_MRhdFXCxXiUHdJ5o/w640-h480/P1110531a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As to the game, we had the normal cut and thrust affair with one end of a table seeing French success and the odd farmstead going up in smoke or the odd pig being led away to Montreal and beyond, whilst in other areas the British firing was still as good as history recalls and French and Indian units were recycling quicker than a new unit could be brought to the table, amid cries of,</div><div><br /></div><div> <i>'Well I wouldn't have fired at you if I thought you were in cover!' </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>after finding out that the men stood on the porch front were in fact actually inside the house! All part of the fun of a big Xmas Game.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYu_3BGUFlmHC62QGhQrwhd1SOw9MaLkWk7IEZ4LMJqJc60Z-4LscT5wJ0HM30lrY1Fk0_Sn3Grr2QnSeLdLWCd20zoucAScL-oOm7h32WU87KGbSbx-KXW4C-LrgPfNhUK7ZoZe0dSZszptnSVugEBwET3Y314DhhNu7M8bGa0q_ohyphenhyphenvhWRHRdpepDmg/s4896/P1110532a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYu_3BGUFlmHC62QGhQrwhd1SOw9MaLkWk7IEZ4LMJqJc60Z-4LscT5wJ0HM30lrY1Fk0_Sn3Grr2QnSeLdLWCd20zoucAScL-oOm7h32WU87KGbSbx-KXW4C-LrgPfNhUK7ZoZe0dSZszptnSVugEBwET3Y314DhhNu7M8bGa0q_ohyphenhyphenvhWRHRdpepDmg/w640-h480/P1110532a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCLqwXoM-EXaWMG5WIWYL_OccPaTi2mvmJGJJl7fLYjiwCYw_fIerrsv6GG7UzKqvhGGsSi2W9dh-VREO4hxFwUR6z4OKyleOUaCWHFFO5jVWqXvvnIqhy8VHW4E-jqbZv-Ut0fvgxe42bkYSaSUeTkdd-ioxO0Fp6OEOD8MkOTpy3oOXfF3qmD-vs5s/s4896/P1110533a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCLqwXoM-EXaWMG5WIWYL_OccPaTi2mvmJGJJl7fLYjiwCYw_fIerrsv6GG7UzKqvhGGsSi2W9dh-VREO4hxFwUR6z4OKyleOUaCWHFFO5jVWqXvvnIqhy8VHW4E-jqbZv-Ut0fvgxe42bkYSaSUeTkdd-ioxO0Fp6OEOD8MkOTpy3oOXfF3qmD-vs5s/w640-h480/P1110533a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This annual game is played in memory of great DWG Club man, Mr Gus Murchie who passed away far too early, and is much missed by those who knew him.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEh1_V8Ee55l1rPrAhyphenhyphenPdJR4fWGbIsH43FpPRuKZR6iSe_gSeS6wIgsY-Es3kN_PTk2uHmVRtW7OiaVyVE6uC-YeAA7W0HMa1bqxS9vfKc6Y4bMOfXcSVqinsItpdXPqhTECiZvSo2PljzgZfc68CzTLjBPG6imHLe9OKhKkcTWTXkgl5VxjlbFPwu5jc5U/s320/Gus.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="320" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_V8Ee55l1rPrAhyphenhyphenPdJR4fWGbIsH43FpPRuKZR6iSe_gSeS6wIgsY-Es3kN_PTk2uHmVRtW7OiaVyVE6uC-YeAA7W0HMa1bqxS9vfKc6Y4bMOfXcSVqinsItpdXPqhTECiZvSo2PljzgZfc68CzTLjBPG6imHLe9OKhKkcTWTXkgl5VxjlbFPwu5jc5U/s1600/Gus.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dear old Gus, much missed, a good friend and a total wargamer</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div>Gus was a committed wargamer and loved nothing better than getting around a table and rolling bones, combined with a keen interest in history and a commitment to bringing that history alive on a table, and these annual games honour the man and his love for the hobby, carried on by his friends with a similar commitment and happy to pass it on to new players. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIz7M8T1Il_kkVwXy9dq5flyUme4fuCJ37Tlsh-lEKaGR9VbmbBQZvLpXuEW6EnIe92YdUSfyNU5pDrFaCOpCag6zveD9xHiw6DbaewvfR7k_DSaFc58uNmDIkNP-_7OLHJlmBOgnL5ZjVHn2ZvQJabKCJEq1ZhVr-XSsNrAbGw2dPojA93pjtQLaz3pY/s3672/P1110534a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="3672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIz7M8T1Il_kkVwXy9dq5flyUme4fuCJ37Tlsh-lEKaGR9VbmbBQZvLpXuEW6EnIe92YdUSfyNU5pDrFaCOpCag6zveD9xHiw6DbaewvfR7k_DSaFc58uNmDIkNP-_7OLHJlmBOgnL5ZjVHn2ZvQJabKCJEq1ZhVr-XSsNrAbGw2dPojA93pjtQLaz3pY/w640-h640/P1110534a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiAmAOEtZPAdAXRtWAMCRK79GGNODphMblyYtqmgvUDCc7-9C_WKXbpsOFfa5hCr63k4h2tRHcjQpDqxU1iZkWXYgKdgceYNwDkXt_a6NyELgI7eu_cL4k1vOa9It8zCRx2IPaWn_eR_st9bZkPk5DOJ-RTALXjOtk_eu8uzII1PvxgfbbBlPMUxT4MM/s4896/P1110535a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiAmAOEtZPAdAXRtWAMCRK79GGNODphMblyYtqmgvUDCc7-9C_WKXbpsOFfa5hCr63k4h2tRHcjQpDqxU1iZkWXYgKdgceYNwDkXt_a6NyELgI7eu_cL4k1vOa9It8zCRx2IPaWn_eR_st9bZkPk5DOJ-RTALXjOtk_eu8uzII1PvxgfbbBlPMUxT4MM/w640-h480/P1110535a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Horse and Musket games are always a great spectacle on the table, and the French Indian Wars is up there with the best in terms of colour and variety of units, perhaps only lacking in the equestrian or 'horse' aspect, but more than making up for that in demonstrating the importance of the Queen of the Battlefield, the Poor Bloody Infantry who have to take the ground from the enemy, face to face, and hold it.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiwy8q4QwxkWpI2z6ZVo4ZkAqYJ25EdD0-IEO99qHaL4wb4JP75_iLhhYrWcWe5rFY4Y5vqChtHWad-zzD1skexzHdMJyjxkN0Twca8s0AVuQJc4rKwgJf7cfa4XAk0q9PqJJlUuM0mk4N9pVay-yeCbxULQjDtUgNT2tw3ppPt0_HxiYck8xfiP2Jb4/s4896/P1110536a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiwy8q4QwxkWpI2z6ZVo4ZkAqYJ25EdD0-IEO99qHaL4wb4JP75_iLhhYrWcWe5rFY4Y5vqChtHWad-zzD1skexzHdMJyjxkN0Twca8s0AVuQJc4rKwgJf7cfa4XAk0q9PqJJlUuM0mk4N9pVay-yeCbxULQjDtUgNT2tw3ppPt0_HxiYck8xfiP2Jb4/w640-h480/P1110536a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKDjwYcCuIEfFXsygtYSeex3xd2pn13uXZp44RJvvY2lzEecC6zow4ZCn7n_ehmN9gD5uKDnO8KVu_YclLu55X36SbohOy_eCl8SA8HG5sz1fn0xFkn-OtCnvyyNB4bd7fdO55okS_72Dsq-GwhWXLQlQjhmO3vnpA2jDvAE8ZuEw80DEZccBkVWT2qU/s4896/P1110537a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKDjwYcCuIEfFXsygtYSeex3xd2pn13uXZp44RJvvY2lzEecC6zow4ZCn7n_ehmN9gD5uKDnO8KVu_YclLu55X36SbohOy_eCl8SA8HG5sz1fn0xFkn-OtCnvyyNB4bd7fdO55okS_72Dsq-GwhWXLQlQjhmO3vnpA2jDvAE8ZuEw80DEZccBkVWT2qU/w640-h480/P1110537a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seeing Rebels & Patriots being played by this many people was very encouraging for me having started to build a collection for the AWI theatre on the Niagara/Mohawk frontier, a perfect setting for these kind of large skirmish settings which were a feature of the actions fought there, with several of my own figures from that collection seeing action in their first tabletop encounter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEj6iRblPo8mkSRssS8AMIYEiS8IZfM1PBxvHBTFYPaBqTZBwqW4wRraqukgywh3ybdTsVbnMNz4jFdKyLgU3o0rQVDO1tpWNEseicvnM4nk1XBAhjlJDVPqWfhQ_0Du2GWrHN4fqmdX34K8JcF6Zbe2D9YDhIaWn7QOW3X88ZYVlG7r_paF1kValn3SWZw/s4896/P1110539a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iRblPo8mkSRssS8AMIYEiS8IZfM1PBxvHBTFYPaBqTZBwqW4wRraqukgywh3ybdTsVbnMNz4jFdKyLgU3o0rQVDO1tpWNEseicvnM4nk1XBAhjlJDVPqWfhQ_0Du2GWrHN4fqmdX34K8JcF6Zbe2D9YDhIaWn7QOW3X88ZYVlG7r_paF1kValn3SWZw/w640-h480/P1110539a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My AWI militia from my Mohawk collection getting their first outing on the table</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><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/AVvXsEi-zn8djFuFyAJcdjrHxpZm-lPkTl9UCANcQLACBr39E5AZ-7TriAOqtbH7A_K8JJDxvVDxfXmFRG8B6nQ3ODgyAvTtPQOcpEGjDesxRCOWVWqi7Qo7SmCb-7Aj86lze56hLjNdCA9j6ZrMcEBTmECgJtyORXEj1QI5Q8zQiOy1DwPCT6-vvtDrhLW3PyI/s4896/P1110540a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zn8djFuFyAJcdjrHxpZm-lPkTl9UCANcQLACBr39E5AZ-7TriAOqtbH7A_K8JJDxvVDxfXmFRG8B6nQ3ODgyAvTtPQOcpEGjDesxRCOWVWqi7Qo7SmCb-7Aj86lze56hLjNdCA9j6ZrMcEBTmECgJtyORXEj1QI5Q8zQiOy1DwPCT6-vvtDrhLW3PyI/w640-h480/P1110540a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my Mohawks were also added for the occasion, spot the penny bases and skirmish sabots. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />As part of my own project build I have been cogitating on the preferred rule set to use, with the latest incarnation of Muskets & Tomahawks and Sharp Practice II competing for attention with pros and cons commending both alongside Rebels and Patriots.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are aspects with the latter that I have thought of changing principally having commanding officers separate from units unless they choose to attach, with the usual penalties on command for doing so and, I paint figures to be on the table not put back in the box every time a unit takes casualties, and so I would probably use hit dice to record casualties instead.</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivolk23NchQBu64OSjRb9fJCUSLPdXbw9bmYPPeVFarcvOx2qrFOrZCzkJuTkN-gpmBCdYlF_w60C8LmbE1ZA1CzJoKzFDYOVQsQA4YSlsaOUtdHyKrCQSCMd7Y-qniwP-3x3vFHGaany4H_O27tiQG3plXreM8vhd82FV9olikVlx8BVbift0sQawHW4/s4477/P1110542a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3058" data-original-width="4477" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivolk23NchQBu64OSjRb9fJCUSLPdXbw9bmYPPeVFarcvOx2qrFOrZCzkJuTkN-gpmBCdYlF_w60C8LmbE1ZA1CzJoKzFDYOVQsQA4YSlsaOUtdHyKrCQSCMd7Y-qniwP-3x3vFHGaany4H_O27tiQG3plXreM8vhd82FV9olikVlx8BVbift0sQawHW4/w640-h438/P1110542a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEy2-LvaOupediGPAiKKyXK1d9pfuDQXg3vDVsIoBBxR4ACtKclYELx_gCOsQbwFz64sAxcrwGaU242Jy3RBQhH_UZKgoqwEj01974I0qQS2TRrORfJpXMoIZOR2d5HvC5VaWlpfW3tnDBhVQnvEPVoYQvVZ43hw7d7uj7Az_ymF_GjSRCqHfCpwRAv4o/s4523/P1110543a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3052" data-original-width="4523" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEy2-LvaOupediGPAiKKyXK1d9pfuDQXg3vDVsIoBBxR4ACtKclYELx_gCOsQbwFz64sAxcrwGaU242Jy3RBQhH_UZKgoqwEj01974I0qQS2TRrORfJpXMoIZOR2d5HvC5VaWlpfW3tnDBhVQnvEPVoYQvVZ43hw7d7uj7Az_ymF_GjSRCqHfCpwRAv4o/w640-h432/P1110543a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>However the game was impressive as a demonstration of the intuitive play that quickly developed among players, some not so conversant with the rules, and how quickly we were able to cycle through the turns with so many players, something the other sets might struggle to match, that and still finishing up having played a satisfying game that seemed to capture the spirit of the theme and era.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizB1K0qFzUNd7pCgpKxT9p_1okskYTBSiVRG1Mzv3Y-0CUokTfrdVGlSvDNVy0sT-XAOW5EA9kCN4LpTa0gYuBmi0NuELutiY4hDMfnR1CJBJ9ZiKrDVjhLWpt-RFXq6M2pgj0YjO8gyFaDflzPUwNtvr5_R-N3RxnUmtogE0Du2ShA9WC8Ww19Y3qhbA/s4896/P1110544a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizB1K0qFzUNd7pCgpKxT9p_1okskYTBSiVRG1Mzv3Y-0CUokTfrdVGlSvDNVy0sT-XAOW5EA9kCN4LpTa0gYuBmi0NuELutiY4hDMfnR1CJBJ9ZiKrDVjhLWpt-RFXq6M2pgj0YjO8gyFaDflzPUwNtvr5_R-N3RxnUmtogE0Du2ShA9WC8Ww19Y3qhbA/w640-h480/P1110544a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4JQoGdzzwgy8JX48aDsfvz_7NZObonuLq6lGpt8_Y0wIeq2rEXpIFAtmyE00rby2MxCP8Zgt63SRerJcH-Lu6CbEAC0bG0YfxB_cCBbzmQUrK52S6WMy2yC3T79uezsyy68A4FSHw-xmJloCu51oRnyhXHFStsQvSZDV0oXkozzt9dBesv_C26ScFGU/s4176/P1110545a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3158" data-original-width="4176" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4JQoGdzzwgy8JX48aDsfvz_7NZObonuLq6lGpt8_Y0wIeq2rEXpIFAtmyE00rby2MxCP8Zgt63SRerJcH-Lu6CbEAC0bG0YfxB_cCBbzmQUrK52S6WMy2yC3T79uezsyy68A4FSHw-xmJloCu51oRnyhXHFStsQvSZDV0oXkozzt9dBesv_C26ScFGU/w640-h484/P1110545a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAuKLukOwBsjD_DN4m3lbsFySnoHFMtnyLrFkhmGT3ga2ELPEOFr5iKrYNPgmCC9_VK3wCfof-ZAsyQNuAR1ZleuYf_zo3TGjFa5AG4G7rVw9Ces5kcXJXu08-DhgWPn12-QSTVZ8NgYEXFRHDRwV3AlZvGokxY3diLIMZOg-l3f4IRHaUbMFHDIusDI/s4896/P1110547a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAuKLukOwBsjD_DN4m3lbsFySnoHFMtnyLrFkhmGT3ga2ELPEOFr5iKrYNPgmCC9_VK3wCfof-ZAsyQNuAR1ZleuYf_zo3TGjFa5AG4G7rVw9Ces5kcXJXu08-DhgWPn12-QSTVZ8NgYEXFRHDRwV3AlZvGokxY3diLIMZOg-l3f4IRHaUbMFHDIusDI/w640-h480/P1110547a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDx7BkknnZCQf-xYnYcBoZ7aW1bys-IgFZPGQsJggYXJxu8GFshG5qqcOXpwoCIH__RQJlGI6HGl53hBBw9DR_j_qb8sjldNiMy9YqQUrwmVBQI06aYrHZVvM8fC5IDuOzfMeStSEqCb42RnXsxwqEfVnj56hFs2SLSOlYlZ63ELSbp2JCThBaFGkp6YQ/s4896/P1110548a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDx7BkknnZCQf-xYnYcBoZ7aW1bys-IgFZPGQsJggYXJxu8GFshG5qqcOXpwoCIH__RQJlGI6HGl53hBBw9DR_j_qb8sjldNiMy9YqQUrwmVBQI06aYrHZVvM8fC5IDuOzfMeStSEqCb42RnXsxwqEfVnj56hFs2SLSOlYlZ63ELSbp2JCThBaFGkp6YQ/w640-h480/P1110548a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>By mid afternoon the writing looked well on the wall for the French and their Indian allies, who were struggling on both tables to make serious inroads into the British defences, despite the odd homestead satisfyingly smoking and this frontier offensive looked like it had reached its high water mark.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYk3xZo65HRShbwseLbw-8PFIagWfLWqLEnmRrME8TPAGKw66eiv9OfFN7fVwvjTPr73MRdA6by516jXEvx7eeanU9-ro1HLkcTU6DCdJVJtoKDNIMWDtXrzo0NgPPP4JSaDw_gg008vKdgoQUFUeoyXYmx5YPmUWv8yMj4K7fYKcEw2QxeaIcd_4ZvIE/s4896/P1110549a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYk3xZo65HRShbwseLbw-8PFIagWfLWqLEnmRrME8TPAGKw66eiv9OfFN7fVwvjTPr73MRdA6by516jXEvx7eeanU9-ro1HLkcTU6DCdJVJtoKDNIMWDtXrzo0NgPPP4JSaDw_gg008vKdgoQUFUeoyXYmx5YPmUWv8yMj4K7fYKcEw2QxeaIcd_4ZvIE/w640-h480/P1110549a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0veh4V1OMZ9E-Ea8BIIopHfEE0CsaRFIWdvDUO2FAwBOZDRaDx0pxaia-Ep2A-vGxXqXVmvVJ7KAnwcBceJ_uncBVD5IlGoY8hVdBnjYYRRpwpeN2Hc6l7n_L70quXTAK2lCxrfCyLj9YqEyW0I-tjVbil6-EitYzeq24i41pQmn0HnlJOv2yDxPJABE/s4896/P1110550a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2335" data-original-width="4896" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0veh4V1OMZ9E-Ea8BIIopHfEE0CsaRFIWdvDUO2FAwBOZDRaDx0pxaia-Ep2A-vGxXqXVmvVJ7KAnwcBceJ_uncBVD5IlGoY8hVdBnjYYRRpwpeN2Hc6l7n_L70quXTAK2lCxrfCyLj9YqEyW0I-tjVbil6-EitYzeq24i41pQmn0HnlJOv2yDxPJABE/w640-h306/P1110550a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1fH1P_cZXnsQ40C00bON0QBgPTJFq3t6UEqXfV5cyItYvH91XlaYuBoXH3AJ95v6dOkV3U6vIp1Xwb1TMKupWG_b19r0zyRNPlTffvWT-lEGo_2UMJdlX6IqNLFUm9PC3njrc4FmFr4cWFwSlF29HiCJ3we5a-Vqx6gcPX1NSamUsrstw4Hj6N7YVpc/s4896/P1110551a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1fH1P_cZXnsQ40C00bON0QBgPTJFq3t6UEqXfV5cyItYvH91XlaYuBoXH3AJ95v6dOkV3U6vIp1Xwb1TMKupWG_b19r0zyRNPlTffvWT-lEGo_2UMJdlX6IqNLFUm9PC3njrc4FmFr4cWFwSlF29HiCJ3we5a-Vqx6gcPX1NSamUsrstw4Hj6N7YVpc/w640-h480/P1110551a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>With the Indian war cries fading back into the woods, and the cheering of British redcoats and American militiamen, we called the day in favour of King George on both tables and concluded our game in good time to allow for tidying up and assembling for our post game wash-up session.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzsseaC0wXY8m3qGEDEPI2ULMi2Qped1T1P2VLqM11dmqycbfVGnDybDgUeLSn-cutMpmsjfmrT6AX6uZ06t0CMAcxWrNLSTu4kMImj-juh25XxYHoQEdsyMrxr6ySqaNZkalEWPUoJy3KOXv2vvTOEXWrh7gxCElZCwcfWHlXcaUqxUeQRpfd_N_-p0/s4896/P1110552a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzsseaC0wXY8m3qGEDEPI2ULMi2Qped1T1P2VLqM11dmqycbfVGnDybDgUeLSn-cutMpmsjfmrT6AX6uZ06t0CMAcxWrNLSTu4kMImj-juh25XxYHoQEdsyMrxr6ySqaNZkalEWPUoJy3KOXv2vvTOEXWrh7gxCElZCwcfWHlXcaUqxUeQRpfd_N_-p0/w640-h480/P1110552a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhim_DKxDHWjp0F7p-VLPi7hZ26JW5xQcIzz6bLxpBcxUaLB4XlCdjCSanLY0TgBgikyZcxyx_50g0rIZoXETSA8hG8bqmoQmZK4xlpnHdMwc9UItcvH40eoIiKxo0lna5ZVCdVPK9rz5ArsuIZmaPGcUE5Q-P6QbJ47_0tWAV52fGdvLJZS_xzsU96UBM/s4896/P1110553a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhim_DKxDHWjp0F7p-VLPi7hZ26JW5xQcIzz6bLxpBcxUaLB4XlCdjCSanLY0TgBgikyZcxyx_50g0rIZoXETSA8hG8bqmoQmZK4xlpnHdMwc9UItcvH40eoIiKxo0lna5ZVCdVPK9rz5ArsuIZmaPGcUE5Q-P6QbJ47_0tWAV52fGdvLJZS_xzsU96UBM/w640-h480/P1110553a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGmqJbfL6oikxsLUacweJWLn5YAc3RAcH3N-mpD3ByTRfzPjnvQ3RTprun5NUlzwuTFO90cPZaPUoQJelO_hnHl_SajsI0AsZAsdzcZO96Oy9P9I3pPfKH1nBcnI98wV6DR9NT6wun5Jpdie0QDHG2iccJMGvpgfGnkG11pGdKEeSxL91jzL5aXWiSg0/s4896/P1110554a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGmqJbfL6oikxsLUacweJWLn5YAc3RAcH3N-mpD3ByTRfzPjnvQ3RTprun5NUlzwuTFO90cPZaPUoQJelO_hnHl_SajsI0AsZAsdzcZO96Oy9P9I3pPfKH1nBcnI98wV6DR9NT6wun5Jpdie0QDHG2iccJMGvpgfGnkG11pGdKEeSxL91jzL5aXWiSg0/w640-h480/P1110554a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you are interested in seeing the game in play, I grabbed a few minutes of video during the day that perhaps captures a bit more than pictures and words can do, and you can see some of the play in action, in the video below:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZHUusKk34MU" width="320" youtube-src-id="ZHUusKk34MU"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLY4iUCKgG5gvClvrP4f8jrXWhgWpIpQkQQp-tZkJYzTjN-82kxFhI7DIzfr6Q3NL-TcrCBuN72fij3AX5Y6GiPJoSdxqhiXw5v8mxsB-UBQTCPSKf14B16Lqq0XI-Zv-4DzpvTcFGoYXqkJEWgGM9m3G5ZxpIHFHsP2OFhxgxQ96fS5cZ-9EgvWmJYz8/s4896/P1110555a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLY4iUCKgG5gvClvrP4f8jrXWhgWpIpQkQQp-tZkJYzTjN-82kxFhI7DIzfr6Q3NL-TcrCBuN72fij3AX5Y6GiPJoSdxqhiXw5v8mxsB-UBQTCPSKf14B16Lqq0XI-Zv-4DzpvTcFGoYXqkJEWgGM9m3G5ZxpIHFHsP2OFhxgxQ96fS5cZ-9EgvWmJYz8/w640-h480/P1110555a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ONtAbakBBofGc9d0SaBq9giuaFeO3n2APsvxjyt6ZfsMnwg-tZXs0NZ_2U_noDZlS8-Mo_167L2xueU26ljIGkv4FF1ilbDeL3y8jfU9gR94LF5VbGSLVsWn4tIwnPVMHwWh0nUBqIPZ9LpWIXHTMlUKx_l2KZJ0fe6fw47QTlO_hR53dOizVkYA1j0/s4205/P1110557a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="4205" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ONtAbakBBofGc9d0SaBq9giuaFeO3n2APsvxjyt6ZfsMnwg-tZXs0NZ_2U_noDZlS8-Mo_167L2xueU26ljIGkv4FF1ilbDeL3y8jfU9gR94LF5VbGSLVsWn4tIwnPVMHwWh0nUBqIPZ9LpWIXHTMlUKx_l2KZJ0fe6fw47QTlO_hR53dOizVkYA1j0/w640-h444/P1110557a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWxHlkfNj6r9WsW3ZETkfaXFV6JrQhbtc3vNRJnVyrXu4wdNJnr0TyK9iN2yfnmbeWAplxmQm6QFzjpbNpFaicAfEqawnSUVLFO7qAycwG5fvrROHAIX_rIWqnu2bRFZrU7B2AYhcH8HW5nCbdc8Ox18Wi8_EsADRublMjzJFG2QuIEd8VeaHr4-pThU/s4896/P1110559a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWxHlkfNj6r9WsW3ZETkfaXFV6JrQhbtc3vNRJnVyrXu4wdNJnr0TyK9iN2yfnmbeWAplxmQm6QFzjpbNpFaicAfEqawnSUVLFO7qAycwG5fvrROHAIX_rIWqnu2bRFZrU7B2AYhcH8HW5nCbdc8Ox18Wi8_EsADRublMjzJFG2QuIEd8VeaHr4-pThU/w640-h480/P1110559a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Another year over and a great last game to end on to mark it, with much anticipation for a new year of wargaming fun at the club to look forward to.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to Steve M. and Mike C. for putting together a great day and to all the members who came along and made the fun come alive, and to all those who supplied the figures and terrain, and not forgetting our seasonal grub that completed the day.</div><div><br /></div><div>On behalf of the Devon Wargames Group, we wish you all a very Happy and Peaceful Xmas and look forward to posting more post game reports in 2024.</div><div><br /></div><div>JJ</div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-16690745034065056612023-12-10T11:17:00.000+00:002023-12-10T11:17:01.300+00:00In The Buff - Playtesting new rules for the Gunpowder era - Dutch Revolt action in the Netherlands<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivq3HTMO9L5HjILPVM8Uy-A_6-ZCHfMZM6iioTaeTkf47GQpjXdbtZ0bz9SxaH8lwXiJzeCpnhlY7CpAJLdFlMpeXGkar0Er9O99u_KQH3YOCZxytjDKvF_T9ca-o3zxxwM5K-2Z_GZuR1cZuJle8wEsgJAfm1XS8dVkk_77uJ4x4U74wtLrLfjWyR0wM/s1597/il_1140xN.4256879914_lvkm.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1140" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivq3HTMO9L5HjILPVM8Uy-A_6-ZCHfMZM6iioTaeTkf47GQpjXdbtZ0bz9SxaH8lwXiJzeCpnhlY7CpAJLdFlMpeXGkar0Er9O99u_KQH3YOCZxytjDKvF_T9ca-o3zxxwM5K-2Z_GZuR1cZuJle8wEsgJAfm1XS8dVkk_77uJ4x4U74wtLrLfjWyR0wM/w456-h640/il_1140xN.4256879914_lvkm.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the Buff doesn't actually exist as a set of rules yet, so this game is a run through of the latest playtest version that Rich at Too Fat Lardies kindly sent me. The idea behind the rules is too simulate low level actions in European warfare in the early gunpowder age, roughly between the end of the Italian Wars and the end of the Thirty Years war.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-uNEq0I3ctH7rhN8brskB8vKL6WEF_y5gY4hMK8AGn67DTN_dF-AN8xoGHwcPVKx9kD-g6-4E-9VQeiL8mJFw_KXnnkAUuoRsUd_8WT89y4Sdff110z_TGIn1BLBqdTwS6IZCVdZP5TTNNft2wu-orLIDiu0l4O721bnVVx11xdSyd_bRiCj9mt8OcA/s4000/20231111_111643.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-uNEq0I3ctH7rhN8brskB8vKL6WEF_y5gY4hMK8AGn67DTN_dF-AN8xoGHwcPVKx9kD-g6-4E-9VQeiL8mJFw_KXnnkAUuoRsUd_8WT89y4Sdff110z_TGIn1BLBqdTwS6IZCVdZP5TTNNft2wu-orLIDiu0l4O721bnVVx11xdSyd_bRiCj9mt8OcA/w640-h480/20231111_111643.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Normally games of this era are focussed on the larger scale battles where huge blocks of pike armed infantry and large formations of Lance or Shot armed cavalry. In the Buff looks to zoom in on the smaller scale warfare that would have gone on between small garrisons of men, continually harassing each other in 'small war'.<div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBvW8OM3jH61SMMXWcsdHwAoEJQgWAW7oSpUcpxBMPnBXaQacnYIpr23Anaao9SWAPdJsg1vqipx41h85L6kvXgo-GKCtia9TME4oIRcWzC7gtx3z8PDShuH-2mqlRueUHKWNEbiWgeaFkmcCI1Wv8Khhy5BiBAwqc4JfLZNIU_xYk9J6vsOlV6RRfS0/s4000/20231111_111648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBvW8OM3jH61SMMXWcsdHwAoEJQgWAW7oSpUcpxBMPnBXaQacnYIpr23Anaao9SWAPdJsg1vqipx41h85L6kvXgo-GKCtia9TME4oIRcWzC7gtx3z8PDShuH-2mqlRueUHKWNEbiWgeaFkmcCI1Wv8Khhy5BiBAwqc4JfLZNIU_xYk9J6vsOlV6RRfS0/w640-h480/20231111_111648.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />My figure collection and interest lies in the latter half of the 1500's, specifically the wars in the Netherlands and in Ireland. So I set up a game involving an English force attempting to silence some Spanish guns. Each force had three Leaders and six units. Each had a mix of Arquebusiers, Musketeers and a combat unit (Halberdiers for the English and Sword and Buckler armed troops for the Spanish.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPNV6eL00KW7I1iC_Q_8GuP-gIyC_ZyYCjGD1h_zvg6vVeQlHzaiSfuvpQKg5r_Bn6bWs7e13kOv9PsbsmIty0DghJLI2feA5vRFMcQ2USp8gdgKDh02tWaTilKHm4YIKCHwyJ0VCzU3tgsaMxRexfbqKi8_YHufeUyjfUxPHQBogIpQn49oIaei92EM/s4000/20231111_111655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPNV6eL00KW7I1iC_Q_8GuP-gIyC_ZyYCjGD1h_zvg6vVeQlHzaiSfuvpQKg5r_Bn6bWs7e13kOv9PsbsmIty0DghJLI2feA5vRFMcQ2USp8gdgKDh02tWaTilKHm4YIKCHwyJ0VCzU3tgsaMxRexfbqKi8_YHufeUyjfUxPHQBogIpQn49oIaei92EM/w640-h480/20231111_111655.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like most Lardy systems, there is a mechanism where your choice of action is determined in a random manner. I won't give away the new system that this game uses other than to say that it different from any of their previous games and in our experience it worked pretty well with all the players picking the system up within a turn or two and then running with it. </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/AVvXsEi59ScOMw1VPrOUZSengTmpd2U-4JOAE6lR6CyQsA_Xfs0xiw4xImIabIP6f_Y52JTbxX8UawlMln2mP4YtUTzO3C0L0WvAlEwRKv-ZExK65jptLhJfTjThQYgtyRW4CLXnCl4bgF9kg82tAkzZb3Z-EbYM3ZgdgzCZOkxfiw8KGgbVBtMrflW0TuVDGsc/s4000/20231111_112737.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59ScOMw1VPrOUZSengTmpd2U-4JOAE6lR6CyQsA_Xfs0xiw4xImIabIP6f_Y52JTbxX8UawlMln2mP4YtUTzO3C0L0WvAlEwRKv-ZExK65jptLhJfTjThQYgtyRW4CLXnCl4bgF9kg82tAkzZb3Z-EbYM3ZgdgzCZOkxfiw8KGgbVBtMrflW0TuVDGsc/w640-h480/20231111_112737.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As to the game we played. Both forces came on at road edges and moved towards the hedge rows, presumably to gain some cover. The Spanish force seemed more decisive and split the force into two and made an aggressive move up the left towards the flank of the English force.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitTHBurV-80pMYUTxAjoeudR7Fodl-oT8HsVtN8jx1to9pEqh5fvepSYZgjU-sJEp9dDPrFa9ad6_zyeJT0DYEqHDVybhuh31orYD0GCAx71FN76ws2-btrJhE9fS1UDGHjdNqLz54JepxE9BsWUxkLGpZ-cr4gp2MMp6xgy8i1xEUO0Oki__DplfnTs/s4000/20231111_112732.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitTHBurV-80pMYUTxAjoeudR7Fodl-oT8HsVtN8jx1to9pEqh5fvepSYZgjU-sJEp9dDPrFa9ad6_zyeJT0DYEqHDVybhuh31orYD0GCAx71FN76ws2-btrJhE9fS1UDGHjdNqLz54JepxE9BsWUxkLGpZ-cr4gp2MMp6xgy8i1xEUO0Oki__DplfnTs/w640-h480/20231111_112732.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The English had left a unit of Musketeers guarding that flank and they quickly became a bit nervous and started shifting forces about in panic!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGAQDiU6QfmRUO9Ge-mb3YQ2XKP_b1XBlzNPy_iTmeHKwB4jNJYWwAKVUyTFnMx9E4W61i_OAKVkObV1OPtkzwr_sDe3Ly8QaOj5ZqBdKydt6f0MY41-ukE9SR43CrGic9jZ-oPtNgwHKjmxxMOG2AmJb0g-BdGzkPya_KGakbybTp8yM_rtQ97QLWuE/s4000/20231111_112742.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGAQDiU6QfmRUO9Ge-mb3YQ2XKP_b1XBlzNPy_iTmeHKwB4jNJYWwAKVUyTFnMx9E4W61i_OAKVkObV1OPtkzwr_sDe3Ly8QaOj5ZqBdKydt6f0MY41-ukE9SR43CrGic9jZ-oPtNgwHKjmxxMOG2AmJb0g-BdGzkPya_KGakbybTp8yM_rtQ97QLWuE/w640-h480/20231111_112742.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>They did, however, manage to send a volley of shot into one of the Spanish groups who were sent reeling away from the hedges with a pocket full of shock. This event convinced all the players that standing about shooting might be the way to win the game.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZXjzDyLQfgAfP38RTPel3dHph0Rl7luxXXxJW-bbF-stwzx7StQWtx7-sU1_brRaF7bwcGKTMaHGMQxK6MPsiOOs9bnue0yZQz6kv4lIwwBXj5zv52MhO7NPci7B5VZHyldyH8OWEDuK6aQ2KUp1TMX3yE9Xe4m8__nTsvIy4Z-VsbYRhZ_Gi8yutnY/s4000/20231111_115036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZXjzDyLQfgAfP38RTPel3dHph0Rl7luxXXxJW-bbF-stwzx7StQWtx7-sU1_brRaF7bwcGKTMaHGMQxK6MPsiOOs9bnue0yZQz6kv4lIwwBXj5zv52MhO7NPci7B5VZHyldyH8OWEDuK6aQ2KUp1TMX3yE9Xe4m8__nTsvIy4Z-VsbYRhZ_Gi8yutnY/w640-h480/20231111_115036.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Spanish on the Left continued their advance however and proved a major distraction for the English. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HHHzLuZHTTRfnuLYf80QfSDQeXqi1yAd0cqsCxvG6flY5JO6K8KGY9kPuYzCvH_17xwT71IvRwluQ6UPVSsMGrNgCfxjxwY4kUcwg_Y2WNqzI2ZjLQQ2LhmBmzh77Jn-y-fgIe0lPOctx48zGIxfBoemwIxTLbJkCS0m8eDQ4EpFnc1NUwh0_Bsoeog/s4000/20231111_120548.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HHHzLuZHTTRfnuLYf80QfSDQeXqi1yAd0cqsCxvG6flY5JO6K8KGY9kPuYzCvH_17xwT71IvRwluQ6UPVSsMGrNgCfxjxwY4kUcwg_Y2WNqzI2ZjLQQ2LhmBmzh77Jn-y-fgIe0lPOctx48zGIxfBoemwIxTLbJkCS0m8eDQ4EpFnc1NUwh0_Bsoeog/w640-h480/20231111_120548.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Realising that they were going to have to make a push if they were going to have to get to grips with the Spanish, the English Halberdiers started to make a move round the cottage.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbdGlUL9XPSE1OhGbe_6e2M0PwfE3d5Zs5f4WcH_AgqSQoRiGU_lkLXpGbyXgBGMitOfhlgycT0oFneSTWe83x6hvL1ZTSbAGgF5m9Y7IDvuw9u26H2Y52stnSvKEMYhN7T1n7caj7HkbA2NdH6vX2SZlsn05ky_wYHVhKj-SP4G78d6BJrxBPVcSoV8/s4000/20231111_115152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbdGlUL9XPSE1OhGbe_6e2M0PwfE3d5Zs5f4WcH_AgqSQoRiGU_lkLXpGbyXgBGMitOfhlgycT0oFneSTWe83x6hvL1ZTSbAGgF5m9Y7IDvuw9u26H2Y52stnSvKEMYhN7T1n7caj7HkbA2NdH6vX2SZlsn05ky_wYHVhKj-SP4G78d6BJrxBPVcSoV8/w640-h480/20231111_115152.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The same occurred to the Spanish on the other flank who started to stride through somebodies back garden in an effort to stick their swords into the ribs of those annoying protestants.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNfejdyS9Okbr1grMrNBFLdGV5gvtJr72FSiE3mxwNTXAcxj-IY-kPz0kZKsGvAGDyisPhKDilkxTAfkDY-Th5xLfyAOehY0N_P3xnfDw-5brq7-mvpD2nOrV6MAon1srwzbWRdoNehAjzXJxC4ZKLBoqzMthSOuV-qvupoRQvwcc75DxIaa8rZWeEAc/s4000/20231111_120728.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNfejdyS9Okbr1grMrNBFLdGV5gvtJr72FSiE3mxwNTXAcxj-IY-kPz0kZKsGvAGDyisPhKDilkxTAfkDY-Th5xLfyAOehY0N_P3xnfDw-5brq7-mvpD2nOrV6MAon1srwzbWRdoNehAjzXJxC4ZKLBoqzMthSOuV-qvupoRQvwcc75DxIaa8rZWeEAc/w640-h480/20231111_120728.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>However, things quickly went awry and the Spanish Gentlemen found themselves hiding in a pigsty with several pounds of angry pork. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUq-1guUFcco-m1YOb7VLKQursdF6aniRp60rnoIuFoknB2-1SQ5cR_qVVyaxl85r-MaiRi9aNjLB6-1TkGoG5cNB4-napzQytgjbkn2WRail1S0EJ8OxMuFwIL6iMZ5JigISgq61fUNtOBCCT2jLl-EhOwb03vqVS2jjH8QvwLiBETywPFEeyoWOm8dk/s4000/20231111_122426.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUq-1guUFcco-m1YOb7VLKQursdF6aniRp60rnoIuFoknB2-1SQ5cR_qVVyaxl85r-MaiRi9aNjLB6-1TkGoG5cNB4-napzQytgjbkn2WRail1S0EJ8OxMuFwIL6iMZ5JigISgq61fUNtOBCCT2jLl-EhOwb03vqVS2jjH8QvwLiBETywPFEeyoWOm8dk/w640-h480/20231111_122426.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Spaniards spotted the English move and quickly attempted to reorganise their defence line but the shock was slowly building on their groups which made things difficult. Combined with poor rolls on the command dice and things were starting to look shaky.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiqrIMqYMLqdsoZNWMooS_Byob8x9BoNmoGfVgcBnobs529UiQmIRAUjIG2GPyLOSmNUz6GZ851bUljR4KUHu_NfmAFrFHYy2RKT7a2sGO5OXlJ8jSkG5R1AKNeIIsY6tgf4cCvsAdEx25RPEyPX1_74lRvC60KHYJccnHSPsfKycGFpf5EAxskmOi2w/s4000/20231111_122435.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiqrIMqYMLqdsoZNWMooS_Byob8x9BoNmoGfVgcBnobs529UiQmIRAUjIG2GPyLOSmNUz6GZ851bUljR4KUHu_NfmAFrFHYy2RKT7a2sGO5OXlJ8jSkG5R1AKNeIIsY6tgf4cCvsAdEx25RPEyPX1_74lRvC60KHYJccnHSPsfKycGFpf5EAxskmOi2w/w640-h480/20231111_122435.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The other Spanish were too far away to help but advanced in order to distract the English attention.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZXIXxeUpHRMFvSSBKdttMUQtFgIaN0dQqEcFL2nLO8yMcgKf-QEgtuxRo1NqTzjwW6dwcYth4iCrFSevS4cJtV2JEKL_Xv4u4mS91WkGicB3imf1Al91AEFnu_2aRwC2aKJcujW8OzmKTSOsz_dbDbpxKlCkML_ctSd8muXZXL_w232P0B6gHNQdpVk/s4000/20231111_132917.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZXIXxeUpHRMFvSSBKdttMUQtFgIaN0dQqEcFL2nLO8yMcgKf-QEgtuxRo1NqTzjwW6dwcYth4iCrFSevS4cJtV2JEKL_Xv4u4mS91WkGicB3imf1Al91AEFnu_2aRwC2aKJcujW8OzmKTSOsz_dbDbpxKlCkML_ctSd8muXZXL_w232P0B6gHNQdpVk/w640-h480/20231111_132917.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They were soon dealt with though and the English turned their attentions back to their main task.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0UwLiMfUixdZ_ORASjVSpBJhg1pOODbSmjPf_E1K3jf4ESL4gl_oksZ_omasIM3kv-gFpl32TJiPTXigSejNc7RO6lPbMm6b37BxhKnvSH4dHWbFev3Tn5ixPXILQM_TO37Vs57ReS8-YS4vNUurV0blHeO8BkvTIU9LCl46TS-7Wv4a2KjZPOrnhu4/s4000/20231111_132927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0UwLiMfUixdZ_ORASjVSpBJhg1pOODbSmjPf_E1K3jf4ESL4gl_oksZ_omasIM3kv-gFpl32TJiPTXigSejNc7RO6lPbMm6b37BxhKnvSH4dHWbFev3Tn5ixPXILQM_TO37Vs57ReS8-YS4vNUurV0blHeO8BkvTIU9LCl46TS-7Wv4a2KjZPOrnhu4/w640-h480/20231111_132927.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Halberdiers advanced into the teeth of a volley from the Spanish Musketeers but it bothered them little and they continued to surge forward.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7d4Ki9yFj4WlJZ94vRWdVEk6G0ZGt02B3O02beHc44wIH01UJv5cLFE7UfxlorCd9jZsCEou2kSo0fVKGug2A6vgHfQkLc5pND_42Rrvv1r-higq8uXaWoEr5yFuZjuXJWwpZBOTAvSj0Ww0pSLxO0lRSiuC8rEBqv3jUUP6yEgCUFrVfVJSgwV1i18/s4000/20231111_133924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7d4Ki9yFj4WlJZ94vRWdVEk6G0ZGt02B3O02beHc44wIH01UJv5cLFE7UfxlorCd9jZsCEou2kSo0fVKGug2A6vgHfQkLc5pND_42Rrvv1r-higq8uXaWoEr5yFuZjuXJWwpZBOTAvSj0Ww0pSLxO0lRSiuC8rEBqv3jUUP6yEgCUFrVfVJSgwV1i18/w640-h480/20231111_133924.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Seeing their brave veterans the other English groups bounded over the hedge and moved across the open ground in support.</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIY0rDkfPnq-C0GcbBMamnbdwpbUYwUxcwIVLZcWwF331GjmqVxIeNl2cH6TThrPD8eBw5TFajghDiGOjvd9nprfNvepuck29baNTJFme8KHiAZ72jXNXvk1YxJQa7gkiJkhXcEQVtpi1E3Um0vNQ4kTONg2WK4yPT-CfOLg0hvzMOTvBqEdhbw-qtLWY/s4000/20231111_133932.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIY0rDkfPnq-C0GcbBMamnbdwpbUYwUxcwIVLZcWwF331GjmqVxIeNl2cH6TThrPD8eBw5TFajghDiGOjvd9nprfNvepuck29baNTJFme8KHiAZ72jXNXvk1YxJQa7gkiJkhXcEQVtpi1E3Um0vNQ4kTONg2WK4yPT-CfOLg0hvzMOTvBqEdhbw-qtLWY/w640-h480/20231111_133932.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Halberdiers smashed into the Spanish...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvY7dKO4jxsdjmoJQxC2eF-pmeymo8RAW4ux7Lg2DBLa1shkxS5WJ4VhrwqSF4DoOBFA9w_-TQVAsnOC8VADX6CYnDoHORhEejHt70egDHMsGsbHrgYw0R9D00FkiLxConMzi4Qqu1M9QvlOZkjb6hxuFuAUd6OUMI1k_HRxiTWMNq5Q-IvIUJIZ_eBg4/s4000/20231111_134732.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvY7dKO4jxsdjmoJQxC2eF-pmeymo8RAW4ux7Lg2DBLa1shkxS5WJ4VhrwqSF4DoOBFA9w_-TQVAsnOC8VADX6CYnDoHORhEejHt70egDHMsGsbHrgYw0R9D00FkiLxConMzi4Qqu1M9QvlOZkjb6hxuFuAUd6OUMI1k_HRxiTWMNq5Q-IvIUJIZ_eBg4/w640-h480/20231111_134732.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>....and chopped them into little bits!</div><div><br /></div><div>With the rest of the English advancing rapidly and their command dice dwindling the Spanish decided to call it a day and headed to the hills. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIEeeJCvSWIBD3kZJcE28VG66eB9jOkhVtj5qMSKTkxTODKB3JnXedHhbODprrzhaWw7VGkhUHo7-33cjb7J01JIoFAYd3nAgakIf5iL66o13T-jWp5oYD746XuYNQz3j00KKpVpYelnGAwV3lTT9ATky-wzbNBuWb5m8wxSZcEVSZDPXxwPJLLkpcK4/s4000/20231111_140132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIEeeJCvSWIBD3kZJcE28VG66eB9jOkhVtj5qMSKTkxTODKB3JnXedHhbODprrzhaWw7VGkhUHo7-33cjb7J01JIoFAYd3nAgakIf5iL66o13T-jWp5oYD746XuYNQz3j00KKpVpYelnGAwV3lTT9ATky-wzbNBuWb5m8wxSZcEVSZDPXxwPJLLkpcK4/w640-h480/20231111_140132.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The game was engrossing and fun and really kept all four players engaged throughout. The table was only 4x4 but had more than enough space for the action. We had a lively discussion about the rules as they are in an early stage of development and all the feedback was noted down and sent off to Rich for his perusal. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00O-dFfUwn2VAWNMjU20mDNij40dmOhA7SMwF8EQ9c_H2ap-0_SJPPOJ-deMThJK5YYqRuGBdAgfjqW1DcrvoQNLVO8dFsGB3v9phIwVxJJY4ElbL2pvALj-d5vvGkvdEN6D_nIzklYYp4jmqwYd41Lv9Pt4nSEfCBgqOD3sZ2VDIJ1DkmT_QTVyJrRA/s4000/20231111_145419.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00O-dFfUwn2VAWNMjU20mDNij40dmOhA7SMwF8EQ9c_H2ap-0_SJPPOJ-deMThJK5YYqRuGBdAgfjqW1DcrvoQNLVO8dFsGB3v9phIwVxJJY4ElbL2pvALj-d5vvGkvdEN6D_nIzklYYp4jmqwYd41Lv9Pt4nSEfCBgqOD3sZ2VDIJ1DkmT_QTVyJrRA/w640-h480/20231111_145419.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We had so much fun that we immediately set up the board for a second game. This time set in Ireland.</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnFvJzsgPlu_YcydNJLEOkaHyfJ1d8FG14QsFpI3KflDTeIrDK7rI6wgRF9pE_R_qYBo09LSZyb3Ijg1sLOL1h2NJ1C5Q12jViKiXyVowVw86ECSuneIpydLnXNSz9Vy6LOrlj9FVNxDt2SxvjxyMaDn-Ec12E6v3Ssk9DbI5VNFMN4RdKKJx9hS8YQg/s4000/20231111_145814.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnFvJzsgPlu_YcydNJLEOkaHyfJ1d8FG14QsFpI3KflDTeIrDK7rI6wgRF9pE_R_qYBo09LSZyb3Ijg1sLOL1h2NJ1C5Q12jViKiXyVowVw86ECSuneIpydLnXNSz9Vy6LOrlj9FVNxDt2SxvjxyMaDn-Ec12E6v3Ssk9DbI5VNFMN4RdKKJx9hS8YQg/w640-h480/20231111_145814.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The same English force was this time set against a Force of Irish including a couple of unit s of Shot armed Kern, some Javelin armed Kern.....</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_4RP8VsWDO7pvcDurpGwfqYmYp6ynXaWUd5o7znq3C_D_KqoK2RJj0tp5Nw0fFfbQEASR340zXqJfgZb2syhQWIYfDDwlwiR7MB5ZZa2z09JoxApRaVJzLww4XV4QQnSTDSJjqzGMHVk9NMVy4cq3T9zUICKZ_un31FWnVQpLKsxCR0KCruDa_uR8dU/s4000/20231111_145836.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_4RP8VsWDO7pvcDurpGwfqYmYp6ynXaWUd5o7znq3C_D_KqoK2RJj0tp5Nw0fFfbQEASR340zXqJfgZb2syhQWIYfDDwlwiR7MB5ZZa2z09JoxApRaVJzLww4XV4QQnSTDSJjqzGMHVk9NMVy4cq3T9zUICKZ_un31FWnVQpLKsxCR0KCruDa_uR8dU/w640-h480/20231111_145836.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>and some Gallowglass.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfnDEsAExh0cplpqrnkRtf4iNI4snIyCHQlsHfiXDKIfXZJX54I50RS9SYK-mnvRx8JGlAYp0G-X9JA9Fip_LcjN-Ga_1-548F7FCBiJvQ9ZrI93eYuTpV7wk7HbUCF3AbqVSR2Txs5HbRpL7qzkuW5Nq7cdoiqVj_T3xPW0XzGzGWKHDk51ADuWhoPg/s4000/20231111_150705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfnDEsAExh0cplpqrnkRtf4iNI4snIyCHQlsHfiXDKIfXZJX54I50RS9SYK-mnvRx8JGlAYp0G-X9JA9Fip_LcjN-Ga_1-548F7FCBiJvQ9ZrI93eYuTpV7wk7HbUCF3AbqVSR2Txs5HbRpL7qzkuW5Nq7cdoiqVj_T3xPW0XzGzGWKHDk51ADuWhoPg/w640-h480/20231111_150705.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div>We didn't get far with this game but we did manage to get into a couple of Brutal combats! Hopefully we'll be playing far more of this as we go. I look forward to running more games!</div>Whiskey Priesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15956327711660800903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-57737558003252978432023-11-25T12:33:00.000+00:002023-11-25T12:33:49.691+00:00Gunfight at the OK Corral & The Earp Vendetta Ride 1881/82 - What a Cowboy <p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMa5FeiUq0dqFqkC6IancZWbbMMC7mKBQEXfgl6IuMYyJ0XR805iQfZsEbezMoya2NSmpEbTPVjPtrZfj1wTJhuzIZkpakQICLX2qinwCNTco0XObuzFYZ-RXX2lkVykKzVa-UuM35azhKmp22Mx8iB3SMGYZ0xzE0ES7-VmYAUtOWcNRan2yZAPxOrY/s1697/what-a-cowboy-toofatlardies-448973.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1697" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMa5FeiUq0dqFqkC6IancZWbbMMC7mKBQEXfgl6IuMYyJ0XR805iQfZsEbezMoya2NSmpEbTPVjPtrZfj1wTJhuzIZkpakQICLX2qinwCNTco0XObuzFYZ-RXX2lkVykKzVa-UuM35azhKmp22Mx8iB3SMGYZ0xzE0ES7-VmYAUtOWcNRan2yZAPxOrY/w452-h640/what-a-cowboy-toofatlardies-448973.webp" width="452" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The November meeting saw the first club outing for "What a Cowboy" rules from "Too Fat Lardies". I had played the rules twice before, but this was my first outing as umpire. </div><p>The rules are designed for up to ten figures a side, but previous experience suggests six characters aside is more reasonable. Characters are divided into "Legends", "Gunfighters", "Shootists" and "Greenhorns". </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/AVvXsEgiOTNDjIMU2AplhHl6ZvF-1WictmUuDu52VYx_G_cXFdZ08erGOHf5FNxbyN76lq9VBSTNRQbQ2SWk-aXXjZaeO6wTUKXhxt54pJoSdmNW7M33zcfgHyuUyXH-ThZp0P2-VVSmRu5jojCc50qXX5r5stARafD7lCBLQuESrpewsQ5bAREijrPkoo91JzI/s1226/Screenshot-2023-04-01-at-12.24.20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1226" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOTNDjIMU2AplhHl6ZvF-1WictmUuDu52VYx_G_cXFdZ08erGOHf5FNxbyN76lq9VBSTNRQbQ2SWk-aXXjZaeO6wTUKXhxt54pJoSdmNW7M33zcfgHyuUyXH-ThZp0P2-VVSmRu5jojCc50qXX5r5stARafD7lCBLQuESrpewsQ5bAREijrPkoo91JzI/w640-h440/Screenshot-2023-04-01-at-12.24.20.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://toofatlardies.co.uk/product/what-a-cowboy-complete-bundle/"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">https://toofatlardies.co.uk/product/what-a-cowboy-complete-bundle/</span></b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Naturally, "Legends" and "Gunfighters" get to do things ordinary men cannot and "Greenhorns" things you wouldn't want to. There is also the option of groups of "Henchmen", but we didn't use this, as the play was character based.</p><p>Play is card driven, with each character having his own card and activates when it is drawn from a deck. In addition there are "Bonanza" tokens, which are one off interruptions of a phasing player's actions, by a non phasing player. Add to this special traits and one off Desperado cards (one off special actions) and you have a fully rounded character.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLlXI5wmcFlnULYM5o3YTt4AcAANlOvmu96__yHyI_73jokX2QRTElF-NiKYuu7Hng3zrN9uPisKWNGHRsHeRbZv8G6Tr1Y09ZNsHSL0shZWh2bbszhBadsws0TzbpQ7HJGE_4i43FnydB_jNXgGtEAaGaebcr1p30rv5f9EhZ7wKtaIGfxgXKOEV-Es/s4000/20231111_122635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLlXI5wmcFlnULYM5o3YTt4AcAANlOvmu96__yHyI_73jokX2QRTElF-NiKYuu7Hng3zrN9uPisKWNGHRsHeRbZv8G6Tr1Y09ZNsHSL0shZWh2bbszhBadsws0TzbpQ7HJGE_4i43FnydB_jNXgGtEAaGaebcr1p30rv5f9EhZ7wKtaIGfxgXKOEV-Es/w640-h480/20231111_122635.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>On a character's card being drawn, the player gets to roll a set of six "Action Dice", with the scores determining which particular actions may be taken (move, aim, shoot, any action etc). Successful attacks allow a "Dodge" roll, with either a dodge to cover or the possibility of accruing "Shock" or wounds.</p><div>Shock leads to action dice being removed to a temporary shock pool. Wounds can give "Shock" and effects, as well as the permanent loss of "Action" dice.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0WBlfdQ45qkzV2RXGNeL7C_xP_pMizSLhNu-xSFGhhz7AXoxCDQF9VoXopM-5ZGY37da1_IZcbVsP56UldnZKrz07d_9fs14tU7Kgwv5KfuWj7RWaTaep5zgnBidZxAPwr9YUqffbjOmt-vIV4wm_EwsJNwB01F36aHSZNtatuTWhrjjkuqDDFxdpFk/s4000/20231111_122632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0WBlfdQ45qkzV2RXGNeL7C_xP_pMizSLhNu-xSFGhhz7AXoxCDQF9VoXopM-5ZGY37da1_IZcbVsP56UldnZKrz07d_9fs14tU7Kgwv5KfuWj7RWaTaep5zgnBidZxAPwr9YUqffbjOmt-vIV4wm_EwsJNwB01F36aHSZNtatuTWhrjjkuqDDFxdpFk/w480-h640/20231111_122632.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The players were Chas, who had play tested the rules with me before, Gregory, Mark E and father and son Mark & Matthew, who were playing as one player. The split was Gregory & Mark/Matthew as the "Cowboys"; Chas and Mark E as the Earp posse.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhe63LcDCIT2HFJucjBFN2Ss4KTM_5mUbesv2vNzAhEDUSLotFiVVsrF_HKD6mwno7uXmXAYxEBM3qVdJ13gO0RVmWyD_ggvFl1IbdSd3nPi2RHyr6Rh8oTXFAD8sLSo1ilYKXtfKyX23KuSPKdcipxvzGrQCt5bGxC7ZiDSoTE8dhlzlP1uPS4ENpiHSQ/s750/Earps-Vendettaby-Bud-Bradshaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="750" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe63LcDCIT2HFJucjBFN2Ss4KTM_5mUbesv2vNzAhEDUSLotFiVVsrF_HKD6mwno7uXmXAYxEBM3qVdJ13gO0RVmWyD_ggvFl1IbdSd3nPi2RHyr6Rh8oTXFAD8sLSo1ilYKXtfKyX23KuSPKdcipxvzGrQCt5bGxC7ZiDSoTE8dhlzlP1uPS4ENpiHSQ/w640-h470/Earps-Vendettaby-Bud-Bradshaw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earps Vendetta Ride - Bud Bradshaw<br /><a href="https://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-earpvendetta/">https://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-earpvendetta/</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I had decided a full day club meeting should allow me to run the "Gunfight at the OK Corral" and "The Battle of Iron Springs" (part of the Earps Vendetta Ride), but I would have to make sure the pace of play didn't slacken.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUv0Hb8SPqf9KefHBlzkgGFkUfFVvJDiUlQYei9jB-FWEXHt-pq_69j53y7jLTN4n_hc87IyUdup5_AU5SJ0mT7lB5SgaGMUZ5ZP0Y0NMJoKqLMIN6baSStH2j4x4BDrcly70aTH_FJpSnNV9Wsvv0oIPZor6l5B2valaKj5GjJ67Eofp9yakA3o70phI/s500/8896b108c99bc8fb952d345fd38b69e5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="500" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUv0Hb8SPqf9KefHBlzkgGFkUfFVvJDiUlQYei9jB-FWEXHt-pq_69j53y7jLTN4n_hc87IyUdup5_AU5SJ0mT7lB5SgaGMUZ5ZP0Y0NMJoKqLMIN6baSStH2j4x4BDrcly70aTH_FJpSnNV9Wsvv0oIPZor6l5B2valaKj5GjJ67Eofp9yakA3o70phI/w640-h308/8896b108c99bc8fb952d345fd38b69e5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The background to the scenarios was the growing hostility between the Earps and the "Cowboys" (a loose grouping of horse thieves, cattle rustlers, stagecoach robbers etc) in Tombstone, Arizona Territory. Virgil Earp being a US Marshal is treading a delicate path in this prospective State, not least as many inhabitants like the free and easy life in a Territory, rather than a regimented State. Add to this the sympathies held by the town Sheriff Johnny Behan for the "Cowboys" and a conflict was likely.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDtaSnrEbIxkguxCR3awvxMBaXoo8B6ZXOUQfFHl9_Qbt0COWy-oRlOmOK9nzfsnpw8Mrr8R347EOEA2vTM6JD3frQrw_arKCLRzneZADMyYojt9ni5Fp1lJtA6FeB4nG6tEkh9D67se4Uo6hVYcnLc5u0GduIGDpNkvq7qLQSY7P9VyzAd4aKHOk-vQ/s4000/20231111_115142.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDtaSnrEbIxkguxCR3awvxMBaXoo8B6ZXOUQfFHl9_Qbt0COWy-oRlOmOK9nzfsnpw8Mrr8R347EOEA2vTM6JD3frQrw_arKCLRzneZADMyYojt9ni5Fp1lJtA6FeB4nG6tEkh9D67se4Uo6hVYcnLc5u0GduIGDpNkvq7qLQSY7P9VyzAd4aKHOk-vQ/w640-h480/20231111_115142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With the passing of a local Ordinance banning the carrying of firearms or Bowie knives in Tombstone, Virgil was determined to see the law was enforced. Having deputised his brothers and Doc Holliday, Virgil came across an armed Ike Clanton and proceeded to pistol whip him and drag him up before the local Judge. After the hearing, Wyatt ran into an armed Tom McLaury, who he proceeded to pistol whip and tell to check his gun at the nearest saloon. That night Ike was drinking heavily and loudly boasting of how he would kill the Earps. Word of this reached Wyatt the next morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>The game opened with the Earp posse (Wyatt, Virgil, Morgan & Doc Holliday) walking down Fremont</div><div>Street, looking for the "Cowboys".</div><div><br /></div><div>Unseen, in a vacant lot next to "Fly's Boarding House", the "Cowboys" were standing around, whilst Ike cleared his head by dunking it in a horse trough.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQtvXwZ8tPu3LsF9thyphenhypheng_vqit4Fq0sSf6NnkTFT2sKW-zPB9C5y0v007_HrsUkk9UcjAP7xkBS2TzP4mgNGtWXNdWWdbvSDfB1RVNcHg8vhO8mtPAoJlj_prIHkd21OhGqyb34pFWJb7zF4HVAx8SGECGt81M7Kd0L1Zs0Ocey01LpLr004xUn9lYxUY/s4000/20231111_115139.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQtvXwZ8tPu3LsF9thyphenhypheng_vqit4Fq0sSf6NnkTFT2sKW-zPB9C5y0v007_HrsUkk9UcjAP7xkBS2TzP4mgNGtWXNdWWdbvSDfB1RVNcHg8vhO8mtPAoJlj_prIHkd21OhGqyb34pFWJb7zF4HVAx8SGECGt81M7Kd0L1Zs0Ocey01LpLr004xUn9lYxUY/w640-h480/20231111_115139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At this point Sheriff Behan ran up to the Earps and said "There is no need for you to go down there. I have been down to disarm them."</div><div><br /></div><div>Wyatt told Behan to "move out of the way, as I mean to check" and brushed him aside.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the Earp's walking down the middle of the street, quite a few "innocent bystanders" came out to take a look. This came to the notice of Billy Clanton, who stood nearest to Fremont street, in the alley by "Fry's Boarding House". Moving out onto the main street, Billy shielded his eyes to see who the men walking towards him were. A good hand of spot rolls later, he could see they were the Earps and Holliday and was not slow to let the other cowboys know too.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGtpbdMnqY26mQf-OHk0MKN6SAntaIGPE3VA0QGSg32UP_-R4Xi5KIhDeHJFZOSRJu6QlYVrjvVvo3FDfcvuF9Q6qssfhc3iFTaTQQ-KOhn-ltlqJDZyJWXvasJoyLcZMk88L0Mci6_QUUDH6Zu4Z73lTxqITisNJuehHmHx3aIGUtnBK3s8FAm9mGKY/s4000/20231111_112139.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGtpbdMnqY26mQf-OHk0MKN6SAntaIGPE3VA0QGSg32UP_-R4Xi5KIhDeHJFZOSRJu6QlYVrjvVvo3FDfcvuF9Q6qssfhc3iFTaTQQ-KOhn-ltlqJDZyJWXvasJoyLcZMk88L0Mci6_QUUDH6Zu4Z73lTxqITisNJuehHmHx3aIGUtnBK3s8FAm9mGKY/w640-h480/20231111_112139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Holliday dodged into Fry's Boarding House and made for the stairs, bringing his shotgun out from under his duster coat as he went. Ike made his special "Panic" roll, passed, and headed into Fry's Photographic. Both men ignored the protestations of the owners of these establishments.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Holliday had stolen a march on the Earps, who were still half way down the street. The Earps being well aware they could not start any trouble, as they were the law. Holliday was another matter and he arrived on the balcony at the boarding house and drew a bead on the cowboys exiting the alley. Tom McLaury saw him just in time and dodged behind cover, as pellets kicked up the dirt where he had been.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile several bystanders froze with fear or ran about like headless chickens, adding to the confusion.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiUrdgro44ewGE8ST5p9vtmcYsXQUeH26nT0Pj7_8cLAvxDpaA9pRUwprKXncifA-Fh52Z_TBv1QixVXvEeF5hyYo0HSJ9JZJ9AvyjLWtu6J0t5W8VvQlGFOcn5ZYTpz3O1ekEbTa_FtXvuX9ARmvodAqsK1fRJXvZQL3P3c7PSojOB8rKfQ7JA3-glk/s4000/20231111_112136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiUrdgro44ewGE8ST5p9vtmcYsXQUeH26nT0Pj7_8cLAvxDpaA9pRUwprKXncifA-Fh52Z_TBv1QixVXvEeF5hyYo0HSJ9JZJ9AvyjLWtu6J0t5W8VvQlGFOcn5ZYTpz3O1ekEbTa_FtXvuX9ARmvodAqsK1fRJXvZQL3P3c7PSojOB8rKfQ7JA3-glk/w640-h480/20231111_112136.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Billy Clanton made it onto the boardwalk and faced a hail of fire from the Earps. Bullets struck all round him, but he made it into the boarding house and was up the stairs after Holliday, scattering civilians as he went.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Earps took cover in various shops, as Billy Clanton walked up behind Holliday on the balcony. He couldn't miss. Well, he did and Doc cut him down with a shotgun blast.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Ike Clanton had made his way down a side alley and got the drop on Morgan, shooting him through a window. Wyatt fired three shots at Ike, but none found their mark.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jI3_yjR8yvzp4KkhYr8R7XKFfQmj9qIQVI0dIo8I7pJtTiClsVYmee5sKoERAxxyDs3V3EoDcbQedMEmHVGv35OmVfygRPMN3999Nsri3ycYXee-pKyNE1D4nXQvSzC4bugwYNUocY6fcwuzzp7faKkzZZy2yiAA4jQ7lMurgQonuVhCHbD6tanvsmg/s4000/20231111_112133.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jI3_yjR8yvzp4KkhYr8R7XKFfQmj9qIQVI0dIo8I7pJtTiClsVYmee5sKoERAxxyDs3V3EoDcbQedMEmHVGv35OmVfygRPMN3999Nsri3ycYXee-pKyNE1D4nXQvSzC4bugwYNUocY6fcwuzzp7faKkzZZy2yiAA4jQ7lMurgQonuVhCHbD6tanvsmg/w640-h480/20231111_112133.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Frank McLaury wounded Virgil and then decided to leave the scene, with Tom McLaury.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile Ike and Wyatt were shooting at each other through a window. Wyatt hit Ike and he fell. As Wyatt engaged Frank McLaury, Billy Claiborne arrived in the side alley. Ignoring Ike's wounds he picked up his gun. Finally he was armed. At this point Wyatt popped up and gunned him down.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>With Wes Fuller shouting "I ain't got no gun", a volley of bullets cut him down. The remaining cowboys beat a hasty retreat and the action was over.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFc3gEOev_6sXzu5HLdCW6mI67dSe0ffS6YtPRL9BlykgF4ZHtnYqJHC_r38ZNEeqTQQdngxbwBPzdVrPZwV2Kgt1VoCS3mgi3kmtbsMWlchjHLFGyjel3yvhwaAGAMk4xOjteZ-8Ciw2-v57mn8MOtDuyQJuxhsKx5oSamhLMt9tP5s7tokHS1uMjdA/s4000/20231111_112130.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFc3gEOev_6sXzu5HLdCW6mI67dSe0ffS6YtPRL9BlykgF4ZHtnYqJHC_r38ZNEeqTQQdngxbwBPzdVrPZwV2Kgt1VoCS3mgi3kmtbsMWlchjHLFGyjel3yvhwaAGAMk4xOjteZ-8Ciw2-v57mn8MOtDuyQJuxhsKx5oSamhLMt9tP5s7tokHS1uMjdA/w640-h480/20231111_112130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The second scenario was the part of the Earp Vendetta ride. Following the action in Tombstone, the cowboys bushwhacked Morgan and Virgil on separate nights. They killed Morgan and wounded Virgil. The remaining Earps and their friends meant to have their revenge and set off to hunt down the cowboys.</div><div><br /></div><div>Riding to meet one of their number who was bringing them $1000, the Earp posse crested a low hill near Iron Springs, only to see a few cowboys breakfasting by the stream. Some good spotting enabled them to pick out Johnny Ringo and Curly Bill Brocius, both of whom were on their blacklist.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhoKvdJqCUhd5mCYY-M8hVkK5uitoeItlcJoGV6nOiF_jSkSQRYuGWBpNnXerdy4_rWdqoBTgjZT9ktUdWL7KxV1sFWRrEYmlxxtmXgQ8B8OuULHTCcLLWGTuKYNHVb9O6WHgfx_g2nYFbY9dFdxyz-1x98_6MkhGJfwHxDgI4B0LLJo4mv3XBYVKH4d-s/s1550/097c7749d1842f35c4a34ce7ac81fd86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="1155" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKvdJqCUhd5mCYY-M8hVkK5uitoeItlcJoGV6nOiF_jSkSQRYuGWBpNnXerdy4_rWdqoBTgjZT9ktUdWL7KxV1sFWRrEYmlxxtmXgQ8B8OuULHTCcLLWGTuKYNHVb9O6WHgfx_g2nYFbY9dFdxyz-1x98_6MkhGJfwHxDgI4B0LLJo4mv3XBYVKH4d-s/w298-h400/097c7749d1842f35c4a34ce7ac81fd86.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">William 'Curly Bill' Brocius</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The Earps had the advantage, having long arms to hand and dismounted. They fired on the four in the camp, picking on the two of the four men they recognised. At this point Wyatt threw caution to the wind, drew his six-gun and rushed towards the cowboys.</div><div><br /></div><div>The fight continued, with Curly Bill being wounded. Seeing this, Johnny Ringo made a break for the horses hidden behind a stand of trees, telling the others he meant to get his Winchester.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhzKA0c-80l9j0h4gUfKDwYmVCTvaSih_3EELPdfFvqbASCuBBiOFDGEeTzAPJiR2VLZsih33Z0JjHgUZO5gL8oZPhjz3WsYxXkrMVSvEZoGjhuHfMqkM_5UYZ2AK9dg6PZz4ddBObPSs8lQJVqUgyqBV4uXYlrFLEvGZW0gMjVvzQPGcWfi_oSBlAzk/s4000/20231111_134740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhzKA0c-80l9j0h4gUfKDwYmVCTvaSih_3EELPdfFvqbASCuBBiOFDGEeTzAPJiR2VLZsih33Z0JjHgUZO5gL8oZPhjz3WsYxXkrMVSvEZoGjhuHfMqkM_5UYZ2AK9dg6PZz4ddBObPSs8lQJVqUgyqBV4uXYlrFLEvGZW0gMjVvzQPGcWfi_oSBlAzk/w640-h480/20231111_134740.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Whilst this was going on, the other five cowboys were rushing towards the scene, having been off collecting wood.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now the Earps were caught in the crossfire. Doc decided to finish off those in the camp and advanced, firing as he went. He wounded one cowboy with his shotgun, but was himself cut down by close range fire.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEiAdqvrfmWJEqJXKR7nlej0gG352NsC02O-Gi011q83qmEdKMIOZtfCcu-tg3pf7VBinmbZbg5AwpW8on1GXXLKE8wA2m5MZXUhyphenhyphen7C1KuGUgmVFKazrtxdLGDF4yuoreMoKCg_JtYUZZogspRbDSwtrl7_2UcPI-PVOe-YSoYy4uPZPoip4hupNP77nwfg/s1200/ringo-feature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdqvrfmWJEqJXKR7nlej0gG352NsC02O-Gi011q83qmEdKMIOZtfCcu-tg3pf7VBinmbZbg5AwpW8on1GXXLKE8wA2m5MZXUhyphenhyphen7C1KuGUgmVFKazrtxdLGDF4yuoreMoKCg_JtYUZZogspRbDSwtrl7_2UcPI-PVOe-YSoYy4uPZPoip4hupNP77nwfg/w400-h266/ringo-feature.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Johnny Ringo</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile Wyatt was into the woods in pursuit of Johnny Ringo. Just as Johnny reached the horses, Wyatt's gun spoke and felled him.</div><div><br /></div><div>With another member of the Earp's posse being shot by the returning cowboys, both sides broke off and head for the hills.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEiwiSNJdFoqoKPFQZAGdpQvjKTMv-l4LVgpc21wL_r5LlB70Zretl9yfcTrQDswelYSV2W0wDUyo9VobnThKM40uGZGPeSNWGAGHGrYBUuxnmCp5-tiXnbbBVsV9OC_lVaELWcXulBTkw2bNFtWslLifAEPXMXXO2SKHXTxDv4ezlHIPN8n8mSMt6ulFXw/s1920/cowboys-1920-x-1280-picture-3san5oxn4neyginy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiSNJdFoqoKPFQZAGdpQvjKTMv-l4LVgpc21wL_r5LlB70Zretl9yfcTrQDswelYSV2W0wDUyo9VobnThKM40uGZGPeSNWGAGHGrYBUuxnmCp5-tiXnbbBVsV9OC_lVaELWcXulBTkw2bNFtWslLifAEPXMXXO2SKHXTxDv4ezlHIPN8n8mSMt6ulFXw/w400-h266/cowboys-1920-x-1280-picture-3san5oxn4neyginy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://wallpapers.com/picture/cowboys-1920-x-1280-picture-3san5oxn4neyginy.html">https://wallpapers.com/picture/cowboys-1920-x-1280-picture-3san5oxn4neyginy.html</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div>Many thanks to Chas, Gregory, Mark E, Mark & Matthew, for playing in the spirit of the game. I would</div><div>also like to thank Gregory, who acted as my American cultural advisor, making sure the freedoms of the Constitution were exercised at all times!</div><div><br /></div><div>Vince</div></div>Whiskey Priesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15956327711660800903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-19657710867777986912023-11-18T07:04:00.000+00:002023-11-18T07:04:36.044+00:00OPERATION IRONCLAD The British Invasion of Madagascar 1942- Chain of Command<p></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/AVvXsEhXOcP7eay8973JO9zjM8rups6YS8NAItQ9LUHJ-W1VIWSbCdv_eNhXoId9EGQrHIauJ9dZcxNBeyoGBFJzB_FceoBUdORKjbS0AtX6kEmiyNF7tQvQIjtYqe9LOzdtZLt-ngADtbzER9eQrXX-d23GxLQZlOYr-txwZ89OziS2Dbeuo7hRwEpcyqVC9Ko/s652/0351481_H.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="652" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOcP7eay8973JO9zjM8rups6YS8NAItQ9LUHJ-W1VIWSbCdv_eNhXoId9EGQrHIauJ9dZcxNBeyoGBFJzB_FceoBUdORKjbS0AtX6kEmiyNF7tQvQIjtYqe9LOzdtZLt-ngADtbzER9eQrXX-d23GxLQZlOYr-txwZ89OziS2Dbeuo7hRwEpcyqVC9Ko/w640-h522/0351481_H.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British troops wading ashore during Operation Ironclad</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><b>Introduction</b></div><div>The Vichy Government oversaw France’s overseas empire, including Madagascar. The island’s proximity to vital sea routes is shown on the map. Vichy had allowed the Japanese into Indo-China, helping their invasion of Malaya and Singapore; what if this happened in Madagascar? London got to work on Operation Ironclad, the biggest landing since Gallipoli. And The Devon Wargames Group gets to visit another obscure theatre of The Second World War.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhPXiPc38jDn22lnTnRHhtmewwlTkG3Jl4Qz8Zt43TDAmHHiDhTC_n3OyHq_nMu1bR7FtbsyEYxfVhgtR4ZymKANboXlTBmnz3KiuhX_xwWbp4ILrPZ8JjzXdP1VlJi_R_5U9HmkYVKa-0iRCVnGjC52vmGLtlvEhT2CnmokkQXzHHTpiYlR66V-RKK4/s991/Madagascar0021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="991" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhPXiPc38jDn22lnTnRHhtmewwlTkG3Jl4Qz8Zt43TDAmHHiDhTC_n3OyHq_nMu1bR7FtbsyEYxfVhgtR4ZymKANboXlTBmnz3KiuhX_xwWbp4ILrPZ8JjzXdP1VlJi_R_5U9HmkYVKa-0iRCVnGjC52vmGLtlvEhT2CnmokkQXzHHTpiYlR66V-RKK4/w640-h478/Madagascar0021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Operation Ironclad</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In early 1942 a troop convoy was being assembled for transit to India. The plan was to reinforce the</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">convoy with more troops, commandos, capital ships and aircraft carriers and invade Madagascar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Included were the first infantry and vehicle landing ships, that would become so familiar later in the war.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEg0qBQjaUlnvQmqNSO8k7fHKEKARrUa57rDBQf1d9QizeA6YbMiP6vGG4hyPoXMwvGjYURU88H7Z_GPvLdd9FCHroNGlZlHXGUoN95wPJKQARkQ-txgfPsYAqB4SLrta5fsJi90he0prJH9PMvpbMLbS_pVn7020_VSUXgHqx5toXIDiRrrDEjLybokRlI/s1920/IMG_4668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1920" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qBQjaUlnvQmqNSO8k7fHKEKARrUa57rDBQf1d9QizeA6YbMiP6vGG4hyPoXMwvGjYURU88H7Z_GPvLdd9FCHroNGlZlHXGUoN95wPJKQARkQ-txgfPsYAqB4SLrta5fsJi90he0prJH9PMvpbMLbS_pVn7020_VSUXgHqx5toXIDiRrrDEjLybokRlI/w640-h486/IMG_4668.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Valentine tank being uploaded from LTS Bachaquero during a pre-invasion exercise.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Diplomatic and economic pressure was applied to persuade Madagascar to switch to De Gaulle but the anglophile governor, who had not declared for either Vichy or for De Gaul, was replaced and any Gaullists were jailed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhraUlqM15gj4ZnySvtt9k0dL6DgKGzTOKYV6PRS-TlOcqg8QSv_G0rxWt5-Jn_O3cNYH6VJkRmtLnuMq3XDsroe-cDuIAGcxXxTlp2OkHME7nusJBog9YFD0S3nx8_WiD4Sj4Q7DjUGtjM2WHAfkzk7jtxzxoJjBln5i4lL2Zpvx-lfQlkusXioiTy6fk/s2360/battle_madagascar6.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1732" data-original-width="2360" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraUlqM15gj4ZnySvtt9k0dL6DgKGzTOKYV6PRS-TlOcqg8QSv_G0rxWt5-Jn_O3cNYH6VJkRmtLnuMq3XDsroe-cDuIAGcxXxTlp2OkHME7nusJBog9YFD0S3nx8_WiD4Sj4Q7DjUGtjM2WHAfkzk7jtxzxoJjBln5i4lL2Zpvx-lfQlkusXioiTy6fk/w640-h470/battle_madagascar6.webp" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British naval forces assembled for Operation Ironclad off the Madagascan coast</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The objective of Operation Ironside was the harbour of Diego Suarez, the size of Scapa Flow with the</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">adjacent naval base of Antsirane, France’s equivalent of Singapore, both on the northern peninsula of the island. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The eastern entry to Diego Suarez harbour was heavily defended by shore batteries and the French had not neglected landward defences too - The Joffre Line. The French were confident that the western side of the peninsula could not be attacked from seaward, due to the many reefs and island; here their defences were less. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEj9BmyJd6o0ZOQyWGHZeDfHIJm2RxYpMQ7JKhXMZGRXw_V1Znv9lPTwN9wFiyT-Uvnmq9LmXGajMFjujZUxzcy4p03hsZo4z3RIPitmw-7wmb146iS7NFh1ppHOph3D6UKzZNOw4j3j2QG6qiAvCZEhiGRZfPvOO2rYB6T1ubV-SCrNN6kW8Q9YR-4FVwU/s800/Vice_Admiral_Syfret_WWII_IWM_A_21413.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="800" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BmyJd6o0ZOQyWGHZeDfHIJm2RxYpMQ7JKhXMZGRXw_V1Znv9lPTwN9wFiyT-Uvnmq9LmXGajMFjujZUxzcy4p03hsZo4z3RIPitmw-7wmb146iS7NFh1ppHOph3D6UKzZNOw4j3j2QG6qiAvCZEhiGRZfPvOO2rYB6T1ubV-SCrNN6kW8Q9YR-4FVwU/w640-h488/Vice_Admiral_Syfret_WWII_IWM_A_21413.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vice-Admiral Sir Edward Neville Syfret, pictured in his Office at the Admiralty in January 1944</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">An exemplary demonstration of seamanship allowed the British fleet, under the command of Rear-Admiral Syfret, to navigate and land troops on the western side of the peninsula. On 5th May 1942 commandos under the cover of darkness, seized the western shore batteries; the garrison was asleep and not a shot was fired. The main invasion landed further south without incident. To confuse the defenders further, the navy spent the night firing pyrotechnics at the entrance of the harbour and dummy paratroopers were dropped by the Fleet Air Arm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhiBwWXMtjz2xL_2eM9gk-ODhcEj_3l4OuBuNP2nrYloHZAXH6Npt01n6E6JmNOo3Buj8TmCeXYQsuQPdGSFfwrEkQ5gufOQ9XNATfhH5lpXmFfkIRWd1sU3_u-HN08_NXdBuVQE6jQmdMhR89TMBI9qbbuQ_bAHO2DIREiVuaXIwbmt2Jk7NlBi9tknXA/s2360/air_wildcat55.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1808" data-original-width="2360" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBwWXMtjz2xL_2eM9gk-ODhcEj_3l4OuBuNP2nrYloHZAXH6Npt01n6E6JmNOo3Buj8TmCeXYQsuQPdGSFfwrEkQ5gufOQ9XNATfhH5lpXmFfkIRWd1sU3_u-HN08_NXdBuVQE6jQmdMhR89TMBI9qbbuQ_bAHO2DIREiVuaXIwbmt2Jk7NlBi9tknXA/w640-h490/air_wildcat55.webp" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British fleet operations during Operation Ironclad with a Fleet Air Arm Martlet preparing to land </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The lessons of the Gallipoli landings were well learned, “a gallon of sweet being better than pint of blood”; and the troops pushed on quickly from the landing areas to seize inland objectives. By the end of the first day British tanks were half way to Antsirane and the commandos well on the way to Diego Suarez town. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A French officer, captured by the tank force, was released with a letter calling for surrender to avoid casualties, ill will etc. This inadvertently disclosed the main axis of the British attack to the French commander. The search for paratroopers was abandoned and all the small boats in Diego Suarez were withdrawn, so the commandos could not cross the harbour. The French now concentrated on defending the Joffre Line.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEiIbxc0BkIDl7OyImc9o_mFUN7iwhY7K1C8geWncM8602bICmAjdb7M04mEklzy8ozxvKRaq9-6rDtNbCBX7-Gzu7qcDTWgCezm4vYV4siVaHD25SG2s36dEchj-e1sn8gPl16XplTN2bSLQ2XDQx3hFwHGIwRwJze4OOcOZa-nYz0vpaRBnmTjzCuReZo/s499/MADAGASCAR%20LANDING%20BEACHES_small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="499" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbxc0BkIDl7OyImc9o_mFUN7iwhY7K1C8geWncM8602bICmAjdb7M04mEklzy8ozxvKRaq9-6rDtNbCBX7-Gzu7qcDTWgCezm4vYV4siVaHD25SG2s36dEchj-e1sn8gPl16XplTN2bSLQ2XDQx3hFwHGIwRwJze4OOcOZa-nYz0vpaRBnmTjzCuReZo/w640-h588/MADAGASCAR%20LANDING%20BEACHES_small.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.combinedops.com/MADAGASCAR.htm">https://www.combinedops.com/MADAGASCAR.htm</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The following day British tanks, unsupported by infantry, attacked the Joffre Line only to find it stoutly defended, incurring considerable casualties. Infantry that attempted to outflank the line though a swamp, were unsuccessful too. As further British troops reached the Joffre Line piecemeal, their uncoordinated attacks were all beaten off. The British realised that only an all-out assault would carry the Joffre Line and more troops and artillery were disembarked.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rear Admiral Syfret then proposed an operation of Nelsonian daring-do. A destroyer, HMS Antony, was loaded with fifty Royal Marines and rounded the north of the island, sailing directly into the harbour under the cover of darkness. Undetected, HMS Antony landed the marines and attacked Antsirane from seaward. With the main assault on the Joffre Line underway and the marines landed, the French entered negotiations and surrendered on 7th May.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjGUU_IZd-9vRH7HPBEnIjaIIOFKZnRsUOdYJyl2MSuS8tkNVkEje-PGVlB6wh2be5Cu3zto3XmmhK5HYcQTAMCXD3MkWWhwtfvuazwlsdB0fVkKohRM_uBcXTRKHMkZwCq11Mv_FMznJZknPhhb7HIEslcBgbk_LNUWejtmZuq0MNuKtkRFKtmdrbMUq0/s1057/telegram.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="1057" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUU_IZd-9vRH7HPBEnIjaIIOFKZnRsUOdYJyl2MSuS8tkNVkEje-PGVlB6wh2be5Cu3zto3XmmhK5HYcQTAMCXD3MkWWhwtfvuazwlsdB0fVkKohRM_uBcXTRKHMkZwCq11Mv_FMznJZknPhhb7HIEslcBgbk_LNUWejtmZuq0MNuKtkRFKtmdrbMUq0/w640-h312/telegram.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Report of Rear Admiral Syfret, source: HMS Ramillies Association</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The game today is based on this final assault, with the table divided between the Jofre Line and Antsirane.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>How the game played.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We used the Chain of Command rules by the Too Fat Lardies, with both sides deploying two platoons each; the British also had a force of Marines, making this a Big Chain of Command game. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All the British and most French forces were regular but some of the French forces were green, conscripted Malagasy troops. The first turn of the game is played at night, so spotting and firing distances are limited to ten (10) inches.</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamDnSGMIN61G_s7x5_r1wBex2iN-5fQO_zzi0YdteOI1Krxl_Inkgu8AzfZGL6axWjJkcXiRB25JXBygTLc6GioCJ5wYiqLDmEOI8PzmhelB4mF6fklexa0KYECocrJY2yPIXxbAR10CdoitHFSbvd9RufyxW526dbagYeG5pLOXRXJcJX8ZYU1OVS3w/s4000/20231111_122503.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamDnSGMIN61G_s7x5_r1wBex2iN-5fQO_zzi0YdteOI1Krxl_Inkgu8AzfZGL6axWjJkcXiRB25JXBygTLc6GioCJ5wYiqLDmEOI8PzmhelB4mF6fklexa0KYECocrJY2yPIXxbAR10CdoitHFSbvd9RufyxW526dbagYeG5pLOXRXJcJX8ZYU1OVS3w/w640-h480/20231111_122503.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><u>British Forces</u>: two regular platoons of infantry. British support options were:<div><br /><div>Pre-game bombardment, an infantry assault tank, Adjutant and HMS Antony. Antony arrives from the second turn onward carrying two sections of marines (rifles only), an additional senior leader and two heavy guns (classed as 75mm for game purposes). The marines count as elite for purposes of employment (since it is a surprise) but in other respects are treated as regulars.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzc8NFHb6OPuYVHi3y933jfRNFOux6m6YbVFEXwkEqzG3WS0Kukl9jQXCD-N7nlQ-6IUoVx6-ZzHuOvxUV_ViT7ob5Cfh3eb6Tm2oOTxSKQjBFCdxWY6E7nknSiVA-fZv7Spw1Wi-Is4MrfdupAQ5iu_Vx9kItUKbb24tZTfnT6ZPLkCBgnWyT0eCXpE/s4000/20231111_133001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzc8NFHb6OPuYVHi3y933jfRNFOux6m6YbVFEXwkEqzG3WS0Kukl9jQXCD-N7nlQ-6IUoVx6-ZzHuOvxUV_ViT7ob5Cfh3eb6Tm2oOTxSKQjBFCdxWY6E7nknSiVA-fZv7Spw1Wi-Is4MrfdupAQ5iu_Vx9kItUKbb24tZTfnT6ZPLkCBgnWyT0eCXpE/w640-h480/20231111_133001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><u>French Forces</u>: two infantry platoons, one regular and one green. French support options were:</div><div><br /></div><div>4 trench/gun emplacements, 2 x 75mm M1897 guns (one deployed on the Joffre Line and one in</div><div>Antsirane), 1 tripod mounted medium machine gun, 1 sniper team, an additional senior leader and 1 team of motor cyclists. The French may pre-deploy two units before the game starts, in secret, if</div><div>they wish.</div><div><br /></div><div>French morale (bad things happen) declines normally for losses incurred on the Joffre Line, but twice</div><div>as fast for loses in the port.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrOmzTH0ft2XQKMfd_pQZBB6q4_RKStw7AGZJ4MVmf0V_bcDc26X2p4Bb0K6YD3eTDTIqyjPDcL8xl1FiCcrljk3DHUVYpWfNrj8YEZga-oaOM_3HHo4BCNriOW72B66bmFpD76lZITjBGafJAqqkS_UrLcCL7jFQK6JB7z5sslfrACw2ZxLiWyOUtOY/s4000/20231111_132957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrOmzTH0ft2XQKMfd_pQZBB6q4_RKStw7AGZJ4MVmf0V_bcDc26X2p4Bb0K6YD3eTDTIqyjPDcL8xl1FiCcrljk3DHUVYpWfNrj8YEZga-oaOM_3HHo4BCNriOW72B66bmFpD76lZITjBGafJAqqkS_UrLcCL7jFQK6JB7z5sslfrACw2ZxLiWyOUtOY/w640-h480/20231111_132957.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>At the beginning of the game the French don’t know about HMS Antony. Antony arrives any time after the second turn, at the British player’s discretion. The British don’t know that French morale is double penalised in the port area or of any pre-deployed French units in the Joffre Line.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The pregame scouting phase was confined to the Joffre Line end of the table to start with. Only when HMS Antony or British units cross into the port area, will a second scouting phase take place. With the Joffre Line littered with abandoned vehicles, there were plenty of places for the British to deploy their jump-off points (JOP). The French deployed a 75mm field gun and the medium machine gun in the Joffre Line bunkers and placed their JOP’s behind the defensive line plus one in the flanking swamp.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivp1GspOCodbMJAe9ZVwgEAqB-ZcN3WSGKPJmwc_Kkj1mA9Ef92Qs5dJJ3HdDrCPTIaYBAk_0Y3l_985Bg3u1hbNk21s78Dhg-hNaXBrgLP_IzgUa7q0227Ywmyl-pV6Vvp2oxZ17hGNCJnRPpetqlnw80invH2SsRK-gx5MsO781D2o8-e3zcmRFiuMg/s4000/20231111_132954.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivp1GspOCodbMJAe9ZVwgEAqB-ZcN3WSGKPJmwc_Kkj1mA9Ef92Qs5dJJ3HdDrCPTIaYBAk_0Y3l_985Bg3u1hbNk21s78Dhg-hNaXBrgLP_IzgUa7q0227Ywmyl-pV6Vvp2oxZ17hGNCJnRPpetqlnw80invH2SsRK-gx5MsO781D2o8-e3zcmRFiuMg/w640-h480/20231111_132954.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>The British proceeded to advance cautiously with just one of their two platoons, taking advantage of the darkness to keep out of sight of the defenders. Despite the pregame bombardment, that was designed to slow the French deployment, some good dice rolling by one of the French players got the Joffre Line well manned faster than expected. It was soon apparent that the French were manning the line with their better troops, as only one section of green Malagasy troops was deployed to hold the flanking swamp. </div><div><br /></div><div>By now the French had managed to accumulate a chain of command dice, allowing them further options. Knowing that the British were out there somewhere close to their line, they opted to end the turn, their reasoning being that they would end the night-time range restriction.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>With the new turn the French now had the full layout of advancing British forces close before them; both defenders and attackers leapt into action. </div><div><br /></div><div>The British tank pressed forward spraying the French line but only to be hit by a 75mm shell that destroyed the tank’s machine gun. The Malagasy troops in the swamp were particularly unlucky suffering many casualties from accurate British rifle fire; the French platoon officer had to come forward to steady their nerves. </div><div><br /></div><div>While the Joffre Line was ablaze with gunfire, HMS Antony had successfully started to land her Marines. With the arrival of the marines a second patrol phase was carried out on the port part of the table, with the French placing three JOP’s, but the British were confined to just one at the dockside. Both sides were allocated another officer, one being Captain Price of the Royal Marines and the other representing the French higher command within the port area.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyf9nFMFuyT3EBsDr9GE2aP8W0ZEcV-FVIkpYI8rXq01xfvLl_nFg1bZeOPrwuteXZ8APIOM0mAeCoiEEDqYadyz-na8M4kcVVBC4cX-yIFiwweIveZK0a-oyBX497L5E-iZrFAxxNbIexKlD4MYgCQcGUot-lTQ5XqyI-9KHMY-R_3GjdNZ5iRkN9KY/s4000/20231111_132950.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyf9nFMFuyT3EBsDr9GE2aP8W0ZEcV-FVIkpYI8rXq01xfvLl_nFg1bZeOPrwuteXZ8APIOM0mAeCoiEEDqYadyz-na8M4kcVVBC4cX-yIFiwweIveZK0a-oyBX497L5E-iZrFAxxNbIexKlD4MYgCQcGUot-lTQ5XqyI-9KHMY-R_3GjdNZ5iRkN9KY/w640-h480/20231111_132950.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>The action was thick and fast now. The French deployed the remaining of their Malagasy troops in the port, supported by one section of the French regulars, a 75mm gun and the motor bike team. With French troops now spread across the Joffre Line and the port the French players had to decide how to best use their command dice. </div><div><br /></div><div>The British used smoke to blind the Joffre Line as they continued to advance, but not without casualties especially as their tank was now servery impeded without the machine gun. In the port the French 75 started to fire at the marines causing some casualties but Captain Price had disembarked and started to direct all possible naval gunfire fire towards the French 75mm gun. A combination of rifle fire and ships guns took two phases to silence the 75mm. </div><div><br /></div><div>With their officer caught between his troops in the swamp and those in the port, the sight of the lost 75mm was enough for the green Malagasy troops, and their morale broke. With the Joffre Line now well covered with British smoke the French defenders couldn’t fire at their adversaries, so the remaining French player decided to end the turn for a second time using another Chain of Command dice – this had the effect of removing all the carefully laid British smoke screen.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGOf1w1pJ377o3OBa7T_UAi6M1C80_E6OSJbugsbMKRyAuHz1qH8I9ajF_dUeumMdf2T1Vuxdw3hAs-f7ZgOwesF77DnLjjDS9b-Fvob0ReJb8Y7vbNu_7KWNHNSQCwhl6wDG1KokwQh1TadOcfSVJD0Lj1OSo0LiaSMFhzP_bo0cMaFVaQ67SDgqi74/s4000/20231111_122503.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGOf1w1pJ377o3OBa7T_UAi6M1C80_E6OSJbugsbMKRyAuHz1qH8I9ajF_dUeumMdf2T1Vuxdw3hAs-f7ZgOwesF77DnLjjDS9b-Fvob0ReJb8Y7vbNu_7KWNHNSQCwhl6wDG1KokwQh1TadOcfSVJD0Lj1OSo0LiaSMFhzP_bo0cMaFVaQ67SDgqi74/w640-h480/20231111_122503.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>As the third turn began, the British advance on the line was cruelly exposed by the dissipating smoke</div><div>and heavy French fire that caused British casualties to pile up quickly. The second British platoon was</div><div>deployed by now to bolster the attack on the line too and began to infiltrate though the swamp where the Malagasy troops had been. </div><div><br /></div><div>However ferocious the French defence of the Joffre Line, the real action was taking place in the port itself. A brave and determined French counter attack, which resulted in hand to hand combat, was repulsed and HMS Antony continued to fire on the port. Even the motor cyclist tried to get at the marines, but Antony’s fire proved to heavy for them and with the loss of the last effective French unit in the port, it was time to negotiate terms.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNG7rU9UoDPm92_d2YY1N6dYqsJE4sh6FFqdxA54iTi7KmJAq-nJz-YrRSrpNR7HOMHSryM1MNNphXei6zqhmk6qBi7GqWqggL9TGb1YHVUE54Em4GI8vAez7ofNyR06rSB_cQzW1cF4WmabowmF4Vu5kDJEh1i7_nqRNzakPWDlHqqAVTGqypgzPWSY/s4000/20231111_112059.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNG7rU9UoDPm92_d2YY1N6dYqsJE4sh6FFqdxA54iTi7KmJAq-nJz-YrRSrpNR7HOMHSryM1MNNphXei6zqhmk6qBi7GqWqggL9TGb1YHVUE54Em4GI8vAez7ofNyR06rSB_cQzW1cF4WmabowmF4Vu5kDJEh1i7_nqRNzakPWDlHqqAVTGqypgzPWSY/w640-h480/20231111_112059.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>All in all the game played well to historical events, a British victory but coming with more casualties than should have been.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5WE8ZpDMyT_Omt36Mgc81CP3erb1P40gFTZcJAZlJcjG7nLKPeggsks0V_IeDHZ6-dkOKT7aC01CqtGhpfM3rrUEtmbpupEgQy3EIs-ANg0rk-ycJNGJEfJJRhcINTRkNYNzYcjPr8p_HB8H2T53SjUd_gzAwgOTHy8eSafYzgdF8Wk0w3fuuY735fA/s4000/20231111_115043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5WE8ZpDMyT_Omt36Mgc81CP3erb1P40gFTZcJAZlJcjG7nLKPeggsks0V_IeDHZ6-dkOKT7aC01CqtGhpfM3rrUEtmbpupEgQy3EIs-ANg0rk-ycJNGJEfJJRhcINTRkNYNzYcjPr8p_HB8H2T53SjUd_gzAwgOTHy8eSafYzgdF8Wk0w3fuuY735fA/w640-h480/20231111_115043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Post Script</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>London thought that the capture Antsirane would end the campaign, but the French continued to resist until November 1942. Madagascar was then returned to France, under Gaullist administration. While the Japanese never planned to occupy Madagascar, the Indian Ocean was still a scene of conflict.</div><div><br /></div><div>Shortly after the surrender of Antsirane, a Japanese midget submarines entered Diego Suarez harbour and badly damaged HMS Ramillies and sank an oil tanker.</div><div><br /></div><div>Japan needed German technology and Germany needed access to Japanese controlled war materials. German, Italian, and Japanese submarines all plied the long and dangerous passage between Europe and Asia. If Madagascar had become an axis submarine base it would have further complicated the war at sea. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you wish to know more about U Boat operations in the Indian Ocean, I recommend this podcast:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExOJZGjniuY&t=52s"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ExOJZGjniuY" width="320" youtube-src-id="ExOJZGjniuY"></iframe></div></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Three months after Operation Ironclad the disastrous landings a Dieppe took place; there was still much to learn.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyLx7j4tkuzdNMXAep5UlEjm9wYHH1-t_Y-ucaBxtvfQhSINs1mx2136c2XUABXRRJhQD7ALThyZ-tDWseTstH75ELooPgHKTrncjl5g0PbdJKLcJvZ6TPj3A8exdYWbTyhWYO-vMA78e_5MQd7gQbOS5lDV8NjayYjk5gkXLVo__5gnZcElRDVkQsUA/s4000/20231111_115053.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyLx7j4tkuzdNMXAep5UlEjm9wYHH1-t_Y-ucaBxtvfQhSINs1mx2136c2XUABXRRJhQD7ALThyZ-tDWseTstH75ELooPgHKTrncjl5g0PbdJKLcJvZ6TPj3A8exdYWbTyhWYO-vMA78e_5MQd7gQbOS5lDV8NjayYjk5gkXLVo__5gnZcElRDVkQsUA/w640-h480/20231111_115053.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div>Thanks to Dave and Paul for playing the French and Nathan for commanding all the British forces singlehandedly! Figures on both sides are mostly Perry Miniatures.</div></div>Whiskey Priesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15956327711660800903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-56778329950927450292023-10-21T06:56:00.002+01:002023-10-21T09:41:17.037+01:00Alarms and Excursions on the Limes Germanicus - Clash of Spears<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTrMBup7jB5PC_XlC31z3_bbwfkyIUzqfBNC0GDNtugEOJrbLbTZlvr2DS0oKtEvY1BNM9_0NR3-HxA1o6btjpeOqtxeCA1qB3lgOwBdpI-LUsAQoFpeVn4xkXikiOQwnLM1DG4HTVQEhWD_yp3j8hCNwm8-I24quGVGREdWkNnxlGzClxYRjS-GsGa0/s1600/Germania-Header.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTrMBup7jB5PC_XlC31z3_bbwfkyIUzqfBNC0GDNtugEOJrbLbTZlvr2DS0oKtEvY1BNM9_0NR3-HxA1o6btjpeOqtxeCA1qB3lgOwBdpI-LUsAQoFpeVn4xkXikiOQwnLM1DG4HTVQEhWD_yp3j8hCNwm8-I24quGVGREdWkNnxlGzClxYRjS-GsGa0/w640-h400/Germania-Header.png" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm always interested in trying out unfamiliar rule systems, particularly with periods of personal interest and so I couldn't resist an invitation from Chas to join him in the forests of first-century Germania with a Roman punitive column and some rebellious German tribesmen getting stuck in using the rules Clash of Spears (CoS)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEg-2Vz0sYI16ez7SjUE9y8aLBLXRhW7N3QTwijVDoaKeNuaBLN6Kdeu-dHO2hbzwstCW2Nc9es1h2wOaphbjH1P6Uhz2kNtV2Xh0ji_hIYwI2m2rp7JXWYL3MNY7temlCMz2xoZm_M9SGsXXYz8d4Gwfp0X7HA9hXNU-H-Mlj-5c_EPu0KUSkL5C3yiuW0/s892/Rules%20Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="699" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2Vz0sYI16ez7SjUE9y8aLBLXRhW7N3QTwijVDoaKeNuaBLN6Kdeu-dHO2hbzwstCW2Nc9es1h2wOaphbjH1P6Uhz2kNtV2Xh0ji_hIYwI2m2rp7JXWYL3MNY7temlCMz2xoZm_M9SGsXXYz8d4Gwfp0X7HA9hXNU-H-Mlj-5c_EPu0KUSkL5C3yiuW0/w314-h400/Rules%20Cover.jpg" width="314" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thewargamespot.com/clash-of-spears/"><b>https://www.thewargamespot.com/clash-of-spears/</b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />When it comes to playing ancients, I probably class myself as a 'big-battle' kind of wargamer, with the skirmish or even large skirmish gaming lower on my list of preferences, which is probably contrary to the current fashion in the hobby towards snappy, quick play, small scenario kind of games with rules to match.<p></p><p>The figure manufacturers seem to have cottoned on to this theme by producing small groups of figures to build retinues or warbands and I noted Victrix are involved in a similar exercise with this particular set.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBB9oGEnPFrAfri7MQ39cEmBk7RtxX-3KQPOQfEtzY_bb6KtTGhTaQTWL5qNxiSWZMrJuYBSxtARaEtmC7C7ogLfuMDOrfLxueV3DmzWXvCjVcMt9_649vKE6A43nuv5a7rMHbUmC9KTOgUTSmqs3GBIj8RHgkYKmkr_f4g9YHYEQs_vUR1KuttlCxVqY/s889/Rise%20of%20Eagles.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="656" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBB9oGEnPFrAfri7MQ39cEmBk7RtxX-3KQPOQfEtzY_bb6KtTGhTaQTWL5qNxiSWZMrJuYBSxtARaEtmC7C7ogLfuMDOrfLxueV3DmzWXvCjVcMt9_649vKE6A43nuv5a7rMHbUmC9KTOgUTSmqs3GBIj8RHgkYKmkr_f4g9YHYEQs_vUR1KuttlCxVqY/w295-h400/Rise%20of%20Eagles.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For our game of 'Tree Huggers' versus 'Tree Choppers', as Chas decided to entitle our two sides, we had forces of just over 2,000 points, double the size of a recommended standard game of CoS at 900 points each, with our units ranging from seven to ten figures and the various unit definitions and stat lines taken from the Rise of Eagles lists pulled together by Chas using the handy Army Builder App to be found on the CoS Home Web Page, and in the link below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEg3O4_9BZAZjmE_N1O36mJR_WIk7J9nx0ciQCqVH3IGStj0ANbqKr2tLxukAazdEl5jbV6s93JoBKBl0inNjxEQGWfsRrUTIqSDafIDi7Km9wDLrElCWsDeGvjNFYwtyMcYdQiNoHwhskawhB3bXio27BN_39FWUZfRXqljB50j4zSXsQYlTvKQBxoeEeM/s684/Army%20builder.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="684" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3O4_9BZAZjmE_N1O36mJR_WIk7J9nx0ciQCqVH3IGStj0ANbqKr2tLxukAazdEl5jbV6s93JoBKBl0inNjxEQGWfsRrUTIqSDafIDi7Km9wDLrElCWsDeGvjNFYwtyMcYdQiNoHwhskawhB3bXio27BN_39FWUZfRXqljB50j4zSXsQYlTvKQBxoeEeM/w400-h181/Army%20builder.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cilliancleland.github.io/clashculator/?fbclid=IwAR1nXteDL4KMzllDzIqDdOT7Oqb_rylFfooal_p3-QkTgap7Wq3XaZyE1E4"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">CoS Army Builder</span></b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Romans mustering a force of some three units of legionaries, four of auxiliaries, one unit of archers and one of javelin men, two auxiliary cavalry and a Scorpio bolt thrower and crew. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgWCfrtlkFEcAc8XJ7VXq0Hv2wGWXck0EOoOPLcuS6ogj8fr4taUBmqh0uONDEblF1m8GOtXkck7VTGj9KUCeSKUC7h-lQhSz86OjZ__nQFqZOFQuUAn4ejsq-VYgavp7sSOOo6FI-kRjwRKdcmDuJ4rqRaly_9CMTBJMQ6cyPjnSaE0W6yfi89iqUtj9o/s4896/P1110370a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3406" data-original-width="4896" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCfrtlkFEcAc8XJ7VXq0Hv2wGWXck0EOoOPLcuS6ogj8fr4taUBmqh0uONDEblF1m8GOtXkck7VTGj9KUCeSKUC7h-lQhSz86OjZ__nQFqZOFQuUAn4ejsq-VYgavp7sSOOo6FI-kRjwRKdcmDuJ4rqRaly_9CMTBJMQ6cyPjnSaE0W6yfi89iqUtj9o/w640-h446/P1110370a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The table of battle with the Germans to enter from the edge nearest the village and the Romans from the opposite side, and with the sacred tree in the centre of the table, complete with captured Roman trophies, the main objective to control for both sides.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Germans were equally well represented with eight groups of warriors in various flavours, ranging from fanatics, veterans, Roman equipped to plain basic tribesmen, backed up with two units of javelin men, one of archers and a cavalry unit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhBReio2lbNraBKw3QT-H5BZrsS1GQpdnPe24CDHp9xoCT3dkWpPYPWBBGTaG5xp-wHiQtvVPIf1s1bK7t76kzHjFEImBw0s9XYB5V-yvUVKlH6i17eGFrV_IP8xXu4N01WNpDTmsQz7vm3KLTzFYDeln2RDm2sYObFGdTM2kRH_gedXAdEfIK1zAjxjKU/s4784/P1110371a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2750" data-original-width="4784" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBReio2lbNraBKw3QT-H5BZrsS1GQpdnPe24CDHp9xoCT3dkWpPYPWBBGTaG5xp-wHiQtvVPIf1s1bK7t76kzHjFEImBw0s9XYB5V-yvUVKlH6i17eGFrV_IP8xXu4N01WNpDTmsQz7vm3KLTzFYDeln2RDm2sYObFGdTM2kRH_gedXAdEfIK1zAjxjKU/w640-h368/P1110371a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My command occupying the German left flank</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't intend to give a review of the rules here, but rather an impression of play using them, suffice to say each unit has the usual stat line of attributes for melee, ranged combat, morale, armour saves and any special abilities that would apply to a given unit, such as 'drilled' for Roman legionaries.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stat numbers work on the basis that lower is better because you are dicing against them, hence 3+ is a success on 3 or more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Movement is either in open or closed order, the latter offering better protection from close shields and range is taken from the nearest figures between two units.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEi-Ao0zytv1mcigJYWQh43TO6Qg7Rb3W76phRVLQl4SMaBjHrjd-dOMODkLjShQPVbGtyqSiV5WA3Tg2FL2mpvCgZqpztZhWGrGShXAKY88ztVCdJ7dj1MnRyWiPKea3BzzvmYOkAhyM0OOYpAJDiRf1YXDq6J19UXIbTWCWwY2bWXy48RQ092WiEI4uFQ/s2936/P1110372a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2434" data-original-width="2936" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ao0zytv1mcigJYWQh43TO6Qg7Rb3W76phRVLQl4SMaBjHrjd-dOMODkLjShQPVbGtyqSiV5WA3Tg2FL2mpvCgZqpztZhWGrGShXAKY88ztVCdJ7dj1MnRyWiPKea3BzzvmYOkAhyM0OOYpAJDiRf1YXDq6J19UXIbTWCWwY2bWXy48RQ092WiEI4uFQ/w640-h530/P1110372a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Roman Scorpio crew take aim</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The sequence of play is alternate, based on winning an initiative die roll, with the active player able to choose one of three options, do nothing and pass, activate a commander or unit or rest a unit to recover fatigue and with each side having the opportunity to activate any given unit up to three times, with the first activation guaranteed to happen before the enemy can react, but subsequent activations open to challenge by the opponent to try and get the jump on the second or third attempted move.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The actions of units usually consist of moving, throwing or shooting something and attacking in close combat.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgCavUf11ZhJtuGsfvIepdj6ICCqz2hijKgAedh_01kvaDZtj3B824oMweBIDGINqDqUm3ERSxnQ8wWWsM8trl_AqQ7LRGjXmWk1x0D4K4rsmCvlqxAlBVI3tzD2ZhWkJn898slBYd7RL4RXn5LtoPK6x9NL800zwwE57zDabyVJo1_mH1SpJsmsh2Dpu8/s4300/P1110373a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2568" data-original-width="4300" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCavUf11ZhJtuGsfvIepdj6ICCqz2hijKgAedh_01kvaDZtj3B824oMweBIDGINqDqUm3ERSxnQ8wWWsM8trl_AqQ7LRGjXmWk1x0D4K4rsmCvlqxAlBVI3tzD2ZhWkJn898slBYd7RL4RXn5LtoPK6x9NL800zwwE57zDabyVJo1_mH1SpJsmsh2Dpu8/w640-h382/P1110373a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg advances with his Auxiliary Cavalry</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The basic idea is, not surprisingly, to destroy the other chaps units whilst avoiding him doing it to you and this is achieved through an accumulation of fatigue points caused by casualties recieved and strenuous activities in close proximity to the enemy likely to lower morale, stamina and motivation.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Units can take up to six fatigue points with excess points causing casualties and more than double that number destroying the unit, and the little red dice seen next to units shows us recording said fatigue as we went, with some units gradually getting fewer in figures as fatigue caused casualties.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><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/AVvXsEiwpijA5FsP2opEr6uI_riILqTcZ1O0AS-h0axwo8xswXgTqmL5qPA7sEjQpBGgkB6sXe_BheBOp8CJSSSFw6SVhgaXilWfgd5lNJYutdinEo_ax0tjthBoRz_w3VNsKZK1YcDNLjgIfNgglMtLK2rjl1LrUzkUmenjcHUnqoYAq8zSpKh7mRXT4cQ3TxE/s4379/P1110392a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2452" data-original-width="4379" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpijA5FsP2opEr6uI_riILqTcZ1O0AS-h0axwo8xswXgTqmL5qPA7sEjQpBGgkB6sXe_BheBOp8CJSSSFw6SVhgaXilWfgd5lNJYutdinEo_ax0tjthBoRz_w3VNsKZK1YcDNLjgIfNgglMtLK2rjl1LrUzkUmenjcHUnqoYAq8zSpKh7mRXT4cQ3TxE/w640-h358/P1110392a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Veterans and Fanatics, carrying a bit of fatigue as they move forward</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>With three players on each side we divvied up the units between us, with my command consisting of the German cavalry, a unit of noble warband, fanatic warband and spearmen warband, out on the German left flank, facing Greg, my determined Roman counterpart with two units of Roman cavalry, one of auxiliaries and one of allied barbarian and supported with a unit of javelin men.<div><br /><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/AVvXsEgPvBjTQE1hbLpwl4EVmvAgk6i1DX5Awe-RJx75pImfeOhHLpKhV59wOVmTdgIveW_crx6lU46c11UYD5hXZeUYETmKFPapBXuaXSmqzI2-letPwr5Sj85hpmz3zxw9h110jXUlvUHsSknaGWjGYfGWw5YIFfTYxAGpjY0s9vsqVA_mPz3eZ4NejpAaZIg/s4896/P1110394a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3116" data-original-width="4896" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvBjTQE1hbLpwl4EVmvAgk6i1DX5Awe-RJx75pImfeOhHLpKhV59wOVmTdgIveW_crx6lU46c11UYD5hXZeUYETmKFPapBXuaXSmqzI2-letPwr5Sj85hpmz3zxw9h110jXUlvUHsSknaGWjGYfGWw5YIFfTYxAGpjY0s9vsqVA_mPz3eZ4NejpAaZIg/w640-h408/P1110394a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'They shall not pass!'</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>The game started with each side bringing on markers for units, together with the odd dummy, and proceeded to move them on to the table, until reaching a prescribed distance from an enemy marker that effectively locked down any other markers in proximity, thus staking out our lines prior to deploying the units represented by the markers, very much familiar to Lardy players using Chain of Command.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEhbxgkArCgktTSgggeXLzlGu0_2VkARhhyCGudBMgKDuAQWm7SoU5Y9Sd3GI7U29zUI_cmkwkO4TzbmfOi3sULDPXbYo8_gmrfIv0j36E_bSVEHkbR7gdreznGL-LDESOUjL8LTeldcuK1_rT04SblNr1uljiSaj4oCRiKU32V-z9GslS8AmCoCnm4xxgo/s4896/P1110395a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1495" data-original-width="4896" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxgkArCgktTSgggeXLzlGu0_2VkARhhyCGudBMgKDuAQWm7SoU5Y9Sd3GI7U29zUI_cmkwkO4TzbmfOi3sULDPXbYo8_gmrfIv0j36E_bSVEHkbR7gdreznGL-LDESOUjL8LTeldcuK1_rT04SblNr1uljiSaj4oCRiKU32V-z9GslS8AmCoCnm4xxgo/w640-h196/P1110395a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A strong force of Legionaries and Auxiliaries made up the Roman centre</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As with most large games in my experience, you only tend to have a superficial impression of what was happening on other parts of the battlefield, so most of my comments will be based on my part of it, but it appeared that the Roman centre got a bit of a hard time of it with the front two legionary units succumbing to missile fire followed by a bit of the close encounter, barbarian warband style, this after the German ranks were thinned with the odd Scorpion bolt and javelin.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjcBOUMxiZTGFsiywWo25qGDtiuIFGtFysMkmUwck7U0kf1ZcQJ4n2JUNl5mNebZIe7KBIJ0FgCpHNXb1kidlFiSfoSFzrbmxEJlA3TT0HqKA1G42OIrIbE5RPbOBXbtv_Qbe79QCsIV47nFx-OtUnuSnA4jfdbi2no0qnD8LfBxuuR7F7PhIvgosgERiU/s4896/P1110396a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1882" data-original-width="4896" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBOUMxiZTGFsiywWo25qGDtiuIFGtFysMkmUwck7U0kf1ZcQJ4n2JUNl5mNebZIe7KBIJ0FgCpHNXb1kidlFiSfoSFzrbmxEJlA3TT0HqKA1G42OIrIbE5RPbOBXbtv_Qbe79QCsIV47nFx-OtUnuSnA4jfdbi2no0qnD8LfBxuuR7F7PhIvgosgERiU/w640-h246/P1110396a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman Auxiliary infantry out on the Roman left flank</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Out on my flank, both Greg and I deployed as per our markers, with me throwing out my unit of rabble spearmen to get into some woods close to the centre of the table on our flank and using them to limit the Roman advance, whilst giving them the benefit of some cover from missiles in the trees.</div><div><br /></div><div>My cavalry of course went out on the extreme left and I brought up my veteran and fanatic warbands closely behind in the centre to support either or both the cavalry and spearmen ahead.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEjYDR42ILb4elILDQQSFlkPkWDbp2331ayG-B1omks2et36F66L_QIdQluxTPt3pju6JnOlOUgxT4Qk37hsHVvmkArmplcYZBXv9evv9q7OGuODFhasgYKHTW1HWIOQ1fCHLF44QroJAsB_XGvr0_V3MJ6JMxrGalFTCLUft1F-Tjq49IJdjVwslK7aGpc/s4896/P1110397a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2821" data-original-width="4896" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDR42ILb4elILDQQSFlkPkWDbp2331ayG-B1omks2et36F66L_QIdQluxTPt3pju6JnOlOUgxT4Qk37hsHVvmkArmplcYZBXv9evv9q7OGuODFhasgYKHTW1HWIOQ1fCHLF44QroJAsB_XGvr0_V3MJ6JMxrGalFTCLUft1F-Tjq49IJdjVwslK7aGpc/w640-h368/P1110397a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view along the German line from their right flank, following deployment</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Greg similarly advanced both his cavalry down his extreme right, but with marshy ponds in front of his deployment area was forced to come forward against my cavalry one unit at a time on the narrow pass offering firm footing which I was keen to defend in as I could avoid fighting at two to one.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the end my Germans beat the Roman auxiliary cavalry to the punch and managed to damage them heavily, with Greg deciding to swing his Barbarian Ally cavalry towards the Roman centre in support of his Javelin Men, which similarly got caught by my Spearmen Warband as they skirmished next to the Scorpion.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEjc6I34XeE_6DB0M3egibtUXKdVq9NmpWAnkQtVmD4UAYilVyi0ePQgWeAIEZaHt4KZvaayT2YGgSeHQT39ghR-zq0ZeMi9ifwL1uqC5Ztvbb_vfeihegRIngrhkZo25BUmu9HL3QcA_6lqZHzkoaGr7w1gp4b979ajJdkggdMEyl38s6uZear7Y4Ukkyg/s4896/P1110409a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6I34XeE_6DB0M3egibtUXKdVq9NmpWAnkQtVmD4UAYilVyi0ePQgWeAIEZaHt4KZvaayT2YGgSeHQT39ghR-zq0ZeMi9ifwL1uqC5Ztvbb_vfeihegRIngrhkZo25BUmu9HL3QcA_6lqZHzkoaGr7w1gp4b979ajJdkggdMEyl38s6uZear7Y4Ukkyg/w640-h480/P1110409a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close combat starting to accumulate the fatigue with four points on the German warband as they go toe-to-toe with Roman Auxiliaries</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As most of us playing were using CoS for the first time we were all keen to push the rules to the maximum to see what could happen, so missile fire and charges were flying in with 'gay abandon', and units started to melt in the heat of battle.</div><div><br /></div><div>The game produces interesting decision points for players knowing when to push on after a successful round of melee for instance and perhaps push the opposition to breaking point with another round, or to hold back and look to recover incurred fatigue before pushing in again in the next round with the hope of winning the initiative to get that guaranteed first strike.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEhDQdgqVtpWT86VQrlW0YhNjDgARtwz2MXkEfXYhg7yJZCCQXXsD10Bhyphenhypheno0hZKDmxB0Ek7utkRABjtQG0dGcQyN3C16teaUSVtGb6RbqmB1S-wtOMoaPo9-1V3wntFqg6cVtzexPiLkV-kALYnYGT_S0NXG5ZTyGBEdoYBlp2TF9KjM4_gCGRQA5oOPe3I/s4896/P1110411a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQdgqVtpWT86VQrlW0YhNjDgARtwz2MXkEfXYhg7yJZCCQXXsD10Bhyphenhypheno0hZKDmxB0Ek7utkRABjtQG0dGcQyN3C16teaUSVtGb6RbqmB1S-wtOMoaPo9-1V3wntFqg6cVtzexPiLkV-kALYnYGT_S0NXG5ZTyGBEdoYBlp2TF9KjM4_gCGRQA5oOPe3I/w640-h480/P1110411a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Javelin Men add their missiles in support of the Scorpio bolts</td></tr></tbody></table> <br />Thus the melee battles can be quite interesting little battles within the much wider contest and if carefully managed can enable an opponent to be rolled back in a grinding attack.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEghBp6yUlZa_HDujztzvili-pyvw1k1LNg4l-lQvYBymNSiXeYlIhBGANxEiH_PYyQ0ZDJwEPPWrv734jS-kcjiUbvie7TJyxHLDzNklKsARx_kA6RvKkA-3CkqScJDNhTWUCQYFLg4lght9sltTmaPub_Ap7L_twWuNglm1I00I8gVrrSdDvKiORYVcPU/s4896/P1110412a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBp6yUlZa_HDujztzvili-pyvw1k1LNg4l-lQvYBymNSiXeYlIhBGANxEiH_PYyQ0ZDJwEPPWrv734jS-kcjiUbvie7TJyxHLDzNklKsARx_kA6RvKkA-3CkqScJDNhTWUCQYFLg4lght9sltTmaPub_Ap7L_twWuNglm1I00I8gVrrSdDvKiORYVcPU/w640-h480/P1110412a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman Legionaries and Auxiliaries having a hard day in the centre</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We played about six hours and our game left both armies exhausted with numerous units removed from the table and both sides having relatively fresh ones ready to contest the sacred tree, so I guess we called it a bloody draw, without resorting to use the break off tests that are in the rules to decide when a force has reached that point through losses, and anyway it was 'Pub-Time' when we called it which pre-empts any break off tests.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEhlPjuNp_cbESN9jXUx4irxF0SCCm8_37moYQou5Jq_5DPE8QPZTj0Yexc21HVf0V9-NUljQbrdVRNbUQdsfcaWjxuO428kJpL3hYY1OVeefqPybSXrpsX9fWn2aqCZaALicBfUC4LKcpCabd65sURul6lf-aosayJwo795iZtGWgILpuCjU9bBVy1Fsow/s4896/P1110413a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2727" data-original-width="4896" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPjuNp_cbESN9jXUx4irxF0SCCm8_37moYQou5Jq_5DPE8QPZTj0Yexc21HVf0V9-NUljQbrdVRNbUQdsfcaWjxuO428kJpL3hYY1OVeefqPybSXrpsX9fWn2aqCZaALicBfUC4LKcpCabd65sURul6lf-aosayJwo795iZtGWgILpuCjU9bBVy1Fsow/w640-h356/P1110413a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Spearmen about to charge out from the woods towards Roman Javelin men supporting the Roman Scorpion team</td></tr></tbody></table><br />My impression is the CoS is a solid work which draws on ideas I've seen in several other sets of rules and uses similar mechanisms, which is no bad thing, and indeed they produce a flowing game that easily handled the number of units on the table with six of us playing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think they are a set of rules that would reward regular playing to really get at the nuances of managing the game, knowing when to press forward and when to re-group, and we were all feeling our way to begin with, getting our heads around the various titles along the unit stat lines and which number to apply to any given situation, but not surprisingly that became more intuitive as we played.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEjMwrkmRtbHPlZFKUIgXIBdM05o3yfq2Ct_5r68Ti7W_3J1hmkCvPqUoMEGR5bzGlxBacfprd1XYP0A2JAoK57Rd1d5xoqI8DPQ6Ak4ZydbpCJGrPzmag1s26jmK-IMqe1FBy0_NMavnMCKHgG8YQQGLk27JbbwdkZhRah5GznvV73i6RSmUdsLb_S-OTg/s4896/P1110414a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1759" data-original-width="4896" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwrkmRtbHPlZFKUIgXIBdM05o3yfq2Ct_5r68Ti7W_3J1hmkCvPqUoMEGR5bzGlxBacfprd1XYP0A2JAoK57Rd1d5xoqI8DPQ6Ak4ZydbpCJGrPzmag1s26jmK-IMqe1FBy0_NMavnMCKHgG8YQQGLk27JbbwdkZhRah5GznvV73i6RSmUdsLb_S-OTg/w640-h230/P1110414a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My German cavalry charge towards their Roman counterparts as they try to manoeuvre around the marshes to their front.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">They are certainly pitched as a very competitive market, with the offerings around from Osprey and Footsore, but I think the fact that Victrix have aligned their range with them to supply specific units and with Roman, Carthaginian and Gallic box sets to build a complete force, I'm sure they will do well in an era of short games that can be played on a 6 x 4 foot table in two to three hours.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEg214BHUfTJCjbkJXMgRSRV9mAkfFVlLcpqagLgrQ810rWyMe6gtJHoEBVdUREzKBYVLQudyetlq7HqJd8hosq0cQHTEsRuQiKisQQ_gCJuCmWK2j7VU3VXI6_SWV69Jh98ZsOCuzE8ot9nkeKx7dxvsJkspbMAb_0ugKoaX1_OrL9CtOVC7dSsSh3s3tg/s1280/Clash_of_Spears_Gallic_Warbanda__34843.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1280" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg214BHUfTJCjbkJXMgRSRV9mAkfFVlLcpqagLgrQ810rWyMe6gtJHoEBVdUREzKBYVLQudyetlq7HqJd8hosq0cQHTEsRuQiKisQQ_gCJuCmWK2j7VU3VXI6_SWV69Jh98ZsOCuzE8ot9nkeKx7dxvsJkspbMAb_0ugKoaX1_OrL9CtOVC7dSsSh3s3tg/w400-h391/Clash_of_Spears_Gallic_Warbanda__34843.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victrix Clash of Spears Gallic Warband box set</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you to Chas for organising and running our game, and to David, Steve M., Vince, Steve L. and Gregory for playing the game in our usual DWG spirit, good fun all round.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">JJ</div><p></p></div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-80045121975677000162023-10-15T17:24:00.000+01:002023-10-15T17:24:44.728+01:00Frostgrave Campaign Game - 'High Mountains'<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwudem8KqXkkWw1JbsgVBvGy4dtuyrhwt7qqbBmKUWToA70zm3r_DjCumD8wexNXgxGphqu1eq757OgT92uJeXGngGBsQW5sXTU7pRzvl_DQxoeSlEieG1EYRpW43fk5X9a1oH4PDqbgXHv_2gDIFKiWRZtAd1T7727Y6e4YnX5owX93oLmrdWw_WUhs/s1437/Header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1437" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwudem8KqXkkWw1JbsgVBvGy4dtuyrhwt7qqbBmKUWToA70zm3r_DjCumD8wexNXgxGphqu1eq757OgT92uJeXGngGBsQW5sXTU7pRzvl_DQxoeSlEieG1EYRpW43fk5X9a1oH4PDqbgXHv_2gDIFKiWRZtAd1T7727Y6e4YnX5owX93oLmrdWw_WUhs/w640-h374/Header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Alas the second battle report for our Frostgrave campaign was written on unstable parchment and faded to dust before it could be e-mailed to the club’s editor (Ahem….), so we turn now to the third, and penultimate table ‘High Mountains’.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuCEJApCno11qeWTZ6CbVyy1ccndxpsh7irUgTbkRZV08BB30q3LSUpHBTJcZc3Vfke05MI3TQxLfeRbli7BX1hQsUSG_vHTxaCPjHiV50HoZCvpuImXuAIVqDUplHiwUOkUF1UCpKshgpouier6-B-gF02y5MUYmSZn2GTQV3iC3-tCylwWxoKvAm5E/s4642/P1110386a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3335" data-original-width="4642" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuCEJApCno11qeWTZ6CbVyy1ccndxpsh7irUgTbkRZV08BB30q3LSUpHBTJcZc3Vfke05MI3TQxLfeRbli7BX1hQsUSG_vHTxaCPjHiV50HoZCvpuImXuAIVqDUplHiwUOkUF1UCpKshgpouier6-B-gF02y5MUYmSZn2GTQV3iC3-tCylwWxoKvAm5E/w640-h460/P1110386a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>The warbands continue to journey towards the thawing city of Felstad in pursuit of the ultimate prize that will see their own school of magic prevail.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7776f9pMjSTKYAP9E02QA0SNfyOiaZFidQjPEAS29SGiTvS6ZDNwra3WpQHNkEbOBvel2M6hehJOqh5HxWhjrCQL828vfimTzDv81W_lfhzKe4dz0O1-rCiawwCMeCAYzmi5F7WTOWhJHkpFUOyJnvI-IqDENj6M0i_EiKEtX1EosA3oTdxgLaef7Kc/s2064/Image%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="2064" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7776f9pMjSTKYAP9E02QA0SNfyOiaZFidQjPEAS29SGiTvS6ZDNwra3WpQHNkEbOBvel2M6hehJOqh5HxWhjrCQL828vfimTzDv81W_lfhzKe4dz0O1-rCiawwCMeCAYzmi5F7WTOWhJHkpFUOyJnvI-IqDENj6M0i_EiKEtX1EosA3oTdxgLaef7Kc/w640-h336/Image%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzzLQy5AXbkONoOcFUh5USH3zcmQpvDbkv-5SlyuPNxYgdD5h4105Nd3ho1phLPueujYxCJI28ZQs5kfXS1jR1qcBYuiIxyJkXBXFttyy4cS2eIfl9SV3HHotF6pHYCe1CAex7xBHhGaDPR1ZSMALBlUQYePi8vjHZNJqlK_K3GNAUpibUg0hVEkRuEY/s2500/Image%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="2500" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzzLQy5AXbkONoOcFUh5USH3zcmQpvDbkv-5SlyuPNxYgdD5h4105Nd3ho1phLPueujYxCJI28ZQs5kfXS1jR1qcBYuiIxyJkXBXFttyy4cS2eIfl9SV3HHotF6pHYCe1CAex7xBHhGaDPR1ZSMALBlUQYePi8vjHZNJqlK_K3GNAUpibUg0hVEkRuEY/w640-h302/Image%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The journey took them across the table from west to east (towards you in picture above), moving from the graveyard, through the giant’s lair and to the gate of Felstad in the far south-east corner.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-CvCpJ-BZ0ytj3NrWMDqXo7ej-oKUxdNs6XmtJLorq1D9YqYrKYOoT2NN57htRrzYwpjMp_0ys8Fxt6ZFGzVz3SSnXh3xnx-62pHoE2pJuTeoDbD_OUtYgvUywCMCdNyfx4S0sYMtIKNjDWRLwsALEk4rfHkMp-GTWNwcHsDXvZ8zsxMyJJyoEGVEqg/s1549/Image%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1549" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-CvCpJ-BZ0ytj3NrWMDqXo7ej-oKUxdNs6XmtJLorq1D9YqYrKYOoT2NN57htRrzYwpjMp_0ys8Fxt6ZFGzVz3SSnXh3xnx-62pHoE2pJuTeoDbD_OUtYgvUywCMCdNyfx4S0sYMtIKNjDWRLwsALEk4rfHkMp-GTWNwcHsDXvZ8zsxMyJJyoEGVEqg/w640-h302/Image%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-sDl9y-YeCAp-XMB-6jbEfsxphM9PmR8RocsXD73VSuSxa9Aj4WZq-t2TAYz7qAt_Npls9sIsXTAArdKyfbjPvDbbERX8cYqIJ86TEbq6sDrMpKXMx4Rhs4N5pSj8Pmc2lBpp1ofgs__y53FZF2QWkgIjtMOkEXJKH8GfvqUd6PplMo8FOJF0pCq538/s1548/Image%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1548" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-sDl9y-YeCAp-XMB-6jbEfsxphM9PmR8RocsXD73VSuSxa9Aj4WZq-t2TAYz7qAt_Npls9sIsXTAArdKyfbjPvDbbERX8cYqIJ86TEbq6sDrMpKXMx4Rhs4N5pSj8Pmc2lBpp1ofgs__y53FZF2QWkgIjtMOkEXJKH8GfvqUd6PplMo8FOJF0pCq538/w640-h304/Image%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The winners of the previous table (Chronomancers) had a deployment advantage on this table.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-zvQKbZJom-ByQqqn9TUL8m_t1F5DswQTJyl1bhapk9AuCQ2o8__eKJO7vpPWL0nagfCx7u3pyLMWB-g7wA5XYArh3-6CLB2KY_1QcSt-EFl1kwq5anSUxDSJA_VaHkVKPn8nJPGNJ6_-OGro8nQzd2AbIjnslNaEDTkoc430QbYyRpsq6Sq2NBgedc/s1077/Image%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1077" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-zvQKbZJom-ByQqqn9TUL8m_t1F5DswQTJyl1bhapk9AuCQ2o8__eKJO7vpPWL0nagfCx7u3pyLMWB-g7wA5XYArh3-6CLB2KY_1QcSt-EFl1kwq5anSUxDSJA_VaHkVKPn8nJPGNJ6_-OGro8nQzd2AbIjnslNaEDTkoc430QbYyRpsq6Sq2NBgedc/w640-h436/Image%205.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBktwkUyv2YN9qXlB3LFqII2WeOCUBPyo4tejjeHJIF6LsAO147szUw672uf8JRsOchg8JAtETPHqSzVY8rCVbVOmonzq4wBJ_xC6rQYtxSGLrlexGUiS8XzCL6E8mtEMmdk1I-KIgVH4fEk_Rt7gs1g_QVEqXY2zEwvnNY2iLWTKcAi-v8iF3AUCHq8/s4010/P1110388a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2932" data-original-width="4010" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBktwkUyv2YN9qXlB3LFqII2WeOCUBPyo4tejjeHJIF6LsAO147szUw672uf8JRsOchg8JAtETPHqSzVY8rCVbVOmonzq4wBJ_xC6rQYtxSGLrlexGUiS8XzCL6E8mtEMmdk1I-KIgVH4fEk_Rt7gs1g_QVEqXY2zEwvnNY2iLWTKcAi-v8iF3AUCHq8/w640-h468/P1110388a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Though treasures weren’t immediately visible, the could be ‘discovered’ when a model was within 6” of them (12” for magic users). However, this still left the uncertainty that the treasure might spring something nasty which would need to be defeated first!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdLi8NgJ_cB9KR-qJXJeVuoO09TbUt1DseIDFTOe7GluG-vECAJztth7Dj8vlg7maCB-ZsxJjDkvpn3mP7hLFwDsIqh5HCS3j-n95Gfg4DDCFUT9ro-lK8Z6luSsLF-ww7kFGH0cHY5wewfkUZfJk3sfex8zomWyuTUeqUExhbdxTw-IYY-YvAn-1H0s/s1551/Image%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1551" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdLi8NgJ_cB9KR-qJXJeVuoO09TbUt1DseIDFTOe7GluG-vECAJztth7Dj8vlg7maCB-ZsxJjDkvpn3mP7hLFwDsIqh5HCS3j-n95Gfg4DDCFUT9ro-lK8Z6luSsLF-ww7kFGH0cHY5wewfkUZfJk3sfex8zomWyuTUeqUExhbdxTw-IYY-YvAn-1H0s/w640-h304/Image%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Chronomancers scooped up a number of treasures from the churchyard and graves, having only a Golden Wight and a single ghost to deal with before they moved on up the table.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShUWQ3XS8Pz35mi5thG1AZpkBHT1E7IW7e3OQ0pobi7V8ZHVIdayPxK3DZb-GcapFP9-l2Lu0w8pXOKAFrzrITJsPleOsBj-f4KAKVCDuejj2-cvqXqaqE9u5fA7gLlgIyOciZFV5Guc7SxY-hjN3EwQ6Xg0ez78F2fJvFwk_B8Z_Tp4xLCL8zE78x-Q/s4132/P1110391a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="4132" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShUWQ3XS8Pz35mi5thG1AZpkBHT1E7IW7e3OQ0pobi7V8ZHVIdayPxK3DZb-GcapFP9-l2Lu0w8pXOKAFrzrITJsPleOsBj-f4KAKVCDuejj2-cvqXqaqE9u5fA7gLlgIyOciZFV5Guc7SxY-hjN3EwQ6Xg0ez78F2fJvFwk_B8Z_Tp4xLCL8zE78x-Q/w640-h446/P1110391a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Elementalists were less fortunate….</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZKHu5O1f9bnG-6WxTlK7siV6hvgNuPpW3ZOYAWMSvjCBLHjAg7wny7qAavaBi-EDG0mDroHGCaaB0g_Bhk081jKos1bOJL5jwRAyEzhTG5GePbBWdPPwGOod5rZcLAeokXTInU4AwkSAfaG_mk-Y1C3JyncujU59Zp63l0QRs_5sugIw69laLKx5KFM/s1292/Image%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1292" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZKHu5O1f9bnG-6WxTlK7siV6hvgNuPpW3ZOYAWMSvjCBLHjAg7wny7qAavaBi-EDG0mDroHGCaaB0g_Bhk081jKos1bOJL5jwRAyEzhTG5GePbBWdPPwGOod5rZcLAeokXTInU4AwkSAfaG_mk-Y1C3JyncujU59Zp63l0QRs_5sugIw69laLKx5KFM/w640-h364/Image%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAmRlkgIahxgTsGmiYv_EdlXkkxIEehXB3roTg8ixhCpYwNK2n_zr9Oq7evO49-rk18aGiIjmr4cE4BDSasFRuyC8QU35wjg14K9cY-iFj9EKZ-9CJiBQBq0C_5k7JTDcMixmaNmhb0rnHCCRBQy1RwKw841ZvYA6Db-xVABpsEXmfr6xGEP_15FYFAM/s3499/P1110389a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2517" data-original-width="3499" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAmRlkgIahxgTsGmiYv_EdlXkkxIEehXB3roTg8ixhCpYwNK2n_zr9Oq7evO49-rk18aGiIjmr4cE4BDSasFRuyC8QU35wjg14K9cY-iFj9EKZ-9CJiBQBq0C_5k7JTDcMixmaNmhb0rnHCCRBQy1RwKw841ZvYA6Db-xVABpsEXmfr6xGEP_15FYFAM/w640-h460/P1110389a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezUfTXDF4f_YjMPrm9a71SxB13FrOWSis6qqiIiG-u9MYX3iMe4MaDjQ8Im6mKaOI5-J9v1e-5f3AR5eU0Hi-U_mRlk3Z2TAnmY0xezwbIvkKSoSGLg9WFLhLD_LOS9KeRKlzdTxjA6ZhmUU9ny0aYXnQx3xoa4lVwQAND27WYo_3I1iNyrAuYTYjZm4/s4585/P1110387a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2902" data-original-width="4585" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezUfTXDF4f_YjMPrm9a71SxB13FrOWSis6qqiIiG-u9MYX3iMe4MaDjQ8Im6mKaOI5-J9v1e-5f3AR5eU0Hi-U_mRlk3Z2TAnmY0xezwbIvkKSoSGLg9WFLhLD_LOS9KeRKlzdTxjA6ZhmUU9ny0aYXnQx3xoa4lVwQAND27WYo_3I1iNyrAuYTYjZm4/w640-h406/P1110387a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>…and discovered a Daddy Giant munching on something as they rounded a copse.</div><div>However, good use of ‘tactical withdrawal’ allowed them to get both magic and conventional ranged shots in, and soon the Daddy Giant was slain. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsu0kBrWuKaKHFg4IpYYvgv626tbYg5NWTF1rv_bzPf0BvH9Ncq2eWthDHKOyeuy9tl6d3cYeQkrDXFzWfozoyyj2xyhbHdo5xWNWl5SdM6Ly-zoE-mtJJC-Lg4-sutPqF_Bk12By7S_YAi7nsqs8D5S3FF5gReyYfnF-BE30-tRhnvFxZfnOpXpwbSlY/s1399/Image%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1399" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsu0kBrWuKaKHFg4IpYYvgv626tbYg5NWTF1rv_bzPf0BvH9Ncq2eWthDHKOyeuy9tl6d3cYeQkrDXFzWfozoyyj2xyhbHdo5xWNWl5SdM6Ly-zoE-mtJJC-Lg4-sutPqF_Bk12By7S_YAi7nsqs8D5S3FF5gReyYfnF-BE30-tRhnvFxZfnOpXpwbSlY/w640-h308/Image%208.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately his death throes alerted the rest of his family, who then activated and headed off to attack both warbands simultaneously.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhAbXY9RN_LhDGxgHCnY0Uec4WBpbYdHwNeLNQmo6Gy8MWRUG_fP-ABM_2AllVZdWrOSrLA0pBM_21ypV0soV7g7IMSaRWsFJ4HlIymjd-H-YnrXRbY9Qse59oRtOVw87qd_-yNMZBsee6JFV6RK13rJSmJdWPl19dHbUGP67GWWQjTZgyrQE7pS4mf8/s1287/Image%209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="1287" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhAbXY9RN_LhDGxgHCnY0Uec4WBpbYdHwNeLNQmo6Gy8MWRUG_fP-ABM_2AllVZdWrOSrLA0pBM_21ypV0soV7g7IMSaRWsFJ4HlIymjd-H-YnrXRbY9Qse59oRtOVw87qd_-yNMZBsee6JFV6RK13rJSmJdWPl19dHbUGP67GWWQjTZgyrQE7pS4mf8/w640-h302/Image%209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQu5q9oMIleur9YghcpXQ_iuabelS_u2j-xXWumsh9J3mxKuKixhFcxIC3OgsUH5MMmiRO5OgT-XgvRkdzvbgRYUQWeOVgvQccFfDpyCxNUsLMvB3EXkRbrqWwDGZurCB8ohXgIpl6KvL6ChZWawuF12MtZprdFm3UYvD2RRypjx9TyQLMl62KY_ctwtU/s4896/P1110408a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3502" data-original-width="4896" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQu5q9oMIleur9YghcpXQ_iuabelS_u2j-xXWumsh9J3mxKuKixhFcxIC3OgsUH5MMmiRO5OgT-XgvRkdzvbgRYUQWeOVgvQccFfDpyCxNUsLMvB3EXkRbrqWwDGZurCB8ohXgIpl6KvL6ChZWawuF12MtZprdFm3UYvD2RRypjx9TyQLMl62KY_ctwtU/w640-h458/P1110408a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Both warbands dealt with these new abominations carefully, avoiding casualties. The process did slow down the Chronomancer’s advance, and had the effect of giving the Elementalists time to come within bowshot. Thus the next phase of the game involved not just fighting ‘monsters’ but also having to contend with each other!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgsHg9rVYHoyAXiq0XAssJ1N6mQJEZNOGO6oCVg7nJuuNQUy7RzcFcp_WDqNEfOXuvQwFCBnF2GpC5mjpcHbvrae23Spre752QU-3q-A4r-FGdk4n1eRc_okEOoOXit_51AKm-2zt6VBXpWRI8jxFDH4O92fEkx_frfFV0RCs1SuTIXq-l2HlBQ8Obno/s1293/Image%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="1293" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgsHg9rVYHoyAXiq0XAssJ1N6mQJEZNOGO6oCVg7nJuuNQUy7RzcFcp_WDqNEfOXuvQwFCBnF2GpC5mjpcHbvrae23Spre752QU-3q-A4r-FGdk4n1eRc_okEOoOXit_51AKm-2zt6VBXpWRI8jxFDH4O92fEkx_frfFV0RCs1SuTIXq-l2HlBQ8Obno/w640-h302/Image%2010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkksn1gXx1L2Ye1d2Cs2d0KwwzZuzRyCGX9y0ynxdk-Nb1pE4-BP2_VaOZEpxOjq2QKh67zGIILWW1IIMIhf-Az_CE6FMR5worJozyE8y_Lfa5SE294kQ-eagH9y6Z2IfZzYa4EVV1Iqh3vhuUjyf8nkMA59EW0Vl7cdvbvPjcZ-0A3z_7mnB2-L__W8/s1291/Image%2011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="1291" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkksn1gXx1L2Ye1d2Cs2d0KwwzZuzRyCGX9y0ynxdk-Nb1pE4-BP2_VaOZEpxOjq2QKh67zGIILWW1IIMIhf-Az_CE6FMR5worJozyE8y_Lfa5SE294kQ-eagH9y6Z2IfZzYa4EVV1Iqh3vhuUjyf8nkMA59EW0Vl7cdvbvPjcZ-0A3z_7mnB2-L__W8/w640-h304/Image%2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>By lifting the treasure nearest the gate, the Chronomancers inadvertently released a cloud of ethereal souls onto their warband, having to contend with several ghosts at once and suffering casualties accordingly.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8rZXmJMBVvDpBELFGvqElPo1afSfP00MyCvypmGmBAjheP219j4nansbQeoF06bf9qBr83i7aZRS1HfKKJUfHRCPtiuOVqTpeNppRasj0UVIwS0m11gAC8guq68FfF0f2yAYLexPcThqeDTvrAIoUgYCbzXG8vu7qLaK8yFTY_fVyOg-LpWjzVboQ38/s3418/P1110390a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1994" data-original-width="3418" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8rZXmJMBVvDpBELFGvqElPo1afSfP00MyCvypmGmBAjheP219j4nansbQeoF06bf9qBr83i7aZRS1HfKKJUfHRCPtiuOVqTpeNppRasj0UVIwS0m11gAC8guq68FfF0f2yAYLexPcThqeDTvrAIoUgYCbzXG8vu7qLaK8yFTY_fVyOg-LpWjzVboQ38/w640-h374/P1110390a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbMcbI1r74ogf0XX_PEn01UR1sKiGbtL6tpx0OvdPXjrxTaJovhGrYzpC1RSWcQsCqv-sZlbnHKR3F_9wkxh1BQ96JUaKAbL-dku_H7yu0U2xgFFZWDXmGOV6A8_8vMfSGXpB7wJ09-fJ7CC2q4uLio2Zou2CyoXV5sjGAaRVPZxkvOFjlMYAeUTLiUg/s1291/Image%2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="1291" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbMcbI1r74ogf0XX_PEn01UR1sKiGbtL6tpx0OvdPXjrxTaJovhGrYzpC1RSWcQsCqv-sZlbnHKR3F_9wkxh1BQ96JUaKAbL-dku_H7yu0U2xgFFZWDXmGOV6A8_8vMfSGXpB7wJ09-fJ7CC2q4uLio2Zou2CyoXV5sjGAaRVPZxkvOFjlMYAeUTLiUg/w640-h302/Image%2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><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/AVvXsEgf-P-6smRWMnWgDA0QXDABexiVp0nwQlUr0nkXphskVo6oASGSbdBuLVI1z_KCt1teJ_pfcGtDJT8n_QtRsHGL8T8bnHHuPA1Rm_R88zW8MS1HMgagUwEDnk0R6u_f9kjHRNIs418wh7U1LMgsg_z4Vs8jQPwyle_efZ5diQUTWo90FO4hDgSmA3px7XE/s1432/Image%2013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1432" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-P-6smRWMnWgDA0QXDABexiVp0nwQlUr0nkXphskVo6oASGSbdBuLVI1z_KCt1teJ_pfcGtDJT8n_QtRsHGL8T8bnHHuPA1Rm_R88zW8MS1HMgagUwEDnk0R6u_f9kjHRNIs418wh7U1LMgsg_z4Vs8jQPwyle_efZ5diQUTWo90FO4hDgSmA3px7XE/w640-h422/Image%2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">(Orange dice show the number of health remaining, and indicate that a model is wounded)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Despite nearing the gate and having defeated all the ghosts they had released, the Chronomancers still couldn’t exit because the Elementalists were strategically not picking up the last treasure (a condition for the gate to open). To force their hand they sent a Treasure Hunter back up the table, cleverly drawing Wraiths (immune to normal weapons) towards the Elementalists whilst all the while managing to stay just beyond their reach.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3aUE8-FFLwO_0lcKA6LqqUku36WX06T6PlYjEjA9IlLyBv0iF8fwDVH46xMQ2UySpsXpRtKGn4puUf0i2YSQRf7MCgx-wfWc8OCrgKKgeDiTFCcL06FNbX5cTubrRwH0RBgrwfh-zCkKPet5O06XCuOctCzTWsp2QgtjUvaaIAGLO6XE_eSziDi2IF8/s2139/Image%2014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="2139" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3aUE8-FFLwO_0lcKA6LqqUku36WX06T6PlYjEjA9IlLyBv0iF8fwDVH46xMQ2UySpsXpRtKGn4puUf0i2YSQRf7MCgx-wfWc8OCrgKKgeDiTFCcL06FNbX5cTubrRwH0RBgrwfh-zCkKPet5O06XCuOctCzTWsp2QgtjUvaaIAGLO6XE_eSziDi2IF8/w640-h354/Image%2014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBl64-jOGK3iA3S8nMK1hTF2Kykh2EzXaz-DZ90aStsv3Yf_Aiaft7vMT-Qpph5lhQJVUGr2I26A2YWr6mmo-JGj4D1F8YH8IfOnUjLK8y6irqZTsSWY2PKFwD27W0pbThf327gOG-fUPVGyo3UHkpDEwr45OSu_iKAE8Y2gLTbLnr9aQrwAhW-dSfB4/s4210/P1110404a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2984" data-original-width="4210" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBl64-jOGK3iA3S8nMK1hTF2Kykh2EzXaz-DZ90aStsv3Yf_Aiaft7vMT-Qpph5lhQJVUGr2I26A2YWr6mmo-JGj4D1F8YH8IfOnUjLK8y6irqZTsSWY2PKFwD27W0pbThf327gOG-fUPVGyo3UHkpDEwr45OSu_iKAE8Y2gLTbLnr9aQrwAhW-dSfB4/w640-h454/P1110404a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBefsof_Owy5Hc8xNvhGJ_RXgfqOPMnJzYZHyeNgQT1KjgjmOuZg_76ewspb39sseu8FkQdCtYh8Wbbz6jqfDEGMlM94yFcrh_Q3yAhLPQXZp-pnHi3BreYaTA6GIzc5cKy65kHBqtKRL_2Oy0r64RHD_L_7gaNE6tJ7Vw3-cHyb6oRhHTXXIdjNjUgc4/s2215/Image%2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2215" data-original-width="1181" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBefsof_Owy5Hc8xNvhGJ_RXgfqOPMnJzYZHyeNgQT1KjgjmOuZg_76ewspb39sseu8FkQdCtYh8Wbbz6jqfDEGMlM94yFcrh_Q3yAhLPQXZp-pnHi3BreYaTA6GIzc5cKy65kHBqtKRL_2Oy0r64RHD_L_7gaNE6tJ7Vw3-cHyb6oRhHTXXIdjNjUgc4/w342-h640/Image%2015.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Elementalists tried to freeze the Treasure Hunter with a spell and let the Wraiths catch up, but their magic user just wasn’t up to the task. So, they had their archer shoot him in the back instead!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuvVcNfP0GILGRlM1jWT2Pd1OFfoP2mg8WoipMwp7jRGor-qLO8-7_ScCe7YS8fQe5HcDL3o7NuUzoBBBJir7HO994ZJNC6nBjzFSdGURVadgxw9wI0ArkhwVSbj3ccuFPs1MXkwT-rANTLZF102szkV_-dkMYzS0ZCI2BON8Q_YbAAad2A5Xxmg15MY/s4542/P1110406a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3046" data-original-width="4542" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuvVcNfP0GILGRlM1jWT2Pd1OFfoP2mg8WoipMwp7jRGor-qLO8-7_ScCe7YS8fQe5HcDL3o7NuUzoBBBJir7HO994ZJNC6nBjzFSdGURVadgxw9wI0ArkhwVSbj3ccuFPs1MXkwT-rANTLZF102szkV_-dkMYzS0ZCI2BON8Q_YbAAad2A5Xxmg15MY/w640-h430/P1110406a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEXePrwtTq9PvUz19nHZ-P-evOFLXysqpqy0nxfMx-U17ZFXyTOdWqtQEdRsQZl5e2oXp-oR5_RmsPM4vAYweWCszJK-Sh9Rj530SskUJ55-lhkAbKb_FT5Sxv8mVhaqUN6oVw6uf8-cCzx9zy_zoQxOrnQAYitoSolVcmlc6Hl-wwdr4-FVtE_Mrr4g/s4153/P1110407a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3061" data-original-width="4153" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEXePrwtTq9PvUz19nHZ-P-evOFLXysqpqy0nxfMx-U17ZFXyTOdWqtQEdRsQZl5e2oXp-oR5_RmsPM4vAYweWCszJK-Sh9Rj530SskUJ55-lhkAbKb_FT5Sxv8mVhaqUN6oVw6uf8-cCzx9zy_zoQxOrnQAYitoSolVcmlc6Hl-wwdr4-FVtE_Mrr4g/w640-h472/P1110407a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In the end the Chronomancers secured five treasures (but lost two soldier specialists) and exited the table first, so will get deployment priority on the last table, the city of Felstad itself. The Elementalists, being the amoral opportunists that they are, will no doubt follow them in to the city hot on their heels, stab them in the back and claim the prize for themselves!</div><div><br /></div><div>All will be revealed in the next, and final instalment of our Frostgrave campaign.</div><p></p>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-84711485324455493602023-10-07T11:08:00.000+01:002023-10-07T11:08:37.033+01:00Clotted Lard 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8BTG2lHj9PhGYDNquNg56rAzjOKO1Zh6h24Mqd5-7o1VRbDP89_AlDzSB9gRZUocPYl0wtGrUF3urkxPGY5XD04yZnm_yWWrD9fG9BeEcUvKMADeB_RRGjK5vM1gQqMGQiFbmr-RJ2SFtZEy7-Y7JhteYVyAEGtNyKoqw0INdj0Co_GL45TMkRN1MdM/s1918/Header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1918" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8BTG2lHj9PhGYDNquNg56rAzjOKO1Zh6h24Mqd5-7o1VRbDP89_AlDzSB9gRZUocPYl0wtGrUF3urkxPGY5XD04yZnm_yWWrD9fG9BeEcUvKMADeB_RRGjK5vM1gQqMGQiFbmr-RJ2SFtZEy7-Y7JhteYVyAEGtNyKoqw0INdj0Co_GL45TMkRN1MdM/w640-h362/Header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Last month the Devon Wargames Group in conjunction with the Too Fat Lardies ran the sixth Clotted Lard Show held annually to celebrate playing all things Lardy and to contribute to a worthy charity with the proceedings from the show, which this year was in support of a very worthy local charity, Devon Air Ambulance Trust, that is a vital emergency medical response service, in such a large rural county as Devon, turning out to assist 1,169 critically ill patients in 2022, of which 109 were children.<div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhQi9M6RVz1qinvcQ2UpuQGswkSmz_6Xnqp5crb8C91tybpSQsfhAyKe6AdsbP8oIQjV8D_H4adaGqdOsS37_hwHzXm35Q9p4noDuSTMOIMKhbfPvMUBIBhVwbEILyn4ICEh8sIHW8qNrfhmWfzhX3BG8P0rXmsacvdzy0_j8gE_ShEwMh4R4bWeBI9glo/s610/DAA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="610" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQi9M6RVz1qinvcQ2UpuQGswkSmz_6Xnqp5crb8C91tybpSQsfhAyKe6AdsbP8oIQjV8D_H4adaGqdOsS37_hwHzXm35Q9p4noDuSTMOIMKhbfPvMUBIBhVwbEILyn4ICEh8sIHW8qNrfhmWfzhX3BG8P0rXmsacvdzy0_j8gE_ShEwMh4R4bWeBI9glo/s320/DAA.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.daat.org/"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Devon Air Ambulance Trust</span></b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Last year saw the show relocate to Lympstone Village Hall, in the beautiful village of Lympstone, perched on the banks of the River Exe, and the venue has provided superb facilities for our needs that has seen us outgrow our previous venue in terms of the number of folks wanting to play Lardy games.<div><br /></div><div>This year we had twelve games running, using nine sets of rules, covering themes across the millennia, on air, sea and land, plus a bit of Tolkien for good measure, and from the banter and chat during the day and after, much fun was had by all.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvbCX4G35unnMyAbOJY53_KUaSiJeBjYcJxsP9DY1r6ToXB21__EBpffWYpfVVGnlQpkPW0zEGvwfpCENVhWQyIRCFX0PlTsgInBPyKh7BpmoWXn3ydtj4R-mOWb2_Nrc6U3aNQk0zmFVmpkQ2G8ai2MaO7YZ0rCu0L35mIDEv8j64ztLz_GSze4mBpY/s1180/IMG_4647.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1180" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvbCX4G35unnMyAbOJY53_KUaSiJeBjYcJxsP9DY1r6ToXB21__EBpffWYpfVVGnlQpkPW0zEGvwfpCENVhWQyIRCFX0PlTsgInBPyKh7BpmoWXn3ydtj4R-mOWb2_Nrc6U3aNQk0zmFVmpkQ2G8ai2MaO7YZ0rCu0L35mIDEv8j64ztLz_GSze4mBpY/w400-h396/IMG_4647.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In previous years I have tended to excuse myself playing in one of the sessions to allow me time to get around and showcase each game individually, but this year I was running my own game of Kiss Me Hardy in both the morning and afternoon sessions, so decided to change things up a bit, by looking to capture the feel of a Lardy show and particularly Clotted Lard, where we have a regular group of friends turning up year after year, which adds to the relaxed atmosphere, now set off perfectly with our luxurious surroundings in gloriously beautiful East Devon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Below is a short video that I put together, capturing Clotted Lard 2023 being set up and a few pictures of some of the games to give a feel for the event.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uj6IkPki55M" width="320" youtube-src-id="uj6IkPki55M"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>I also grabbed a few pictures on my way around the tables in the morning of a few of the games practically set up and ready to start, and I'm sure there are plenty more pictures of the other games on social media, should the impulse take you there.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Midgard, 28mm, Dave Hunter</span></b></div><div><div>28mm Middle-earth War of Dwarves and Orcs. Third Age 2794. </div><div><br /></div><div>As Grumblin, Lord of Damâmkar-dûm, or Nárli, heir of Snoti Longbeard, lead your dwarves boldly forth against the foul orcs of lâshbûrnzbûm. As Bolog, Tyrant of Gûlâshbûrnzbûm, or his captain, the fell orc, Nâstirâsh, bring an unstoppable host of orcs, trolls (and maybe an unexpected surprise) to crush the pitifully small army that stands between you and all the fabled riches of Damâmkar-dûm. James Morris' Midgard is the perfect vehicle for recreating the history of Middle-earth as Tolkien intended.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiul2h0ncvW8Zr8XYD9qdfJOGLFBaMjV3VSl-hQqqUu0vjL_ygjjMWbpVVH40BK4DNs74f8ikvIacj2445-VNx7jrC_dahVsknBfWpKoGeJ0G6FzVEnwE5zZu32MS4gD7_3uVMCavcLkCLJs5LG6yYNdoh_tGWfTXhQDXb8isb0a3kFnkNaojFHv0DUG30/s4896/P1110269a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3171" data-original-width="4896" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiul2h0ncvW8Zr8XYD9qdfJOGLFBaMjV3VSl-hQqqUu0vjL_ygjjMWbpVVH40BK4DNs74f8ikvIacj2445-VNx7jrC_dahVsknBfWpKoGeJ0G6FzVEnwE5zZu32MS4gD7_3uVMCavcLkCLJs5LG6yYNdoh_tGWfTXhQDXb8isb0a3kFnkNaojFHv0DUG30/w640-h414/P1110269a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1dfbriy0YEkm0h2yCCLYUp11PZOgaeBmlGIoLkBidJ2ohu2wuFFgrGua5-ls8niw0hFWOGcQ3VATqGLXoD3NDjT3mUx1rqo7Q9wBedx_rzi5R-JUqJuMAB8l0FCfXP3h5JVtMJ92T_WDYrdl79lqmv073AxwqCCnGvamc6xE8ScT0s0eueyGrcUnaco/s4501/P1110270a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3152" data-original-width="4501" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1dfbriy0YEkm0h2yCCLYUp11PZOgaeBmlGIoLkBidJ2ohu2wuFFgrGua5-ls8niw0hFWOGcQ3VATqGLXoD3NDjT3mUx1rqo7Q9wBedx_rzi5R-JUqJuMAB8l0FCfXP3h5JVtMJ92T_WDYrdl79lqmv073AxwqCCnGvamc6xE8ScT0s0eueyGrcUnaco/w640-h448/P1110270a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1oDrfLvbs9f4T7VjSEqv3H1p5PFl9degHiXSY1eCydUfVDRn6kzzPEYNA8GmY5NYE08r6u8F-nc8KREGTI8jZxrfEiZVdiKZqnBRh95XTXYqVyNnXtLCFyK70u741edWU-7UlaEOifyLYR-CQDm6K66114XWuEIrTVwqPfm5ghaHSJcFPth8lzbatn4/s3970/P1110271a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3430" data-original-width="3970" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1oDrfLvbs9f4T7VjSEqv3H1p5PFl9degHiXSY1eCydUfVDRn6kzzPEYNA8GmY5NYE08r6u8F-nc8KREGTI8jZxrfEiZVdiKZqnBRh95XTXYqVyNnXtLCFyK70u741edWU-7UlaEOifyLYR-CQDm6K66114XWuEIrTVwqPfm5ghaHSJcFPth8lzbatn4/w640-h552/P1110271a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2606" data-original-width="4376" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBkiuH3nfLLRgCY6bv-JAZjcL1BNZHq1s5VffdB22TnpwKW7JxDem3nbwJV50OQIRgGZMPLf9etN041SgH7RdO4GuMuHyLqf9iEKRm7J6DUKkAqgkYwL5mzZGFAxnUVejRvXjED51TOmIIYrbi4AMrzTAFLEjbGR6qOeEydBS5TVKw_3I8-bjcjH1S_Q/w640-h382/P1110273a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyE975Do6njsqWZtH3DXa5YudzHXGEOXSQZp8stsmhbIVAAJZ6n1FPPHzJFBoFgfcG7sCMTssc4KFq_ECHJHl5OQJAMLadQRdexcQP1LRvByRumJ7qzlv7hmudqjF7qT8NfR1TWzbL6jpYqeF6TxkLCIwE-PyD4CYddu6ver4vpOq2irkAZBdzkSY1pQY/s3717/P1110274a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2853" data-original-width="3717" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyE975Do6njsqWZtH3DXa5YudzHXGEOXSQZp8stsmhbIVAAJZ6n1FPPHzJFBoFgfcG7sCMTssc4KFq_ECHJHl5OQJAMLadQRdexcQP1LRvByRumJ7qzlv7hmudqjF7qT8NfR1TWzbL6jpYqeF6TxkLCIwE-PyD4CYddu6ver4vpOq2irkAZBdzkSY1pQY/w640-h492/P1110274a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQP5eq10kY4Q0qsCV_jiDVCoshFPuN85T0KOgqDQagGBOSJCcAB2x1mR1UqQeTNP3rnLAJOAQHwS0IFiPeelXr6Qjy8WQnOniaqdbGYOy_xqL46Mb7fVWGj7aDaTmfZ2Vz1UBEsilpuTHk3NcpStwTtODcChNhKlojcMh7pGrTbmjR09HCH9PfwzE2058/s4222/P1110275a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2466" data-original-width="4222" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQP5eq10kY4Q0qsCV_jiDVCoshFPuN85T0KOgqDQagGBOSJCcAB2x1mR1UqQeTNP3rnLAJOAQHwS0IFiPeelXr6Qjy8WQnOniaqdbGYOy_xqL46Mb7fVWGj7aDaTmfZ2Vz1UBEsilpuTHk3NcpStwTtODcChNhKlojcMh7pGrTbmjR09HCH9PfwzE2058/w640-h374/P1110275a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Chain of Command, 28mm, Chas Carter & Vince Hyland</span></b></div></div><div><div>Ice Station Zebra, it's the 1960's, somewhere near the North Pole. As US marines & sailors from USS Tigerfish search for the downed satellite, Soviet paratroopers land round the ice station. Whilst the main characters and spies search the base, the US and Soviet troops duke it out, as the ice flow breaks up around them?</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-09tGC7LJ1YfhfB9L2wtmlf2aiD-fdo-HZ5Fl3_jk8Sm644rgJuNTm2QLHwMHFAYgb_BLoUgqDinvabdLDosoMqGUygfY1sP6yEHS9IdCd2aDnWpWodlrdvPgE0lY8TRnLtQJwIpNOmXQPx94dCCpTOO78DepqD3lbthFJFZ8vHF3WddCwni8ONGh7U/s4432/P1110278a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2773" data-original-width="4432" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-09tGC7LJ1YfhfB9L2wtmlf2aiD-fdo-HZ5Fl3_jk8Sm644rgJuNTm2QLHwMHFAYgb_BLoUgqDinvabdLDosoMqGUygfY1sP6yEHS9IdCd2aDnWpWodlrdvPgE0lY8TRnLtQJwIpNOmXQPx94dCCpTOO78DepqD3lbthFJFZ8vHF3WddCwni8ONGh7U/w640-h400/P1110278a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUUqamKX0m70o9REoOGDtvAW_aK5vPb5-2GFhHREwSHQ4Hc0vYoqCw-P_7_NTCInOqzhCGa8lMLdy54OdNTvUYvodznOtwChTZ61p5V5X2hDxOFfr4ewcFv1ginKaOp-nvGRSpBRoBGcai6oVHaLSsFtgq2zjh4Htsw5rISMxfpmQRYOMBWA-Y8YFLOM/s4896/P1110279a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUUqamKX0m70o9REoOGDtvAW_aK5vPb5-2GFhHREwSHQ4Hc0vYoqCw-P_7_NTCInOqzhCGa8lMLdy54OdNTvUYvodznOtwChTZ61p5V5X2hDxOFfr4ewcFv1ginKaOp-nvGRSpBRoBGcai6oVHaLSsFtgq2zjh4Htsw5rISMxfpmQRYOMBWA-Y8YFLOM/w640-h480/P1110279a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQcYTmJ-uRPxCxitLJCnd6M-dbnVqJ0w2HkFiNDEJT4sPA8b4IH96wFc6fp9P7UURmukEUydE-J_Kl6z07Np1hdDvMJQnXCfCWJLtz0WKkhrMwI2xvORcBF8YXq1yz09FGLdT_cTPEkLZ1Szw_DDKMih32mstrFrdUzwPqL2A3BHQWpgJjP_1XE9vYHw/s4896/P1110280a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQcYTmJ-uRPxCxitLJCnd6M-dbnVqJ0w2HkFiNDEJT4sPA8b4IH96wFc6fp9P7UURmukEUydE-J_Kl6z07Np1hdDvMJQnXCfCWJLtz0WKkhrMwI2xvORcBF8YXq1yz09FGLdT_cTPEkLZ1Szw_DDKMih32mstrFrdUzwPqL2A3BHQWpgJjP_1XE9vYHw/w640-h480/P1110280a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Dux Britanniarum, 28mm, Mike Cloake</span></b></div><div>Raid on a wagon convoy' - The British are escorting a convoy of wagons laden with provisions, weapons and filthy lucre. The Saxons are determined to relieve the British convoy of their cargoes and have set an ambush. Will the British reach the Fort at the end of their journey with their goods intact?</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrTxfeXPf_kmFetjVW8FGdVvmcjay7NvVbi0oum53gJ1MoxOrsZ4r1G8Hyv9TWtTwibX5yWJiOAKFWZDaI9FZbioJkUYRfpr4GpH_gyT4oWJeYCPPCHyE2eafS7OnfXxO1yxrBssTGCABbdzEtPRYMHd3pw4kURSPu-W5neYRurZMq7wwQC05vPXWhcg/s4418/P1110283a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3501" data-original-width="4418" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrTxfeXPf_kmFetjVW8FGdVvmcjay7NvVbi0oum53gJ1MoxOrsZ4r1G8Hyv9TWtTwibX5yWJiOAKFWZDaI9FZbioJkUYRfpr4GpH_gyT4oWJeYCPPCHyE2eafS7OnfXxO1yxrBssTGCABbdzEtPRYMHd3pw4kURSPu-W5neYRurZMq7wwQC05vPXWhcg/w640-h508/P1110283a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9Am9mdhKwKVIcQiXp9AmTidV0e69B8dLwNuQ0PDu3lMTdJeu1CDLRqQwElkX0QC5U_pEiIKm0VAiRNESPJ-zW09FRsIEZBcX5fkgsCceBuSxsFIsKv-KufQ6vLlDjpr-R5BwKuG7MEt0P-Lx5baORL5eCrPkvsHcbBi7wYTfEuywQNXROl6IRy5_lJg/s4896/P1110284a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9Am9mdhKwKVIcQiXp9AmTidV0e69B8dLwNuQ0PDu3lMTdJeu1CDLRqQwElkX0QC5U_pEiIKm0VAiRNESPJ-zW09FRsIEZBcX5fkgsCceBuSxsFIsKv-KufQ6vLlDjpr-R5BwKuG7MEt0P-Lx5baORL5eCrPkvsHcbBi7wYTfEuywQNXROl6IRy5_lJg/w640-h480/P1110284a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-DwokBBvUhgRLaKLsVjouCZfnKiHK01uvE-_o80kD8HvcP_weeW8s47rdPGExSpp2Rb8PbjfaiR-OhN9cfR96CTXyzBmG3GBd_diGSo1HiLolCNum1mJXIl__5Tmbs1AmdTAAqKTkP2qoYZG2RwMEgM41nDzT5XsWHf5gGj_LRbRgnwIJxadbCQQZns/s4073/P1110285a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2633" data-original-width="4073" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-DwokBBvUhgRLaKLsVjouCZfnKiHK01uvE-_o80kD8HvcP_weeW8s47rdPGExSpp2Rb8PbjfaiR-OhN9cfR96CTXyzBmG3GBd_diGSo1HiLolCNum1mJXIl__5Tmbs1AmdTAAqKTkP2qoYZG2RwMEgM41nDzT5XsWHf5gGj_LRbRgnwIJxadbCQQZns/w640-h414/P1110285a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX1kOBbM-uTSxdXmXjNNoVJFXuFkXDfaeffguWm1s6y9kL5bDV7IGIwV1xHQSfAGMKGgPAhdLlRyTx58vSN_YV54uHfjaRltE1Sqju9B4xJZXuXXq6C53O0nArhcjaZmlPnqU2w2O2romf5PjC_WlT2Gpz84XiotDWbRoFAcfU8NzqHhNo5mafWk0ASY/s4896/P1110286a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3247" data-original-width="4896" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX1kOBbM-uTSxdXmXjNNoVJFXuFkXDfaeffguWm1s6y9kL5bDV7IGIwV1xHQSfAGMKGgPAhdLlRyTx58vSN_YV54uHfjaRltE1Sqju9B4xJZXuXXq6C53O0nArhcjaZmlPnqU2w2O2romf5PjC_WlT2Gpz84XiotDWbRoFAcfU8NzqHhNo5mafWk0ASY/w640-h424/P1110286a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With regards to my own day, as the video revealed Kiss Me Hardy was in its room from last year, or the 'Chairman's Suite' as I like to call it, where age of sail aficionados can enjoy the game in civilised chat without having to cock an ear to hear what ones neighbour is saying, very civilised.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEiomTyvNPiqPVdrLz2KuRkXDP_piTK8ItN95b4GPznyHjizFqk67phuhXeyM-hgUjqE0noXXf5IPyfLwyFucla4iUjlWNUeYgIck6DObZHCFaotX_rcSzSeQwc-AiSap3YTAc-ziTu3A2Zz_FLheaXBGCKW2i5oBc2N9zhZk6uLfT0qy2u393ge4zs9V54/s640/WarrensAction1798Ireland.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="640" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomTyvNPiqPVdrLz2KuRkXDP_piTK8ItN95b4GPznyHjizFqk67phuhXeyM-hgUjqE0noXXf5IPyfLwyFucla4iUjlWNUeYgIck6DObZHCFaotX_rcSzSeQwc-AiSap3YTAc-ziTu3A2Zz_FLheaXBGCKW2i5oBc2N9zhZk6uLfT0qy2u393ge4zs9V54/w400-h278/WarrensAction1798Ireland.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://devonwargames.blogspot.com/2023/08/bantry-bay-1796-kiss-me-hardy.html"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Devon Wargames Group - Bantry Bay-1796, Kiss Me Hardy</span></b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This year I was running the 'Bantry Bay-1796' scenario that I featured on its debut at the Devon Wargames Group for a trial run in August, link above, leading up to Clotted Lard, and a game I have recently run at the Naval Wargames Society show at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton and once I have topped and tailed the briefing will publish the scenario together with the required ship-sheets for others to have a go should they wish.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Kiss Me, Hardy 1/700, Jonathan Jones</span></b></div><div>The Battle of Bantry Bay, Dec 1796. A ‘what if encounter’ that imagines the arrival of elements of the French fleet, under the command of Commodore Jaques Bedout, carrying troops for the invasion of Ireland and bound for a landing in Bantry Bay, intercepted by the Inshore Squadron under Sir Edward Pellew and the vanguard of the Channel Fleet under Commodore Sir James Saumarez.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicsKRfmPXTFEjV7autvDHf5972HwK-SMb6gcY7At4anBeJHjWTq3q4Ow1v4TQCJED-62VMFWtrmdD8b49zy_ZKowmIVPFLcHBLQwBCRGi2vMvFeSC9G33iH4_WENFxz19OGi39Fy4jhJ8vnwALQ5OzBc41vaTWKTvSjGXWLcgDZfpc8d9975ebDLH-AE/s4896/P1110267a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicsKRfmPXTFEjV7autvDHf5972HwK-SMb6gcY7At4anBeJHjWTq3q4Ow1v4TQCJED-62VMFWtrmdD8b49zy_ZKowmIVPFLcHBLQwBCRGi2vMvFeSC9G33iH4_WENFxz19OGi39Fy4jhJ8vnwALQ5OzBc41vaTWKTvSjGXWLcgDZfpc8d9975ebDLH-AE/w640-h480/P1110267a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPiw_iR100BPntzEVrvFApWyCU0_zjSae1gGfdIrsUj56LknlhGAk7XDbD4ydDAFPMII6gw9fqYkgpoGlNGwDYDIVu-m6-jbaQ1JOxDxkOYq8g61oleIRbkkZb_CN7T7LNgXva_w4-8nfQu47W0e-0NF5Y9c6i0MyqfAN9yFxtX1LGDUhlug577ZiNmI/s4896/P1110268a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPiw_iR100BPntzEVrvFApWyCU0_zjSae1gGfdIrsUj56LknlhGAk7XDbD4ydDAFPMII6gw9fqYkgpoGlNGwDYDIVu-m6-jbaQ1JOxDxkOYq8g61oleIRbkkZb_CN7T7LNgXva_w4-8nfQu47W0e-0NF5Y9c6i0MyqfAN9yFxtX1LGDUhlug577ZiNmI/w640-h480/P1110268a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I've had a lot of fun running this scenario, and I think it is a real test for both sides, but especially for the French who need to have a clear idea of what they need to do to win the game, and that requires a complete dedication to getting at least two but better still all four of the transports across the entrance into Bear Haven, simulated by the two land promontories, irrespective of losses to the warships, which inevitably will have their hands full keeping Messrs Pellew and Saumarez at bay.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXwmWqjMPaLp5Hb8A31M1b5kr6c2uq_9qj5vISjTur5hn6hKyIL7htmRy_BS_jYM48NO3xCuyE3tLBFtKeVD_2Y6pniXivwC-AEkRwHt9VxEgdmyu-VDsoeXhfF2x30gnKZsWFgot1Av55YHvI-bdVeWQl81LapxwNvwIljFEupjUt4-p5QBu9CMxl0k/s4896/P1110289a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXwmWqjMPaLp5Hb8A31M1b5kr6c2uq_9qj5vISjTur5hn6hKyIL7htmRy_BS_jYM48NO3xCuyE3tLBFtKeVD_2Y6pniXivwC-AEkRwHt9VxEgdmyu-VDsoeXhfF2x30gnKZsWFgot1Av55YHvI-bdVeWQl81LapxwNvwIljFEupjUt4-p5QBu9CMxl0k/w640-h480/P1110289a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As I write this overview I now have the game played at Yeovilton together with the two played here at Clotted Lard to go by, and at the latter the French managed to get one transport across the line before their fleet morale broke, but I think with careful application, in making sure that the lead British warships have to ideally tackle two French ones at any one time, with a focus on trying to tie those lead British ships up in lengthy boarding actions, thus stopping them manoeuvring, I think a good result for the French is possible.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJh7zXm5djoNdsSU88TiOKrf7OAdA59HY-18owMU3-PnR_31eVC-tRj4wq5MMt2jqX56V_urxAaZOtTkjgMe0195iNEdNtIFVJYLUkQ5tdCZYiGWEfFBU8LhzNZRQedGzQnVUplookchyncLtt8i4M-cF2tCU1SYjLRz5RnS0iWDW3Bwxdm1TQIn9y8g/s3146/P1110290a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2972" data-original-width="3146" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJh7zXm5djoNdsSU88TiOKrf7OAdA59HY-18owMU3-PnR_31eVC-tRj4wq5MMt2jqX56V_urxAaZOtTkjgMe0195iNEdNtIFVJYLUkQ5tdCZYiGWEfFBU8LhzNZRQedGzQnVUplookchyncLtt8i4M-cF2tCU1SYjLRz5RnS0iWDW3Bwxdm1TQIn9y8g/w640-h604/P1110290a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>That said the British have a formidable squadron on the table and can win by taking out the transports or breaking the French fleet morale before any transports have crossed the line, but it has been surprising to hear the different British command teams pondering over their doubts about their ability to stop the French in all in the games played so far.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVRY1UJXAeG2X4Q-Ga5S3Td2Ih3DotGbuN4aAPTfZfQ8Vg8o8WVeqFi8IguDM946XOEoAB98pgrJIMgtGM7PvjrAHS8xw3RuAHvjoXSVf6sEowRuObcjWmuYA7XkYIimTzwbm20eaQEgMWAx8uxb6iq58bkJa3s_EIpUuSDvdg9nYiGSmh0c4ALwAw4M/s4757/P1110291a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2875" data-original-width="4757" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVRY1UJXAeG2X4Q-Ga5S3Td2Ih3DotGbuN4aAPTfZfQ8Vg8o8WVeqFi8IguDM946XOEoAB98pgrJIMgtGM7PvjrAHS8xw3RuAHvjoXSVf6sEowRuObcjWmuYA7XkYIimTzwbm20eaQEgMWAx8uxb6iq58bkJa3s_EIpUuSDvdg9nYiGSmh0c4ALwAw4M/w640-h386/P1110291a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I will expand on my thinking about Bantry Bay when I complete the NWS Meeting AAR, but in the meantime thank Geoff, Frazer, Paul G, Paul O. and John in the morning game and Andy, Sam, Simon, Ioan, Lawrence and Adam in the afternoon game for providing two very interesting and fun KMH games - Cheers Chaps.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbnr_lN-AMRi2zJYaMwB8GXWI2L021QlhThQTGUmAqkxrKH19ypcFWF4zRgz_Cvqjb7ssgRgfGq6poXpnN75PKoyuSQzvhhZ5HFrT2_eG9x3YvOiHakC6vFH9v_rt9SkpYCs03aS9K1_b5PlbK0JufPDCQo0afIKeKz4XqVjyWHTYLQ0ztgugKV_160U/s3590/P1110292a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2544" data-original-width="3590" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbnr_lN-AMRi2zJYaMwB8GXWI2L021QlhThQTGUmAqkxrKH19ypcFWF4zRgz_Cvqjb7ssgRgfGq6poXpnN75PKoyuSQzvhhZ5HFrT2_eG9x3YvOiHakC6vFH9v_rt9SkpYCs03aS9K1_b5PlbK0JufPDCQo0afIKeKz4XqVjyWHTYLQ0ztgugKV_160U/w640-h454/P1110292a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2OMsNIYCJSEBreRSHsCOcgalBSHDhaBRsgEZG0NdKTqXwPZYnSE0qvCaO5kQXL6QKy8L3lQ-h6QNpX4UDjsFyTS8lxOLoTQpMHkYFLjdw8egGd4eH2vLd95CcwkjF9Q8q4ePWTk0dIN0FOBqujMHJBn3gLEo6PXz1LuFLrqVVqr-Z4saH1W1PkzPw-0/s4896/P1110293a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3023" data-original-width="4896" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2OMsNIYCJSEBreRSHsCOcgalBSHDhaBRsgEZG0NdKTqXwPZYnSE0qvCaO5kQXL6QKy8L3lQ-h6QNpX4UDjsFyTS8lxOLoTQpMHkYFLjdw8egGd4eH2vLd95CcwkjF9Q8q4ePWTk0dIN0FOBqujMHJBn3gLEo6PXz1LuFLrqVVqr-Z4saH1W1PkzPw-0/w640-h396/P1110293a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-UaniT6UbF2cZpS7k_rhkof5k9IrTOpT9wZVnlFBwWArSLWwashzboUw23-fMiYNAB4oFLUZrEFQdkX7YGR4ILIIW9mdZTIKQi1SMcQx3Yq_A-Oj71l8dsMu9DdrmyOqfzETdLrfboMW1pbI9hv6Qn3qO_CzI8uGp6NfwiOo7NbJpy7j5ZpAkKRI3JM/s4896/P1110295a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2177" data-original-width="4896" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-UaniT6UbF2cZpS7k_rhkof5k9IrTOpT9wZVnlFBwWArSLWwashzboUw23-fMiYNAB4oFLUZrEFQdkX7YGR4ILIIW9mdZTIKQi1SMcQx3Yq_A-Oj71l8dsMu9DdrmyOqfzETdLrfboMW1pbI9hv6Qn3qO_CzI8uGp6NfwiOo7NbJpy7j5ZpAkKRI3JM/w640-h284/P1110295a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrpkDs4iAkTHjiYfefx6Jlf_C9PiPgcQw7IQQZyIS9UvciMW5vQ9ZEZquebR5OBAxM05MUcffcXd_gOmEFp1b_kvfgqFTNcI7VEHzXPwqG6gR9hdT_U4j8epfXjy_co-G231ot9s2BHTNXuT5XoVJ6afjOCPZ4k6b_kUT-BEQ3YR_etXBUfo0ox-v9Vg/s4769/P1110296a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2438" data-original-width="4769" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrpkDs4iAkTHjiYfefx6Jlf_C9PiPgcQw7IQQZyIS9UvciMW5vQ9ZEZquebR5OBAxM05MUcffcXd_gOmEFp1b_kvfgqFTNcI7VEHzXPwqG6gR9hdT_U4j8epfXjy_co-G231ot9s2BHTNXuT5XoVJ6afjOCPZ4k6b_kUT-BEQ3YR_etXBUfo0ox-v9Vg/w640-h328/P1110296a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSX-OSmADxADObowOc-vbbPFdwG_OhSRBDt8Cb6uVYhrd1cSUnZfVSkwz08__u8ECLl5OoTtivFQXlkaCRLSBhr_7Vd1A3whvM23felfubYe812qy4yF02ExZW56GeYtbw3SgIiaqTy6T2vaCFRESS-CJpgYEq-0rIavA9JCqNtwkzSBZnlv_cj6_t0U/s4318/P1110297a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="4318" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSX-OSmADxADObowOc-vbbPFdwG_OhSRBDt8Cb6uVYhrd1cSUnZfVSkwz08__u8ECLl5OoTtivFQXlkaCRLSBhr_7Vd1A3whvM23felfubYe812qy4yF02ExZW56GeYtbw3SgIiaqTy6T2vaCFRESS-CJpgYEq-0rIavA9JCqNtwkzSBZnlv_cj6_t0U/w640-h410/P1110297a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkotc0DOBPQUJFy6VikamVqoPpTnaJsv78zULwpewU7FSJVKtGHuw_-spYo5gwq-eP32qSYLkAbFTOn3MOEvkrDiBQ4VyXHLfiCbmZwNnxPEsLltfGeyIkvypXBKLaUDwjTKm3LVrhIrhvnNiVtSCgCyx_fXT6Mw-9zjRMGc0gqZhlQ6AAEQZC0j1Vpg/s3971/P1110298a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3406" data-original-width="3971" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkotc0DOBPQUJFy6VikamVqoPpTnaJsv78zULwpewU7FSJVKtGHuw_-spYo5gwq-eP32qSYLkAbFTOn3MOEvkrDiBQ4VyXHLfiCbmZwNnxPEsLltfGeyIkvypXBKLaUDwjTKm3LVrhIrhvnNiVtSCgCyx_fXT6Mw-9zjRMGc0gqZhlQ6AAEQZC0j1Vpg/w640-h548/P1110298a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Below is our team picture for Clotted Lard 2023 and thank you to Bob Connor, our retiring Clotted Lard Cat Herder in Chief, who stepped down from the job, with this his sixth Clotted Lard completed and a tribute to all the work he has put in to making the show something everyone involved in them has looked forward to each year. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6J-GQCoLDi1FUEtgVQMvI7dV-c63RDBqK1Yk9x6rIRCVBVYgS2innvkGmxDX9Phd5GZ4PIMQBa5WOGInF5IE_YKl2pYBSiejvy6AZcW3YoVrqAEOHC_b65aJBtLfATcxG3r4_9_p6iRgGJa2A0gzepOBvPjIasbGfa-fgJ5a1aH9yYvAfUptT1WlexY/s4391/P1110287a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2308" data-original-width="4391" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6J-GQCoLDi1FUEtgVQMvI7dV-c63RDBqK1Yk9x6rIRCVBVYgS2innvkGmxDX9Phd5GZ4PIMQBa5WOGInF5IE_YKl2pYBSiejvy6AZcW3YoVrqAEOHC_b65aJBtLfATcxG3r4_9_p6iRgGJa2A0gzepOBvPjIasbGfa-fgJ5a1aH9yYvAfUptT1WlexY/w640-h336/P1110287a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Here's looking forward to Clotted Lard 2024, and the club looks forward to welcoming fellow Lard enthusiasts on the next one.</div><div><br /></div><div>JJ</div><div><p></p></div></div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-3975968547048959502023-09-16T07:05:00.003+01:002023-09-16T07:05:51.595+01:00Gaslands Tournament<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWj2L9f3-37lJ_O01mGghXTziA4Ogt8XO7Lf6pu1UyqHZGIJ9bCDN_UCoYhjM0VbRC7uFqqE1JR4h1FdIBip0dopNrKizgH0HEWjFInFpAZLgqRSgQHW50bqJieW7kckdjvcVhvApdlmNLEW8BbmNP1NKsQeDdvZJi6nEJjTwe0q2ml25tJ1DF95K4PGE/s300/images.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWj2L9f3-37lJ_O01mGghXTziA4Ogt8XO7Lf6pu1UyqHZGIJ9bCDN_UCoYhjM0VbRC7uFqqE1JR4h1FdIBip0dopNrKizgH0HEWjFInFpAZLgqRSgQHW50bqJieW7kckdjvcVhvApdlmNLEW8BbmNP1NKsQeDdvZJi6nEJjTwe0q2ml25tJ1DF95K4PGE/w640-h358/images.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;">September's meeting saw me running a day campaign to Osprey's excellent rules, "Gaslands Refuelled.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulG0df-l295t8HjQPmeb2I5Wa2BsFXpQhYuimOE7csdu8MEJmNd6PXgoM1T0eGbRIQk2WsaL9OnaXdbi7qyvoSCxibq2zFCIufJlagHoeqwP1qicx1BKr8OdypERB8b8Q8rQQFSbxPcJTcEOkwSskfLf93F6TR32cATKxKAOSnoXbVtKTwDVwEDGspI4/s4896/P1110191a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulG0df-l295t8HjQPmeb2I5Wa2BsFXpQhYuimOE7csdu8MEJmNd6PXgoM1T0eGbRIQk2WsaL9OnaXdbi7qyvoSCxibq2zFCIufJlagHoeqwP1qicx1BKr8OdypERB8b8Q8rQQFSbxPcJTcEOkwSskfLf93F6TR32cATKxKAOSnoXbVtKTwDVwEDGspI4/w640-h480/P1110191a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The rules cover races in a post Apocalyptic world. Following a catastrophic war, governments have fallen and major corporations are in charge. The remaining population is fully employed working themselves to death for these businesses. The corporations subscribe to the "bread and circuses" philosophy, feeding the people's physical needs with a subsistence diet. Their need for entertainment is fulfilled by televised motor vehicle races, with a liberal dose of fun with firearms thrown in for good measure. The rewards for the winners are fame, prestige and cans of fuel. The losers aren't so lucky.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Four players rose to the challenge of racing for the television special. It was to be a series of three races, the last being a "Saturday Night Special".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOZxkosKtRvfNbt6-xLdGRK0F6FdOOuOu1HD6PT1-RPgbimxslqH3y9pfIZV2HBzSq8QhE5xY5Rv9ULCND_vnzzULVxw7hQHRkTMG_3CjvMvPUAi2AcTUPKatcnMWCel4nIX_Kb6jvIzdSuWT5EgpMyAKD8b9KNDzCXD-jRGhoSFcd8t9BeHlB4IscHg/s4441/P1110185a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2647" data-original-width="4441" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOZxkosKtRvfNbt6-xLdGRK0F6FdOOuOu1HD6PT1-RPgbimxslqH3y9pfIZV2HBzSq8QhE5xY5Rv9ULCND_vnzzULVxw7hQHRkTMG_3CjvMvPUAi2AcTUPKatcnMWCel4nIX_Kb6jvIzdSuWT5EgpMyAKD8b9KNDzCXD-jRGhoSFcd8t9BeHlB4IscHg/w640-h382/P1110185a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Chas, Mark C, Rob and Tom drew up on the start grid, piloting a pick up truck, a performance car and two cars respectively. The pick up had a crew of three rednecks, the performance car just the driver and the cars a driver and mate. Each crew member started proceedings with just a pistol.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The announcer reminded participants that it was a six gate race, with drivers having to pass each gate in order. Firearms were not permitted to be used before gate two was passed. In case anyone forgot sentry guns on the first and second gates would remind them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEsTNgsda99C-43WniLplN-8-Ib2i-5zsVOb-cdBOPMxpZVnbXcP9_fjTiU0INjF32yDowrkKIaQmD_myBgPnKCI2hbVieoXtNUIVumAmnheX2x3-upEck2dMla6slK47IEZkLvD5uZrc1cVX-bhZWv4A6FtxJakrLCoRCtgUa0J6ZM9sPQGSdhBeWFI/s4594/P1110186a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3315" data-original-width="4594" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEsTNgsda99C-43WniLplN-8-Ib2i-5zsVOb-cdBOPMxpZVnbXcP9_fjTiU0INjF32yDowrkKIaQmD_myBgPnKCI2hbVieoXtNUIVumAmnheX2x3-upEck2dMla6slK47IEZkLvD5uZrc1cVX-bhZWv4A6FtxJakrLCoRCtgUa0J6ZM9sPQGSdhBeWFI/w640-h462/P1110186a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Each turn was conducted over six gear phases, with only cars in the current or higher gear, able to participate in each round. Each turn the gear phase reset to one and cars raced through the gears again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Any car wrecked, was respawned at the last gate it had past on the following turn. It only had half its original hull points however.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The movements of vehicles is governed by movement templates, with certain templates only being able to be used in certain gears. Some templates give free gear shifts or hazards. The final position of the active vehicle being modified by the rolling of a number of dice, up to the vehicles handling characteristics. The dice bear "shift", "slide", "spin" and "hazard" symbols, with a "shift" being capable of being or cancelling any other symbol or shifting the vehicles gear up or down ready for the next gear phase or the need to slow for obstacles. Players can "push it" and reroll any or all of their dice, at the expense of gaining a "hazard". Hazards are also gained for collisions, which may be mitigated by attempts to avoid being rammed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4vfZgo_AW6zd7LweMgZ26Qcpg4TNM3dPBhJBsCmJIPnbcwk4164KDhdLKOptubSL7YwfH2i1j-3mshIjCcftJ-pp-DfUcuTPUmFG06y8V-jUQSjJ5lTshh5eYvnmcpiiouv6-ZxQEb2IJTBMKOaX8--e-07UKxvdQvRola8e_k4bbcyZeXDT6hiD1Nw/s4895/P1110187a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2575" data-original-width="4895" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4vfZgo_AW6zd7LweMgZ26Qcpg4TNM3dPBhJBsCmJIPnbcwk4164KDhdLKOptubSL7YwfH2i1j-3mshIjCcftJ-pp-DfUcuTPUmFG06y8V-jUQSjJ5lTshh5eYvnmcpiiouv6-ZxQEb2IJTBMKOaX8--e-07UKxvdQvRola8e_k4bbcyZeXDT6hiD1Nw/w640-h336/P1110187a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Any vehicle acquiring six "hazard" symbols is "wiped out". Any vehicle losing all hull points is "wrecked".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Gaslands has one strict rule: If you touch a template, you are using it. If you pick an illegal template, the player clockwise of you picks a legal one for you to use. Throughout the game I never bothered to check the legality of any template picked, as the other players loudly let me know every infringement and enthusiastically picked the worst possible template for the offender to use.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Wlba5ZRlIH1HuUuA3RAPBwybj4T7CqMK_UTu6uk_2IAEJI_vVP7TkQOP0oe3Qy4Yp_PaXCr4cVTGey3Pd270xUT3Ac52y0XK57aLXPB4Lyc8aQgFiIQLwhiFW8_mfUIAG_1IZn-ni5cd5XJzAQ7zJwi9_QShS-AouiTmYLZ-c3cwgHMEpPt64pDvfug/s4691/P1110188a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2677" data-original-width="4691" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Wlba5ZRlIH1HuUuA3RAPBwybj4T7CqMK_UTu6uk_2IAEJI_vVP7TkQOP0oe3Qy4Yp_PaXCr4cVTGey3Pd270xUT3Ac52y0XK57aLXPB4Lyc8aQgFiIQLwhiFW8_mfUIAG_1IZn-ni5cd5XJzAQ7zJwi9_QShS-AouiTmYLZ-c3cwgHMEpPt64pDvfug/w640-h366/P1110188a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The first game was a learning experience, with Chas learning he couldn't drive, but he could burn. Rob learnt bullets and obstacles hurt and everyone else learnt that Tom likes shooting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mark got shot up and crashed, but he stayed out of trouble for long enough to win, with Tom second. There was no third and fourth, as Chas and Rob's vehicles were burning out on the track.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Between races, those that were still alive picked up victory points and spent their "cans' on better weapons, armour and other upgrades.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIY_GBbJBDa9ZgZC2_f0cNpj9Ka-oEEUpnqEWewrzgBrjvny6CcFsx6jFaVpKlHJ3gFGecEZIs63Y6UCNYVoI9EXM43nYoUS5s0HY1ns9B2aFXGjQHHec13f3yvy1xHh50nfnX7ErL-f_Pisz2spI9sHx-Kdg9CLve4QxQs4lPm-0H9n6iqL54On3-Hi4/s4285/P1110189a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2958" data-original-width="4285" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIY_GBbJBDa9ZgZC2_f0cNpj9Ka-oEEUpnqEWewrzgBrjvny6CcFsx6jFaVpKlHJ3gFGecEZIs63Y6UCNYVoI9EXM43nYoUS5s0HY1ns9B2aFXGjQHHec13f3yvy1xHh50nfnX7ErL-f_Pisz2spI9sHx-Kdg9CLve4QxQs4lPm-0H9n6iqL54On3-Hi4/w640-h442/P1110189a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mark and Tom lined up on the grid for the second race, as Rob brought in a new crew and Chas drafted in three new cousins for another pick up. This time Mark had a minigun, Tom a combat laser, Rob an HMG and Chas a shotgun and pistols. Things were hotting up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The same rules applied and everyone shot off the line. There was some bumping and ramming, but Tom could not resist his fancy laser and burnt a line down the side of Mark's performance car. The sentry guns reminded him of the rules as he raced on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The lead changed back and forth, with Rob and Chas trailing a little, but Tom vied with Mark for first across the line.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mark relied on staying out of trouble and driving carefully. Rob and Chas rearranged the scenery and Tom shot at everyone. The result was as before: First place to Mark, Second Tom, Third Chas and well, yes, elsewhere, Rob.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVEFNc6EOVuyHqQBahbUw0bQeM_a-w6BveZ3VUe5vYKnxZ0o1BYVr8hgZaAexoKIL7PjWjU_oVt1e6sCf56mw0jUZbQatJubyojA3wawAaFTLXRCphznRlOCu2FcQMqRym5oBM6SWN-O0QgTy2q0eIy9La9Qjmo8rQuFgsYM52ybBRhyMaClhbc6e8pk/s4896/P1110190a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVEFNc6EOVuyHqQBahbUw0bQeM_a-w6BveZ3VUe5vYKnxZ0o1BYVr8hgZaAexoKIL7PjWjU_oVt1e6sCf56mw0jUZbQatJubyojA3wawAaFTLXRCphznRlOCu2FcQMqRym5oBM6SWN-O0QgTy2q0eIy9La9Qjmo8rQuFgsYM52ybBRhyMaClhbc6e8pk/w640-h480/P1110190a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the "Saturday Night Special" Rob had run out of people willing to get in his next car, but the rest spent their winnings with gusto. Now Mark had a turreted minigun, Tom had added armour to his car and Chas had some tasty looking rednecks with shotguns.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mark raced off the line and into the lead, minigun spitting fire. Chas shot off into the barrier, with a little help from Tom, who himself became wedged in a stack of wrecks. Sorting themselves out, Chas and Tom did "donuts" in the width of the track. Combat laser and shotguns wearing both sides down. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mark, meanwhile, drove gently down the track, carefully choosing his racing line. Tom and Chas broke off their fight to try and stop Mark, but it was too late and he crossed the line triumphant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A good day campaign, played in the right spirit. Many thanks to Chas, Mark, Tom and Rob for playing and putting up with me cranking the rules.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Vince</div></div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-71535169356058383912023-09-10T12:39:00.002+01:002023-09-10T12:39:50.119+01:00Somewhere in Hell - Kursk 8 July 1943<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/AVvXsEhMcVSiSp07cbR-SRKJlAJoR1UdmblfapL1VCTbUs99HNxlhnnhlkKKqPCqw2rgNqbWXa3Pxycz2qtgP7yBLHtCkX0yfSUye_eZB7vJPzU9oo3TtpEWnz1YUbkoiImAc1EB35xEIeF78pnG8vmASvhZw7w7W91MFSM_8ziZPr1EzKBAkixaRz9IjalgJus/s793/Pentland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="793" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcVSiSp07cbR-SRKJlAJoR1UdmblfapL1VCTbUs99HNxlhnnhlkKKqPCqw2rgNqbWXa3Pxycz2qtgP7yBLHtCkX0yfSUye_eZB7vJPzU9oo3TtpEWnz1YUbkoiImAc1EB35xEIeF78pnG8vmASvhZw7w7W91MFSM_8ziZPr1EzKBAkixaRz9IjalgJus/w640-h338/Pentland.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Assault on Voronezh by David Pentland. </div><div><a href="https://www.davidpentland.com/david_pentland_art.php?ProdID=11">https://www.davidpentland.com/david_pentland_art.php?ProdID=11</a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the 8th July 1943, after three days of hard fighting on the southern axis of the Zitadelle offensive, Panzer Grenadier Division Gross Deutschland have breached the first Soviet defence belt and are driving towards the second. Dislodged elements of the Soviet 6th Guards Tank Army are now trying to delay Manstein’s Corps whilst reinforcements hurry to the area.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgeuXL8nJGnIrXTmGdIcyZjPCcUFI7H8WTlI3hvFYZasCKRUJsF8eEpOxxirMKzwrifBqFUsYiBmTN1DymAGNYRtjpuOR17yYFJs4PVxxjq5FW1T6y6RhBx1-6A9r9prtwm9jh6Ofzfaq9F_gYcxxQNMBlTc-zBlpinM_fuuxjebcr0RYYpZOUH7fHhSOo/s1100/pic5830521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="775" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuXL8nJGnIrXTmGdIcyZjPCcUFI7H8WTlI3hvFYZasCKRUJsF8eEpOxxirMKzwrifBqFUsYiBmTN1DymAGNYRtjpuOR17yYFJs4PVxxjq5FW1T6y6RhBx1-6A9r9prtwm9jh6Ofzfaq9F_gYcxxQNMBlTc-zBlpinM_fuuxjebcr0RYYpZOUH7fHhSOo/w281-h400/pic5830521.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.wargamevault.com/product/333294/All-Hell-Let-Loose"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Wargame Vault - All Hell Let Loose</span></b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Today’s game, using 'All Hell Let Loose' (AHLL) by David Wasilewski, is based on a scenario originally written for the excellent Battlefront WW2 rules, the scenario freely available on the ‘Fire and Fury’ website. </div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgJhs9i4-Sf1b6Z4mVt2o4WgxYKfPBbgHIZW5G8hNbOezTQU1nAGnGk2ujN54-mAYhyTKPC3K6s_Uq-RG-_CytXVauMhB78yH3vIo8i5qd6bhcPqC68M8R2TT2ssfhXL6adnTSPoCD3UVtXWZLHyDwFmwZC1aFXku5nTVmuY7dtsXupDhMAEOkkCQ1lFz8/s1200/bf_title_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="1200" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhs9i4-Sf1b6Z4mVt2o4WgxYKfPBbgHIZW5G8hNbOezTQU1nAGnGk2ujN54-mAYhyTKPC3K6s_Uq-RG-_CytXVauMhB78yH3vIo8i5qd6bhcPqC68M8R2TT2ssfhXL6adnTSPoCD3UVtXWZLHyDwFmwZC1aFXku5nTVmuY7dtsXupDhMAEOkkCQ1lFz8/w400-h130/bf_title_image.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.fireandfury.com/scenarios.shtml#East"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Battlefront Scenarios - East Front</span></b></a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The orbats were slightly amended to suit AHLL and the table realigned to give a deeper gaming space, allowing new players some manoeuvre space to learn the rules. AHLL is a game designed for 6mm battalion games. Toady we used 12mm miniatures, the only rules adjustment being to weapon ranges, allowing unlimited fire and using the printed maximum as ‘effective range.’</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0z2Q0x0ID460M7Lf68grylGscwzAiYpQxKUWXUFqdijpSSy3ljZaibSunoyi_CbOrevdc-ucFM0NTCYMy0F2nWyb-HRBwF7qZuz97b1x3dLRKweYHvb0faSOplxmzHdhkag7-QMGgjbZzHAiiwhbV9U2dWfPUh1jqy5Vvmfm7ML7Ajsd5trRtcyzyBU/s4450/P1110157a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3236" data-original-width="4450" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0z2Q0x0ID460M7Lf68grylGscwzAiYpQxKUWXUFqdijpSSy3ljZaibSunoyi_CbOrevdc-ucFM0NTCYMy0F2nWyb-HRBwF7qZuz97b1x3dLRKweYHvb0faSOplxmzHdhkag7-QMGgjbZzHAiiwhbV9U2dWfPUh1jqy5Vvmfm7ML7Ajsd5trRtcyzyBU/w640-h466/P1110157a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVdff-efvTg0VGhaHqpYQ6IVd8I15EAY2nM7DmoNn3K6l0geTua9155UC2MEwmVuLjh7eFeZAvlnodZVQ5YwAZtQbeRfgh5tvAHsDHFmotep87ELzpRPzovwbRh0TSz8l667AlUku5kQsIo-_FwppuRueqF2THf5_6qEGcVyNhViwS1PnmuA-tiivLNg/s4250/P1110158a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="4250" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVdff-efvTg0VGhaHqpYQ6IVd8I15EAY2nM7DmoNn3K6l0geTua9155UC2MEwmVuLjh7eFeZAvlnodZVQ5YwAZtQbeRfgh5tvAHsDHFmotep87ELzpRPzovwbRh0TSz8l667AlUku5kQsIo-_FwppuRueqF2THf5_6qEGcVyNhViwS1PnmuA-tiivLNg/w640-h440/P1110158a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Soviets deployed a Scout platoon concealed, on the wooded ridge overlooking the German approaches. Further back, protecting the road to Oboyan was a depleted Rifle battalion, reinforced with armoured remnants including KV1s, M3 Lees and SU122s.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32jcYpQSLqKxuwRnLtBx5XA72iX0bJmjMuP8qkLNv1FpCf8ECxQLeugemIGE341uXiJxTcsC41fP52yB_UCtEELlp_Lantll-hxfWk3uEXnlFm8S4qppNLw16pZmEfAz4Q9A7X9LgAn-xhCrj6_9i_SKv9__hqt5dYOCTFX2a1RgBTe5rKW6XQcUcUqc/s4894/P1110159a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3048" data-original-width="4894" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32jcYpQSLqKxuwRnLtBx5XA72iX0bJmjMuP8qkLNv1FpCf8ECxQLeugemIGE341uXiJxTcsC41fP52yB_UCtEELlp_Lantll-hxfWk3uEXnlFm8S4qppNLw16pZmEfAz4Q9A7X9LgAn-xhCrj6_9i_SKv9__hqt5dYOCTFX2a1RgBTe5rKW6XQcUcUqc/w640-h398/P1110159a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0AkuFU7kGsDMjdsuXdpCffL6wq0H-_FciEepWWeLmkxk5RSO4YeDJUpxiDcpcJjUE2p6rRP6NjMfVuRr0IUGFmgyJu-S7aD-pbCC3tSRKp5CZtHiDo6xzWsfVKlsUb3hWPqAa_g2g0kyx_-lEgju8aTwwkLduR9UxLlTwt8mvLRdQMa5HV_Xg8gKUs0/s4894/P1110160a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3041" data-original-width="4894" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0AkuFU7kGsDMjdsuXdpCffL6wq0H-_FciEepWWeLmkxk5RSO4YeDJUpxiDcpcJjUE2p6rRP6NjMfVuRr0IUGFmgyJu-S7aD-pbCC3tSRKp5CZtHiDo6xzWsfVKlsUb3hWPqAa_g2g0kyx_-lEgju8aTwwkLduR9UxLlTwt8mvLRdQMa5HV_Xg8gKUs0/w640-h398/P1110160a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As dawn broke, the Gross Deutschland lead Panzer battalion moved Northwards, expecting minor resistance before reaching the second obstacle belt in front of Oboyan. They were quickly disabused of this when Soviet 122 howitzers struck their heavy panzer company, causing disruptions to most of the Tiger platoons. The panthers of the right hand company made good progress, whilst 105mm artillery suppressed the Soviet Scouts on the ridge.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsG2tz6_xFTJ0z2URKl4C8kSrFoLkCxdDKZcOp51xHICiAdWl7dKeY-VjxA9-VO-UE2mge8XO5VAk-o53C5kDltf31VMRtgaqG5z7GWQcI1MKFWokz9Tvni4ZL0IprnW-ez22T8g6wpXZ2KMIZ3oWTm45n4evdTWBcS_7GPMYJ4cza-P00AuPJeFBL3dw/s4894/P1110161a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2381" data-original-width="4894" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsG2tz6_xFTJ0z2URKl4C8kSrFoLkCxdDKZcOp51xHICiAdWl7dKeY-VjxA9-VO-UE2mge8XO5VAk-o53C5kDltf31VMRtgaqG5z7GWQcI1MKFWokz9Tvni4ZL0IprnW-ez22T8g6wpXZ2KMIZ3oWTm45n4evdTWBcS_7GPMYJ4cza-P00AuPJeFBL3dw/w640-h312/P1110161a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoo7fKphqRuzLQGq9ZLLiiPwEV7CBJF6CQPNjn0mOLAyJNaBxibfUniZ3gEOvEv4PIpJjyVksjEpxXPq6CoXSlAbFkJur8svde3tzSHAPO_n2KixIzpzAwIIOvyU4yxitrRG1Ee4O9DcusgY3_3CID6qKJ9ByrCtAtBAM4J-ghtUoxGaqkJT9B8MQ-pM/s4896/P1110162a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoo7fKphqRuzLQGq9ZLLiiPwEV7CBJF6CQPNjn0mOLAyJNaBxibfUniZ3gEOvEv4PIpJjyVksjEpxXPq6CoXSlAbFkJur8svde3tzSHAPO_n2KixIzpzAwIIOvyU4yxitrRG1Ee4O9DcusgY3_3CID6qKJ9ByrCtAtBAM4J-ghtUoxGaqkJT9B8MQ-pM/w640-h480/P1110162a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As the Panthers and supporting Panzer Grenadiers closed, the Scouts abandoned their positions to avoid an overrun. During their withdrawal, they had to fight their way out as a company of Pz. IIIS and IVs outflanked them. A series of assaults in the forestry, dispersed the Scouts and disrupted two Panzer platoons. This gave Soviet observers an opportunity to call for fire from their 122mm battalion, further disrupting and dispersing Pz. IIIs.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Fvx8wIOA2HA767m3aorO5JgRZf3pIDTu1z8xT9UnxPFpRxAk3TA6QItfKMixqMEdd91putKQZCgnF4AckhslWKR_-R-5DsZIkDLtGc9MUjrnrxr3vOVHCteqcPAgnfS9YyNgxKvo-nzYJ5PUhxKM1y58D4phs_-HhI3DzXR5EcPENX4LKCv7GauokMw/s4896/P1110163a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Fvx8wIOA2HA767m3aorO5JgRZf3pIDTu1z8xT9UnxPFpRxAk3TA6QItfKMixqMEdd91putKQZCgnF4AckhslWKR_-R-5DsZIkDLtGc9MUjrnrxr3vOVHCteqcPAgnfS9YyNgxKvo-nzYJ5PUhxKM1y58D4phs_-HhI3DzXR5EcPENX4LKCv7GauokMw/w640-h480/P1110163a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiR1iSO2sckslVrdHgTTyrQP-s-bGS_1o7TToKFyIAn23R6uGHb8DKWvZ7aS-g6oEz69Wk8bIo2mn1TJ0GGZm0dGOEfGkn90hzoya1_1Mg4smARCm5AhY3rTfLRGwQqFDAUiIGIYD4FLirjtCblBWc3ON0CaJi9a_a_vqTxV5JlrglOAsCeeeO4yFa-Y/s4896/P1110164a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiR1iSO2sckslVrdHgTTyrQP-s-bGS_1o7TToKFyIAn23R6uGHb8DKWvZ7aS-g6oEz69Wk8bIo2mn1TJ0GGZm0dGOEfGkn90hzoya1_1Mg4smARCm5AhY3rTfLRGwQqFDAUiIGIYD4FLirjtCblBWc3ON0CaJi9a_a_vqTxV5JlrglOAsCeeeO4yFa-Y/w640-h480/P1110164a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the German right, a Panther company advanced unopposed, off the ridge towards their objective. A waiting Soviet anti tank company concealed in tall crops opened fire into their flank causing disruption. Shortly after, the 6th Guards Tank remnants appeared from concealed positions and caused further disruption, dispersing two Panther platoons. Over two turns the entire company was destroyed or dispersed, caught in the flank without support.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcR_FAMo17PvAZnuC5IYNLsyqlIUOxFdyj2bUQa425cjYWU_aTBkpBsuXJ6PBjNmA2wbti9cFB-9eR_hk3aqPIytYKQwuT583NmR6Sn0tDQv0h5FUnHKKrk_dfCuRIjFoKghOOc6r4UlmDWT9XB3iTyILPmXtj-lrNuQBzw5UXFlSUL9rYMF4xNLRHko/s4896/P1110193a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcR_FAMo17PvAZnuC5IYNLsyqlIUOxFdyj2bUQa425cjYWU_aTBkpBsuXJ6PBjNmA2wbti9cFB-9eR_hk3aqPIytYKQwuT583NmR6Sn0tDQv0h5FUnHKKrk_dfCuRIjFoKghOOc6r4UlmDWT9XB3iTyILPmXtj-lrNuQBzw5UXFlSUL9rYMF4xNLRHko/w640-h480/P1110193a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdML1LHAb3OOhvK4zPNl-x36fLGowOyfG7-io-wL-tp01K7PnWZvS7QEfUhYoWGtE9NcdYC1i9Dpbru12uW5NHdwHtk8-2iZIy_0btOWBx_MkVL9flsAvvz01U84xhDjPLeyIeNstMEO1AZ-gJz6-gUE2Q3SIeF6cKpHuHvDB_IdbxSEalswnmPHtVMk/s4896/P1110194a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdML1LHAb3OOhvK4zPNl-x36fLGowOyfG7-io-wL-tp01K7PnWZvS7QEfUhYoWGtE9NcdYC1i9Dpbru12uW5NHdwHtk8-2iZIy_0btOWBx_MkVL9flsAvvz01U84xhDjPLeyIeNstMEO1AZ-gJz6-gUE2Q3SIeF6cKpHuHvDB_IdbxSEalswnmPHtVMk/w640-h480/P1110194a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, the Germans were able to deploy their Panzer Jager company on the ridge overlooking their objectives. The Ferdinands, StuGs and Tigers made good use of their longer ranged weapons and made short work of the Soviet AFVs.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCg-LUPWTNetFhhA-k7faQvXLZWuTibjfF0o-68UVr2VXl39zRPWzknBdkHhWERBBfoWbRSlGhbWc8_50EBdPNsu-WzlPz3229xi8XNfckGhZtAijPdVW_-VdyehB6KFdl9xBqnpF1mRJnrDm91PGCgEDaDqtbVOdWiffchghfReoyp2WXSDNnp6CPXD8/s4896/P1110195a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCg-LUPWTNetFhhA-k7faQvXLZWuTibjfF0o-68UVr2VXl39zRPWzknBdkHhWERBBfoWbRSlGhbWc8_50EBdPNsu-WzlPz3229xi8XNfckGhZtAijPdVW_-VdyehB6KFdl9xBqnpF1mRJnrDm91PGCgEDaDqtbVOdWiffchghfReoyp2WXSDNnp6CPXD8/w640-h480/P1110195a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKecy6WIouWDJcwembncZKpfA-9cTLKGQQvBBj1RXDR38rziuY1v0KgvetNEoGlahd_0d3X3DM4LswrQ62vQXzNlQBo6L3moYGdyyVFhe4Fpb6lGdicqyQ_PYm12p0kCjYN1M-Pv-Xwk_XU4Qw6LH3EIz73VsRAb2hqEfJCVXGS2m6klGJbkiInZzwf-Q/s4896/P1110196a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKecy6WIouWDJcwembncZKpfA-9cTLKGQQvBBj1RXDR38rziuY1v0KgvetNEoGlahd_0d3X3DM4LswrQ62vQXzNlQBo6L3moYGdyyVFhe4Fpb6lGdicqyQ_PYm12p0kCjYN1M-Pv-Xwk_XU4Qw6LH3EIz73VsRAb2hqEfJCVXGS2m6klGJbkiInZzwf-Q/w640-h480/P1110196a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Over the next three turns a full battalion of eighteen T34s arrived to reinforce the Soviets. Unfortunately the Germans had by then established a formidable array of long range weapons dominating the area of the objectives.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebxy1nbFcdQaP5XKL-oV751pwvWR5l3AuGBPnH-Nu834dylZswjravoXISLHCLeGFTqTOR8XCV8NSUSmUhueTDHYtQKPfAT6t-iYHqlyq6VYrgG6nGSRZv_EPv3xz_wTXXoHWT79BYGwesK8_IBZlH6HRjwlimFY0lT2gklKTnfSxXdk9Arv95vLE3NU/s4896/P1110197a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebxy1nbFcdQaP5XKL-oV751pwvWR5l3AuGBPnH-Nu834dylZswjravoXISLHCLeGFTqTOR8XCV8NSUSmUhueTDHYtQKPfAT6t-iYHqlyq6VYrgG6nGSRZv_EPv3xz_wTXXoHWT79BYGwesK8_IBZlH6HRjwlimFY0lT2gklKTnfSxXdk9Arv95vLE3NU/w640-h480/P1110197a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYpc6CUh5DsdktifJrHO1-D4e2DKhNEVodIRxqHi3a77diUFa4ZS5GcOCuBHptoc-lJGTbChSUulAK-gyVb7x1FrosL8Qklkfm5eDXsIg8isXFCGFINxf-2ADsBB2N5cnd5X-gGo25NFm8y-11nn0h4UqtAhjEsCnIswU-tJv0nAI-adgep90ef2I510/s4896/P1110198a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYpc6CUh5DsdktifJrHO1-D4e2DKhNEVodIRxqHi3a77diUFa4ZS5GcOCuBHptoc-lJGTbChSUulAK-gyVb7x1FrosL8Qklkfm5eDXsIg8isXFCGFINxf-2ADsBB2N5cnd5X-gGo25NFm8y-11nn0h4UqtAhjEsCnIswU-tJv0nAI-adgep90ef2I510/w640-h480/P1110198a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We ended the game due to time constraints with the Soviets holding the objectives with infantry and the Germans dominating the surroundings, whilst the Panzer Grenadiers prepared for an assault. Probably best described as a winning draw for the Germans, with a win probable had we continued.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuxiYtYyKvURqQWD4iPtA2OS9vW4LYrqI19A5xVVa4psEMH9WCEwQ31TYfqRrEOCSj5PrE9vXyLZDy08ZVMpDO8pYEskrTjqGnNp4TAO-RyfRDAF0-kP6mr3itFTBb5UTSojmMQ0U_0Vsd9EgyUgq-RKrIoMO_6SFCkhScgo9tXw1z9zanl1lybg9BGg/s4896/P1110200a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuxiYtYyKvURqQWD4iPtA2OS9vW4LYrqI19A5xVVa4psEMH9WCEwQ31TYfqRrEOCSj5PrE9vXyLZDy08ZVMpDO8pYEskrTjqGnNp4TAO-RyfRDAF0-kP6mr3itFTBb5UTSojmMQ0U_0Vsd9EgyUgq-RKrIoMO_6SFCkhScgo9tXw1z9zanl1lybg9BGg/w640-h480/P1110200a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBJKVjrrfyfs2mvzkc5OICt_Uuq_BBxZhnnIiwCP6xqA0KZB01oKLfnd_GLvxT5nac2mRp1uX8GWbjL14tFCWd4w01y-gQcHLi0StfJgX2QLxpPZPlegpXRh4irE5dvUIrIX-PU8bz-tO9fMK5JorXj-tjuUbsTLi5rZUhuJxo5z8qJnZ6H0WfIVLfMk/s4896/P1110201a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBJKVjrrfyfs2mvzkc5OICt_Uuq_BBxZhnnIiwCP6xqA0KZB01oKLfnd_GLvxT5nac2mRp1uX8GWbjL14tFCWd4w01y-gQcHLi0StfJgX2QLxpPZPlegpXRh4irE5dvUIrIX-PU8bz-tO9fMK5JorXj-tjuUbsTLi5rZUhuJxo5z8qJnZ6H0WfIVLfMk/w640-h480/P1110201a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mark and Matthew took the Germans for this outing with JJ running the Soviets, all in good spirits with the obligatory banter. The rules moved along reasonably quickly as players became familiar with them, allowing us to field the better part of two battalions per side. They prompt frequent decisions, concentrating on command at the battalion level but still giving a reasonable sense of equipment capabilities.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDq0BBx8kk97F-vJI8kVpMIY8sQTZCexKkNck_ASQP3YPuoTV07dbiy66HrhfVIOkpgmowBJCt2k2VR2cBqLNTUO3r1DvmVM44ycSyKu5LbIpNa4XGMlZA0hzpEXCS3s16R6hcR3tEnOBv_KXZTMn-il-RYtHEntQRawN3kcMcXnQ7oDuxmi2b5qpEuo/s4896/P1110202a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDq0BBx8kk97F-vJI8kVpMIY8sQTZCexKkNck_ASQP3YPuoTV07dbiy66HrhfVIOkpgmowBJCt2k2VR2cBqLNTUO3r1DvmVM44ycSyKu5LbIpNa4XGMlZA0hzpEXCS3s16R6hcR3tEnOBv_KXZTMn-il-RYtHEntQRawN3kcMcXnQ7oDuxmi2b5qpEuo/w640-h480/P1110202a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The AFVs are 12mm, a mixture including Victrix, Takara pre-paints, Arrowhead, Minifigs, Pendraken and Pithead. If the infantry had debussed, they’d have been mostly Minifigs. The buildings are Battlescale, the mat and trees home made.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB70LpmxwLvFaObR7XlZkuxUSuYRpOFQXEIFbM5zkEH4Cth217b3DkL9TvXxEpWZQ2OLoIBMQuRDnfDuJYk9jyfJ3KzEn_RBwHmNYJR22hvlhC_yY2lKnW0VJ10vqj33CaqBJKFFywB3HTDSgRYbnUw8hQteDFwYavQE1hQsWfkaF-Aq-NS5wvqbOzks/s4896/P1110203a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB70LpmxwLvFaObR7XlZkuxUSuYRpOFQXEIFbM5zkEH4Cth217b3DkL9TvXxEpWZQ2OLoIBMQuRDnfDuJYk9jyfJ3KzEn_RBwHmNYJR22hvlhC_yY2lKnW0VJ10vqj33CaqBJKFFywB3HTDSgRYbnUw8hQteDFwYavQE1hQsWfkaF-Aq-NS5wvqbOzks/w640-h480/P1110203a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>12mm/1:144 shows it’s advantages in games of this scale. Models are large enough to identify easily on the table (and paint!) whilst giving more real estate for manoeuvre on the table. These rules are available from Wargames Vault and are supported by some excellent videos on YouTube.</div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-10827421732754074852023-09-02T08:15:00.000+01:002023-09-02T08:15:22.213+01:00O Group. An Introductory Game - Counter Attack at Grainville<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxNkPBuZlfrMSnvx1U1vlqIBsfXs1hp77KLikI6L2T4ixxBn3UNpSKGgp5DHak8uf2IiuCLEJN2zkAEj9mLktEhP1nRgyn4BZyKr3y__A6t0kWxa7JsET6Nztf5GSiDF7x4P07-bF6Hqmw50FgxKvPY9_-yiKBsHAjH6mYcvnlHjVCA8ekyg5pfzazkI/s745/Operationepsom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="745" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxNkPBuZlfrMSnvx1U1vlqIBsfXs1hp77KLikI6L2T4ixxBn3UNpSKGgp5DHak8uf2IiuCLEJN2zkAEj9mLktEhP1nRgyn4BZyKr3y__A6t0kWxa7JsET6Nztf5GSiDF7x4P07-bF6Hqmw50FgxKvPY9_-yiKBsHAjH6mYcvnlHjVCA8ekyg5pfzazkI/w640-h534/Operationepsom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our game for August 2023 is my take on a scenario from the 1944 Battle for Normandy scenario book by David Brown. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEieNTWNuXNS4vdYwQb83RiL0I1SvCfY39R5yd6gTRhZN-C1paQRVOjUFchLSXnW3vWGwL28PcGi6AQp4ZI2n0Y9pJ8RZWASiSnL-HNvUsh81SySqHoJgl1B3cC7JcBGPoLyOTtbHE2udCTu9iezMBvC5_5mVL43f-qiEtlQCN9p9VZz0tC5Cen6VFl4Q8c/s3508/Normandy-Cover-Working.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3508" data-original-width="2480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNTWNuXNS4vdYwQb83RiL0I1SvCfY39R5yd6gTRhZN-C1paQRVOjUFchLSXnW3vWGwL28PcGi6AQp4ZI2n0Y9pJ8RZWASiSnL-HNvUsh81SySqHoJgl1B3cC7JcBGPoLyOTtbHE2udCTu9iezMBvC5_5mVL43f-qiEtlQCN9p9VZz0tC5Cen6VFl4Q8c/w283-h400/Normandy-Cover-Working.png" width="283" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://toofatlardies.co.uk/product/1944-normandy/"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">https://toofatlardies.co.uk/product/1944-normandy/</span></b></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Along with a couple of other scenario books by David Brown these were designed specifically for O Group.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWl3-9PrUQeGXuLPI90_nQNj7ua4pB_wsjKDI1-Qr4zzHfJPu79XDC2gA4Go1HG-X_flL3XRMJyy8g2QDVBhRwoTRFWkD6C5fv-gwBx7b-u7jWqwAWjQBUnFTL6jOWdBFBgfm80kZhoBZU9QPdmP0NnUdsf51xWmO9vmKS7I1MGMaYAt_tARhHXT2Ex4/s1516/O-Group-Cover-Small.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWl3-9PrUQeGXuLPI90_nQNj7ua4pB_wsjKDI1-Qr4zzHfJPu79XDC2gA4Go1HG-X_flL3XRMJyy8g2QDVBhRwoTRFWkD6C5fv-gwBx7b-u7jWqwAWjQBUnFTL6jOWdBFBgfm80kZhoBZU9QPdmP0NnUdsf51xWmO9vmKS7I1MGMaYAt_tARhHXT2Ex4/w316-h400/O-Group-Cover-Small.png" width="316" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This counter-attack was typical of the Germans at this period, attack piecemeal, instead of building up</div><div>their forces and attacking with a larger force. Battalion forces instead of brigade or division or even larger. Thank goodness for Hitler's orders I say.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sZaXCsY_02Yr1yumURRpq0zHrFwgf6NzGkvQkwRb4MVVv_ryQLEN8Nurwn_LPtTFIvRXJTUZxQksq6j4R-5n07PVi_lcLOCiVQEY20qkThqRAOvVaRm0WF3n6kpSkO1j2pR0K40sIrVULABOAw8Z_VetFIdsp9tia8RGl6NVeXfFXOCZCfrQjdf4F6Y/s4363/P1110009a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3055" data-original-width="4363" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sZaXCsY_02Yr1yumURRpq0zHrFwgf6NzGkvQkwRb4MVVv_ryQLEN8Nurwn_LPtTFIvRXJTUZxQksq6j4R-5n07PVi_lcLOCiVQEY20qkThqRAOvVaRm0WF3n6kpSkO1j2pR0K40sIrVULABOAw8Z_VetFIdsp9tia8RGl6NVeXfFXOCZCfrQjdf4F6Y/w640-h448/P1110009a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This game was played by three people who had limited experience of O-Group. One had never played and two had played twice. Unfortunately, our fourth was ill so couldn’t play so I stepped in. Our game started with the British deploying and noting their ambush units and the German forces deploying behind their start lines. From the first move the Germans pushed forward mainly on the left and into the church. The British also moved towards the church and there ensued a firefight. The British were pushed back and the church was occupied.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZE2fbV2AjyNeYqY7xvKBRASfiSfZ4EqxZUcAtjaAbK6-nI-NYcseHzGPjRnRBdDUnp2V-2u0NwFztdxzfsp8xvmQVRjcggydHp01g9eCXpZ7f934xM0oBig6KM9_AYE3oI1IkoIqOiDxcAAOo2W02S7OjDzJ_AuymlheFNKLdBUK67XNC0fTlIANtCA/s4562/P1110010a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3196" data-original-width="4562" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZE2fbV2AjyNeYqY7xvKBRASfiSfZ4EqxZUcAtjaAbK6-nI-NYcseHzGPjRnRBdDUnp2V-2u0NwFztdxzfsp8xvmQVRjcggydHp01g9eCXpZ7f934xM0oBig6KM9_AYE3oI1IkoIqOiDxcAAOo2W02S7OjDzJ_AuymlheFNKLdBUK67XNC0fTlIANtCA/w640-h448/P1110010a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The next move the British managed to use one of their artillery missions. This was a Divisional Mission</div><div>and Heavy artillery hit the church. As the Church and Yard was a three section BUA the mission hit all three units. Two were forced to move out or risk losing sections. The 3rd only had one suppression so could afford to take the extra suppression to stay in place.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHHjExFJkCfY9Km6T1pH8Om87OwsKd4kHLbvdDZGIyEvtmvq70ZGaSYQDrHALC9tPeIPaqAItLMAUb2KAuW7IqgBMg6lcM2D_eoRapagEXk-25xJONFjU8tEq1caXGCCzcftOPKqo0HU4X2x4UHvHr-xd4bzvEnKPDqxq5IOfzJt89VwtyYe0NExD1sw/s4896/P1110011a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHHjExFJkCfY9Km6T1pH8Om87OwsKd4kHLbvdDZGIyEvtmvq70ZGaSYQDrHALC9tPeIPaqAItLMAUb2KAuW7IqgBMg6lcM2D_eoRapagEXk-25xJONFjU8tEq1caXGCCzcftOPKqo0HU4X2x4UHvHr-xd4bzvEnKPDqxq5IOfzJt89VwtyYe0NExD1sw/w640-h480/P1110011a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Germans next deployed a platoon of Panzer IV’s on the right and engaged British infantry with HE.</div><div>These in turn were engaged by a Churchill 75mm and knock out on of the PzIV’s.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQbkLW2WyvS5R0EwyTR5RpmKkiidVBVunnHuTKxMWpKwFpzeNYEN-ZF1dBapVMzVuC1Q79-Mg32QzLt6c98d2_8yVZR9Oz03uy5sFuKukwoH3UHJPZgrUkr0hPbzlJDsekHqDaBKJOeBVPUdHO4HM-LmBwMWg3cKigr5LAiYMsIO2ZjKj25HQtM4rrjc/s4896/P1110012a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQbkLW2WyvS5R0EwyTR5RpmKkiidVBVunnHuTKxMWpKwFpzeNYEN-ZF1dBapVMzVuC1Q79-Mg32QzLt6c98d2_8yVZR9Oz03uy5sFuKukwoH3UHJPZgrUkr0hPbzlJDsekHqDaBKJOeBVPUdHO4HM-LmBwMWg3cKigr5LAiYMsIO2ZjKj25HQtM4rrjc/w640-h480/P1110012a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Germans next deployed a platoon on Panthers on the left and advanced and engaged British infantry with HE supported by two platoons of infantry. The Panthers moved ahead of the infantry and triggered an ambush. A 17pdr tried to fire at the Panthers. Now, despite it being close range which gives a +1, a double 1 throw is always going to be a miss.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUThc4PpW-MrT3b3ie0yMK94gpw6MBygFeQ9_CqlbrxdopwhJxQ2-q_M_spx9uLVOeJXk4RKtLndEumflwTq3newhiDjBIjP-55u7-SCa1fVcgQuU2xltxF8Gw75ac50FaoQ2lplMcCsqAxWUModKKNpRN9CptWk8ESziehrfQ9OV-QTQiqJJTWts7Kg/s4896/P1110013a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUThc4PpW-MrT3b3ie0yMK94gpw6MBygFeQ9_CqlbrxdopwhJxQ2-q_M_spx9uLVOeJXk4RKtLndEumflwTq3newhiDjBIjP-55u7-SCa1fVcgQuU2xltxF8Gw75ac50FaoQ2lplMcCsqAxWUModKKNpRN9CptWk8ESziehrfQ9OV-QTQiqJJTWts7Kg/w640-h480/P1110013a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Panthers withdrew a long way with their infantry support. The Germans next used one of their artillery missions which was particularly effective suppressing two units. These suppressed were then close assaulted by German infantry. The results were that the British went from not having 1 FUBAR into being into their third. The Germans just required three more sections to inflict a defeat on the British.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Germans, meanwhile, were not having it all their own way and were into their second FUBAR.</div><div><br /></div><div>After one final push on the Germans inflict the final casualties for the third Fubar and win the game.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIMaY7titOIWiW5YBm3qqhk0q5n3S60nyCZoZuzb1s5MqaPq0wzrm2mNoLMtYH7A15b21ns_OxsKtg6_hUVZ-dCWcG2qMQlkWE3wWDWFKvvVhdfm2092s2oeKMfN87-dCDkA41zGOiEJqhJ-oIr3BnobFJSJTPcI1GDzqsclO4YMqEmXhSJNphOKADPo/s4896/P1110014a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIMaY7titOIWiW5YBm3qqhk0q5n3S60nyCZoZuzb1s5MqaPq0wzrm2mNoLMtYH7A15b21ns_OxsKtg6_hUVZ-dCWcG2qMQlkWE3wWDWFKvvVhdfm2092s2oeKMfN87-dCDkA41zGOiEJqhJ-oIr3BnobFJSJTPcI1GDzqsclO4YMqEmXhSJNphOKADPo/w640-h480/P1110014a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope that the game played will encourage others to take up the rule set. I have had many games with</div><div>a group of friends having just finished the Barbarossa to Citadel scenario book. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our consensus was that these books gave a balanced game with both sides in the game all the time. We are moving on to the other two scenario books. As in all rules I don’t always agree with everything in them, but I do like these a lot. I also like many other sets of David Brown's rules. His scenarios always give a balanced and enjoyable game.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyR1d2-tk-pBbIQ_MeJH1AKdE6VBPpuxoP4g201sHmiS7cj8AdizTt5ToLyubewXysJCXaoXgYLIAKIjLlqUVYxhPZ6feNQFl7yWiYYlKt9Xn6UVErsG9Tb83vEKg7DgoiBpTzqn1vjafiToBxCJCFwmx-nFtrJOppCTvlLCPUUwB10fUIw4RI4QwZPIU/s4896/P1110015a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyR1d2-tk-pBbIQ_MeJH1AKdE6VBPpuxoP4g201sHmiS7cj8AdizTt5ToLyubewXysJCXaoXgYLIAKIjLlqUVYxhPZ6feNQFl7yWiYYlKt9Xn6UVErsG9Tb83vEKg7DgoiBpTzqn1vjafiToBxCJCFwmx-nFtrJOppCTvlLCPUUwB10fUIw4RI4QwZPIU/w640-h480/P1110015a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I would like to thank the relative newbie Brits, Mark and John and the never played before German Rob, I just did as I was told.</div><div><br /></div><div>The terrain cloth is from Tiny Wargames. The figures and vehicles came from all over the place, and I can’t remember where now. Building by Hovels and a company which is no longer in being. Trees mainly from Buffers of Axminster and the walls and hedges from eBay. Roads by Fat Frank. The BUA’s I made from bits and bobs I had lying around. I made them generic so they can be used for other eras. </div><p></p>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-56448499271326899572023-08-26T09:50:00.000+01:002023-08-26T09:50:34.740+01:00'If Only' - Battle of Berezina<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKzFxDRQkDIia175NlgqQDLqB7FrIP3LmR8kWJg_jJcmg2JbzhBFBS2SfH4eMFtYpnXNTVmuZx8I3bHpnYjzHSd_-QLuehiJzYCho0eX5AAQP1lwYuZsmOffKAP3wVURrBOgDNau3E0mBp_J5SH958YP0uzpCnTBmfZg_5uK3c7SviMt2w8BCnEtpsiw/s1376/Dutch_Soldiers_at_the_Battle_of_Berezina.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1376" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKzFxDRQkDIia175NlgqQDLqB7FrIP3LmR8kWJg_jJcmg2JbzhBFBS2SfH4eMFtYpnXNTVmuZx8I3bHpnYjzHSd_-QLuehiJzYCho0eX5AAQP1lwYuZsmOffKAP3wVURrBOgDNau3E0mBp_J5SH958YP0uzpCnTBmfZg_5uK3c7SviMt2w8BCnEtpsiw/w640-h460/Dutch_Soldiers_at_the_Battle_of_Berezina.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Crossing the Berezina - Jan Hoynck van Papendrecht.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was flicking through an old Wargames book the other day and memories came flooding back. To any Wargamer born halfway through last century, i.e., old, Charles Stewart Grant needs no introduction. How many of us poured over his book Napoleonic Wargames, or The Wargames Companion and drooled over those colour, yes, colour, photos of massed ranks fighting on green painted boards with whitewashed buildings. Something far beyond my pocket and available space, so as far as I was concerned, an impossible dream. Even his excellent book, Scenarios for Wargames, was far beyond my resources, the smallest scenario calling for some twenty units. Twenty! On 6d (ask grandad, sonny) a week's pocket money? Dream on.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXcGgJlXKWzS0dvdRpNmfPd8t4waTi7INKa3vOFeLazTEqGSnIc8D5I9molr4sJBkQP9SmwJr_8q2nZQta4LY675_o-g2fbX2IfJCL2CsDhbrBNc1bHidLXInZwAQVWMgV6mECa_Lx7XnB0ArYjNJhn3AlQjeV4-DswHIWpSGKvUva6O_thm4EK1tDU8/s4894/P1110017a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3329" data-original-width="4894" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXcGgJlXKWzS0dvdRpNmfPd8t4waTi7INKa3vOFeLazTEqGSnIc8D5I9molr4sJBkQP9SmwJr_8q2nZQta4LY675_o-g2fbX2IfJCL2CsDhbrBNc1bHidLXInZwAQVWMgV6mECa_Lx7XnB0ArYjNJhn3AlQjeV4-DswHIWpSGKvUva6O_thm4EK1tDU8/w640-h436/P1110017a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then stuff happened. A greater range of plastic figures came on the market, so more units was a reality. As for space - I worked at a school, full of rooms with 4x2 tables. Dream turned into reality.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbFRs0qPMwOdxCZ87gQYmuIefYzPa_bKFnInHsOm649lEjmLFysw4HASdnkh8SHmDg7OXqyCWdxmDUvrza7eSR6mPkiZbcypDBpwybM5Wb3mvypvct0UXmJjXa9kZez15LJSX-Ie7hQOgDLDaZkYdJeNtenEq7B_2GLoFMxQw8uD9VNpuuCAp8jZp6uk/s4894/P1110018a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3117" data-original-width="4894" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbFRs0qPMwOdxCZ87gQYmuIefYzPa_bKFnInHsOm649lEjmLFysw4HASdnkh8SHmDg7OXqyCWdxmDUvrza7eSR6mPkiZbcypDBpwybM5Wb3mvypvct0UXmJjXa9kZez15LJSX-Ie7hQOgDLDaZkYdJeNtenEq7B_2GLoFMxQw8uD9VNpuuCAp8jZp6uk/w640-h408/P1110018a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The book I was flicking through was Grant’s Scenarios for Wargames and one in particular took my fancy, No.16 Reinforcements in Defence: (2) Off the table. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYughYS36axIC3L7SLNN5-t0T0FbqksnPeab8h6L7DQgnZZbAF1n7ufnLGi49Yj9enmoB-wNeX4cMOJTLRY2dyha8IdBK3yFh5omTkV1wsQafJ1UVwPdAYEcsbFYAvarwfjuO9gaMj90dcVIVJfbPM59gdoAIeUKZuBE_w8TnbLgv1j3bmc-GatjbqXE/s353/Scenarios.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="264" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYughYS36axIC3L7SLNN5-t0T0FbqksnPeab8h6L7DQgnZZbAF1n7ufnLGi49Yj9enmoB-wNeX4cMOJTLRY2dyha8IdBK3yFh5omTkV1wsQafJ1UVwPdAYEcsbFYAvarwfjuO9gaMj90dcVIVJfbPM59gdoAIeUKZuBE_w8TnbLgv1j3bmc-GatjbqXE/s320/Scenarios.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hadn’t got my 1812 Russians out since, well, 1812, and looking at the scenario with its river, buildings and ridge, I realised it wasn’t too far removed from the action between Victor and Wittgenstein on the East bank of the Berezina River.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhin0-c4OYTru5ON03mzr6E00HEUAKOwsJ3xv0UfOKxUlt8pGPTAzBCA-nr9z70pjA85GeGHl3jUEinvu7NFSFVrRH3yTID1-CCRyZSzpLN_Pa5YMIDCSKUBt8XsPw4fCjONayXbQiCY1ac0urPXlX5tTQqiN_U35ZAN24YIl93wP6VN_OCKX3upjzKy7c/s900/map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhin0-c4OYTru5ON03mzr6E00HEUAKOwsJ3xv0UfOKxUlt8pGPTAzBCA-nr9z70pjA85GeGHl3jUEinvu7NFSFVrRH3yTID1-CCRyZSzpLN_Pa5YMIDCSKUBt8XsPw4fCjONayXbQiCY1ac0urPXlX5tTQqiN_U35ZAN24YIl93wP6VN_OCKX3upjzKy7c/w640-h426/map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Victor’s forces defended a low ridge and the village of Studenka, his task to protect the two pontoon bridges. It would be interesting for the French to be on the right side of the reverse slope for a change.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqP-Uv7lzWG97zrSv7qD4xU6n4HQmOatDBXXY7jM0qU9NQYSARR4ZunP95bYF0pes5zvYohgDZm1GnjYD3OQvwb4JCom06PltV4c-ufaBNJHkGA2JGUfTfEL9tYmgAnTAnU7HkDgHY7v6KP0QhFzSdt-Qx8WcU3LaEuHjKQOORGnMGXIJakDSQX2USL5E/s1223/Photo%2018-08-2023,%2020%2034%2042a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="959" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqP-Uv7lzWG97zrSv7qD4xU6n4HQmOatDBXXY7jM0qU9NQYSARR4ZunP95bYF0pes5zvYohgDZm1GnjYD3OQvwb4JCom06PltV4c-ufaBNJHkGA2JGUfTfEL9tYmgAnTAnU7HkDgHY7v6KP0QhFzSdt-Qx8WcU3LaEuHjKQOORGnMGXIJakDSQX2USL5E/w502-h640/Photo%2018-08-2023,%2020%2034%2042a.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I added some fluff about getting a convoy across and slightly massaged the order the reinforcements arrived, but apart from that, I pretty well followed the scenario. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVXXCB2qVaNj5oh_8FWs1A-qvAM8JE_dr4Ye5l3LpB3yCIMhJtNiUKpjXyRIaOZu7E0QQhKuK6fqL7cH-4l0jBnMaePrxfNEwLPGN5rcgiwtiiYiTj8u62DhSGjcx7ytf9UGrQK4j2muM27ittAKw4IjBIFw46n2j5wN0-VxT_8sioM4uElBGtOqz8Pk/s937/Photo%2018-08-2023,%2020%2034%2040a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="937" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVXXCB2qVaNj5oh_8FWs1A-qvAM8JE_dr4Ye5l3LpB3yCIMhJtNiUKpjXyRIaOZu7E0QQhKuK6fqL7cH-4l0jBnMaePrxfNEwLPGN5rcgiwtiiYiTj8u62DhSGjcx7ytf9UGrQK4j2muM27ittAKw4IjBIFw46n2j5wN0-VxT_8sioM4uElBGtOqz8Pk/w640-h380/Photo%2018-08-2023,%2020%2034%2040a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Charles S Grant had a healthy attitude to Command and Control. There wasn’t any. Units could bounce around like shots in a pinball machine. Great fun but I thought this was an unhistorical step too far to get it past the chairman, so I introduced some measure of Command and Control. <b>Editors Comment - <i>Quite right too, glad to see standards are being maintained in this club!</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXMXXot54YU9rdDvUW1N3rUsnXD5Cm3Tjm_5m3FLydgdTeH6XrUxscEr_mxESNe6bmxBqr8EmNhrnAENiL-IBBUkpUE4NDtJHbTS2RPHoTlF6aiubS3xp5LYk8LaXS17OzqdvVlvsXFu6wCLJNs8x4ut0xsyBcyxtv_Z1WOpwWC6fVbA--t4cuIC8Xog/s4894/P1110019a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3111" data-original-width="4894" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXMXXot54YU9rdDvUW1N3rUsnXD5Cm3Tjm_5m3FLydgdTeH6XrUxscEr_mxESNe6bmxBqr8EmNhrnAENiL-IBBUkpUE4NDtJHbTS2RPHoTlF6aiubS3xp5LYk8LaXS17OzqdvVlvsXFu6wCLJNs8x4ut0xsyBcyxtv_Z1WOpwWC6fVbA--t4cuIC8Xog/w640-h406/P1110019a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As well as putting a honey pot forward of the French position, the stronghold of Zelenaya Dubrava to tempt the French to occupy it and the Russians to be wary of it, I also used blinds and decoys to represent units not visible behind the ridge.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bzclon3hzaeY8KGbGv4yFutAguVcKuE6YQpK9zrAN2UbkR9kh8F-NLCvK9ZY72zze3AKzt4fJxNATGN08TMudGAnKkowgARoVLD8dNMWpz15iog51dUAiP7MEGMquYaAy4xetmg7iXMpdAvEX4PB_VrhUU5Ilrv_WPeenVbRZs0ykicY2SvVh3zqE1A/s4419/P1110020a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2860" data-original-width="4419" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bzclon3hzaeY8KGbGv4yFutAguVcKuE6YQpK9zrAN2UbkR9kh8F-NLCvK9ZY72zze3AKzt4fJxNATGN08TMudGAnKkowgARoVLD8dNMWpz15iog51dUAiP7MEGMquYaAy4xetmg7iXMpdAvEX4PB_VrhUU5Ilrv_WPeenVbRZs0ykicY2SvVh3zqE1A/w640-h414/P1110020a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The following briefing was given to each side.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b><u>Russian Briefing</u></b><br />The main Russian Army is engaged hotly on the West Bank of the River Berezina. You are to support this attack by engaging the enemy to your front and destroy the pontoons crossing the river with artillery fire.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Deployment:<br />Behind the line CD<br />General Peter Ludwig Wittgenstein<br />.<br />En Route:<br />Hussar Regiment</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Brigadier General Ivanish van Heiden<br />1 Btn 19th Jäger Regiment<br />1 Btn Grouzinsky Grenadier Regiment<br />1 Btn Tomsk Musketeer Regiment<br />3 Btn Tomsk Musketeer Regiment<br />3rd Heavy Foot Battery 3x12lb<br />Polish Uhlan Regiment<br />1 Sonia Cossacks</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Brigadier General Ivanitch Pol<br />3 Btn 19th Jäger Regiment<br />1 Btn Pavlov Grenadier Regiment<br />1 Btn Butyrsk Musketeer Regiment<br />3 Btn Oufa Musketeer Regiment<br />New Russia Dragoon Regiment<br />Novgorod Cuirassier Regiment<br />8th Medium Horse Battery 3x8lb<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxL1zEXgrA5QO1t6VroDHvanOI1u6hjSh2OCLXeK59RFAHM7nF55bcVRYASINGSNupBKEAJwgSMo1H-eeIwYW6_9V-sJ6cMPmAJy-cdStw0hknzjEIf9KGDvsdO3N-mrVXyG9SX-FFO6Oky5hikBVTezjmfgTPCd1ckqxEfo_B2fzdXGssGIUSn8b4Sk/s4894/P1110021a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3381" data-original-width="4894" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxL1zEXgrA5QO1t6VroDHvanOI1u6hjSh2OCLXeK59RFAHM7nF55bcVRYASINGSNupBKEAJwgSMo1H-eeIwYW6_9V-sJ6cMPmAJy-cdStw0hknzjEIf9KGDvsdO3N-mrVXyG9SX-FFO6Oky5hikBVTezjmfgTPCd1ckqxEfo_B2fzdXGssGIUSn8b4Sk/w640-h442/P1110021a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>French Briefing</u></b><br />The main army has crossed to the West Bank of the River Berezina and is fighting the main Russian Army to defend the bridgehead. You have been tasked with protecting the baggage and ensuring that it crosses to the West Bank. The Russian Division to your front has up to now, shown no inclination to engage. You have commenced a withdrawal of your own command to the West Bank. Two battalions of de Blaireau’s Brigade have already crossed and the light cavalry, horse artillery and one Cuirassier regiment of Count Terrier’s Brigade have found crossing points further North and South.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Primary Objective:<br />Protect the convoy as it crosses the Berezina River<br />Secondary Objective:<br />Withdraw your forces to the West Bank of the Berezina</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Deployment:<br />Marshal Claude Victor Perrin<br />Gen de Brigade Compte de Blaireau<br />Behind line AB<br />1/27em Régiment de Legere<br />1/40em Regiment de Ligne<br />1/100em Regiment de Ligne<br />1/103em Regiment de Ligne<br />7/2em Artillerie a Pied 3x12lb<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">En Route:<br />1/64em Regiment de Ligne<br />3/64em Regiment de Ligne<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gen de Brigade Count de Terrier<br />Convoy on east west read, forward unit at western end of pontoon.<br />Behind line AB<br />1er Regiment de Cuirassier<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">En Route:<br />2em Regiment de Hussards<br />4me Regiment de Dragons<br />10me Regiment de Cuirassier<br />3/2em Artillerie a Cheval 3x4lb</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PoTXAM27auGV8qfi2qdIeLI9Aht-PdiVgxr5hE_kKrxMVeyTr4iWdNTm0JNK1gRTCVe06fujuBfyYMs95QY01MF0cPNHxfXu_CF8EUtTBzb-Ye42XR6aLiOqEs9cqV-cDa-4PYhQFbLrA2VGWp-OGIzjNNokXgC5AXxr_Jjoiic35iWyWlNTmJz0sDM/s4894/P1110022a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3137" data-original-width="4894" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PoTXAM27auGV8qfi2qdIeLI9Aht-PdiVgxr5hE_kKrxMVeyTr4iWdNTm0JNK1gRTCVe06fujuBfyYMs95QY01MF0cPNHxfXu_CF8EUtTBzb-Ye42XR6aLiOqEs9cqV-cDa-4PYhQFbLrA2VGWp-OGIzjNNokXgC5AXxr_Jjoiic35iWyWlNTmJz0sDM/w640-h410/P1110022a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />With limited resources, the French were unable to cover all their front and chose to leave their left flank in the air and cover their right flank with their sole cavalry regiment. They placed their powerful 12lb battery in the centre of their position, covering the road.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6iH33LD6HKPiyrfTQemgOvrjYRVlfo6YGl4pjRn-gmoimQupq_sH4Yj6x5e5X9E-oXjHIlX8mmDZPCGSVyOMBazLnjVYcT5wuUkPcQY15SZj3SR_onk1riJYX61HII9P564lboBrp2OD_1fjFkLCjDxSFtHlvqUn-Nd9dy1_7b3SXBXA0K9T9fqUmow/s4896/P1110023a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6iH33LD6HKPiyrfTQemgOvrjYRVlfo6YGl4pjRn-gmoimQupq_sH4Yj6x5e5X9E-oXjHIlX8mmDZPCGSVyOMBazLnjVYcT5wuUkPcQY15SZj3SR_onk1riJYX61HII9P564lboBrp2OD_1fjFkLCjDxSFtHlvqUn-Nd9dy1_7b3SXBXA0K9T9fqUmow/w640-h480/P1110023a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The Russians were confronted with the tail end of the convoy, a large and mean looking 12lb battery, lots of little brightly coloured tiddlywinks and two Russian officers peering down at them. Their plan was for Ivanish van Heiden’s Brigade to turn the French left flank and for Ivanitch Pol’s Brigade to split his forces and send the cavalry and grenadiers to turn the French right flank and the remaining infantry battalions to carry out a frontal assault on the French centre. Poor sods. The problem was, the Russians really had no idea how many French forces were facing them, or where they were positioned.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJbB2u6hvjDxrnt-2XDpQ0Q9oarbI8TiLc_n47Ci9CBfjr2cmc5Bd0pYd3G6O_TqGo6Vww6UNQMNWZSC_iIx3OSDTw8cnAj-VXxgowD7BB3M8-Pyz_GV-qWvU--2-cg3ErKenOiQP-61K6rt_SPN7jUSqs0DkoXI9FM44iobwns2SIcX9FVbvApIsCeg/s4896/P1110024a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJbB2u6hvjDxrnt-2XDpQ0Q9oarbI8TiLc_n47Ci9CBfjr2cmc5Bd0pYd3G6O_TqGo6Vww6UNQMNWZSC_iIx3OSDTw8cnAj-VXxgowD7BB3M8-Pyz_GV-qWvU--2-cg3ErKenOiQP-61K6rt_SPN7jUSqs0DkoXI9FM44iobwns2SIcX9FVbvApIsCeg/w640-h480/P1110024a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Ivanish van Heiden’s Brigade carried out their movement towards the French left with the Cossacks leading the way. Count de Terrier, attached to the 1er Regiment de Cuirassier, moved the regiment from the French right flank to the left, leaving the French right alarmingly empty, apart from the colourful tiddlywinks which did their job in suggesting to the Russian command that there was something nasty over the ridge. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72MvGmkwKeZEGIP-gVb3j3keiWAMxDUsRbwXad12PN3Hf9FNLCe9mgLEskq2-d3lUGWW64l9eNcUH6wm-DrYZ9yWndRBpAs19Vdr31-0rt2IuNJKwSHAbpf7xadgwZmk6_jGgGmDy4zEOvl_EUeC4Ne3WNS5cNxQ98GQZPV_rp1n-9pFycNN5yGlRVPg/s4549/P1110025a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3183" data-original-width="4549" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72MvGmkwKeZEGIP-gVb3j3keiWAMxDUsRbwXad12PN3Hf9FNLCe9mgLEskq2-d3lUGWW64l9eNcUH6wm-DrYZ9yWndRBpAs19Vdr31-0rt2IuNJKwSHAbpf7xadgwZmk6_jGgGmDy4zEOvl_EUeC4Ne3WNS5cNxQ98GQZPV_rp1n-9pFycNN5yGlRVPg/w640-h448/P1110025a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Cossacks caused a certain amount of irritation and annoyance among the French commanders by charging, feinting and evading, forcing the infantry into square and encouraging the Cuirassier to move out of position. The Cuirassiers were charged by the Uhlan regiment, which came off worse from the encounter and retired disordered. Unperturbed, Ivanish called on the Uhlans to charge again. They gamely followed his quickly disappearing figure, but with blown horses, they were forced to pull up short, a sitting target for the Cuirassiers, who, despite being disordered, gave them a severe mauling.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONAB2R6N4EN3UniC39SeKTuFfw9-J9En6EbEt4wSW1rOsk2pUpJR-25CAbpIEUpbwljgy0GhdnimmBx0AksxClS-1Whaod8aRJpbTN-k0tDT4LpENzUiG1Xar9dRuPvV4ASwYedoI3pC0LeRAx6B5C2V9rt_4rjZii3vw_KK84xl1O8sNbT5Rg4l3Pxs/s4645/P1110026a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2195" data-original-width="4645" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONAB2R6N4EN3UniC39SeKTuFfw9-J9En6EbEt4wSW1rOsk2pUpJR-25CAbpIEUpbwljgy0GhdnimmBx0AksxClS-1Whaod8aRJpbTN-k0tDT4LpENzUiG1Xar9dRuPvV4ASwYedoI3pC0LeRAx6B5C2V9rt_4rjZii3vw_KK84xl1O8sNbT5Rg4l3Pxs/w640-h302/P1110026a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The attack on the centre was going as expected. The 3rd Btn 19th Jäger Regiment soaked up more fire than they should have from the 12lb battery before routing. Meanwhile, despite the occasional wheel falling off, the convoy continued its slow progress over the pontoon unmolested.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0l2UzKabZyVpxcq28FCJZNf7h8ikrjbqsS1Dehnj5INpMjR2-mLyl8aMjw6Y7SVktEcTNeMyh6-Ig7GGYcKeYhzN75I1jeRenCfnmIp1NiSkGvh2syJdUtlxTKPIheqb4Vv-OLt39832YTNuy6CcQi7rHBVUa9h10LF6rGNQyo3bTvx32JErl39EKOQ/s4388/P1110028a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3401" data-original-width="4388" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0l2UzKabZyVpxcq28FCJZNf7h8ikrjbqsS1Dehnj5INpMjR2-mLyl8aMjw6Y7SVktEcTNeMyh6-Ig7GGYcKeYhzN75I1jeRenCfnmIp1NiSkGvh2syJdUtlxTKPIheqb4Vv-OLt39832YTNuy6CcQi7rHBVUa9h10LF6rGNQyo3bTvx32JErl39EKOQ/w640-h496/P1110028a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />As the advance on the French right was making slow progress, fighting shadows, the Russian command, feeling time was running out and the convoy was slipping away, ordered a general all-out attack. The French, the majority being concealed behind the crest, had suffered minimal casualties whilst the Russians had been under continuous musket and artillery fire. The attack was a magnificent failure. One concentrated salvo and numerous crashing volleys sent the Russian battalions reeling down the slopes, breaking the Army Moral so abruptly that even the French command was somewhat taken aback.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_IQY11vVpk7155h2-BZ-93fR6SAReo9VZ263wDT7RalCCSbKaregKnRyW9DI1Eofs5DJ9svzZSjYaTc_3rELCyTrlplkIiQ1wWgZPlwxn0StWv0mcfMZGHjJRwwRfIz8mNoY8mfc7lkR_YMctmgZtEwD5b3VpM9UCOiRI3jl1GsPM0JNBmWk5IEDCh4/s889/Photo%2018-08-2023,%2020%2034%2038a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="889" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_IQY11vVpk7155h2-BZ-93fR6SAReo9VZ263wDT7RalCCSbKaregKnRyW9DI1Eofs5DJ9svzZSjYaTc_3rELCyTrlplkIiQ1wWgZPlwxn0StWv0mcfMZGHjJRwwRfIz8mNoY8mfc7lkR_YMctmgZtEwD5b3VpM9UCOiRI3jl1GsPM0JNBmWk5IEDCh4/w640-h506/Photo%2018-08-2023,%2020%2034%2038a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The French bluff had paid off. If only the Russian command had not pushed their attack on the French left and advanced Ivannitch Pol’s units on the tiddlywinks on the French right they would have found a clear road to the convoy. If only.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Nj-LMFUziutxP7n16GOHqtZ3H9hWBp4u82hxGTb8migBUwPtT1zHP9c-XUAZfrAE7TA5rHmkgE6-mTw0MbjtGAKk_K9IJozasS3HKDdgjouk4u6ri6CgYYKt07Ec5MY9s2yk7yDVzM-1U-GMy9OjkGyaRq1VCtFBmk3Usz3rvotPnzcR-iYQ0dN1i6s/s874/Photo%2018-08-2023,%2020%2034%2041%20(1)a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="866" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Nj-LMFUziutxP7n16GOHqtZ3H9hWBp4u82hxGTb8migBUwPtT1zHP9c-XUAZfrAE7TA5rHmkgE6-mTw0MbjtGAKk_K9IJozasS3HKDdgjouk4u6ri6CgYYKt07Ec5MY9s2yk7yDVzM-1U-GMy9OjkGyaRq1VCtFBmk3Usz3rvotPnzcR-iYQ0dN1i6s/w634-h640/Photo%2018-08-2023,%2020%2034%2041%20(1)a.jpg" width="634" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Hindsight is always the winner.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9WfCdYdT0AzSrfeTQ0A8kjB_h6mmFUM9vO7hpNNyGawBCV2G7Zr5CAExOWIqVbiyj6WxD9i2pKJnLTBJgVCC6K2KpjebiCE6Tb_Ee-AP9-6XXZgZ8zpIxt5boLQNCjVlR5BRXhjWRqBGvjs7zL4yt03tH7sirtI4ICMLaC52nT70kTgVci5JnUy9yNw/s1180/Photo%2018-08-2023,%2020%2034%2041a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="959" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9WfCdYdT0AzSrfeTQ0A8kjB_h6mmFUM9vO7hpNNyGawBCV2G7Zr5CAExOWIqVbiyj6WxD9i2pKJnLTBJgVCC6K2KpjebiCE6Tb_Ee-AP9-6XXZgZ8zpIxt5boLQNCjVlR5BRXhjWRqBGvjs7zL4yt03tH7sirtI4ICMLaC52nT70kTgVci5JnUy9yNw/w520-h640/Photo%2018-08-2023,%2020%2034%2041a.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />My thanks to the luckless Russian command, the two Ians, Ivanitch and Ivanish, and the lucky French command, Blaireau et Terriers, (shh, I don’t think he’s noticed), Nathan and Mark, for providing such good humoured entertainment and playing with the usual good spirit and camaraderie.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Mat. Tiny Wargames<br />Figures. AB and Boki<br />Buildings. Timecast Eastern European Range<br />Pontoon Bridge. Warfayre<br />Roads. Fat Frank<br />Rules. Home concoction.</div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-57736179441300653642023-08-19T07:23:00.002+01:002023-08-19T07:23:59.374+01:00North Russian Expeditionary Force, Under The Midnight Sun, Summer 1919 - Fistful of Lead, Bigger Battles<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNiN9QyZl38J1fRM3mX6MiUZQzNdNFwBpsmWK0NvN1AgfVfnw2uAr9jSxsriUgUOyHH92IYBtZ_YaQYuaA6xJUrCXSHmfJGKdMkOwDAhgh1lyi6kQ83WElj2OW6Jh9mLg0F0uiqp5CW3rrTMrIryhq0rQOiKjKH_tUEfAKHqd3ml8UD05qoOuKoLGolg/s800/British-troops-in-Russia%20a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="800" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNiN9QyZl38J1fRM3mX6MiUZQzNdNFwBpsmWK0NvN1AgfVfnw2uAr9jSxsriUgUOyHH92IYBtZ_YaQYuaA6xJUrCXSHmfJGKdMkOwDAhgh1lyi6kQ83WElj2OW6Jh9mLg0F0uiqp5CW3rrTMrIryhq0rQOiKjKH_tUEfAKHqd3ml8UD05qoOuKoLGolg/w640-h382/British-troops-in-Russia%20a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ironically it was the Bolsheviks, fearing attack by Finns and Germans, who requested Allied troops land at Murmansk, in March 1918. A separate peace, that same month, between the Bolsheviks and the Central Powers followed by an anti-Bolshevik coup in Arkangel, allowed Allied forces to extend their support to the White faction, who promised to keep Russia at war with Germany. The November 1918 Armistice made this all largely irrelevant and The Western Allies were now openly intervening against the Bolsheviks. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjO32cylCYJSq8oaDohxh4oGJ4nDjfk-Hh4CY5AzYyYrdq6hClliJh71RM4SvrTG4IzixY7OjlaZwxyvCEjq7bCLJDslIFN0Kp9Ufa3w0_LyXQJNe04v9xPtdFpwvHNVSW6O4wkNM7dkE5XwrJp3RNu7l6pOf-afu-5v_6RdWRBbZXMVAs8YtiYidPxr6Y/s1506/map.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1506" data-original-width="1050" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO32cylCYJSq8oaDohxh4oGJ4nDjfk-Hh4CY5AzYyYrdq6hClliJh71RM4SvrTG4IzixY7OjlaZwxyvCEjq7bCLJDslIFN0Kp9Ufa3w0_LyXQJNe04v9xPtdFpwvHNVSW6O4wkNM7dkE5XwrJp3RNu7l6pOf-afu-5v_6RdWRBbZXMVAs8YtiYidPxr6Y/w446-h640/map.jpg" width="446" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Russian_civil_war_west.svg">https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Russian_civil_war_west.svg</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Allied/White forces advanced south and east from Arkangel, aiming for a junction with Admiral Kolehek’s forces advancing from Siberia but this never happened. The morale and motivation of allied troops became increasingly flaky as they wanted to go home. Efforts to recruit volunteers for the NREF met with little enthusiasm in a war weary Britain. By October 1919 the NREF was withdrawn from Arkangel and Murmansk and the remaining White Russian forces soon collapsed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cooeK4ZbE3JaxEoJfPrza5kYOzfUYDHZjGzqGLNKx72BtGuP-YMPtbEJK3bwBvCHcISuzmiDpznrKZ2jDMVHoNQhcmtC2FrDzuCmJ-YMr6Rx3mDMuUqF1x3h_l8tU1BNu9qQwI7mrOD4pqf3QN_darT9978jpumCXigW9uqvHphgdM9oLifUDRVn8og/s277/images.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="182" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cooeK4ZbE3JaxEoJfPrza5kYOzfUYDHZjGzqGLNKx72BtGuP-YMPtbEJK3bwBvCHcISuzmiDpznrKZ2jDMVHoNQhcmtC2FrDzuCmJ-YMr6Rx3mDMuUqF1x3h_l8tU1BNu9qQwI7mrOD4pqf3QN_darT9978jpumCXigW9uqvHphgdM9oLifUDRVn8og/w263-h400/images.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Today’s game, using Fistful of Lead, Bigger Battles, sees an attack by a combined British/White Russian force against a Bolshevik held position at a railway halt, somewhere south of Arkangel in summer 1919. The decision to withdraw from Arkangel this summer, before the port becomes ice-bound, is High Commands main concern. North Russia is now just a side-show with enough aggression shown to keep the Bolsheviks at bay.</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/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3kxtbkAdjSAgjTAuAbAzCpa-PcS113aDExbai61uVjXYtx-S6uTXbxqpPbR1NzNiyG7NYA0khigw0txRwbwAXtIjKyQXhT7VZRKc0shpjY1KcJcl5O8hFccX1x8Kw9I8fEmFPS6Gg74nkGlIY91RH4W1YuGZtyrzhIRl1QHpbGjG8pIOA963pkSyJ00/s3939/P1100906a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3012" data-original-width="3939" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3kxtbkAdjSAgjTAuAbAzCpa-PcS113aDExbai61uVjXYtx-S6uTXbxqpPbR1NzNiyG7NYA0khigw0txRwbwAXtIjKyQXhT7VZRKc0shpjY1KcJcl5O8hFccX1x8Kw9I8fEmFPS6Gg74nkGlIY91RH4W1YuGZtyrzhIRl1QHpbGjG8pIOA963pkSyJ00/w640-h490/P1100906a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>The Terrain:</b> </div><div>What was once a frozen land has melted into bogs and swamps under the mid-summer sun. At least The North Dvina River is flowing freely now, so vessels can move up and down at will; but the forests are just as impenetrable as ever before. To simulate this, every time a unit attempts to move, outside of an area of good ground, a roll of 1 on a D6 means the unit cannot move this turn. The unit can do any other action it chooses. The North Dvina River is also represented on the table, not to the same scale, to allow for riverine actions and support.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir873Kg1kw-RhznrnEaUx6ElWQvB6DsmMNQcrv7g1Vmmr-vTaL6cCRDleK4J3qveN0uy86t82lwtRhEyvV9lXQBCcbxP8BQJEXM0SORK1LOFxS2vr8lRO8UyJgGD2RjC1GN-asL5zrZ_Q_jNngf2MsvvJZ87gH-hXG0SSgvxWWoqTxjTEzZWXd5BSU5G8/s3997/P1100907a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3625" data-original-width="3997" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir873Kg1kw-RhznrnEaUx6ElWQvB6DsmMNQcrv7g1Vmmr-vTaL6cCRDleK4J3qveN0uy86t82lwtRhEyvV9lXQBCcbxP8BQJEXM0SORK1LOFxS2vr8lRO8UyJgGD2RjC1GN-asL5zrZ_Q_jNngf2MsvvJZ87gH-hXG0SSgvxWWoqTxjTEzZWXd5BSU5G8/w640-h580/P1100907a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">North Russian Expeditionary Force</span></b></div><div>Officer IC</div><div>British Infantry officer</div><div>3 units of 10 British infantry, with rifles.</div><div>Russian Infantry officer</div><div>3 units of Russian infantry with rifles</div><div>Priest</div><div>1 unit unarmed peasants</div><div>3 MMG’s</div><div>3 medium field guns</div><div>Gunboat HMS Fox armed with two medium guns</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5jvp-55faySuSI2A37xWZmxmQrk3aADts-Y8ByryRdhxGxr_aN8Nj0lGXjwrM2V2D6KOuk_QzP5AvdpSdeXkRQaPChfQ8q5BU5Rtr-26SqyDufTzPP1HUwUxc_CvAip0TBfWhLHKQdI6tuuIKUJx6eOa5w_Z5xtZXVCBC9WGjqfRc7sFw0fLRvpOiTI/s4896/P1100909a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5jvp-55faySuSI2A37xWZmxmQrk3aADts-Y8ByryRdhxGxr_aN8Nj0lGXjwrM2V2D6KOuk_QzP5AvdpSdeXkRQaPChfQ8q5BU5Rtr-26SqyDufTzPP1HUwUxc_CvAip0TBfWhLHKQdI6tuuIKUJx6eOa5w_Z5xtZXVCBC9WGjqfRc7sFw0fLRvpOiTI/w640-h480/P1100909a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Bolsheviks</span></b></div><div>Snr Officer IC</div><div>Snr Komisar</div><div>Junior Officer</div><div>Jnr Komisar</div><div>6 units of 10 infantry</div><div>1 squad of Red Finns</div><div>4 MMG’s</div><div>2 River patrol boats, armed with MMG and light gun</div><div>Unarmed tug and two barges</div><div>2 medium field guns</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnbfiMgqjolvTG3kUdHBp-mN2YfMrfqr71pMQeDWU-yUEEmK4WZFzEfsNAvFyB5x2FlGpwuaCjgNnq1hzeHJMQW1dgLY9S2oraM3MNRh0dTcD5fH_BvHNq1o9VkKcv_1HVeszilIN8uuQBdgnJQqfqrtjrMQjC-i5uxE_vseMBh4_ByvGFgv-w9ypOAg/s4895/P1100917a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1625" data-original-width="4895" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnbfiMgqjolvTG3kUdHBp-mN2YfMrfqr71pMQeDWU-yUEEmK4WZFzEfsNAvFyB5x2FlGpwuaCjgNnq1hzeHJMQW1dgLY9S2oraM3MNRh0dTcD5fH_BvHNq1o9VkKcv_1HVeszilIN8uuQBdgnJQqfqrtjrMQjC-i5uxE_vseMBh4_ByvGFgv-w9ypOAg/w640-h212/P1100917a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Deployment:</b> </div><div>Units may come on anywhere on the friendly short side without penalty. Units cannot normally deploy off the riverside, unless transported by vessel. Units can attempt to outflank and come on the landward long side, but going is either boggy or deep dark dense forest and hard to navigate. To enter on the landward long side, roll a D6 for each unit attempting to enter requiring 4 or more for success. There is no limit to the number of times a unit can attempt to come on in this way.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAtNl4kbVkZUiYgrbNzynPs3IPOCK-Vyh05hwntv-lup567YoW35plw_SxJMvDymlYxcjtZh9h1F9F2qIj1dn69tkoMy5a2f8oLz_PR0wfKSqsn3cWZXACW-jWqRGtkxaDb0A7vSfQGBRJsCPaq4RbdlCw1ikZF7RarQyQDAALvmpaO4rtLpcklOBKiA/s4209/P1110002a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2162" data-original-width="4209" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAtNl4kbVkZUiYgrbNzynPs3IPOCK-Vyh05hwntv-lup567YoW35plw_SxJMvDymlYxcjtZh9h1F9F2qIj1dn69tkoMy5a2f8oLz_PR0wfKSqsn3cWZXACW-jWqRGtkxaDb0A7vSfQGBRJsCPaq4RbdlCw1ikZF7RarQyQDAALvmpaO4rtLpcklOBKiA/w640-h328/P1110002a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>How the game played:</b></div><div>The shabby village next to the railway halt, had been defended with some simple earthworks, but the Bolsheviks left them unmanned, preferring an all-round defence against attack from the forest or the river. The Bolshevik joint commanders, asleep in a railway carriage which they had turned into a comfortable mobile headquarters, were awakened by the sound of erratic machine gun fire and enemy artillery. Franticly cranking the field-telephone, they spoke to the main concentration of Bolshevik forces, further down the line. An unperturbed voice reminded them that they were part of Military Commissar Trotsky’s New Red Army and that reinforcement would be dispatched.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB22RFe9_gdc5GTv7wdjbDUs7fJCpFRDdpleQER4lJYmAN5cWgj1--ghiIOFFOkqFJSKpquNsHc3nmU-yG-6Xd6LvZxDMUQW1dv6uqJjr7Iv1eeu_erA1WwOhLfARysPD11T37uzsOF4VNM7gRCjrPaAALK8-a7OWpUFdPDEFi62iGo2DyiyacsD2Bec/s4896/P1110003a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB22RFe9_gdc5GTv7wdjbDUs7fJCpFRDdpleQER4lJYmAN5cWgj1--ghiIOFFOkqFJSKpquNsHc3nmU-yG-6Xd6LvZxDMUQW1dv6uqJjr7Iv1eeu_erA1WwOhLfARysPD11T37uzsOF4VNM7gRCjrPaAALK8-a7OWpUFdPDEFi62iGo2DyiyacsD2Bec/w640-h480/P1110003a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A thick column on the Dniva river heralded the arrival of HMS Fox and fire from her two medium guns forced the Bolshevik artillery to retire pronto. Looking out of their carriage window, what looked like Interventionist infantry and support weapons were exiting the forest line and splashing their way towards the village. Grabbing whatever clothing came to hand the Bolshevik commanders rushed over to inspire and steady the garrison troops. A unit of off-duty Red Army men were roused and sent to bolster the defences, only to walk into a hail of Interventionist fire. At least the small group of Red Finns, deeply suspected by the Commissar, turned out quickly to join the fight.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWH8VZdv4ge3MF_CVNWnySzktgA6Th427KQY6ncrQCPmUsYphOe40B__eIppSiKyRJqdtB3--tiwKX9J42kZ94s415ribQtClbDX1P2dJ5T-wYbwiOm7crdkqDWga5GQS_6qoRw3-llhWPLanbCNfWPzANxp9AoCM24DK6-dfZ40nOAcPJuSPxLqAPHI/s4896/P1110004a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWH8VZdv4ge3MF_CVNWnySzktgA6Th427KQY6ncrQCPmUsYphOe40B__eIppSiKyRJqdtB3--tiwKX9J42kZ94s415ribQtClbDX1P2dJ5T-wYbwiOm7crdkqDWga5GQS_6qoRw3-llhWPLanbCNfWPzANxp9AoCM24DK6-dfZ40nOAcPJuSPxLqAPHI/w640-h480/P1110004a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A large cloud of smoke south of the village heralded the arrival of Bolshevik reinforcements. Leading</div><div>the way, was a modern river patrol boats armed with a machine gun and light gun; the experienced sailors knew to immediately put down a heavy fire on the Interventionists nearest to the river bank.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then followed the tug “October Revolution” (previously known as “Rusty Oleg”) towing two barges</div><div>and crammed to the gunwales with fresh Bolshevik infantry. Heavier equipment was being unloaded from an improvised armoured train.. All this settled the nerves of the defenders and their leaders took a more prepared approach toward defence. </div><div><br /></div><div>None of this stopped the Interventionist’s infantry making it to the village earthworks, or their gunfire further depleting the defenders. Not to be out done by the Russian sailors, gun-crews of HMS Fox laid down more fire on the Bolshevik artillery forcing it to retire yet again. Only for the inspiring words of a Bolshevik leader to intervene, that steadied the depleted gun crew's nerves. In all the euphoria, the movement of the Red Finns in the direction of Finland passed largely unnoticed.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkwh7KsKDP1TdezcPJKM6ubQLdxPc1OWFa8kCNIK680ep2uNiSTHthvE29WQT4J0oE2AHDssZTrg3OQwgfi-RTKrZ7YA7YLtaeLEn3y0zfAtzTw51cvs0z9Wn4uH4UwINC-ATkko2hw-WbtnUuptp_mYE53BeytxA_EybzTnarGg6TJcxyygEGIr_szI/s4314/P1110005a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3045" data-original-width="4314" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkwh7KsKDP1TdezcPJKM6ubQLdxPc1OWFa8kCNIK680ep2uNiSTHthvE29WQT4J0oE2AHDssZTrg3OQwgfi-RTKrZ7YA7YLtaeLEn3y0zfAtzTw51cvs0z9Wn4uH4UwINC-ATkko2hw-WbtnUuptp_mYE53BeytxA_EybzTnarGg6TJcxyygEGIr_szI/w640-h452/P1110005a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Skipper of “Rusty Oleg”, I mean “October Revolution”, wasn’t that committed to the cause and seeing HMS Fox his first thought was to land his passengers quickly and not too close to danger. With this considerable infantry force now landed, the Bolsheviks took up a strong position in the railway siding. The sailors on the river patrol boat were more game and though out gunned engaged the Fox, causing some damage. If they had hoped their superior speed and manoeuvrability would protect them, that was a mistake. A near miss caused sufficient damage and the patrol boat was left drifting in the river.</div><div><br /></div><div>The battle was now in full swing. Bolshevik heavier weapons, unloaded from the train, and started to appear. A medium gun and a two machine guns commenced their deadly trade. But, unknown to the Bolsheviks a considerable force of newly recruited Whiter Russian troops had concealed themselves in the woods, right next to the artillery’s firing position. “Forward with the bayonet” cried their officer, but not one White solder would budge. The same officer then appealed to another unit of Russian troops, who followed his call and charged the gun position. Caught unawares, the artillerists fell or fled. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Bolshevik infantry were consolidating and expanding their position in the railway siding awaiting any attack from Interventionist forces. But the Interventionist troops were still clearing the remainder of the village as they awaited their heavier weapons to move to new positions. While all this was going on, nobody hardly noticed that the Finns had disappeared in the direction of Finland, without so much as “a how’d you do or a by your leave.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvSI9_gYhROu18e6LxuBEJf6oVaJDrhED4AVUpBOhr3LCOetXoSCvj5D_wF1rwOMhu5IpqSB00bmsXTYmlt8qvc39X6P4vy-OLELUFkX_iiQoONpKxp0B4ypYw7DnUrc1RIZooVApEJe6iR0OkzRznpfrXXIt4WYAswRmIg-B6LerEpGfH3UGNiqQBnE/s4245/P1110006a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3183" data-original-width="4245" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvSI9_gYhROu18e6LxuBEJf6oVaJDrhED4AVUpBOhr3LCOetXoSCvj5D_wF1rwOMhu5IpqSB00bmsXTYmlt8qvc39X6P4vy-OLELUFkX_iiQoONpKxp0B4ypYw7DnUrc1RIZooVApEJe6iR0OkzRznpfrXXIt4WYAswRmIg-B6LerEpGfH3UGNiqQBnE/w640-h480/P1110006a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The brave Russians who captured the Bolshevik gun were now subjected to the withering fire from three nearby Bolshevik units; inevitably they turned and fled. But their example had inspired the previously hesitant White unit to now over-run a Bolshevik Maxim gun position. And this was not the only example of counter-Bolshevik bravery today; Father Egor had rallied his congregation who now attacked some Bolsheviks hiding in one of the village buildings. Alas for Father Egor, after some initial success the icon of Saint Erasmus seemed to lose its power and the now depleted defenders lost their position. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bravery was not just confined to the White Russian side, for on the Dvina a second motor patrol boat burst though the smoke of battle and engaged the Fox with all guns. The same result was inevitable as shot from the Fox cleaved the patrol boat into two parts and it sank quickly. But the patrol boat’s efforts were not all in vain, as further damage was inflicted on the Fox. The Fox’s captain, knowing that he would soon be required to sail his gun-boat across the White Sea to Murmansk, before towing to Rosyth, did not want any further damage to his vessel so contented himself with shelling the railway siding, which was already the main target of the other Interventionist guns.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewmL8Bn80z4WGcqA2JW8fnhi4GrMJDLaiMnYMuauj6IaOz0_dvryZ0VCEGBRzEoV9WI4jeo8ugZreEiRby7W8LFa2fo_RkJKrjRvZhUSoshJ0G_9e2SQ3140G_jLl6JSY_p4XKoMES_z9sWtT4rZH83J0YLwUiSMIEwD7TkT9jl5tt9SOCdnj8QGilaw/s4246/P1110007a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3058" data-original-width="4246" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewmL8Bn80z4WGcqA2JW8fnhi4GrMJDLaiMnYMuauj6IaOz0_dvryZ0VCEGBRzEoV9WI4jeo8ugZreEiRby7W8LFa2fo_RkJKrjRvZhUSoshJ0G_9e2SQ3140G_jLl6JSY_p4XKoMES_z9sWtT4rZH83J0YLwUiSMIEwD7TkT9jl5tt9SOCdnj8QGilaw/w640-h460/P1110007a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>By now it was clear that superior weight of Interventionist artillery fire would settle the day in their favour. The Bolsheviks contented themselves with the knowledge that the Interventionists and their allies would find it difficult to progress further south down either the River Dvina or the railway line. Rumours were already circulating that British Major General “Tiny” Ironside had ordered the evacuation of Interventionist forces from Arkangel, now it was ice free. As for everybody else in the North Russian Expeditionary Force, they were just happy to be going home in one piece.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg140z4W9kAOVjZxsnWZpsf0D-b974Bu9025nsokbATKKxLp59bBAAq8T4kr8snbCeiJR0nfxZFeduaorZCH2_b-T1_BXhXfiM2bRwkRBBq8-iQEaxWRTYleYeKzvtnlO_3WxdzP68jst4hNn0sNwfiybmrUazvFmrwPT5RzTejmqoEpSQcwZyUKoe-t_8/s3752/P1110008a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2498" data-original-width="3752" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg140z4W9kAOVjZxsnWZpsf0D-b974Bu9025nsokbATKKxLp59bBAAq8T4kr8snbCeiJR0nfxZFeduaorZCH2_b-T1_BXhXfiM2bRwkRBBq8-iQEaxWRTYleYeKzvtnlO_3WxdzP68jst4hNn0sNwfiybmrUazvFmrwPT5RzTejmqoEpSQcwZyUKoe-t_8/w640-h426/P1110008a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Figures are mostly Copplestone Castings, British troops from Woodbine Miniatures, the two large vessels by Sarissa and the patrol boats are 3D printed. Thanks to the players, Vince, Chas, Si and Mark for getting into the spirit of the era. Now, where shall we go next in the less ventured backwaters of the twentieth century?</div><p></p>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-47386117848552995872023-08-15T10:17:00.001+01:002023-08-15T10:17:18.883+01:00Bantry Bay 1796 - Kiss Me, Hardy<p></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/AVvXsEgiDD8sivcFrPoK54lQ604XcdmmM0mEqYwKZXypdVC7c6OPyMGQhnhUy2rYuhWOIltoWUI3_YtMoZr0kTNYPnhmuSh3M2Rrqa6ahG1ahBXUSohvCuMOtcuzfBmyxbuHqHlbEJeq6wutDbl9aZx-XpRv1rYYyAm0YUgAHgVrSxnfPRJ3IEwiIfQk0ik8KOI/s1200/WarrensAction1798Ireland.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1200" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDD8sivcFrPoK54lQ604XcdmmM0mEqYwKZXypdVC7c6OPyMGQhnhUy2rYuhWOIltoWUI3_YtMoZr0kTNYPnhmuSh3M2Rrqa6ahG1ahBXUSohvCuMOtcuzfBmyxbuHqHlbEJeq6wutDbl9aZx-XpRv1rYYyAm0YUgAHgVrSxnfPRJ3IEwiIfQk0ik8KOI/w640-h444/WarrensAction1798Ireland.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Battle of Tory Island 1798, when the French returned to Ireland, captures the theme for my 'What If' scenario</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With our very own Clotted Lard and the Naval Wargames Society meetings looming large on the calendar and my commitment to produce a 'Kiss Me, Hardy' (KMH) game for both events, I set about planning something a bit different and to produce my first few terrain items, that have been long in the gestation, but with this project prompting me to get the high density foam and plaster out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjUMajOeh0wmEPX5c-ZZdplN7jRL12ppjB_KEraAF3WtKXt8LlGvbbdonelAQ8i1WL57NZuBW33HKYAEQqhmHUGykFuVZim7butRSy0alInM1RV0yyTHwbe3_0JqSwY7UGkcLNJiyTK47ulo7HYANPM-SsCq1zYgfWzC3Cd1WOpn9zECnatC6yFXZCa7Zs/s4032/20230803_212116a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMajOeh0wmEPX5c-ZZdplN7jRL12ppjB_KEraAF3WtKXt8LlGvbbdonelAQ8i1WL57NZuBW33HKYAEQqhmHUGykFuVZim7butRSy0alInM1RV0yyTHwbe3_0JqSwY7UGkcLNJiyTK47ulo7HYANPM-SsCq1zYgfWzC3Cd1WOpn9zECnatC6yFXZCa7Zs/w640-h480/20230803_212116a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My headlands taking shape at Chez JJ in preparation for Bantry Bay 1796.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With my work on building 1:700 naval models, I hadn't initially given much thought to terrain as my focus was very much on the big battle scene and still is to a certain extent with plans to press on with the Dutch fleet for Camperdown front and centre at present, but with my recent work in translating William James' many small action accounts to the table top and thoughts of doing the odd cutting-out scenario and the need to create the aspect of narrower waters confined with a bit of land has inevitably become more pressing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEifosBiD5FqX-aTHdiE8uwHhQrvX3P4VgC5lFx_aTJNBMMz3KLJr78eCFydYoNTRwwuqeehO0yErcgLKKFfzYIBtOySPDmBypSTHJO17Q0BwzCm7Wq4N818lhL4KH34WYWj3cJaifzUclXFUl-H8OWcYrvJjw9uOqYPkd9wG3-B7JK07jSRgsD5UI35FmI/s776/Irish%20Question.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="776" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifosBiD5FqX-aTHdiE8uwHhQrvX3P4VgC5lFx_aTJNBMMz3KLJr78eCFydYoNTRwwuqeehO0yErcgLKKFfzYIBtOySPDmBypSTHJO17Q0BwzCm7Wq4N818lhL4KH34WYWj3cJaifzUclXFUl-H8OWcYrvJjw9uOqYPkd9wG3-B7JK07jSRgsD5UI35FmI/w400-h335/Irish%20Question.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://toofatlardies.co.uk/product/2014-christmas-special/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>https://toofatlardies.co.uk/product/2014-christmas-special/</b></span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So I thought I would take the opportunity of producing a game that would require a bit of coastal scenery to compliment a squadron level action based on Nick Skinner's scenario ideas from the Too Fat Lardies Christmas Special 2014, entitled 'The Irish Question'.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I say based upon, because I decided to make a few tweaks here and there as I am often want to do, given that I wanted to better able to cater for up to six players, and so slightly increased the number of ships involved and the incorporation of my own preferred house rules for fleet morale and a slightly different set-up rationale for why the ships were where they were trying to do what they were.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEjZDVUWTY7UxjNOxYHuOsIgRAkxRDe46bs8pU4WWmrAU4Z3FhahMQCgxWRkf0C9PsPX606fOnAF7Yi27KiMbF5QhEiO2CWBtINXNEo2p_fOHP9-rWImEr-J9TVjqoQCEd9n0-hwgIwiNNdI6N9Yt5wRTJ1BVt1TFVOgs2Nq4jyfIcGgMmI8Aj-IS08GqEs/s831/bantry-bay-exp-dition-d-irlande-1796-7-french-revolutionary-wars-1818-map-272309-p1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="831" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDVUWTY7UxjNOxYHuOsIgRAkxRDe46bs8pU4WWmrAU4Z3FhahMQCgxWRkf0C9PsPX606fOnAF7Yi27KiMbF5QhEiO2CWBtINXNEo2p_fOHP9-rWImEr-J9TVjqoQCEd9n0-hwgIwiNNdI6N9Yt5wRTJ1BVt1TFVOgs2Nq4jyfIcGgMmI8Aj-IS08GqEs/w640-h462/bantry-bay-exp-dition-d-irlande-1796-7-french-revolutionary-wars-1818-map-272309-p1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A French map of the Bear Haven anchorage chosen to launch their Irish expedition from, in the winter of 1796.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The historical accounts of the French Directory's decision to take the French Revolutionary War directly to the British and Irish mainland's in 1796 reads like a ridiculous comedy of errors with the rather grandiose and complicated idea to raise Ireland up against the British occupiers by landing a Franco-Irish army in Ireland in coordination with pinning-minor invasions of the British mainland to aid in preventing any home forces coming to the Irish garrison's aid and possibly causing insurrection against the British authorities there as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhRlb7Y2-y6LNlJhettJLApEn9Ivv1jQ1h_9UMJdN-QEks21bztaakKBeYRxN5hoidp1IPMJrogn9sutCWtcozYMz6ztbpjpf93-ZC6PyNIwRSG_zWBAjRVvegNdUwT24-Iyg0R-NNp90vqn-WKeAPwh9Bux37QKZmsXOxWVL_ZmLJl2OqTZbET1Tf9Z28/s1364/Hoche%20&%20Tone.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1364" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlb7Y2-y6LNlJhettJLApEn9Ivv1jQ1h_9UMJdN-QEks21bztaakKBeYRxN5hoidp1IPMJrogn9sutCWtcozYMz6ztbpjpf93-ZC6PyNIwRSG_zWBAjRVvegNdUwT24-Iyg0R-NNp90vqn-WKeAPwh9Bux37QKZmsXOxWVL_ZmLJl2OqTZbET1Tf9Z28/w640-h360/Hoche%20&%20Tone.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The architects of the Franco-Irish invasion of Ireland in 1796, General de Division Lazare Hoche (left) - Jean-Louis Laneuville and Theobold Wolfe Tone (right) - Artist Anonymous.<br />Hoche first saw action as a young lieutenant in 1792 and rose rapidly to general de brigade by September 1793, surviving the reign of terror and charges of treason with a record of achievement and success coupled with fiery energy. He defeated the British sponsored French Royalists in western France and was appointed by the Directorate to organise and lead the French Invasion of Ireland in July 1796. Wolfe Tone was a leading Irish Revolutionary figure and a founding member of the United Irishmen, a republican society determined to end British rule in Ireland. He would take part in the 1796 expedition led by Hoche and the later one in 1798 when he was captured by the Royal Navy, later committing suicide in prison, before his planned execution.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Despite the invasion force setting out from Brest in December of 1796 in possibly some of the worst winter weather possible, bad enough on land but a whole different issue at sea, with a naval component not exactly up to its best in terms of recent encounters with the Royal Navy, and worst still, totally inadequately supplied aboard the French ships to allow for the very likely delays on arriving and disembarking the troops at their intended beach head in Bantry Bay the main landing did indeed have a faint chance of success, given the unpreparedness of the British for such a daring plan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><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/AVvXsEh8FNpfkmQFOFy11qgjuY0ynibGUZjyWTRkUTRJBJmRFwfamvD49NWd5yv038_jbKltFlDcrmnXEOeQPkZBZZoz_wY9-xbDDZnrszgNhoHhIJPeIxkgv0T_lJdxv2DRpF3Ktey5MajJL5wZ0mXwQh5ficfLMQx3MKnY668GRLK7msLWWAgo4fxQZtkSyN8/s3801/P1100899a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2755" data-original-width="3801" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FNpfkmQFOFy11qgjuY0ynibGUZjyWTRkUTRJBJmRFwfamvD49NWd5yv038_jbKltFlDcrmnXEOeQPkZBZZoz_wY9-xbDDZnrszgNhoHhIJPeIxkgv0T_lJdxv2DRpF3Ktey5MajJL5wZ0mXwQh5ficfLMQx3MKnY668GRLK7msLWWAgo4fxQZtkSyN8/w640-h464/P1100899a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The French squadron of twelve ships are battling against a strong December head wind as they approach the entry to Bear Haven, with Sir Edward Pellew's Inshore Squadron seen approaching in line abreast to oppose any further progress.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite the atrocious weather causing the delays to the French fleet through dispersal and battling with heavy seas, that same weather prevented the British Channel Fleet sallying forth from Portsmouth, once they were aware of French movements, and saw the bulk of the French force, all be it without their commander and architect of the plan, General Louis Lazarre Hoche, arrive off Bear Haven, Bantry Bay on 22nd December with fifteen ships carrying 6,500 men, but with the weather still preventing a landing, and the whole enterprise now under the command of a certain General Emmanuel Grouchy, yes that Grouchy!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEiiprkJTi8DbX43iawJ5kUUyetMbW2tqhpzlyr7BrTx8TK_CyngaS9zUydv6ATxbhFYsJP2thy3j4qT3cbTJdq-ZCR0A83yczFEof6anl76bVlU4HmflWnlAksbta9JHJt_tbsRF1HbmmYInfwOdvP5kl0GlsyZxtQv3R3YX-vCg4qsKpVXhH0aTXMCo1A/s300/Armee-dIrlande.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="300" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiprkJTi8DbX43iawJ5kUUyetMbW2tqhpzlyr7BrTx8TK_CyngaS9zUydv6ATxbhFYsJP2thy3j4qT3cbTJdq-ZCR0A83yczFEof6anl76bVlU4HmflWnlAksbta9JHJt_tbsRF1HbmmYInfwOdvP5kl0GlsyZxtQv3R3YX-vCg4qsKpVXhH0aTXMCo1A/w400-h356/Armee-dIrlande.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Armee d'Irlande - Irish Officer (centre), French Infantry Officer (right)<br />and French Marine Private (left)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If this was not bad enough, the British garrison, if that is what it could be called, was totally inadequate for the threat it likely faced and had the French forced the issue on land it might have not turned out well for His Majesty's forces.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><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/AVvXsEhPjVs-pB_W-rgKn11S7OzyHHylJvJlkOoCo6agEqh12YP8B2m5kVE9P38vqxGaVWj4A0bpeKU-hB651Z22TkgZHG85p-S9gZpIBr5fBhgkeq7rP5OrUfeceCbYWGareJoHBbRAnkhs7rg1m0oEgZ1Gv3YgQ6caYlV7_vlk8Wk2p_51H2BQpHFLJ9Y7Meo/s4894/P1100900a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3368" data-original-width="4894" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjVs-pB_W-rgKn11S7OzyHHylJvJlkOoCo6agEqh12YP8B2m5kVE9P38vqxGaVWj4A0bpeKU-hB651Z22TkgZHG85p-S9gZpIBr5fBhgkeq7rP5OrUfeceCbYWGareJoHBbRAnkhs7rg1m0oEgZ1Gv3YgQ6caYlV7_vlk8Wk2p_51H2BQpHFLJ9Y7Meo/w640-h440/P1100900a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The six French third-rates and two fifth-rates, under the command of Commodore Jaques Bedout have corralled four straggling troop transports and are shepherding them towards the French anchorage. The neat straight columns of French ships were slightly reorganised, particularly among the third-rates as poor station keeping was rolled for after this picture was taken. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the end it was '<b>General Weather</b>' that came to the aid of His Majesty, that combined with the declining supply issue that convinced General Grouchy to call the whole thing off, seeing the French leave Bantry on December 29th homeward bound, only to now have to run the gauntlet of heavy seas and Sir Edward Pellew's pursuing Inshore Squadron of fast frigates, harrying the stragglers, with Hoche arriving at Bantry a week after his expedition had departed for home, forcing the hero of the Vendee to follow in their wake.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEidBdioGFuo6_uNnFjLYw8mnS4IJg3d_dOiLVxo1zIWzDHHfLVi-PDWIUDDT11Kj9wIYngId10oSPANPzUIhx6oEws4i9hKD8af-zvAGMojXfLrSzkpiD-UeImWhy2YyU3ITDTGPV5kMm_1GWDmQGVmUBN8Tm-mLCuB8o6zyEclVQOIMuiB4BPoQKso49o/s4597/P1110032a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3225" data-original-width="4597" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBdioGFuo6_uNnFjLYw8mnS4IJg3d_dOiLVxo1zIWzDHHfLVi-PDWIUDDT11Kj9wIYngId10oSPANPzUIhx6oEws4i9hKD8af-zvAGMojXfLrSzkpiD-UeImWhy2YyU3ITDTGPV5kMm_1GWDmQGVmUBN8Tm-mLCuB8o6zyEclVQOIMuiB4BPoQKso49o/w640-h448/P1110032a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The approach of Pellew's <i>Indefatigable </i>and the frigates <i>Amazon </i>and <i>Phoebe </i>are seen from the transport column through a maze of French sails.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This scenario and game poses a what if? What if the French had managed to get into Bear Haven a few days earlier and established a bridgehead but were still forced to wait while much needed stragglers were rounded up and guided into their new anchorage, but in turn also faced a vanguard Royal Navy ships keen to prevent such a union and in turn force a repeat of history with Grouchy losing heart and calling the whole thing off.</div><div><br /></div><div>The British are not in sufficient strength to pull off a Nelsonian-Nile type of attack on the established French anchorage, but if they can drive off and significantly damage these much needed reinforcements then perhaps they wont need to and the rest can be left to <b>General Weather</b> and declining French supplies to convince them of the folly of landing.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhfXbb2kZ2i-quMXrZm1s_yIxI19PnOVAOaIlvrm3J8fZXUiZh2eA2ziha4cDmJE7RO99urDZlMpzzKjxNCsAUyl7fvDeIb72nehQJ0BjW_odPMAegDeMBPQWEIr7ouwg_bKrczLkmolSqpwtc75N39zfjjcvvtqwxUROsUgy1kMdywkWh0H-VTKwDaAn4/s4743/P1100901a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2204" data-original-width="4743" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXbb2kZ2i-quMXrZm1s_yIxI19PnOVAOaIlvrm3J8fZXUiZh2eA2ziha4cDmJE7RO99urDZlMpzzKjxNCsAUyl7fvDeIb72nehQJ0BjW_odPMAegDeMBPQWEIr7ouwg_bKrczLkmolSqpwtc75N39zfjjcvvtqwxUROsUgy1kMdywkWh0H-VTKwDaAn4/w640-h298/P1100901a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The French opted to keep their fifth-rates close on the larboard side of the transports, but perhaps starboard side may have been a better strategy?</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This game was very much a scenario in principle test and I even changed the table layout to lengthwise rather than as I prepared it, width-wise, to see what difference it would make to the balance of the game and it confirmed my thoughts but more anon as I give a general account of this, the very first incarnation of Bantry Bay 1796.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgjWkxWPn2M1rgKpCRJ5vdlVjKN1wNNhmBCK-MjthE54AExehO_YrLUryPHUIEYhsgEGxXkFPJyvKLWF2PUwN9dJXrTJC4n-sZK6IqsxnVWa42I1DvY5J9P_JKfTJQu8AZ98riJIQrhnMCITVCiva7HbD-MZVxq9mf3fc5SucBv59XZkX68yUUyD4hHdEo/s3680/P1100902a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3680" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWkxWPn2M1rgKpCRJ5vdlVjKN1wNNhmBCK-MjthE54AExehO_YrLUryPHUIEYhsgEGxXkFPJyvKLWF2PUwN9dJXrTJC4n-sZK6IqsxnVWa42I1DvY5J9P_JKfTJQu8AZ98riJIQrhnMCITVCiva7HbD-MZVxq9mf3fc5SucBv59XZkX68yUUyD4hHdEo/w640-h538/P1100902a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pellew's light squadron were the vanguard force of an approaching fast-squadron of four British third-rates detached from Rear Admiral Colpoy's Channel Squadron' to press on in the foul conditions and support Pellew's frigates, and set to arrive in four turns.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Both sides were allowed to set up as they chose in the positions shown, as long as prescribed formations were adopted, that is line astern, line abreast, line of bearing etc and with the prescribed station keeping distances to avoid collisions.</div><div><br /></div><div>The French then rolled for displacement from their original set up positions to account for their poorer quality crews unable to keep proper station and I advised everyone that the weather was normal conditions which meant that the first successful turn of the 'Getting Choppy' chit would cause that effect, rather than in light winds when two such turns would be required.</div><div><br /></div><div>The victory requirements for the British to obtain a decisive victory would be to capture or destroy half the transports and three French third-rates, whilst likewise for the French getting all of their transports into Bear Haven. </div><div><br /></div><div>Additionally Fleet Morale rules apply that would see the French testing to break off the mission should their ship losses equate to 30% of their total Point Preservation Value of 15 PPV with each third rate equating to 2PPV and the flagship 3PPV whilst frigates and transports equated to 1 and 1/2 a PVV each.</div><div><br /></div><div>Similarly the British PPV equated to 14PPV but they could withstand the loss of 50% before being tested to break off and either of their commanders was adding one to the die, with a 5 or 6 on a D6 required to keep on fighting.</div><div> </div><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/AVvXsEgOtNQCvkpVyfCbu5lQJTOHOYmExfTlVppNV4YbRZ58RwOXYo9OlVAdLtRd9gPBBPWO5jdk9B4Bdq1y1bte94C2zyrbqM-ikRRwSOov_hEnB2eYr-0iLwENZYRaDA_UHeVhxsIvM2pdsGANerGWngKGufOlIT2g1mvlDVh_RSU1w8pMVA2cqzxeZVu1B-g/s4426/P1100903a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2672" data-original-width="4426" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtNQCvkpVyfCbu5lQJTOHOYmExfTlVppNV4YbRZ58RwOXYo9OlVAdLtRd9gPBBPWO5jdk9B4Bdq1y1bte94C2zyrbqM-ikRRwSOov_hEnB2eYr-0iLwENZYRaDA_UHeVhxsIvM2pdsGANerGWngKGufOlIT2g1mvlDVh_RSU1w8pMVA2cqzxeZVu1B-g/w640-h386/P1100903a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedout's two lead 74's <i>Tourville </i>followed by <i>Trajan </i>have successfully tacked firing bow chasers in the approach to then bring their starboard broadsides to bear as the latter lays into the <i>Indefatigable's </i>rigging.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>As I suspected the weather plays a key role in this game and the French found themselves forced to think about tacking their way into the approaches to the anchorage but also seeing both sides mainly operating on bow winds thus keeping movement rates low for much of the game as the forces slowly came to grips.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgxhsjdSbJvs5lrDwUJ2lxDJ57BRYMtHcmYuZ9c4iaV0Hbyj_q_hFgUWOrSgTQH4Fy2yWtY6jTacx3dRT_sBpElfIsoxf9j5vaabAzxmpkC40aumTJ46NEJPUH9AAHS4WFUKaTfZyhttm6gI6ZOPRv5BjnMheP7U5_A5L4R_yZx_teIb77ZS_vzJkg2lEU/s4789/P1100904a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1606" data-original-width="4789" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhsjdSbJvs5lrDwUJ2lxDJ57BRYMtHcmYuZ9c4iaV0Hbyj_q_hFgUWOrSgTQH4Fy2yWtY6jTacx3dRT_sBpElfIsoxf9j5vaabAzxmpkC40aumTJ46NEJPUH9AAHS4WFUKaTfZyhttm6gI6ZOPRv5BjnMheP7U5_A5L4R_yZx_teIb77ZS_vzJkg2lEU/w640-h214/P1100904a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedout has signalled to his heavy squadron to tack in succession as he attempts to keep the forward momentum of his fleet going against the headwind whilst also shielding the transports from the British threat.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Commodore Bedout was keen to keep plenty of his warships between Pellew and later Saumarez's frigates and third-rates as his transports kept close company behind with his two frigates, but as I suspected the French frigates were soon required to get starboard of the transports to help fend off the attempt by Pellew to shield the frigate <i>Phoebe </i>around the French warship defence to get at the transports.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEhaQn3WaCUx2eEWH7aPwtC-fw_qcTTsa6O-zFHmAyPD1k9udbpsQu6jPQA85F5wjQ-7CJ-cUUQuvY-o4zo5J9dMj5W-g4gjH9bjCbLs2y6ygakInnVd36qi4fV93ZC_PFFXntnlBKE0MBfwg61Ej7yIe5dj-FGsM0ZSbczeoLc2jPynKHNPT_LmQCwgvnk/s4894/P1100905a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3091" data-original-width="4894" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQn3WaCUx2eEWH7aPwtC-fw_qcTTsa6O-zFHmAyPD1k9udbpsQu6jPQA85F5wjQ-7CJ-cUUQuvY-o4zo5J9dMj5W-g4gjH9bjCbLs2y6ygakInnVd36qi4fV93ZC_PFFXntnlBKE0MBfwg61Ej7yIe5dj-FGsM0ZSbczeoLc2jPynKHNPT_LmQCwgvnk/w640-h404/P1100905a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pellew likewise has signalled to attack the transports and has deployed in line of bearing looking to use <i>Indefatigable </i>to shield his smaller frigates as they attempt to get around to the transport columns. The wind marker on the compass rose can be seen blowing directly towards the French approach as they work their way forward on a bow wind.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>As the British manoeuvre started to develop, the wind suddenly veered a point to the south-west in turn 3 catching the bulk of the French in irons and forcing them to take individual damage checks as they attempted to drop their bows out of wind and in turn delaying the French advance as the supporting British third rates prepared to arrive on turn 4.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our recent house rule that moderates the loss foremasts to only those times when the 'Getting Choppy' test had taken effect, limited the damage to minor speed boxes, but it never the less only added to French problems in lost movement as well as some damage to rigging.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgj8cg3THHNsMgpPpB02AeJtJjSclfnuXvw2llIhJ1ofMfvY36DBnvhyAKHqA0o4nq84Yi9xv8b8WnIDBmqaq8LzGzUgbG9JY9FhRHy94iZrp6Lo4pa-Efm2Oc_u8Ga4_sYAlNCJJMynJJ-XGcGR27rLzdJgT0UQLHcjip6qFsISF1-Xv4ynCc_I4vJK4Y/s4894/P1110030a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3065" data-original-width="4894" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8cg3THHNsMgpPpB02AeJtJjSclfnuXvw2llIhJ1ofMfvY36DBnvhyAKHqA0o4nq84Yi9xv8b8WnIDBmqaq8LzGzUgbG9JY9FhRHy94iZrp6Lo4pa-Efm2Oc_u8Ga4_sYAlNCJJMynJJ-XGcGR27rLzdJgT0UQLHcjip6qFsISF1-Xv4ynCc_I4vJK4Y/w640-h400/P1110030a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As <i>Indefatigable </i>bears the brunt of French fire, the Vanguard Squadron of British third rates under Commodore Sir James Saumarez aboard HMS <i>Orion </i>arrives in support, just as <b>General Weather</b> starts to take an interest in the action.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />That said Bedout had managed to tack the two leading 74's <i>Tourville </i>and <i>Trajan </i>who began to expertly ply <i>Indefatigable's </i>rigging with chain shot, followed up by long range broadsides as the two French third rates turned onto a parallel course with the British razee.<div><br /></div><div>Pellew was of course using the <i>Indefatigable's </i>hull strength to soak up the French fire to help buy his other two frigates the space to dash ahead and get at the transports, but the damage to his rigging started to accrue alarmingly, however <b>General Weather</b> intervened just at the right time as the sea state suddenly turned choppy forcing <i>Tourville </i>and <i>Trajan </i>to close their lower ports and reducing their now partial broadsides to be halved yet again as they dismissed the opportunity to hold fire and reload in favour of keeping up the fire that they could.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEjiq5o4UnA_Te5yHP6j-iXD9DxLMQBIYTHAdPEn-uuN-WECGLRwxOtwGE6HhP6h90q7XBf8x-EoafUsA3CRTvRsvsTDvbf1IMRcI9CJPE2kL9408UetqxLodrboCgtSOf7cg8zbVUmDkZ4TBz-OxZxvcYs1FmpGhFhI08rjEb5F3S6JkyG_Q2tAaROpEAI/s4294/P1110031a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2614" data-original-width="4294" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiq5o4UnA_Te5yHP6j-iXD9DxLMQBIYTHAdPEn-uuN-WECGLRwxOtwGE6HhP6h90q7XBf8x-EoafUsA3CRTvRsvsTDvbf1IMRcI9CJPE2kL9408UetqxLodrboCgtSOf7cg8zbVUmDkZ4TBz-OxZxvcYs1FmpGhFhI08rjEb5F3S6JkyG_Q2tAaROpEAI/w640-h390/P1110031a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nervous transport captains edge to larboard as the gunnery ahead grows louder and more insistent.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The change in the wind had forced the French to veer away from their original course for the anchorage entrance and now just as Saumarez led his British third-rates onto the table, the choppy seas had reduced their gunnery potential, and Pellew spotted an opportunity to take full advantage of the changed situation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both <i>Indefatigable </i>and <i>Amazon </i>were very close to the French <i>Trajan </i>and so brought their respective bows around to gently graze the enemy third-rate whilst sending over the grapples, which fortuitously took hold for both, seeing British boarding parties sally forth, with <i>Trajan </i>only able to defend against one attack and choosing to take on the Indefatigables, allowing the Amazons to cross the opposing bulwarks unchallenged.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEhv015e9SQ3TVlm6MXgszfwbI7wNrOEMHHoDWDRDRalBaUAwRuQELxIk5wjfH1oSh1L7lf3dU_huwIMmdwFf_SRwzcRDL-3S3q8oZ9ZIekIDIEKEPrJzBJmbAcQE-46xUeqzqMl5k7mYeRZ8Q3KTN04IReNEK5qtihSo0zuq3keaDQCjODIqVTLyGNdZrM/s4894/P1110034a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2702" data-original-width="4894" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv015e9SQ3TVlm6MXgszfwbI7wNrOEMHHoDWDRDRalBaUAwRuQELxIk5wjfH1oSh1L7lf3dU_huwIMmdwFf_SRwzcRDL-3S3q8oZ9ZIekIDIEKEPrJzBJmbAcQE-46xUeqzqMl5k7mYeRZ8Q3KTN04IReNEK5qtihSo0zuq3keaDQCjODIqVTLyGNdZrM/w640-h354/P1110034a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the British attack develops, the wind has veered one point putting many of the French 'in irons' as they try to avoid losing rigging whilst dropping off the wind</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Both <i>Trajan </i>and <i>Tourville </i>had taken the brunt of short range British gunnery from Pellew's squadron, with both having suffered rakes from the passing 36-gun <i>Phoebe </i>and now <i>Trajan </i>was losing the first round of boarding to <i>Indefatigable</i>, whilst the <i>Tourville </i>was running out of sea room and getting dangerously close to Black Ball point as <i>Phoebe </i>gave the third rate another stern rake as she passed her.</div><div> <br /><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/AVvXsEg4RclEitvgkiMu2coBCLJWBibqwcyyKvNhVvgfrki8Gze-7BGcNAXCeLh44ScLww1YOli9syh_jnhAZ-EuE6ShkEOdxynnOoYNNNjfZy6DRXGpSYDqe_VpfSAzcq8ElCy17rn_rD_YtXbep1uJA4VmNYAdAfxYCRpWIzaL-knoaIQtnoRNLnBPnTetV8A/s4895/P1110035a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2737" data-original-width="4895" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RclEitvgkiMu2coBCLJWBibqwcyyKvNhVvgfrki8Gze-7BGcNAXCeLh44ScLww1YOli9syh_jnhAZ-EuE6ShkEOdxynnOoYNNNjfZy6DRXGpSYDqe_VpfSAzcq8ElCy17rn_rD_YtXbep1uJA4VmNYAdAfxYCRpWIzaL-knoaIQtnoRNLnBPnTetV8A/w640-h358/P1110035a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The French may be having problems with the wind but the British are facing a heavy wooden wall of French third rates as they try to force the issue.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yet again the weather had not finished messing with this action as the wind veered a second time this time back a point to the south and again catching the French on completely the worst heading which, now the seas were choppy, meant that failed tests would result in lost foremasts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The French <i>Mucius </i>74-guns and the transport <i>Fille Unique</i> duly watched their front stick topple and fall overboard with a shuddering crack as the strain of the rising wind proved too much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjYrZ2uutU9a7MFHmWCI_Xwz4ya1cWjdiJvDe9R1rHw1kDx7KBusFY7iLHIbZBpXrutLc5mQL0KEMK_s9EGwNZZQuN0sGkIJ8-ezkvH9o15dLFdJxQVJQEFFCGn10N3S45FyADFJkpZj7NZ0bC-27k8dP4fVJn6Zhl7bCjYPETq6eP_NCqtdQHhdc73Lkw/s4894/P1110038a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3225" data-original-width="4894" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrZ2uutU9a7MFHmWCI_Xwz4ya1cWjdiJvDe9R1rHw1kDx7KBusFY7iLHIbZBpXrutLc5mQL0KEMK_s9EGwNZZQuN0sGkIJ8-ezkvH9o15dLFdJxQVJQEFFCGn10N3S45FyADFJkpZj7NZ0bC-27k8dP4fVJn6Zhl7bCjYPETq6eP_NCqtdQHhdc73Lkw/w640-h422/P1110038a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the opposing third rates come to grips, <b>General Weather</b> takes yet more interest, as the conditions turn choppy and lower gun ports are closed. Let's hope the wind doesn't veer again as masts are more likely to topple in these heavy sea conditions.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The French were still contesting this fight but only just, and with the British third-rates led by Samaurez's Orion closing in, Bedout closed on the stricken <i>Trajan </i>to try and bring support with his mighty 80-gun <i>Indomptable</i>, only to receive a punishing broadside from <i>Orion </i>that ripped through the Frenchman's rigging and reduced her speed by a third when added to damage accrued from the earlier change in wind direction.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEjElAb2mm_0yeQ72U1ZKcOzbfis7tR-gqUddYlFLcqsQ0bWwp8UJQL9HsgeWr7JEf1gF7_c31Pt82mRm6jP26aJKkb7daGPDk-3MpYXLt__mW-2QZu3ZvP6tYiSIH7xzP9KPwzSxXvWbdediy87Gi7gGoOEkvAE70kf8ulBuba8eUH_PlSPaZdNXZwrnMo/s4896/P1110039a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElAb2mm_0yeQ72U1ZKcOzbfis7tR-gqUddYlFLcqsQ0bWwp8UJQL9HsgeWr7JEf1gF7_c31Pt82mRm6jP26aJKkb7daGPDk-3MpYXLt__mW-2QZu3ZvP6tYiSIH7xzP9KPwzSxXvWbdediy87Gi7gGoOEkvAE70kf8ulBuba8eUH_PlSPaZdNXZwrnMo/w640-h480/P1110039a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Indefatigable </i>and <i>Amazon</i> get close and personal with <i>Trajan </i>74-guns seeing both British fifth-rates manage to grapple and initiate boarding attacks over the Frenchman's bow and stern quarters.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The wheels looked set to come off the French wagon train as Trajan lost her second round of boarding to Indefatigable which saw her crew driven below, forced now to defend on the main gun deck and with nowhere to go should she lose the next round.</div><div><br /><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/AVvXsEiQoLEPGvnnE5eX9Qst4QRdr3jyO2R_bqOqxMCZnyBj7aIBtZdrOG7c-6AGj8vK71gzBZcHq5m1PuFvP1tVnyvTgueCvF2GRs894dePSP6vuu73_pPvx6l6A1zss3VtT9QwI6ggDkjeUeDRqdZ2GnDyxDsjxKNHW1yLsiAnhdhvAmsOD3Fa7vYqGLbdCa8/s4894/P1110040a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2870" data-original-width="4894" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoLEPGvnnE5eX9Qst4QRdr3jyO2R_bqOqxMCZnyBj7aIBtZdrOG7c-6AGj8vK71gzBZcHq5m1PuFvP1tVnyvTgueCvF2GRs894dePSP6vuu73_pPvx6l6A1zss3VtT9QwI6ggDkjeUeDRqdZ2GnDyxDsjxKNHW1yLsiAnhdhvAmsOD3Fa7vYqGLbdCa8/w640-h376/P1110040a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Trajan </i>in the centre,<i> </i>is hard pressed dealing with two boarding attacks and will strike as the Amazons and Indefatigables combine to drive her crew below, whilst Saumarez comes up astern and in support by engaging Bedout's <i>Indomptable, b</i>ottom right of the picture.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As so often happens in KMH when one side is starting to totter, the knock-out blow is often dramatically final as in the last turn of the game and with the pub beckoning, <i>Trajan </i>did indeed lose her struggle to Pellew's Indefatgables striking his colours in the boarding phase, soon followed by the strike test chit that saw <i>Tourville </i>forced to check their response to the rake received from the frigate Phoebe, needing 75% or less to pass, she rolled 83% and hauled down her colours as well, that forced Bedout to test for his PPV threshold of 3 having been passed by one with this second strike, and of course he rolled a 3 indicating he was signalling a 'General Withdrawal', which looked like it might be a tough ask given the closing position.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As always the numbers and ship record cards show the facts behind the result, although in this action a large amount of damage aloft caused by the additional hazard of changing winds in high seas adding to that caused by gunfire.</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/AVvXsEhUjW506HCZytmkGAbSZdZPHKrLUIBLsoU6YEaXusPokd1ViZ_1GHy6Jxw7eeZIOpRLWu_Dr6Nc7UCTlh07pukD2Njk6y0aAQ6gwlulFmv-p-WqrJNtNUUH0JQXv4ZB8Hyu08Av6VXxXe67L3LTQk69ajOpP6dO_1U7gph5sMmlVTtKoAEMHrQeXmFC9Vo/s1282/Indomptable.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1282" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjW506HCZytmkGAbSZdZPHKrLUIBLsoU6YEaXusPokd1ViZ_1GHy6Jxw7eeZIOpRLWu_Dr6Nc7UCTlh07pukD2Njk6y0aAQ6gwlulFmv-p-WqrJNtNUUH0JQXv4ZB8Hyu08Av6VXxXe67L3LTQk69ajOpP6dO_1U7gph5sMmlVTtKoAEMHrQeXmFC9Vo/w640-h384/Indomptable.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The four French ships to bear the brunt of the British attack were of course from Bedout's third-rates, so the French heavy squadron was certainly earning its pay, with the flagship above illustrating the combined effects of British gunnery and the wind on making a mess of Indomptable's rigging.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpKjhs08aQ_8OvaPv5rnIk00Kcv-Q8UEfZ8tTIA8Fxi2oRw_Yrl-tnlBBwS1-uO47f4vNvj7m87yGQuRfyQoMHC_vtvGWM5fnCSImyzEEvjkZI3Vk-9r7pkw9bECE5miWi8h7DRNlOoMyurqwu-Fz163W-7ji4qZGzelgApgAe0MU6IBoqZFBjNItOnU/s604/Trajan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="597" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpKjhs08aQ_8OvaPv5rnIk00Kcv-Q8UEfZ8tTIA8Fxi2oRw_Yrl-tnlBBwS1-uO47f4vNvj7m87yGQuRfyQoMHC_vtvGWM5fnCSImyzEEvjkZI3Vk-9r7pkw9bECE5miWi8h7DRNlOoMyurqwu-Fz163W-7ji4qZGzelgApgAe0MU6IBoqZFBjNItOnU/w395-h400/Trajan.jpg" width="395" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Trajan got into quite a fight with Pellew's Indefatigable, mimicking the historic struggle between the British razee and the Droits de l'Homme that occured during the French withdrawal.</div><div><br /></div><div>The critical hit that caused High Officer Casualties would have caused problems if forced to take a strike test but in the end Captain Le Ray surrendered his ship after a creditable fight with two British fifth-rates that proved insurmountable in the end.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLAUQ-iVDS8iE-HTz85gsMjhT40pW0Q4sUe_qtis452pVHssIDWaPora-Z1hmTOFH61VosXuGyUTgQJht-zFRs6X_AnNY-ejzpLqlK0BzhmjILmYyPHDbYbBihkpqoBcbsJ3X1S65DeZerK0MER7vd7TGTvh6OqY-n5fOrUQ4-n8TlTvpkA2GQnkPtlQ/s604/Tourville.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="596" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLAUQ-iVDS8iE-HTz85gsMjhT40pW0Q4sUe_qtis452pVHssIDWaPora-Z1hmTOFH61VosXuGyUTgQJht-zFRs6X_AnNY-ejzpLqlK0BzhmjILmYyPHDbYbBihkpqoBcbsJ3X1S65DeZerK0MER7vd7TGTvh6OqY-n5fOrUQ4-n8TlTvpkA2GQnkPtlQ/w395-h400/Tourville.jpg" width="395" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The <i>Tourville </i>above is only carrying light damage to her hull, and she could consider herself unfortunate to strike to a stern rake from the frigate <i>Phoebe</i>, but when it occurred she was cut off from supports as the <i>Phoebe </i>and the <i>Majestic </i>74-guns moved in between her and her supports thus making her test that little bit harder to pass in the end.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9RaV3d1PR_DvfFluF-TxOflgZUeJmnztiHvs43Zue97HjBEmqpynlMJDcWGB7VWI-_NjygFwXxe8OfEB1EdQdgPFD_5tzLnY7G2fEst863_YKOiDXvFyb11wrHpZjWjHJtwcSFA-mnhJO29PEz7FKbf2TpVsjasWOq_nXH5ief1q47tfLjAAsSjEvdk/s604/Mucius.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="596" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9RaV3d1PR_DvfFluF-TxOflgZUeJmnztiHvs43Zue97HjBEmqpynlMJDcWGB7VWI-_NjygFwXxe8OfEB1EdQdgPFD_5tzLnY7G2fEst863_YKOiDXvFyb11wrHpZjWjHJtwcSFA-mnhJO29PEz7FKbf2TpVsjasWOq_nXH5ief1q47tfLjAAsSjEvdk/w395-h400/Mucius.jpg" width="395" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The <i>Mucius </i>along with the <i>Fille Unique</i> transport lost their foremasts in the final wind shift just as the sea state turned choppy and the card above for <i>Mucius </i>shows what a mess her rigging was at the close making it very unlikely that she would have evaded capture in the inevitable British pursuit.</div><div><br /></div><div>The two British flagships, illustrated below, bore the brunt of French fire as shown by their respective cards, and this was an intelligent tactic used by the British, as flagships, with their -15% Flagship strike benefit combined with, in this case, the Jolly Jack Tar Elite Fervently Determined Crew status giving another -25%, meant that these two ships started with an opening morale status of 135% before the firing had even got going, making them the best options to lead any close in attack with. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI92h1thbuV7odUkKIioNFGoOMfzrlCyUl1OkTGehvqbMbWNIulcEyAA3_ZLOqz_IT_Fu94ybQO8UvphqXr7AfuSH13zJNJfLrHk9ywQdVXaeOvtWyLO-yVJ7mti4tWcKKMhL1CHQrXAjfRKopsV7ctc7YShGq6A0gpoqa9zBcLk6nZzrbzcLy44E-kqQ/s603/Indefatigable.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="597" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI92h1thbuV7odUkKIioNFGoOMfzrlCyUl1OkTGehvqbMbWNIulcEyAA3_ZLOqz_IT_Fu94ybQO8UvphqXr7AfuSH13zJNJfLrHk9ywQdVXaeOvtWyLO-yVJ7mti4tWcKKMhL1CHQrXAjfRKopsV7ctc7YShGq6A0gpoqa9zBcLk6nZzrbzcLy44E-kqQ/w396-h400/Indefatigable.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The <i>Indefatigable </i>got the break she needed just as her rigging hits from <i>Trajan </i>and <i>Tourville </i>were giving cause for concern by being able to take full advantage of the choppy conditions reducing both French 74s to effectively half fire, to close and board, and the <i>Orion </i>seen below shows her contribution with the damage she took in her fight with <i>Indomptable </i>as she came up in support, losing her mizzen mast to the French flagship.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmL7QZyzs8Oo0czGAbwOeEq2E7JC4GQaw_bJNh1156BK3smf5W3QK4-iHLjcUawdgfIx9DQrV10QwQ9UKShyJXsLc4IQGdZJoarg45poaJV_RltFLYzrJZSmWDxLH6HfDSOTxWRpK7AXKLccKF2ol8tFkKtukL6nfq5efo7k2k1RjSo_nLjvMTWK_6qHU/s601/Orion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="601" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmL7QZyzs8Oo0czGAbwOeEq2E7JC4GQaw_bJNh1156BK3smf5W3QK4-iHLjcUawdgfIx9DQrV10QwQ9UKShyJXsLc4IQGdZJoarg45poaJV_RltFLYzrJZSmWDxLH6HfDSOTxWRpK7AXKLccKF2ol8tFkKtukL6nfq5efo7k2k1RjSo_nLjvMTWK_6qHU/w400-h400/Orion.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So what did I learn from this first playtest? Well I now definitely know how not to set up this scenario. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I suspected, the weather in the form of the headwind means the French need to be closer in to their objective and with more sea room in the form of a wider entrance to the anchorage to put more pressure on the British to get across the table quickly or risk seeing a fight with the French third rates get going only to see the transports sneaking in over the line and ending the scenario in favour of the French.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEiC1O40jKUO6lCDLKjyoAF77j4WuP2feW8A9f1gSGzBGPOGdeBTnckA8PUQ6Uv2gNOg-yLwjdQyBmyLdJ50vjl9E1TvWoGYFiuGyCRsqZPkgSpFx-pzrUPPgF8qX4nhfpCkJwRi_9A5RT57A63QE0fkKaeWjQyxCP-K1dQDVQzbysLtnu03_6aNNs__5cY/s635/Bantry%20Bay%20Map%20v3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="635" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1O40jKUO6lCDLKjyoAF77j4WuP2feW8A9f1gSGzBGPOGdeBTnckA8PUQ6Uv2gNOg-yLwjdQyBmyLdJ50vjl9E1TvWoGYFiuGyCRsqZPkgSpFx-pzrUPPgF8qX4nhfpCkJwRi_9A5RT57A63QE0fkKaeWjQyxCP-K1dQDVQzbysLtnu03_6aNNs__5cY/w640-h468/Bantry%20Bay%20Map%20v3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The table layout, next time this game is played</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The game should produce the intention of a close in knife-fight of a scrum, as both sides will be on each other in pretty short order, and Pellew's lighter squadron will have to fight a canny battle to still be able to stay in it when the British heavy squadron turns up; and with a closer set up for the French, they still have an opportunity of tying the British up in a close dogfight while they just push the ball over the line, in the form of their transports.</div><div><br /></div><div>The wind change and choppy conditions are wild cards that may or may not impose their effects on one game to another, but the challenge of tacking into the anchorage is a constant challenge built into the scenario to model those imposed on the French historically, launching their invasion attempt in December and the prevailing conditions that went with that decision.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you to Bob, Sam, Steve M and Liz for producing a very interesting game and allowing me to fine tune this 'What If' in good time for Clotted Lard 2023.</div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEiBD0eJz5sAlzWQ7WyJVkHZShO9EdskzP-WY5S6eBdX0HPyKZTa_IGjPzKVsKUPQ5zJ1AEHXWpVEsoHH_GPMo-B9RjNvFoU7BMs38e42n10FxZLb9IfwhfWV6AVDeyTY0tseDWjeEaIOaaVH-oBSMADK82X3IPx0Liwr2Zwztny-DTQsdyXPX34aHWAxbs/s4032/20230814_154017a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBD0eJz5sAlzWQ7WyJVkHZShO9EdskzP-WY5S6eBdX0HPyKZTa_IGjPzKVsKUPQ5zJ1AEHXWpVEsoHH_GPMo-B9RjNvFoU7BMs38e42n10FxZLb9IfwhfWV6AVDeyTY0tseDWjeEaIOaaVH-oBSMADK82X3IPx0Liwr2Zwztny-DTQsdyXPX34aHWAxbs/w640-h480/20230814_154017a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The battened down sixth-rate from Warlord will make a very nice model of a 4-500 ton ship-rigged transport. I love the quarterdeck guns all braced up topside.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><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/AVvXsEgyrwMzEuwsYo7WhaLO7gNPglon6-9GSe15PJ55mKwWHdFa97JYztcfvVnI0Fhkoz84wW5uPp5wMrG4zM4da08XZPgSt4_VvNP5dhvNHUeq60yILSSAowOZcRtT-aLjhUSKgxQiZPTaK3h8VElUAeKwujN_mcouwtzyXuJ8fJgC3pvgvy5XFCkBplt11Qs/s4032/20230814_154008a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrwMzEuwsYo7WhaLO7gNPglon6-9GSe15PJ55mKwWHdFa97JYztcfvVnI0Fhkoz84wW5uPp5wMrG4zM4da08XZPgSt4_VvNP5dhvNHUeq60yILSSAowOZcRtT-aLjhUSKgxQiZPTaK3h8VElUAeKwujN_mcouwtzyXuJ8fJgC3pvgvy5XFCkBplt11Qs/w640-h480/20230814_154008a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Likewise the brig model adapted en-flute, with her guns removed will do for a French East India merchant brig commandeered for troop transport duties. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The final stage in this project is now underway which is to produce some purpose made French troop transports, which I will cover in a future post on JJ's, but the models went on the stocks last weekend</div><div><br /></div><div>More anon</div><div>JJ<p></p></div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-47380427273894564832023-07-14T09:25:00.003+01:002023-07-14T11:37:52.342+01:00A Typical Day at the Devon Wargames Group<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJCARiCWbhpWImM-yiytDM7aYlnFMYX4zlXHsI7EQ5ForrRm29GgKKK5-OXv3WPvkVLThJ-7BMzB1gHolftod03CJRlYimh9UZYFyCJkOw00ip3jx-RnXwVb-J4o1RUkAV3kPRq3vm5rlQTfO6tezlveI3EvwMT43FEYCjp-3gzAOOdc_1ZWUoTG340Q/s1362/Video%20Header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1362" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJCARiCWbhpWImM-yiytDM7aYlnFMYX4zlXHsI7EQ5ForrRm29GgKKK5-OXv3WPvkVLThJ-7BMzB1gHolftod03CJRlYimh9UZYFyCJkOw00ip3jx-RnXwVb-J4o1RUkAV3kPRq3vm5rlQTfO6tezlveI3EvwMT43FEYCjp-3gzAOOdc_1ZWUoTG340Q/w640-h360/Video%20Header.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well we are well and truly into summer and you would think things would be a bit quieter at club, with folks away on holiday or out with friends and family enjoying the balmy summer weather of God's own country Devon, oh and there is a reason why our county name rhymes with 'Heaven'!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However not a bit of it, the club has been growing leaps and bounds in recent months and it is not unusual for us to be hosting four or five games at a meeting, with anywhere between twenty and thirty happy wargamers indulging themselves doing one of the most fun things you can do with your clothes on - wargaming of course, and this month was no different with the club hosting five games and the room full of contented babble and banter as everyone got down to having fun.</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/AVvXsEg7NBMVEZUwt13CEO3FH9j7Q8V8b9-LBpiCX-I-0983Ftx1-zJqpjJqL4qi60YA5HJgrtAP57cRFwgsfpjPIjxyGKw03IWTOIyJiJZ2f1EzHVlA1I02qDlS5LDLhMPmN3Jy4G7uK7nOVp2itTKGyzi575i-t0UzEXbs3vU89FaBPHtHvAVFaxMAi0PXAY8/s639/Header%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="639" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NBMVEZUwt13CEO3FH9j7Q8V8b9-LBpiCX-I-0983Ftx1-zJqpjJqL4qi60YA5HJgrtAP57cRFwgsfpjPIjxyGKw03IWTOIyJiJZ2f1EzHVlA1I02qDlS5LDLhMPmN3Jy4G7uK7nOVp2itTKGyzi575i-t0UzEXbs3vU89FaBPHtHvAVFaxMAi0PXAY8/w640-h360/Header%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As your regular editor on the blog, I am however busy with lots of projects, one of which sees me traveling up to Cardiff this weekend with friends from the DWG to meet with friends from the Penarth and District Wargames Society to host a two day marathon game recreating the Battle of Trafalgar using Kiss Me Hardy, which I will be reporting on JJ's Wargames later this month.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I thought as a change from our usual once a week after action report and to cover for me while I'm away I thought I would post a short video capturing the feel and atmosphere of a typical day at club these days, with a look at the games run last weekend, Saturday 8th July 2023, at which the following games were run.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEiNGpf9jFdwEj1iHzvKMF52_sBhELzgwmYdCBH2CiNYCvyNVBS4kbxncaVgLfWvT7qlNMFV2njvDRug2J5zPMjWQ4Bw1Dbp8jzzfo3LyBkWhM73PGhC4p7x4Y00nHZUskEv_Qr4d5RycPV4A8t7H50o-WuZxwxZBsc6eis6nSqh95lFgZ-hV_MMejaUqdI/s4243/P1100789a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2820" data-original-width="4243" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGpf9jFdwEj1iHzvKMF52_sBhELzgwmYdCBH2CiNYCvyNVBS4kbxncaVgLfWvT7qlNMFV2njvDRug2J5zPMjWQ4Bw1Dbp8jzzfo3LyBkWhM73PGhC4p7x4Y00nHZUskEv_Qr4d5RycPV4A8t7H50o-WuZxwxZBsc6eis6nSqh95lFgZ-hV_MMejaUqdI/w640-h426/P1100789a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O-Group in 15mm hosted by Steve L.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></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/AVvXsEiNVKlGu03R3EuZIQutd3IPuXPDJRzXelyzSd1b0MxB8-BJ18VDn1IQ5SEb_P98oBiH_osORoqy__G1zZpk_hIwayS7-b7bxAxHTG2dV5G47kEfe6K_Bk7SOOmBl9HEboGjfbuEjOYBKsBftld9arXRJb0IcLNgMfGJt63xzgoA4gfXMAvX0YOK8KTwYf4/s4896/P1100793a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVKlGu03R3EuZIQutd3IPuXPDJRzXelyzSd1b0MxB8-BJ18VDn1IQ5SEb_P98oBiH_osORoqy__G1zZpk_hIwayS7-b7bxAxHTG2dV5G47kEfe6K_Bk7SOOmBl9HEboGjfbuEjOYBKsBftld9arXRJb0IcLNgMfGJt63xzgoA4gfXMAvX0YOK8KTwYf4/w640-h480/P1100793a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frostgrave, 28mm Fantasy, hosted by Mike R.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="text-align: center;"></span><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjT6TwKr6TmjHlbHy0Vw5JZ4n7jnortlqx39MOu8HEp35hPl3xq6r54M81pff0eRvrAUNYwAPs6pTsbenFQcnDdwVIQiklyiR-i_jHh89BoQ8CJwMV8KbHlVe0Rh0bsfWE0asxjLdpKD6ni4LJf_uBhTx670hlQCr712SO78A9yEtD-KX0ZYASZF0b5peU/s4367/P1100802a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2226" data-original-width="4367" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6TwKr6TmjHlbHy0Vw5JZ4n7jnortlqx39MOu8HEp35hPl3xq6r54M81pff0eRvrAUNYwAPs6pTsbenFQcnDdwVIQiklyiR-i_jHh89BoQ8CJwMV8KbHlVe0Rh0bsfWE0asxjLdpKD6ni4LJf_uBhTx670hlQCr712SO78A9yEtD-KX0ZYASZF0b5peU/w640-h326/P1100802a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold War Battles, Arctic Confrontation hosted by Tom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><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/AVvXsEjBowc7LjI41PGI-jU9dwGJdlS2D6cwpva_zrQDZuDbgQRmBAviAhCNu_9RTQcEWM-CUoZo87Un_4RBx7JvamVsNpfvFrmY57YES685c9mFBcsEHirk3JWcxy9nvwCXDl6CD15tYTUHS25tDuKwO8UFnwcDYENr3_SBE1DNuhUsyoF9RLufodOJKSOPK1o/s4229/P1100805a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4229" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBowc7LjI41PGI-jU9dwGJdlS2D6cwpva_zrQDZuDbgQRmBAviAhCNu_9RTQcEWM-CUoZo87Un_4RBx7JvamVsNpfvFrmY57YES685c9mFBcsEHirk3JWcxy9nvwCXDl6CD15tYTUHS25tDuKwO8UFnwcDYENr3_SBE1DNuhUsyoF9RLufodOJKSOPK1o/w640-h556/P1100805a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharp Practice II in Old Mexico hosted by Colin</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEi9oEfEaah23Zm87Ttb5LD6Fc8t1YtVtv8cRHx_MxqL3hPxB3N6rCmsdejqP8jSmJyWmGiRQatXHItn3oncUe0CJC8cOTzBGYdCj4zTgMMjxqggqjLKLN5NF1KImgLUA_h88k_sPdiRQkdqEa1sR4t2nIKJT2TlLIaQLZUTs89H4TryAgJpr0XYWsUc_n4/s4276/P1100814a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2824" data-original-width="4276" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oEfEaah23Zm87Ttb5LD6Fc8t1YtVtv8cRHx_MxqL3hPxB3N6rCmsdejqP8jSmJyWmGiRQatXHItn3oncUe0CJC8cOTzBGYdCj4zTgMMjxqggqjLKLN5NF1KImgLUA_h88k_sPdiRQkdqEa1sR4t2nIKJT2TlLIaQLZUTs89H4TryAgJpr0XYWsUc_n4/w640-h422/P1100814a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lion Rampant II in the Crusades, hosted by Mike C.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>As you can see we enjoy a varied diet of eras and genres at the club as well as good social atmosphere where friends are made and bonds cemented over a beer or two after the dice have been put away and the following short video clip will I hope capture some of that spirit together with some more pictures of the games and collections we had on show.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g7QYCsZ6cGY" width="320" youtube-src-id="g7QYCsZ6cGY"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you enjoy this little cameo of our day and I look forward to sharing some more AAR's on my return from Cape Trafalgar via Cardiff.</div><div><br /></div><div>More anon</div><div>JJ</div>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2328566982075412654.post-90884220505209198952023-07-08T07:29:00.001+01:002023-07-08T07:29:56.558+01:00Frostgrave<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2avOxDyk9ozHqFmJrlz8X-I-sYuO-rcqfgm3q2Rul0wYxQ3W5NVlXNLX8sBMnyzlWTZBsY_GHXJT9WncivAxgrRUcRPOqFIF1Lit-1660VT48EpzGogIlHAC3_4LE28iHFi8Nn8p5BU12qti_sPaWhJYh-bZJyl4WX8SKXsfanmsnRSXOONtviapGll4/s876/frostgrave.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="876" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2avOxDyk9ozHqFmJrlz8X-I-sYuO-rcqfgm3q2Rul0wYxQ3W5NVlXNLX8sBMnyzlWTZBsY_GHXJT9WncivAxgrRUcRPOqFIF1Lit-1660VT48EpzGogIlHAC3_4LE28iHFi8Nn8p5BU12qti_sPaWhJYh-bZJyl4WX8SKXsfanmsnRSXOONtviapGll4/w640-h404/frostgrave.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite an inevitable bit of ribbing from JJ, we defied tradition and played Frostgrave, the first game in a short campaign designed to try and teach the rules to new players. My hope is to infuse the notion of magic throughout the club, so that JJ has to adapt his rules to play 'Kiss me Elfy' or 'Orc's practice' someday.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtW-caj8rO0-cPSVau7Skat__Q47fF6oSsqGkr5wv2MO2rI1G20Z3Rg1WZdtwGo_qxsYftIR1LJ1cvtHnc3tIDLQNegCHDkp5oIFXWo9vs30TsnANuLzZYzhjwQHDDsRjswHXK8VUcBA5KzJwjK4JboPo19jbSTGYxy00NA75uO-pEGuJlT6KtbpRxbbc/s1612/FG%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1612" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtW-caj8rO0-cPSVau7Skat__Q47fF6oSsqGkr5wv2MO2rI1G20Z3Rg1WZdtwGo_qxsYftIR1LJ1cvtHnc3tIDLQNegCHDkp5oIFXWo9vs30TsnANuLzZYzhjwQHDDsRjswHXK8VUcBA5KzJwjK4JboPo19jbSTGYxy00NA75uO-pEGuJlT6KtbpRxbbc/w640-h302/FG%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Warbands began on opposing corners of the silent village, with three skellibobs on the table from turn one to stop complacency. One Wizard was an Elementalist, the other a Chronomancer.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyZYiw3C3cl4u1W2Cgf_XCbdgJGBCf4t6p8nf8JHmvYgd1V2Z5KUasfk4GnxQ5rOkJhKm1k3qvb8buZh-lOFX1DS8AUGmvNVqeRyTGpBgfCA94s2Nd3JAV8Hiug9O3LcH7LSgFHcuEDn7wxFt3k6i-OB29GmVy5z4F4TfUN1A94U-A4O7xm6dHCAb8gg/s1585/FG%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1585" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyZYiw3C3cl4u1W2Cgf_XCbdgJGBCf4t6p8nf8JHmvYgd1V2Z5KUasfk4GnxQ5rOkJhKm1k3qvb8buZh-lOFX1DS8AUGmvNVqeRyTGpBgfCA94s2Nd3JAV8Hiug9O3LcH7LSgFHcuEDn7wxFt3k6i-OB29GmVy5z4F4TfUN1A94U-A4O7xm6dHCAb8gg/w640-h286/FG%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With a cautious start from the Elementalists - using the houses as cover - they split into smaller groups and began trying to break doors down in search of treasure. One group, led by the apprentice, were notably feeble and took a good number of turns to even get through the door (fair play to Mark for his persistence there).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim54krXRROalizKU6AyQxt25s4EDfPfgOqngI8nUxVEGT6cUNrqInk525Sp6ZGdLnduc1QytlKVQawdjsR29W9a8_WoX9GXLWuMTo38HZFXfdqJyHXlzXio9tLSdBG8RJaVxrYJQT4x_7W4k3rYt16y5dbm6G6fSHTu-TCvGRuvOsXVr-qTC4ySrmjDJw/s2500/FG%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="2500" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim54krXRROalizKU6AyQxt25s4EDfPfgOqngI8nUxVEGT6cUNrqInk525Sp6ZGdLnduc1QytlKVQawdjsR29W9a8_WoX9GXLWuMTo38HZFXfdqJyHXlzXio9tLSdBG8RJaVxrYJQT4x_7W4k3rYt16y5dbm6G6fSHTu-TCvGRuvOsXVr-qTC4ySrmjDJw/w640-h302/FG%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>What they found was a good number of armoured skeletons which, despite their numbers were easily despatched over and over again. This served to delay the progress of the Elementalists who only went to houses further afield later in the game.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX8H-yJd4TdW9RkuPw3zbHW-utpTilkKObHnTA-vo-2VvXBfoMwXburJsWKVyynSJcFcTqkpRNIuRVQbriMUOTfiGFuUYSf7AsS7lfJNsdfNXXMadSSpCmDgpJVmHKZgHtOwzJmS1tvgd4Cgl3FE6RlMjct4hXIPVB9q_DJnp16s_TEtQ2O6IR_fV3Pg/s2500/FG%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="2500" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX8H-yJd4TdW9RkuPw3zbHW-utpTilkKObHnTA-vo-2VvXBfoMwXburJsWKVyynSJcFcTqkpRNIuRVQbriMUOTfiGFuUYSf7AsS7lfJNsdfNXXMadSSpCmDgpJVmHKZgHtOwzJmS1tvgd4Cgl3FE6RlMjct4hXIPVB9q_DJnp16s_TEtQ2O6IR_fV3Pg/w640-h302/FG%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, the Chronomancers sent their Barbarian to knock down the nearest door. Alas, the oak in this part of the world must be infused with stone, as it took him an embarrassingly long time to get in to, despite his burgeoning musculature. </div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately for the Barbarian, it was a ghoul that he found first, having 10 health to the skeleton's 1. Nonetheless some cool dice rolling despatched it and secured the treasure in short order.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12-wXZNd64wyEJ6nbm8Q9ScRKnQSvJUtTQL9HofmUXpnkb9af6DjkxhViyCAnTlld4D4ELXd_u2bI7Vz75MLzlG79_V2uc7Qkjah2Tlf2uzQ2SKVUT-LHzjii4WhS4uAFpDrlNF4rCWqSTY_dLdqBegVkuH8ZXly9YVhMmqT-P6uOuHuBFWsNUZGYCa0/s3423/P1100624a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3035" data-original-width="3423" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12-wXZNd64wyEJ6nbm8Q9ScRKnQSvJUtTQL9HofmUXpnkb9af6DjkxhViyCAnTlld4D4ELXd_u2bI7Vz75MLzlG79_V2uc7Qkjah2Tlf2uzQ2SKVUT-LHzjii4WhS4uAFpDrlNF4rCWqSTY_dLdqBegVkuH8ZXly9YVhMmqT-P6uOuHuBFWsNUZGYCa0/w640-h568/P1100624a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Towards the centre of the table the Chronomancer wizard was leading a small band of undesirable types from door to door, securing two more treasures in fairly short order. Tactical use of two bow-equipped soldiers allowed several shots onto the Elementalists, but a series of natural 20's kept them from piercing. Indeed, the tables turned as the Elementalist wizard cast mind control onto the Chronomancer's ranger, using their own soldier against them for several turns.</div><p></p>carojonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11826580638291659193noreply@blogger.com1