Tuesday, October 29, 2024

I Went Down To The Crossroad, Again!

At last there was a cold, windy day, not at all appropriate for my outdoor 'Toodoo' list, just right to finally try the new, improved, quicker, less tedious, rules, using the same scenario and armies.
(Note: several units were swapped to make it easier to figure out which game a photo showed. )


The two armies rushed forward and a long and bloody close quarters fight ensued.

For a while, the Republic's army (Blue) seemed to be well on their way to victory.

It wasn't as easy as it had looked though. At the crossroad itself, the elite Royal Fusiliers, supported by riflemen, faced the veteran Republican Regulars, supported by a battery whose only target was the enemy riflemen. The fighting here was fierce with heavy casualties on both sides, and no advantage to either as was the case of the house to house fighting in the town.  An attempt by Republican Volunteers on the right to flank the Red line was quickly brought up by the threat of a flanking cavalry charge if they advanced farther, and by the fire of the Queen's artillery supported by riflemen. 
At last, after a heavy firefight, the Queen's Fencibles fixed bayonets and drove the enemy riflemen from their cover. With only one infantry battalion in good shape (and having reached a 1/3 losses=no  attack point), the Blue General ordered a retreat before it became a rout. The Queen's troops had also suffered heavy losses and  and General Turner was content to let the Republicans go, leaving his troops to secure the village at the crossroad.  
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Well, its time to get back to some of my "before winter gets here" chores, so just a quick word on the latest version of the rules. There is nothing revolutionary or original but it was less detailed which helped get the playing time for a small solo game to a finish in 13 out of 15 turns, in something like 1.5-2 hours. (That wasn't in 1 session though, but broken into about 4 sessions over 2 days due to other, non-wargaming, duties and distractions. However, the Winter Wargames Season is coming!) 

There was nothing this time that 'felt wrong' to me though lots of details were left to the little metal officers, and there was a very reasonable mix between a player's choices and actions,  and the effect of the dice. 

I'm looking forward to trying them again, but its time to give these lads a break and get someone else on the table. 

I just need to decide what!  Requests will be considered.

10 comments:

  1. An excellent looking game Ross…
    I think I will avoid the crossroads from now on… If it’s not the devil it’s a bunch of soldiers kicking things off…

    All the best. Aly

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    1. Not to mention that the inn's common room is probably empty of ale and wine by now.

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  2. Yes, looks as if the rules are shaping up.
    Any chance of finding out what's happening to Prince Michale/Valiant?

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  3. Another great looking game Ross!

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  4. Lovely looking game. Perhaps one of the commanders should have been General Robert Johnson?

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    1. Hmm, well it's the Blue General who has taken off his hat....

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