The Colonies Aflame!

They do say, the more things change, the more they stay the same. This Thursday’s scenario appeared very ‘modern’. The British colonial forces are sent to investigate a local centre of rebellion. The rebels are also looking for ‘tongues’ in the village. Ken had written an excellent back story and the game was to have a number of twists. It was also the first time I had played Muskets and Tomahawks. I’m not generally a fan of card driven tabletop games but this system is terrific.

The Crown forces are entering from the top of the picture. Two platoons of redcoats, one platoon of rangers and a band of Indians. Entering from the bottom, Congress had sent its own task-force comprising the same mix or regulars and irregulars. The cards favoured Graham and the redcoats, his rangers and Redskins raced into the woodlands to the flank whilst his two platoons of redcoats bravely moved across the village centre.

The redcoats spoke to two villagers for information but no one was talking? Obviously, the village had revolutionary sympathies.The lead platoon was intent on ‘investigating’ the tavern! Finally, my activation cards gave me a chance to respond.

My Indians sought to avoid the centre of the village. It turned out that sending ‘natives’ into the settlement would of sent all informants into allegence to the opposing side. My regulars were less subtle. Two platoons formed firing lines and sent lead towards the redcoats. After two volleys, the leading British platoon sought cover in the nearest building. Unfortunately for me, this is where the secret agent was hiding(along with his “friend”)

Who said that a secret agent shouldn’t have secrets!

My cards allowed me to move only single units of regulars. Despite ferocious flanking fire from enemy Indians and rangers, I pressed forward. My officer thankfully stopped my troops from emptying the kegs of their contents. But, the wood couldn’t stop the lead from claiming more victims.

My plan was low even by my standards but quite realistic for blood-thirsty patriots, the inn keeper was to be a human shield! I’m not proud of myself but………

……needs must?

However, the cross-fire was intense……and what was worse, the bullets hit my men rather than the civilians! Quite a propaganda coup lost too! I told you the scenario seemed very modern. My attack on the retreating British in the house peterred out. The cards allowed Graham to bring his second platoon into the tavern and create a veritable fortress.

My militia were falling back on my left in the woods. Graham didn’t follow up but shifted his irregulars to the centre. My musketry kept the Tavern’s defenders’ heads down but no progress was being made. Hope lay with my sneaky Redskins……

Knock, knock, who’s there?

I outnumbered the beleaguered defenders five to one but couldn’t force the door! Graham’s troops failed their morale but the retreat took them into the centre of his supporting troops. Sorry to say that we had misread the melee rules and the fight should of continued in the house. Whether the Indians would have parlayed with the hostages or given them a scalping we will never know.

It had been a most enjoyable game. Ken’s scenario had made it very different from the usual set piece battles. Salute is calling and yet another ‘must have’ rules-set is looming, but regular readers will know that! Thanks for reading and news from Salute next week!