I always start off a new year motivated to post more of my modeling projects and wargames then enthusiasm wanes. This year maybe no different, but I'll take shot and see what happens.
In honor/remembrance of the Battle of Islandlwana, I recently played a game using Black Powder rules. It surprisingly worked out really well. I used the scenario in the Warlord Games Zulu War supplement. Naturally it was a Zulu victory, but the "victory" points" (I'd preferred calling them 'honor points') earnings gave each colonial unit an incentive to stay and fight while supporting their brother units. It gave the game more flavor with a tad more tactical decision making.
Fighting a controlled withdrawal was harder than I thought. The Brits, with their native allies, fought hard but the never ending recycling of Zulu forces was too great. Some heroic last stands, and a Double 6 Blunder, forced a Brit company to make a sacrificial bayonet charge to allow other companies a game turn to get one step ahead of the Zulus. I did manage to get 2 of the 6 colonial units off board without too much damage.
Anyway, with that inspiring game, I am motivated to stick with this period theme. I really like the Osprey "blue book" series of games. 'The Men Who Would Be Kings' is a good set of rules. Rather quick and bloody mechanics and easy to grasp.
I'm using a made up scenario. It's pretty simple. The Brit forces are tasked to secure a ford and get a foothold on the base of a hill, that will likely be used as a signal station, either for a heliogrph or wig-wag flag boys.
The ground is broken on both sides of a worn trail with dongas, brush and rock outcroppings.
The Colonial force consist of units from the Native Horse, Natal Mounted Police, rifled armed NNC and a unit from the Naval Brigade.
For those familiar with TMWWBK rules, Mr. Babbage will be my opponent. I played him once before but wasn't satisfied with experience. I am going to give him another chance. I don't mind playing solo and being my own opponent. To me, it's about immersion, not "winning". But having AI mechanics can give the battle some juice.
First two turns have started out to be somewhat exciting. The Native Horse have spotted cattle unattended in a donga. Being suspicious, the troop advances cautiously. Once in full view of the cattle and what lays beyond them, a group of Zulus open fire on the Horse inflicting one casualty. On the other side of the column, sensing ambush, the NMP scan the broken ground to their right. So far quiet. Actually, Mr. Babbage rolled low and decided to stay out of site.
Turn two: the full compliment of Native Horse return fire on Zulus with no result. The NMP however were getting stuck in right off with Mr. Babbage deciding to appear at short range and charging. The results forthcoming.
Oops, photos posted out of order. Start with bottom up.
