Another exciting round. Turns 8,9 and 10 provided some major ups and downs for Mr. Babbage's warriors. Starting with the near elimination of the Naval Brigade infantry. Despite their 'close order' 4+ in H-H combat, they rolled horribly. While their counterparts rolled all successes.
The Zulu unit, that were on the rear flank of their victorious comrades, decided it was enough for them. Not wanting to "wash their spears", rolled a 1 for activation then a 2 with the result "bye bye". And off they went.
The Native Horse crossed the ford and took position. On their right, the Natal Mounted Police held the flank. Remnants of the NNC close behind. Can they hold?
Well, it took a series of brutal volleys from the Colonial forces, to make it practically impossible for the Zulus to rally from and gain any ground to close with their enemy.
As a courtesy, I felt obliged to allow Mr. Babbage to change his dice. For not once, twice, thrice, but FOUR times consecutively, that ONE Zulu unit wasn't having any of it. Rolled a 1 and slunk away, allowing to come back again at long rifle range the next turn. Well, there was nowhere further to go. Feeling sorry for Mr. Babbage (He looked rather peeved at his performance). I took the initiative and moved the unit around the hill so maybe it will have better luck on that side of the table. Too late I'm afraid. Cautious activations and devastating firing from the Colonial troopers forced me to pause the game. To be honest, I had envisioned an heroic last stand on the banks of the ford. Not a very dramatic ending, but perhaps a to-be-continued?
I have to admit, I really enjoyed this game. Mr. Babbage was just having a bad day and I'll gladly play him again. Honestly, at first, I felt the Zulu forces to be too strong for this scenario. Unpredictably was the spice. If I were to play the Zulu role as well, without Mr. Babbage, the contest may have been different. I would have been much more aggressive resulting with an inevitable bloodbath. The cautious nature the Zulus displayed, gave the game some immersion and some rational thought. It developed a theme, caution throughout. Probably a more accurate outcome?
This battle may offer another scenario later on. Wait...I hear bagpipes. Pictures not in order.
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