Turn 1
Both sides threw a D12 for initiative. The Anglo-Egyptians threw a score of 12 and the Mahdists threw a score of 10; therefore the Anglo-Egyptians had the initiative this turn.
The Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12 again to determine how many squares of stands they could activate. The score of 6 meant that they could activate 6 squares of troops.
The Anglo-Egyptians chose to advance but not to open fire on the Mahdist troops in front of them as they were out of range. The Anglo-Egyptians troops became slightly spread out as not all of them could be activated.
The Mahdists chose to move the two stands of Cavalry on their right flank around the rocky outcrop closest to the Anglo-Egyptians. They did this in order to support the spear-armed troops that were concealed there. The Mahdists did not open fire on the Anglo-Egyptians as they were still out of range.
Both sides threw a D12 for initiative. The Anglo-Egyptians threw a score of 10 and the Mahdists threw a score of 2; therefore the Anglo-Egyptians had the initiative this turn.
The Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12 again to determine how many squares of stands they could activate. The score of 6 (again!) meant that they could activate 6 squares of troops.
The Anglo-Egyptians chose to advance the main part of their force, leaving the errant Infantry and Transport stands that were left behind last turn to catch up with the rest of the Transport and its escort. Because the Anglo-Egyptians were not yet aware of the danger to their flanks (a comparison of D12 scores thrown by both sides – the Anglo-Egyptians threw a 3 and the Mahdists threw a 7 – was used to determine if the Anglo-Egyptians spotted the concealed Mahdists on their left) they did not open fire.
Because the score was so low, the Mahdists chose not to move. The Mahdists did not open fire on the Anglo-Egyptians for the second turn running as they were still out of range.
Turn 3
Both sides threw a D12 for initiative. The Anglo-Egyptians threw a score of 2 and the Mahdists threw a score of 6; therefore the Mahdists had the initiative this turn.
The Mahdists threw a D12 to determine how many squares of stands they could activate. The score of 11 meant that they could activate 11 squares of troops.
This was the opportunity that the Mahdists had been waiting for, and all their troops charged towards the Anglo-Egyptians, who suddenly found part of the force involved in a massive melee.
The second Mahdist stand to make a Close Combat attack was the Cavalry stand that was in the square adjacent to the leading Egyptian Regular Infantry stand. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdists score was 4. To this they added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 6. The Anglo-Egyptians score was 4, to which was added the stand’s value (3), the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (2 as there were two such stands), and 2 for having a friendly stand of the same type in the same square (2), giving a total of 14. The result of the Close Combat was therefore inconclusive.
The Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12 to determine how many squares of stands they could activate. The score of 1 meant that they could only activate 1 square of troops.
The Anglo-Egyptians were left with a major problem as a result of this low score; they could either deploy the two leading Egyptian Regular Infantry stands so that they could turn to face the Mahdist troops on their flank or open fire on one of the stands of Jihadia Riflemen with the British Machine Gun stand. As this was a solo game I resolved this dilemma by dice throw. The first option scored 2 and the second 4; as a result the British Machine Gun stand opened fire on the stand of Jihadia Riflemen directly to its front.
Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 9, to which was added the stand’s value (2), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 14. The Mahdist score was 4, to which was added the stand’s value (3), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (2), giving a total of 9. As a result the stand of Jihadia Riflemen withdrew one square.
Both sides threw a D12 for initiative. The Anglo-Egyptians threw a score of 7 and the Mahdists threw a score of 5; therefore the Anglo-Egyptians had the initiative this turn.
The Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12 to determine how many squares of stands they could activate. The score of 6 meant that they could only activate 6 squares of troops.
Realising that they had to move away from the closest enemy stands in order to redeploy into a more appropriate formation, the Anglo-Egyptians moved the British Machine Gun stand forward and to the right so as to be able to both fire into the flank of the advancing Mahdist troops in the centre and to provide an anchor for right flank of the rest of the force. It was unable to fire because the only target that was in range was masked by the Anglo-Egyptian Command stand.
One of the British Regular Infantry stands moved to its right so as to be able to engage the advancing Mahdist troops to their front.
The Command stand moved behind the other British Regular Infantry stand so as to be able to give support to the developing Anglo-Egyptian front line.
The Egyptian Regular Infantry swung through 90°, and the rearmost of the two stands moved to its left in order to extend the firing line.
The right-hand Egyptian Regular Infantry stand opened fire on the stand of Mahdist Spearmen directly in front of them. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 8, to which was added the stand’s value (3), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 14. The Mahdist score was 5, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 7. As a result the stand of Mahdist Spearmen was destroyed.
The left-hand Egyptian Regular Infantry stand opened fire on the stand of Mahdist Cavalry directly in front of them. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 3, to which was added the stand’s value (3), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 9. The Mahdist score was 11, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 13. The gunfire of the Egyptian Regular Infantry was therefore ineffective.
The remaining Anglo-Egyptian stands – including the Transport stands – moved forward behind the Anglo-Egyptian front line.
The Mahdist Cavalry stand that had previously engaged the Egyptian Regular Infantry stand engaged it in Close Combat again. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 5, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 7. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 7, to which was added the stand’s value (3), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (2 as there were two such stands), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 15. The result of the Close Combat was therefore inconclusive.
The single stand of Mahdist Spearmen then advanced to engage the same Egyptian Regular Infantry stand in Close Combat. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 12, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 14. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 1, to which was added the stand’s value (3), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (2 as there were two such stands), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 9. As a result the Egyptian Regular Infantry stand was forced to withdraw.
The other Mahdist Cavalry stand then advanced on the second Egyptian Regular Infantry stand and engaged it in Close Combat. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 9, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 11. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 3, to which was added the stand’s value (3), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (2 as there were two such stands), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 11. As a result the Close Combat was drawn, and both sides each threw another D12. The Mahdist score was 7 and the Anglo-Egyptian score was 11; this resulted in the Mahdist Cavalry stand having to withdraw.
The left-hand stand of Jihadia Riflemen then advanced and opened fire on the British Machine Gun stand. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 12, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 14. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 2, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 4. The result was the destruction of the British Machine Gun stand.
The centre-left stand of Jihadia Riflemen then advanced and opened fire on the right-hand British Regular Infantry stand. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 4, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 6. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 10, to which was added the stand’s value (3), giving a total of 13. The gunfire of the Jihadia Riflemen was therefore ineffective.
The centre-right stand of Jihadia Riflemen then advanced and opened fire on the left-hand British Regular Infantry stand. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 9, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 11. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 2, to which was added the stand’s value (3), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 8. The British Regular Infantry stand was forced to withdraw.
The right-hand stand of Jihadia Riflemen advanced but was unable to fire at any of the Anglo-Egyptian troops as they were masked by other Mahdist troops. The Mahdist Smooth-bore Artillery stand and the Mahdist Command stand also advanced.
The third Mahdist Cavalry stand then charged forward and engaged the right-hand British Regular Infantry stand in Close Combat. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 6, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 8. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 4, to which was added the stand’s value (3), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (3 as there were three such stands), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 13. The result of the Close Combat was therefore inconclusive.
The remaining Mahdist troops now moved forward but were unable to engage any of the Anglo-Egyptian troops.
Both sides threw a D12 for initiative. The Anglo-Egyptians threw a score of 1 and the Mahdists threw a score of 8; therefore the Mahdists had the initiative this turn.
The Mahdists threw a D12 to determine how many squares of stands they could activate. The score of 3 meant that they could activate 3 squares of troops.
The Mahdist Cavalry stand that was already in contact with the right-hand British Regular Infantry stand engaged it in Close Combat again. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 10, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 3, to which was added the stand’s value (3), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (3 as there were three such stands), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 12. As a result the Close Combat was drawn, and both sides each threw another D12. The Mahdist score was 2 and the Anglo-Egyptian score was 1; this resulted in the British Regular Infantry stand having to withdraw.
The single stand of Mahdist Spearmen who were on the flank of the left-hand side British Regular Infantry stand moved forward and engaged them in Close Combat, Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 11, to which was added the stand’s value (2), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (2 as there were two such stands), and 2 for being on the enemy stand’s flank, giving a total of 17. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 5, to which was added the stand’s value (3), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (2 as there were two such stands), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 13. The British Regular Infantry stand was forced to withdraw.
The pair of Mahdist Spearmen stands who were slightly to the left front of the Anglo-Egyptian Command stand charged forward and engaged the Command stand in Close Combat. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 11, to which was added the stand’s value (2), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (1 as there was such stand), and 2 for having a friendly stand of the same type in the same square, giving a total of 16. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 5, to which was added the stand’s value (3), giving a total of 8. The Anglo-Egyptian Command stand was destroyed.
The right-hand Egyptian Regular Infantry stand turned and fired into the flank of the nearest stand of Mahdist Spearmen. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 9, to which was added the stand’s value (3), giving a total of 12. The Mahdist score was 11, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 13. The gunfire of the Egyptian Regular Infantry was therefore ineffective. The right-hand Egyptian Regular Infantry stand then withdrew 2 squares and turned to face the oncoming enemy.
The centre Egyptian Regular Infantry stand fired at the advancing stand of Mahdist Spearmen to their front. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 11, to which was added the stand’s value (3), giving a total of 13. The Mahdist score was 1, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 3. The front stand of Mahdist Spearmen was destroyed. The centre Egyptian Regular Infantry stand then withdrew 1 square and remained facing the oncoming enemy.
The left-hand British Regular Infantry stand was only able to fire at the single stand of Mahdist Spearmen that was diagonally to their front, all other potential targets being masked by other Anglo-Egyptian stands. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 7, to which was added the stand’s value (3), giving a total of 10. The Mahdist score was 10, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 12. The gunfire of the British Regular Infantry stand had been ineffective. The British Regular Infantry stand then withdrew 1 square and remained facing the oncoming enemy.
The remaining Egyptian Regular Infantry stand opened fire on the Mahdist Cavalry stand to its front. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 4, to which was added the stand’s value (3), giving a total of 7. The Mahdist score was 9, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 11. The gunfire of the Egyptian Regular Infantry had been ineffective. The Egyptian Regular Infantry stand and the British Transport stand that was in the same square then withdrew 1 square and remained facing the oncoming enemy.
The centre British Regular Infantry stand opened fire on the same Mahdist Cavalry stand. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 1, to which was added the stand’s value (3), giving a total of 4. The Mahdist score was 11, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 13. The gunfire of the British Regular Infantry had been ineffective. The British Regular Infantry stand and the British Transport stand that was in the same square then withdrew 2 squares and remained facing the oncoming enemy.
The right-hand British Regular Infantry stand opened fire on the same Mahdist Cavalry stand. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 10, to which was added the stand’s value (3), giving a total of 13. The Mahdist score was 1, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 3. The Mahdist Cavalry stand was destroyed. The British Regular Infantry stand then withdrew 2 squares and remained facing the oncoming enemy.
Both sides threw a D12 for initiative. The Anglo-Egyptians threw a score of 8 and the Mahdists threw a score of 1; therefore the Anglo-Egyptians had the initiative this turn.
The Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12 to determine how many squares of stands they could activate. The score of 6 meant that they could activate 6 squares of troops. As this meant that they could withdraw without the Mahdists catching them before they left the battlefield, the battle was over. The Anglo-Egyptians were bloodied but had survived … just! The Mahdists felt cheated of victory and impatiently awaited their next opportunity to kill the dreaded ‘Turks’.
Conclusions
Both sides threw a D12 for initiative. The Anglo-Egyptians threw a score of 12 and the Mahdists threw a score of 10; therefore the Anglo-Egyptians had the initiative this turn.
The Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12 again to determine how many squares of stands they could activate. The score of 6 meant that they could activate 6 squares of troops.
The Anglo-Egyptians chose to advance but not to open fire on the Mahdist troops in front of them as they were out of range. The Anglo-Egyptians troops became slightly spread out as not all of them could be activated.
The Anglo-Egyptians advance.
The Mahdists chose to move the two stands of Cavalry on their right flank around the rocky outcrop closest to the Anglo-Egyptians. They did this in order to support the spear-armed troops that were concealed there. The Mahdists did not open fire on the Anglo-Egyptians as they were still out of range.
Hidden Mahdist troops await their chance to attack the hated 'Turks'.
Both sides threw a D12 for initiative. The Anglo-Egyptians threw a score of 10 and the Mahdists threw a score of 2; therefore the Anglo-Egyptians had the initiative this turn.
The Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12 again to determine how many squares of stands they could activate. The score of 6 (again!) meant that they could activate 6 squares of troops.
The Anglo-Egyptians chose to advance the main part of their force, leaving the errant Infantry and Transport stands that were left behind last turn to catch up with the rest of the Transport and its escort. Because the Anglo-Egyptians were not yet aware of the danger to their flanks (a comparison of D12 scores thrown by both sides – the Anglo-Egyptians threw a 3 and the Mahdists threw a 7 – was used to determine if the Anglo-Egyptians spotted the concealed Mahdists on their left) they did not open fire.
The Anglo-Egyptian advance continues, oblivious to the threat on their flanks.
Because the score was so low, the Mahdists chose not to move. The Mahdists did not open fire on the Anglo-Egyptians for the second turn running as they were still out of range.
Turn 3
Both sides threw a D12 for initiative. The Anglo-Egyptians threw a score of 2 and the Mahdists threw a score of 6; therefore the Mahdists had the initiative this turn.
The Mahdists threw a D12 to determine how many squares of stands they could activate. The score of 11 meant that they could activate 11 squares of troops.
This was the opportunity that the Mahdists had been waiting for, and all their troops charged towards the Anglo-Egyptians, who suddenly found part of the force involved in a massive melee.
The Mahdists attack!
A close-up of the British Rifled Field Artillery stand under attack.
The second Mahdist stand to make a Close Combat attack was the Cavalry stand that was in the square adjacent to the leading Egyptian Regular Infantry stand. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdists score was 4. To this they added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 6. The Anglo-Egyptians score was 4, to which was added the stand’s value (3), the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (2 as there were two such stands), and 2 for having a friendly stand of the same type in the same square (2), giving a total of 14. The result of the Close Combat was therefore inconclusive.
The Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12 to determine how many squares of stands they could activate. The score of 1 meant that they could only activate 1 square of troops.
The Anglo-Egyptians were left with a major problem as a result of this low score; they could either deploy the two leading Egyptian Regular Infantry stands so that they could turn to face the Mahdist troops on their flank or open fire on one of the stands of Jihadia Riflemen with the British Machine Gun stand. As this was a solo game I resolved this dilemma by dice throw. The first option scored 2 and the second 4; as a result the British Machine Gun stand opened fire on the stand of Jihadia Riflemen directly to its front.
Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 9, to which was added the stand’s value (2), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 14. The Mahdist score was 4, to which was added the stand’s value (3), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (2), giving a total of 9. As a result the stand of Jihadia Riflemen withdrew one square.
The Mahdists have inflicted their first casualties on the 'Turks'. Will they be able to build on this advantage or will the Anglo-Egyptians escape?
Both sides threw a D12 for initiative. The Anglo-Egyptians threw a score of 7 and the Mahdists threw a score of 5; therefore the Anglo-Egyptians had the initiative this turn.
The Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12 to determine how many squares of stands they could activate. The score of 6 meant that they could only activate 6 squares of troops.
Realising that they had to move away from the closest enemy stands in order to redeploy into a more appropriate formation, the Anglo-Egyptians moved the British Machine Gun stand forward and to the right so as to be able to both fire into the flank of the advancing Mahdist troops in the centre and to provide an anchor for right flank of the rest of the force. It was unable to fire because the only target that was in range was masked by the Anglo-Egyptian Command stand.
One of the British Regular Infantry stands moved to its right so as to be able to engage the advancing Mahdist troops to their front.
The Command stand moved behind the other British Regular Infantry stand so as to be able to give support to the developing Anglo-Egyptian front line.
The Egyptian Regular Infantry swung through 90°, and the rearmost of the two stands moved to its left in order to extend the firing line.
The right-hand Egyptian Regular Infantry stand opened fire on the stand of Mahdist Spearmen directly in front of them. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 8, to which was added the stand’s value (3), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 14. The Mahdist score was 5, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 7. As a result the stand of Mahdist Spearmen was destroyed.
The left-hand Egyptian Regular Infantry stand opened fire on the stand of Mahdist Cavalry directly in front of them. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 3, to which was added the stand’s value (3), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 9. The Mahdist score was 11, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 13. The gunfire of the Egyptian Regular Infantry was therefore ineffective.
The remaining Anglo-Egyptian stands – including the Transport stands – moved forward behind the Anglo-Egyptian front line.
The Anglo-Egyptians prepare to fight the Mahdists.
The Mahdist Cavalry stand that had previously engaged the Egyptian Regular Infantry stand engaged it in Close Combat again. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 5, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 7. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 7, to which was added the stand’s value (3), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (2 as there were two such stands), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 15. The result of the Close Combat was therefore inconclusive.
The single stand of Mahdist Spearmen then advanced to engage the same Egyptian Regular Infantry stand in Close Combat. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 12, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 14. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 1, to which was added the stand’s value (3), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (2 as there were two such stands), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 9. As a result the Egyptian Regular Infantry stand was forced to withdraw.
The other Mahdist Cavalry stand then advanced on the second Egyptian Regular Infantry stand and engaged it in Close Combat. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 9, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 11. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 3, to which was added the stand’s value (3), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (2 as there were two such stands), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 11. As a result the Close Combat was drawn, and both sides each threw another D12. The Mahdist score was 7 and the Anglo-Egyptian score was 11; this resulted in the Mahdist Cavalry stand having to withdraw.
The left-hand stand of Jihadia Riflemen then advanced and opened fire on the British Machine Gun stand. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 12, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 14. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 2, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 4. The result was the destruction of the British Machine Gun stand.
The centre-left stand of Jihadia Riflemen then advanced and opened fire on the right-hand British Regular Infantry stand. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 4, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 6. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 10, to which was added the stand’s value (3), giving a total of 13. The gunfire of the Jihadia Riflemen was therefore ineffective.
The centre-right stand of Jihadia Riflemen then advanced and opened fire on the left-hand British Regular Infantry stand. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 9, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 11. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 2, to which was added the stand’s value (3), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 8. The British Regular Infantry stand was forced to withdraw.
The right-hand stand of Jihadia Riflemen advanced but was unable to fire at any of the Anglo-Egyptian troops as they were masked by other Mahdist troops. The Mahdist Smooth-bore Artillery stand and the Mahdist Command stand also advanced.
The third Mahdist Cavalry stand then charged forward and engaged the right-hand British Regular Infantry stand in Close Combat. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 6, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 8. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 4, to which was added the stand’s value (3), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (3 as there were three such stands), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 13. The result of the Close Combat was therefore inconclusive.
The remaining Mahdist troops now moved forward but were unable to engage any of the Anglo-Egyptian troops.
The Mahdist forces close in on the Anglo-Egyptians.
Both sides threw a D12 for initiative. The Anglo-Egyptians threw a score of 1 and the Mahdists threw a score of 8; therefore the Mahdists had the initiative this turn.
The Mahdists threw a D12 to determine how many squares of stands they could activate. The score of 3 meant that they could activate 3 squares of troops.
The Mahdist Cavalry stand that was already in contact with the right-hand British Regular Infantry stand engaged it in Close Combat again. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 10, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 3, to which was added the stand’s value (3), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (3 as there were three such stands), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 12. As a result the Close Combat was drawn, and both sides each threw another D12. The Mahdist score was 2 and the Anglo-Egyptian score was 1; this resulted in the British Regular Infantry stand having to withdraw.
The single stand of Mahdist Spearmen who were on the flank of the left-hand side British Regular Infantry stand moved forward and engaged them in Close Combat, Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 11, to which was added the stand’s value (2), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (2 as there were two such stands), and 2 for being on the enemy stand’s flank, giving a total of 17. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 5, to which was added the stand’s value (3), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (2 as there were two such stands), and the value of the Command stand that was in an adjacent square (3), giving a total of 13. The British Regular Infantry stand was forced to withdraw.
The pair of Mahdist Spearmen stands who were slightly to the left front of the Anglo-Egyptian Command stand charged forward and engaged the Command stand in Close Combat. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Mahdist score was 11, to which was added the stand’s value (2), 1 for each friendly stand of the same type that was in an adjacent square (1 as there was such stand), and 2 for having a friendly stand of the same type in the same square, giving a total of 16. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 5, to which was added the stand’s value (3), giving a total of 8. The Anglo-Egyptian Command stand was destroyed.
Now leaderless, the Anglo-Egyptians prepare to sell their lives dearly.
The right-hand Egyptian Regular Infantry stand turned and fired into the flank of the nearest stand of Mahdist Spearmen. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 9, to which was added the stand’s value (3), giving a total of 12. The Mahdist score was 11, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 13. The gunfire of the Egyptian Regular Infantry was therefore ineffective. The right-hand Egyptian Regular Infantry stand then withdrew 2 squares and turned to face the oncoming enemy.
The centre Egyptian Regular Infantry stand fired at the advancing stand of Mahdist Spearmen to their front. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 11, to which was added the stand’s value (3), giving a total of 13. The Mahdist score was 1, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 3. The front stand of Mahdist Spearmen was destroyed. The centre Egyptian Regular Infantry stand then withdrew 1 square and remained facing the oncoming enemy.
The left-hand British Regular Infantry stand was only able to fire at the single stand of Mahdist Spearmen that was diagonally to their front, all other potential targets being masked by other Anglo-Egyptian stands. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 7, to which was added the stand’s value (3), giving a total of 10. The Mahdist score was 10, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 12. The gunfire of the British Regular Infantry stand had been ineffective. The British Regular Infantry stand then withdrew 1 square and remained facing the oncoming enemy.
The remaining Egyptian Regular Infantry stand opened fire on the Mahdist Cavalry stand to its front. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 4, to which was added the stand’s value (3), giving a total of 7. The Mahdist score was 9, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 11. The gunfire of the Egyptian Regular Infantry had been ineffective. The Egyptian Regular Infantry stand and the British Transport stand that was in the same square then withdrew 1 square and remained facing the oncoming enemy.
The centre British Regular Infantry stand opened fire on the same Mahdist Cavalry stand. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 1, to which was added the stand’s value (3), giving a total of 4. The Mahdist score was 11, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 13. The gunfire of the British Regular Infantry had been ineffective. The British Regular Infantry stand and the British Transport stand that was in the same square then withdrew 2 squares and remained facing the oncoming enemy.
The right-hand British Regular Infantry stand opened fire on the same Mahdist Cavalry stand. Both the Mahdists and the Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12. The Anglo-Egyptian score was 10, to which was added the stand’s value (3), giving a total of 13. The Mahdist score was 1, to which was added the stand’s value (2), giving a total of 3. The Mahdist Cavalry stand was destroyed. The British Regular Infantry stand then withdrew 2 squares and remained facing the oncoming enemy.
The Anglo-Egyptians manage to extricate themselves form the battle by mounting a fighting retreat. Will luck stay with them, or will the Mahdists attack again?
Both sides threw a D12 for initiative. The Anglo-Egyptians threw a score of 8 and the Mahdists threw a score of 1; therefore the Anglo-Egyptians had the initiative this turn.
The Anglo-Egyptians threw a D12 to determine how many squares of stands they could activate. The score of 6 meant that they could activate 6 squares of troops. As this meant that they could withdraw without the Mahdists catching them before they left the battlefield, the battle was over. The Anglo-Egyptians were bloodied but had survived … just! The Mahdists felt cheated of victory and impatiently awaited their next opportunity to kill the dreaded ‘Turks’.
Conclusions
- The use of dice to determine initiative and them to determine how many squares of stands a side could activate ensured that the outcome of this battle remained in the balance until the last turn.
- The location of the Command stand can be vital. The Mahdists Command stand was far too far back to have any influence on events whereas the Anglo-Egyptian Command stand was able to add its support at vital times. That said, its presence in the front line did result in its destruction.
- Flank attacks in Close Combat can be devastating if they are properly supported.
- I need to add a bonus for stands that fire into the flanks of enemy stands – this is missing from the draft!
- The order in which a player chooses to activate each stand is very important. If stands are activated in the wrong order they can end up masking other stands or making movement very difficult. I did not realise how important – and tactically subtle – this would be until this play-test.
- Allowing more than one stand to occupy a square has had an interesting effect on deployment – more stands can occupy the same area than if only single stands are allowed in each square – and Close Combat. I was unsure about allowing stands to share a square when I wrote this section of the draft rules but it works even better than I had hoped.
Interesting and exciting report indeed, Bob.
ReplyDeleteIt tastes of dust, gunpowder and sweat!
I have to read it more carefully this evening.
In the meantime, thanks.
Fabio
Great stuff Bob.
ReplyDeleteSuch detailed reporting of the playtest can only aid your powers of recall when evaluating the various nuances of the rules as highlighted in your conclusions.
It is also a valuable aid to your thought process for those new to this style of game.
Will we see more of this at COW?
Tone
Fabio,
ReplyDeleteRead and enjoy!
I hope to run another play-test (but with less detail in the report and more photographs) when I have re-drafted the rules to include several revisions that have been suggested by readers or that arose from the play-test.
Bob
Tone,
ReplyDeleteOne of the joys of blogging is the process of recording things for future reference. It also makes you THINK about what you are doing, which is also very helpful during the design process.
There is no COW session as such planned but ...
I hope to bring enough stuff with me to have a game or two with interested parties sometime over the weekend.
All the best,
Bob
Great report Bob! The 'feel' seemed to be there in spades! I cant see that very much will need changing although as a suggestion it may be an idea to incorporate a default number to command points to add to the dice score based on the commander quality e.g. poor use a straight dice roll, average add say a plus 1 whilst a good commander adds plus 2. Also or instead of, perhaps units within a command span of the commander and based on the commander rating need not use command points..
ReplyDeleteIt has sent me scurrying to the Irregular Miniatures list though!
Ogrefencer,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words.
I like the idea that the quality of the General (now called ‘Commander’ in the 2nd draft) enabling them to have a default number of ‘activations’ they can use above and beyond the D12 score, and will seriously look at including it in the next draft.
The command radius I am less happy with because the space on the tabletop is so small that:
* An ‘Exceptional’ Commander (points value = 3) would be able to activate any units within a command radius of 49 squares (7 x 7)
* An ‘Average’ Commander (points value = 2) would be able to activate any units within a command radius of 25 squares (5 x 5)
* A ‘Poor’ Commander (points value = 1) would be able to activate any units within a command radius of 9 squares (3 x 3)
As the recommended battlefield is 18 x 12 (216 squares), that seems to give the ‘Exceptional’ Commander too big an advantage and the ‘Poor’ Commander too big a disadvantage when it comes to activating stands.
I will look at this idea in more depth, but I think that it might add an extra complication that is not necessary, and might skew the game too much in one side’s favour.
Bob