Last night at HAWKs night I had a rare chance to do some gaming. I used the opportunity to play test my Retreat from Moscow game for Historicon. The game will use Combat Patrol(TM) with the free Napoleonic / black powder supplement. I will tweak the scearnio just a bit, but it mostly achieved the effect I had hoped. The French felt pursued, lost troops along the way, and put up a heroic and stalwart defense of the town.
The retreating French were Perry Retreat from Moscow figures. The Russians were a variety of manufacturers, mostly Old Glory.
Toward the end of the game, there was fierce fighting in the town. Geoff’s mounted Cossacks finally joined the fray with a charge over a fence at Frenchmen defending the outskirts of town. Don’s lady cossacks and other forces were attacking the other end of the town. The French didn’t go quietly. Greg’s Frenchmen charged into the teeth of the cannon; Harry’s cavalry took canister at close range; Don’s cavalry took heavy casualties from Greg’s defenders in the barn.
When the French finally failed player morale, they were down to about 15 figures remaining and were completely surrounded.
For the convention game, I will probably add two more retreating French units. I may also make them move as Green, even though they are rated Elite for morale purposes. Otherwise, the flow of forces onto the table kept everyone off balance and kept most of the players very busy throughout the game.