Bloody Morning Scout: Game Two

As promised, the AAR for Game Two of Bloody Morning Scout at Recruits. As you can see from the map above, the game got off to a very different start. You can see the description of the scenario here, and the AAR of the first game here.

Jamie reprised his role of overall French commander, Baron Dieskau, in Game Two, in hopes of applying lessons learned from Game One. This game went a little "pear-shaped" on the first turn! The British won Initiative for Turn One and Activated first, sending their allied Indians into the cover of the woods. This interrupted the setting of the French Militia's ambush, and the Indians survived the initial skirmish fire from the Militia and Coureurs De Bois to join the Provincials in their delaying action. Another surprise for both sides - the French- and British-allied Indians refused to fight each other!

The delay was costly, but otherwise Game Two resembled Game One from this point. . . the French irregulars "running" through the woods harassed by the Provincials' delaying actions, while the Regulars march down the road screened by both Militia and Indians into the teeth of the British Artillery. Dieskau took advantage of the Activation system in This Very Ground by "activating" the British Artillery when he had his skirmisher screen in place in front of his Regulars. The British had to choose whether to take their shot at the skirmishers - a less effective shot - and then spend a turn reloading, or "pass" and wait and hope for a better opportunity the following turn. Well played, Jamie!

We were working toward a similar ending to Game One. . . but the end went a little "pear-shaped," too. Despite good pressure from the French irregulars, the Regulars marched directly into a devastating round of canister that more than cut the unit in half. The brave Regulars passed their Courage test for the Fire Received, but failed their test to Charge, stranding them outside the works.

This is where we had to call time and end the game; Tactical Victory going to the British. It looked unlikely that the French would be able to storm the fieldworks with the Regulars so depleted. Another game very well played.

Thank you, Jamie, for playing in both games and for your help in the tear down and loading afterwards.

See ya next year!