It's a Trap! Wiley Wargame Weekend

Wiley Wargames Weekend happened over a month ago so this post is long overdue. I ran two games based on the French and Indian War "Battle of the Trench" scenario in Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy No. 103. You can read about the scenario, and the engagement it is based on, above and below. If you're interested in the French and Indian War, this issue has lots of good reading!

Table is 5' x 9'. Here's the table; compare to the map/layout above:

Game One (of two) was played with Wiley Games' rules Fistful of Lead: Horse and Musket. We had 8 players; each player had a group of 5 soldiers, one of which was the group's  Leader. The British had 2 groups of Rangers trying to reach the safety of the stockade, and 2 groups of Virginia Provincials who started in safety in the Stockade and had to decide whether or not to come out to help. The French had 2 groups of Native warriors and 2 groups of French Marines. To win the game, the British Rangers had to get across the river.

The Rangers started at the edge of the table in the southeast corner of the woods and all of the French entered along the Northern table edge within the woods. While the Rangers ran through the woods toward the River, the French raced to cross the road and cut off their retreat.

The Provincials did not hesitate to leave the stockade; they marched toward the riverbank to set up a firing line to cover the fleeing Rangers.

But the French were able to cut off the Rangers, and in the close quarters and cover of the woods, the initial shots fired were less effective. With no time for reloading, both sides set to with tomahawks and musket butts. 

A few of the French began to skirmish with the Provincials from the edge of the tree line, while the main melee (the "blood alley" in Fistful of Lead jargon) continued within the woods.

As night fell (time was called) the Rangers failed to make the river, though they had dealt more casualties than they sustained, so we called the game a minor victory for the French.

Next post: Game Two with Muskets and Mohawks by Two Hour Wargames.


See ya!