The Ammo Raid of Crowley a Pikemans Lament AAR

 

the Ferndalian raiding party invades Boozonia

         Sergeant Sean O"Loughlin looked in dismay at the troops surrounding him; mostly old men, boys and idiots........not one in twenty had ever used a weapon in anger. The militia of Crowley were a sorry sight indeed. "Once more Lads!" he bellowed at his pikemen in training. The gaggle of men shuffled into a sort of a formation, their pikes wavering from side to side and the men bumping into one another as they tried to steady the cumbersome weapons. Once they were roughly in line O'Loughlin stepped out of the front rank and turned around to face his charges, "Hoist yer pikes". The men raised the pikes to rest on their right shoulders, another round of wavering and staggering passed through the group. "Present yer pikes!" O'Loughlin ordered. The militiamen lowered the pikes trying to keep them level with the ground at shoulder height, several men dropped their weapons and had to retrieve them from the grass. "Advance  on my order........Addd---Vance!" the sergeant called out, the formation promptly took several steps forward, losing all resemblance to a phalanx in the process. "HALT! For God's sake Halt! Before you fools hurt each other". Furious at the collective incompetence O'Loughlin threw his halberd on the ground and walked away from the men to calm his nerves with a draught of whiskey.
       Seeing his drillmaster at wits end Sire Kincannon rode toward him to reassure him. "Having a time of it, old friend?" he inquired.
        O'Loughlin shook his head slowly, "They are more of  a hazard to each other than they ever will be to some Ferndalian rider", he replied with dismay. "I fear that the only thing they will manage to do is get themselves killed".
       Kincannon smiled at his friend, "Calm yourself Sean. The enemy cannot see the fear in their hearts or their lack of skill with a pike. They can only see the glittering points, drill them to receive cavalry with the butt on the ground and in a dense mass and they will be little troubled with the Ferndalian Horse. If you would seek a real nightmare we can swap jobs and you can try to make warriors out of these old gentlemen and their errant houseboys, all of whom consider themselves to be cavalry by way of knowing which end of a horse is the front"
         "Thank you Sire, but no, I've never been comfortable on such a beast and wouldn't presume to try. I would give my right eye for another cannon though".
          Kincannon looked up onto the hill where the artillerists were busily digging in and weaving gabions to fill with earth. "And I would as well to make that total three. Guard yourself well, and no heroics! I shall see you on the morrow"
         "You as well Sire, fare thee well"

For my most able Spy.....

To: Scaramouce; 28MAR1620

From: His Most August and Benign Majesty, Peter II, of the House of Whey

Re: Action to be taken.


              I have read you note and have dispatched a battalion of Foote and severall Squadrons of Horse. The bearer of this message has sufficient gold to ensure that you can pay any and all bribes  needed to effect our plans. Push forward instantly and afford me news of your progress, I have already set the forces into motion. We shall teach these uncouth Boozonians a lesson that they will not soon forget.


                      As Always, Your Sovereign

A Secret and Most Urgent Message for King Peter II

To: Your Most Gracious and Magnificent Lordship; Peter II, Star of the House of Whey

From: Your Most Dedicated Servant, known to your august person as "Scaramouce"

Re: An opportunity to exact vengeance on the Boozonian upstarts


           Through diverse and unsavory methods I have discovered that the Boozonian army is intending to move a vast amount of gunpowder from one armory to another inside the borders of Boozonia, no doubt in support of another "accidental invasion" of our lands. I have it within my abilities to ensure that the shipment is stranded without oxen for a period of about a week near the mid-point of its travels. A fast-moving raiding party would be in position to capture and destroy this valuable asset at that location if you choose to do so.

          Please advise right away so that I can take the necessary steps to enact this plan if you choose to pursue this action.

         Be advised that the sentiment in the Highlands of Boozonia is unequivocally  for war, the Lowlands are much more tepid in that consideration. This action may drive Boozonia into the arms of the enemy.  Additionally it has come to my attention that there have been communications between the Boozonian and Freedonian governments and following those contacts the Boozonian government has begun assembling supplies along its borders with our fair land. It appears that they intend action along our borders already.


                           Your Faithful and Honest Servant,


                                                                         Scaramouce
                                                                         21MAR1620

Before Even One Blade of Grass; 25MAR1620 AAR

 

the field of battle, so peaceful right now,

when viewed this way north is to the top of the picture, the capital is to the right

       In this age of madness attempting to organize a wargame with one's chums can be a rather vexing effort. Most of my wargaming buddies are of an age that would be considered "medically at risk of contagion" for one reason or another. In light of that I decided to take all of the precautions that I was able to avail myself of. First, I laid out the terrain and minis three days in advance of the proposed date (COVID-19 has a maximum surface viability of 72 hours according to the WHO and CDC). Two, I limited the number of players drastically. Three, I have Chlorox Wipes for every player to wipe down their hands, dice and rulers with before commencing play. Fourth, refreshments will not be served. And fifth, the game will be played as quickly as possible and there will be no "bull session" after the game. With these safeguards in place I feel comfortable that I won't be endangering my guests.

       As it turned out Trunkmonkey was the lone gamer available so I took over the task of running the Proper Meal Faction (a bad choice as I am terrible with cavalry and the rescue force was entirely mounted!).

A Test for the Master General of Advanced Workes

       Having been appointed to the rank of Master General of Advanced Workes Sir Juan Cassiavertes gathered his troops and began his task.  As well as attempting to select the best location fort the forts Sir Juan Cassiavertes kept a constant eye on the capital to see if the enemy was going to react to his placing a noose around their supply-line. Eventually it happened and the Small Platers, having realized what he was up to, sent out a force to arrest his efforts.

Before Even One Blade of Grass Grows Green....

To My Most Loyal and Virtuous Servant, Sir Juan Cassiavertes

From His Most Serene and Wise Monarch, Franz de Flamboise, Emperor of Gluttonia


        I am both amused and delighted by your adherence to my will. I greatly enjoyed your missive and after due consideration have decided that this undertaking that you have proposed is worthy of exertion on our part.

        I hereby command that you gather together several troops of Foote, and such Cavalrie as are deemed necessary to guard their actions, along with at least one light gun per fort and go forth to construct a line of forts blocking the enemies access to the hinterlands and the associated forage.

        These forts are to be constructed to most efficaciously block the transit of wagons along the roadways rather than to physically obstruct the roadway itself (unless that is the best way to achieve the aim). These advanced workes will be supported at some short distance by a fortified encampment of Foote and Horse that shall be tasked with the defense of such workes in the event that the enemy would sally forth in great numbers to reduce the advanced units. This construction must be completed with the utmost haste, I wish that it be finished before even one blade of grass grows green.

        As this is your suggestion I am elevating you to the rank of Master General of the Advanced Workes. Anyone that stands in the way of your assignment should be reported to me directly and I will be certain to administer a sudden and painful punishment.

          Fail me not.


          Cordially,
                              Your Emperor, the Seat of Wisdom and Grace in this benighted land.

For the Consideration of His Most Royal Majestie....

To our Most Esteemed and Honorable Royal Majestie

From his Utterly Humble and Loyal Servant Sir Juan Cassiavertes

      An Observation on Increasing the Discomfiture of the Benighted Small Platers in our Capital


             Throughout the Winter, in abject obedience to your Royal Personages' Order, we have kept the Small Platers under close observation. It has been seen that the Small Platers have been foraging in the narrow stretch of land that runs between the rivers west of the capital. It has occurred to us (as surely it would have occurred to your Most Wise and Noble person if you had not been burdened with a thousand other items of vast importance) that the closure of this avenue of resupply would be most advantageous going into the next campaign year.
       The loss of forage would cripple their Horse and starve their transport animals as well as hurt the rations of the surrounded troops. While it is beyond the strength of our forces to close the entire width of the peninsula the construction of sconces or small earthen forts at the bridges over certain irrigation ditches would greatly hamper the enemy . With the bridges closed the enemy would no longer be able to transport supplies by wagon, greatly hampering his collection of fodder and supplies.
       It would be a most singular honor if Your Majestie would find the time to consider this suggestion.


                       Your Unwavering and Most Loyal Soldier,

                                                Sir Juan Cassiavertes