It was always a long shot trying to complete a battle of the scale of Quatre Bras in an evening, even with the speed and elegance of Valour & Fortitude rules. But we needed the practice for the forthcoming big Waterloo game, so we gave it a try!
John and Daniel played the Netherlands forces.
They probably felt a little outnumbered at first...
But they grinned and bore it!
Caesar, resplendent in his Marshal's uniform hoody, took command of the French left and the cavalry. I took the French right.
With better quality cavalry Caesar eventually cleared the table of Netherlands cavalry...
Meanwhile over on the western flank I was focusing on getting a foot hold into the Bois de Bossu...
And clearing out the garrison of Gemioncourt farm.
The plucky defenders initially held out well against overwhelming odds...
But inevitably this lonely outpost fell to the Eagles!
Leaving me free to march my assault columns on towards Quatre Bras itself...
However, at this point, after several turns of fate card chicanery, we were unable to further block the allies from receiving their reinforcements...
The Brunswick Corps...
With its dread combined Hussar and Lancer regiment!
Fine horsemen no doubt - but we will match them with our Lancers!
The British infantry also started to arrive on scene...
Marvellous read and an excellent presentation. You predicted correctly that the game might exceed the time available, hard to get around that unless perhaps you start at say 3 PM with Gémioncourt already taken perhaps. Anyway, I have just been playing this as a boardgame (ready for the anniversary on the 16th) and have had a fab time, so it is lovely to see you Epic’s covering the same ground. I hope you get it to the table again.
ReplyDeleteDo you think that the V&F rules will get you through your big Waterloo game in the time available?
Thanks Norm. Good to see the 210th anniversary of the Hundred Days are being observed more widely! We are having another practice at our weekly meet on Thursday and I will be umpiring so will be able to help our inexperienced players so hopefully we will get through it. As a few blokes had to drop out early this year we are only playing with a quarter of the OOB so yes I hope so...all will be revealed in due course!
DeleteGreat review! How can I get access to the scenario file? The link goes to a FB group, but I cant see what group it is to join.
ReplyDeleteThanks mate! Re the file PM me on fB and I'll send you a copy.
DeleteAnother fine game there Ralph, even enjoyable for one such as myself who is not really into Napoleonics, nor Waterloo. Oh the shame;)!
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve! Yes Naps and Waterloo do seem to be the archetypal wargame genre for gentlemen of a certain age...not sure why! Maybe its seems more sophisticated or 'grown up' than WW2 or modern, as if there is such a metric when playing with toy soldiers!
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