So Ian and I decided to try the 'Rebels and Patriots' rules using our 10mm ACW forces and we were very much looking forward to trying out this Lion Rampant variant. Ian used his Union troops and I was using my Confederates. As a first game it also seemed to make sense to play the first scenario: 'First Clash at Lament Ridge'. Note that our infantry figures are not based quite correctly for these rules but we just ruled that each infantry base counted as 6 models. Just to add to the fun our electricity was cut off for the day (without warning) so to start with the game was played in torchlight as my spare room only has a small window.
My Rebs advance on the church, the objective that both sides needed to control.
A slightly different view of my forces.
Here come Ian's Union forces.
My unit of Shock Cavalry went off on a flanker (which took all game and to zero effect).
As the two sides close on each other my cannon opened fire and proved to be very effective (with the help of some great dice throwing).
Ian seemed to have deployed his troops better and was more able to get his units into a central position better than I could. I felt quite out numbered around the church.
Some Union troops suffering disorder (red counter).
I managed to get to the church first and was able to claim 1 point of honour before Ian's infantry moved up to challenge me. At this point we started to fire upon each other and shooting seemed quite lethal. We later found out that we were applying 'disorder' counters incorrectly but we both suffered from this mistake.
As the action got fiercer I forgot to take any photo's for a while. Bit by bit my forces wore down Ian's and my Officer was able to grab quite a few points of honour by three of Ian's infantry units routing plus his cannon whilst amazingly I lost no units.
Now for the fun part. In these rules if you play a series of games (a campaign) you develop your officers through experience gained by defeating the enemy. I gained 6 points of honour (not enough to gain another trait yet) compared to Ian's zero. He also had to throw on the Officer casualty table but got away with that as his own troops rescued him so he is fit for the next game.
Oh look, 10 turns later and my cavalry are still trying to get round the woods...I think that they are still there!
We really enjoyed these rules and will play again next week, perhaps a bigger multi player game if some of our other gaming friends are around? We will also do better with the rules.
PS: did anyone spot my new games mat, under a tenner from Temu!
A bit bright but well worth the money.
