We played another game using the Black Seas rules, this time kicking off a campaign set somewhere off the West Indies. Jimmy has organised a series of games that we plan to play soon, and the outcomes of these games will impact future ones. Therefore, it was important for us to think strategically about the campaign. Additionally, Jimmy warned us not to lose all our brigs at once. As the saying goes, scenario assumptions are one thing, but reality can be quite different.
UMPIRING: Jimmy
1. Forces.
2. The Game.
A small British convoy was sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, heading for the West Indies. However, a group of five French brigs blocked their path. The French mission was to intercept the convoy and inflict maximum casualties on the Royal Navy. Given the British ships' superior firepower and their ability to sail with the wind, this task was particularly challenging for the French. To avoid losing their ships, the French needed to pass the British convoy at maximum speed and, under no circumstances, engage in combat. But where's the adventure and excitement in that? It just seems plain boring, doesn't it?
I devised a plan: I instructed the captains of the other ships not to engage the British under any circumstances. I also divided my squadron into two groups. My brig, along with both of Alasdair's ships, formed the leading force, while David's and Michael's ships made up the reserve. The British advanced in two parallel lines. On their starboard side were Tim's two frigates, while on their port side, Jimmy's merchant ships were hidden behind the frigates.
I aimed to pass the frigates quickly, then turn to starboard. With a favourable tailwind, I planned to attack the British merchant ships. It seemed simple, but I hadn't considered one crucial factor: the strength of the wind.
The first part of the plan went flawlessly. Both my line and David's line moved alongside the British frigates with minimal resistance. Both sides suffered only minor losses, and we successfully drew the frigates away from the merchant ships. It seemed as if my plan was really starting to work. Then, I made the decision to tack...
I was the first to tack, and unfortunately, I had to use my anchor to save myself. Both of Alasdair's ships faced the same challenge. While I managed to tack, Alasdair's ships were pushed in the opposite direction by the wind. On my next attempt, the wind shifted slightly, forcing me to tack again, and once more, I had to use my anchor to save myself. This took a significant toll on my ship's hit points. However, I found myself in a very advantageous position against the British merchantmen.
Deciding to take another risk, I planned an attempt to board them. First, I sent orders to the remaining French ships to leave the battlefield as quickly as possible, since we were playing a campaign. I then sailed toward the merchantmen, but my boarding attempt failed again! This left me caught between the two merchantmen, who quickly opened fire and sank my ship. So much for my daring action!
3. Links.
SESWC:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/631841809210352
FLICKR:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720332715821/
Brak komentarzy:
Prześlij komentarz