Last night's Volley and Bayonet game was a refight of the Battle of the Boyne. As usual, this is not an AAR, but a chance to showcase Adrian's beautiful 15mm armies, and scenery.
We did have one of those memorable game moments. Background: in mēlee/assault, units hit on a die roll of 6, the number of dice thrown being determined by the unit type, and period. Elite units are higher morale so more likely to actually go into combat in good order, and if they have shock they hit in the mēlee on a 5 or 6.
Jon commanded half the Williamite army, trying to cross the Boyne. His forces included two units of elite Dutch infantry, M7 with Shock. Jon threw a unit across the river attacking a defended village against the river bank. This meant that they were disordered going into the assault. They were supported by three stationary artillery units.
Jon rolled his eight attack dice (the two for the assault from the infantry requiring a 5 or a 6 to hit, and six from the three stationary gun stands. He rolls five 6's, meaning five potential hits. The defending unit received saving rolls, because the attacker was disordered. Robin saved four of the five sixes. Harrumph from Jon, but at least he had one casualty on the defenders.
Robin rolled his four dice in defence (the defending infantry stand was stationary). He rolled three 6s, causing 3 casualties on the attackers.
The attackers being already disordered now rout. The unit does not have enough strength points and is eliminated.
If you've played Volley and Bayonet you will understand the improbability of the entire combat.
After a number of moves of immobility for the Williamites, they finally created gaps in James' defenders, gaps sufficient to allow them to cross the river. It was a hard fought battle but James' forces lost. In our refight James was killed while leading a cavalry unit in combat.
Absolutely superb! ...and yes, that's a helluva run of dice in V&B. I am planning to do a lot of the 9YW Irish battles in 25mm with V&B. We have previously done them with Field of Battle - planning the Boyne. Aughrim, and siege of L/Derry. This has given me more purpose. Well done guys - superb work.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks.. Adrian's troops are beautiful. It was a touch and go game where for at least the first half it seemed the Wiiliamites would never get across the river... and then... ouch!!!
DeleteThose gorgeous figures are worth showcasing, for sure. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI loved the anecdote from the game. Jon must have been supremely p!ssed off. I'm not generally keen on dice deciding things so dramatically (although factors and position seem to have played a significant part?), but can enjoy the wargaming mirth of it all from afar.
[Interestingly, it follows on nicely from your review of Plowman's book; against the odds defence by perceived 'inferior' troops blunting those used to winning. Beaten in the end, but of tactical importance and part of changing the previous perception of invincibility.]
Best wishes, James