Saturday, 11 July 2020

Scenario 4: Take the High Ground

For Scenario 4 I have dragged out my Army Men forces who represent opposing armies struggling to gain control in post-colonial Uqbal (my imaginary continent).  These were my son's Euro Shop figures from many years ago that would probably have been chucked away (horrors!). You may recognize a couple of my old vehicles. 
The Colonial forces have abandoned some vehicles which are being utilized in the power struggle between the Northern Uqbali people (Army Tan) and the Southerners (Army Green).
I was inspired to play a more "modern" game by a recent post on the Ragged Soldier blog run by David in Suffolk, a very nice WW2 action. I do own some WW2 figures and vehicles but haven't used them in years (another project perhaps!!).
This game was played using The Portable Wargame; Exhaustion Point (EP) was 30% casualties. Maximum number of turns was 15. The objective is to have exclusive control of the hill at turn 15 or when both sides reach EP.

T
he Assault on Hill 123
Two units of troops from The People's Democratic Front, or PDF (Green) are holding a strategic hill alongside the road to the Capital. At first light, a force from the opposing faction arrives...

Battle is joined


The Saracen begins to rake the hill with machine gun fire

Reinforcements have arrived 

The PDF have total control of the objective but are under pressure

Casualties start to mount

The Northerners bring up their reserve and hurl everything at the hill

The PDF (who reached EP at Turn 7) still cling on 

The Armored Car is destroyed by relentless recoilless rifle fire


The Northern force reach EP at Turn 12

Despite pouring fire onto the defenders, the attack on Hill 123 failed. A well timed bayonet charge could have at least gained a draw but the Northern Colonel was going for the win, and lost. A fun game to start the weekend!

10 comments:

  1. Interesting victory conditions in that play continues until BOTH sides reach EP. What are the penalties for reaching EP?

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    1. Once a side has reached EP "it must immediately stop taking aggressive action (ie it will continue to fight to defend its existing position, but will not continue any movement towards the enemy)."

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    2. Got it. So, as soon as the attacker reaches EP level without controlling the hill, game over.

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    3. Yes. The defenders had reached EP at turn 7 so as soon as the attackers reached EP (turn 12) it was Game Over.

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  2. That couldn't have been any closer. Great game, I'm sure I have some of those minis tucked away somewhere.

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    1. Cheers Mr Sprinks - I expect your kids have some. They're not the worst copies in the world and would paint up quite well. I just painted the hands, faces and weapons

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    2. I did the same minimal 1960s Airfix paint job - works well enough fir a quick game. https://manoftinblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/28/verda-versus-griza-fms-20mm-pound-store-plastic-warriors-skirmish-now-with-added-esperanto/

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    3. Thanks Mark - yes your Esperanto Project is a good one. Hope you do some more with it.

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  3. It is great to see someone else doing the 'Army Men' thing! Not that I have done much with my project lately ... My last posting on the topic was in 2016...

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    1. I'll have to take a look at those Archduke. Any chance of them making another appearance?

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