MT02 Southern campaign

Well, the Savannah battle was back on 6 December, but I forgot to post, so it wasn't a massive one day result, but yes, I was an extreme bully and Renaud and Mirko were both great sports when everything went against them.

Battle of Kings Mountain

Renaud/ rjvonline, Continentals, 6 banners, 14 blocks lost
Eric/boredbeyondrelief, British, 1 banner, 18 blocks lost

Not your usual battle setup for sure. The Continentals seem favored, but are at a risk of being forced to retreat near the edges with their militia and provincial units.

As it were, just like in history, this was a fast one. I moved from the left and swept in front of me. A lucky British light unit retreated and rallied, delaying Continental victory,, and a late British bayonet charge got them a lone VP (militia forced to retreat against the edge), but also jeopardized another less successful unit, which died the next turn, giving me the victory.

Battle of Cowpens

Renaud/rjvonline, Continentals, 7 banners, 14 blocks lost
Gonzo, British, 3 banners, 26 banners lost

Not customary for me, I turned tails early on, after my forward Rifle units fairly ineffectively fired at the British line. For several turns I just dressed up my line far from British muskets and even guns, then I started sniping from the flanks with 2 of my relocated Rifles units. Gonzo must have wondered what was going on Finally he advanced on my weaker left (no regular units), I attacked with my cavalry, killing one light infantry, but then got surrounded. However, my cavalry survived, and took another British unit before being killed off (2-2). The Brits came moving on my flank with 2 highlander units leading the way. Somehow, I survived. I got my first Volley card of the game. A couple of turns later, there were kilts all over the place, and I had won 7-3 after Tarleton attempted to get out of my firing lane, first into woods, and then behind them, but routed for my last VP. Thanks to Gonzo, who was a gentleman, even as we trading hits with virtual steel and powder.

Round One Savannah

Togan, British, 7 Banners, 28 Blocks Lost

JR, Continentals and French, 9 Banners, 36 Blocks Lost

Togan and I met for a tough battle on the outskirts of Savannah today. Sizing up the British defenses, I felt my best shot was hitting their left flank. My French moved forward and once Togan was done with them, they were heading the opposite direction at about twice the speed. Two failed Rally rolls put the British up two banners to none, and I was so spooked I played Hold the Line on a full strength Marine for fear I'd lose him as well.

After that, however, fortune favored freedom, both in cards and dice. Over the ensuing turns I had three Line Commands, a Line Volley, and *five* Inspired Leadership cards. That helped me fight my way past a very tough band of Highlanders and to the edge of the fortified defenses. In the process I collected several banners to take the lead, mostly by virtue of Togan failing every single Rally roll he attempted. In the center, Glazier led a counterattack to rebalance the situation. He had Laurens down to one step when I drew Bayonet Attack; I could use it to crush the British left, or try to save Laurens. I instead chose to fail with half-measures, committing one unit against Glazier's hellish Grenadiers and two units against the left. I failed in both efforts and Togan evened up the banner tally in response.

I clawed my way into two Field Works hexes, and killed another British unit. I had the win in hand if I could withstand Togan's counter. Thanks to a Scout played earlier, he was within two banners himself. Instead of ejecting me from the Field Works, he tried to shoot his way to victory, but his dice failed him, and where they did not, my Rally dice rolled true. I escaped with heavy casualties but the nine banners I needed. Great fun, and an enjoyable game.

One note re the scenario in VASSAL - the rulebook gives the British four combat cards at start, but the scenario setup says five cards for the Brits. Which is correct?

Thanks,

JR