The first day of Autumn arrived to cooler temperatures around the area and some hot gaming on the tables at Game Nite.
Table one saw our experience team pulling together in support of our Education Working Group and our upcoming school event. It was a play through and critique session of the Battle of Fort Riviere Haiti 1915 as the deployed US Marines under Major Smedley Butler sought to put an end to the indigenous Caco resistance. Using a heavily modified version of One Hour Skirmish Wargame Rules we saw the assault on the surrounded position.
Jay Clendenny was kind enough to take notes and provide us with a view of the evening’s activities so we will turn it over to him…..
“The BMHGA gang got together at Game Night for a revisit of the Battle of Fort Riviere in Haiti 1915. This is one of the games the group has been working on for school play this fall. This playthrough saw Pat, Tim and Mark running the Caco bandits while Andrew and Chris took care of the Marines. Kevin was the GM and Jay did the note taking.”
“We have been tinkering with the rules since the last time the group played the game earlier this month by the Semi-Retired crew at St Peters. Since then, Pat Lewis has finished up the fort as well. The rule changes were incorporated into the game for this session. It should be noted that this is a very difficult scenario simply because the heavily outnumbered Marines managed to assault the fort that had an estimated 400 Caco bandits in and around the area and managed not only to win in a rout, but only one Marine suffered an injury (hit in the face with a rock). Obviously one of the reasons to play scenarios is not to repeat history, but trying to get some sort of balance and also look at what did happen historically along with having some fun. With that, Kevin briefed up both sides and we got everything going.”
“The Marines did the usual “charge the gate” while Major Butler and his two men came out of the sewer and promptly eliminated two of the Caco’s nearby. The Marine attack on the entrance stalled (like it usually does) and it is time for the Caco side to go. A lot of shooting at the Marines inside, but all miss. The Marine in the lead a the gate is shot and then eliminated in close combat.”
“The next round sees more shooting in the fort, but more missing. Inside, more shooting takes place along with more missing by the Caco side. Two of the Marines charge a Caco leader and unfortunately do not win the close quarter combat despite having an advantage. (They got eliminated and only Major Butler is left inside now). Andrew tops off a unlucky turn by drawing a joker, which immediately ends the turn.”
“Turn 2 opens with Major Butler ordering Marines inside from the entrance (He has a special ability). Unfortunately the Caco side finally found someone who could shoot and Bulter goes down. Butler is then eliminated in a melee combat. Chris pulls a joker and the Turn immediately ends before anything else can happen.”
“Turn 3 is even shorter with Pat drawing his joker on the first combat, again, immediately ending the turn.”
“Turn 4 opens with all 3 Caco players drawing high initative cards and there isn’t much Chris can do as they swarm two of his Marines under. At this point, Kevin calls the game in favor of the Caco side. (Marines had 2 left outside the entrance).”
“The group then goes through and offers suggestions based on how the game went and also based on some past playthroughs. One of the things that is apparent is that coming up with a set of rules is one thing, but tactics play a big role for both sides and obviously tactics are going to improve as players learn the scenario. This is a important distinction because the students that will be playing this game will be doing it for the first time, so their tactics won’t reflect having experience with the game. The way it is shaping up, good tactics are more important to the Marines because they are so few compared to the Caco side.”
“The semi-retired crew is scheduled to play this scenario again Thursday 24 Sept at the Rock Hill Miniature Market.”
Andrew sent in a couple of great pics and description of the Bolt Action table for the group to view.
“Table Two is Bolt Action, with Americans and Germans!”
“A plucky Stuart gets around the side of a PZIII and gets the shot!”
Thanks Jay and Andrew for the photos and game reports and thanks to all the players who came out to enjoy a fun evening of gaming. We would also like to add our ongoing appreciation to Game Nite for their continued support.
Remember to shop local!
Big Muddy Historical Game Alliance of Greater St. Louis
Our public educational demonstrations including rules and game evaluation sessions use historical miniature and historical board gaming to explore military history, historical decision-making, and the people, places, and events of the past.
Historical Gaming in Action is a public educational program presented by the Big Muddy Historical Game Alliance of Greater St. Louis.
Using miniature figures, terrain, maps, historical research, and guided play, our games explore military history through the decisions faced by commanders, soldiers, and communities. Visitors can examine the table, ask questions, learn about the historical setting, and—when space and time permit—join the game.
Our scenarios are based on historical sources. While game rules simplify some details for practical play, each event is designed to encourage discussion of historical events, geography, leadership, logistics, strategy, and the human experience of conflict.
Historical gaming can be both enjoyable and educational. Big Muddy provides public educational demonstrations, seminars, and convention programming that promote historical miniature gaming and military history.
