First Game Played
I hosted the Exiles (http://uk.geocities.com/exiles2005/) first BG playtest a few days ago. We played the Hobkirk's Hill scenario and thought you might like an after action report and a couple of comments on the rules. Eclaireur was also kind enough to drop by when we were gaming the action. He was able to supply 'on the spot guidance' when we had rules queries (although I don't think we had too many) between sips of beer (the Exiles like to look after our guests). The game started with the NY Volunteers, King's Americans and 63rd Foot advancing steadily towards Williams brigade. Seeing this advance the American skirmish screen thought that retreating (sorry...redeploying) to the woods on Williams' left flank was a good idea. The skirmishers may have been forced back, but the Marylanders behind them were going to hold that hill come what may and so began a steady stream of fire upong the advancing British. The second line of British found themselves moving to the left to avoid entangling themselves with the first line. Unfortunatley for them this meant coming under the American artillery and Huger's units. Again the British were held up as they tried to get rid of DP's in order to gain a bit more momentum to get up the hill. Huger's skirmisher were bolder than Williams' and advanced slightly forward and to the right to a small wood. Thereby they could take pot shots and add the odd DP or two on the enemy's flank. The hail of fire that most of the British were coming under was very intense and units were pulled back to try and rally off some DPs before going on the attack again. Honour was at stake now. Again the attack went in the British left being effectively held by Huger. Although his skirmishers were driven out of their woodland prosition by the NY Dragoons. On the right it went slightly better. The King's Americans and the 63rd assaulted the Marylanders and got a toehold on the hill that was relinquished shortly afterwards. If only the British had rolled better dice could they have pushed the Marylander back, that will have to be decided another time. By this point we were unfortunately running out of time and the Americans were judged to have been the victors as they had held their own with great courage and determination (except perhaps Williams' skirmishers). We had a quick chat with Eclaireur after game and everyone said that they had enjoyed the game and the rules were very playable. I am putting on another game at the Exiles on Thursday 23 July if one or two of you would like to attend. As mentioned at the start of this post we had a couple of comments on the rules and would be grateful for your thoughts; 1. In firing there is a +1 modifer for British in Line and also in melee for Close Order British Infantry in Line. Is this modifier exclusively for British units or would say a Provisional unit rated as 2nd Line also get these modifiers? 2. On the movement table, note 1 mentions about forgoing a chance to redress ranks at the end of the turn. What does redressing ranks involve? 3. Due to the random dice movement units in a brigade who may start off in a nice linear formation will end up after a turn or two with some units ahead of others and some trailling behind. Is there a way a brigade commander could give an order along the lines of, 'The 63rd will advance to point X and all other units will advance to dress against them'. This would recreate the initlal all in a nice linear formation again. Once again many thanks to Eclaireur for taking time out to visit the Exiles and I'm looking forward to putting our next BG game. Ezza

Hi, I have always found HH a bit tricky for the Brits to emulate Rawdon on the tabletop as well but it's always nice trying. Thoughts on your queries.... 1. I think this modifier is intended for British regulars only and this is the way I have always played it. 2.If you move(even one die worth) you cannot remove DP and redressing ranks in part is about DP removal. 3. I think this is what is intended. Sometimes units do get ahead of each other due to ground, eagerness, lack thereof, officers getting confused etc. If you want to pause and re-order your brigade to attack nicely change the orders to hold, get sorted and get going again. Personally though I try to avoid order changes, you never get the right die when you need them. Any chance of a few pics next time? regards Paul

Paul, Thanks for your comments. The Exiles have recently moved to a new website at http://the-exiles.ning.com/ Check under the photos section for a selection of our recent games including Hobkirk's Hill.

Here is my understanding of the rules. 1.Only British regulars. 2.Any movement at all(even turning or about facing) other then redressing ranks cancels out any chance of removing a DP except for attached commanders and a rally result. I'll include what redressing the ranks involves for a sense of completeness.It entails bringing the regiment on line,in order and filling in any gaps in the ranks.This is a simulation in the unit and need not be done on the table as the unit remains in place. In effect redressing your ranks counts for stationary and allows you to remove DP's. 3.As far ordering individual regiments to different points during a current order is not allowed.You must give the brigade a new order or if you have available commanders(ADC etc.) then you may form new brigade.

Hello, Ezza - I will only add that you could try 'Support' orders which would prevent one brigade getting ahead of another, but, this will still not prevent them lagging behind... The purpose of the 'uncontrolled' D-generated movement seems to be to replicate a bit of 'Natural Chaos' and it DOES! :D GJ

replicate a bit of 'Natural Chaos' and it DOES! Very Happy Yes it does! :lol:

Hi Ezza, Nice website. I can see why the Americans on HH were so hard to beat, defending the large reserves of refreshment so vital to any army! regards Paul

Paul, Many thanks, we have just moved to our new website and hope to expand it soon. Yes, the Americans defence seems to have been enhanced by them requesitioning the Heineken supplies of South Carolina. Perhaps for our next game the British should remember to fill their supply wagons with Old Speckled Hen or a similar tipple. Ezza