The first game of the year took place in Sudan during the Mahdi Rebellion. It was also an opportunity to finally field all of my miniatures from my collection for this conflict. I must admit, I’m very pleased with the results. We played using the Black Powder rules, and there's nothing quite like starting the year with my favourite gaming system.
UMPIRING: Bartek Żynda
1. Forces.
BRITISH:
Initial Forces:
Brigade Commander (9)1 x Heavy Camel Infantry2 x Line Infantry1 x Jurnalist1 x Caravan with a treasure
Brigade Commander (9)4 x Line Infantry1 x Gatling Gun1 x Royal Navy Skirmishers1 x Bengal Lancers
CinC (9)Brigade Commander (9)4 x Line Infantry1 x Gardner Gun1 x Light Gun2 x Royal Navy Skirmishers1 x Hussars with Lances
Brigade Commander (9)1 x Hussars
MAHDISTS:
Initial Forces:
Brigade Commander (8)1 x Ansar with rifles
Brigade Commander (8)1 x Ansar with rifles4 x Ansar with spears
Brigade Commander (8)1 x Ansar with rifles4 x Ansar with spears
Brigade Commander (8)1 x Ansar with rifles4 x Ansar with spears
CinC (8)Brigade Commander (8)2 x Cavalry with Carbines1 x Cavalry with Spears
2. The Game.
During our game, a British journalist covering an archaeological expedition deep in Sudan accompanied a shipment of artefacts intended for the British Museum. This expedition was besieged by unknown Mahdi rebel forces. British troops were assigned to protect the expedition, but they were unaware of the enemy's strength, which led the team to take refuge in an oasis in the desert. They remained there for an extended period, and news of their situation ceased to reach the British public. As a result, the British command decided to send a force to locate the expedition and ensure its safe return. Meanwhile, a significant insurgent group in the area believed that this isolated British expedition would make an easy target. Both the British forces and the insurgents began searching for the expedition.
Each side had its forces set up on the main table, while the rest moved to the auxiliary table, where the search was taking place. Each side had its own deck of cards to track the movement of its brigades. Each commander needed to outline their search route first. Then, similar to the rules of Black Powder, they could move their units after passing a command check. If they failed the check, their units could not advance; in the case of a blunder, the brigade would not be activated in the following turn. Cavalry units moved two spaces, while infantry units moved one space. The Mahdists were the first to find the oasis. Mike discovered it first, followed by Alasdair and Jimmy on the third turn, Michael and Andy on the fourth, Peter on the fifth, and Tim on the sixth.
Mike positioned his troops around the oasis, placing himself between it and the anticipated arrival of the main British forces. Meanwhile, my brigade attempted to attack the enemy for the first time but was forced to retreat under intense British rifle fire. They never fully recovered from this initial shock and played no further role in the battle. When Tim arrived, he decimated them with his rifle fire. This development allowed me to focus on umpiring the game.
Behind Mike, the main Mahdist forces began to arrive. Things started with some issues. Alasdair was able to advance despite rolling Blunder, but Jimmy failed his command check, which delayed his entry. As a result, Alasdair entered the fray first, later receiving support from Michael.
The initial attack was unsuccessful, and as time passed, the first British troops began to arrive on the battlefield. Andy was the first to appear; he quickly established a square formation and started firing at the Mahdists. Peter also joined the fighting, but after some initial success, his unit was routed. Meanwhile, Alasdair and Michael launched a renewed assault on the oasis, achieving notable success this time. Alasdair managed to rout the Camel Corps unit and hijacked their caravan, while Michael captured the journalist.
The Mahdists successfully achieved both objectives of the game. Alasdair completed his task and led the caravan off the table, while Michael failed to kill the journalist. Just as he was about to make the kill, his unit was attacked by David's infantry. Mike then launched an attack on David from behind, while also being targeted by Andy's Bengal Lancers. This resulted in a stalemate. Although the Mahdists initially prevailed and the British lost their Bengal Lancers, Tim's arrival changed the entire situation.
The entry of the new British forces onto the battlefield was not without significant challenges. Tim's arrival was delayed due to a blunder, and as a result, Andy had to withdraw his entire brigade, also because of a blunder. Seizing the opportunity, Jimmy decided to launch an attack and chase after Andy as fast as he could. Unfortunately for him, this was where the Mahdists' luck ran out. Andy returned to the battlefield and greeted Jimmy with rifle fire, severely diminishing his troops. Meanwhile, Tim charged the oasis with his cavalry, managing to rout the Mahdist forces and rescue the captured journalist. This success was made possible by a mistake from one of the Mahdist commanders, who chose to launch a solitary attack on David's last unit instead of supporting his comrades in battle.
After this, the Mahdist forces retreated, leading the caravan into the unknown. The British forces, having suffered heavy losses—particularly among their cavalry—were unable to pursue them. Both sides achieved one game objective: the Mahdists captured the caravan, while the British secured the journalist. As a result, the game ended in a draw. I, however, was able to enjoy my entire collection displayed on the table, which I hope brought you some cheer as well.
3. Links.
SESWC:
FLICKR:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720331384315