Randi and the Ropey Bridge of Uncertain Death.

Scenario Seven: Randi Ram and the Ropey Bridge of Uncertain Death across an Improbable Chasm.

Greetings Captain Whitmore Sir, from the Randi Ram, who was your house boy in the times you lived here in India.  

Good news Sir, The Randi Ram is still alive, despite the efforts of the Cult of Goaty Doom to kill every 2^nd Madras Sepoy they can get their hands on.  Our three Havildars have behaved like real men of action, almost as if they were Heroes of a tall tale by Mr Kipling, the cake seller in Fort George.

Having survived the attack of the Goat cult the three Havildars have added the garrison to their original half Company.  With 40 men they decided to investigate the Mysterious Temple of Goaty Doom, said to be in the hills near Tantrapur Outpost.  The Sepoys took the hill track but we were halted at an improbable vast chasm between two hills.  

 The Randi Ram does not like heights.  It makes the bowels turn to water, and earned me a cuffing from Havildar Vikram, a man who has no sense of humour.  Thus steeled we searched for a way across, only to discover a ropey bridge, decayed by age, and erected by someone who actually had a real sense of humour, a very dark one.

But fate was not kind.  Across the chasm were the Fekkar brothers of the unwashed clan.  Crack shots with their long jezails, these would pour fire on us as we attempted to cross.  Havildar Dilip, a real hero, and something of an acrobat, fixed his bayonet and lead the way.  It was he who would lead us against the dirty Fekkars, across the ropey bridge of uncertain death. 

Anglo Indian Briefing

The mission is to cross the rope bridge and drive off the enemy.  Ultimately the 2^nd Madras must exit the hill track path at point B to find the Temple of the Goat in scenario 8.

Characters

Havildar Vikta Manucaglan is a huge and strong man.  A natural battle leader.  He wields a bayoneted musket in a deadly fashion, using double the normal dice.  He is level III.   If he survives this battle he will end his career as a Sgt-Major in the US Cavalry.

Havildar Charu Granht, is a cad, a drinker and in a fight he is a slasher.

His men think him a very humorous fellow. If he survives this battle he will end his career as a Manhattan socialite. He is a Level II big man

Junior Havildar Dilip Fairbanks is thinking only of matrimony.  His wedding has been arranged by his family and this mission is delaying it.  He intends to leave the army and join the family tea business. Consequently he is only a Level I big man. In battle he is extremely athletic gaining an extra dice of movement.  If he survives the battle he will end his career as Sinbad the sailor.

Gunga Din, a bhisti water carrier is one of the servants accompanying the mission. He is the "spare" big man, and if any of the Havildars are killed Gunga Din rises to the occassion and can remove shock as a level 1 Big man from any unit he is with.

Randi Ram, a sepoy in the 2nd Madras is in the second platoon.  He is not a Big man, but has an extraordinary gift for survival. 

Native Briefing

The Tantrapur outpost has fallen to the British.  One of their companies is marching on the Hidden Temple.  They can be stopped at the rope bridge, and the Guru has ordered his mercenary hill bandits to hold the bridge.  Knowing that the bandits will need help he has sent his second in command with two groups of fanatical Ghazis up the track to complete the ambush.   

Divit Fekkar is the local bandit leader.  As such he is from the unwashed caste, and takes real pleasure in ambushing and killing Sepoys.  He usually works for the Bhuna, but has recenty been employed by the Guru of the Goat to help against the 2^nd Madras.  Divit commands a group of 6 skirmishers and is among the rocks at point C.    

Pandu Lal is the Guru's right hand man.  He is a level II leader.  He commands two groups of twelve fanatical Ghazis, all drunk on fermented goat's milk.  These are dangerous opponents gaining double bonus dice on any first round of hand combat due to their ferocious drunken nature.  After that round they will half any dice as they lose their wind.  Pandu and his Ghazis start at point B

Umpires notes.

The rope bridge crosses the terrain east-west, and the track leads to the hidden valley of the Temple of Goaty Doom, off table.
The ambushers are hiding at point C and can be reinforced by fanatical Ghazis from point B.
Whilst the Pandu Lahl is alive his Ghazis will all benefit from the "Din, Din" rule.
If any of the Havildars are killed or wounded they will be unavailable for "Scenario Eight: Randi, the Havidars three and the Temple of the Goaty Doom."

Game Cards

2nd Madras	Mysoreans	General
Havildar Vikta Manucaglan	Divit Fekkar   level II	Tiffin
Havildar Charu Granht	Pandu Lal level II	Blank Card
Junior Havildar Dilip Fairbanks		"Din, Din"
Two Grasp the Nettle II	Two Grasp the Chapatti I
One Grasp the Nettle 1	One Grasp the Chapatti II

The Outcome

Havildar Dilip Fairbanks Jr,  a real hero, and something of an acrobat, fixed his bayonet and lead the way.  It was he who would lead us against the dirty Fekkars, across the ropey bridge of uncertain death.  Dilip is Anglo Indian, son of a sailor, but believes that his real father is none other than our adjutant Captain Ashworth, he of the pink gins and cricket bat trousers.

 Shouting like heroes of the Ram our Havildars had us charge, and we did so in one formation, spreading the pain of wounds among us.  Three men were killed, falling to an uncertain death, and probably crocodiles.  I the Randi Ram, was at the back of the column, protecting the Bhisti water carrier Gunda Din.

The Fekkar brothers fled, but we now faced a charge from the Ghazis, men with shining choppers.  Havildar Dilip was in no mood to quibble and put his bayonet through the eye of the Ghazis’ leader.  They fled and we fired a volley at their backs as they ran. 

I hope we don`t have to go home back over that bridge.

 Havildar Charu drives the dirty Fekkars from the rocks

 The Company begin to cross, Havildar Vikram has them line up as two groups of Badmashes appear.  They get the "Din, Din!" card.

 The Sepoys of the 2nd Madras Volley Fire the charging Badmashes, to devastating effect.  Charu and his skirmishers charge in from the rocks.

Rangi Ram, known to his friends as Randi proves his worth by lurking in the rear rank.






Some issues.  Sharing wounds among a formation when they are storming a bridge?  Surely the leading group would be targeted.  I think I got the rules right but the spirit wrong.  

A 6mm Kriegspiel game

A programmed solo game in 6mm.  Printed at 200%.

Count Inkontinenz of the Red is invading the Grand Duchy of the Blau.  To block him the Baron Pumphosen has three battalions of Fusiliers and a battalion of Jäger, 6 guns and 4 Cavalry squadrons, against a similar number of Inkontinenz Reds.

The Reds have three battalions and their feared Rifles skirmishers.  Their Cavalry are Light dragoons, and the guns 6 x 9pdr.
The Reds are on the Der Waldberg south side of the map.

Cavalry piquets  have seen the deployment in the pictures above.

Red gave his orders as to use Cavalry and Rifles to skirmish against the line of Blue's visible deployed battalion, and to maneuvre his Infantry and guns to enfillade the town.

Red gave me his orders as a map drawing.  Most useful.

Blue (for it is I) gave orders to deploy the Dragoons under Von Poupe on my left and to form a line on the hills to the right.
 
The game began with Red marching on table in two columns, cavalry and the dreaded rifles to the right, his slower Infantry to the left.

As Blue my forces were slowly revealed taking up position.  One battalion however was delayed in the town, and could not get it's act together to march into it's allotted position on my right.

The Red Commander stayed with his rifles for pretty much the whole game, probablu since this was the centre of the field.  The Hub companies of the Rifles were able to form square at the approach of thr Blue dragoons, but were covered, under their orders by Red cavalry which charged to see the Blue cavalry off.  Well that was the plan...

The Cavalry fight quickly developed, Red versus Blue Dragoons.

Ultimately however this was pretty even, and Von Poupe managed to get himself wounded and retired from the field.

The Red Infantry were in superior numbers and a battle developed on the Red left, which they won convincingly.  The Blue Commander retired back through Kroppen, and probably court martialed the commander of his third battalion.

Good game.

Von Poupe will return in scenario 2, "Von Poupe's Revenge."  or perhaps "The Blau strikes back."

The Grand Duchy of the Blau, Kriegspiel Scenario Part 2

From “My Travels on the Continent,” by Sir William Bryson

The Grand Duchy of the Blau is one of the Elector states, and boasts one of the most inbred and mad Royal houses on the continent.  The Grand Duke has been confined to a remote schloss, in reality an “Asylum” under the care of Dr Sigmund Freund.  The Duchy is ruled by the Prince Regent, who has exiled his brothers, only to see them repeatedly seek foreign aid to invade the Duchy.  The High council of the Blau is called the High Vank, and comprises the nobility and important Officials of the realm.  The Council sits every three months.

Important Citizens of the Blau inclued the world famous Wolfgang Elton Amadeus, who often plays the harpsichord to entertain the Nobility.  Court life centres around the Regent’s Palace in Altmark, nicknamed “das rathaus,” where the Dowager Baroness seduces young Cavalry Officers. 

Sausage is the most important  national dish of the Blau, with the Royal Sausage as the ultimate in cuisine.

The Blau military is organised on Prussian lines, with the Prince Regent as Commander in Chief, and various nobles in command positions.  As such these inbred and peculiar Royal Gentlemen are rarely fit for command, and generally speaking "cock it up" all too often.

The fattest member of the Blau nobility is of course the Baron Pumphosen, an epicure who has been known to halt a campaign in the interests of finding a new sausage or pie.  His military skills have frequently been questioned, however his patriotism is such that he is seen as “loyal,” which recommends him to the High Vank.  Pumphosen has a terrible home life, with a new Baroness (and two ugly step daughters) causing him to neglect his only child, Cinderella Pumphosen, the true heir to the Pumpen-Schloss.

06.20

Your reconnaissance parties are underway: the Hussars passing beyond Golberger Feld and the Uhlans moving SW to Nennweiler Station.

You arrived at the head of the advance guard column to find an obviously inebriated Captain Phillips and a somewhat dishevelled smuggler's daughter. Naturally you demanded to see the offending melons, whereupon Captain Phillips exclaimed 'I say, ding dong!', before falling off his horse. With much cajoling and waving of the Pumpenschtick you eventually succeeded in getting the column moving again.

You are currently on the northern outskirts of Neu Goldberg, where the rear of the jager battalion is entering the town.

Your main body is waiting on the road SW of Neu Golberg and the artillery and baggage are still encamped on the heights around Villa Schonblick.

Phillips to be sent back to the rearguard to sober up.  I will deal with him tonight.

I shall steer my mare Esmerelda back to the Bridge leading the Jagers of the Advanced Guard and see them across.  I will leave my ADC at the Bridge and take myself up into Alt Goldberg to overlook the Goldberg Feld to the South and satisfy myself that I haven’t got Flatulenz coming on.

My intention is then to return to the Bridge to supervise. 

The Baron

The View South

Clear

I will send word back to Major Fahrtgasse to bring the main body on as ordered.  I will ride Esmerelda up to join my cavalry patrols on Pt136 (is it called “Aus dem Kipning?” On the Kipnings?  that would make these two hills the Kipnings.  Anyway I`m off up to the left nipple to see if I can spot any stiffening of the red further south.

Ahem...

Pumphosen

0630

Pickets are ordered South onto Die Wiesse Burg and Der Rothe Burg summits

My compliments to Oberst Von Trotha

His advanced Guard are to occupy the heights of Die Wiesse Berg (the white Mountain.)

The Jager will occupy the Rothe Burg overlooking Nennweiler to their West, Cavalry patrols to lead the way, and inspect Nennwieler.

I will return to my main body to bring it forward.  As ordered V regiment will march straight down the Nennwieler road following the Advanced guard.

I will divert the VI Regiment to take the Under construction railway line, taking the road west before the woods south of Alt Goldburg. (Shades of Mannassas Junction and 1st Bull Run here)  They will be following the cavalry Squadron already on this road.

I will also swap mounts with Farhrtgasse to rest Esmerelda.

1.  The Advance Guard Cavalry to occupy Der Wiesse Berg.  patrols forward into Nennweiler.

   The Ulhans who have fallen back onto the crossroads are ordered to advance on the road towards Sunderhof and then turn south towards Altstedten.

2.  The Jager battalion push forward across the stream into Nennwieler

3. Main Body

V regiment to continue to march south on the Nennweiler road as ordered.

VI regiment to turn onto the under construction railway line and march SW towards Station Nennwieler

Artillery should be following VI regiment

My intention will be to deploy VI to the right or West of the railway line and advance to clear Station Nennwieler.

My compliments to Colonel Von Trotha

Two squadrons to attack the Red cavalry on the Rothe Burg.  Charge them and see them off.

V regiment deploy into line  and advance onto Die Wiesse Burg

Jager to deploy in line between Die Wiesse Berg and the stream to the west.  They will be supported by my cavalry on De Wiese Burg.

For now I will remain with the cavalry on Die Weisse Burg

I will also ride around waving the Pumpenschtick.  If he sees me here he may not expect VI regiment to be on the other road.

Orders for VI regiment

The enemy are in Station Nennweiler to your SW.  Deploy into line on sighting them and outflank the position to the West.  Two battalions forward in line, one behind.

Orders for my Uhlans

The Enemy are at Station Nennwieler.

Progress south and work around to the rear of their position.

I don`t think I`ve ever seen cavalry holding the centre of a position before.  This may be all he has.  Still, his guns may be coming up from the rear.

Glory or a tomb in Altburg Abbey.

 

1.        Message to the Uhlan Squadron at Neu Sellhiem:  Redeem yourselves.  Forward to protect the right flank of IV regiment from Enemy Cavalry.

2.       The Hussars on the Wiesse Burg to charge the enemy Cavalry and drive them off to the Westward.  Pursue them beyond and behind the Nennwieler position.  The Baron Pumphosen will be charging with you.  Forward the Pumpenschtick.  Glory or a tomb in Altburg Abbey.

3.       Hussar squadron on Der Rothe Burg support the charge of the Hussars.  Your Baron will be leading them. (I`ve lost track of which of these squadrons are the Uhlans.) 

4.       Jager to support this charge and sent skirmishers down to the stream.  Pick off any Red Cavalry Officers.

5.       Uhlans on Der Rothe Burg.  Pursue the Red Dragoons just defeated.  Drive them as far south as Gross Hagen.

6.       Two leading Battalions of V Regiment.  Advance to the summit of Der Wiesse Burg.  Red has occupied Nennwieler, and the Chateau, but we will leave him there for now.  You will act as a Blocking Force.

7.       Remaining battalion of V regiment, once you cross the stream behind the Weisse Burg deploy in line and move South Westward towards Station Nennweiler.  If charged by Cavalry give them a volley to your front.

8    VI regiment, deploy into line and advance to flank Station Nennwieler to the West. Two battalions forward, one in support.

9.       To my personal Imperial Chef with the baggage.  Some Royal Blue Sausage tonight Herr Ramschtick, and plenty of that veal and port sauce.  I will finish off with a bottle of the red Neuberg 79 and a big slice of Apricot pie.

I place myself at the head of the Hussars, Pumpenschtick aloft shout, “Come on you Heroes of the Blau, let’s have these red Hundehaufen,” *  and ride at the enemy with some enthusiasm for working up an appetite.

*Turns out that the lads love a bit of swearing from the Baron.

 7.50

Unpacking your breakfast hamper you settle down to enjoy a quality Blue Sausage. You are soon joined by your ‘missing’ cavalry squadron who report that Altstedten is clear of enemy forces.

Your jager continue to harass the red infantry but they have now been joined by the 3rd battalion Vth regt. who are attacking Station Nennweiler.

 8.00
As you watch the progress of your jager and wipe the breakfast crumbs from your uniform (seems your aide packed an apricot tart after all) you see 3 squadrons of Red cavalry appearing on your flank on Alstedten hill.

What do you do?

What! I have to abandon breakfast?  And my morning Kaffé, interrupted?  I lay down my spoons and take up my family heirloom, the Pumpenschtick (the Fat Baron always uses two spoons at breakfast, simultaneously, in his trademark lightning shovel technique.)

I will direct the skirmishers on my left to move quickly into the rough ground to their front (looks like bushes to me) to threaten the enemy cavalry flanks, put skirmish fire into the enemy Cavalry from that position.

Following this my Cavalry will charge by squadrons around the rough ground, two Hussars followed by the third Hussar and the Uhlans.  At least I have rested these boys a little, as well as having had some breakfast.

In my champion Yodelling voice I order the charge westward, pointing the Pumpenschtick at my enemy, and calling them “Hundenhaufen”
It’s glory or that tomb in Altmark Abbey again.
 

It's all over bar the shouting. In the centre the Blue jager have been pushed back down the hill with heavy losses. Red 2nd battalion, no longer under threat from cavalry deployed back into line and sent out it's own skirmishers, this plus a hail of canister from the Red battery was too much for the Jager. On the flank the Red cavalry have been routed by their Blue counterparts; outnumbered and in awe of the Fat Baron leading the charge with a Pumpenschtick, it was only a matter of time really. The Red Jager in Station Nennweiler atttempted to contest the wood lining the road but were repulsed by Blue skirmishers.
As the Blue VIth regiment, in columns, with artillery support, close in on the Red left flank the latter are pretty much in an untenable position.
More importantly this may mean that the Blue Sausage is saved - surely a good thing!