HOGS (Historically Oriented Gaming Society) put on a game of 15mm Napoleonics, using the venerable (yet spry) Napoleon’s Battles rules-set, with a scenario based on the Battle of Friedland in 1807. We had eight players around the table, including a couple of complete newbies, a few mostly-newbies (like myself), and a few crusty old veterans. Ok, they weren’t actually crusty, to my knowledge. But you never know!
Massive
I commanded the French army’s cavalry reserve, who were arrayed along the army’s left flank, and led by the less-than-spectacular Grouchy (that’s not a fake name!). Fortunately, I also commanded a heavy cavalry division under Nansouty, who was a very capable leader through most of the game.
Moment of Glory
I’m fairly exhausted from playing, so I will keep this short, but I do think it’s necessary to post about my one moment of glory, when Nansouty and his heavy cavalry popped up from a reverse slope position behind a ridge to strike a couple of Russian light cavalry brigades smack in the nose. One brigade was made up of Cossacks, and of course they evaded my heavies, but I did manage to eliminate the other brigade and escape largely intact.
We didn’t progress the scenario very far (I think we stopped at 10:00 in the morning, game time), due to the amount of rules explanation that I and the other new players needed, but much fun was had, nonetheless. I’ll try to do a real After Action Report when we finish the scenario, but it may not be practical, because this is an enormous battle with a LOT going on!
In any case, I must say thanks to Grady and the rest of the HOGS for hosting the game, and putting up with a gaggle of new players. It is very appreciated!
ArkieGamer 