Following up on the success they had at Li Valley, the Small Sword rebels have decided to take the next step and are out to ambush a western forage party out cutting fodder.
A troop of King's Dragoon Guards are out cutting fodder in a field beyond the walls of ShuiXia, blithly unaware of the fate creeping up on them. Small Swords have been moving into a position to attack them, but are distracted by the approach of a second troop of cavalry. Sikhs of Fane's Horse are on a patrol, part of the increased vigilance necessary to enforce the 25 mile exclusion zone.
Their confidence high, the Small Swords decide that two such tempting targets are not to be ignored...
A dirt road runs along one side of the table, bordered for half the length by a chest high brick wall, which ends in an opening allowing entrance to the open field beyond. Within the field there is a grove of trees in the far corner. Occasional trees also line the wall. The open edge of the field has a patch of think undergrowth, with a narrow path connecting the two fields. The second field is filled with tall grass and hay. Treat this and the undergrowth as "rough terrain".
The British begin with the dismounted KDG scattered randomly in the hayfield.
The Lancers begin in column on the road.
The Chinese begin hidden, in whatever disposition the player desires. Normal spotting
rules apply.
British Withdraw from the table in good order with minimum casualties. |
Rebels Destroy the western forces, to the last man if possible. |
| Western | Small Sword |
|
1 unit, 12 men, dismounted Kings Dragoon Guard cavalry, armed with carbines, Corinet D'Ismale commanding 1 unit, 12 men, Fane's Horse Irregular Cavalry (lancers), Lieutenant Nansie-Pandy commanding |
1 unit, 10 men, Small Sword swords 1 unit, 10 men, Small Sword pikes 2 units, 10 men each, Small Sword muskets |
Rules
The Sword and the Flame, 20th Anniversary edition.
Rough Terrain
For all British figures moving in rough terrain, roll as per normal movement and
then halve the total.
For all Chinese figures in rough terrain, roll as per normal and drop the high die.
British
Withdraw from the field in good order - victory
With minimum casualties - strong victory
Inflicting serious casualties on the rebels - overwealming victory
Rebel
Inflicting serious casualties on the westerners - victory
Forcing them into rout - strong victory
Or killing them to the last man - overwealming victory
Return to the dispatches
to read about more encounters.
Reread the exciting story again.
Cannon Fodder