The gang decided to try a Campaign based on B&P Rules by Firelock Games. We have played numerous one-up games over the years, and have found them to be quite enjoyable. Now we're going to take a step up using a modified system that will have us ranging the Spanish Main. So far we have a Spanish Armada Commander (myself); a Spanish Corsario; English, French and Dutch Buccaneers; an English Pirate Hunter; and one Brethren of the Coast. I myself represent His Excellency Don Antonio Sebastian de Toledo Modena y Salazar, 2nd Marquiss/Mancera, who represents His Most Catholic Majesty Carlos II of Espana, as the Captain General of Nueva Espana.
During each turn, the player may attempt to move his vessel, (if he chooses) up to 7 hexes on our map. This can be more/less depending on the trade winds and Random Events that are rolled once per week per player. As a result of said rolls, weather/wind can change, and Merchants or Warships are spotted.
I put together a 100pt force of said inexperienced commander; a unit of 4x Trained Marineros, and 4x Trained Soldados on a Heavy Bark armed with 4x 6lb Light Cannons. On a second regular Bark, I place a unit each of 4x inexperienced Marineros and Piqueros Marineros. Both Barks are also equipped with 4x Swivel Guns each. With this 'fleet', I set sail from Compeche on the Yucatan to Puerta Cabellos on the route to Panama.
On my sixth day out, we spotted two beached Piragua along the Moskito Coast. This was known to be a target of illegal Logwood Cutters, usually out of Port Royal. Assuming they were trespassers, I ordered my flotilla to attack!
This is the Heavy Bark with the Captain and Soldados on the rear deck and the Marineos forward. All of the ship models and miniatures, come from Firelock Games...
This is the regular Bark (no cannons) with Marineros (Spanish Sailors) rear deck and Piqueros Marineros (Sailor Pikes) forward...
The view of the beached Piraguas, with the Logwood Cutters in the background...
My approaching flotilla is forced to tack back and forth as we are sailing into the wind. We also have to be wary of the surf so as not to run aground. The Barks draw much more water than the light weight Piragua...
These following photos highlight the Logwood Cutters. First the Engages or Indentured Servants to the Freebooters...
The aforementioned Freebooters and their Captain...
And last but not least, the Sea Dogs (English Sailors)...
After several turns of tacking up the coast (and the Logwood Cutters racing for their boats), the first shots are fired by the swivel guns on the Heavy Bark. Unfortunately for the Spanish, both fail to hit.
As my second Bark approached, it too fires a swivel, but again learns the distance is too great for a good chance to hit!...
The Heavy Bark drops anchor in a perfect spot, but again misses with its swivel guns! Those accursed English Dogs will now make their boats...
Finally, Lady Luck sides with us as my two gun volley gets six hits (raking the stern gives bonuses) But after the English make four saves (!) we take down only two of the Dogs!
The regular Bark is heading for a collision-course with a Piragua...
But before it does, English Freebooters let loose with musket fire (that misses), while the Spanish Piqueros Marineros also miss with another swivel gun volley (will they never hit?)...
The Bark smashes into the Piragua doing a point of damage while driving her ashore. (The Bark is a larger ship. Just as she was about to start using her sweeps (oars) to try to escape...
Some Freebooters let loose but although they score a hit, the Spanish save both the hit and the possible Fatigue...
Another miss from the Engages' Swivels...
The Soldados likewise miss on their initial musket volley...
Even though the English Sea Dogs pulled away from shore and began pivoting its stern away, there is a major score for the Spanish. 2 6lb guns rip through the Piragua's, causing major damage to the boat (her Fortitude and Integrity are bottomed out) while also inflicting a casualty each on the Engages and Freebooters. Only two Engages remain, and as he now has four Fatigues (twice higher than #figs) the last man Routs! This causing a Strike Test which the English Captain fails! They Surrender...
But the English get a small measure of revenge when their second group of Freebooters drops a Marineros. I am not happy. What to do with the prisoners now?...
The Marineros on the Bark, having failed either to lower sails or to grapple (despite 4 attempts to do so!), are bringing their vessel around for another go...
Initial fight was a learning tool. Must get Swivels much closer for any real chance of success is one point, but it was an enjoyable adventure. At least for the Spanish. On to more engagements...
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