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Comte de Brueys
02-06-2017, 20:25
Last Tuesday I had the chance to test my Abukir / Battle of the Nile scenario.

http://www.sailsofglory.org/showthread.php?4258-Abukir-Battle-of-the-Nile-scenario-for-Cons

I choosed a 6 vs. 6 setup and you can see that my table in the living room is well filled.
The wind direction is south east. (if you imagine that the wall behind the table ist he south)
So all incoming RN ships from the right had historical perfect wind conditions. (You can see HMS Goliath in her starting position.)

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27940&d=1486131662

The French line of anchored ships started half a ruler away from the bay’s end.
The first ship was the Guerrier (Bellona class)
2nd Conquerant (Bellona class)
3rd Aquilon (Temeraire class)
4th Peuple Souverain
5th the French flagship Orient (Ocean class)
6th Franklin (Temeraire class)

I have to add that the position oft he Franklin is not that correct. Historically she was in front of the Orient, but I put her in the end of the line fort he 6 vs. 6 sceanrio.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27941&d=1486131662

The Royal Navy had
HMS Minotaur (Temeraire class)
HMS Vanguard (Bellona class)
HMS Zealous (Bellona class)

I decided to put two Temeraire class ships into the RN fleet to bring a heavier broadside on the board.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27942&d=1486131662

Next three ships were
HMS Goliath (Bellona class)
HMS Defence ( Temeraire class)
HMS Leander (Portland class)

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27943&d=1486131662

I split up the RN ships in two divisions.
To fullfill one oft he scenario goals, the A division A1-A3 Goliath/Defence/Leander were assigned to sail between the coast and the French line.
The B division B1-B3 Minotaur/Vanguard/Zealous were assigned to fight from the open side oft he bay.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27935&d=1486131577

HMS Goliath arrived on the scene and catched a welcome from the Guerrier.
All RN ships had the same starting position with only one maneuver between each ship.
I played the scenario without special damages and crew actions with one exception that the RN ships are able to set the sails the way the want.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27936&d=1486131577

Next ship was the HMS Minotaur.
The distances are very close so it makes sense to setup the ships like A1, B1, A2, B2, etc…
You have to pay attetention that the Temeraires are not that maneuverable as the Bellona class.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27937&d=1486131577

With HMS Goliath‘s 2nd and HMS Minotaur’s 1st maneuver, HMS Defence arrived.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27938&d=1486131577

Perfect maneuver of HMS Goliath. She decreased the sails in time and placed a perfect raking shot through Guerrier’s decks. (Yes I forgot the musket fire…)

HMS Minotaur supported and get light damage.

Here you get a taste how challenging it is to maneuver through the French line and the bay’s coast.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27939&d=1486131577

Comte de Brueys
02-06-2017, 21:15
Vanguard & Zealous came into battle.
I realized that I planed the wrong maneuver for HMS Defence. :erk:

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27931&d=1486131458

Now a larger exchange of salvos took place. Dealt out a nice broadside versus Guerrier.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27932&d=1486131458

The French answered with Conquerant versus HMS Minotaur and Aquilon versus HMS Goliath.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27933&d=1486131458

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27934&d=1486131458

The first French ship (Guerrier) was nearly destroyed and the second (Conquerant) took a lot of damag, too.

HMS Goliath was in a good shape because the landward batteries of Guerrier & Conquerant were (historically) blocked by stuff and goods.
This is one of my special rules for the scenario.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27925&d=1486131333

Now all RN ships are on the board.
HMS Defence ran into Guerrier due to missplaning.
I decided to navigate HMS Zealous and HMS Leander between the French and the coast to fullfill the scenario goal.
The question was: How to get HMS Defence out of this situation, because Guerrier won’t move.

Here came another special scenario idea to my mind: Normally destroyed ships will be removed from play. But this would mean a big disadvantage for the French, if the RN simply bowrake the whole line down.
So the base of an destroyed anchored French ship will stay on the board.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27926&d=1486131333

My new Army painter tool was in use. A laserlight that projects a nice line on the gameing mat.
An easy way to check if a rakin shot is possible, or not.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27927&d=1486131333

A nice exchange of salvos.
HMS Defence was not able to cross Guerrier’s base with a full sails straigt maneuver.
HMS Zealous avoided a collission with a little luck.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27928&d=1486131333

Guerrier was destroyed.
Orient fired the first salvo versus the meanwhile badly damaged HMS Minotaur.
HMS Goliath catched a broadside from Aquilon and the Peuple Souverain.
Important: RN captains of the leading ships need to withdraw from battle right before their ships will be detroyed. Otherwise it will be difficult to fullfill another scenario goal to not loose more ships then the French.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27921&d=1486131222

Orient finally blew the HMS Minotaur out oft he water.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27920&d=1486131222

Battle continues and more long range shots took place.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27921&d=1486131222

HMS Vanguard turned towards the Orient. Don’t ask my why, I thought it would be a good idea to soften the French flagship with guns and musket fire. Bad idea.

Finally HMS Defence was able to free herself from the Guerrier wreck with a sharp starboard turn.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27922&d=1486131222

Same case with the HMS Goliath, wich was only able to deal out a single B damage before Orient’s left broadsied finished her off.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27923&d=1486131222

HMS Defence paid the price for bad maneuvering and the French coastal battery sent some greetings.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27924&d=1486131222

After 3 hours of solo gaming, this was the point when I stoped the scenario.
RN had some losses.
HMS Minotaur sunk.
HMS Vanguard half damaged (had to deal with the nearly undamaged Orient now)
HMS Zealous undamaged.
HMS Goliath sunk.
HMS Defence light damaged.
HMS Leander light damaged.

Sounds not that good…

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27915&d=1486130825

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27916&d=1486130825

…but have a look at the French ships:
Guerrier sunk.
Conquerant 3 boxes left.
Aquilon 1 box left!
Peuple Souverain nearly half damaged.
Orient undamaged.
Franklin undamaged.

I think if the RN leading ships veer off in time and fight the damaged leading ships, HMS Zealous, HMS Defence and HMS Leander would be able to fight the Orient down (remember, one fire damage and the fate of the French flagship is sealed.)
If you add some crew and captain’s abilities to the HMS Vanguard, it’s possible to win the battle and fulfill all objectives.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27917&d=1486130825

The situation after 3 hours of gaming.

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27918&d=1486130825

http://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27919&d=1486130825

Bligh
02-07-2017, 03:18
A very useful exercise Sven.
It certainly brings out some good points to watch out for.
When handling so many ships, the wrong turn is so easy to give to the ship in front of the one for which it is intended.
The fire power was also interesting to see. I expected Goliath to take far more hammer from Guerrier as she approached, before being able to get the rake in.
The fire from the Battery was also a reminder not to stray too far off the line of attack. One lucky shot from them and the whole balance of the game could be different.
I think with a bit of tweaking you have the game pretty well even on the day.
Rob.

Comte de Brueys
02-07-2017, 09:18
The problem is, that 6 vs. 6 fills two gaming mats very good.

If I reduce the distances between the French ships, the RN will be decimated too fast without reaching the Orient.

Question: How many players joined SoG games last year in Doncaster?

Is it an option to offer this game to "only" 6 gamers and a host (me)?

I could imagine Abukir as a third table mission.

Bligh
02-07-2017, 12:54
I think that your six vs six seems very good for the time allowed for the game, and will give the feel of what it was like. I doubt that we will get more takers anyway. We may even find an odd player managing two ships.
Plan for this scenario.
If anyone else turns up we will put them on a repeater frigate.:wink:
Let us wait and see what Neil has to say.
Rob.

Union Jack
02-12-2017, 11:42
Sven I think provisionally work on the players fighting the with the British and you (plus 1 other if required) to command the French and run the game.
If we get more takers then the players can be distributed around. As the French do not have to maneuver I would let 1 player command 2-3 ships.

I would also extend your table to 3 mats and include more ships as an option depending on takers.

Neil

PS: I would like to put my name down now for this game please.

Bligh
02-12-2017, 13:09
I would also extend your table to 3 mats and include more ships as an option depending on takers.

Neil

PS: I would like to put my name down now for this game please.


Also include myself if you would Sven.

Rob.

David Manley
02-12-2017, 13:14
Also include myself if you would Sven.

Rob.

Me too - Haven't done Aboukir since our bicentenary game in 1998 :happy:

Naharaht
02-12-2017, 18:29
Thank you for your very detailed accountof the battle, Sven. Handling twelve ships alone must be a very painstaking exercise. You are to be congratulated for your efforts. :thumbsup:

Union Jack
02-13-2017, 04:54
Put it on and they will come.

Comte de Brueys
02-13-2017, 06:49
...

Neil

PS: I would like to put my name down now for this game please.


Also include myself if you would Sven.

Rob.


Me too - Haven't done Aboukir since our bicentenary game in 1998 :happy:

That will be a lot of VIPs fighting my anchored line. :shock:

You're welcome.

Comte de Brueys
02-13-2017, 06:56
Sven I think provisionally work on the players fighting the with the British and you (plus 1 other if required) to command the French and run the game.
If we get more takers then the players can be distributed around. As the French do not have to maneuver I would let 1 player command 2-3 ships.

I would also extend your table to 3 mats and include more ships as an option depending on takers.

Neil

Ok.

I'll think about an 8 vs. 8 setup and test it.

The tables are big enough for 3 mats and 8 ships logs? :question:



Advantage could be that the RN can setup the whole attacking fleet in 2 columns right on the table.


Question is how far to set back the Orient in the line. :help:

Postion number 6 is maybe too easy.

Position number 7 sounds good to me, but it can be dangerous for the HMS Vanguard's column to simple sail down the line of 6 French SoLs.


Maybe some captain/crew abilities can be useful now.

Bligh
02-13-2017, 13:09
Ok.





Position number 7 sounds good to me, but it can be dangerous for the HMS Vanguard's column to simple sail down the line of 6 French SoLs.


Maybe some captain/crew abilities can be useful now.


If I read my charts correctly most of the ships astern of Vanguard angled in to arrive opposite their chosen victim, thus reducing the problem of running the gauntlet of fire from the whole French line.

Rob.

Union Jack
02-13-2017, 13:50
What about a random draw for Orient. Not revealing it's position until after the British have set up their 2 lines. A D6 roll with 1 being position 8 to 6 being position 3. Then Orient won't be 1st or 2nd in line.

Comte de Brueys
02-13-2017, 22:52
If I read my charts correctly most of the ships astern of Vanguard angled in to arrive opposite their chosen victim, thus reducing the problem of running the gauntlet of fire from the whole French line.

Rob.

That's an option of course. I think it can be difficult regarding the distances of the French ships - first keep distance and then to aim at a special position in the French line without getting fire from two undamaged SoLs while aproaching.

We'll see.

There will be time to dicuss this with the RN captains in a short briefing.


What about a random draw for Orient. Not revealing it's position until after the British have set up their 2 lines. A D6 roll with 1 being position 8 to 6 being position 3. Then Orient won't be 1st or 2nd in line.

I won't make it too easy for the RN. :swordright:

But I could imagine something like that to determine if the Orient is at Position 6 or 7. :wink:

Capn Duff
03-01-2017, 16:27
I also would like to take part in this game Sven, Im pretty sure Ensign Patch (Simon) will take part also, but
Ill check with him this weekend

Comte de Brueys
03-01-2017, 23:03
You're welcome, Chris. :salute:

I think If I get a third gaming mat, it shouldn't be a problem to bring in 8 RN ships.

Capn Duff
03-02-2017, 01:25
I have two mats, plus Simon has a mat but between myself simon and Rob we have a large mat we all use not of official standing , you will see at Doncaster then you can make your choice.
I also have a few ships that can be added to the fleet as required

Bligh
03-02-2017, 01:59
Ships should not be a problem at all Sven.
We can manage that.
As for the British approach, I have a cunning plan Mr B, not involving Turnips.

Rob.

Comte de Brueys
03-02-2017, 03:40
I'll post you my wishlist in time. :wink:


...
As for the British approach, I have a cunning plan Mr B, not involving Turnips.

That will be fun.

Bligh
03-02-2017, 04:06
Please do that Sir.
I will be honoured to receive your correspondence.

Bligh.

Union Jack
03-02-2017, 12:04
Ah the good old Potato maneuvre, not seen but I've heard it can be smashing, making chips (ships) out of the enemy!


Ships should not be a problem at all Sven.
We can manage that.
As for the British approach, I have a cunning plan Mr B, not involving Turnips.

Rob.