FOB Battle Report: Turn 1, Initiative 4 "A Very Busy Initiative"

Wargamers Prayer: Dear Lord, You give us games that allow us to enjoy each other's company, share in fellowship, experience joy in play, learn from our past and memorialize those who came before us for the sacrifices they made. May you be with us in our games and learn about You as we play. Let's be ferocious opponents on the "battlefield" but even better friends in life. In Your Son Jesus name I pray. Amen. 

A Very Busy Initiative

Initiative

Duke of Marlborough vs. Marquis D'Alegre

British are the Active Side

French are the Reactive Side

8 - 1 = 7 actions each side

British Actions

British Action 1: Infantry Fire

No opponents within range.

British Action 2: Artillery Fire

All British artillery is limbered

British Action 3: 2nd Move!

British again start with the cavalry brigades

Dutch 5th Brigade: LD D12 vs D6 = 3 vs 1 = 2 = 1 move segment

British  6th Brigade: LD D10 vs D6 = 2 vs 5 = -3 = 1 move segment

British 7th Brigade: LD D8 vs D6 = 2 vs 5 = -3 = 1 move segment

So the British cavalry brigades each advance closer to the French. Battle will should come soon.

Now it's on to the infantry.

British 1st Brigade: LD D10 vs D6 = 5 vs 1 = 4 = 2 move segments

British 3rd Brigade: LD D12+1 vs D6 = 12 (Win Even!) vs 4 = 8 = 3 move segments. A win even means the unit can use one of its segments to change formation or maneuver. It could also use a segment to charge an enemy within range, too, if possible.

So, this brigade moves two segments to align itself with a field. Then, for the last segment they switch from march column to line formations.

British 2nd Brigade: LD D8 vs D6 = LD 1 Again! No moves. However wait to you see what happens with the Dutch 4th Brigade.

Dutch 4th Brigade: LD D12 vs D6 = LD 1 Again also! Lightning strikes twice! Both the 2nd and 4th Brigades are unable to move for two initiatives in a row!

So, let's see how this looks. Here we are at a distance.

Looking closer, The British 1st and 3rd Brigades pass their 2nd Brigade to move into the fields further up the road.

The 2nd Brigade still holds its position at the beginning of the game.

Here you can see all 3 British Brigades along the row

The Dutch 4th Brigade is also still in its position from the beginning of the game. At least they were able to maneuver to line formation earlier.

British Action 4: Artillery Fire

Guns are still limbered

British Action 5: Lull! Oh no, could the French sneak in an action here? Marlborough LD D12 vs D'Alegre's LD D10 = 7 vs 2. Whew! No French Action.

British Action 6: More Artillery Fire

British Action 7: More Infantry Fire

French Actions

French Action 1: Tactical Advantage Card! This is a card that can be held from Turn to Turn. It gives a bonus on die rolls.

French Action 2: Melee. The French are not close enough to engage yet.

French Action 3: Another Tactical Advantage Card! 

French Action 0: Army Morale

No units destroyed or routing

French Action 4:1st Move!

The French only have their cavalry at this moment. The infantry have not yet arrived on the board.

8th Brigade: LD D8 vs D6 = 2 vs 4 = -2 = 1 move segment

5th Brigade: LD D8 vs D6 = 2 vs 2 = 0 = 1 move segment

7th Brigade: LD D10 vs D6 = LD 1 = No moves. incompetence must also be in the French army as well.

6th Brigade: LD D12+1 vs D6 = 6 (Win Even!) + 1 = 7 vs 4 = 3 = 2 move segments

Here is how it looks when it is done. The French are to the right of the bridge.

French Action 5: Infantry Fire. No Infantry on the board yet.

French Action 6: Another Infantry Fire

French Action 7: Leadership. This is great for the French! The Marquis D'Alegre keeps close to the cavalry. My Commander-in-Chiefs are on white horses. Everyone else gets brown, black or gray.

It also allows the unmoved French 7th Brigade to change formation into March Columns so that they can move quickly to outflank and reform into line.

Here is a final overview of the French position.