The King Over the Water

Privateer RPG

By B.C. Milligan

An adventure for Privateers and Gentlemen. Fantasy Games Unlimited, P.O. Box 182, Roslyn, NY 11576. 32 pages. $6.00.

"Role-playing games in THE COURIER!" Captain Homblower was livid with rage. "Notwhile I haveadeck beneath meand a ship to call myown.

"I'll have the guns loaded and run out, Mr. Bush - and fire as we bear. Role-playing - pshaw!"

I know what you're thinking. First novels - now this. When do we get the brigades of gladius-wielding orcs and machine-gun toting dragons?

But seriously, folks, this booklet, although primarily intended to present four adventures to supplement the PRIVATEERS & GENTLEMEN roleplaying system, also contains two nice little scenarios just right for battle using HEART OF OAK or other naval rules for the age of sail.

The first of these is a "simple" cutting out expedition, employing a British sloop and a captured French cargo ship against a harbor which contains an anchored and presumably unaware frigate. Various French privateers in the harbor, not to mention a well-defended fort and some tricky shoals will complicate the issue somewhat.

Undoubtedly more interesting will be "December Bay", wherein four British frigates and a sloop, attacking downwind in a storm, are seeking to destroy a group of French transports. These latter are defended by landbased guns, four frigates, and a very tricky harbor. Although each side has a chart of the harbor, the charts don't necessarily agree with each other, not to mention the facts. Need I say more?

All in all, this looks to be a very interesting little battle, and just the right thing for one of those days or evenings when you don't feel like struggling with ten or twenty of the big boys in a re-enactment of the Glorious First of June or some such.

I highly recommend it. And if by some chance you are interested in role- playing in this period, then it is a must!

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