Steamship Troopers 1898

A Wargame

Col. Bingwood

by Malcolm Wright

Player Briefing:

Colonel BINGWOOD. 5th IRISH LANCERS.

You have been personally devastated to hear that Miss Polkinghorne's School for Young Ladies has been captured by the evil BUGAWAN of BUGAWANISTAN. In a secret 'liaison' a few Months ago you have come to an understanding with Lucinda Lumley, the Head of the Senior Form and school Prefect, that your heart is hers. Naturally you were expecting marriage to follow shortly after she turned 17 and left the school, despite the difficulty this always brings for the career of a young Naval Officer.

This is an unexpected intrusion into your private life. One you cannot discuss with fellow officers because of the 'delicate' nature of Miss Lumley's age when you first met and enjoyed that wonderful steamy, lost weekend at Rajaman Sihgs "Hot springs and discreet boarding house" near Poona. She was on a 'training course' for prospective Head Prefects of English Boarding Schools. You a dashing Older Man on Indian Service, waiting for a train back to BALINGAPORE after playing POLO with the Viceroy. She an innocent and vulnerable young girl who had missed her own train and was now stranded in a foreign and heathen place.

With nothing else to do and captivated by her sweet, innocent beauty you had gallantly accepted her blushing suggestion that staying at Rajaman's and helping her studies might be quite all right. You gallantly responded when she expressed some fears of staying alone in such a place, promising to stay with her and sleep on the couch of her room. (As any honorable older man would do.) Of course such an innocent girl was not to know how the provocative paintings on the walls of the lodge would stir the passion in her blood once your ruggedly handsome form was in such close proximity to her, so you felt dreadfully guilty about what happened next. The poor girl was overwhelmed with passion beyond the point where she could help herself.

It is a secret you have borne manfully for the past months, hoping to see her again soon. Exchanging the occasional love note when the opportunity arose. You have sworn to save your sweet love. The thought of the Evil Bugawan placing his hands upon her fair, young skin, caressing her silky blonde hair that your lips have kissed, is more than you can bear.

REVENGE!!!!! What more could an honorable and responsible Officer do? You sought out the Viceroy and prevailed upon him to allow you to take part in the expedition. The passion with which you demanded to go to Bugawanistan surprised him and since no other officers wanted to go anyway, he gladly accepted your offer.

You command 4 Squadrons of the 5st Irish Lancers. A dashing regiment for a man of substance and good family connections such as yourself.

You have vowed to let nothing stand between you and the fair Lucinda.

You have sworn upon the love letters she sent and which you now carry bundled into a pocket over your heart, that you will kill the evil BUGAWAN and avenge her honor.

Last night, pacing the deck of the flagship after General BURNS-MULLIGREW's dinner for the officers of the expedition, her sweet voice came to you. "Daddy Bingwood" she had whispered into your ear.

Lucinda….sweet love…hold on…..Daddy Bingwood is coming!!!

THIS LETTER IS DUPLICATED, WITH APPROPRIATE ALTERATIONS, FOR ALMOST ALL THE OTHER YOUNG OFFICERS OF THE BRITISH FORCE…. ALL WITH OBLIGATIONS TO MISS LUMLEY.

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