Set Up

The table was set up as shown in the map. Larger Version of Map (slow: 73K).

I then decided to place a couple of small British detachments in sandbagged defensive positions, holding an area at the edge of the main British controlled sectors of Gudanbad. These were as follows;

At 'A'.. Officer and 7 Other Ranks (Company)
At 'B'.. Officer and 5 ORs Regulars
At 'C'.. Officer and 5 ORs Regulars (Highlanders)

In the courtyard of the merchants house were a couple of Memsabs fainting and a piper lifting the spirits of the defenders.

I then divided the available Mutineer and native figures into 6 groups and marked out 6 likely entry points on the table (see map).

1. Leader + 8 Musket-armed mutineers, 1 with thrown weapon.
2. Ldr + 6 musket, 1 thrown, 1 sword, 1 berserker.
3. Ldr + 6 villagers with assorted melee weapons.
4. Ldr + 5 matchlock men.
5. Ldr + 8 musket, 1 thrown, 1 standard bearer.
6. Ldr + 8 musket, 2 thrown, 1 sword.

Playing the game

I use a set of home rules based on the 'Warhammer' sets for these games, which give me a set of alternate moves (always my favourite) and nice simple D6 mechanics, which allow me to use a fair number of figures.

I decided that at the start of each Mutineer turn I would throw an eight-sided die. A score of 1 to 6 would indicate which of the Mutineer groups were to appear on the table (if not already diced for), and a further D6 would decide on an entry point. A 7 or 8 meant no new arrivals this turn.

Each Mutineer figure lost was diced for. Evens placed it into a 'reserve' mob which hung around outside the main gate. Once this reserve numbered 12, they too arrive on table, at a randomly determined point.

The British casualties also, joined a reserve in the same manner. At the start of each British turn, I rolled an ordinary die, a 6 meaning that any of these reinforcements arrived at point 'X' (unless held by the Mutineers), and had to make their way toward the nearest officer for orders.

And Finally

That was it, as I write, the game is still in progress, a very nip and tuck affair, with the British just about holding their own. I have already given some thought to additions to spice it up a bit. For example..

1. A British 'relief' detachment arriving at one of the random points, trying to get to the safety of the merchants house.
2. The heat starting to affect the British, who need to make a foray to the reservoir to fill up canteens.
3. The mutineers manhandling an artillery piece into play.

As I said, nothing ground-breaking probably, but the bones for plenty more new games are there, perhaps even with a shift in period. Now, where did I put that Foundry catalogue'?