Introduction This is a hypothetical Greek War of Independence scenario that I created from a Western American Civil Battle, Green Fields. When I saw the scenario map, I thought the terrain layout would be suitable for Greece. I liked the fact that the scenario was an encounter battle with both sides marching on the board having to take a city. To start, give each side their victory objectives and have them write out their march order for coming on the board. The Turks enter their designated board edge. The Greeks enter on two roads. The river can only be crossed at the fords. There are no rough areas or woods. I like to put a few trees on the table and add some kitty litter. Feel free to add any terrain features. To worry the Turkish players, there's a rumor that Greek units are holding a village by the Turkish entry point. The Turks can send cavalry to scout the position. It takes two turns for the report. There are no Greek units setup in the village and I don't let the Greek players set up there either. Make sure you make the walled city that's the objective big enough to hold five or so infantry units. I put buildings inside the wall for decoration and let them be moved around. The ratings of the units are for my modified Big Battalion rules that I call Opa Opal. A unit of C class is considered average quality. Class C units are trained and have some battle experience. Use any rules that you wish for the early 1800's. Turkish Background Early in the war, you assaulted Athens and took the city. Unfortunately, the Greeks have your garrison under siege. However, the siege isn't complete and supplies are still getting into the garrison. You have heard from your spies that this village outside Athens containing a vital road isn't occupied. If you could take this town, the siege could possibly be broken. Turkish Order of Battle Overall head general 4 infantry groups, each with: 4 infantry battalions, class C one leader 2 Medium Artillery batteries, each with 2 guns, class C (can be attached to any unit) 3 cavalry units, class C with one Turkish Objectives: Have complete control of the walled village and loose less than 9 infantry units. Turkish Setup: There is a village nearby the Turkish entry point. There is a rumor of Greek units inside the village ready to ambush any Turkish units. As an option, your cavalry units can scout the village. It will take two turns once the cavalry units arrive to scout the village and for the scouting report to be sent back to the overall general. All units will start off board and will have to enter. Before the game begins, the March column must be pre-plotted with the order of the units (4 infantry units, battery) etc. and also the turn of entry of the front unit. You can take into account the turn the scouting report can arrive (have the infantry units enter on turn 4 for example, 1 turn to move and 2 turns to scout and report back). The river can only be crossed at the fords marked by the weeds. The infantry has to enter south of the river. The cavalry can enter the board North of the river to immediately scout the village. Greek Background Early in the war, the Turks took Athens. Currently, you have Athens under siege. You garrisoned a village containing a vital crossroads near the siege lines. A recent scouting report states that the garrison was bribed by the Turks and left the village. Since then, supplies are getting into the Turkish garrison at Athens. Taking the village would tighten the siege and limit the supplies. Greek Order of Battle Overall head general 4 infantry groups, each with: 5 infantry battalions, class C one leader 1 light Artillery battery, each with 2 guns, class C (can be attached to any unit) Greek Objectives: Have complete control of the walled village and loose less than 11 infantry units. Greek Setup: All units will start off board and will have to enter the two roads exiting the north side of the table. Before the game begins, the March column must be pre-plotted with the order of the units (4 infantry units, battery) etc. and also the turn of entry of the front unit The river can only be crossed at the fords marked by the weeds. Conclusion I have run this scenario four times and it seems very well balanced. The Greek side is tougher to play having to be careful to go into melee combat at the right moments. If you have trouble finding scenarios for your given wargame period, be creative and open minded when creating scenarios. You never know what might work until you try it. Back to MWAN #119 Table of Contents Back to MWAN List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 2002 Hal Thinglum This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com