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Miniatures Adventure => The Conflicts that came in from the Cold => Topic started by: Vagabond on October 27, 2020, 09:16:59 PM

Title: The Virus - The Final Unmasking of the Red Fezzes
Post by: Vagabond on October 27, 2020, 09:16:59 PM: The Gentlemen of Much Piddling invite you to take a ringside seat around the magical table that is the internet and enjoy (or not) one of our games, you may participate in the heckling and name calling as much or as little as you like. Your comments and criticisms of the tactics employed by the protagonists will be warmly received, but don’t be too surprised if you are ignored or worse chastised for a low down Hyena with dogs breath for coming up with such a puerile suggestion. Especially if that suggestion results in a disaster for the recipient.

I’ve always posted my AAR’s after the game, as most people seem to do, I guess the After in AAR probably sums it up, but this will be a BAR(Before) and become a DAR(During) as the action progresses.

The Background

Firstly a disclaimer, this is my scenario and my ideas, I don’t wish to offend anyone who has suffered through this recent traumatic period, so please take it in the light hearted spirit in which it is written.

The Virus hit the UK hard, be prepared was not the Government’s motto and so when the situation improved there was a sigh of relief from the public, that is until things took a turn for the worse. There was public unrest when a 2nd lockdown was signalled in most of the major Northern cities and conurbations but there would have been pandemonium if they had realized the real reason behind the measures.

The reason given was simple, “we need to stop people from the cities moving around and infecting each other” and so the Covid Enforcers as they became known were created. The Covid Response Assistant Police built border posts around the major centres of population to ensure the inhabitants remained in their virus infected towns.
Almost everyone believed this version of the truth but the real reason was not to keep the city folk in but to keep the country folk out.

The virus was mutating and the situation was getting out of hand. Greenpeace had been warning about the impact on the environment of cow farts otherwise known as Methane for years and they were right but not in the way they expected. The virus combining with the excess methane in the countryside had mutated from a deadly flu type virus into something else and this was why the countryside was in quarantine, but the Government didn’t want the countryside to know that or anyone else for that matter. Their reasons may become apparent as the scenario unfolds.

The Briefing

“B” and “19” were called to a meeting in Whitehall with other members of the Security Council and given their briefing by Sierra of MI5. Sierra or Susan Nightingale was only the 2nd female head of MI5 and the equivalent of M from MI6.

“19” was the code name for Sir Douglas D’Emfoure a well respected member of Rotters the elite Mayfair Club and head of the new Covid Response Assistant Police or Covid Enforcers in common parlance and “B” was the code name for Mad Lord Snapcase the Head of the new Diversity and Regionally Organised Special Services or Wally’s as they were known in the Army who had overseen their training.

On the only occasion Snappers was asked about his code name he had responded that, as a member of the Aristocracy it behove him to take a code name to signify that fact, but he couldn’t decide between Brenda or Bryan and so went with the easy alternative of B. A case of champers to anyone who knows what that is all about.

The meeting was opened by Reginald Ponsonby-Smythe Chairman of the euphemistically called Joint Committee for Public Safety, “This will be a covert operation requiring the utmost secrecy and discretion on the part of your operatives and the country relies on you to fulfil this quietly, discreetly but most importantly efficiently, I’ll hand you over to Sierra for the details”.

Susan Nightingale passed around some photographs and started the briefing.

“We’ve been keeping an eye on various dissenting groups around the country and there’s one in northern Derbyshire that is giving us cause for concern. They seem to have far more information about the current crisis than they can have learned from the B.B.C. and we believe they are planning to breakout from their rural idyll and move into the safety of Moss Side in Manchester.
They are blocked off to the West, North and East, we are soon to close Derby and Stoke and that will completely ring them in. Should they break out, this would be a PR disaster and can’t be allowed to happen. They have been under the radar for a long time and we know very little of this group other than the fact that they know things they shouldn’t and recently they have been ordering quite large quantities of fertilizer. It is an arable farm and so that may be nothing but we need to know if they are planning to blow their way out”.

“These Photographs were taken with the silent drone operated by the North Derbyshire Constabulary the one they normally use for spotting lockdown rebels having picnics in the Peak District National Park”.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-271020205447-489421305.jpeg)
The farm from the South

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-271020205448-48943146.jpeg)
From the East

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-271020205448-48944984.jpeg)
From the West

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-271020205448-4894514.jpeg)
From the North

We had a couple of chaps from Special Branch take a look at the place and they took some photographs as well but I think they were taken in by the beauty of the countryside because they are more like holiday snaps that surveillance footage.

They were all taken from the South looking North except one.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-271020205448-48946463.jpeg)
There appear to be 2 wooden garages or work sheds to the south of the main house.
Not a very helpful shot but there are quite a few beehives around the farm, and we’ve no idea what’s in the crates or under the tarpaulins, probably just farm junk.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-271020205541-48947832.jpeg)
I think they were looking to get Landscape Photographer of the Year Award for this one.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-271020205541-489481754.jpeg)
“At great personal risk and ignoring Health and Safety warnings from his colleague, one of them climbed a tree and this is an enhanced view of the photo he took before falling and breaking his arm”.

“The old Morris Traveller is fairly typical of the area but there is a fast red sports car parked behind the house. We couldn’t identify the number plate but we’ve checked with the Department of Transport and the car isn’t registered to that address and there’s no record of an MOT linked to them either”.

“There is a tank next to the Traveller it might contain red diesel, but it might be an LPG tank, different results if you put a bullet in it” she smiled.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-271020205542-489492009.jpeg)
This one was taken from the bend in the road NW of the farm, looking SE and shows the door on that side of the building.

That’s it, but I’ve saved the best for last and she threw one more photo on the table.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-271020205542-48950592.jpeg)
“OK this is from one of the US Satellites and gives you a good idea of the layout of the area around the farm and should help with your assault plan”.

“This is all the information I have at the moment, but there are officers working round the clock to get more, anything you need specifically, just ask and we’ll do our best”.

She went on. “There were no signs of people but on last years electoral roll there were two residents in their late 60’s and one younger woman in her early 20’s, in previous years there were another 2 young women but they were not on last years roll and so have probably left the property.
No dogs were seen or heard but it’s a farm for goodness sake although unusually the barns and working buildings are off to the SW about ½ a mile away so that might be where the dogs are if they have them”.

“The road is a small B road, there is regular but mainly local traffic, the nearest village is 2 miles down the road that leads S and there is a large Hall about 1 mile to the NE just off the road that leads E on this picture”.

“Well gentleman that’s about all we know at present, when we get more information I will update you immediately”. So saying Susan Nightingale sat down and Reginald Ponsonby-Smythe continued the brief.

“What I would like you to do is to enter the farm, discover the source of their information, check what if anything the large quantities of fertilizer are for, and to place all 3 occupants under arrest and bring them down to Whitehall for interrogation. I have warrants for their arrest under the prevention of terrorism act but if I’m honest the local plod might take exception to us tramping over their patch and so I’m not informing them of our action. They don’t like the Covid Enforcers operating in their jurisdiction and as for the military arm of the Diversity and Regionally Organised Special Services being employed instead of the Police Armed Response Teams, I don’t even want to consider that issue”.

“There is a gun licence issued to the joint owners of the house for 2 shotguns and so you have my authority to treat them as armed and dangerous. Just don’t get the press involved because that statement is not on record if you do”.

“Right gentlemen if you could just give us a little background on the forces you will be using and then we can let you get on with the planning”.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-271020205542-48951226.jpeg)
“OK if I go first” Sir Douglass asked the Mad Lord, “of course old chap, go right a head” was the amiable response.
“Well leading the team is Captain Andy Donovan, a crack shot with a brain as sharp as a razor, we were lucky to get him from the Chicago Police Dept. He’s a hardboiled cop through and through. There were one or two incidents that the Chicago PD were not too comfortable with but he’s an ideal man for this sort of no nonsense lefty bashing. Ponsonby-Smythe started to look a little uncomfortable.”

“The rest of the team are good truncheon men if you understand me, good at knocking heads which is what we pay them for, except for Lamour but he’s young yet. Lamour and Ludenstein are members of the New Forest deer culling team and are as stealthy as foxes so I’m told, quite good shots as well they will be ideal in this sort of clandestine operation. Diaz passed his last marksman tests but is not as well as the other men in the team, he paused as he thought of the rather low score Diaz had recorded”.

“I’m fully confident they will do their duty without hesitation”. He coughed then, thinking of the recent Psych evaluation which was less than enthusiastic about the men’s dedication to their duty in the face of determined opposition, best not to mention that he thought.

The Team –
Andy Donovan – Excellent shot, poor brawler, bright as a button, strong as an ox, not as brave as a badger.
Willhelm Schmitt - Fairly good shot, excellent brawler, bit dim, fast reflexes, not as brave as a badger.
Enrico Diaz, - Poor shot, excellent brawler, bit dim, very strong, not as brave as a badger.
James Lamour - Fairly good shot, poor brawler, bit dim, very stealthy, not as brave as a badger.
Hans Ludenstien - Fairly good shot, excellent brawler, bit dim, very stealthy, is as brave as a badger.

They are all equipped with a 12gauge 5 shot Pump Action Shotgun, a Semi Automatic Pistol and a Truncheon. They carry 20 spare rounds of shotgun shells and 2 spare clips for the pistol.
All are wearing wireless communication sets networked together and to HQ. They wear body cameras linked to HQ only but they are untested in action. They all have mobile phones and are on speed dial with each other, google maps and locations are switched on and readable by HQ through the phone network.

“Over to you Snapcase old chap” and Snappers started on his run down of the Diversity and Regionally Organised Special Services.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-271020205609-489521061.jpeg)
Lord Snapcase rose and in a commanding voice said “Well the team coordinator is Jethroe on a 1 year contract, he was previously with the Bolivian Special Forces as an advisor, a very likable chap don’t you know and a crack shot. His contract only has 3 months to run but I’m sure we will be able to renew – if finances allow of course”, and he looked at Ponsonby-Smythe who continued to look a little uncomfortable.

“The team have been well trained by the best in the British Army and as you know diversity brings its own rewards and we have a 50/50 mix of male and female in the team and so have hit our target on gender diversity exceedingly well, we’re working on the rest of it he hastened to say”.

“I’m afraid they aren’t the SAS, their shooting scores are passable (but only just he thought and reflected on the wise decision to issue them with smg’s) but they can all think for themselves, (which might be the reason they are not so enthusiastic about combat) and their close quarters combat skills have been honed to razor sharpness, (well except for Kowalski but she carries a grenade launcher and is tasked with being the teams artillery)”.

Ponsonby-Smythe started to look a little relieved, “well he said that sounds very promising. I know there is strong support to de-fund the army and privatising it like this will bring a huge financial peace dividend to the country, so I’m pleased we can send a strong signal that minimum wages doesn’t mean we have minimum capability”. Now Lord Snapcase started to look a little uncomfortable.

The Team –
Jethroe – Excellent shot, poor brawler, reasonably bright, very nice chap, not as brave as a badger.
Dan Barry, - Poor shot, ok brawler, reasonably bright.
Danielle Street – Poor shot, excellent brawler, bit dim but a bit brave.
Stephanie Kowalski – Poor shot, very poor brawler, bright and stealthy but not as brave as a badger.
Bryce Zenin – poor shot, good brawler bright, and very stealthy, but not as brave as a chicken.

They are all equipped the same with a sub machine gun, Jethroe has his own personal weapon a Semi Automatic Pistol and they all carry 3 spare clips for the smg, cost cutting is vital to ensure a profit margin in the new embryonic privatised army. Additionally everyone carries 4 grenades, 2 smoke and 2 stun. Kowalski also has a 6 shot grenade launcher and 12 grenades for it, 10 smoke and 2 stun. Street has a one shot Light Anti Tank Weapon which may be a bit of overkill although I’m sure B will find a use for it and her personal fighting knife carried is in her right boot.
All are wearing wireless communication sets networked together and to HQ. They wear body cameras linked to HQ only but they are untested in action. They all have personal mobile phones and are on speed dial with each other, google maps and locations are switched on and readable by the phone owner only.

Opening Moves

The Joint Operational Head Quarters team of Snappers and D’Emfoure will be hard at work devising a jolly cunning plan, probably as cunning as a fox, who knows and once I know what they are up to, the mission to stop the countryside escaping to the city will begin, - to be stopped.

In game terms the board is roughly 1m sq, men and women can move normally about 6”, covertly 3” and run up to 12” over open terrain, crawling takes forever but is safeish. Firing is quite a long way, throwing is about 9”and as this is a mission against civilians only smoke, stun grenades and stones are available.
Shouting ranges are 10” but with the radio that’s immaterial unless you are shouting at someone else. Body armour can be worn, but it slows movement a bit and reduces the chance of moving stealthily but may save your skin. All or none of each team will be equipped with body armour at the discretion of their respective HQ.
One person from each team has a breeching charge, this will blow a hole through a farm wall or any other wall for that matter. HQ need to specify who carries the charge.
Title: Re: The Virus - BAR, DAR and AAR
Post by: Blackwolf on October 27, 2020, 09:22:15 PM: Wow! Exceptional :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: The Virus - BAR, DAR and AAR
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on October 28, 2020, 08:30:29 AM: The fine members of DROSS will take all this in their stride. Hopefully, the CRAPpers will be able to keep up in a supporting role!

Quote
On the only occasion Snappers was asked about his code name he had responded that, as a member of the Aristocracy it behove him to take a code name to signify that fact, but he couldn’t decide between Brenda or Bryan and so went with the easy alternative of B. A case of champers to anyone who knows what that is all about.

I thought I would try and win the champers but I can't remember why I'm B! ;)
Title: Re: The Virus - BAR, DAR and AAR
Post by: Noverre Man on October 28, 2020, 08:32:00 AM: Excellent.Will await such developments that escape the censors.
Title: Re: The Virus - BAR, DAR and AAR
Post by: Ragsta on October 28, 2020, 08:42:16 AM: This is so tongue in cheek it's tickling my ear drums, I love it!
But now I suspect you have previously worked for Westminster- it all seems way too possible ;D
Title: Re: The Virus - BAR, DAR and AAR
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on October 28, 2020, 08:45:08 AM: I now remember that I have encountered that Andy Donovan chap from CRAP before.

In a far-off time, in a far-off land, my gang of female rum-runners ambushed his convoy and forced him to hide out in the barn. 'All mouth and trousers' as I remember! That's him, hiding from my gels behind the green van. Let's hope he has a can of MTFU with him, this time.

(https://i.imgur.com/n8QDLRP.jpg)
Title: Re: The Virus - BAR, DAR and AAR
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on October 28, 2020, 08:46:58 AM: Quote
But now I suspect you have previously worked for Westminster- it all seems way too possible

Vagabond won't let on, Ragsta but he's one of the 00 agents in MI5. Vagabond is just one of his many aliases.
Title: Re: The Virus - BAR, DAR and AAR
Post by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on October 28, 2020, 09:45:53 AM: Love this. Great terrain :-*
Title: Re: The Virus - BAR, DAR and AAR
Post by: Harry Faversham on October 28, 2020, 10:13:14 AM: Tell the lads (and lasses) if they come across a scarecrow out in the badlands, shoot it, shoot it twice...
allus wrong 'uns them scarecrows.

:o
Title: Re: The Virus - BAR, DAR and AAR
Post by: Bearwoodman on October 28, 2020, 11:59:47 AM: I am very much enjoying the landscape photography so far, it is certainly a lovely looking part of the world. I respectfully suggest that the assault is delayed slightly to allow autumn (my favourite season) to work its magic on those trees. I can just imagine the scene as the leaves turn wonderful shades of copper, rust and gold! I am sure the photographs would be worth any minor resulting impact on the social fabric and public health of the country.

I have a question too: I am able to understand the meaning of phrases like "strong as an ox" and "stealthy as foxes", despite not being a country boy. The phrase "not as brave as a badger", however, is one I am struggling to interpret. Is that a low or a high bar? Are badgers brave? I have never met one. I am sure like most animals they will fight when cornered but I always imagined that most of the time they keep themselves to themselves and generally prefer to loiter at the back and quietly slip off home when no one was looking rather than get involved in any unpleasantness (unlike those vicious Robins!). Could you perhaps enlighten your ignorant city-dwelling readers on this point?
Title: Re: The Virus - BAR, DAR and AAR
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on October 28, 2020, 12:39:53 PM: We have badgers living in the field next door. They only have humans as predators so usually they will run away at the sight of a human. They have been known to attack if trapped or injured but that I believe, is quite unusual. I will leave my erudite colleague Vagabond to elucidate on this.

It is a superb looking board isn't it.
Title: Re: The Virus - BAR, DAR and AAR
Post by: Vagabond on October 28, 2020, 04:20:02 PM: Thanks Guys, I was a bit surprised anyone got to the end of the opening, it's a bit long winded but that's a slightly edited game background, there's lots in there that the C.R.A.P. and D.R.O.S.S. HQ's are ignoring and it will only come back and bite them. Probably Bite them like a Badger I don't know.

Bearwoodsman, All my characters have a variety of stats, bravery, intelligence etc but I don't want the two HQ chappies to know exactly what they are and so some are as Brave as a Badger or not as Brave as a Badger, or in one case not as brave as a chicken, although I believe chickens can be ferocious if threatened with a barbeque spit. ;)

Mad Lord you have a very good memory, I was going to mention Donovan's previous appearance on your table but I forgot, although I might have used the same background for him then as now.

Ragsta My time in Whitehall is still covered by the Official Secrets Act, I took big chunks out of the political background to this story to get past the censors there. ;)
Title: Re: The Virus - BAR, DAR and AAR
Post by: Bearwoodman on October 28, 2020, 06:04:38 PM: Quote from: Vagabond on October 28, 2020, 04:20:02 PM
Bearwoodsman, All my characters have a variety of stats, bravery, intelligence etc but I don't want the two HQ chappies to know exactly what they are and so some are as Brave as a Badger or not as Brave as a Badger, or in one case not as brave as a chicken, although I believe chickens can be ferocious if threatened with a barbeque spit. ;)

I see! So "Not as brave as a chicken" might actually be braver than "As brave as a badger". It just depends on whether barbeques are involved. Thanks for clearing that up!
Title: Re: The Virus - BAR, DAR and AAR
Post by: Vagabond on October 28, 2020, 08:53:39 PM: Quote from: Bearwoodman on October 28, 2020, 06:04:38 PM
I see! So "Not as brave as a chicken" might actually be braver than "As brave as a badger". It just depends on whether barbeques are involved. Thanks for clearing that up!

lol lol lol lol lol lol
Title: Re: The Virus - BAR, DAR and AAR
Post by: Vagabond on October 28, 2020, 09:20:31 PM: B and 19 spent a lot of time devising the perfect attack plan, Stealth Planes were mentioned, Chieftan Tanks came into the conversation, as did thermonuclear weapons and Mata Hari was brought into the mix more than once, but I think that is because 19 has a crush on older women.
Attacking from the East got 2 votes, from the south and north west 1 vote each, I was in favour of the south option because it meant I didn’t have to turn the board round, but of course couldn’t espouse that route to the participants, especially as they would have gone with the NW option just to be difficult.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-281020205832-48982908.jpeg)
19 printed this on a blanket so he could study it during the night, because they were both determined on a 4am raid which was interesting, because in my game notes I had the occupants of the house set their alarm for 3am and they would stay awake and ready for a raid between 3 and 5. Well everyone does that don’t they, we’ve all seen the movies.

Of note are the size 12 slippers worn by a highly professional Plod at leisure.

There was talk of road blocks
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-281020205832-489831805.jpeg)

Spikes
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-281020205832-48984307.jpeg)
Various other ideas came along but I had fallen asleep by then, although I have a memory of landmines and sugar in getaway car tanks but I think I was just dreaming pleasant dreams.

In the end B sent this elegant plan.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-281020205833-4898585.jpeg)
The D.R.O.S.S. attack would come from the south, heading through the field of green door mat and through the gateway at the top, what he didn’t know was that there was a trip wire across the gateway. Hah hah thought the evil GM.

Look this isn’t supposed to be easy for the forces of law and disorder you know, it’s really supposed to be fun for me.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-281020205833-489862234.jpeg)
Not to be out done, 19 heading up the forces of C.R.A.P. sent this artistic work, closely followed up by this.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-281020205933-48987264.jpeg)
19 is a great one for the Tiddlywinks indeed I believe he is the Tiddlywink champion of Worcestershire/Wawickshire, or some other Wshire.

From my point of view this is a brilliant presentation of information, especially when he coded it to the individual figures.

Ahh I just remembered the best idea. The police or at least the authorities suggested “Can we steal two tractors from nearby farms and abandon them as roadblocks. Remove vital parts so they can’t be started again. Then we could just leave them in place without manning them.” This man is an innovator and capitalist of the first order.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-281020205933-48988962.jpeg)
So this is the formation C.R.A.P. adopted for their attack through the coconut door mat field and you have to admit it looks pretty good.
If you disagree and please feel free to do so, suggesting a better alternative, just make sure it is better because 19 doesn’t suffer fools gladly, as he keeps telling me.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-281020205933-48989736.jpeg)
This was the elegant plan of attack adopted by B, single file with the best man at the front. Well I’m not sure he’s the best man but he proved his worth more than once.

Sorry about the mix of good and bad photos but some are with the phone and some aren’t.

At this point I asked what time they were going to attack, 1 hour before dawn and then it dawned on us all that the game designer hadn’t decided what time of year it was and eventually we went for Dawn 6:30 and attack at 5:30. The defenders of the house had gone back to bed and were fast asleep when the attack came in.
Bugger.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-281020205933-489901327.jpeg)
As the forces of C.R.A.P. carefully moved through the field of corn they blissfully went past a motion detector, the blue bead which set off an alarm in the house. There was a gentle breeze blowing from the west and so their scent wasn’t carried towards the farmhouse. Their night vision goggles came in handy because they could see Infrared dots emanating from a CCTV camera on the roof of the house.

Then Ludenstein says “Sh*t I’ve tripped a wire”, “run for the wall” instructs 19 and they run for the wall. The wire set off another alarm in the house.

The white circle is something buried under the ground and they don’t see it.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-281020205934-489911446.jpeg)
Brice sees a wire and doesn’t trip it, he can also see it’s attached to a beehive so apart from tripping an alarm he would have tripped a beehive. I don’t have any rules for this but I would enjoy making some up.

As the C.R.A.P team run for the wall they make noise, this wakens 2 farm guard dogs, who start barking loudly. I think anyone in the house is awake by now.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-281020210026-48992220.jpeg)
Nice doggy.

19’s instructions at this point verge on the apoplectic Shoot the dog, shoot the house, shoot the camera, shoot the fuel tank, shoot the car, what’s he got against Morris Travellers! Shoot, shoot, shoot. It just goes on.

Trying to calm the situation I explain what each man can see and ask for target priority. Engage dog and car. – “not house” I ask. “Dogs first, House next and make sure car is immobilised”

Bryce goes under the trip wire and sees a device, my response was Bryce doesn’t recognise it but Jethroe dies, WhatsApp is useless for sending what you type, it wants to change everything. Mind you i is next to o and I meant to type does not dies so it could have been me.
B’s response was “OK, I think with the noise CRAP are making, I’ll smash the detector.

19 kills the car but the dog attacks Lamour the nearest C.R.A.P. man.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-281020210026-48993455.jpeg)
The nice doggy attacks the nasty man, initially the dog takes big lumps out of Lamour but he manages to hit it with his shotgun wielded like a club and the dog runs away behind the forklift truck but Lamour is so badly hurt that he is out of the fight.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/48/7162-281020210027-48994605.jpeg)
The other dog, a nice friendly little chap called Bruno runs over to play with Bryce.

These are the responses from the respected members of law and order, kick it, someone hit it with a truncheon, shoot it in the head, put an end to Bruno by popping a cap between those lovely brown eyes.

I’m dealing with some extreme psychopaths here.

Bruno does not survive his encounter with Bryce, comments after this act of extreme prejudice are “If this gets into the papers there’ll be hell to pay.” “We’ll have to terminate any reporters we see with extreme prejudice” “Have I slashed the red car tyres yet?”

It just gets worse.

19’s men shoot the house, there’s not a pane of glass left in the windows on the east side of the building and that’s when they see that all the down stairs windows have steel shutters behind the glass.

Then a white pillow case is waved out of the upstairs window.

Surprisingly this is to be continued
Title: Re: The Virus - BAR, DAR and AAR
Post by: Blackwolf on October 28, 2020, 09:43:42 PM: Nice work :) However I’m with the dogs.
Intrigued by the sports car,so far it has a hint of Italianate about it ,though that could mean it’s a Triumph et cetera.
Title: Re: The Virus - BAR, DAR and AAR
Post by: Vagabond on October 29, 2020, 08:24:01 AM: Quote from: Blackwolf on October 28, 2020, 09:43:42 PM
Nice work :) However I’m with the dogs.
Intrigued by the sports car,so far it has a hint of Italianate about it ,though that could mean it’s a Triumph et cetera.

Me too - the dogs I mean. I'm quite happy with games killing humans but I get attacks of conscience playing Paleo Diet a Stonagehunting game.

The car is an Alfa Romeo Giulia gta no scale made in China from a local flea market probably about £1.
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 1
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on October 29, 2020, 10:06:00 AM: Excellent DAR so far, John and I’m glad you like my slippers (they are, indeed, size 12). You didn’t use the photo where I was moving my tiddlies after I’d just got out of the shower - can’t think why..... :?

Anyway, we’re in the middle of the action right now although there’s a pause while B deals with a Sainsbury’s delivery.

Doug
aka 19
aka Sir Douglas d'EmfourE
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 1
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on October 29, 2020, 12:04:29 PM: Quote
You didn’t use the photo where I was moving my tiddlies after I’d just got out of the shower

An image I will now never be able to remove from my brain, however hard I try!

Sainsburys been and gone, oysters, caviar, pate de foie gras and champagne all chilling in the fridge after Miss Spankhurst has unpacked the shopping.

Back to the fray...
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 1
Post by: mothman on October 29, 2020, 02:03:41 PM: What a great game to brighten up a s****y day. :-*
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 1
Post by: Harry Faversham on October 30, 2020, 07:15:09 AM: I might have missed it in all the excitement, but what ruleset's governing all this lunacy?

???
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 1
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on October 30, 2020, 07:58:10 AM: I think mainly The Rules According to Vagabond, a severe, heartless code that it is folly to transgress...!

19
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 1
Post by: Silent Invader on October 30, 2020, 10:10:43 AM: A hoot! lol
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 1
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on October 30, 2020, 11:41:24 AM: Quote from: Doug ex-em4 on October 30, 2020, 07:58:10 AM
I think mainly The Rules According to Vagabond, a severe, heartless code that it is folly to transgress...!

19

Yes, The Rules According to Vagabond have a rule 7b:iia which states, 'every players characters must suffer damage of the most cruel, surprising and unusual kind (no matter what careful precautions the player may take), particularly if caught lurking in the back passage'!

'B'

(To be fair, he does actually lay on a superb game, with plenty of unexpected twists and the board always looks so good!)
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 1
Post by: Harry Faversham on October 30, 2020, 01:47:11 PM: Lurking in a back passage is an excellent way...
of not filling a pram!!!

:o
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 1
Post by: Vagabond on October 30, 2020, 09:30:16 PM: Mothman I'm glad something cheered up your shi**y day.

Harry ignore them, they don't recognise a good rule writer when they see one, but the rules are mainly mine based on 2 Hour Wargames solo rules. Not many rule writers incorporate mad bee swarms in their rules but I do. ;)
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 1
Post by: Vagabond on October 30, 2020, 09:47:22 PM: The Virus - finish of day 1 and start of day 2

In response to the white pillow case being waved out of the window Andy Donovan in his best English accent shouts “Armed Police - leave the building and approach with your hands in sight”

The response is a rather pitiful “We can’t, we are prisoners” “Help us”

To that plaintive request comes the reply, Right I’m back. A glass of top of the range French Chardonnay on the go £2.99 a bottle. Wait on, hostages ……. As the realisation hits and sinks in. My response… “That’s what they say” 19’s caustic comment “Oh don’t tell me this is complicated?

Well of course it’s complicated, I don’t do straightforward games and he shouldn’t have started on the wine just after 15:00 hours when he needs all his wits about him. That’s these Whitehall Jonnies for you, always ready for a glass or two.

B was missing, I expect he was re-charging his glass and would have some excuse such as the radio coms went down for 5 min. Then we had a conversation about green beans and tonic, doing the dishwasher, that’s some sort of Devonian Euphemism for something I didn’t dare ask, and is the door metal shuttered, which might or might not have some meaning in Wiltshire.

That rounded up the 1st days play.

Oh, apart from a face appearing at the East window, firing a shotgun wildly and disappearing again, followed by some cries of pain.

Day 2 – that’s day 2 of game play not game time which only lasted about 30 minutes although it seemed like much longer.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-301020213336-490491165.jpeg)
D.R.O.S.S move past the garage’s and towards the house, the yellow string on the left is another trip wire and Bryce who is still point man sees it and goes under followed by the rest of the crew. The rearmost of the two chaps going between the garages is Danielle and she has had specific instructions to slash the tyres of the red Alpha. I’m not sure what “B” has against Alpha’s but he was emphatic all the way through the operation that Danielle should slash its tyres. She was the only one with a combat knife which she usually used for trimming her nails and applying makeup but that meant that she had one job and one job only – the tyres.
I never liked to point out that on the original photographic images MI5 supplied, the access to the farm was blocked with 2 barricades that would take some removing. They were there to stop anyone attacking the place. The crew inside had a much more cunning plan of escape than using an inconspicuous bright red sports car with a white wing.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-301020213336-49051486.jpeg)
This was C.R.A.P. position for much of the operation, they were generally a bit like the Wild Bunch in the film of the same name, only they shot windows and cameras instead of people. The photo indicates the CCTV cameras on the roof of the house and with some stunning shooting they hit the 4 on this side of the roof, 2 of which were dummies and 2 were real.

What they didn’t know was that the team in the house were taking an age to get out of bed. I just rolled 1D6 for each of them and rolled some pretty high numbers, the control room with the TV monitors was down stairs and they were all sleeping upstairs.
The shot from the bedroom was the 1st chap awake and moving. The team never got to use these cameras to spot the attack before they were taken out which was a bit of a shame.
The Photo shows the barricades I was talking about, but what it also shows are 2 white rings, these are explosive devices buried underground. Fortunately “19” was so engrossed in buying a house at this stage he never noticed the markers.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-301020213336-490521628.jpeg)
As D.R.O.S.S. got close to the farm they triggered the motion sensors that turn security lights on, first response was to shoot the light. Over on the right is Danielle slashing tyres and she also triggered a security light (the pink bead). I was a little surprised when the team bypassed the garages and didn’t check inside but “B” is a veteran of this sort of clandestine operation so it obviously isn’t in the S.A.S. manual.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-301020213336-490531019.jpeg)
D.R.O.S.S are starting to plant their breeching charges, if any of you were there at the birth of a child you know what this is going to be like. Jethroe on the left is the team leader, he’s set off another of the house security lights (pink bead), he was getting orders coming over this head phones so fast it made his ears bleed. Stephanie Kowalski has her grenade launcher at the ready, she has to drop a stun grenade into the upstairs window, at some point they had shot out the windows to see if there were steel shutters behind these ones as well and the answer was an emphatic – yes. So the fact that the team are stood in front of windows is not due to blind incompetence, not on this occasion. No one noticed the fuel drums just behind where they were going to set of an explosive device.

You can see where this is going.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-301020213336-490542104.jpeg)
On the other side of the house there is an explosion, it turns out two of C.R.A.P. were stood over an explosive device, well Lamour was laid over it after losing 2 rounds with the doggy, but you understand my meaning.

We have finished the game and so I can reveal that C.R.A.P. having shot out the cameras on the roof failed to look around them and so also failed to see a camera in a tree to their right and rear. By this time one of the operatives in the house had finally made it into the control room and seen were the Assistant Police were and set of the device. Willhelm Schmitt will be buried later with honour.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-301020213420-490552152.jpeg)
Like a see-saw we are back to the D.R.O.S.S. side of the house and while B might have read the S.A.S. manual it was probably the one written by David Stirling when they were operating in the North African deserts because not clearing the garage was a mistake.
There’s the crack of a revolver and Ban Barry takes a head shot which kills him outright. The shot comes from the garage.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-301020213420-490561837.jpeg)
Danielle has her tyre slashing knife in one hand and her security shooting SMG in the other, she spins round on hearing the shot and pumps lead in the direction on the chap wearing a fez!!!! As the Mad Lord said “is he a Tommy Cooper impersonator” Danielle hits him square in the chest and he staggers back stunned but doesn’t fall. As some wag on the network said “Seeing Danielle spinning probably took his attention off the job in hand”

Then we had some chatter about 28mm beer pumps and then back to the game.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-301020213421-490572014.jpeg)
Stephanie takes fright at seeing Barry’s head explode a few feet away and jumps behind cover. Jethroe and Bryce are out of sight of the gunman and with true British! Pluck carry on laying the charges as “B” fills the airwaves with yet more orders.
If she reaches out she could touch the fuel drums.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-301020213421-49058776.jpeg)
“19” was lost and so I sent him this picture of where he was, in the same place as before  but knowing that D.R.O.S.S. were close to laying their breeching charges C.R.A.P. decided that now was the time to play the hero and start to move forward.
I did mention the DOG, the one that was hiding behind the forklift truck.

I have borrowed my wife’s smart phone to use WhatsApp. The phone is not that smart and doesn’t like me, it can’t figure out what I want to type and was continually mixing up I’s with O’s, so for example my message in response to “B” urging to “get Danielle in cover” was “Danielle is in the open but has a clear shit” “B’s” response was “Danielle needs to take that clear shit” Then “B” said “it looks like Stephanie could get a clear shit in too”. I think he was taking the piss, I’m sure I could sue. But I digress.

And it’s getting late and so I need to wrap this up tonight. Will try and post some more soon.
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 1 and now part of Day 2
Post by: Blackwolf on October 30, 2020, 09:54:05 PM: Very amusing,and brilliant :-*
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 1 and now part of Day 2
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on October 31, 2020, 07:45:10 AM: Seconded, Blackwolf.

When we realised that hostages were involved, the planned tactics had to change. My colleague, '19' had suggested going in hard and noisy and I was in full agreement. Now, as it transpired, we needed flash-bangs and smoke (of which DROSS had been amply provided but CRAP had none). You mention my esteemed colleague Sir Douglas drinking after three pip emma. I believe that being of partly Scots extraction, his old mother's porridge recipe includes more than a 'wee' dram of Laphroaig. That fine raconteur and wit Willie Rushton always insisted that every Englishman was born 'two scotches under par'!

But I digress. In my cocky excitement at avoiding the sneaky tripwire, I completely forgot to clear the two garages and suffered the consequences. In my defence, how was I to know that the local Tommy Cooper Fan Club had adopted one of the garages as a club house?

I did have to laugh out loud when I got the WhatsApp message "Danielle has a clear shit". Being a responsible employer here at DROSS HQ, I immediately booked her a medical appointment. My team took quite a few 'shits' after that but the climax was reached when I discovered by another message that one of the CRAP team was armed with a 'shitgun'!

You have to feel sorry for Vagabond. '19' and I were bombarding him with questions and orders and having to do nothing other than type on a keyboard, consume alcohol and spout utter nonsense. Stuff was coming in to Vagabond HQ at a massive rate of knots! Vagabond had the onerous task of trying to play this out in his luxuriously appointed War Room, whilst crap from DROSS and dross from CRAP was pouring in on his long-suffering wife's phone (he's too tight to buy his own)!

Anyway, there is more of this beautiful goodness to come and we await the continuation with bated breath. You are a star, Vagabond!

'B'
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 1 and now part of Day 2
Post by: Noverre Man on October 31, 2020, 09:11:16 AM: Excellent stuff, The sort of thing that perhaps unfortunately, the British do so well.
Am awaiting intervention from The Pandemic Intelligence Liaison Office, C. Section.
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 1 and now part of Day 2
Post by: Dr DeAth on October 31, 2020, 10:54:25 AM: Brilliant! lol lol lol
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 1 and now part of Day 2
Post by: Vagabond on November 02, 2020, 05:29:17 PM: The Virus Day 3

A quick recap, the chaps from C.R.A.P. are on one side of the house letting the boys and girls from D.R.O.S.S. on the other side of the house do all the dangerous stuff like attack the house. This tactic wasn’t working so well because they had lost 2 operatives and D.R.O.S.S. had only lost one, but it was still early days as they say.

“19” back at HQ had originally intended that C.R.A.P. would storm across the farm yard and lay their breeching charges against the house wall, storming in and taking all the credit for the success of the operation. He had second thoughts about this bold, not to say foolhardy plan and decided to slide down the field, keeping the wall between his men and possible offensive action from the house. A wise decision except for the fact that in planning the defence of the farm, the team inside had laid a number of explosives devices in what they hoped were strategically correct positions. This cunning approach of C.R.A.P. would take them straight over one of these devices.

On the other side of the farm D.R.O.S.S. were in the process of laying their breeching charges, Danielle was in a gun battle with a Tommy Cooper Impersonator in a red fez and Stephanie was crouched down behind cover waiting to throw dice that would allow her to rise up and also shoot at the chap in the red fez. The chap in the red fez was having a bad day.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-021120171500-49093843.jpeg)
B” and “19” received a rather incoherent message from MI5. “Further examination of the satellite photos indicates disturbance of the ground between the farm and a location in the middle of the field to the SE” “The crops are growing at a different rate on this line, is their any indication of this on the ground”

Time team aerial photography and archaeology were mentioned. The circle is the field in question. This information caused a lot of confusion and it was hard to describe what I meant without saying it looks like someone has dug a tunnel from the house to the field which would have sort of given the game away.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-021120171501-490981534.jpeg)
This is what I hoped they would see, if you draw a line from the house to the field nearest the camera you can see that someone has replaced the wall with a wicker fence. I might have saved my breath, the clue was totally ignored as they got on with the process of attacking the house and killing everyone in it.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-021120171501-49099947.jpeg)
This is the situation in the house, it’s probably not clear but the top plan is the upstairs and obviously the lower picture is downstairs. The dice indicate the number of turns before each character it up and out of bed and becoming active. I threw some pretty poor dice from the defenders point of view but because the attack was moving reasonably slowly there was still time to pull the situation around.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-021120171501-49100119.jpeg)
19 from the comfort of his HQ ordered his men forward along the wall, Andy Donovan, their leader is at the back of the group, coincidence he later claimed.
The lead man is actually stood on the explosive device and as there is one of the house defenders in the operations room watching the CCTV monitors, you might expect to see a big ball of cotton wool appear on the table and 19 to start weeping into his monogrammed handkerchief.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-021120171616-491021325.jpeg)
Unfortunately, because all the cameras on this side of the roof had been destroyed the CCTV was relying on cameras placed well away from the house and this was one of them (The half polo in the tree).

I had decided to give them a night vision range of 12” and the lead man was 15” away from both of them.

Bugger!!

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-021120171501-491011313.jpeg)
B who was also in his warm and safe HQ was getting a sit-rep that told him there was an explosion just behind his team. The half a polo on the roof is a camera and the pink bead is one of the house security flood lights. The Operative in the house can see most of what’s happening outside and had set off the device.
These devices are fairly small affairs with a range of 3”, Stephanie is hunkered down in cover and was just on the edge of 3” and so was not injured, the rest of the team were out of range.

However there were 2 other things that could have happened.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-021120171616-491031186.jpeg)
The fuel drums could have exploded and that would have been the end of D.R.O.S.S and the Farm House as well. I decided 5,6 they were full, 1 to 4 they were empty, and I rolled a 1, so no cataclysmic explosion. The other thing was the bee hive could have been knocked over and with a D6 roll I made it happen.

The beehives are my latest bit of terrain and so I wanted to use them in the game however “19” had said earlier that bees don’t fly at night. After much Googling I discovered that they do fly at night and especially when the hive is under threat. A swarm of bees attacked D.R.O.S.S.

All “B” was interested in was “is my breech ready yet” and “shoot the man wearing the fez in the head”. I think he thought the man might have been wearing body armour and rather unsportingly he was trying to circumnavigate this defence. Actually his message read “Shit the man in the fez in the head” then “OK, Danielle does the head-shit on the Fez, Stephanie gets her shit together! This sort of childish banter is really not amusing when one is trying to run a serious game.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-021120171616-491041415.jpeg)
Having completed laying the breeching charge most of the D.R.O.S.S team took cover around the side of the house. Danielle on the other side tried for a head shit but there was a problem. My rules.

Normally someone shoots at someone else, they are aiming at a man or woman sized target, if they hit I roll dice to determine where they are hit. If this part of the anatomy is in hard cover the shot hits the cover not the person, otherwise it hits them. I’ve not had a regular situation where this doesn’t work but to take a specific head shot I was going to have to revise the rules on the fly.
I’m curious how other gamers address this problem, I’m always trying for simplicity and only use D6’s and I try and keep modifiers down to a limited number, mainly so I can remember and not get bogged down looking them up all the time.

I had a lecture on double tapping from “B” and so amended my rules and Danielle missed the head but got another body shot, stunning the red fez again, or at least the man wearing it.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-021120171617-49105939.jpeg)
C.R.A.P. had made it to the house, Danielle is on the left taking her 3rd shot at the fez.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-021120171617-4910691.jpeg)
Hitting it square on the tassel, unfortunately a fez is quite tall and so hitting the tassel meant that the poor chap went down wounded from the bullet glancing off his skull but he was not dead.

BOOM - the breeching charge went off on the far side of the house and all sorts of exciting things were going to happen but that will have to wait for the next gripping or not so gripping instalment.
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 2
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on November 02, 2020, 08:34:59 PM: O Jogo Bonito
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 2
Post by: darthfozzywig on November 03, 2020, 04:57:07 AM: Super cool!
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 2
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on November 03, 2020, 07:33:42 PM: I’ve no idea what the last post from my fellow Piddler (aka B) was all about, in much the same way i felt about his tactics in the game.

Moving on, I can’t wait for Vagabond's next episode which I feel confident will emphasise the expertise with which myself and CRAP brought the mission to a successful conclusion.

Doug
aka Sir Douglas d'Emfore
aka "19"
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 2
Post by: Pijlie on November 04, 2020, 08:54:22 AM: Brilliant game, great table. My sincere compliments!
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 2
Post by: Dr. Zombie on November 04, 2020, 12:11:12 PM: This is great! We need more of it.
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 2
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on November 04, 2020, 12:38:44 PM: Quote
I’ve no idea what the last post from my fellow Piddler (aka B) was all about,

Pelé used it to describe football, 'The Beautiful Game'. I thought it rather apt for John's game, which in my humble opinion was much better than football!
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 2
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on November 04, 2020, 03:33:49 PM: Quote from: Mad Lord Snapcase on November 04, 2020, 12:38:44 PM
Pelé used it to describe football, 'The Beautiful Game'. I thought it rather apt for John's game, which in my humble opinion was much better than football!

Ahhh - I thought you were ejaculating the familiar cry "Back of the net", as per Alan Partridge, to celebrate some triumph of DROSS.....

My mistake and I heartily concur with your sentiments re the game...,

Doug
aka etc etc
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 1 and now part of Day 2
Post by: Grah on November 06, 2020, 11:34:06 PM: Quote from: Mad Lord Snapcase on October 31, 2020, 07:45:10 AM
... Vagabond had the onerous task of trying to play this out in his luxuriously appointed War Room, whilst crap from DROSS and dross from CRAP was pouring in on his long-suffering wife's phone...

That line got me chuckling none-stop. Many thanks.
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 2
Post by: Panama on November 07, 2020, 09:29:29 AM: After your self-promotion hint of these going-on's in the last post on your blog Vagabond, I've finally got around to see what's happening & have to say well worth the visit :)

Setup is fantastic & the report is written with your usual shit, I mean wit, sorry I can't for the live of me think why I wrote shit ;)

Look forward to the rest of it mate :)
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 2
Post by: Harry Faversham on November 07, 2020, 11:50:58 AM: Waiting for this next episode to explode into our miserable/boring and unworthy lives is like waiting for the Saturday morning flicks, back in the day...
Will Flash escape the exploding space station? Why did they always dress as Roman Generals when flying spaceships? Will Zorro outwit the dastardlies and free the fair Conchita?
Get scribbling yer Vagabondship...
we just gots to know!!!

;D
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 2
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on November 07, 2020, 01:54:20 PM: Quote from: Harry Faversham on November 07, 2020, 11:50:58 AM
Get scribbling yer Vagabondship...
we just gots to know!!!

;D

Don’t hold your breath, Harry. He’s just got Gloomhaven so he may be sometime :o

Doug
“19”
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 2
Post by: Panama on November 07, 2020, 06:04:52 PM: Quote from: Doug ex-em4 on November 07, 2020, 01:54:20 PM
Don’t hold your breath, Harry. He’s just got Gloomhaven so he may be sometime :o

Doug
“19”
Jasus Doug say that isn't so, I got a present of Gloomhaven awhile back & fear to open it, as I think it could be like Jumanji, in that you could get sucked into it & never return lol lol
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 2
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on November 07, 2020, 11:01:32 PM: Quote from: Panama on November 07, 2020, 06:04:52 PM
Jasus Doug say that isn't so, I got a present of Gloomhaven awhile back & fear to open it, as I think it could be like Jumanji, in that you could get sucked into it & never return lol lol
I think you’re right :D. Mad Lord Snapcase and Vagabond have both disappeared into Gloomhaven (and have dragged their long-suffering wives with them). It all seemed too big a commitment to me so I’ve compromised with Jaws of the Lion. Like you with Gloomhaven, I’ve been too nervous to open the box.

By the way, getting GH as a present was a bit special wasn’t it? ;)

Doug
“19”
Title: Re: The Virus - Game Underway Day 2
Post by: Vagabond on November 14, 2020, 10:26:39 PM: Thanks for all the positive comments guys, they're much appreciated and I've finally got off my hands and written some more about this sorry tale of daring don't.

Probably another quick recap is in order :-

D.R.O.S.S. the chaps and chapesses in green berets are just about to blow their breeching charge around the door but have been attacked by a swarm of bees from the bee hive that has fallen over from a small anti personnel mine that had exploded in their vicinity.

C.R.A.P. were almost in position on the other side of the house and would soon be starting to prepare their charge. There was not much sign of activity in the house.

BOOM went the explosives and the area around the door became a big hole, dust and debris everywhere.

Smoke and Flash Bang through the upper window screamed ‘B’ then get in there.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-141120215735-49275240.jpeg)
Jethroe made it back to the doorway just as the first flash bang missed the window opening and fell to the ground close to him, try again ‘B’ screamed, tell Jethroe to lob flash bangs through the opening before going inside.

This was Jethroes view through the hole, a man in a red fez lying dead in the hallway. He was too close to the door when it exploded.

‘B’ shouted “excellent, we put a flash bang through each door before we proceed, clearing the rooms and shouting lie down on the floor”. Things were getting really tense at HQ.

“OK – you see stairs on your left, on the far side is the other exterior door, 3 other doors (Red Lines) one on your left 2 on your right, which door do you go for”. “There is just Jethroe with Bryce following him”.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-141120215735-49276188.jpeg)
This picture flashed up on my screen, “what the hell! We’ve been hacked” Is this GCHQ or the FBI checking on our suspicious communications!!!!

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-141120215735-492771658.jpeg)
Good grief they want a ransom, I hope they’ve not locked the laptop, I had all sorts of trouble last time this happened when I got a message from the FBI who said I had to pay a $200 fine to release my computer.

“It’s me” said ‘19’, “I’m in Lidl following all the excitement”.

F’me it’s Excavado de Vaco in person. The leader of the Tequila Banditos! Exclaimed ‘B’ and continued without a pause “Jethroe points his gun upstairs and maintains position. Bryce opens first door right and chucks in a flash bang”.

OK, as that happens 19’s men finish placing their charges, 19 are you still there, what would you like to do?...... Silence.
Excavado de Vaco had left Lidl on his coal black stallion Lightning followed by quite a large posse, it made the Wiltshire Papers the following day. Masked bandito robs Lidl, flees with a baguette and a can of something in a pink tin.

The radio waves were hot with messages from ‘B’ “Check on radio with ‘19’ I don’t want my chaps blown up by his charges”.

Followed by “URGENT D.R.O.S.S. to C.R.A.P., I need to take cover before you blow”.

I was then sent a youtube link by ‘B’ about how the SAS clear buildings.

Sometimes I think he takes this too seriously.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-141120215735-49278865.jpeg)
OK I watched the opening of the 30 min video, then shut it down. It didn’t quite work like the video.

Bruce opens the doors just a little, lobs the Flash Bang inside, the members of D.R.O.S.S. hear a shotgun blast and Bryce is blown across the hall, slithering to the ground badly wounded, a big hole has appeared in the thin plywood door and there’s a loud explosion as the Flash Bang goes off.

“Shall we wait for ‘19’ to get home?” I enquired – “Yes”, ‘B’ replied “I’ll go and make a coffee”. “Yep, me too”

When we resumed our 2 men in Whitehall were quickly up to speed and like a pair of racing whippets crossed the line running.

I’m exploding my charge in 5 seconds shouted ‘19’ 5,4,3,2,1 BANG.

I asked if he wanted to take cover first?

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-141120215735-492791373.jpeg)
Ok we all take cover, Jethro backed out of the house, shooting into the room that the shotgun blast had come from but he couldn’t see if he hit anything and it was quiet in there.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-141120215840-492801746.jpeg)
This was the situation on that side of the house, there were 2 chaps in the dining room which was the communications centre with the CCTV feeds etc all going in there. The dice indicate how long they still had to go before the effects of the Flash Bangs wore off. If D.R.O.S.S. had stormed straight in they would have taken them without resistance, but because C.R.A.P. were running a little late, they had the opportunity to get back on their feet again.

We’ve played a few of these electronically communicated games during lock down and the man looking at the table can see everything that’s happening but the players in general have very little idea what’s going on. Mind you in the past when we’ve all been in the same room together we’ve no idea what’s going on but that’s probably just our age.

It can sometimes be a little frustrating and so for this game I’d tried to overcome that by giving everyone radio communication and body cameras, communicating with both ‘19’ and ‘B’ at the same time and tried to ensure that things that might be forgotten about in the heat of the action were brought to their attention. I’d mentioned the guard dog that had attacked C.R.A.P. had only taken refuge behind the blue forklift truck in the farm yard. From the pictures I thought is was pretty obvious that the bit of yellow string attached to the dog was a chain or rope and so it would still be there.

I mentioned it twice during the course of the game and then in the excitement everyone including me forgot about the dog.

The members of C.R.A.P. were just moving back to take cover when I remembered it. Andy Donovan was the nearest man and the dog attacked him.

‘19’s’ orders were crystal clear. Donovan – Strong as an ox, bright as a button, excellent shot….TAKE OUT THAT DOG….!!!!

‘B’s’ helpful response “not as brave as a racoon though?” went unheeded.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-141120215840-492811607.jpeg)
Surprising everyone including himself, Donovan stood his ground and fired at the dog, who died.

This is not the picture I sent but it shows the men of C.R.A.P. moving back to take cover and the white circle is the mine I mentioned earlier, maybe last post, or will be that the last post for the man nearest it?

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-141120215840-49282183.jpeg)
Final picture for tonight, and as Andy Donovan looks for the best cover to hide behind we are all thinking "who the hell are the people in the house and what do they want." Will anyone survive the assault and if they do, do we really care.

Bon nuit. :)
Title: Re: The Virus - Day 3 has finally started
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on November 14, 2020, 10:34:57 PM: Threadomancy - and about time too. By the way, that photo of me in Lidl was Restricted Distribution. Expect a knock on your door in about 5 hours from now...... 8)

“19”
Title: Re: The Virus - Day 3 has finally started
Post by: juergen c. olk on November 15, 2020, 04:02:56 AM: This is not not something I would normally game..but you made it look very enjoyable.the Terrain is stunning.
Title: Re: The Virus - Day 3 has finally started
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on November 15, 2020, 08:21:44 AM: That's '19', a legend in his own lunchtime. He has so much faith in the CRAP agents that he is controlling them by hidden microphone whilst in Lidl buying red wine and Yum Yums! Mind you, the lady at the till was somewhat startled when he started yelling very loudly, "Breach, breach now you fools, stop buggering around with that dog!" as he was paying for his Yum Yums!

What are these Tommy Cooper fans up to, anyway? ???
Title: Re: The Virus - Day 3 has finally started
Post by: Harry Faversham on November 15, 2020, 09:14:17 AM: Reminds me of the time we went in the boozer after a game, way back in mi' youth. I steered the babbling away from toy sowjers as two good looking birds walked in. Only to have my mate come back from the bar and say...

"How did it feel, getting penetrated up the rear, at point-blank range!!!??"

:-[
Title: Re: The Virus - Day 3 has finally started
Post by: Panama on November 15, 2020, 02:28:43 PM: Madness absolute madness & I loved it, only in you guys games could we have a sudden picture pop up from Lidl lol lol.
Title: Re: The Virus - Day 3 has finally started
Post by: Vagabond on November 23, 2020, 09:36:15 PM: Jueregen - I agree with you entirely.
Title: Re: The Virus - Day 3 has finally started
Post by: Vagabond on November 23, 2020, 09:58:01 PM: Hopefully this will be the final post, these long winded game reports get dead boring for the writer, goodness knows what anyone reading it thinks, anyway on with the game.

This was the start of the 4th day of the game, that’s real life days.

After the fight with the doggy, ‘19’ told his men to get into cover and blow the charges, the delay caused by the aforementioned affray with the dog had given the guy’s in the house time to recover from the D.R.O.S.S. stun grenade and they decided to make a run for it.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-231120213157-49429947.jpeg)
You won’t remember but this was the situation in the house 2 moves previously, there are 2 chaps in the Control Centre, well the Dining Room and one of them is actually a chapess.

‘19’ was having toast and marmalade but he sent a tiddly wink plan of where he wanted his men positioned prior to blowing his breeching charges. Not sure what ‘B’ had for his breakfast, probably roast peasant from the estate, he does like his blood pudding with a bit of juicy peasant and piggy bacon on the side.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-231120213157-49430113.jpeg)
Anyway, before leaving the pair in the house decided to blow all the booby traps around the building in the hope that this would give them a little more time but this turned out to be a forlorn hope.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-231120213157-49431291.jpeg)
Ludenstein, the chap in the picture had one explode just behind him, he’s bowled over.

L.B.W…..? asked ‘19’.

‘I think it was a Googly’ I replied.

‘Ouch’… responded ‘19’. When he’s had his toast and marmalade he’s as sharp as a knife.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-231120213157-494321725.jpeg)
BOOM went the C.R.A.P. charge. As Ludenstein climbed slowly to his feet the other 2 members of C.R.A.P. ran to the hole they had created in the wall.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-231120213157-49433536.jpeg)
Round the other side of the house D.R.O.S.S. started their assault as soon as they heard the C.R.A.P. charge go BOOM.

I received long and detailed instructions from ‘B’ about throwing stun grenades through doors and not standing there to get shot but I ignored them. Jethroe goes through the door first and sees a chap in a fez, by now he knows that a red fez means trouble so he shoots it, hitting the man in the chest, the fez staggers back but doesn’t fall.
I then get the lecture again from ‘B’ about double tapping. “One to the chest and one to the head”. I reply “you only hit with the chest shit” Banal response “Chest shit can be dangerous” “Messy” I reply. What is it about Mrs V’s phone, why does it dislike me so much.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-231120213327-494342441.jpeg)
“OK” 19, “you are through the opening and Andy Donovan is like a striking snake. One to the body and one to the head and she’s dead”. “Who is dead” is the plaintive response. “Bloomin Heck, didn’t you see the photo?” He’s getting old I think. “No” I look back for the photo and have to admit I didn’t send it. “Oh dear, who’s getting old”

The C.R.A.P. team storm through the hole in the wall and see a small black woman with a damn big shotgun which she points at them, just as Andy Donovan fires, killing her. He sees an open trapdoor in the floor of the kitchen.

We then had a convoluted conversation about where D.R.O.S.S. and C.R.A.P. were in the building followed by who got shot and the size of the room. This was followed by a message saying “Hurry up; I’m having to keep my legs crossed and a weird smiley face.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-231120213327-49435528.jpeg)
This was the situation in the kitchen, ‘19’ had stormed in and shot a poor defenceless woman, well defenceless apart from the shotgun.

‘B’s’ next message to ‘19’ was a bit surreal even for ‘B’ “let me know when you shit in the Kutchen” I stuck up for ‘19’ by telling ‘B’ that “Even 19 shoots in the bathroom” The next message was even more surreal “fire smog on full auto at man in hall, ensuring that no shits can go through door opposite and hit CRAP. Not smog, smg. I’ve never taken LSD but it sounded as if ‘B’ was having a bad trip.

In reality it’s modern technology, I knew ‘19’ was due to leave home and asked “I say again, bare you going out now it’s 11.00, bare this key board us crap. Are you going out niw. Is and now.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-231120213327-494361294.jpeg)
The response was “Blimey, crowded. I’m going out now…..

On ‘19’s’ return he had bought a house, the second house he bought during this 4 day game, and you think nothing happens here.

Jethroe from D.R.O.S.S. went into the kitchen and dropped a stun grenade down through the trapdoor.

What happened.

It went off.

Silence as ‘B’ contemplated how he could call me rude names and still win my game.

Drop another one and follow up was the best response he could devise.

Long tunnel and no one visible was my inscrutable reply.

Getting pissed off with this 19 and B decide to drag some heavy furniture over the trapdoor and clear the house.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-231120213327-494371110.jpeg)
D.R.O.S.S. mount the stairs, Jethroe opens doors, throws stun grenades and generally has a good time.

There are some comments about Shitguns and why does 19 has them, when I don’t and some more toilet humour that is probably best to gloss over.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-231120213327-494381924.jpeg)
After destroying a couple of rooms Jethroe finally enters this one. Banjo the tangos is the first response from ‘B’ followed immediately by belay that ( he’s been reading Master and Commander) I need more info before I shoot. HOSTAGES shouts ‘19’ over the net. Bugger, I was hoping he would shoot them.

Hostages chained to the bed I reluctantly tell them. Or BDSM specialists ‘19’ ripostes. I’ve no idea what he’s referring to and ‘B’ thinks it might be Back Down Scary Motherfu***r, I’ve no idea what either of them are referring to.

While ‘B’ has been doing the hard lifting ‘19’ has been checking outside the farm and found the man in the fez who was wounded by the garage ages ago. “I want to question him with prejudice” (don’t know what it means but it sounds good) ‘B’ corrected him with “extreme prejudice”

‘B’ informs ‘19’ that the house is clear and when he has finished with the water boarding they need to investigate the tunnel.

Under torture and against the Geneva Conventions the last surviving member of the Red Fez gang tells them that the tunnel leads to the field and that is where they intended to make their getaway, he tells them that there were only 4 of them in the house, and the plan was to escape to the barn ½ a mile away, where they had a car stashed for the getaway. They question him further about the Red Fez and want to know if they are a Tommy Cooper tribute cult.

He refuses to answer and unfortunately that will have to wait for the final instalment of The Virus.

Please forgive me - it's late, the Shiraz was exceptionally nice and I messed up the post 3 times, it looks like I'm going to have to explain about the red fezez in another post.
Sorry.
Title: Re: The Virus - Now on day 4, the final day.
Post by: Blackwolf on November 23, 2020, 10:47:05 PM: Brilliant, laughed out loud!
Title: Re: The Virus - Now on day 4, the final day.
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on November 24, 2020, 08:52:25 AM: I'd forgotten half of that, made me smile! "Using the smog to shit people!" lol But I'm still none the wiser as to what the Tommy Cooper fans were up to?

(https://i.imgur.com/CqNcRVe.gif)
Title: Re: The Virus - Now on day 4, the final day.
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on November 24, 2020, 03:21:23 PM: Is that what happened? That game was like The Sixties, if you can remember it, you weren’t there.

Anyway, I thought it would help the readers if they were made aware of the platinum-level visual aids we were using. As has been mentioned, I am an enthusiastic adherent of (and expert deployer of) both tiddles and, indeed, winks. Added to that a natural talent for draughtsmanship and the result is stunning:

(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/ef206328-138a-4a81-88eb-d3c103eff01b.jpeg)

Our total success was largely the product of such impressive improvisation.

“19”
aka Sir Douglas d'Emfore
aka Doug
Title: Re: The Virus - Now on day 4, the final day.
Post by: Vagabond on November 24, 2020, 09:33:35 PM: Quote from: Blackwolf on November 23, 2020, 10:47:05 PM
Brilliant, laughed out loud!

Cheers mate I'm glad someone is enjoying it.
Title: Re: The Virus - Now on day 4, the final day.
Post by: Vagabond on November 24, 2020, 09:35:09 PM: Quote from: Doug ex-em4 on November 24, 2020, 03:21:23 PM
Is that what happened? That game was like The Sixties, if you can remember it, you weren’t there.

Don't you worry, I'm sure the nurse will be round with your cup of hot chocolate soon ;)
Title: Re: The Virus - Now on day 4, the final day.
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on November 24, 2020, 09:37:12 PM: Quote from: Vagabond on November 24, 2020, 09:35:09 PM
Don't you worry, I'm sure the nurse will be round with your cup of hot chocolate soon ;)
You’ve certainly got a way with euphemisms 😎

“19”
Title: Re: The Virus - Now on day 4, the final day.
Post by: Vagabond on November 24, 2020, 09:44:43 PM: I know there will be huge interest on LAF over the identity of the men wearing Red Fezzes and even today after MI5 and MI6 have inspected, detected, selected and rejected the information that was pulled from the isolated farm house by D.R.O.S.S. and C.R.A.P. there is considerable uncertainty over this.

The best guess is that they were part of the militant wing of the Shriners, but this was only ascertained after the CIA were consulted, as the Shriner organisation is unknown in the UK. They are a semi secret society or sect, similar to the Masons in the UK, some have even described them as a cult but this might be going too far.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-241120213734-49449703.jpeg)
This is an early photograph of Shriner Infantry marching through a small town in the mid west. Militarily they are organised on the lines of the US Marines.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-241120213735-494501952.jpeg)
They have the Rapid Response Teams who are highly mobile.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-241120213735-49451911.jpeg)
The Armoured Division, is feared everywhere, these vehicles are armour plated, 2mm front and rear, armed with a heavy water canon of 30mm bore that can take down a daffodil at 50 paces.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-241120213735-49452115.jpeg)
The Recon teams are experts in evasive tactics and collecting battlefield intel.

It is believed the Shriners were trying to set up an embryonic cell in the UK, using the current Covid outbreak as cover for their nefarious deeds. Apparently the defences they had in place were to stop an attack from the Masonic Freedom Fighters and were of course no match for the expertise of D.R.O.S.S and C.R.A.P.

Information has been passed on to Special Branch and you can expect to read in the news papers about the break up and arrest of members from the Yorkshire Branch of the Shriners known as the Eee By Gum Lodge.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-241120213735-49453872.jpeg)
The head Mufti as I believe he is called.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-241120213815-494541853.jpeg)
Ferocious attack whippets have been trained to look appealing at their enemy before running away.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-241120213815-49455206.jpeg)
There is even a embryonic Juvenile Spy Section who will have to spend the rest of their lives under close supervision in case they revert to saying “Just like that”

Well that about wraps it up, all I really wanted to show was that you can have almost as much fun playing a serious wargame over the ether as you can face to face. While we took the game deadly seriously the final expose of the Shriners is a bit tongue in cheek, but don’t be too surprised if they are the next serious threat to the current world order.
Cheers
Title: Re: The Virus - The Final Unmasking of the Red Fezzes
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on November 24, 2020, 11:09:38 PM: I think the vino de 'uddersfield has finally done its worst on poor old Vagabond. Wet towel, darkened room, low diet and regular visits from Matron for you, my lad.....

Very funny....... :D

“19”
Title: Re: The Virus - The Final Unmasking of the Red Fezzes
Post by: Ray Rivers on November 24, 2020, 11:50:32 PM: (http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/49/7162-241120213815-494541853.jpeg)

lol lol lol
Title: Re: The Virus - The Final Unmasking of the Red Fezzes
Post by: syrinx0 on November 25, 2020, 02:48:51 AM: An excellent romp through the town. Pay no attention to the red fez in my signature...
Title: Re: The Virus - The Final Unmasking of the Red Fezzes
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on November 25, 2020, 07:51:29 AM: Now we know, syrinx0 the Shriner? :o

Quote
Wet towel, darkened room, low diet and regular visits from Matron for you, my lad.....
sounds like the best plan, specially the visits from Matey, she's got some brand-new wrinkled stockings especially for you!

As they say, you can always tell a Yorkshireman, but you can't tell him much.
Title: Re: The Virus - The Final Unmasking of the Red Fezzes
Post by: Silent Invader on November 25, 2020, 08:12:48 AM: That was an excellent read lol
Title: Re: The Virus - The Final Unmasking of the Red Fezzes
Post by: Harry Faversham on November 25, 2020, 06:13:56 PM: Drivel, I say...
drivel of the first order!

:-*
Title: Re: The Virus - The Final Unmasking of the Red Fezzes
Post by: syrinx0 on November 26, 2020, 02:52:27 AM: Quote from: Mad Lord Snapcase on November 25, 2020, 07:51:29 AM
Now we know, syrinx0 the Shriner? :o

If only I could drive one of those cars...
Title: Re: The Virus - The Final Unmasking of the Red Fezzes
Post by: Ragsta on December 02, 2020, 01:59:38 PM: Having read through this beautifully presented batrep I can safely say I wish I was on whatever these guys were using. :D :D
Title: Re: The Virus - The Final Unmasking of the Red Fezzes
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on December 02, 2020, 10:40:00 PM: Quote from: Ragsta on December 02, 2020, 01:59:38 PM
.........I can safely say I wish I was on whatever these guys were using. :D :D

Strong Yorkshire tea with five spoonfuls of sugar, black-pudding sandwiches with brown sauce and Bakewell puddings.

“19”

(Doug)
Title: Re: The Virus - The Final Unmasking of the Red Fezzes
Post by: Panama on December 03, 2020, 06:42:01 PM: After a cold day on the site, yes site not the other word lol that really warmed me up Vagabond, as always your skills at spinning a yarn were top notch through out, but the icing on the cake was the after game report on the Shriners, how you came up with those pictures I've no idea & maybe its best left that way lol lol lol

Thanks for the enjoyment mate :)
Title: Re: The Virus - The Final Unmasking of the Red Fezzes
Post by: Vagabond on December 08, 2020, 03:53:33 PM: A belated thanks for the encouraging comments and a special thanks to Westphalia Chris for the pointer towards the Shriners and apologies to all the Shriners. :D

Extra special thanks to the Mad Lord and Doug for participating in my little fantasy, I tend to get totally carried away with plots, twists and sub twists or maybe sub plots and they put up with it remarkably well.

Cheers to all who read this and especially those who made it to the end, it shows stamina and not a little determination sprinkled with insanity. ;)