Battle of Ball's Mills: M&T game report

[abu iskander]

A quiet morning in the densely forested valley above Ball's Mills...



Pere Pierre la Bite begins his sermon unaware of what is about to happen.



A British force, determined to stop his proselytizing, and more importantly, the attempts of the French to establish a trading post in the village, approaches from the south.  Comprised of an elite group of infantry, rangers, and a large contingent of Indians, they are intent on slaughtering the inhabitants, as a warning to any other tribes who would allow the French access to the lucrative local fur trade.  Scouts report the advance, and the warriors move to defend the village.



The Marines in the camp above the village, rush to aid their Indian allies, leaving their poutine to burn on their campfires.



The sound of musketry erupts, breaking the stillness of the crisp air.



Goaded by the sachem, the British emerge in firing line and ready to close with the defenders.



Rangers lead the way, crack shots and expert woodsmen: they are confident they will break the Marines resolve.



Pere Pierre, hearing the commotion, begins to wonder how he will secure his precious stock of wine, should the British carry the day. To his flank, the Milice scramble to engage the native elements of the raiding force, now pouring across the banks of the river.



Contrary to the rangers' expectations, the Marines form line and charge home.



Meanwhile, the indignant sachem defies the British firepower, as his warriors pick off the readcoats with well aimed musket fire as they cross the river.



Having suffered heavy casualties, the British fire a desperate volley and attempt to close on the defenders, who have also lost many warriors. To their right, their allies press home.



The chief stands defiant before his foe. His savage and tenacious defense of his longhouse, leave the British in tatters; their officer felled the advance collapses.



Meanwhile, roused by a runner from the village, the men of the Regiment Languedoc, inexplicably led by a captain of the Regiment La Sarre arrive to drive of the British invaders.  The village is safe, for now.



This was my group's first time using the M&T rules, which we all thoroughly enjoyed.  The cards created a game in which initiative rapidly swung from one side to the other, though not in an unbalanced way. We found the game dynamic and fast playing, once we sorted out a few initial points of confusion. The side plots and traits definitely colored the gameplay, subtly in this case; next time we will look to enhance this cinematic aspect of the ruleset. We're all looking forward to our next game.

Figures are from Conquest, Crusader, Old Glory, and of course, the most excellent Galloping Major. 

[Galloping Major]

Highly enjoyable - great pictures to tell the story of a first outing with M&T 
Brilliant stuff 


www.gallopingmajorwargames.com

[Colonel Tubby]

Great looking game thanks for posting. Hope to see more soon.

[traveller]

Eye candy! 

[michaelsbagley]

Great write up. That is some amazing looking terrain tiles. Like how nice looking and yet modular it all is. Great looking figures too.

[Golgotha]

Great advertisement for Muskets and Tomahawks - had been weary regarding another system and yet more miniatures - but seeing this I may well reconsider... Great looking terrain - I paricularly like the river.

[Eric the Shed]

Welcome to the m&t club

Looks greathttp://

Eric

[H.M.Stanley]

Very nice AAR and board chap

[Dalauppror]

Stunning looking game and greate AAR !

best regards Michael

[Andym]

Great looking game Abu!

[Marine0846]

Outstanding in every way.
Love  the terrain and the story.

[Hombre]

Your terrain is amazing, great work, (and the story too)!!
thank's for sharing!!

 best regards

Hombre