HMGS PSW Convention

I had an opportunity to take my Rising of the Clans rules on the road for a true test. Four players joined my game, including my former student Chris who helped me set everything up. After running through the rules fairly quickly we began to play. The Jacobites were tasked with attacking across the board and securing a pathway south into the heart of England. General Hawley deployed his forces around a small village that featured a solid stone wall along its north facing side. Bonnie Prince Charlies brigades came on via a road in the center of the table. The car packed and ready to go

The set up of the table before the action

Despite having lots of room on the flanks allowing a path around the seemingly invincible line in the center, the Jacobites stoically marched straight ahead towards the stone wall.

Initially, Murray's clansmen seemingly achieved a breakthrough, driving back one of Mourdaunt's regiments.

The MacDonalds also tried to breech the line held by Lascelles. The attempt was both unsuccessful and costly. Drummond's brigade would suffer the greatest number of casualties of any unit in the battle. Drummond would ultimately be killed personally leading his men in a final desperate charge.

Despite initial success on the Government right, the Duke of Perth and John Roy Stewart's brigades would be held back by superior numbers. John Roy Stewart would also die a hero's death leading his men in an all or nothing charge.

As things were looking bleak for the Jacobite cause, a large force of French arrived down the central road. This corp included five regiments of regulars, two batteries and the vaunted Fitjames's Horse. The Bonnie Prince ordered them to his right flank imploring them to secure the road exiting there.

As the French maneuver into position, Mourdaunt counterattacked Olgilvey's lowlanders. This stabalized the Government center.

On the Government right, superior numbers brought about a stalemate on that flank.

The battle would come down to the French attack on the Government left. Wolf's brigade arrived just in time to attempt to stem the tide. Lines were formed. Muskets blazed. Cannons roared. Then, through the smoke, thundereded the splendid Fitzjames Horse. So sudden was the assault that the redcoats were not able to fire any volleys in their defense. Unbelievable, the horsemen destroyed an entire regiment without losing a man. They continued on into a second line and achieved the same result. In a matter of minutes Wolf's brigade was at a breaking point. The French attack had secured the victory.

It was a great day. The players had a lot of good things to say about the playability and simplicity of the rules. Many conventioners came by and complimented up on the set up and figures. All in all, it was a great success.