The Sword and The Flame 20th Edition Test Games

Opening Remarks

Chuck L. has been interested to try the 20th edition of The Sword and The Flame. A May 19, 2016 test was fun and lively on the Northwest Frontier. On May 25, 2016 our second test moves to Prinz Wilhelmsland in the mythical continent of Mafrica.

Why Prinz Wilhelmsland? So the collection of Der Alte Fritz can get onto the table.

It includes colonial troops from German Southwest Africa like these and Gunboat Luchs. Not only that, but Chuck reminded me about Mafrica the other day. These are good enough reasons for a game backdrop. Don't you agree?

Mafrica was imagineered by the late Jack Scruby. He envisioned world powers acting in concert or in opposition colonizing a small island continent. Alliances were composed of any national or indigenous peoples depending on imagination or simply by what miniatures were at hand. Take a look at captions below to see what he had in mind.

A question? Yes?

"Does this involve General Pettygree?"

No. The General and Mary Pettygree are at this moment aboard a train from Bombay to Delhi. See the story previous to this one for the latest news.

And now to Prinz Wilhelmsland....

TSATF Test #2

Two troops of the 9th Bengal Lancers are returning to Wilhelmshaven barely visible in the upper right. Settlers apparently plan to meet them.

The Lancers will cross The Zambezi River at a bridge guarded by nearby Askaris from the collection of Todd B.

Another question? Yes, go ahead.

"Bill, the Zambezi was not in German Southwest Africa. Was it?"
And, a comment. Indian Lancers were never there either!"

This does not matter in Mafrica.

The Zambezi is off image to the left guarded by a watch tower.

Between the watch tower and the dock several platoons of diverse soldiers are assembling.

Reason? Warbands are approaching in the far distance. Can you hear the drums?

A naval officer aboard Gunboat Luchs and a settler atop a building are observing them. Sailors are apparently clearing for action.

Another question?

"Why are sandbag defenses we've seen undefended?"

That's because we are in pre-game set-up needing a few players to come over to play the game on May 25th between 7-9:30pm. If we don't finish, we'll reconvene on another weeknight.

How about you?

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Remarks welcome below.
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Chapter 76: Departure

Date: September 7, 1904 (2015)
Location: St. Georges Hospital, Bombay India
Situation: Released From Hospital and Departure
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Chronology
Sept. 25, 1900: Thugee armistice, recall from India and retirement.
April 30, 1903: Learns armistice broken by resurgent Thugee Army.
May 9, 1903: Recalled to duty in India to break the Thugees.
June 1903: Assumes command in Egypt as a ruse.
September 1903: Secretly departs Egypt for India.
Next four months: Assembles the Army.
Feb. 22, 1904 Gen. Pettygree Arrives at Tapi River Camp near Burhanpur.
Feb. 23, 1904: Battle of Burhanpur.
Feb. 23, 1904: Skull fracture caused by sniper
Mar. 4, 1904: Arrived at St. George Hospital, Bombay, India
Sept. 7, 1904: Train Back To The Field Force
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See Previous Chapter 75 here:
http://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2015/12/chapter-75-general-pettygree-in-hospital.html
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PREVIOUSLY

General Pettygree rallied at St. Georges Hospital, Bombay, India from the skull fracture caused by sniper fire six months earlier. On September 6th Commander In Chief, Lord Basingstoke, consulted with his doctor and the General afterwards. 

Basingstoke: "Well Doctor? Is General Pettygree fit to return to duty as he claims?"

Dr. Watson: "I believe so Sir." 

Basingstoke: "You believe so? What about the concussion, initial delirium and residual effects?

Dr. Watson: "He has had no relapses, spasms or episodes of incoherence. Mrs. Pettygree arrived here from England a month ago. She has been a tonic for him; better than our medicines. I've no medical reason to hold him here Lord Basingstoke."

Basingstoke: "Then he must return to duty."

Pettygree: "I'll leave for the Field Force in the morning. 8:42 train if I'm not mistaken."

Basingstoke: "I trust without Mary?"

Mary Pettygree: "Did someone mention my name?"

Pettygree: "Mary, my darling. There you are."

Basingstoke: "I'll take my leave now William and see you off in the morning. Good afternoon Mary."

September 7, 1904

Engine 1300 backed into Hospital Station at 7:01am.

Within the hour, baggage coach attendants offloaded and loaded boxes, crates, suitcases, trunks, food; and other diverse containers.

Whilst passengers waited for boarding instructions.

Basingstoke: "I don't suppose you will change your mind then?"

Pettygree: "No Alec. I'm sorry if it troubles you but...."

Pettygree: "Oh here is Mary."

Mary: "Good morning gentlemen. Alec, how good it is to see you again. William?"

Mary: "Dear is everything taken care of? Are you well?"

Pettygree: "Quite so. I was just explaining our decision to Alec."

Basingstoke: "Please excuse my intolerable liberty but this is ill advised. Mary, surely you must reconsider. Danger is exceptionally high right now. Later when things have...."

Mary: "During most of our marriage my husband has been away on campaign while I remained at Channelside House. There is a long history of wives following the Army. This time I will follow too."

Basingstoke: "But...."

Mary: "I almost lost him six months ago. It was quite a shock. There may be no tomorrows Alec. God alone knows how much time we have left together. We've decided to share every day possible. I will be a help - not a hindrance I assure you. "

Basingstoke: "I wish you both godspeed." 

Work continued at the baggage carriage for a short time longer. Then....

At 8:42am, # 1300 departed Bombay for Delhi.

Soon passing into the countryside....

The General and Mary rode in comfort in a first class carriage. Several locals as was traditional in those days rode on top at their peril. Hours later....

 

When the train slowed to take on water, others waited nearby before boarding.

CLOSING REMARKS

1. Dear readers, thank you for your interest. I appreciate it very much.

2. Locomotive, coal car and carriages are O Scale from Lionel Trains. 

3. Could this be an opportunity for a tabletop game at the watering stop?

4. Let me know, will you, at Comments below. All polite remarks are welcome.

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