Afternoon 23 May 1899: El Harper's Bazaar

Date: Afternoon 23 May 1899/2019

Location: El Harper's Bazaar, Mafrica

Situation: The Business of War At The Bazaar
Orders: Join the American Volunteer Force en-route to El Harper's Bridge

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Mafrica 3 Tabletop Game

by Col. Sir William Prozbee, Officer Commanding
as related to General Pettygree

"My intuition to change our route of march to approach El Harper's Bazaar from the west was faulty. Within a quarter mile of the establishment, native forces began appearing to our right. Veering  half-left off the road was the only choice to buy time to ascertain their intention and to hopefully link up with American allies at El Harper's bridge."

"The 10th hussars led the way followed by a Screw Gun and Berkshire infantry."

"The foe ran toward us at an astonishing pace barely troubling to pause...."

"Before unleashing ineffectual long range fire with their jezzails." 

"Lieutenant Griffiths get those mules moving faster.

The Berkshires will cover you."

"Out ahead the Hussars from their covering position behind the Bazaar

would warn us of new foes there. I prayed there would be none."

"But when the Hussars pulled back from the buildings, dismounted and

formed an open order firing line, I knew more trouble was a foot."

"There was no time to get away. Griffiths knew it too. He immediately deployed the cannon and Berkshires to challenge the oncoming wave."

"In next moments our combined fire was devastating. Indeed I thought we just might have a decent chance to persevere because...."

"One body of the enemy disturbed by our fire suddenly turned about.

A different native body had fired into and enraged them."

"This fortune allowed us to evade to the east.

But the same enemy soon came on again with renewed vigor."

"We fell back closer to the railroad track."

"Whereupon I looked over my left shoulder seeing...." 

"Not only the American Volunteer Force we were to meet but also
the Rajah of Bebara whom I had met earlier today rushing to our rescue." 

"The foe now aware of their arrival set upon my last battle line with amazing ferocity. I am very sorry to say we suffered cruel losses in a final play of jezzail fire. Were it not for the timely arrival of friends, we would have all perished in seconds." 

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CLOSING REMARKS

(1) Scenario design: Bill K. It was clever in a good way, engaging and fun.

(2) Participants: Dave G. (my skilled and ferocious opponent), Chuck The Lucky who discombobulated Dave saving me for a time, John The Formidable whose timely arrival of the AVF prevented a catastrophe and yours truly, Bill P. in command of soldiers of The Queen.

(3) The Rules:

It is my understanding the 40th edition should be available in late 2019. Bravo!

(4) Turn 1: 7:00 pm. Finish: 9:00 pm on Thursday 23 May, 1899/2019.

(5) And now a word from General Pettygree.

"Hello Chaps, I hope you enjoyed this story from the Mafrican Continent as related to me years later by Colonel Sir William Prozbee. Its importance is revealed in the concept of time and circumstance. Warriors on both sides came within an ace of survival, destruction, defeat and victory. Everyone on both sides soldiered on until the outcome was clearly discerned. No one knew the final result until the last card was played."

"I shall see you again soon with new engaging adventures for your enjoyment and approbation."

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Morning 23 May 1899: El Harper's Bazaar

Date: Morning 23 May 1899/2019

Location: El Harper's Bazaar, Mafrica

Situation: British Reconnoitering Party

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Prelude To Mafrica 3 Tabletop Game

Sooner or later everyone of means comes to El Harper's Bazaar. Just about anything the heart or avarice desires from The Mafrican Continent can be obtained here. Even difficult acquisitions may be successfully bought with patience, enough gold and at times, influence. 

Most transactions are unexceptional. Here the Rajah of Bebara

with routine purchases trailing behind returns home.

He is unaware of angry armed forces now en-route to the Bazaar. His steady pace will carry the caravan safely away from harm. If peaceful entreaties fail to relax tormented minds and tragic circumstances, the ignition of gunpowder echoing in the Souk River Valley may startle his household and Jumbos. Fortunately his caravan's route finds it off the following map to the east.

However as distance from The Bazaar increased....

A detachment of British Imperials marched into view from the south.

"Sergeant Davies. --- Halt the Column!"

"Sah! --- Column HAAA-HLT"

"We will ride over to that caravan to gather what information we can."

"Very good Colonel."

The Rajah turned to meet the invaders.

"Greetings and honours Your Highness. I am Colonel Prozbee."

"And to you as well Colonel. May I inquire the reason for your visit?"

"Militant rogues are to the north. Have you seen any in these parts?"

"Nothing at all. Trouble did not interrupt nor vex us at The Bazaar."

"I am grateful for your information. Godspeed returning home."

"Only if it is the will of Kali, Colonel." 

The Royal too hastily resumed his procession back to Bebara.

Meanwhile, back with the Column on a slight rise.

"What do you see George?"

"Nothing Frank."

"The Colonel's rid'n back. I wonder what he found out."

"Aye and whatever it is --- whether true or false."

"Keep looking then and I'll report to the Colonel."

"Begging to report Sir. Lt. Griffiths observes nothing suspicious."

"Very good. The Rajah said there is no sign of trouble here."

"Though I wonder. Perhaps I should reconsider our route of march."

"COLUMN --- Resume the march!"

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CLOSING REMARKS

(1) The above precedes our third encounter on Jack Scruby's imagineered Mafrican Continent. Scroll down a little for similar captioned photos telling those stories.

(2) Rules: The Sword and The Flame, 20th ed.

(3) Buildings by Miniature Building Authority. Miniatures are 28mm.

(4) Come back soon.

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