One of the nice things about Rebels and Patriots is that you can set up a short game or a long game. I only had a few players for my first run game of the year and we managed to wrap that up quite quickly. Both sides were up to another scenario, so I quickly got to work.
I opted for a scouting scenario from the rule book. The French would start on the table with their line units set up in the center and would have a reserve of light troops. The British would set up on the outer board edges of the opposite table side.
I set up four objectives (baskets of apples). The French needed to hold the objectives and the British had to take them. Both sides would get similar points for units lost and commanders killed.
The set up on the table was adjusted to better match the scenario. I removed most of the trees and moved the farm to the center, adding some fields. This shook things up enough and both sides set up.
Both sides had 24 points of units. The French set up first and tried to cover all the objectives. The British concentrated their regulars on one end and deployed their rangers on the opposite side to stretch out the French.
We got at it and started rolling dice. The British formed up into close order and marched forward and engaged in a firefight with the forward French units, right away. On the back side, the rangers stalked the French at a distance. As the fire started to take effect, the French light infantry arrived and moved to thicken up the defense, while another unit went to help with the rangers.
The firefight started going the British forces way, as the French got the worst of it. The rangers managed to outmaneuver the French for a number of turns, keeping them away from the main fight.
With the heavy fire being too much, the remnants of the French facing them started to fall back in disarray. Seeing this, the British went in using the bayonet and made short work of the remaining French standing against them.
The rangers reputation had proceeded them and the French tried to keep their distance and outshoot them. Never a good idea vs marksmen! Finally, the rangers stole and objective and the French lights decided to go in with cold steel. Unfortunately, they forgot to attach their bayonets and ended up loosing the fight! The French regulars did the same and miraculously made a twelve inch charge and finally finished of the pesky rangers, but loosing almost their entire compliment in the fight.
Between capturing two of the baskets and chewing up the French infantry and spitting them out, it was a minor victory for the British. This was only because the game ended with only one extra turn, which dd not allow the British to capture another objective and kill ore French!
- Manteuffel