Second, playtesting Squadron Forward continues on with good results. I have decided to add theater/year specific encouter tables for the scenarios. It is not that much more work as I need them when I play anyway. Will just have to make them more inclusive and formal.
One of the reasons Platoon Forward works for me as a campaign vehicle is that it is flexible enough that I can stick with it. I am not forced to play a scenario I don't want to just because it is next in line. An example is today's AAR.
I felt like a break from Squadron Forward and an idea hit me. "Why not use that cool Russian Church in a scenario?" Sounds good; what platoon to use? Haven't used the Greeks in a while? That sounds like fun; I could have it winter of 1940/41 with the Greeks on the offensive. A big attack? A patrol? I don't know. Why not roll up the scenario? That sounds good. Die rattles-- Platoon Attack; good I can make that work. Won't roll up the ojbective because it is going to be that cool Russian Church... [ Hey, it works for me! This is how 80% of my battles get generated]
This is my 7th scenario with my Greeks. As you play longer with the platoons they do develop personalities and subplots. This platoon has struggled with poor performance and the battalion XO has sniped at their efforts from time to time.
Lt Sposito shook the snow off his boots then entered the room. The Company Commander seemed genuienly happy to see him. " Sposito, tommorrow we go on the attack!" You will attack the small village to our front at dawn tommorrow to test the preparedness of our foes.
Characters
Lt Sposito Pleasant/ family Gr II
Sgt Hellik Addicted/ alcohol Gr I 1 st squad hesitant commander
Sgt Pitsikas Course / Glutton Gr II 2nd squad
Sgt Basakidas Generous/ alcohol Gr III 3rd squad
1 MMG 1 81 MTR off board 3 stonks
1st and 2nd squad have decreased morale and all three squads have 1 less person due to previous losses
With visability limited to 100 yards Sposito decided to creep up on the normally slack Italians. His best squad was 3rd squad and they would lead off on the right flank. He would use 2nd squad to demonstrate against the church in the center and he would bring 1st squad up personally behind 3rd squad to add weight to the right. The MMG would be postioned on a hill on the right just off picture to cover the attack. The compound on the right would be hit with mortars once firing started.
The Italians were more vigilant than Sposito had hoped and 2nd and 3rd squad soon were pinned down by automatic weapons fire from both the church and the farm complex on the right. "Where was the artillery promised?" [ poor card draws] Lt Sposito realized if he did nothing the atatck woudl fail and battalion would somehow blame him. He sent 1st around to the right and moved up to rally 3rd squad.
Mortar shells landed right in the midst of the Italians! This broke them and Sgt Hellik was able to sweep over the wall. [ the artillery was targeted for the adjacent building and scattered!] He then moved quickly into the building and just missed capturing a MMG.
As the Italians retreated to the barn Lt Sposito and 3rd squad moved up to the farm. However, the Italian Lt was not idle. He had gathered forces and advanced to the farm as well.
After a fierce fight the Greeks prevailed and the Italians retreated to the Church.
Good job with a win for the greeks!
ReplyDeleteNice scenario
ReplyDeleteThanks guys. This is only the second win for the Greeks. As I said, they have been plagued with poor performance. Hopefully with morale improving Lt Sposito can turn it around. Hey, finding out is half the fun!
ReplyDeleteJoe