The Wooden Hand of Captain Danjou - The French Foreign legion at Camerone

Just got done play-testing The Wooden Hand of Captain Danjou - The French Foreign legion at Camerone by Howard Whitehouse, hosted by Kevin Smyth ("A Gamer's Tales" blog). A very nice set of skirmish rules made all the more enjoyable with Kevin's beautiful collection of French Foreign Legion and Mexican troops. Another buddy scratch-built the great looking Hacienda Camarón.

I ran a 7-man unit of legionnaires led by a sergeant and corporal. The corporal was killed early on, but the sergeant and rest of the unit managed to survive holed up in the hacienda until we called the game at the end of turn 7. Each of the French figures were named for actual legionnaires that were at the battle. 

The rules were fairly simple, using D6's for shooting and melee. Movement was dictated by zones - either near or long-range. Movement within the hacienda compound was limited to one movement per turn - for example starting at the inside of a wall to the courtyard, from the courtyard you could move into the hacienda in the next turn. Same for movement within the hacienda - to include the second floor and also the rooftop.

The French could fire with one D6 per figure, but the Mexican dismounted troops could only fire one D6 per five figures. The Mexican infantry - which came on at turn 4, could fire one D6 per three figures. Also, the French could fire anytime during the game, but with ammunition limited to 20 rounds, which was kept track of on a card.

For melee, the French officers and NCO's were given a plus 2 to their hits.

Mexican infantry advancing up to the southern walls of the hacienda complex.

Mexican cavalry, both mounted and dismounted attempting to breach a break in the outer wall.

Mexican infantry assaulting the western side of the compound.

Mexican cavalry inside the compound - most of the French have retreated inside the hacienda proper.

The hacienda had separate rooms, and also a removable second floor and rooftop.

Mexican infantry about to enter the hacienda's courtyard.

The hacienda's first floor with the center and far room occupied by French; Mexican dismounted cavalry have entered the nearest room through the side door and windows.

As this was the first playtest with the rules, there was much discussion during and after the game, but all were very happy with it and look forward to more playtesting. Kevin is planning to host this game next May at our annual convention, Enfilade. I'm sure he'll be posting a much more detailed (accurate) description of the game on his own blog later - please be sure to check it out if you're interested.

As for myself, I'm hosting a Rebels and Patriots playtest the day after tomorrow (Friday). The scenario  will be the initial landing of General Wolfe at Louisbourg. On the painting table, working on some Old Glory Russians from their Boxer Rising range. Plan to try out a Russo-Japanese skirmish game using The Men Who Would Be Kings. Have never played these rules before, and actually waiting on a copy from ebay. Until next time, thanks for checking out the blog and wishing you the best this holiday season!