Return to Foz d'Arouce

Church at Foz d'Arouce

Well, it is somewhat hard to believe that the combat at Foz d'Arouce has been standing idle on the gaming table since April.  Perhaps hard to believe but true.  One of the pleasures of having a dedicated game room and table is that a battle can remain set up for any length of time needed.  On the flip side, the downfall is that a battle can remain on the table for a long time.

Such is the situation with the Combat at Foz d'Arouce (FdA).  Last gamed in April, plans included refighting this action several times before mid-summer activities turned towards an August Zorndorf game.  With August quickly approaching, time remains to get one last run through on FdA  before clearing the deck and beginning preparations for Zorndorf.  As a reminder for the scenario, please see (Foz d'Arouce Scenario).

Having witnessed the game play and direction of the battle in that first refight (see BatRep Combat at FdA), a few modifications seemed in order.

Initial deployments and objectives

First, Marchand is receiving reinforcements in the form of two battalions of infantry.  In the historical battle, two battalions of the 69e Ligne Regiment were present near Foz de Arouce.  In the first game, I omitted this regiment due to oversight.  Given that Marchand had a difficult task in keeping both Picton and Craufurd at bay long enough to effect an escape over the bridge, two reinforcing battalions will be most welcome.

Second, skirmisher rules have been simplified through abstraction.  No longer does a division commander need worry about deploying and positioning skirmishers.  While active skirmishers add a bit of nuance to the battle for solo play, for group play, abstracting skirmisher interaction is both reasonable and improves speed of play.  Skirmishers still fill a battlefield role but their effect is inherent to the parent unit.

A few other slight modifications appear in the most recent rules' version but the game remains mostly as before.  Unit Combat Effectiveness ratings have been adjusted too.

British storm Poisao in an earlier game

With a busy second quarter, few chances to schedule a Friday Night at the Fights.  Now, with a small window of opportunity, time to resurrect FNatF and get the game underway before this fleeting chance vanishes.

Will Ney be able to withstand Wellington's attacks in the fleeting Portuguese light of day?  We will see.