More Bolt Action!
Yep. Bolt Action is where all of the… well… action has been these last few months now. Tremendous fun.
Last week’s scenario had some kind of cache planted on an objective (the round carriage piece -here, my Forward Observer scopes the scene forwardly) in the middle of the table. Chris did well to get on top of the objective early, while I opted for strategery and positioning.
Chris’s dreaded SS –who have earned themselves a fearsome reputation- glided up on a short-lived halftrack while it was still running, and jumped across the objective early. As such, the SS (dreaded) made a truly viscous kind of screen, while a squad of irregulars and that maddening bazooka team (they always seem to be running wherever they go) behind consolidated control and made good their retreat with the objective in question.
With the groundwork done, my Jolly Can-Do Brits were forced into wildly suicidal postures as they flung themselves in pursuit of a forlorn objective.
It was ugly.
For this conflict, we also added a touch of scenery, just a touch, inspired by the Dark Templar’s extraordinarily timely recommendation to be found here.
I will hold off prattling at this point, as I know Dark Templar has some more to say on the matter. But I couldn’t rightly drop these in here and pretend you’re not seeing what you’re seeing - brief version: scenery is wonderful. And so on.
And so Chris and I remain locked in hearty contention – every game as closely fought as the last, with new scenarios and objectives to keep each game fresh.
We are also engaged in a curious arms race, as each encounter tends to see one side or the other introducing a new element to the tabletop.
Last time, I introduced my Firefly VC. This time it was some wayward Medium Artillery. The artillery won’t likely make muster again, as the performance was lackluster. One presumes the kettle had just boiled and the artillery boys had other concerns on the clock.
On that note, I should mention that the otherwise stalwart Forward Observers have let the team down these last two engagements. In each instance, uninspired rolling let Chris place my own artillery barrages back onto my advance, which has seriously mussed the matter. Bolt Action, as we are learning, is often all about those Pin Markers.
But nevermind, the Sherman is quickly earning the title of Sniper Tank in a manner that would make Brad Pitt proud.
My Commandos are now officially and forever 2 full-sized squads of Paratroopers (2 more please), which has helped them stay in the fight much longer than they had any right. As mentioned, these poor sods were forced into some wildly unhealthy positions in order to make a break for the objective as it scuttled behind the German lines. In all, it was too late to do much but play for a minor loss or really just a draw, which the Brits did with both dignity, manners.
More and more in the coming weeks. I have another squad of Paratroopers and another trick up my sleeve these coming weeks.
What-ho! Indeed. And this last bit was just rude, really.
