Northwest Frontier by GASLIGHT

Russian Vehicle
Russian Vehicle

Last Friday during the HAWKs gaming night, I put on a Northwest Frontier by GASLIGHT game.  This was a play test of a scenario to include in the upcoming GASLIGHT Compendium. The scenario, like many of my GASLIGHT scenarios, is set in the Northwest Frontier.  As part of “The Great Game” between Russia and Britain, the Russians have provide technology and troops to assist the various chieftains in their fights against the British.

In this scenario, a Kahn has revolted against the British.  Typically, the British cobble together a punitive expedition and set forth to punish the Kahn.  Prior to the start of the scenario the Kahn has been defeated and is now in retreat.  The Pathan force in this scenario must hold open the escape route (road) long enough for the main body to escape, which for this scenario is ten turns.  The Pathan force contained some Russian infantry as well as several Russian vehicles.  The British force is composed of British, Highland, and Indian infantry with supporting vehicles.  In addition a “flying column” of bicycle lancers, Indian cavalry, and heavy support tricycles attempts to cut the road.  The scenario requires both sides to move.  Unlike a typical pursuit scenario, the Pathans cannot merely try to outrun the pursuit, since they have to keep the road open for ten turns.

Indian Cavalry in melee with Pathans
Indian Cavalry in melee with Pathans

The Russian helicopter was knocked out of the sky early in the game by a Gattling gun.  An exciting moment came when Indian cavalry charged over a hill and caught some Pathans by surprise.  In a desperate melee, the Indians defeated the Pathan unit, but at heavy cost.

Wide View of the Battle
Wide View of the Battle

In this view you can see the Indian cavalry about to break through the first line of Pathans and charge into the second line to cut the road.  Note the Russian infantry.  There are two units.  In this test, one unit was wiped out, but this one saw little action.  Also note the ball-shaped tank.  Controlled by HAWK Geoff Graff, this tank fired several times at a British light tank, but only scored one hit all game.  Also note on the right of the picture the Pathan unit dressed in white with most of the figures dead.  These casualties were largely the result of a few well-placed rockets from Don Hogge’s rocket support tricycle.

Sam Moving her Tank Forward
Sam Moving her Tank Forward

My so enjoys the gaming when I bring him to conventions, but my daughter really seems to have taken to it.  She really focuses on the objective and manages to keep entertained through the slow points.  She’s pretty short, so we often find her climbing across the table to reach her troops.

The scenario went well.  I’ll run it a couple more times before going “final” for The GASLIGHT Compendium, but I’m pretty happy with how it went.  Once the book is published, I’ll post all the data cards on the Yahoo Group so people can download them and use them to run the game themselves.

(Photos of Northwest Frontier by GASLIGHT were taken by Chris Palmer.)