1812 Battle - Conclusion and thoughts on the "Live Free or Die" Rules

After applying a lot of pressure on the Candadian forces with musket fire on the left of their line, the US infantry charged up the slope with the 2 grey coated regiments.

One charge (more of an advance than a charge) reached the fence, the second, led by the general, got into contact with the 1st Foot. From the previous post you may recall that the 1st were low on ammo and being led by the replacement general with no stars.

Totally against the odds (1 die for, 4 dice against), the Royals threw the US infantry back down the slope.

We decided to call it at this point, reckoning that the regulars and milita on the left of the Canadian line would hold while the right and centre withdrew.

 I need to get more figures painted for a full sixe refight of Lundy's Lane and for Sharp Practice.

The left of the US Line

Skirmishing continues between the US Rifles and the Voltigeurs Canadiens. A blue coated US regiment has lost a base and is carrying a low on ammo marker. The grey coated regiment with the general attached has been thrown back down the slop by the Royals and the 8th Foot continue to hold the built up area,

US Centre and Right

To the right of the built up area, two  US militia regiments are advancing against 2 militia and 1 regular Canadian battalion. The grey coated regiment in the centre is one casualty away from losing a second base

Left of the Canadian Line

The US Militia skirmishing from the woods are still harrying the left of the line while a couple of small battalions are attenpting to hold off the advancing US militia

Regarding the terrain for the scenario, I think it would have been better to give a disorder marker for crossing the "slope line" rather than reduce the movement. Steep slopes might even incur 2 markers.

The rule amendments seem to work quite well and we both liked the way that the 6" proximity rule made it difficult for troops to cover the final yards to contact. The low ammo / loss of fire discipline rule also worked well and introduced a pleasing amount of friction.

So all in all, providing you are playing with someone "on the same wavelength" these are a surprisingly good set of rules. They are very basic, but with a few amendments worked really well for this action. I think we have now "complicated" the rules for 1812 as much as we would want to.

They can be obtained from Little Wars TV and proceeds go to the American Battlefields Trust.