Hardican Campaign Move 1.2

Move 1.1 having been completed, it is time to move on and address the consequences of the orders that carry through to later moves. Move 1.2 brings around a number of issues to be resolved that could have echoing repercussions.

First amongst these is the matter of Greysby Glen. The order that allowed SIr Wallace Campbell to exercise his hatred for rival clan leaders had resulted in him marching into Greysby Glen, arresting and in a couple of cases shooting rival clansmen. His younger compatriot,William Barrett could not control the bombastic clan lord as he exercised the authority to "supress the glens".

 Greysby Glen at peace

However, Connal Murray, having raised a small troop of lancers had used his local knowledge to evaded capture and eventually join with the approaching Wendlemore forces under Owen Kentigern.  Kentigern deferred to Murray who took command and immediately made a forced march to Greysby Glen, bottling Campbell and Barrett with the Chelby 1st Foot and Greysby 1st Horse within.  Turning to break out of this trap, Campbell drew battle lines beside Lakemere Woods where a lone crofter's cottage overlooked the field. A wide valley floor, here provided a good base to extend a defensive line.

 Greysby from Lakesmere Wood

 

Campbell soon realised he was outnumbered and outflanked and, making an excuse, rode off using paths to get away from the battle, leaving William Barrett to face the Wendlemore 3rd Horse, Wendlemore 1st and 2nd Foot and Murray's Lancers crying for blood.

 Battle lines are drawn

As they began their advance to charge, Campbell could hear the cries from the Highland regiment "Nae ye'll face the clansmen and ye'll ken..good reason to remember Greysby Glen".

 Murray's Lancers Advance

Greysby Glen, which will be covered in the next entry or thereabouts was not the only consequence of turn1.1.

News soon travels, especially in the time when printing is allowing people to write and circulate handbills, papers and books in increasing quantities.  If what was being claimed was correct, the House of the People's army had also taken Candleridge as well as sending the avenging force into the Glens after Campbell.  Meanwhile, the Presidential Party had marched troops on St Martins and Penfield.  St Martins would be no surprise, following Langley's arrest of eleven members of the House who had been considered extreme in their views.  Preacher John Cobb, an advocate of the people's power had his power base at St Martins and some said he would go as far as raising his own force. A man who had spoken against both sides, his loyalties were in question.  When Sir Ralph Hopton arrived in St Martins with his Warboys Foot, he found himself and his men abused verbally by John's son, Charles Cobb who called them "bloody men" and "war mongers who would fence in the people and hand their rights to the old royalists", a reference to Langley's support for enclosure of property.  Hopton determined not to allow St Martins to become a hotbed of resistance decided to sit down, there, temporarily and to seek after John Cobb's whereabouts. The bad welcome and continuing resistance of the people was not making it comfortable and when his horse arrived, they were subjected to pelting with muck by some high spirited (and swiftly dispersed) young peasant men and women. Hopton kept his temper for the moment.

 Warboys 1st Foot in their powder green coats

Langley had marched to Penfield in the hope of seizing the castle, there but was unsure of the welcome he would receive from either the Devereuxs or Wolfdens. Devereux was a former Royalist. Wolfden's father, Sir Hugh had ridden with Langley.

The result was a split. Devereux took the castle guard and his men along with at least half the villagers and shut up the castle behind them, defying the resources to Langley.  However, Sir Miles Wolfden rode to meet Sir Charles and promised he could secure a light horse unit as his father had done, if that was of interest. Penfield was going to be difficult to secure, however.

More soon on how the first set of orders play out....

Some correspondence and role play behind the campaign

I thought I might share, for the readers, some of the unseen play that goes on behind the campaign reporting that I produce. There is some excellent role play from the group, not suprising as we have played RP together as well, for over twenty years.  What I wil reveal, not all the players have seen, but its impact will have passed by the time it is published.  There's a few new photos too :)

So first a view of the sort of thing one has to put up with as leader of an alliance which is moving to curb the power of the House of the People and intending to install an executive committee for the day to day running of government and pushing legislation at the house;

Dear Sir
We are writing in the hope that you will swiftly resolve this current danger. Your party within the House of People implores you to come back to the capital and continue this dispute througth debate rather than force or arms.  You have been and remain dear to the House. All here respect you as a leader of a party contending for democratic control of policy. So, we urge you, free the arrested members who have offended you and set aside this idea of a Lord President and Council. The House fears that it will become another King and Royal Chamber, the very thing that you championed the cause against.

Thus sir, we ask you to consider, again, this stance that you have taken and the many lives that will be lost if we should have war again along with the disruption to trade. The nation will weep.  If you will not step back from this brink, sir, then the House will appoint its officers to persecute the neccessary war against you and bring you to justice before it.

We remain your humble servants

 Sir Charles treated this with the disdain he felt it deserved yet we still find him speculating as to whether it might be pulled back from the brink as he writes to his old friend and ally, Sir Ralph Hopton;

Sir Ralph Hopton, Earl of Shellborough

Lord Hopton,  I have been warned to lay down and allow the fat cows of the House vote as one mind while hiding behind empty benches, and parading a wooden actor around with invisible puppeteer strings.

The thoughts of my countrymen, who lost their lives to depose one problematic leadership, would haunt my every waking moment should I allow a larger problem to replace the old.

I yet hope to reach Thomas Kirby and end this before it really begins, but we must ready ourselves if he is resolute and unforgiving.  Know I have secured help from the north, and am certain of help near the capitol.

Yours in Arms,

Sir Charles Langley, Earl of Sedgewater

Sir Ralph, however, is now in the mood to hurl aside such thoughts with the battle lines drawn and his patience at an end;

Sir Charles,

The time for talking is done, these men will not listen to reason so it is time that we make them understand in a different way. It is unfortunate it must come to this, but I share your view that to continue as we are would be to go against everything we previously fought for. 

XXXX (redaccted information on his marching orders and some other information) XXX

I am ready should this come to war and remain your humble servant.

Sir Ralph Hopton

Warboys Foot in their traditional powder green

An exchange between the two then concludes where each will be and their initial targets.

Meanwhile, as preparations on the House side are taking place, a courier puts a letter in the hand of Lord Stewart, Sir Patrick Sterling of Kenwick;

Lord Stewart
My old friend, we face potential issues, here in Greysby Glen and Carrigmore Glen. Our former ally, Sir Wallace Campbell has gone over to Lord Langley and become close with Sir Arthu Laidlaw of Chelby. We must move swiftly if we are going to raise forces here and meet up before we are cut off.

Tread carefully in the north, my old friend. It would not serve our alliance, the House or the people of this nation if you were seized before you have sufficient men around you to fight your way clear.

I look forward to joining hands in the near future.
Yours in faith and friendship
Connal
Lord Murray

The reply was short requiring Murray to raise a horse unit and get out of the Glen to rendezvous  with other forces in the area. At this point, the new release of notes revealed some settlements had declared their allegaince.  Sir Connal's return note pleads;

My Dear Patrick
We are short on time. Already, I hear that Chelby and Greysby are raising troops for Langley's cause and I expect Sir Wallace Campbell to oppose us in Carrigmore, also. I will supply the cavalry you request but, my good friend, send enough resources to arm and march a foot unit from the glens before it is too late and this source is closed down. We may have to fight our way to you.
Connal

But will it be too late.  The players are about to see the first skirmish of the war. Taking Langley's order to suppress House recruitment in the Glens, Sir Wallace Campbell, himself a rival clan head has used the opportunity to march the Greysby Horse and Chelby foot into Greysby Glen and start arresting known supporters of Murray, the McKays and McKenzies who the Campbells despise.  Reacting to this, Connal Murray, being a much more charismatic leader than Sir Owen Kentigern took control of forces in Wendlemore and marched at quick time on Greysby Glen.  As Campbell pulled crofters and clansmen from their beds, the House forces arrived at the head of the Glen.  Trapped, Campbell had no option but to turn and try to break through the opposing army.  Outnumbered nearly two to one, he did have the experienced Greysby horse rated 5/6 whereas the new recruits of Chelby and all three units from Wendlemore were 2/6 raw rated.  Murray, however, had his clan lancers and that was a force that Campbell knew by reputation would never surrender.

 Murrays Lancers heading off to war

Similarly, in other parts, Sir Charles was presenting a stiff message. In reply to some information and questions about the capital from Sir Bryndham Hale in Halton, the letter is unequivocal in its tone;

Sir Bryndham Hale,

I am certain you have heard the threats of battle bouncing off the capitol walls.  Your position is precarious, at best, but be not troubled as you have my support, financially, and when opportunity presents itself you will find other halls come under your own.

We must not allow the House to rule with unbounded authority.  As I helped put them there, so shall I help to block their abuses.

Sir Charles Langley,  Earl of Sedgewater

 Meantime, the allies on the House side have been communicating their movements. Sir Thomas Kirby, writing with heavy heart on the eve of the conflict to Lord Steward - some parts redacted as they have not yet come to attention of the opposition;

My dearest friend, Patrick, Lord Stewart,

I have been pondering our current situation, regarding our mutual, misguided friends, and find find that they have been allowed a certain freedom to frolic and dance about as they see fit. I find this a most worrisome development, especially concerning our compatriots-in-arms whom might have more difficulty than ourselves in finding themselves in sufficient defensible positions.

As such, and feeling that further delay on my part would cause undue damage to our just and worthy cause, I have considered and acted upon the following:

Firstly, XX and so be prepared against any troops that might be raised by Langley.XX

(redacted as still relevant)

As you know, we need to reach our friends swiftly, and bring Langley and Hopton to battle early on before their greater reach gives them an advantage in this war. As such, I look forward to your thoughts on how to proceed well.

Eternal and fondest regards,

Sir Thomas Kirby

The stage is set, the players have opened the drama with some exhanges, more of which will be posted soon as they fall out and become known to both sides.  As the forces begin to march and objectives have been agreed with sub commanders, it's going to heat up, quickly.  Will the four remember they were friends and allies no long ago as were many of those who will side with them again.

Hope you enjoyed reading these even if much of the content has been withheld.

An update for the players and more information

So, for the players, an updated section on what is now available to purchase;

Purchases

The following are the main costs;

Mixed Foot (50-50 Pike & Shot)                      costs 3 to raise             costs 2 to maintain/turn

Scout Cavalry (150 men)                     costs 5 to raise             costs 4 to maintain/turn

Standard Cavalry (150 men)                costs 6 to raise             costs 4 to maintain/turn

Guns can only be bought when offered for sale.  

Other units will be offered at specific prices when the game is in progress.

Other units currently available

Supply Carts – Can travel at 25km/day carrying 10 points of supply per wagon train.  To purchase the carts for such a train costs 3 points and it costs 1 point to use each trip. The owning player must state where the wagons are stationed at any time.  Once a train has moved off, that supply is not cut off by the loss of a route to base.

Ship Supply – Ships can be hired to take supply from any point where the river is light blue around the coast and to another similar point.  A supply convoy can carry 20 points of supply and costs 5 points to hire.

Spy – Costs 0 to hire and 1/turn to pay in resources. A spy can either be attached to a location or an enemy unit and will then stay following that unit and informing on it and other units with it.  You can change a spy’s orders by sending a messenger to that spy in any turn.

Gun limber team – A gunnery limber team of 2-4 heavy horses plus gun hauling equipment costs 1 to purchase. If placed with a cavalry unit, it will be resourced by that so costs 0/turn to maintain but if no cavalry are present then it costs 1/turn.

Gunnery Crew/Team – A gun team of men capable of loading and firing a large gun plus powder, shot and other equipment costs 1 to recruit and 1/turn to maintain. Without a competent crew, a gun cannot be used.

Pike Unit – A pike unit with no musket (possibly with mixed pike & halberd) can be recruited for a cost of 2 and 1/resource point per turn thereafter.  If it is a professional mercenary unit it will cost double.

And a change to settlement values at the end of round 1;

Supply Values of Main Settlements

Settlement	Supply Value	Other Notes
The Shrive	25	Main Capital (inside gates) plus Shrive Castle. (One off – gun stored)
St Pauls	10	Part of the Capital, Sir Henry Tremayne(K), Sir William Stanton(L)
Halton	10	Part of the Capital, Sir Bryndham Hale (L), Sir Nigel Hartwell(L)
Frinton	10	Part of the Capital Sir Jeremy Morley(K),  Sir Thomas Hall(L)
Barfold	10	Sir Francis Manderley, Sir Walter McBride
Minster Stowell	10	Sir Francis Haddingley (L), Sir George Marks(K)
Musgrave Sands	5	Sir Jocelyn Melville
Redthorpe	12	Plus Redthorpe Castle – one off gun stored, Sir James Spencer
Blackport	12	+Blackport Castle.,  Sir Henry Vines, Earl of Westmoor
Hornborough	12	+Hornborough Castle, Sir Fengrove Parry, Earl of Easthold
Eden Wells	8	Sir Percival Blake
Tynwater	5	Sir Henry Douglas
Middlehampton	8	Sir Edmund Butler
Little Hampton	4	Sir Samuel Butler
Hampton on the Hill	6	Sir William Butler, Sir Richard Fox-Barton
Minton	10	Sir John Braxton (L)
Stanport	12	Sir Thomas & Sir Edward Byrne, Sir Hugh Morton
Breymouth	10	Sir Frederick Willoughby
Newchurch	8	Sir Geoffrey Morton (L)
Meadmore	8	Sir Giles Somerville
Coles Moor	5	Sir Duncan Farringley(K)
Stanton Brimard	12	Sir Clive Camberwell (K)
Winchurch	12	Sir Edward Cooper
Malsbury	12	Sir Welland Baker
Penfield	12	+Penfield Castle,  Sir Pelham St John Devereux,  Sir Miles Wolfden
St Martins	10	Preacher John Cobb
Lodenbridge	6	Sir Hadleigh Moore-Fenton
Farren Mill	5	Sir Lyall Wetherick(K)
Stourwold	8	Sir Paxton Gilbert
Wendlemore	10	Sir Owen Kentigern(K)
Candleridge	4	Sir James Fitzpatrick
Edenwood	8	+Edenwood Castle (Part Ruined), Sir Stafford Le Grange
Shellford	6	Sir Nicholas Beresford
Rivenbridge	7	Sir Arthur Laidlaw(L) (Riven Glen)
Rivenford	5	Sir Brendell Sullivan
Lodenvale	8
Medbridge	6	Earl of Northmoor, Sir Edmund Beresford
Maidenpool	8	Sir Christopher Seymour
Greysby	6	Sir William Barrett (L), Sir Wallace Campbell (L),
Greysby Glen	6	Sir Connal Murray(K) (Angus McKay) Highanders only.
Chelby	6	Sir Edward Makepeace,
Carrigmore Glen	5	Sir Connal Murray(K), Sir Wallace Campbell(L)
Turnwall	8	+Part walled town defence
Wilcombe	8	Sir Landon Fitzwalter
Albridge	3
Warboys	6	+Warboys Hall, seat of Lord Hopton (Ralph, Earl Shellborough)
Raffham	6	+Raffham Hall, seat of Lord Kirby (Thomas, Marquess Raffham)
Kenwick	8	+Kenwick Burgh, seat of Lord Stewart (Patrick Sterling)
Brindley	6	+ Brindley Hall, seat of Earl of Sedgewater  (Sir Charles Langley)
Renwick	8	Duke of Cambernauld, Sir Robert Campbell
Farlowe	8	Earl of Farchester, Sir Edward Grey

*The above table may be updated from time to time with a windfall or new level of supply which will be highlighted when it is sent out.  Also if any other settlements are introduced which have become significant.

Family Members;

Representing male members of the family of the age that would be considered for holding a commission or command in a military unit.

Lord Charles Langley - Eldest Son William (19),  Sir Edmund Langley (Brother), his sons Edward (20) and Charles (17),  2nd brother - Robert Langley, eldest son Miles (18)

Lord Ralph Hopton - his sons Richard(19), Walter (17), brother - Sir John Hopton(Jack), his son Gareth (18).  Ralph's cousins, Aubrey Hopton and Alexander Hopton.

Lord Thomas Kirby, eldest son Richard(20),  Brother - Sir James Kirby, son Andrew(17), Thomas' cousins, Robert Kirby and Stephen Kirby.

Lord Stewart - sons Adam(21), Charles (19).  Lord Stewart's cousins, Kenneth Stirling and Duncan Stirling.