Corsican Encounter, October 1799 / Gift Scenario from Blutarski / The Miniatures Page
Age of Sail Scenario
Corsican Encounter – October 1799
Designer Notes and Introduction
This scenario reflects the designer’s desire to represent the French perspective regarding notions of victory and defeat, wherein successful completion of the mission superseded all else. The designer also seeks to provide a measure of tactical randomness and replayability. Have fun. Please pass along any AARs and comments.
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FRENCH ORDER OF BATTLE
40 gun Frigate MUIRON - 1000t bm
Armament = (28x 18) + (12x 8) + (4x 36carr)
Speed = Average.
Crew Quality = Average; Gunnery = Average; Crew Morale = HIGH.
40 gun Frigate CARRERE - 1000t bm
Armament = (28x 18) + (12x 8) + (4x 36carr)
Speed = Average.
Crew Quality = Average; Gunnery = Poor; Crew Morale = AVERAGE.
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BRITISH ORDER OF BATTLE
36 gun Frigate ETHALION – 1000t bm
Armament = (26x 18) + (4 x 9) + (14 x 32carr)
Speed = Average.
Crew Quality = Average; Gunnery = Trained; Morale = HIGH.
32 gun Frigate STAG – 800t bm
Armament = (26x 18) + (6x 6) + (6x 24carr)
Speed = Fast.
Crew Quality = Veteran; Gunnery = Veteran; Crew Morale = HIGH.
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General Situation
Time and Date – Midday, 01 October 1799.
Locale - Off Cape di Muro, western coast of Corsica.
Weather - Moderate wind blowing steadily out of the NW.
Unbeknownst to the British, these two Neapolitan frigates are actually in French service under the command of Admiral Ganteaume and have been tasked with conveying Napoleon Bonaparte, several of his generals plus staff from Egypt back to the French port of Toulon (this is historically accurate). Admiral Ganteaume is aboard MUIRON along with Bonaparte and his personal staff. The accompanying generals are aboard CARRERE. Each frigate also carries a company of elite bodyguard troops whose presence doubles the ships’ effectiveness in any boarding action.
Two British frigates have appeared on the scene and have closed to investigate. With the wind blowing out of the NW, progress toward Toulon in the face of such opposition is unlikely. The best alternative friendly port of refuge is Ajaccio, Corsica, which lies to the NE.
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Setting up the Game on the Tabletop
The French player first places his two ships on the table as a formation group, with the ships separated by no more than 300 yards. Heading may be in any direction, but must be the same for both French ships to start the game.
The British ship of the senior in command is then placed on the table anywhere within the W to NW sector of the table relative to the position of the French ships, but no closer than maximum gunshot distance, with heading at the discretion of the controlling player.
Finally, the second British ship is placed within the NW to N sector of the table relative to the position of the French ships, but no closer than maximum gunshot from the French and no closer than one-half gunshot from its British companion. Heading again is at the discretion of the controlling player.
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Victory Conditions
The French win the game if MUIRON (with a live Bonaparte aboard) escapes. Escape is defined as MUIRON achieving a position (with respect to the NW if fleeing toward Toulon or the NE if making for Ajaccio) where she is both beyond gun range of the nearest British ship and faster than any pursuer.
The French score a major victory if MUIRON and CARRERE and a living Bonaparte escape toward Toulon.
If both ships succeed in escaping to Ajaccio, and Bonaparte lives, the game is considered a draw.
If Bonaparte is killed or captured, the French lose the game
If both ships are taken or destroyed and Bonaparte is killed or captured, the British achieve a major victory.
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Bonaparte’s Health
At game’s end, determine the percentage of hull damage suffered by MUIRON. The percentile likelihood of Bonaparte being a casualty = one-half the percentage of hull damage. If Bonaparte is determined to be a casualty, there is a 1 in 3 likelihood of death and a 2 in 3 chance of survivable wounds.
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Instructions to the Game Master
The two British ships should ideally be controlled by different players who may only communicate through written signals. Dice before the game to see which British captain is senior in command.
Neither British player should know any details of the crew quality of the other British ship.
The British players should not be told of the presence of Napoleon and his entourage aboard the French ships.
The British players should be made aware that Ajaccio, situated to the NE, is a viable port of refuge for their opponents. However, no specific mention should be made of the true French interest in Toulon as a destination.
