Diecon - Battle of Lissa

[HMS Lydia]

Folks,

I ran an intro SoG game on Friday 20 June, at Diecon in Collinsville, IL. The scenario was written for 5-10 players, using 1 or 2 ships each. I had 6 players total of various experience levels. 2 had never played SoG, a couple had only played a single game prior to this one.

The Battle of Lissa

13 March 1811

Due to the treaty between Republican France and Russia against the Ottoman Empire, Britain is suspicious of French intentions in the Mediterranean. France has been building up troops in the Balkans and is believed to be preparing an invasion of the Ottomans in conjunction with the Russians.

Lissa was seized by the British in 1807 to disrupt enemy shipping in the Adriatic. France needs to silence the British threat of Lissa, and dispatches a mixed French and Venetian Frigate squadron and 500 man invasion force to capture the island. Commodore Bernard Dubourdieu commanded six frigates divided into two divisions of three frigates each.

British Captain William Hoste commanded a squadron of three frigates and a post ship.



Scenario Rules: The wind is blowing fair from the Northwest to Southeast. The French frigate divisions may not coordinate actions during the game, but may coordinate within the divisions. All forces will be pre-set in starting positions. Only the Frigates and British Post ship will be used in the scenario.

French must apply the Poor Gunner special rule, and must expend two turns to reload guns. British ships may apply the Continuous Fire special rule and may fire every turn if they so choose after the first broadside. When continuous fire is employed, half the number of damage tokes pulled rounding down, but the pull will never be less than 1.
The crew, mast special damages will be used. If mast damage is taken ship must use the gray bordered maneuver cards. There is no repair in the game.

Victory Conditions:

If the French can get the 50% of it’s squadron within the reefed area off Lissa and remain for 2 turns they have won a tactical victory. If they can meet the previous conditions and either defeat all the British frigates or cause them to disengage, they have won a Major Victory.

If the British can prevent the French from meeting the Tactical Victory result, but lose 2 or more ships (disengagements do not count in the loss total), they will have achieved a Tactical Victory. If they can prevent the French from meeting the Tactical victory condition without losing more than one ship, they will have achieved a Major Victory.


Bob (HMS Lydia) briefing the rules and scenario.


Explaining movement to a new player.


FlyXWire - All photos are courtesy of FlyX, thanks to him for great images.


The Action develops!


More Action!


Getting close to a decision!


Happy players near the end.

The scenario was very balanced. But the British won a Minor victory in the end. The French had 3 really beat up ships, and couldn't possibly meet the victory condition, and decided to withdraw.