Jimmer
Posts: 1968
Joined: 12/5/2007 Status: offline
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I'm not sure how much effect it had, because corps counters could be empty. But, there seems to be about six French corps in striking distance of either France's northern or western coast. Apparently, the small British army has once again proved its capability in the best possible way: Its enemy noticed it and reacted. Most of the British army left France this month, taking advantage of a game quirk whereby blockading fleets end up in the port once the evacuation combat has occured. There was nearly enough transport capacity to remove the stalwart British soldiers from the swamps and cesspools the Usurper calls his own. Left behind were 4 swedish infantry factors in garrison in Lorient, plus a corps and 5 British factors holding down the fortress of La Rochelle. A small French force with Soult leading it attacked these valiant soldiers in the city they had captured. France had 7 infantry and 3 militia (rabble) factors, while GB had 10 of the finest soldiers in the world guarding this formerly French port city (5 were in the corps). The British fought valiantly (of course), losing four factors from the garrison. French losses were, unfortunately, smaller: 2 infantry and 1 rabble factor. At the end of combat, GB had 5I in a corps and one in the city. France had 5I and 2M in his corps (specific corps division numbers were not reported, mainly due to the heavy fighting -- it took all day for the besieged to drive off the French rabble). The other two corps seem afraid of the massive army that could drop on French soil from the English Channel: Three of the four fleets carrying factors went to the Channel. The French positioned themselves between Lille and Paris, apparently trying to stall any British landing, and keep it from reaching Paris in June. The British High Command is currently evaluating whether to land on French or British soil. The one remaining fleet carrying factors this month (a fleet of frigates 10 strong) moved from Portsmouth to area18, the sea zone that borders Brest and La Rochelle (due to the British birthright to rule the waves, this action was uncontested). It is unknown also where Command is planning on landing. The only real military target is the small French corps besieging La Rochelle. However, in a strange turn of events, a British fleet of frigates (10 strong) has landed in the port of Lorient. It is possible that the British intend to land there, but, if so, our analysts are unable to determine why they would do this. Could the Royal Army be planning some kind of ruse, feint, or real threat, utilizing the Swedes valiantly defending Lorient? Or, are their plans in place to mount a two-pronged attack on both the Northern and Western coasts of France? Only time will tell.
< Message edited by Jimmer -- 6/4/2008 8:44:53 PM >
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At LAST! The greatest campaign board game of all time is finally available for the PC. Can my old heart stand the strain?
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