Pony Wars: The Homestead, Turns 25 - Conclusion

 Turn 25

An overview after movement and before firing.

Virtually all warparties are now circling or heading towards the central homestead including those on the high ground to the left.

The General decided that it would be suicidal to charge the great mass of hostiles chasing the stagecoach and, having ensured the stagecoach had arrived at the homestead, quickly formed a firing line on the western side of the farm.

The 2 remaining occupants of the stagecoach and the 2 ammo wagon drivers took position behind their respective wagons and began firing on the Indians.

In the exchange of carbine, cannon and arrows the final tally was 7 Indians killed and 3 troopers.

Continued -

On seeing what was in front of them, the ammo wagon with its escort took the view that their only option was to pull back into the fort. Sgt Ash is about to join them.

Turn 26

The warparties merge into one circling the hapless cavalry and firing clouds of arrows in their direction.

Rather than use the rules' half of Indians can fire, I limited it to 20 each of the 4 sides of the homestead. It made it easier to manage and gave the defenders slightly more hope!

For those defenders, calculations were made on each of the 4 sides firing outwards. This amounted to the General's half troop facing west (towards the bottom right corner), 'C' Troop the south and east, 12pdr cannon the south, with 2 ammo wagon drivers, 2 stagecoach occupants and 2 troopers from 'C' Troop the north (in and around the wagons). 

8 Indians were killed for the loss of 2 troopers, 1 stagecoach occupant, 1 artillery crew and 1 wagon driver.

The serious situation developing at the central homestead meant the fort's occupants had to prepare for the worst. All cavalry dismounted and joined the infantry on the walls. Settlers and hunters were pressed into service, likewise on the walls. 5 infantry lead by their commanding officer formed a reserve close to the gates.

Another view with a lone settler patrolling the north wall.

Turn 27

More of the same with the 12pdr firing off the last of its ammunition but going out in a blaze of glory killing 6 Indians. Overall 8 Indians were killed in this turn for the loss of 6 troopers, the other wagon driver and the last of the stagecoach occupants.

Turn 28

The losses in the last turn completely wiped out the defenders on the north face of the homestead. With nothing to defend the wagons, several braves raced in and commandeered both ammo wagons, the stagecoach and the artillery limber. 

3 troopers were rushed to the north side of the homestead with adjustments made elsewhere to cover any gaps. The remaining 2 artillery crew joined the firing line equipped with carbines.

Losses were particularly heavy for the defenders this turn. Having inflicted 7 more casualties among the braves, they lost both artillery crew and 9 cavalry troopers including their commanding officer, Colonel Cooke. Furthermore, the General sustained his 2nd wound!

Turn 29

The General is the last officer standing and the 6 survivors made a pitiful circle in the centre of the homestead.

They failed to hit any Indians as arrows poured down on them. All were killed apart from the General who survived his 3rd wound!

Turn 30

A last defiant shot rang out from the General before he took on the appearance of a porcupine. Indian attention now swung towards the fort.

It was now time to decide whether the game ended here or an assault on the fort was to be made. The Indians were technically out of sight of the fort so rather than complete a reaction test as per the rules, I rolled for a 50:50 decision. 

The Indians decided the General's scalp and the overwhelming victory against the US Cavalry were enough. Clearly the prospect of serious losses outweighed the desire to capture the fort. 

The relief among the fort's defenders was palpable as they watched the great mass of braves ride off into the distance. They knew that they were unlikely to hold out with the prospect of gruesome deaths for some.

This was obviously a defeat for the US Cavalry but for completeness I worked out the victory points as laid out in the rules:

-1 for each 5 cavalry used.  65 = - 13  

-2 for each field gun used.   1 = - 2

-3 for each regt of Infantry.  1 = - 3

-3 for each ammo wagon brought out of fort after the 1st.  1 = - 3 (I did not include the 1 that promptly returned.)

-2 for each settlement massacred. 2 = - 4

-3 if stagecoach does not achieve its objective  - 3

-3 for each ammo wagon blown up (I included captured)   2 = - 6

-3 for each gun lost. 1 = -1

-1 for each 2 cavalry, 3 infantry and 2 artillerymen killed. 48/18/5 = - 34

-5 If General or any part of garrison leave the fort. - 5

-10 If General killed.  - 10

- 84

+5 for each settlement building not burnt out. 4 = + 20

+4 for each 100 Indians dispersed or killed. 205 = + 8

+1 for each settler brought safely to the fort. 9 = + 9

+ 37

Total - 47

A comprehensive defeat for the cavalry.

This was my first outing for 'Pony Wars' and enjoyable it was too. It leant itself very well to solo-play with card activations and programmed Indian actions. A larger playing area with more features included beckons. I can foresee the potential for a mini-campaign!

A final note on the challenge this poses for the US Cavalry. They did suffer from early bad luck and played again it may prove easier for them. But on the evidence of this game it is certainly tough for them to gain a victory. The timing and location of the Indian arrivals did not help, allowing as it did for them to merge into a considerable force at a critical area of the board.