"British Grenadier scenarios-Trenton" Topic

I picked up the Scenario Book 2 for British Grenadier at Historicon this weekedn.
One scenario is Trenton, but oddly enough there are no Grades given for the units in the OOB.
Is there an online erratta for this glitch?

I think this may be of help.

link

Yes, thank you!

I would not have rated the Hessians that low, but they DID have a Bad Day!
I would have probably rated them Line, but given them a DP or two to reflect their initial disruption.

I also think the American ratings are a tad generous too. Certainly for pre-von Steuben!

However, you really should adjust your rules to reflect history, instead of the reverse. I will have to set it up, of course, which is why I bought the book in the first place.

BTW, this is a fantastic book. Savannah is a good excuse to buy a couple blisters of Perry or Old Glory French, and paint each stand in a different uniform. Probably Perry, since they are in the 1776 uniform.

Gloucester Point is a good enough reason for me to finish my Copplestone Foundry and Old Glory Lauzun's Legion.

Glad I could help.

Agree with you on the ratings for the Hessians and Continentals as well, I think initial disruption is a better way to go.

JOFM: surely you know as much about Trenton as anyone else, enough so that you could create your own ratings and scenario for the battle (without relying on a packaged scenario book for your ideas).

Well Fritz, since our club motto is usually "It's all about ME!" I will indeed impose some sort of OFM Order on the game.

Seriously though, I usually (but not always) defer to the game designer's wishes, if only because I like to play the way they intended. My last Trenton game was a nightmare logistically and rules-wise, but everyone had a great time.

"Serious research" is a young man's game. Old Farts appreciate the work the whippersnappers have done, so all we have to do is paint up another bag of French.

I tend to follow Fischer in rating Hessians. Too many game designers give them a lower rating than the British … just because they are not British. Rating the Americans at Trenton high is also I think a little pro-British.

Fritz,
you have a point – indeed a couple of years back I tried to contact John by PM via this site because I had him in mind to write the Trenton scenario or at least to look at it ! Alas communications were never opened…

John OFM
I'm really glad you like the Scenario Book ! You will doubtless adjust the Trenton scenario in ways you see fit – that's not a problem, since I'm not precious about these things :-)
While Caliver Books will emphasise that these scenarios are for any ruleset they are obviously written with 'British Grenadier !' In mind. This is important with reference to the troop grades. The Hessians don't move much, so it doesn't disadvantage them too much to be graded 2nd Line. The Americans have to fight an offensive battle, moving across a considerable distance, which is why grading them all 'Militia' or some such would put them at a considerable disadvantage.
Of course, the results on the day – ie the historical outcome – was the vital factor in adjusting the scenario. But knowing the ruleset as I do, I thought giving the two sides those ratings was the best way to get to that type of outcome, while still giving the Hessians a fighting chance.
Enjoy !
EC

Do you mean that I had a shot at a free copy instead of having to pay for it?
Ah, the tragedies at "never happened"…