"Escape from Isandlwana terrain question" Topic

I am planning an Escape from Isandlwana game in 28mm. Each player will control a pair of mounted Imperials. Points will be awarded for helping out fellow fugitives and other heroic actions. The game table is 6 X 10 feet and the Zulus will appear randomly, in front and behind the Imperials. I would like to make the terrain unpredictable, as it was on the day. I would love suggestions on how to progressively add terrain as the leading models advance down the table. Two thoughts I had are making a map of the full table and only placing the terrain piece onto the table when the miniatures are within 12 inches. The other thought is to roll for random terrain pieces as the miniatures approach. Terrain pieces will consist of rough ground, thick trees and underbrush and the occasional impassible rock formation. At the end of the table players will have to swim their horses across the river to safety.

A couple suggestions…..

First, def go with the map idea. Makes it easier to plan exactly what you need to bring.

Second, I'd have a possibility of terrain changing. So you place a copse of scrub that turns out….is a gully. Maybe when they get within 6" you check for change. And keep track of which have been checked, so no one gets a free pass.

Third, make sure LOS plays into it, so you have to see it, not just get within 12".

Sounds like a fun idea.

Third,

Love the idea for a game

Agree with the Map idea – if you have multiple teams looking to exit – they need to be able to go through the same terrain I would think –

I agree with the above – but would add – the Zulus should get a map of the terrain – if you have players in that role – if not as Umpire – make full use of the terrain to your benefit

Nick, check out the Redcoathistory site. The owner is South African and has a lot of videos on redcoat history including some on escaping from Isandalwana. Gives a good perspective on the survivors and terrain.

Sounds like a great game! I would go with the map idea. I would also have a deck of cards giving random events. Please report back once you had this game. This could work great as a solo scenario as well I believe

Thanks, All, for some great suggestions! Wolfshanza, thanks for pointing me to Redcoathistory! The Fugitives Trail video is perfect reference: link

Neat! Keep us updated as this develops!

Isn't there a Peter Pig or Eureka set of rules where the players stay roughly in place and the simple terrain pieces moves as the player's forces progress? What am I thinking of?

Flashman14, do you mean Patrols in the Sudan? link
They would work, but I prefer the visual of the miniatures advancing down the length of the 10 foot table.

Hi Nick, what a fun and exciting sounding game. I do believe a map would help the game go more quickly and smoothly. What I suggest is to place the terrain as the players approach like you state, but dice or pull a card each time a team comes up to said piece to decide how restrictive the terrain is, ie how many die down the team is going to suffer through each terrain piece. Subsequent teams moving through can get through each terrain piece quicker or slower depending on the dice roll or card pulls. Something similar to what TVAG did with his TSATF Terrain Card Deck.

SgtGuinness, Thanks! I was not aware of this product. It looks like just the ticket and I ordered a set.