The Bordurian Incursion Part 1

Every time I read about games in non-existing, imagined countries (Imagi-Nations) I thought about doing this myself. As a long time fan of Tintin, Syldavia and Borduria immediately came to mind. I wanted to use the Toofatlardies Sharpe Practice rules but stretch them to a little beyond the Franco-Prussian war, before the Balkan Wars.

Fortunately Simon Walker published his "Pushing the envelope" article in Lard Mag 02, providing Sharpe Practice rule additions to allow for this.

I had collected a bunch of miniatures I wanted to use. The idea was that Syldavia would receive support from France/Belgium and Borduria from Germany/Austria. The WWI Belgians with shakos from Brigade Models and Northstar were going to be Syldavian light infantry. The 1870 Prussians from Foundry were going to be Bordurian light infantry. I converted a number of Wargames Factory plastic British Zulu war infantry models (using Steve Barber heads) to provide extra troops for both sides. In addition I bought Montenigrin irregulars from Tiger miniatures to serve as Syldavian militia and Warlord games Prussian landwehr to serve as Bordurian conscripts.

After painting the lot they had to wait several years to feature in a game, but last friday they got their baptism of fire.

The background story

The Bordurians have crossed the Northern Syldavian border across the Zympathian Mountains. Information from local sources and Syldavian agents suggests the Bordurians have discovered valuable mineral and ore deposits in the mountains on the Syldavian side of the border and they intend to add this part of the Zympathian Mountains to Borduria.

Syldavian forces are trying to stop the Bordurians at the village of Volodj (A on the campaign map). When the Syldavians arrive, the Bordurians have set up defensive positions in the village.

The Bordurians have 4 groups of light infantry. The Syldavians have 3 groups of light infantry and a group of militia. All are armed with breech loading rifles. I made a mistake and gave all light infantry groups 8 men instead of 6, but we'll fix that in the next game of the campaign.

The game

The Bordurians deployed behind breastworks in the village. The Syldavian main group deployed in the forest and started to move to flank the Bordurians.

The Syldavian Militia deployed in the forest (secondary fixed deployment point) opposite the Bordurian breastworks to discourage them from moving to meet the Syldavian light infantry.

The two remaining Bordurian groups deployed and moved to the road to stop the oncoming Syldavians.

Exchanges of long range fire started chipping away at the Bordurians.

The Syldavian Militia had moved to the forest edge and fired at the Bordurians to keep them engaged, but (voluntarily) withdrew into the forest after losing two men.

I forgot that I bought a Holy man and a Physic (carrying liquid courage), but in the end didn't need them on the table.

When the Bordurian flank collapsed and routed off table, the Bordurians decided to retreat from the village to save their men for later in the campaign.

The Syldavian victory means that the Bordurians will fall back to the old mountain stronghold of Tor Volodokar (C on the map) where they will again try to stop the Syldavians.