Village of Vigilantes (Legends of the High Seas AAR)

As darkness descends, a local Loyalist leader prepares to make his way home.  He has had a productive meeting with other Loyalists.  Now his concern is avoiding the small garrison in town, for "Richard Harrison, gentleman" has been proscribed by the Continental Congress.  Heading south through forested area is the best option for avoiding detection, though two pistols provide additional deterrent.

At the same time, though unknown to Mr. Harrison, Will Reynolds has finished his work for the day as a printer's apprentice.  None of his fellow workmen know that this is only a cover for his true passion in life: hunting servants of George III.  He has received an anonymous tip that a weapons cache for equipping Loyalists is located to the north.  Arming himself with his sword and a pistol, Reynolds is looking for trouble.

As both men prepare for action, five soldiers wander through the village where they have been billeted.  Their ammunition has been expended in hunting or having fun and no additional supplies have reached them.  The local civilians have become used to the soldiers in the area. In fact, this is the only effect that the war has had on them--so far.

Using the tree cover, Mr. Harrison moved halfway to his goal without any issues.  Meanwhile Reynolds had to dodge some curious sentries, which slowed his progress.  Finally, one sentry got close enough to Mr. Reynolds to discern that he carried weapons and was a person worthy of questioning.  The race was on, as the sentries decided that Mr. Harrison would be worthy of interrogation as well.

But Mr. Harrison was well on his way to disappearing from sight.  Doggedly, the sentries followed him.  One even pushed close enough to fight him.  This sentry was both courageous and lucky, as he struck Mr. Harrison and pushed him back.  Meanwhile, a cloud of curious spectators followed Mr. Harrison, somewhat impeding his movements.

The weapons cache could wait, as Mr. Reynolds joined the chase against Mr. Harrison.  Clever maneuvering brought Reynolds' pistol within range, and a shot nearly killed Mr. Harrison.  Apparently it was not Mr. Harrison's destiny to fall--yet.

With the safety of the forest looming, Mr. Harrison decided to focus on running and refrain from shooting his pursuers.  It was a mistake that would cost him dearly.  Will Reynolds cocked his pistol and shot.  When the smoke cleared, Mr. Harrison was down--so close and yet so far from his goal.  Before the sentries could properly investigate Mr. Reynolds, he had again disappeared into the shadows.

(Rules set used was Legends of the High Seas.  Scenario was "Sneak in or Out of Town", with civilian rules from "Kidnap the Governor's Daughter". Unusually, this was not a solo effort, as we pulled off a three-way game.  Sentries were controlled via sentry rules. We had tried a similar scenario with Muskets and Tomahawks and it was a disaster.  All players agreed that this was a satisfactory rule set and enjoyed using Might and Fate points.)

2021 Painting Report

 In 2021, 25 new figures were recruited into the world of Redcoats and Ruffles.

They came in a variety of costumes and allegiances.

The biggest gainer in recruiting was the Royal Navy, acquiring six new recruits!  Figures by Mars and Safari.  Two of the sailors have already been individually featured on this blog at:

http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2021/11/sailor-with-cutlass-mars.html

http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2021/02/sailor-with-blunderbuss-mars.html

The Hessian Regiment von Bose managed to get two privates and a commissioned officer in 2021.

Figures by HAT Enterprises.

The Queen's Rangers added two recruits.  One was previously featured on Redcoats and Ruffles at: 

http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2021/03/queens-ranger-charging-bayonet-bmc.html

Figures by BMC.

The 80th Regiment received one private and the 43rd, one ensign.

Figures by Accurate and ATS.

All in all, the British had an excellent year, accounting for 13 of the 25 figures painted.

In contrast to the British, the Americans could muster 5 men in 2021.  Four of these are privates.  The ensign carrying the flag has already been featured at http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2021/07/7th-pennsylvania-ensign-with-flag.html

Figures by A Call to Arms, Safari, LOD Enterprises, and ATS.

The French have been recruiting, too.  This fierce grenadier from the Gatinois Regiment is only the first of (hopefully) many more to come!

Figure by BMC.

Rounding out the year are six civilian figures.  Three of them have already been featured here:

http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2021/07/moses-libertys-kids.html

http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2021/05/colonial-enforcer-marxglencoe.html

http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2021/03/elizabeth-swann-zizzlezizzlingerdisney.html

The other three are eager to be introduced to you, which will be coming shortly!