Hunting the Great White Whale Moby Dick

 “To the last I grapple with thee; from hell’s heart I stab at thee; for hate’s sake I spit my last breath at thee..."

Captain Ahab’s final words in "Moby Dick"

The Hunt for Moby Dick is a fun  game perfect for a late night at the convention.  You command a whale boat that tries to manoeuvre close enough to try and harpoon the whale. You might miss.   If you harpoon the whale it might drag you along as crew members fall over board or dive and drag your boat under the water.  In addition you don't know which way the whale will move or if it will dive under the water or where it will surface.   In addition the small boats tend to get in each others way and you may collide and sink about boat.  Lastly if you fall over board beware the sharks!

Battle of Princeton

  

A meeting engagement between Washington's army and a smaller British Brigade.  Based in the historical scenario but a few addition British units added to make the game a little more even.  In this game although the British put up a grand fight the more numerous Americans broke there right flank and center for a victory.

" Lets Go Surpise Mr Washington"

 

  The second game was a "what if" the British had reinforced Trenton.   The table saw the sane set up as the first game but thus time British reinforcements arrived.  If the first game was a American steamroller, this was more Stalingrad with 18th century troops.

Colonel Rall's terrible no good Christmas day!

 

Trenton with the Delaware river.

 Jim Purky is a master at creating beautiful and fun convention games.  For the last three years I was lucky enough to get in each of the games he put on that year.  Each was fun and a visual treat.  This year he put on three different games.  I made sure once registration was open I signed up for them so I didn't miss them.

Jim himself

The first game on Thursday morning was the historical Battle of Trenton.  Colonel Rall with three battalions of line, some jagers and two light guns are surprised by Washington and the entire Continental Army (8 battalions line and four guns).  Heavily out numbered the Hessians must hold on for four turns before they can try and escape the trap.  

 Jim went out of his way in creating a beautiful snowy landscape that felt cold!   Snow was everywhere; on the houses and the troops bases.  A really nice touch!

As far as the battle American artillery was placed (historically) on the high ground where they could sweep the two main roads in the town. Washington's troops  approached the town in a "L" formation on two sides.  Colonel Rall had his regiment to defend the town on his left, another battalion (Knyphausen regiment) in the orchard on the right and Lossberg regiment in the town.  On the left the advancing Americans decimated my small company of jagers and it was up to the Rall regiment to try and hold them off.  I managed to hold on for six turns before the regiment was down 80% and poor Colonel Rall was dead.  The Knyphausen held out just as long on the right.   With all gone, except honour the Lossberg and a gun managed to escape over the bridge.  All in all we did pretty good!

The American players

The Hessian players.  I got to wear the mitre cap! 
My friend Richard is on the right.

All the players were great and all got into the spirit of the game.  In one of those twists you can't make up my friend Richard Geottel,  who I have not seen in over 40 years was one of the Hessian players!  The last we had seen each other we were both privates in the recreated Colonels company 23rd RWF.  It was a heartfelt reunion and added greatly to our experience.  Thus experience couldn't get ant better!

Historicon 2026

The Rall regiment attempts to stop the American attack.

It was a world wind trip to Historicon this year and I am barley recovered. Part if the problem was the long distance I traveled.  Flew up north to meet friends then drive to Lancaster PA.  Three days filled with games and lectures.  Then drive back.  I took a day off before flying back to rest up.  But it was great and well worth it.  

I played in four games, three Rev War and the hunt for Moby Dick!   The lectures were outstanding and it was awesome to meet in person individuals who I have been reading there articles and books for years.   I will be posting a review of these in the next couple day with extra pictures.  That is once I get some rest!