Fort Devens Game Day 2024

 

  17 November was the annual Fort Devens game day.  This is a wonderful event held each year at the Fort Devens Museum. A dedicated group of gamers put it on and always hold a variety of games.  The public is invited to come out and try the hobby.  Admission is free and includes a visit through the museum itself.

  This year there were a variety of games that caught my eye.  The battle in Bohemia 1619  was especially colorful and the players were having a great time.  There was also a Command and Colors American Civil War game that looked good.

  For me the highlight each year is Adam's games featuring (a heavily modified) Black Sails rules and sailing ships.  Each model is a little work of art and Adam is especially knowledgeable about the period.  I have great fun playing and when home looking up books he recommended.  

This year he put on a series of single frigate fights from the War of 1812. These usually last a half hour to forty five minutes (or much less if I was commanding).   This way a great number of people could try out a game.  There were a number of families who dropped in.  They all looked to be having a great time.

Alas!  My record in sailing games of never winning a game has held firm.  I am now something like 0 to 125 in wins and losses.   In my first game was HMS Java vs USS Constitution.  Single frigate to frigate action.

I maneuvered well at first and got a beautiful raking shot at Constitution.  Did some damage but not enough. For me that was the high point!  Then the wind changed

Constitution then closed and devastated me.  At the end I was burning and out of control.  Historical it was after this engagement (and the loss of three other ships)  that the Royal Navy order its frigates not to engage the much heavier armed American frigates one on one.  So perhaps I did not do so badly after all!

Next up was two smaller ships Levant & Cyane vs Constitution.  Again a historical engagement where the bigger heavier American frigates took out the two much smaller British ships.  But the sacrifice saved the convey Constitution was after so there was that.  I commanded HMS Levant

The game started with the two smaller ships working to get on both sides of the larger enemy.  Unfortunately the wind gage was against us and constitution had the advantage.  Cyane got a good raking fire but unfortunately her smaller guns did minimal damage.  We were like little yorkie's snapping and nipping.

Things changed when Constitution turned and got an excellent raking shot at me.  It was devastating and did horrible damage.  But since my partner was getting good shots in I stayed in the fight hoping to divert attention and give our side a chance

Then, my luck ran out.  A devastating raking shot at point blank range!  Fires broke out, crew Aran away and magazines blew up.  Not much left to show where I once was!   Shortly after Cyane was knocked out of the fight.  Another American victory.

In spite of my poor record it was a great day out and a fun experience.  I met some new gamers and once hone from vacation will enjoy mire gaming in my area.