Back to my roots - US Cavalry vs the locals

Last evening at Beacon Gaming Club, Will, Si and I played out a game using the "Too few to fight, too many to die" rules and some lovely Britannia miniatures (not sure they are still available from Grubby) from Si's collection.  Will and I each took a half troop (6 men) tasked with escorting a covered wagon through an arroyo complex and on to a fort on the adjacent plains.

Indigenous peoples, hereafter referred to as hostiles, in true Hollywood fashion were generated and played by Si, appearing according to a card system with diced random composition and strength.  The wagon plodded along d6 inches per turn.

Early on, Will's half troop found itself facing two groups of hostiles on the cavalry's right flank, so dismounted to face them.  The closest group attempted a charge, but stopped short, exposing themselves to some nasty volley fire.  On the left in the far distance, my cavalry have dismounted to take on another party of hostiles that have taken up a good ambush position along the arroyo walls.

My half troop slowly advancing on the hostiles and disorders on them.

Come on my lucky lads, make every shot count!

In the distance, another party of hostiles on foot appear.

Mounted hostiles approach the fort and some live to regret it.

Will has dealt with the two parties of hostiles to his front, while more warbands appear behind him (top right) and in front (left of giant hand).  Having driven off the hostiles on the arroyo wall, my half troop has mounted and is catching up with the wagon to deal with any hostiles appearing between it and the fort.

Faced with two large parties of mounted hostiles, the cavalry have all mounted and charged the enemy using pistols and sabers.  In the foreground, my half troop lost a man, but the hostiles recoiled with lots of disorder, but Will's cavalry charge swept the other group away and the shaken remnants of the group facing my half troop melted away into the dust and heat haze.

That effectively brought the hostile's efforts to intercept the wagon to an end for the day and the wagon was left to trundle into the fort, for the loss of one cavalry trooper and a few cuts and scratches.

A great game, lots of fun, quite simple mechanics easy to pick up, but when those hostile cards keep generating new contacts, there's a lot to keep the cavalry busy.  Then a run of "nothing happens" cards and the cavalry have a chance to deal with the threats.  Lots to keep the players busy and lots of touch and go moments.

As ever, thanks for looking.