Battle of Kuna Creek - Victorian Science Fiction

A group of settlers have sent an urgent message that they are under attack by bandits along a small stream called the Kuna Creek in the ill defined border region between Y Ffrynt Tân and lands claimed by the Sultanate of Al-Zafira. Princess Morwenna dispatched a scratch field force of three regiments to march to the rescue. The force is led by Brigadier General Madoc Penrhyn – A fiery and impulsive commander from the frontier garrisons. Beloved by his troops, but his aggressive tactics often bring high casualties.

The Kuna Creek in the ill defined borderlands.

A game played with the First Full of Lead Bigger Battles rules (Glorious Adventures in the Age of Steam). I have made some rules adjustments as I always do, using some mechanics from Combat Patrol.


The bandits, consisting of outcasts, deserters, and rabble from all over, have the settlers trapped in a rock outcropping near their camp. They are led by the dastardly “Black Sun”, a shadowy figure seemingly intent on disrupting Princess Morwenna’s plans to secure the colony lands.


The Sultan of Al-Zafira’s local governor has also dispatched troops to the area to prevent any Y Ffrynt Tân incursion into his fiefdom. He has warned the Imperialists to keep settlers from encroaching on the fertile riverlands near the border.


Brigadier Penrhyn’s force marches quickly to the sound of heavy rifle fire. He sends the Princess Morwenna’s Own Foot Hussars on the left with orders to sweep the bandits from the nearby woods and scrubland. The Duke of Bryn Celynen’s Light Infantry are ordered to advance along the creek to rescue the settlers and secure the campsite. The general can see formed troops across the creek on a small rise, their intentions unknown. To catch the bandits in a vise, he sends Royal Camel Corps Dragoons, “The Desert Roses” , commanded by Lady Seren Eirianydd, in a wide flanking maneuver.


After a fierce battle, the bandits have been dispatched, and the settlers rescued despite suffering heavy losses. The shadowy bandit leader known as “The Black Sun” escaped in the chaos when two regiments of Zafiran Askari began firing on the Y Frynt Tan troops from across the Kuna Creek. Both sides suffered casualties until the fighting subsided when the single Askari company that had crossed the creek was forced to withdraw.


Brigadier Penrhyn’s dispatch to the capital in Chatsworth praised the performance of the troops. Princess Morwenna’s Own Foot Hussars swept the enemy bandits before them without loss before wheeling to their right to bring accurate rifle fire on the threatening Askari (3 total casualties). The Duke of Bryn Celynen’s Light Infantry marched quickly to the relief of the settlers and faced heavy cross fire from bandits and Askari alike. Holding the line, they rescued all they could and kept up a lively fire on the Zafiran troops to prevent any more from crossing the Kuna (6 casualties). Lady Seren’s Camel Corps flanked the remaining bandits and scattered them in a wild charge before withdrawing out of range of the reinforcing Zafiran regiment (no casualties). The force has withdrawn to make camp in some nearby hills, perhaps a location for a future border fort.

Settlers take cover in the rocks from the bandits.

Princess Morwenna's Own Foot Hussars advance in column. 

The settlers are being whittled away.

But the bandits start to suffer too.

The two regiments shake out into line.

A force of hostile Askari across the creek.

The Hussars press the attack.

The Duke of Bryn Celynen’s Light Infantry reach the settlers but are under heavy fire.

Two supporting companies take positions on the flank.

The Hussars attack with two companies in line, while the third flanks the woods. 

The askari's become more aggressive, moving to the creek and tarting to fire across. 

The last of the bandits in the scrub.

Rifle duel.

Hussars advance.

A second regiment of Askari approach.

As the Camel Corps arrives to surprise the bandits.

The mysterious "Black Sun" bandit leader escapes.

Leaving his troops to be overrun by the Hussars...and...

The Desert Roses.

The Hussars wheel to the right to bring support to the hard pressed The Duke of Bryn Celynen’s Light Infantry.

Having rescued who they can, the center company is forced back by Askari fire. 

Both sides withdraw to end the engagement.