by Steve Blease
Withe the Wars of Dwarven Succession entering a crucial and bloody phase in the north, the Dwarf power blocs are desparate to gain naval supremacy over each other to tip the balance in their favour. To this end the Principality of Hansünderberg has developed a number of ironclad vessels, the most impressive being the Todfehde. This vessel was on a final shake down cruise off the Gnome freeport of Khâz-a-bhlânca when she was discovered by a squadron of Orc frigates under the command of Captain Mhâudlin o'Bràh.
The ironclad Todfehde is under the command of Kaptain von Furzkopf and is the equivalent to a 2nd Rate (Very Large Vessel) with heavy guns and Green crew. She starts the game stationary 10cm from the northern edge of the board where she has been repairing a boiler problem. The Dwarf player must roll 3 or higher on a D6 at the start of each turn to get the ironclad underway. All other normal ironclad rules apply for the Todfehde except that concerning ironclads shallow drafts as the Todfehde has a deeper draft than a regular Dwarf ironclad.
The Orc squadron is under the command of Captain Mhâudlin o'Bràh and comprises of three frigates the Rabid, Saucy Wenche and Mouldy Elf (medium vessels) with normal guns and Sea-Dog crews. The Orcs may enter the board from the southern edge at any speed.
The board is 72cm by 48cm and is open sea to a depth of 5.
The Dwarf aim is to escape to the east, west or south. The Orcs aim to either sink or capture the Dwarf ironclad. The Orcs will gain a partial victory by forcing the Dwarf ship off the northern side of the board into the waters of the neutral Gnomes.
© Wessex Games 2001