HOLF Players Guild

Operational Scenario

The Players Guild Spring Session  2003 will be conducted in the same general operational context.  The the following scenario summary is provided to give the players of the games an idea of some of the tactical possibilities that may occur in the latter rounds of the tournament as the operational scenario matures.

Strategic Situation

In 1862, as the remainder of the western hemisphere is engulfed in the conflicts of the American Civil War, the Santee Sioux uprising, and the French incursion into the Valley of Mexico, rumors of a mammoth gold strike on the Baja peninsula grows.  The cash-hungry "republics" of Los Hijos de Cortez   and the Free State of Astoria    determine to send expeditions of "prospectors" to the area to explore the possibilities of development of the new-found resource.  Each of these expeditions are rumored to be between 50-75,000 "volunteers" moving in multiple columns as neither nation knows the actual location(s) of the gold strike or whichever port areas are suitable for supporting the commerce that these expeditions will create.

The commanders of each column are instructed to secure various locations on the peninsula.

It is expected that initial operations will be actions to secure preliminary port areas and key passes and roadways allow the expedition(s) to control movement along the peninsula.  Once the location(s) of the gold strike are identified, operations are expected to center on these areas.

Match #1

The battles in Match #1 center around a key port area (Caguama - 25.1-112.0) , a key lateral mountain pass (Punta Prieta - 26.1-113.0) , and a suspected gold mine site (Las Miras - 29.0-113.4).  These battles will  be conducted as meeting engagements by the three columns of the Cortez and Astoria expeditionary forces. The purse of each contest will be 100 EPs with a 60% / 40% split between the victor and losing team respectively. The size of future purses and the respective splits will not be tied in any fashion to these parameters.

Match #2

The battles in Match #2 are an evolution of the operational situation from Match #1.  The Council of Ministers of Los Hijos de Cortez has decided to press their advantage. All field armies are told to make attacks on the twin axis - Rosario & Santa Maria. Some forces are charged with the security of the UC rear along the eastern shore of the Baja.  The forces of the Free State of Astoria are deployed to counter the UC push. The purse is 100 EPs for each battle - split 80 EPs to the victor / 20 EPs to the loser.

Match # 3

The battles in Match #3 are driven by the changes in the operational and diplomatic situation in the Baja.  The Council of Ministers of Los Hijos de Cortez has decided to consolidate their foothold in central Baja. Their field forces have been ordered to consolidate at Rosario and ensure that no Astorian force can threaten the mines at Las Miras.  A probe is also being send to the western coast to gain an anchorage to re-establish communications with the home island for future "humanitarian" efforts.  The expeditionary forces of the Free State of Astoria are deploying to secure the newly declared Vizcaino Protectorate and counter the UC push to the coast.  Essential to this task is forcing the UC forces away from Santa Maria and Caguama on both coasts.  There are rumors of bonus money for commanders who are able to accomplish these objectives. The purse is 75 EPs for each battle - winner takes all.

Match # 4

The Ministry of Aid & Comfort of Los Hijos de Cortez has ordered all gold extracted from the mines in central Baja delivered to the home islands. The UC field forces are ordered to consolidate in central Baja and at all ports under UC control to counter any Astorian attempts to halt the gold shipment.  The forces of the UC are ordered to execute complimenting tasks to allow the movement of the gold from the interior to the coast.  The expeditionary forces of the Free State of Astoria are deploying to cut off any attempts by the UC to mass forces and move to the coast. Additionally, the leadership of the Vizcaino Protectorate are very interested in knowing how extensive the mining operations at Las Miras have become.  The monetary value of each gold wagon is rumored to be at 100 EPs a piece.  There are rumors that the Juarez government may deploy forces to seize the gold train. The purse is 100 EPs for each battle - winner takes all.

Match # 5

Los Hijos de Cortez successfully secured Point Baja and evacuated the gold wagons to their home islands. The success of this operation won the young Republic respect and recognition by Great Britain, the United States, and the Czar of Russia. The Astorian Vizcaino Protectorate quickly collapsed as the troops were recalled and the Juarez government sent troops back into central Baja. The Central Assembly of the Free State of Astoria conducted an investigation into the expedition to central Baja and was in the process of questioning the senior officers of the expeditionary force when an UC armada arrived off its coast. The appearance of the fleet was quickly followed by a courier with the following dispatch to the assembly:

"The Republic of Los Hijos de Cortez demands the immediate payment of reparations in the sum of ℮1000 (EPs) to compensate the families and businesses of the Republic for losses suffered in Baja at the hands of Astorian mercenaries. This demand is not negotiable and failure to meet it within 48 hours of delivery will signify default by the Free State of Astoria. If the Free State defaults on these reparations then the commander of the UC forces afloat is authorized to initiate actions to seize possessions and properties of the Free State that equal the requested amount of compensation"

The senior officers were released from their summons and instructed to take command of the Astorian Home Guard to prepare to defend the homeland from the impending invasion by the UC forces.

The following is a map of the homeland of the Free State of Astoria:

 The purse is 125 EPs for the campaign - winner takes all.

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