Description
Shore batteries were usually hastily set up to in strategic land positions to creat a foothold. If these areas proved to be very important, a fort would be built. The ideal combination of size, durability and strength was the Martello Tower. The Black Seas scenery pack also contains a light house, several rocky outcrops, two wrecks, one of a 1st Rate and one of a 3rd Rate to use when ships are reduced to zero points. You'll find within the box plenty to add variety to your games of Black Seas. Rocks of various shapes and sizes can provide tricky obstacles to negotiate with your vessels. They are also capable of blocking line of sight - a wily Captain, should his sailing be savvy enough, can use them to stalk an enemy in relative safety before pouncing upon his prey. But be careful not to collide. They are particular use in Scenario 11 (Page 48 of the Black Seas Rulebook). Sinking vessels can lend a game an extra layer of authenticity. Use them to replace your own ships as they fall in battle. Wrecks are treated the same as rocks, as such a sinking vessel can provide a sudden and unexpected obstacle for either side to negotiate. Alternatively, they could be used as the objective for a scenario - to rescue a crew or a valuable cargo. Fortifications are a significant part of a number of scenarios in the book, such as scenario 7 - Coastal Raid (Page 44 of the Black Seas Rulebook). Martello towers were a common sight along the British coastline and employed a 360-degree arc of fire - a formidable coastal defence. Also included are gun emplacements and a lighthouse.
Features
- Prepare your fine array of 1/700th scale tall-ships for battle focusing on the golden age sail of military maritime warfare ships combating in the period 1770-1830, the 'carronade era'. From superbly detailed plastic Frigates, Brigs or 3rd Rates (usable for all nations) through to the mighty 1st rates in finely detailed metal and resin, there are plenty of options to take to battle!
- Utilizing a unique and innovative initiative system based around the most important factor of sail powered combat: the wind. Additional rules enable you to fight in a 'line of battle,' engage shore batteries, rake your enemies with withering initial broadsides or capture vessels in heroic boarding actions. All while avoiding such hazards to navigation as fog banks, fire ships and shipwrecks.
- The rules allow you to field fleets comprised of vessels ranging from the tiniest gunboats up to the true giants of the waves, the mighty 1st rate warships. Can be played on a 4' x 3' table or unobstructed floor space.
- Each ship in Black Seas is accompanied by a ship card which details its speed, weaponry and other key ratings to help strategically plan battles based on their advantages.
- Build, paint and play! The construction and painting of the models and watching them come to life are just as much fun as the game itself! Paint and glue are not included.