Return to Tombogo - another Jimland AAR

The Diary of Ambrosius Ballroom

Once more the urge to explore is upon me. Rested after my previous travails I am now ready once again to lead men of less stout heart in search of wealth in the mysterious interior of Tombogo.
Fine fellow that he is, the noble Tweakers has again signed on (though truth to tell I have no idea how else he’d fill his days) and naturally Flaherty will be by my side. I am determined not to have the d***able Scandewegian Scout along with us this time. His death on each previous expedition has caused great inconvenience. I sent Tweakers to locate a replacement and I’m pleased to report he has found a fine and capable chap. The fellow in many respects bears a close resemblance to the little lamented Svensson – in fact, were it not for his luxurious black moustache (such a contrast with his blond hair) one might think them brothers! The new scout gave his name as Svens Err-Thompson, I was at Eton with one of the Err-Thompsons so I suspect this is a distant relation – I feel sure he will prove excellent. We depart at dawn tomorrow!

God Save the Queen!

Day one

I have decided we shall head westwards and have instructed the party so. Almost at once my instincts proved correct as we came upon mysterious and ancient ruins from some long lost civilisation. Tweakers and I made numerous sketches of the ruins and Flaherty used his strength to dislodge some of the crude carvings which I’m certain will assume pride of place in a great museum in London.
As we departed the ruins a party of natives approached. They seemed friendly enough and Err-Thompson exchanged pleasantries with them. They offered us food in return for our trade goods, but I declined.

 

Day two

Westwards once more, however the scout was clearly not paying attention! A wrong turn and several of the party plunged into a deep ravine. One of the Askari and both of the trade goods bundles (and the men carrying them) were lost to us. An unfortunate loss of valuable goods so early in our expedition.

We decided to follow the river that forged the ravine however as we entered a clearing Err-Thompson held up his hand in warning. I quickly ordered us to form up in defensive positions and not a moment too soon as natives burst forth from the surrounding trees.

 Savage Archers emerge!

A defensive pattern is formed

Sneaky savages!

There appeared to be five natives armed with crude bows and five warriors with spears. We gave fire and my unerring ability with the rifle immediately put down one of the bow armed devils.
Two of the archers returned fire, but their aim was off. Meanwhile their fellows broke cover and rushed toward the column.

 The fight is on

Flaherty wreaks havoc with the enemy

Flaherty immediately ran forward to engage one of the spear armed natives and with a mighty right hook despatched the fellow – native guile no match for brute British strength!

The rest of us took aim, I parted the hair of one archer and Err-Thompson too narrowly missed. Tweakers was more accurate and took a native clean through the breast.

Tweakers finds his range

More native arrows rained down on us, but none found their mark. The charging natives found their opponents. The fool tackling Flaherty went the way of his predecessor – this time Flaherty squeezed the life out of him in a mighty bear hug! One of the Askari ducked a spear thrust and then clubbed the native to death with his rifle butt. The scout and the man fighting him circled one another warily but neither landed a blow.

Flaherty, his dander well and truly up rushed to help Err-Thompson and a swift punch to the solar plexus saw another native go to meet his maker. Tweakers took aim and bagged another native, though the rest of our shots proved wild.

Flaherty claims another victim

In return the remaining natives fired their bows to no great effect and, as they melted back into the jungle, Tweakers took aim and bought down a third.
A brutal and savage fight but at no cost to the expedition. We shall keep eyes open for more hostile intent!

Day Three

I was awoken in the cold light of morning by the sound of someone going through our baggage. I rushed from the tent in time to see several savages fleeing back into the jungle. Fortunately my quick thinking had prevented anything being taken. Tweakers slept through the whole affair.
We followed the river southwards deeper into the jungle.
Late in the afternoon we were approached by natives who had elaborate masks and beautifully woven rugs for sale. Through my clever bartering we exchanged some of our food to obtain these wonders that will bring a pretty penny back in Tomsville.
At camp this evening Tweakers and I took out the cards and enjoyed a game of Thruppeny Wordsworth, though our enjoyment was somewhat curtailed by Flahertys mournful crooning.

Day Four

I awoke early this morning and left the tent and almost immediately encountered Err-Thompson. A trick of the light made it appear he had no moustache and I mistook him for the d***able Scandewegian Svensson. I made a loud exclamation and he ducked back into his tent. He re-emerged seconds later and I could see his moustache firmly in place and we both laughed heartily at my error.
We again headed south into the jungle.
Nothing of interest occurred all day.

Day five

Flaherty reports that some of the food has gone bad – we are now low on supplies and I have advised we make progress back toward Tomsville. We headed east, again following the river, which turned northwards late in the day. Err-Thompson advised we should follow it but I overruled his suggestion – we shall continue eastwards.
A quiet night in camp. Tweakers shared some of the romantic poetry he has been working on. Awful guff.

Day six

As we left camp today a large jungle cat emerged from the trees and seized one of the bearers carrying trade goods and dragged him into the jungle.
Tweakers blasted away ineffectually but despite our best efforts we were unable to save any of the valuable goods.
We pushed on despite this setback. In the mid-afternoon a small party of natives emerged from the jungle and tracked us for some hours. We ignored them (but kept our guns handy).

Day Seven

This morning dawned bright and clear and we struck out northwards in good spirits. Tweakers was humming one of those infernal songs from the Music Halls he holds so dear.
Soon after leaving camp we wandered into an expanse of bright red flowers, however barely had the front of the party entered the fields than the men began screaming in agony.
We retreated, but two of the Askari at the head of the column and a bearer collapsed covered in angry welts raised by the poisoned spines  of the seemingly beautiful flowers!
This unfortunate event has left us short of food. And Askari.

As Err-Thompson led us in a circuitous route about the scarlet flowers his keen ear picked up a noise and he motioned us to a halt. I immediately formed us up in a defensive position and not a moment too soon as tribal natives burst from cover and rushed at us across a small stream.

 Another ambush

With my usual unerring accuracy I bagged one of the fearsome tribesmen as he broke cover both Tweakers and the scout failed to hit home.

The natives pressed on their attack, with one sneaky cover trying to work his way down our flank – fortunately the Askari sergeant was wise to his wiles and put a round right between his eyes!

 They are upon us!

Flaherty squares up to the Chieftain

Flaherty, his blood boiling at the sight of the native chieftain urging the savages on rushed out of the line and with a mighty blow dashed the native leader lifeless to the ground

And then the natives were on us. My skilful technique and lithe figure meant my opponent was unable to land a blow on me, though I too failed to find my mark.

The remaining Askari ran to our assistance and one distracted a native long enough for Tweakers  to land a deadly blow. The savage locked in combat with me thrust his spear into my chest, but the small hand painted broach of Binky I keep in my pocket turned the spear-point at the last moment!

Alas Err-Thompson was not so fortunate and a lucky blow from his opponent laid him low, just as he himself disembowelled the tribal warrior.

The fall of Err-Thompson

To our rear the undergrowth suddenly parted and a full grown lion emerged and made for the bearers. Fortunately the man was able to parry the mighty beast with a container of stewed prunes.

A life and death struggle

At this point Flaherty roused himself from his ongoing dance with the native and snapped the fellow’s neck as if it were a twig and with that the remaining natives and the lion al made off into the jungles.
Sadly the Scout died of his wounds. His pitiful claims that it was just a scratch and he’d soon get better could not fool an old soldier like myself. When he refused the offer of a cremation and responded with a stream of seemingly Nordic invective I resolved to leave his body where it had fallen.
We camped for the night in good spirits, though I am worried that food supplies are running low.

Day Eight

We marched northwards. Nothing else to report, save that we have now eaten the last of the supplies.

Day nine

More infernal drums in the night. Awoke to find another bearer had vanished. Tweakers says he finds the drums soothing and slept through everything.
We are still at least a day’s march from our camp and have no more food but I resolutely pressed on.
Shortly after lunch we were greeted by the most marvellous sight. A small herd of the rare, shy and impossibly beautiful Quangar’s Onlyx skipped by our column. Truly they made a majestic picture bounding like ballet dancers  through the undergrowth, their movements almost poetic in their gracefulness.
Tweakers shot them all and we ate like kings at camp tonight.

Day ten

We returned to our campsite. A smaller and wiser party than had departed, but richer in both knowledge and simple drinking vessels fashioned from Onlyx skulls.
Some hours after our return the dead scout blundered into camp as well. He cannot be long of this world.

On our return to Tombogo our discovery of the ancient city garnered some interest and a small reward from the local antiquarians and together with our other resources and information I have made a small profit on the expedition. I look forward to a return to the jungles in due course.

Dinosaur!

It was always my intention that the jungles of Tombogo should have a bit of a Lost World feel to them.
So here's a dinosaur. Cheap children's toy from The Works.

TBH I'm not all that happy with it and think I've not really improved on the original paint job.
However it took about ten minutes in total and it's only a bit of nonsense so I'm not going to waste any more time and effort.

Ral Partha Hippo and Crocodile

A couple of bits of fauna for the jungles of Tombogo - a hippo and a crocodile both from Ral Partha

Quick and dirty paint jobs.
They're quite nice models, the hippo nicer than the croc but they both seem on the small size - I expect they're 25mm rather than the 28mm of most of the Darkest Africa models I currently have.

But as they're only really intended for my frankly rather silly games of Adventures in Jimland I'm not terribly bothered. Especially as they were only just over a fiver for the pair.

Back to Tombogo - An Adventures Jimland AAR

Once more General Ballroom prepares to lead forth a small expedition in search of wealth and fame in the jungle lands of Tombogo.
As before he is accompanied by his school-chum Tweakers, his batman and bodyguard Flaherty and the hapless Scandiwegian scout Svensson

The account of the previous excursion General Ballroom made can be found here

 

The Diary of Ambrosius Ballroom 

April 23rd  1883

Tomorrow I shall once more lead an expedition into the unexplored interior of Tombogo. The fame of my previous exploration has traveled far and wide and I have been prevailed upon to return into the wilds once more. I have decided to resume a northwards passage through the jungles. Tweakers has once again agreed to accompany me. To my astonishment the d**nable Scandiwegian scout has returned as it were from the dead and presented himself for employment. Apparently it was just a flesh wound and he’s fully recovered. I advanced him his first three day’s pay and he vanished into the fleshpots of Tombogo – he had better appear in the morning, the knave!

 

April 24th 1883

Svensson clattered into the camp this morning at daybreak reeking of cheap perfume and native spirits. Flaherty dragged him to the river edge and thrust him into the water several times, which restored some semblance of sobriety and removed some of the smell.
We made swift progress to the edge of the territory we charted on my last glorious expedition I gave a short speech reflecting on my past achievements and Tweakers called for three cheers before we set off once more into the unexplored jungles.
Much of the day passed uneventfully though we encountered a small spring which grew into a river that soon forked both east and west. The scout suggested we follow the waterway but I dismissed his nonsense – Northward we shall go!
Late in the afternoon Tweakers gave a yell and fell to his knees gazing in rapture at a small purple flower. Truth to tell I was quite taken with its beauty as well and ordered the bearers to dig several up to take back to us. The Ballroom Dahlia (as I have chosen to name it) will be a horticultural hit across the Empire I am convinced.

 

April 25th 1883

A miserable night’s sleep – Tweakers snored fit to wake the dead and then complained most bitterly when I emptied the contents of my tooth mug over his head to rouse him. He is stil refusing to speak with me.
The jungle seemed to me unnaturally quiet as we set off, but the scout would have none of it and marched off at the head of the column. Almost the moment we had stepped into  the jungle the air was rent with cries and savages descended upon us.

 

Arrows fell amongst us before we could respond and one of the askari fell stone dead to the floor. Tweakers too was hit by an arrow and I worried for his safety, but luckily the deadly projectile merely scratched his cheek. Four of the natives rushed towards us.

Hastily I ordered the askari into a line though Flaherty raced away to engage in fisticuffs with the natives. We were too engaged with forming a defensive position to give fire and Flaherty swung and missed his opponent.

At this point an undiscovered Lion suddenly sprang forth to threaten the end of our defensive line, but fortunately it’s claws did not strike home.
The native archers fired once more but their arrows fell short. A second native turned on Flaherty and the other two rushed our line. However despite a flurry of blows no-one struck home.

I ordered the flag bearer out of the line to help Flaherty and one of his fellows ran to try and drag his companion free from the lion the final two ran to help in the tussle with the natives. Tweakers the Scandiwegian and I fired on the archers and the scout claimed a kill.  One of the evil natives struck down the flag bearer, in return the askari killed one of the two bold fellows who had charged home. The lion roared but was unable to strike home

Suddenly a cry to my right and Svensson fell to the ground with an arrow in his belly. A fatal blow – though he protested otherwise. Flaherty continued to swing and miss at his baffled opponents as another askari ran to help him. Meanwhile the two askari finally dispatched the ferocious lion with swift blows. It’s head will look nice back at Ballroom Manor.

In revenge for Svenson’s death Tweakers took aim and bagged one of the archers and the askari dragged another native to the ground and a huge blow from Flaherty broke the neck of another. Drawn by the death of her mate a lioness emerged from the jungle and took a swipe at an askari  before she and the surviving natives melted back into the trees.

Two dead askari and the scout breathing his last – despite maintaining he was hale and hearty – was a high butchers bill so early in the exploration, but I felt we must press on and ordered us forward. The dying Svensson pleaded to come with us and resisted our attempts to bury him so we left him where he had fallen.
The jungle soon began to thin and we started to climb into foothills and before long were high in the range of mountains that shall henceforth be known as the Ballroom Range.
Late in the day we encountered a small band of natives who seemed friendly though none of us could understand a word they said.
We made camp with a splendid view back over the jungles and toasted the memory of the late Scandiwegian.

April 26th 1883

Fever has struck the camp! One of the Askari has succumbed in the night  and Flaherty too has a high temperature and spent most of the morning incoherently muttering about the “silver bogs of home” or somesuch. Fortunately is iron constitution saw him though and by mid-afternoon he had climbed down from his stretcher and was once more marching with the rest of us.
In the absence of the scout I have been using my unerring sense of direction to guide us through these treacherous mountains. As night fell I located a lovely spot with a splendid view back over the jungles. Obviously a desirable spot as there was evidence of a camp having been there recently – natives presumably.

April 27th 1883

A quiet and uneventful day. Once more I led us to a campsite with another splendid view back over the jungles. Another place popular with natives as we found evidence of at least two camps.

April 28th 1883

In the night we were awoken by the sound of drumming. The two remaining askari claimed it was a bad omen and fled into the mountains like craven curs! Fortunately I am made of sterner stuff. As is Tweakers who snored his way through the whole thing.
Another day wondering in the mountains. Around midday we encountered more friendly natives and were able to trade for some more food. Again I located a safe camping spot with a splendid view of the jungle. Tweakers ventured that it all looked awfully familiar to him I fear that the sun is getting to him and he is becoming jaded with the sights we are seeing.

April 29th 1883

Tweakers insisted on leading the column today and I reluctantly agreed. At first things went well and we made good progress, but a sudden landslip saw two days food carried away, along with the three bearers that carried them. Tweakers and I exchanged strong words and almost came to blows. However I did say he could lead for today and am a man of my word, so eventually we went on following his direction. As the day wore on we once more encountered a party of natives – these seemed less friendly and tracked us through the mountains for some time before melting away.
At night we made camp in a most inferior spot. No view of the jungle nor evidence of previous camps.

April 30th 1883

Awoke to discover our bags had been rifled through in the night and our last remaining trade goods had been stolen. Tweakers was all for hunting down the culprits but I am mindful our food supplies are low and we should be making our way back toward Tombogo. To mollify him I allowed him to continue setting our direction, which proved a clear folly as we ended the day back at the same miserable spot we had occupied the night before. He would have none of it, insisting it was merely a similar spot and that the campsite detritus had been left by natives.
As we prepared to make camp we encountered the same group of natives we had previously traded with and once again they seemed keen to exchange but we have nothing to exchange apart from our limited food.

May 1st 1883

I once more assumed command of the expedition today and led us in what I believed to be a southerly direction. As we broke camp I stubbed my toe most painfully on a protruding rock. Closer examination of the offending item revealed it to be a bone of monstrous size – doubtless another thunder lizard – this one shall be known as the Ballroomasaurus. The bearers collected as much of the creatures remains as we could find and I led us down from the mountain and back into lush jungle. I fear we are being tracked as the unfriendly natives of two days ago once more appeared and followed us at a distance for much of the day. Flaherty wanted to chase them off, but mindful of our limited guns I held him back.

May 2nd 1883

Once again the infernal native drums struck up in the night. Three bearers were absent when we assembled again in the morning – the turncoats had even taken two days’ worth of food with them. This venture has felt cursed from the beginning and we are now down to almost our last supplies. I ordered us to travel what I believe to be eastward.
More natives appeared in the afternoon, but again were content just to track our progress.

May 3rd

The morning broke quiet and still and I ordered once more eastwards. We had only been marching for a few hours when Twekaers let out a cry and ran on ahead to a clearing where the tents we had left ten days earlier were waiting for us!
Also waiting for us was the Scandiwegian scout who again insisted his wound was not fatal and demanded his outstanding pay! I pointed out that as he’d left the party he’d not earned any pay and dismissed him on the spot. Though Tweakers subsequently re-hired him to lead us back to Tombogo.

On reaching the capital I was able to relax in a lovely warm bath.
Once again the bone-doctor denies that my thunder lizard is unique, though he did pay well for the remains. Similarly a plant fellow explained that the Ballroom Dahlia was an already known, albeit rare, species. He agreed a reward and took the plantings to send back to Kew Gardens.
Sadly this expedition has cost me rather more than it earned me. However I feel sure there are more resources to be had and as soon as I am well rested I shall venture forth once more!
God save the Queen!

The Ivory Gauntlet - A Triumph and Tragedy Darkest Africa game

After many months* of preparation and painting I was finally able to stage a Triumph and Tragedy game for the other members of the Sherwood Hucknall Ilkeston Team.
I bought the rules many moons ago and then chum James gifted me some Africans and then I started building jungle with no real idea what I was doing.
At some point I decided I'd do the free Ivory Gauntlet scenario, available from the Triumph and Treachery website as a free download. I finished most of the models a while ago, but only cobbled together enough scenery just before I went on holiday.

Usually when we get together for a game we agree what we'll play and then all turn up with soldiers - me turning up with everything and GMing was a new departure for us.

The scenario

Professor Camberwell Greenwick, doctor of anthropology at the University of Swindon, has ventured deep into the jungles of Tombogo, leaving a swathe of destruction in his wake. He is now returning to Tomsville laden with booty.
The fearsome, Ilk'oni tribe - "backward and savage heathens" according to Professor Greenwick - are preparing to ambush him as he heads home

The table. 

Steve initially expressed displeasure at my use of aquarium plants "It feels like gaming in a fishtank" but when it was all laid out everyone agreed it looked very jolly. I was pretty pleased with how it all appeared.

The game

The game began with the Professor leading the bearers forward.

The Ilk'oni appeared with bloodthirsty and savage intent on their minds

The proud Askari marched forth to meet them

Initial shooting from the Askari piled on some shock and a few casualties and the Ilk'oni withdrew to the undergrowth to recover.

Meanwhile the professor ordered the bearers to ford the river while he and the Askari kept up a hail of fire

The Professor proved a fairly hopeless shot.

The bearers paddled the river with no mishaps.

As the Askari broached the waters of the Hookinall river bow armed natives suddenly emerged from their hiding place!

Arrows and blowpipes wreaked havoc on the surprised Askari

Meanwhile the bearers picked up the pace and headed for Tomsville

The archers left the Askari to the mercy of their spear armed brethren and poured fire into the bearers.

Casualties mounted and shock increased

Valiantly the Professor belched led at the native fighters. but to no avail, the Askari were cut down.

The last few bearers left the table and as the warriors whooped their victory cries the White Man faded into the jungle hoping to make his own way back to civilisation.

This was great fun and the chaps seemed to enjoy it. The rules worked very smoothly for the most part, though we got a bit lost with combat and were a little puzzled by the morale/supression rules.
I think I'll ask some questions on LAF to clear things up. We also got the shooting modifiers wrong at first, but as it affected both sides it didn't matter too much. I really liked how T&T played and can see lots of potential for using them for small scale skirmish games.

Everyone agreed that "hosting games" made for a fun change, so Steve is planning something for General B. and I next week and the good General himself is planning to teach us both Congo the week after.
Me I'm thinking about a some more Darkest Africa T&T. Perhaps the follow-up scenario from the download pack, or maybe a rescue mission sent forth from Tomsville in search of the missing professor.
Does anyone make a 28mm cannibal cooking pot...?

*years, actually