This scenario is based on an action described in the novel 'The Ionian Mission' by Patrick O'Brian. It was originally written for the first edition of the 'Form Line Of Battle' miniatures rules, but I have added the necessary information to allow it to be used with the second edition too. The nature of this type of wargaming makes it fairly easy to convert for use with other rules as well.
This scenario has been amended to conform to FLOB III.
In an unknown year towards the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Jack Aubrey is in command of the 28 gun frigate HMS Surprise. He is sent on a mission to force the French out of a port on the Ionian Sea, and involved in negotiations with a minor Turkish ruler. The ruler captures Jack's transports and set out to sea to assert his authority. Jack puts the Surprise onto a southerly course to intercept the Turkish ships.
British
Surprise (28) - Superior 6th Rate Frigate, Elite crew
Turkish
Torgud (32) - Inferior 5th Rate Frigate, Poor crew (See special rules below, however)
Kitabi (20) - Inferior 6th Rate Corvette, Poor crew
The Torgud mounted a pair of heavy cannon which gave its broadside an extra punch, but which hampered its sailing qualities. It therefore moves at Frigate speed but turns as if it were a ship of the line (2 points per movement phase). The heavy cannon can be used three times during the game, their use being declared before the dice are rolled. Each use adds one to the Torgud's fire factor for that shot.
Use a table approximately 6' x 4' with the N-S axis being the longest.
N
^
^
S
K T
The ships are as follows:
S - Surprise
T - Torgud
K - Kitabi
The wind is from the South East.
Torgud and Kitabi should be lined up about 15cm apart heading North North East and about 15cm from the Southern edge of the table.
Surprise is heading South West about 30cm from Torgud and 10cm from the Eastern edge.
The Surprise lived up to its name and initially caught the Turks unawares. To simulate this the following special rules apply. The Turkish ships may not deviate from their initial course or fire until the phase after they are fired on or until they become alerted. They may only move on one dice although they still roll the 4 dice their attitude to the wind entitles them to. In each Turkish command and repair phase roll a dice. If the score is 5 or more the Turks are alerted. Add one to the score if the Surprise is within 20cm and 2 if it is within 10cm of a Turkish ship. On all following phases the Turks may fire and move normally.
If the Turks capture or destroy the Surprise they win a major victory. If the Surprie leaves the table they win a minor victory. If the Turks leave the table and neither exit via the Northern edge the British win a minor victory. If one Turkish ship is captured or destroyed the British win a minor victory. If both Turkish ships are captured or destroyed then the British win a major victory. Any other result is a draw.
The Surprise initially engaged the Torgud in attempt to mask the fire of the Kitabi. After a fierce exchange of fire, the Torgud attempted to close on the Surprise in order to board, but was out manuevered. This left the Surprise in a position to engage the Kitabi instead, forcing it to disengage. Both Turkish ships ran to the Nort West with the Surprise in hot pursuit. Kitabi and Torgud collided in their haste allowing Jack to use the corvette as a bridge to board the frigate and capture both vessels.