Die Flottendammerung

I recently completed a great campaign using Avalon Hill's Jutland rules and a scenario that balances up for the German Player in the late war extra victory conditions.  I had five players, three from my boardgaming friends, a tabletop wargamer and an ex work college who had previously served in RN Submarines. 

Scenario Die Flottendämmerung (The Twilight of the Fleet) An Avalon Hill Jutland scenario by Brian McCue © 2019.  this is built on Hipper's operational plan and both German players, Hipper (High Seas Fleet) and 3rd Uboat Flotilla Commander were given this as their briefing.

Hipper was played by the former colleague and submariner, he also wanted to mess with Hipper's play in two ways, first spring it one day early, these operational forces to maintain radio silence, keep it secret from all other forces until 7am on the first day then deliver his detailed orders by motorcycle courier.  He also wanted to manage the potential mutiny by sitting with his battleships in the anchorage at heligoland bight and calling on the Uboat commander to exercise his initiative with the mutineers.  This necessitated getting a Uboat commander in, who was well played by my old friend Andrew, an all round wargaming, boardgamer and RPGist

I have some great wee models for the Jutland Fleets and wanted to play the tabletop battles.  It was great to be and umpire and to simply enjoy the moves of the players. I got three very playable and effective engagements

Rapid fire and the night time adaptions were used with only one house rule.

House rule

Given the appalling record of the RN night fighting in WW1 I’m using a night time readiness rule, each squadron roles a D6 to see how it reacts on the initial enemy encounter.  1 does nothing, 2 ready to fire, 3 can turn to avoid coming too close, 4 reports, 5 can change course, 6 takes initiative. -1 if tired, -1 if British

Night sailing formation