On Saturday, 1/12/08, two gamers (Matt and Bob K.) engaged in an epic battle pitting the best of the Union Navy (USS Monitor and USS Minnesota) against the pride of the Confederacy (CSS Virginia). Matt commanded the Union ships, while Bob K. commanded the CSS Virginia. In a hard fought, twenty one turn game, the Union prevailed over the Confederacy by sinking the CSS Virginia.
Mind you, USS Monitor was crippled, but the Union was safe from the predations of the Confederate super weapon. USS Minnesota performed yeoman duty firing massive broadsides of IX" shot into the Virginia.
The game opened with a 'charge to contact' as Virginia rammed Monitor head on. If only Bob could have achieved 'ramming speed' before ramming! As it was, the ram caused moderate damage and minor flooding. Matt's efficient crew quickly stopped the leaks and pumped out the water.
Following the ram, the combatants backed apart and began circling each other at long range (approximatley 20+ inches). This limiting firing to the heavier guns and minimized damage. Soon the opponents closed the range again, trading shots and damage. Matt scored some solid critical hits, disabling the stern rifle on the Virginia for a turn and later scoring hits on the firebox and the port broadside armament. Bob gave good solid hits, but failed to secure the critical hits that would have driven Monitor under the waves.
In the end, Minnesota covered the withdrawl of the Monitor and, having readied her broadside, poured a devastating salvo into the Virginia from about 500 yards. The damage hulked the ship and sent the remains to the bottom of Hampton Roads.
Thanks for playing guys - good game! Matt handled his ships with skill, placing his ships where they could do the most damage.
Mind you, USS Monitor was crippled, but the Union was safe from the predations of the Confederate super weapon. USS Minnesota performed yeoman duty firing massive broadsides of IX" shot into the Virginia.
The game opened with a 'charge to contact' as Virginia rammed Monitor head on. If only Bob could have achieved 'ramming speed' before ramming! As it was, the ram caused moderate damage and minor flooding. Matt's efficient crew quickly stopped the leaks and pumped out the water.
Following the ram, the combatants backed apart and began circling each other at long range (approximatley 20+ inches). This limiting firing to the heavier guns and minimized damage. Soon the opponents closed the range again, trading shots and damage. Matt scored some solid critical hits, disabling the stern rifle on the Virginia for a turn and later scoring hits on the firebox and the port broadside armament. Bob gave good solid hits, but failed to secure the critical hits that would have driven Monitor under the waves.
In the end, Minnesota covered the withdrawl of the Monitor and, having readied her broadside, poured a devastating salvo into the Virginia from about 500 yards. The damage hulked the ship and sent the remains to the bottom of Hampton Roads.
Thanks for playing guys - good game! Matt handled his ships with skill, placing his ships where they could do the most damage.