The Ghost Men of Bakonga - with IHMN and Belgians in the dark heart of Bakonga......

"So, Harry, you english, you have heard of our Fort Namur, on the Upper Bakonga, to the north of your Protectorate of Transbakonga? It is a small affair, garrisoned by a few Force Publique and their Askari but we like to think we do our part in eradication of the unlicensed slave trade. 

I diverge. Some months ago, my colleague, Commandant Dooderhever led a routine patrol after some ruga-ruga who had been molesting cattle. They ran these ragamuffins to a belt of jungle some kilometres to the west....upon entering the jungle they follow a track leading to une edifice. A temple perhaps. A ruin of zembabwe maybe? A runner arrived telling me this, and I led some of my Askari to the scene. The scenes of what? A chase of the goose of the wilderness my English friend. For the entire patrol had disappeared. Save of course for Commandant Dooderhever and one Gendarme, Morgan? Marant? One of your Anglo Saxon non de guerre no doubt. He ran, the malefactor and Dooderhever, he says nothing but drinks. So, he is normal for a garrisonaix of Namur. But there is a speculation amongst the wives of the Askari as to what happened and I now relay that to you, do not ask how I heard the tale, what? Yes, men of the world, of course.......

The Belgians advance to the strange ruins, scenting treasure some rush ahead....

Dooderhever and the Askari cover the rear but Lt Groot and the Gendarmes stumble on seeking ivory, gold! But what is that in the jungle, is it .... a lion man of Bakonga?

sadly, the Belgians fail to notice the lurking threat and with a cacophony of war cries, the Bakonganese crash out of the bushes. The dope addled  Ruga-ruga banging away with their muskets manage to hit no one, well perhaps a monkey. But a savage one, yes?

The Belgians drop some natives as they charge in but a lot of mobbing takes place and spread out as they are, the Gendarmes face a stabby and short future.....

Gendarme Moran (straw hat) holds his own while Groot and Doodehever fight hard to cut free.....

Moran has slipped away having killed his enemies, while Doodehever uses his trusty revolver to shoot his way out to safety

Lt Groot fights a lonely battle to the very bitter end......

"And so, mon ami, my little grey cells tell me that all of the command died that day, or in the case of poor Groot over a few days, perhaps. If we catch this man Moran, he who ran, well, the penal battalion maybe or perhaps a fair trial and quick firing party? As for Doodehever he is quite insane and so runs one of our smaller outposts, even deeper into les horreur de Bakongue. Now, I repair to my hotel, I meet some of your Transbakongenbosch Republicans tomorrow. Au revoir, Harry."

This was an ad hoc game of IHMN made up on the spot; Mark's recent frenzy pushed me over the edge. having glued up the last of my planned commandos, a game was called for. Figures are Foundry with two Perry Sudanese Askari. 

Cheers

Maff