Space 1889: Battle for the Trading Outpost - Part 1

The prosperous Trading Outpost near Niliacus, complete with Liftwood supplies

It was with excitement and melancholy that Gav and I setup for our Space 1889 game this morning. Excited because EVERYTHING was going onto the table, including my brand new unit of French Cuirassiers on Gashants! A chance to get all of the last 4 years of building my French Armee de'Mars onto the table!

Mars pour le Francias!    

But also melancholy because this would be out last game for a number of years because I am moving overseas. Even in the wargaming community, Space 1889 is a rare 'niche within a niche' and finding a fellow geek only 15mins drive away who you can have an informed conversation about the relative merits of 'martian tack vs European tack' on Gashant models is rather special and rare!  Anyway, on with the game...

A Martian Artillery Battery - ready to defend!

After recent victories on the pains of Xanthe, French confidence and ambition was high. With conditions set and flanks secured through diplomacy (and slightly shadier means), the invigorated French army attempting to forcibly annex the outlying trading posts of the trading city state of Niliacus. Located on a nexus of four wet canals it offered a strategic access into Mare Acidalium, and a clear demonstration of strength would likely swag its ruler, Prince Dardag, to follow the example of Ideaus Fons and enter into an alliance with France. If this also granted access to the Driftwood plantations around Chryse and helped curb American ambitions from Thymiamata then all the better.

Rarely on Mars have Europeans mounted a Brigade level offensive operations, but that was exactly the plan here: 

- on the Left flank the French Sponsored Sepoys of Ideaus Fons (2 units of Regular Infantry), supported with a mitralleuse (poorly trained), and 2 units of Hill Martian sharpshooters

- on the right flank the légion étrangère (2 units of Regulars) with an attached unit of sharpshooters

- in the centre the Attack column comprised of 3 units of Grenadier Guards (Regular infantry with Fierce and Elite) and an attached company of sharpshooters. Closely supported by Ironclad Squadron with one Heavy land cruiser with Cannon and two Light land cruisers fitted with mitralleuse.

- In reserve, the Cavalerie Brigade, comprising French Curassiers, Lancers (models borrowed from the British garrison but most definitely French!) and Sepoy Cavalry, all mounted on Gashants

- in support, the French aerial gunship 'Le Epee' armed with a cannon

In total this was 19 units - about 3 times the size of a regular TMWWBK game

The Martian 'Red Legion' - gallant defenders of the Trading Outpost against the Earthmen!

The Martian defenders were arrayed in 4 Legions - the Red Legion in the Outpost, and a Legion on each flank on the plains. The Outpost itself offered the benefit of heavy cover at long range (including obscuring targets) but only light cover at short range where targets could be seen better

The Martians also had a supporting Gashant Legion of 3 units, which was both impressive and imposing on the table!

Victory Points would be awarded as follows, with subtle difference between armies

French

• Capture the Trading Outpost 5 VPs
• Capture the Ruins 1 VP
• Eliminate Martian forces 1 VP per 2 units
• Break Enemy Formations 3 VP per Legion
• Have Prince Imperial Louis-Napoléon enter Combat and survive 1 VP (rumours of his demise in Zululand were greatly exaggerated!)

Martian

• Hold the Trading Outpost 5 VPs
• Hold the Ruins 1VP
• Break French Forces 1 VP per unit
• Break French Formations 3 VP per Battalion
• Prince Imperial Louis-Napoléon falls in Combat 1 VP

The Martian 'Black Legion' on the Martian right Flank

Rules:

We used our usual adjustments to the rules, including the 'bag pull' method for random unit activations.

- the French Cuirassiers we treated as standard Regular Cavalry but their armour gave them the equivalent of light cover: that is, requiring 3 hits per casualty vice the usual 2.

- For simplicity, Le Epee got to move automatically but had to roll to activate her cannon armament, which fired as a standard cannon. (We still havent gotten around to making some specific damage tables and effects for Airships and walker Land Cruisers)

To suite the larger game size, we broke the Armies down into Commands of 2-3 units, all of which would be available for activation when their time came. To reflect better command and control, Martian Commanders could activate 2 units for each activation while French Commanders could activate 3 (Units still had to individually dice for activation success when activated)

    - for simplicity, the Commanding Officers of each unit group didn't really have an active role/impact or have individual skills, but that would be a nice addition for next time. The scale and scope of the game, with only 1 player per side, didnt permit it in this case

With the formations set and his orders given, General de Brigade Claude Escargot looked out one last time across the plan and signalled his men to begin the attack...

A Zulu Fort...for Mars?

Imagine this...with a liftwood observation post floating above it!

 

Just posting a quick article I came across in an old, old Magazine for making a Zulu War encampment by Mr Ian Weekley himself. Naturally, this sparked the idea of one for Mars for my Legion troops to defend against hordes of savage Hill Martians!

click for larger version

click for larger version

In fact this article comes from the hallowed pages of Miniature Wargames Issue 26 from July 1985, well back in last century (and almost 40 years ago in fact!)

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Which reminded me of the lovely Martian Fort from the Slaute "Couldships of Mars" project of...well, a long time ago anyway

Pics courtesy of: http://www.werelords.com/cloudships/fort.htm

WIP pics showing construction detail:

Russians on Mars

Having decided that my French army is sufficiently big, I was scoping another Space 1889 force. My mate Gav already has some British with designs on Prussians, so what to do... Russians!

The Tsar on Mars - what might that look like? 

The Central Asian campaign look is probably most period correct (and matches the arid Mars terrain)

Vasily Vereshchagin, ‘Russian troops storming the city’

Siberian Coassack

Copplestone Castings - Back of Beyond Range - White Russians, might be sueful for some elements

Sep 2024 Edit: so yeah, of course this happened. I picked up 38 second hand Empress Russians to start the force.

Space 1889: Grey Lady Down - Rescuing Airship Leland!

Back to Mars today, hosted by club mate Gav and with fellow Space 1889 aficionado Charles. Highly unusually for us, we kept the game size way down at 24 points, and played a modified scenario from the TMWWBK book. 

Using our modified rules tweaks listed here (but forgetting to use the Bolt Action dice drawing technique) I played a French force comprising:

- French Garde Grenadiers (12 man Regular Infantry) with Elite and Fierce (8 points)

- French Foreign Legionnaires (12 man Regular Infantry), with Fierce (7 points)

- 2 Skirmisher Squads (6 man/half strength Regular Infantry) (3 points each)

- Aerial vehicle crew (6 man/half strength Regular Infantry) (3 points)

The Leyand was cleverly constructed from card by Andrew P - all the fittings are magentised

The aerial transport ship Leland had emergency landed on the Xanthe plain while transporting French supplies to Idaeus Fons. The local manager of the owning company, Dubauve and Gallais, had great influence with the local magistrate and was able to solicit military assistance for its recovery. Locally stationed legionaries had linked up with the crew, and now waited for a rescue column to arrive- led by the newly arrived Garde Grenadiers on their first foray out of the city! Against them, 4 mixed Martian companies (*8 units of Cutters and Shooters) advanced, seeking to forcibly salvage the weapons and technology of the Earthmen.

The superior French rifles kept a number of Martian units pinned down and whittling them away slowly.  I managed to get my relief column into range and the volleys crashed out with regularity.

The Martians got some luck when their musketry took down a couple of the Airship's crew, pinning the unit. It failed to rally and the sailors fell back, abandoning the ship and their firing vantage point. The race for the ship was on!

And won by the Garde, who surged forward and began to pour the fire on. The Martians lost momentum and their casualties began to tell, falling backwards and a couple of units dispersing under fire.

The sound of rifle fire died away as the Martians melted back into the hinterland to lick their wounds

I thought I would be overwhelmed quickly, but lacking good leadership the Martians failed many of their activation rolls. In contrast, I didn't fail a single one all game and the Garde never rolled less than 11 !  That made it a rather one sided affair, though the Legionairres almost failed a pin check after taking a single casualty at a critical time and that would have really turned the game around.

Armée d'Mars in all its Glory! (minus the Cavalry WIP on my desk!)

Thanks to Gav and Charles for a fun game and the chance to get our figs out onto the table! Naturally we dreamed big plans for our next armies (my French army is now getting waaaay too big!)

French Land Cruiser unveiled!

Our planned game this week, to debut the French Grenadier Garde I painted earlier this year, unfortunately had to be cancelled when my mate got sick. Instead I invested time into a long stalled project... a French "Land Cruiser"!

Having trialled the design, the first four production vehicles were deployed to the German border to bolster the defences. Another pair were subsequently deployed to North Africa for expeditionary campaigning, and field tests were conducted in arid conditions.  With those lessons implemented, model Number 7 aka "Sept Chanceux" (Lucky Seven) was assigned to Franciase Corps expéditionnaire du Mars.

This was one of those models that stays in the cupboard for years awaiting the perfect time, and then rushed through the painting process in under 24 hrs.  After all, a model finished to "good enough" standard is far better than "Parade Ready" years too late (or so I have found out, years too late...!)

Fitted with a large calibre, short barrelled naval cannon

This model is a pre-release one that my friend allowed me to have while he implemented some improvements. The body is resin with the legs, weapon and mast in metal.  The model came with 6 different weapon options, so they are temporarily mounted depending on the field commander's needs! To add a bit more of the "Battleship on land" feel and add some colour, I made minor modifications to the mast to rig it, and then made some naval signal flags (still no wireless radio in 1889 you know!) 

Overall I am very happy with how it came out - thanks Drew for allowing me to have this model ahead of time (no release date currently)

Painting notes: Black Undercoat

Heavy Drybrush with GW Skavenblight Dinge

Drybrush with Model Colour (vallejo) Light Green Grey 70.971

Pinwash with GW Nuln Oil and Agrax Earthshade for rust spots

USA on Mars

What if Lt Colonel George Custer was instead assigned to the 5th Cavalry on Mars....

From GDW's "The Soldier's Companion"

Wonderful conversions in 15mm (not mine!)

And some 28mm USMC Infantry on patrol (on Venus in this case)

Bare Island Fort, Sydney

Bare Fort was part of the secondary defences of Sydney, not in the main harbour area but guarding the entrance to the industrial Port Botany, some 10 miles south. 

It was built on an existing natural sandstone island. Captain Cook first spotted the area now known as Bare Island in 1770, and referred to it in his journal as 'a small bare island'.

It was part of the latter ear of Colonial fortification to protect against "lighting raids" by enemy cruiser squadrons who could hold the city to ransom. It was built 1881-89 and marred by construction and design problems throughout.

Bare Island circa 1973

The garrison was approximately 70 men to crew the main armament: two RML 9 inch 12 ton guns, two RML 80 pounder guns, RML 10 inch 18 ton gun in an armoured casemate, and two five–barreled 0.45-inch (1.1 cm)Nordenfelt guns for close defence. The fortifications consist of five gun emplacements arranged symmetrically in an arc and linked by underground tunnels to reduce crew exposure to shot and shell.

The garrison was iteratively reduced in the years following federation and by 1912 was turned into a War Veterans home, the first of its kind in Australia.  Some of the guns were sold for scrap during the 1930s depression.

It was reoccupied by a small detachment in WW2, during which time Major General Whitelaw, in charge of coastal defence, had the following to say of Bare Island Fort in his memoirs;

"The Bare Island Section was to say the least rather a quaint military organisation, one officer, a sergeant, two bombardiers and about ten gunners.  Their main armament comprised two 3 pounder Hotchkiss QF guns which I understand had come from the RAN.  I suspect from their age they may well have beeen in service with the Colonial Navies before the turn of the century.  They were rifled but the years and rust had taken its toll and somewhat smoothed the bore.  The ammunition however was bright and shiny.  The other equipment was quite rudimentary – a telephone and a Hall beach light.  I don’t recall any range finding arrangements.

The charm of Bare Island lay in the barracks and the fortifications and the dozen or so old war veterans in residence.  Sometime between the wars the barracks had been set up as a war veterans’ home.  After a night’s duty and completing the dawn “stand-to” there was nothing more pleasant than to sit in the sun with one or two of the old gentlemen and hear their tales of days past.  To add to the pleasure would be a swim at Congwong Bay en route to Henry Head.

Bare Island must be counted as a gem of colonial military architecture.  Importantly, it was established to control the entrance to Botany Bay in the 1880s.  It had quite a formidable armament – two RML 9 inch 12 ton guns and two RML 80 pounder guns mounted en barbette, together with an impressive RML 10 inch 18 ton mounted in an armoured casemate.  The Fort in those far off days also boasted two 5 barrel 0.45 inch Nordenfelt machine guns on field mountings.  I didn’t see where they were kept but imagine they were housed on the mainland.  There was only one gun of the old armament visible – a 9 inch RML piece lying somewhat forlornly by the causeway inscribed “struck off charge 1923″.  The gun had apparently graced one of the emplacements which had been modified to receive a BL 6 inch Mark 5 gun on a disappearing (hydro-pneumatic) mounting which was emplaced in the late 1890s, about the time the Henry Head Battery was established with two similar guns.  My interest was taken by one of the veterans telling of the 10 inch gun in the armoured casemate.  He said they couldn’t get it out and they wanted the space for a billiard room for the veterans.  the solution was to excavate the rock floor under the gun and lower it;  cement it over, and install the billard table above it.  On inspecting the casemate there was no sign of the gun but the window occupying the embrasure took my eye, as it is not often one sees a small casement window with floral curtains fitted into a piece of15 inch armoured plate.  Apart from the four major emplacements on the ridge of the small island there were a couple of command posts and cut into the rock on the landward side, a rather elegant barracks to accommodate perhaps about 50 troops.  The barracks were built of sandstone, two storeys with verandahs, barracks rooms, NCO and officers quarters, orderly room, mess, kitchen and storerooms, all complete and operating and with direct access to the magazines and emplacements.  For local defence there was a loopholed wall connecting with the cliffs on either flank.  As for the soldiers of Bare Section, they seemed to be quite well catered for in this pleasant seaside barracks.  They tended the venerable 3 pounders mounted on the glacis in front of the RML 10 inch casemate.  It was really quite primitive at that time as the guns were simply mounted in the open on their cone mountings with no emplacements or protection.  Perhaps the refinements came later.  They were a happy crew who carried out their duties and drills to everyone’s satisfaction.  No doubt they kept the Japanese from Botany Bay, certainly they were much appreciated by the old veterans."

Tsarist Mars

From http://www.heliograph.com/trmgs/trmgs2/tsaristmars.shtml

by Thomas C. Gray, Jr.

In 1883, with the signing of the Treaty of Cebrenia, Russia took the first step towards establishing a Martian colony. The treaty established spheres of influence on Mars, dividing the planet between the European powers. The Tsar, eager to enjoy the benefits of Martian trade, and looking for a place even more remote than Siberia to send enemies of the state, sent envoys to the city of Hecate Lacus immediately after the treaty went into effect. Now, in the year 1889, the Russian colony established in that city is a thriving center of trade and industry. However, recent events have thrown the colony into turmoil. The Martian puppet government is in a state of flux. High-Prince Jaimougaa's ill health has prompted the early return of Heir-Prince Thimmajoun, who has been educated on Earth, primarily in Russia. With High-Prince Jaimougaa now on his death bed, Prince Thimmajoun has taken over the duties of the High-Prince's office, mainly those duties dealing with Foreign Affairs, the Military, and Commerce. This action was taken against his father's wishes and the orders of the Noble Legislature. The officials of the Noble Legislature ran the city after the High-Prince became ill, and were pushed aside only by threats of force from the Heir-Prince when he returned a few months ago. The Noble Legislature was enacted by the High-Prince to rule until his death and until his son was ordained High-Prince, and there is some question of its legality, although it has the support of most of the Martian population.

While the political structure of Hecate Lacus is in a state of flux, the economy is as strong as ever. The economy of this wealthy city-state is based on a good mixture of shipping and trade, manufacturing, agriculture and banking. While no one area monopolizes the economy, if one area should fail the entire economy would be placed in a downward spiral that it might not be able to recover from. Under the reign of High-Prince Jaimougaa, relations with all kingdoms and city-states were open and friendly, while relations with European powers other than Russian were cool. During the Noble Legislatures's recent tenure relations with the European powers stayed the same, while relations with other Martian city-states and kingdoms became strained to the point of breaking. The most notable event was the expulsion of the Oenotrian Ambassador Lord Sollateheww. The Ambassador had tried to create an anti-human atmosphere in the city, and he had openly recruited a military force to fight in their war against the British. Upon Prince Thimmajoun's return one of his first actions after taking over the duties of the High-Prince was to expel Lord Sollateheww. Since taking that action he has sought to maintain the status quo by neither improving or worsening relations between Hecate Lacus and other Martian city-states and European powers. Some are saying that he is bidding his time until his father is dead before setting long term plans in motion. His only positive action has been to send a personal envoy to Styx to inquire on the possibility of marriage between Princess Ppaatriccia and himself.

Although normally the Imperial Russian Government maintains a policy of staying out of internal Martian matters (preferring to rule from behind the scenes), the recent in-fighting between the Heir-Prince and the Noble Legislature has prompted the Russian Ambassador to openly support the Heir-Prince. The struggle for power between the Heir-Prince and the Noble Legislature has allowed corruption to slip into a once-honest government on a minor scale. The Noble Legislature has also been quick to point out two very controversial actions on the part of Prince Thimmajoun. First is the fact that he is seen on a regular basis attending the Russian Orthodox Church within the Russian Quarter. The second was his presence at and open show of support for the opening of a Martian Orthodox Catholic Church and his open embrace of three newly ordained Martian Priests. Many say that for these reasons Prince Thimmajoun is no longer eligible to rule and that one of High-Prince Jaimougaa's other sons should be named Heir-Prince, or that the Noble Legislature should retain the reins of power after High-Prince Jaimougaa's death. In each case support is limited.

It is the military where Heir-Prince Thimmajoun's true interests lie. Prince Thimmajoun, a graduate of the prestigious Russian Corps of Pages military school, saw his takeover as a chance to both improve and enlarge the military, so upon his return he immediately took over the duties of Lord-Commander of the Army. He also replaced the aging High-Admiral with a younger officer who had more experience in the use of cloudships and screw galleys but who was also a childhood friend and supporter. His second act was to order the reorganization of the army along the lines of the Russian army. He also ordered the enlargement of the army by ten infantry bands, seven cavalry flights, and five artillery bands. This enlargement will be made possible by the introduction of a draft for males between 18 and 35 years of age. The city and the surrounding villages and settlements who owe allegiance to Hecate Lacus will be given a quota that they must fill each year, and on the birthday of the ruling prince, prisoners will be given a chance to volunteer for military service. Each draftee will serve for a period of twenty years, at the end of their service they will be given a plot of land and will not be taxed for a ten year period. Prince Thimmajoun has also vowed to incorporate the mercenary forces into the regular army by organizing them along the lines of the Russian Cossacks. It is also Prince Thimmajoun's intention to uniform his troops in a Martian style Russian uniform. There has been little opposition from the Navy or the Noble Legislature for the following reasons: The navy has been promised that those who wish to join the city's navy may do so, and that any draftee not fit for field service will be turned over to the navy. The Noble legislature sees it as a chance to be rid of some of the cities undesirable element, and many approve of incorporating the mercenaries into the army to save what is deemed as wasted money.

While the political squabbles of the ruling house of Hecate Lacus are of little concern to Moscow, the military situation is of major interest to the Tsar. With the addition of a cavalry squadron, a third battery of artillery and a General Officer to serve as garrison commander, Russia now dominates this colonial outpost. Second in the Tsar's mind is the growing number of Russian citizens who are settling in the region. This emigration makes it imperative that the Russian presence on Mars is strengthened either by complete annexation or by having a friend on the throne.

The Russian military presence on Mars has also recently undergone a change. Colonel Stepenovich Volkoff was relieved of his duties as garrison commander by General-Adjutant Andrei von Schoultz, who brought with him the 42nd Don Cossack Cavalry Regiment and one battery of 12 pounder breech loading cannon to be added to the garrison. Colonel Volkoff retains command of the Kamchatka Infantry Regiment, which remains on Mars. The Don Cossacks did not bring their mounts for they will be mounted on Gashants. Commodore Rolya Ryzhov has begun to receive the components for a Troika-class aerial gunboat, but it is expected to take seven to ten months before all the components are on Mars so labor gangs must wait before assembly can begin. General von Schoultz and Heir-Prince Thimmajoun have also agreed to aid each other in endeavors that they wish to see successful. The Heir-Prince will aid in the raising of a regiment of infantry for the Tsar's military on Mars which will be commanded by Russian Yunkers^l. Once the regiment is raised it will be inducted into the Imperial Guard as the Imperial Cebrenia Grenadiers. General von Schoultz will allow Prince Thimmajoun to use the Cossacks and Infantry of his command to aid in the training of his reorganized military.²

Map of Hecate Lacus

Map Legend

1) Citadel Palace: This is the Royal Palace of High-Prince Jaimougaa and his family. The palace also houses the Imperial Russian Embassy and three war bands of infantry known as the High-Prince Life Guard. There is a small landing field for the Royal Yacht.

2) High Docks: This is the main landing field for the city. All cloud ship, screw galley and aerial flyer traffic both in and out of the city uses the high docks.

3) Nakhimov Naval Station: One of the few fortifications within the city, this particular strong point used to be known as the High Dock Bastion. When the Russians arrived, they took it over for their naval facility. Housed here are the crews for the Russian gunboats and their support crews, along with a platoon of infantry and a battery of Gorloff guns.³

4) St. George Bastion: It is here where the main strength of the Russian military on Mars is garrisoned. This is the home of the Kamchatka Infantry, one squadron of the 42nd Don Cossacks, one battery of Gorloff guns, and one battery of 12 pounder BLC. It is also here where General von Schoultz has his headquarters and where the recruits for the Martian Native Regiment are billeted.

5) Academy of Education: Within the walls of this complex of buildings the business of education goes on. In this hall of learning, every thing from the basic education that every citizen of Hecates Lacus is entitled too to the very best education that money will allow is available within these walls.

6) Japanese Embassy: This is a small compound housing the Japanese Trade Mission. It is guarded by a squad of infantry. It is rumored that the Japanese secret service operates from here as well, spreading anti-Russian rumors and aiding those exiled from Russia.

7) British Embassy: This is the Trade and Diplomatic Mission of Queen Victoria. The compound is guarded by a company of Royal Marines. Relations between Russia and the British Empire are strained.

8) German Embassy: The Trade and Diplomatic Mission of the Kaiser. Relations between Russia and Germany are at the breaking point at present.

9) French Embassy: The Trade and Diplomatic Mission of the Republic of France. France has the advantage of maintaining a favored nation status with Russia. It also means the French merchants have a easier time dealing with Hecates Lacus bureaucrats and merchants.

10) Citadel Bastion: This is the main fortress of the city. It is here where the bulk of the Hecates Lacus army is housed. Also stationed here is one platoon of Russian infantry.

11) Russian Quarter: This is where the majority of the Russian citizens live. One could swear that a small part of Moscow or St. Petersburg has been transplanted on Mars. The streets are well patrolled by Russian Police and Martian Auxiliaries, so the crime rate in this section of Hecates Lacus is well below that of the rest of the city. Another reason for the low crime rate is the fact that a twelve foot high wall between the Russian quarter and the slum district gives a criminal no easy route of escape.

12) Slum District: This district is a collection of hovels and run down homes. Only the extremely poor or those who have no other means of existence⁴ live within this section of the city. The enforcement of the city's laws in this section of Hecates Lacus is non-existent no member of the city's Mounted Constabulary or Foot Auxiliaries will enter the district after dark.

13) Customs House: All canal traffic must come and pay the city's tariffs on dock and mooring usage. There is a similar customs facility at the high docks for cloud ships and screw galleys. For those who refuse to pay the customs, patrols have swift canal cutters and screw galleys to ensure that proper payment is rendered to the city.

14) Wet Docks: As the name implies, this is where the canal traffic is able to dock and load or unload cargo. This area of the city is always a hive of activity day and night; the work never seems to stop.

15) Warehouse District: Any cargo that a canal barge or cloud ship unloads is stored here until it is needed by the purchaser or until it is shipped to another port facility. Every major company has it own warehouses within this section of the city. The majority of the warehouses are now Russian owned.

16) Bazaar: This is a open air market that caters to every taste. Everything from Martian fruits to black market Arkiska bolt action rifles can be found here. There are open stalls as well as buildings

17) Physician's Square: This is the area of the city where the medical profession can be found. Human doctors, martian medical healers, even martian and human charlatan and faith healers have offices here.

18) Hecates Lacus Zoo: The city's collection of live animals native to Mars, the zoo is open every day for a slight fee. Heir-Prince Thimmajoun has recently given the zoo a rare gift: a bear native to Russia. If this animal survives on Mars, Prince Thimmajoun plans to bring a few more exotic animals to the zoo.

19) Heir-Prince's Palace: This is the official home of Heir-Prince Thimmajoun. This is also the headquarters of the Prince Thimmajoun Light Uhlans, a cavalry regiment the Prince Thimmajoun formed upon his return from Moscow. Also stationed here is a troop of the 42nd Don Cossacks.

20) Culture Square: This square is the center of the arts and entertainment quarter of the city. The square is the garden to the Red Dome, a combination playhouse and museum that regularly puts on plays and operas for the city, as well as housing some of the city's masterpieces of artwork by famous Martian artists. A section of the Red Dome now has a few pieces of art by up-and-coming Russian artists.

21) Caravan Bazaar: Like the open air bazaar, the caravan bazaar has anything a person might want if one knew where to look. This area has open air stalls with warehouses and stables around. It is located by a well-guarded gate.

22) Constabulary Fort: This is the military headquarters for the city's army, the Mounted Constabulary, and the Foot Auxiliaries.⁵ Also located here is the Russian Secret Police and a troop of the 42nd Don Cossacks. Prisoners are held in the dungeons of this fort until they are transferred to the labor gangs spread around the region controlled by Hecates Lacus.

23) Guild Lane: This is where the city's guilds are located. This is also a good place to pick up information.

24) Tavern Row: Taverns catering to every taste, both martian and human, can be found here.

25) Imperial Mars Trading Company: The only Russian royal charter company on Mars, the Tsar being the majority stock holder. Anything that the company imports and sell on Mars, or anything that is exported and sold on Earth, the Tsar gets a share of. The director of the company on Mars is the Russian Ambassador.

Gaming Scenarios

1) The players are asked by the British Government to go to Hecates Lacus and to observe what possible threat the Russian might have to the British Crown Colony.

2) The players are hired either by Heir-Prince Thimmajoun or Princess Ppaatriccia's father to escort her to Hecates Lacus for her wedding.

3) The players come across a group of High Martians or Hill Martians who are attacking Princess Ppaatriccia's caravan, barge, or cloud ship. If one of the attackers is captured after some questioning he will reveal that they were hired by a noble of Hecates Lacus.

Footnotes

1. These are Russian nobles who failed to graduate from the military academies. They were placed in the ranks of the Russian Army as Sergeants, given all the privileges of officers, but served in the enlisted ranks for 5 years before receiving an officer's commission.

2. General von Schoultz has been ordered by the Tsar to ensure that Prince Thimmajoun gets every assistance he may need, even if its necessary for the Russian forces on Mars to come to his aid if military force is needed to keep him in power.

3. Gorloff guns are the Russian version of the Gatling Gun. The guns present on Mars are .50 caliber Gorloffs and there are two batteries stationed on Hecate Lacus, one battery at the Naval Station and the other at St. George Bastion.

4. Those who have been deported from Russia once they arrive on Mars are left to their own means of survival. They either do very well or they do very badly. Those who have fail in Hecates Lacus live within the slum district.

5. The Mounted Constabulary and Foot Auxiliaries are the police force for Hecates Lacus and the surrounding towns and villages.