THE LAND OF THE WITCH QUEEN

ROCKETMAN
  AND 
THE LAND OF THE WITCH QUEEN

RM8.1 'Heist!'

23 March. 1937.
Some where deep below London, twelve men sit in a comfortable room, around a round table, listening to one of their number.
”There are three new and significant centres of military industrial production in the world today, that is to say, new to us. The first, and smallest, is at Limpopo where, for the last decade or so, a tribe of Africans have secretly been building weaponry, for which to wage rebellion against Belgian colonial rule. As far as we can ascertain, the Limpopo complex was began in 1928, when the current tribal leader came to power. Her name is Tanta Muzuzu, and prior to ascending the throne of her tribe, the Nonons, she was educated in Europe, both here and in France. She studied medicine and philosophy, and proved to be a highly intelligent student. Upon her return to Africa, she set about recruiting people from all over the world.”
One of the men, a well dressed gentleman wearing an old fashioned, double breasted suit, leans forward and clears his throat.
”Does this woman present any threat to the British Empire?”
”Currently, no, but should she succeed in over throwing the Belgians, then she may, eventually become our concern.”
”Over thow the Belgians?” another man asks with a raised eye brow. ”Is that likely?”
The speaker turns to the man on his right.
”Sir Hugh?”
”It is possible” Sir Hugh Sinclair replies. ”Tanta Muzuzu has gone to some considerable lengths to strengthen her tribe. She has recruited quite a few engineers, including several experts in weapon manufacture. One man in particular has given the Nonons a unique advantage over the Belgian colonial authorities. Jean Pierre Morbier is, or rather was, a French tank designer who worked for Renault during the Great War. Later he helped design some of the more ambitious French tanks, but he was fired in 1929, partly because of the economic climate, and partly because he had married a Senegalese woman, a negress, and had made himself unpopular by calling for an end to French colonial rule. Tanta Muzuzu seems to have recruited Morbier that same year for he left France along with his wife and children, within weeks, and set about converting an old railway yard into a tank factory.”
A portly, florid faced gentleman with large ginger, mutton-chop sideburns interupts Sir Hugh at this point with an exclamation of amazement.
”Are you saying that an African tribe has been building French tanks?”
”As far as we can make out, Morbier has only built one tank, but even one tank in central Congo tips the balance of power against the Belgians who have nothing but Askari infantry to meet such a challenge. I don’t think I need to explain how ineffective Askaris would be against a tank do I?”
There is a general mutter about the table and after having looked around the assembled faces, Sir Hugh continues.
”Our latest intercepts from the Congo reveal desperation from the regional government, and the Belgians are sending some heavy guns to try to counter Morbier’s tank since Belgium itself doesn’t even have any tanks as big as the one Morbier has built.”
”Just how big is it?” the gentleman in the old fashioned suit asks.
”We don’t know with any certainty, but the Belgians themselves are talking of a vehicle in excess of forty tons.”
”Forty tons!” The florid faced man exclaims. ”Great Scott, but thats even heavier than anything we have!”
”How heavy is our heaviest tank?” another man asks.
”The new Vickers weighs about thirty five tons I believe” Sir Hugh replies. ”Gentlemen, I know it sounds incredible, but there is reason to believe the estimate is accurate. The Belgians have already suffered defeat in several skirmishes with this tank which the locals have taken to calling la bête noir”.
”How could an African tribe build something like this? Even with the help of a French designer, it sounds absurd!”
Sir Hugh shakes his head.
”Morbier didn’t build this tank. He only designed it. The construction seems to have been carried out by a team of American engineers over the course of several years. I mentioned earlier that Tanta Muzuzu had recruited experts from abroad. A sizable portion of her recruits were experienced negro engineers from the United States. Using an abanoned foundry in the old railway yard at Limpopo, these man were able to realise Morbier’s design. They used recycled iron from an old train and a v12 Liberty engine acquired from the black market in the the United States. Their tank may be crude by European standards, but they built bigger to compensate, and with so little competion from the Belgians, their tank remains undefeated...”
The original speaker stands and holds up a hand.
”Gentlmen, as curious as this is, I fear we are straying from the topic. Pray let us return to the matter at hand...”
The men nod and return to their agenda, but several exchange worried glances and after the meeting, the florid faced man approaches Sir Hugh.
”This tank, la bête noir, shouldn’t we send some one to examine it?”
”What for?” Sir Hugh replies. ”It poses no threat to the Empire.”
”Thankfully, no” the other man replies, ”but what if they start building more of them?”
”I don’t think thats likely. For all her efforts, Tanta Muzuzu’s work force is very small and she simply doesn’t have the sort of industrial facilities mass production requires. Furthermore, I’ve seen some of Morbier’s design work and its mostly out dated by modern standards. La bête noir, is hardly more than an up-scaled Renault 17. I’m fairly certain that once the Belgians bring in some heavier weapons, they’ll make short work of it.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Paris. The Goutte d'Or district, also known as ’Little Africa’. 24 March. 1937.

”They tell me you are the best” the African says.
”I am” the man with the thin moustache replies as he lights a cigarette. ”I can guarantee delivery within forty eight hours.”
”That sounds satisfactory, but there is a condition.”
The man blows out his match and stares at the dark features of his two visitors. His name is Jean Paul Chevrotin but in the Parisian under-world, he is known as ’Le Comté’, and his reputation as a master theif is well deserved. Sitting in the room with him are his two trusted comrades, Marcel ’The Blade’ Pélardon and Andre ’Mule’ Valençay.
”What is the condition?”
The African, who has been introduced to Le Comte as Marcel, smiles, revealing two gold canine teeth.
”We go with you.”
Le Comté shrugs expansively.
”So be it, but if things turn messy, then you must look after yourselves.”
The African’s smile broadens.
”That won’t be a problem.”
”Good” Chevrotin nods. ”Now, give me all the details...”
The African turns to his partner who has stood silently in the back ground.
”Aruba here will explain the job.”
Aruba is short, dark and bespectacled. He steps closer to the table and the naked light bulb forms dark shows under his brow.
”This is the building where the mask is being kept during the reception...”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Paris. Boulevard Maillot 26th March. 1937

Night draws on as guests arrive at Doctor Schlumberger’s institute with several high standing members of the anthropological and archeological world gathered, especially eager to see the evening’s centre of attention. The famed mask of the ancient Nonon Queens, and the man who discovered it and brought it to Paris.
”I say Percy” Daniel Mansfield’s breath fogs the glass of the exhibit as he examines the celebrated mask. ”How the Dickens did you come by this thing?”
Percy Worthington smiles broadly.
”Oh it was easy enough. I asked a local tribe if they knew where the ancient Nonon Queens were buried, and after a spot of digging, we came across a chamber where lay the blessed relic you see before you.”
”Was that really all there was to it?” Audrey Mansfield asks politely. ”I’m sure you make it sound far too easy. All, that digging in the African sun must have been frightful!”
”I’ll say” Daniel laughs. ”Percy never was one to break out a sweat, eh Perce?”
Percy laughs quietly and sips his drink as he regards his old friend.
”As you say Daniel.”
”Mister Worthington!” a portly old white haired old man in a curious mixture of western and eastern garb hails the English adventurer from across the room. ”Come and meet Professor Foing!”
”Excuse me” Percy murmurs. He makes his way across to the famous Doctor Schlumberger and extends a hand to his friend.
Audrey watches him closely. After a while she turns to Daniel who is trying to read a small plaque, written in French.
”What do you think of Percy?” she asks
”Percy?” Daniel answers with a vague shrug. ”He’s a good egg. A bit soft round the edges, but a good man in a tight corner I always say.”
”He strikes me as being somewhat nervous.” Audrey says. Daniel looks at her face with an inquiring eye.
”Really old girl? What makes you say that?”
”I suppose its just my female intuition, but theres something bothering him I think. Something isn’t quite right.”
Daniel looks back across the room to where Percy is speaking to the two old men with some animation and after a moment or two he catches a glimpse of some deep emotion that seems to momentarily surface through his friend’s jovility. He watches the conversation for a few minutes but sees nothing untoward so turning his attention to the the rest of the room he looks about for any other sign of something being amiss.
”Perhaps he’s just nervous because he is the centre of attention?” he turns to his wife, but Audrey is speaking to a tall French woman with a serious face.
”Mark my words” the woman is saying. ”There will be war in Germany before this decade is out!”
”War?” Daniel asks.
”Yes indeed!” the woman leans forward to emphasise her words. ”Now that horrible Herr Hitler is gone, the communists will rise once more, and not a moment too soon if you ask me!”
”Now, now Gertrude” Doctor Schlumberger interjects as he approaches with fresh drinks. ”These nice young English people didn’t ask you, so please lets not have any politics tonight.”
The tall woman glares at Daniel Mansfield, but her manners prevent her from further indiscretion. She withdraws to a corner and Schlumberger turns to Daniel and Audrey.
”How happy I am to see you both at my little soirée” Schlumberger smiles at Daniel in particular. ”Do you know, iin my youth, I knew your father?”
”Really?” Daniel replies in surprise.
”Yes indeed. We studied together at the Sorbonne and for a while we even shared an apartement in the Latin Quarter. Such fun times we had. He was a good, honest friend.”
”I had no idea..:” Daniel begins, but then a sudden commotion interupts the conversation and the two men turn to the door. ”What the...?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

STARTING

Player One. Jean Paul ’Le Comte’ Chevrotin. Andre ’Mule’ Valençay. Wanda Jolivet. Marcel

Player Two. Marcel ’The Blade’ Pélardon. Pierre Boulez. Henri Gallois-Montbrun. Aruba.

Player Three. Daniel Mansfield. Audrey Mansfield. Marcel Messnier. Gabriel Messnier. 2 x Police officer. Random guests.

Player Four. Doctor Schlumberger. Anna Parrot. Theophilus Dupuis. 2 x Police officer. Random guests.

Players one and two begin the game by planning the heist. In order to do this they are provided with a floor plan of the building, a map of the immediate surroundings and a time table of the evening. They do not receive floor plans of the two adjacent buildings however.

Players three and four start on the table in round one, the time of which is determind by players one and two. Each also receives a number of random guests, how many being determined by the time at which the heist takes place. The police officers will only be alerted if gun fire takes place. All four officers begin the game in the police workshop building.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


MAP

All out door areas are good. Indoor areas which are not rooms (that is too say staircases, hall ways, corridors etc) are rough. All rooms are difficult (on account of furniture, etc). The tops of buildings and the fire escape are rough.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

VICTORY CONDITIONS

Players one and two win the game by three or more elements escaping with the mask. Players three and four win by defeating over five enemy elements.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SPECIAL RULES

During the game, neither side is obliged to reveal the identity of any element.

Rocketman has two hero points in this game.

Only two of the guests are carrying a weapon at the beginning of the game (Gabriel Messnier has a stilleto and Theophilus Dupuis has a night stick) but more weapons can be found in the Doctors study where there is a gun cabinet containing two hunting rifles, a shot gun and an 8mm ’Lebel’ revolver.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CONCLUSION

Part one of this game was played on Wednesday16 May. 2012.
Players were Jan, Oleg, Palle and Goeg.

 The game begins.

The game began with Oleg bringing his elements on from the eastern end of the table. Marcel Pélardon was on foot on the park side of the road and the rest were in a van which they drove around the back of Doctor Schlumberger’s institute where Jean Paul Chevrotin and Wanda Jolivet quickly moved to examine the rear of the building where they found all the lights in the building were on and the glass in the windows was thicker than usual. They moved to the rear door which Chevrotin easily picked open.

 Chevrotin and Jolivet breaking in through the back door.

On the street, Pélardon approached a vendor on the pretence of loitering to buy a news paper but he was surprised to find himself engaged in conversation by a passer-by. Pierre Boulez and Henri Gallois-Montbrun also left the van and moved to the front of the building where Gallois-Montbrun posed as a telegraph messenger to gain entrance to Schlumberger’s institute. He was stopped by the door man who then went to find Doctor Schlumberger.

Chevrotin and Jolivet gained entrance to the house and began to loiter in the rear passageway. Making her way to the WC, Audrey Mansfield encountered Jolivet but did not find her suspicious. Chevrotin went upstairs to scout around and noticed several other guests standing around talking and listening to grammaphone records. No one paid any attention to him, nor noticed that Chevrotin had a submachine under his coat.

The truck crash

Meanwhile, out on the street, Pélardon ran across the road to Boulez but in doing so, he caused a truck to swerve and crash into the rear of  parked car. The truck driver (a Pole) jumped out and began to argue with Pélardon. This alerted the neighbouring police officers and a constable stepped out to investigate.
People began to gather to see what was going on and eventually a second police officer emerged from the building.

People gather at the scene of the truck crash. 

Pélardon is to the left of the police officer, with Boulez lurking at the corner of the building.

Doctor Schlumberger told his door-man to sign for the telegram and bring it to him, but when the door-man returned, Gallois-Montbrun refused to hand over the telegram unless it was personally signed for by Schlumberger so the door-man returned to the Doctor's office where Schlumberger was proudly showing his fire-arms collection to Daniel Mansfield and Marcel Messnier and Schlumberger was obliged to go to the door. Irritated he did so and signed for the telegram. 

Chevrotin came down the stairs again and producing his sub machine gun stood in the doorway to the main room where the mask was on display. In a calm but determined voice, he told every one to get up against the door to the office, but due to the music and noise of conversation, no one heard him, except Daniel Mansfield, who was standing in the office. Unfortunately, Mansfield does not speak French and although he understood the tone of voice , he didn't know what was being said.


Doctor Schlumberger was standing in directly behind Chevrotin however and he did understand so he turned and grabbed the sub machne gun and the two men began to tussle for control of the weapon. Seeing this, Gallois-Montbrun put his revolver to Doctor Schlumberger's head, buthe in turn, was attacked by Anna Parrot who swung her hand bag at his head. At the same time Gabriel Messnier (who had also over heard Chevrotin) jumped over the bannister in an attempt at attacking Gallois-Montbrun from above. He fumbled his attack however and twisting his ankle, collapsed in a heap on the floor.

Daniel Mansfield moved to the rearpassage to investigate what was going on in the foyer but foundhis way blocked by the door-man who after a moment of indecision, was vainly attempting to assist his master.

Pierre Boulez was still loitering in the street, smoking a cigarette and watching the argument heat up around the crashed truck. Realising something untoward was taking place in the foyer he peered through the window and saw the ensuing struggle. Pulling out his pistol, he shot one the investigating police officer in the back.

The game stopped at this point as it was 2300. The rest of the game is planned for next wednesday.

The situation inside the Institute at the end of the game. 

The red counter is the door-man.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Part two of this game was played on Wednesday 23 May. 2012.
Players were Jan, Oleg, Palle and Goeg.

The table top in the first round. Daniel Mansfield knocks out Jean Paul Chevrotin

The game resumed exactly where it had left off, in the immediate aftermath of Pierre Boulez having shot a police officer in the back. Panic, shouts and screams followed and Pierre Boulez began to run away from the scene of the shooting. The second police officer, who had been on the far side of the crashed truck, had not seen who shot, so when he came around the back of the crashed vehicle, he was confronted with no obvious culprit, except the nearest man running away. His suspicions were compounded when Peladon took the chance to distract the police officer, pointed to Boulez and shouted "It was him!"

"Stop or I shoot!" the second police officer draws his revolver on Boulez.

The police officer drew his service revolver and shouted at Boulez to stand still or he would shoot...

Inside the institute Daniel Mansfield chased Jean Paul Chevrotin to the top of the stairs and gave him such an uppercut that he knocked the Frenchie out cold and took his Thompson sub machinegun. 

Aruba drives his van over the second police officer

Unfortunately for the police officer, Aruba was sitting on the van in the dark alley, and realising what was happening, he drove the van at the police officer, ran him over and crashed in a taxi which had stopped behind the crashed truck. Steam began to pour from the smashed van's radiator.

Die rolls indicated the reactions of the passersby and most conformed to the French stereotype by fleeing, but one man was brave enough to leap forward and tackle Andre ’Mule’ Valençay.

Wanda pulls her warm little pistol from its hiding place in between her thighs

In the main room of the institutue Wanda Jolivet pulled out her pistol and ordered every one to get away from the mask. At first people complied but Daniel Mansfield entered the room and disarmed her.

Meanwhile, in the institute hallway, a free for all had erupted which saw Anna Parrot and Theophilus Dupuis come to Doctor Schlumberger's aid, only to be beaten to the ground by Gallois-Montbrun and Valençay, who were then in turn defeated by Daniel Mansfiel.

 Rocketman cleans up

With people running around shouting and screaming, Marcel pulled out his rifle and took a shot at one man who was running past his car. This additional gun shot caused even more pandamonium but didn't have any greater impact on the game. The man being shot at, barely registered the fact and just kept running.

Two more police officers, armed with sub-machineguns, emerged from the police station, and tried to grab Boulez, but the quick footed criminal dodged the flat footed coppers and ran back down the alley. The policemen didn't give chase, for standing in the street they beheld the full scene of chaos and noted one of their own downed companions (the other being obscured by the van which was on top of him).

Aruba jumped out of the crashed van and paused by the truck. A woman who had been on the pavement, shouted that she had seen Aruba crash the van into the police officer and the taxi driver eyed the African suspiciously. Aruba climbed into the truck cab and tried to start it, but the truck was firmly wedged between two other vehicles. The two police officers caught sight of Aruba.

Aruba tries to hide in the truck cab

Boulez entered the rear door of the institute, but it was already too late to help the others. Grabbing a pretty young lady hostage to prevent any one from trying to stop him, he made his get away.

The game ended as a defeat for players one and two.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EPILOGUE

"This is the last party I shall attend at your insttute!" Professor Foing shouts at Doctor Schlumberger as he pulls Anna Parrot to her feet. "What kind of circus are you running here?"
People help each other to their feet and revitalizing wine is passed to those in dire need of recuperation. Outside the police are busy arresting every one in the street and an ambulance has arrived to assist the wounded police officers.
"Who on Earth were those people?" Audrey asks.
"Where's the mask?" Doctor Schlumberger gasps in surprise as he staggers back into the front room.
Every one stares at the broken glass of the display case and then Daniel Mansfield clutches Schlumberegers arm.
"And where is Percy?"
Consternation breaks out as every one searches high and low for the young man, but there is no sign of either him nor the mask.
"Do you think he did a runner?" Marcel Messnier asks Daniel as they search the institute roof top.
"No" Daniel replies tersely. Those hoodlums were after the mask, and I think they took Percy too!"
Gabriel Messnier enters onto the roof top.
"How is your ankle?" Daniel asks.
"Eager for revenge" the young Corsican replies. "Listen. I have a good idea who might be behind this but I have to check with some people I know. Shall I ask?"
Daniel exchanges a smile with Marcel.
 "Oh yes. Certainly. And you shall have your chance to pay these blighters back I promise you."
Marcel nods and Gabriel leaves with a grim smile of eager satisfaction on his handsome Corsican face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

RM8.2 'Shadows in the city of light'

Paris. Rue de Strasbourg. 27th March. 1937

”His name is Le Comte” Marcel Messnier says as he enters the office of his discreet town house. Daniel Mansfield looks up from cleaning the selection of fire arms he has laid out across a broad table.
”You know him?”
”I know of him” Messnier replies. ”He is an infamous character in the underworld. A thief of extraordinary talents who can be  hired if the price is right.”
”And does he usually kidnap people?”
”Not that I have heard. I don’t know him myself, I don’t even know his real name, but my contacts do and I have an address that may lead us to him. It is a commercial place just outside the city at Mantes-la-Jolie. If he is anywhere predictable, then this is the best possibility.”
”What are we waiting for then?” Mansfield begins to quickly re-assemble the Lebel revolver he was oiling.
”Gabriel has gone to find some friends of ours. As soon as they arrive we shall depart. I have arranged for two more automobiles to take us all.”
Daniel places the reassembled revolver onto the desk.
”Who are these friends of yours?”
” Men who will not hesitate to assist us. Corsicans! People we have known many years. Do not be afraid for them. They are used to fighting dirty.”
”Excellent work Marcel!” Daniel grins. ”We’ll have Percy back in no time.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mantes-la-Jolie. Rue Maurice Braunstein.

”It was a good days work.” Andre Valençay chuckles as he pours himself a glass of grappa.
Marcel Pélardon glances across at him. He shakes his head.
”What?” Valençay asks.
”I am not so sure. I thought I recognised one of the guests...”
”So?”
”Well if I recognised him, maybe he recognised me, no?”
”Recognised who?” Jean Paul Chevrotin speaks from the doorway causing both men to turn.
”There was a man at the Boulevard Maillot I thought I knew. Messnier. Gabriel Messnier. A weapons dealer, he sometimes hangs about the Orleoné Crowd.”
Chevrotin enters the room, followed by the African Mainard.
”Perhaps it means something. Perhaps not. Better to be on our guard however. Have the boys keep watch just in case.”
He turns to Mainard.
”How long before your people arrive?”
Mainard accepts a glass of grappa from Valençay and smiles.
”Not long now.”
”Good.” Chevrotin sniffs. ”The sooner we get rid of you, the sooner I shall be happy.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



STARTING

Player One: Palle. Daniel Mansfield. Marcel Messnier. Alphonse Giovacchini. Louis Padovani. Ignacio de Moro.

Player Two: Jan. . Gabriel Messnier. Petru Campinchini. César Pulatan. Angelo Fiori. Carlo Vezzani.

Player Three: Goeg. Jean Paul ’Le Comte’ Chevrotin. Andre ’Mule’ Valençay. Wanda Jolivet. Oliver Costa. Francoise Roque.

Player Four: Oleg. Marcel ’The Blade’ Pélardon. Pierre Boulez. Henri Gallois-Montbrun. Sebastien Berton. Henri de Séverac.  

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MAP

All out door areas are rough except the road and courtyard which are good. Indoor areas which are not rooms (that is too say staircases, hall ways, corridors etc) are rough. All rooms are difficult (on account of furniture, etc).

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

VICTORY CONDITIONS

Either side wins by defeating two thirds of the opposing force.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SPECIAL RULES

Rocketman has two hero points in this game.

Climbing the fence is difficult (roll against 4) as it is old and breaks easy. Climbing the wall is difficult (roll against 5) as it is tall and has broken glass along the top. The gate in the wall to the rear of the property is very rusty and cannot easily be opened (roll against 4) without making a noisy squeak. it is latched but not locked.

All terrain outside the compound is unkempt and rough

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CONCLUSION

Part one of this game was played on Wednesday13 June. 2012.
Players were Jan, Oleg, Palle and Goeg.

The photographs for this game were very poor unfortunately but I shall add a few later on.

The game began with Rocketman and his Corsican allies coming onto the table in their two seperate cars. Jan, playing Gabriel Messnier had five elements in one car and Palle, playing Rocketman had four in the other with Marcel Messnier in sniper mode, arriving on table on foot.

Jan and Palle's original plan had been for Rocketman and the second car to attack the first house on the road and take it with as much force as possible, whilst Gabriel and his car load would provide a flanking reserve with open options to either follow into the first house or deploy into the compound an envelope the defenders.

Marcel Messnier opened fire first, taking a pot shot at the sentry who was stationed on the balconey of the first house with Rocketman and three Corsicans assaulting the front door. Gabriel and his crew took station further along the road where there was a blind spot from any one within the compound and Carlo Vezzani got out to cover the road with his LMG. 

The attack on the first house went very well with Rocketman and his companions forcing entry and exchanging gun fire (most of it blind) and eventually fisticuffs. Although the attack went well, Gabriel and his car eventually moved to cover it from closer range, whilst Carlo Vezzani climbed into the compound by himself and took out  Wanda Jolivetwho was attempting to start a parked car in the rear courtyard.

Rocketman and his team forced their way upstairs in the first house, where a majority of the gangsters were gathered, and more or less pacified the building. Gabriel and his man played a minor supporting role with little exchange of gunfire whilst Carlo Vezzani moved through the big garage to engage and defeating Francoise Roque who was attempting to out flank the attack on the first house.

The game ended with an overwhelming victory for Rocketman and his companions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

RM8.3 'The King of the Congo'

Moanda. 22nd April. 1937

”Captain Mansfield. Welcome to Africa!”
Daniel Mansfield looks at the red faced Belgian official, then casts his eyes about the bustling harbour.
”Thank you.”
”I must say” the offical gushes, ”that really is an impressive aircraft you have. I don’t think we’ve ever seen one like it. What is it?”
”She is rather a stunner isn’t she?” Daniel turns to look back at the silver aircraft now rocking gently in the sea behind him. ”She’s a Empire C class. Built by Short Brothers.”
”Marvellous! I’m sure the Governor will be interested in seeing her. You know, last year we had an Italian sea plane stop over, but that was nothing compared to yours.”
Mansfield nods absently. His eyes move along the water front, registering the interest and awe generated by the arrival of the sea-plane. He would have prefered to arrive in a more discreet fashion, but it had taken some time to assemble his companions and the only way to catch up with Tanta Muzuzu’s henchmen had been to commandeer the aircraft and hope Sir Hugh wouldn’t ask any questions until the caper was over with.
So far, London had remined quiet. But...
”You’d better have a jolly good  explanation for when we get back” George Macarthur had said as they had taken off from Plymouth. Mansfield had only nodded, but is his mind, he had added, ’if we actually get back!’.

He had only managed to get a hold of George and Joe, which with Marcel made for only four. Audrey had insisted on coming too, but he would have none of that. Central African wars were no places for wives!
”What a beautiful day.” George exclaimed as he climbed up out of the launch to stand on the jetty beside Daniel. Below them, ’Mad Dog’ Mitchell cursed the swell of the sea as he fell back into the boat.
”Where to now?”
”I’m not sure” Daniel replied, ”but I’ll wager there is a service that goes up the river.”
”There is” the official agreed as he turned away from gazing at the prodigious aircraft, ”but I’m afraid it has become restricted for military purposes only. As you may have heard, there is some kind of rebellion going on up river and the King has sent guns to quell the Africans.”
”I don’t suppose there is any chance of going upriver with the army is there?” George asks.
The official shakes his head dubiously.
”Not without a pass, which I can only give you on orders from the Governor and I’m afraid, I rather doubt he’ll issue one to foreigners.”
”Why don’t we just take the God-damned airplane?” Mitchell asks as he climbs up the jetty ladder.
Daniel shakes his head. It wouldn’t do to put the crew in any risk on his account, and quite apart from anything else, it would likely be seen as a violation of Belgian territorial air space. He glances back at the aircraft, then looks again to the offiicial.
”An aircraft enthusiast is he? The Governor? Do you suppose he might like a ride in our plane?”
The official shrugs.
”I know I would!” he laughs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 ”Your papers please!” The officious young officer blocking the gangway regards the four armed civilians with some distaste. What is this?
”We’re ...ah specialists sent by the King” ’Mad Dog’ Mitchell replies through a puff of cigar smoke.
”That may be so, but no one boards this vessel without signed orders!”
Mitchell grins and pulls out a folded slip of paper from his jacket. The officer narrows his eyes and reads the short, hastily written note.
”This is highly irregular...” he begins.
”Lieutenant. What is this delay?” a large burly man with an enormous moustache appears at the ships side.
”Captain Vooerhooven Sir. These men claim to be specialists, sent by the King, but their papers are not in order.”
Vooerhooven stares at the four men, each in turn, his eyes finally resting on Joe Mitchell’s big grinning face.
”Everything is in order Lieutenant” he says. ”I am expecting these men. Let them aboard.”
”At once Sir!”
Daniel and George exchange puzzled glances but once they are all aboard the ship, all is revealed.
”I never thought to see you in this part of the world Joe.”
Mitchell slaps Captain Vooerhooven on the back and chuckles.
”Shucks, I can’t hardly believe it myself, but let me introduce you to the reason why and we’ll see if you can’t find the snake’s tail of the matter.”
”Perhaps I shall” the captain nods, ”but I must first get the ship ready. Just promise me I haven’t just committed treason by letting you on board!”
”Captain” Daniel interjects. ”You have nothing to fear on that account. Our contention lies solely with Tanta Muzuzu.”
Captain Vooerhooven regards the tall Englishman for a moment then nods.
”You shall all rest in my cabin until I am done. We leave Moanda at first light and I must get as much done as possible before the sun goes down”.

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STARTING

The King of the Congo (which is a steam ferry) is docked at the quay in Moanda, and ready to sail at first light. Daniel Mansfield and his companions are in Captain Vooerhooven’s cabin where they are telling him about the events leading up to their arrival when all of a sudden they hear the crack of a rifle from outside the ship.
”What the deuce?” Mansfield leans back to peer through a port hole.
For a long moment there is a heavy silence, then the ship reverbeates with the sound of machine gun fire and the impact of bullets.
”Mein Gott!” Captain Vooerhooven exclaims as a bullet passes through the port hole to punch a hole in a portrait of King Leopold.
”I think we are under attack!”

Player one starts below decks and may arrive with all elements in round three except Rocketman and George who may only arrive in Round five (due to putting on rockets).
Player two starts with four Askari soldiers above decks, and eight Askari soldiers below decks. The latter may arrive in round three. 
Player three begins in ambush positions along the dock, and player four begins to the rear of player three in reserve.

Player One: Daniel Mansfield. George Macarthur. ’Mad Dog’ Mitchell. Marcel Messnier. Captain Vooerhooven. 5 x Belgian sailors with rifles.

Player Two: Sergeant Wendelin. 12 x Askari rifles. Panhard-Schneider P-16 half-track (stationary)

Player Three: Captain Ndodana. 6 x Nonon Rangers. 1 x Nonon HMG.

Player Four: Sergeant Shabalala. 14 x Nonon irregulars

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MAP

There was no map drawn for this game. See images in the conclusion.

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VICTORY CONDITIONS

Either side wins by defeating two thirds of the opposing force, or both opposing generals. Additionally the Nonons can win by gaining control of the ships superstructure by the end of the game.

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SPECIAL RULES

Rocketman has three Hero Points in this game.

The ships sides and the upper gantry are effective armour and provide +2 to any one using them as cover. All crates and vehicles on table can provide +2 if used effectively.

The crane is largely made of cast iron and steel plates and can give +2 cover if used to advantage. Lying on the roof gives +1 and and railings give no cover. Though old and rusty, the crane can also be started and used. It can be driven along its rails and the upper half can turn (at 45° per round). The crane can be disabled (the motor housing is not made of cast iron and can be penetrated by heavy small arms fire).

The warehouse has corrugated iron walls, backed by insulation. This would usually provide meager cover, but due to the packing cases, workshop and interior walls, firing through the building, or targetting elements concealed within, will not work. The warehouse functions as a normal building and gives up to +2 cover.

All vehicles on the table can be driven, though if the car is being stolen, then a hot wiring roll against 5 must be rolled by any one except the Mad Dog Mitchell and George Macarthur, who all roll against 4. Hot wiring takes one round, per die roll.

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CONCLUSION

This game was played on Wed 29th August. 2012.

Players were Jan, Oleg, Goeg and Palle.

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RM8.4 'La Bête Noir'

Lusambo. 29nd April. 1937

Having steamed up river for a week, King of the Congo docks at Lusambo where the Belgians immediately begin to unload their precious cargo.
”75mm guns” Marcel Messnier notes. ”Specialist anti-tank weapons from France.”
”Very nice”  George Macarthur replies as a second gun is swung high through the air above them. Men with ropes on the dock side lower the weapon gently, ”but what are they for?”
”Maybe the Krauts are coming” Mitchell quips.
”The Germans? Here?” George raises a sceptical eye brow.
”From East Africa perhaps?” Messnier smiles. ”Thats a long way to come even for the Congo.”
”I agree” Daniel Mansfield nods. ”But they didn’t bring those guns here to bag elephants.”
The companions watch from the railing as the steam-ship is unloaded, then Daniel Mansfield turns to his friends.
”Something untoward is certainly going on here, but its of no concern to us... unless it interferes with Percy’s liberation”.
”What now then?” Marcel asks.
”I’m not sure. We need intelligence.”
”Look” George points. ”Here comes Captain Vooerhooven”
”Gentlemen” the Belgian sailor smiles. ”I trust I find you well?”
”Quite well thank you. We were just wondering about all these big guns.”
”I cannot provide an answer I’m afraid.” Vooerhooven shrugs, ”There is more to this than meets the eye but I am not told what is happening. Only that one of the local tribes have begun to cause trouble and the King orders them to be put down.”
”Really” Mansfield muses. ”I wonder if this has something to do with Percy’s abduction. I say George, what was the name of the tribe whose mask Percy had found?”
”The Nonons I believe”
”Ah yes. That is the name of the revolting tribe” Captain Vooerhooven, ”maybe there is a connection then.”
”I’ll wager my hat on it” Mansfield agrees.
”So whats the plan?” Messnier asks.
”Well I have just heard something in the harbour-master’s office which might help you find your friend”
”Oh yes?”
”A day before we arrived, several men in a boat were spotted by the river patrol. They were landing up stream from here and were fired upon. The peopel in the harbour master’s office mentioned a European prisoner which is what attracted my attention. A man tied with ropes and being dragged into the bush.”
”By God!” Daniel exclaims in a fury. ”Where was this?”
”Just up stream. I can show you on the my map. The patrol didn’t follow them and they were afraid to use the machine gun on their vessel for fear of hitting the white man.”
Vooerhooven leads the companions up the stairs to the map table where he traces a line along the river to a small bend marked ’Groef’s Buigen’.
”Here is where they saw the boat. As you can see there is a road marked. It goes from this farm; ’Groefsplek’ and leads to this village of Rundtsdorp.”
”Do you suppose we could borrow a car from some one and drive out to this Rundtsdorp?”
”I will arrange it for you my friend” Captain Vooerhooven leaves the bridge to speak with one of his subordinates and Mansfield turns to George.
”Get the suit ready George, and the rest of you, fetch your weapons and bring as much ammunition as you can carry. Joe, do you think can you get a hold of any grenades at short notice?”
”Mitchell grins.
”Already thought of it Danny boy. I picked up a crate of Nr 15 Balls back in Moanda.”