Now that my rule gaffes have been corrected, I fought a brisk 60-minute action this afternoon.  Scenario and set-up were the same as described earlier.

The Portuguese were able to hurt the Zanj with missile fire before stopping their charge (the result of some consistent lucky rolls).   On the other hand, some poor die rolling contributed to a general weakening of the Zanj units locked in melee, with the Portuguese able to withdraw one crossbow unit, and plug its gap in the line with charging targeteers led by Lord Rolando.

This charge caused two Zanj units to scatter (one as a direct result of melee), with others’ resolve dropping to “one” (wavering) leading to a controlled withdrawal from contact.

A final volley by the (now) disengaged Portuguese muskets and bows caused the withdrawing Zanj to flee the field.

However, Sultan Jabir Efe was able to rally the bulk of his army withdrawing south towards Mwenye.  It is rumored  he intends to redouble his diplomatic efforts to enlist the help of the inland natives, as well as contact local Ming merchants to explain the catastrophic effect the mercantile policies of the Portuguese will have on their business interests.  He hopes the  merchants will ask Imperial forces located in Yemen to intervene

The Portuguese leader, Lord Ricardo Nicolau Rolando, must now decide whether to pursue Efe’s forces, or turn north and take the (now) isolated port of Behefe.  It is rumored that the town has only a small garrison augmented by a civic guard of uncertain size and quality.  Regardless of decision, Rolando is confident that another Zanj defeat will cause the inland natives to ally themselves with Portugal, providing supplies and troops.  And, a treaty with the natives promising gold, ivory and other exotic items, should convince his government to provide greater assistance.

Rolando’s decision will not be long in the making…..