“I will kill the lions and I will build the bridge.” — Col. Patterson

Scott threw on a rousing game of Congo! on May 10. The scenario revolved around the real-life exploits of the Lions of Tsavo, immortalized in the Val Kilmer/Michael Douglas film “The Lion and the Darkness”!

Four players participated - one played a White Man’s Expedition led by Colonel Patterson (Val Kilmer), and another his allied African Kingdom tribesmen. Opposing them were two players playing Forest Tribes and a competing White Man’s expedition (led by Michael’s colorful character). The goal was for the opposition to sabotage the budding railroad, an awaiting train, and the bridgehead over the river. Patterson and allies were attempting to prevent that destruction by elminiating as many units as possible.

But there was another foe lurking in the terrain…. The lions. At various points in the scenario, lions launched surprise attacks on unaware parties near terrain, before eventually coming out in the open and attacking in plain sight.

Some unfortunate early fatigue and terror spelled doom for Patterson’s party. Despite valliant attempts to ward off damage to the train, railway, and bridgehead, they were unsuccessful. His allies fared better, but in the end the saboteurs and enemies of British power in East Africa took the day.

As always, it was a gorgeous table and a lot of fun rolling the dice!