Moroland Patrol

Going back to the jungle again for a different American counterinsurgency campaign, Philippines 1902-1913. In the aftermath of total victory in the Spanish-American War, US forces fight a low intensity war with the native Moro people of the southern Philippines, attempting to impose tax regulations and to disarm the warlike Moros. At first glance, this campaign pitting pre-doughboy US troops against brave Muslim warriors fighting with swords and spears might seem like the typical colonial wargame, and well, maybe it is, but it's at least unique.

Miniatures by Bloodaxe (Historifigs), who offer several different made to order 15mm lines in a few unique periods/settings. These miniatures are lead free pewter, a fact I appreciate now that my eldest little rascal has taken an interest in my tabletop happenings. These specific miniatures are chunky but seem to scale well with other 15mm. We'll take a look at the U.S. troops, Filipino constabularies, and Moro warriors below.

I started this project with ten stands per side but have enjoyed them so much that it's expanding. As usual, these projects tend to grow during the process. In regards to terrain & scenics, I was able to make a smooth transition carrying over from my last project in the jungles of Vietnam 1968 to Progression era Philippines, saving myself a little time/effort/money. The part that is most exciting is the ruleset, Moro Patrol, that I'm currently working on. I may post these rules in the near future as a file share if anyone might be interested.

My favorite subset from this series is definitely the Philippine Constabulary, sporting loin cloths and slouch hats. They are molded with rifles sans bayonets which look better than the US troop offerings. I based one US army officer with the constabularies, the rank and file representing the stalwart non-Moro Filipinos who enlisted in the American officered Constabulary, whilst the officer represents a Yank officer employed by the constabularies.
The regular US army troops are standard fare, bedrolls, rifles with bayonets, and campaign hats. These guys are rather dull save for the officer with pistol but I do appreciate that they have sculpted period burly moustaches!

I cut down a few of the rifles to make them shotguns, which were popular with US army troopers in conflict. Added bonus with these miniatures is they could conceivably be used for a Spanish-American War scenario as well. The Moro are fairly standard as well, spears, rifles or old muskets, close combat machetes (barong), and a ululating chief. A few Kris wielding swordsmen would have been a nice addition. The machete troops can be upgraded in Moro Patrol to Juramentado, jihadist die-hards who gain a significant melee bonus and who will charge enemy stands whilst braving withering gunfire.

Philippine Constabulary

U.S. Army Regulars

Moro warband

The combat system for this game is predicated on jungle fighting and siege combat. The Moros held Cotta forts, well defended clay mud citadels often dotted with trenches, where the Moro Datu (chiefs) usually made a last stand. I've yet to 3D print an appropriate fort but that will certainly feature in a upcoming battle report. US forces have an MG and mountain cannon at their disposal, firing more accurately & frequently. The Moro have better melee attacks with spears which can be thrown a short distance or used in close combat.

Juramentados on the attack

Keep Rolling those Crits...

15mm Dieter