I just received this late last week and have a good read over the weekend. The first thing I noticed was that the booklet is far inferior quality than the previous expansions. From Osprey publishing this was a disappointment. Not a deal breaker, but disappointing nevertheless.

The additional nation of Egypt, brings some unique new soldier types. Other Units can recruit them using the ‘going outside the list’ rules that can be found on page 28 of the main rule book. These include:

• Bedouin Raider;
• Egyptian Conscript;
• Follower of the Old Gods;
• Janissary;
• Knight Hospitaller; and
• the Mameluke.

The Bedouin Raider:

Bedouin Raiders (p8) are skilled troops with a special ability. With the introduction of “Terrain and Special Rules” their skill of “Experience in the Desert” allows them to ignore penalties from harsh conditions such as heat or sandstorms, making them invaluable in difficult terrain. At eighteen points including the “combat rider attribute”, musket and close combat weapon, they are a must in the Egyptian environment.

The Egyptian Conscript:

At a cost of only 4 recruitment; these poorly armed peasants (hand weapon only) can be used to distract enemies or overwhelm them with numbers or as “human shields to protect your more elite troops. When working out some trial lists I found they were useful to fill out your maximum of seven soldiers if you wanted to take some of the newer troop types to add that special Egyptian theme. Just don’t expect much, if anything, from them.

The Follower of the Old Gods:

It has been considered by some a “themed Champion of the Faith“, whilst this is partly true they have totally different skills which make their usage vastly different. The “ancient spells” are all aggressive in nature allowing the “follower” to add an additional monster die, give another soldier a flaming weapon, or conjure up a viper. I generally use the “Champion of Faith” as a healer to keep others in the fight for longer rather than an attacking piece.

I would only use the follower to theme the contingent, but would much prefer a “Champion of Faith”. I will probably use a Muslim cleric instead that meets both the criteria of theme and how I want to use it.

The Janissary:

The Janissary does more than replace the standard soldier role. The addition of a fencing weapon makes them far more capable than ordinary “infantrymen”, and gives them a close combat ability that makes them punch well above their weight. Having several of them in your contingent is a must.

The Knight Hospitaller:

The Knight Hospitaller can be used in the French, Spain and Russian lists. At 15 points I just think he is an overpriced doctor, although his holy relic might be useful. In saying that the doctor could choose a holy relic from the Special Armoury as well. I will give this choice a miss.

The Mameluke:

The Mameluke is basically a mounted Veteran Hunter and is a combat monster with musket, pistol, and fencing weapon. He can also choose an attribute as well. A bit expensive for my liking but is worth the points. You need to decide if tying up that many points in one model fits with your tactics. I would never use this character if it meant I could not recruited the maximum of seven soldiers.

The “Shadow of the Sphinx” treats horses and camels as the same from a game perspective. I don’t agree with this but it is what it is.

New Monsters:

The new Bestiary includes Vipers, Uraeus – oversized cobras, Crocodiles, Giant Scorpions, Mummies, Skeletons, Pharaonic Mummies, Swarms, Zombie Camels and Werejackals etc.

Get your teeth into these before they get theirs into you!

New Scenario Specific Rules:

Extreme temperatures and loose sand can significantly impact your soldiers’ performance and will need to be managed. If troops receive a “Mummy’s Curse” during the scenario they will need to conduct a TN9 test after the game and a failure can permanently effect future survival rolls.

Thirst can also effect your contingent and you will need to obtain water in most scenarios not to be effected on your next mission.

I like these rules which add to the Egyptian flavour of the game.

The New Campaigns:

The new campaign is great, with a real Indiana Jones feel to it. Tomb raiding in buried temples and lost cities, and fighting a new list of monsters looks quite exciting.

The five scenarios centre around the search for a Chamber of Wisdom which is said to be the cause of Napoleon’s great victories. Can you find the Chamber and stop the Corsican swarming across Europe?

There is also a three scenario Solo Campaign as well. You are tasked by Napoleon to search for, investigate and garrison a “Lost City”. All that is known is that except for a lone soldier, who had lost his mind, no party has ever returned.

Please see my own Silver Bayonet Egyptian Campaign here – written long before this campaign booklet!

I enjoyed reading this new offer from Mr. McCullough, and hope to start the campaign soon. Except for the second rate printing well worth the purchase.

★★★★

Tomorrow my own Egyptian contingent from the cave!