Towards the Flag
Translation details
Model:mistral-medium-2604.Translated text
Section titled “Translated text”The Whites set up outposts in a semicircle. There are at least four of them, each consisting of several people. They are well concealed, and if the terrain in front of an outpost is impassable, it sends out two-man scouts ahead. Small patrols move back and forth between the outposts, making it even harder to slip through to the flag, which is planted a few hundred paces behind.
Each outpost occupies a fairly elevated position, where it is possible to both hide well and see a large stretch of terrain ahead. This terrain should be uneven rather than flat, thus facilitating stealthy approach. There may be completely impassable sections on it.
The Reds, who are fewer in number than the Whites, must slip between the outposts and reach the flag, which represents an important object that must be destroyed. They are not allowed to go around the known side boundaries agreed upon by both sides.
The Whites can take Reds prisoner, and they do so by calling out from a distance of 15–20 paces. The called-out Red must not flee—they must place a white band on their cap and go to the flag, where they remain until the end of the exercise.
Since the Whites are well concealed and do not reveal their hiding places, and since they can spot a Red from afar, determine the direction they are heading, and notify an approaching patrol, the Reds’ task is difficult. Behind every tree, behind every boulder, an enemy may be hiding, and at any moment—even with the most cautious approach—one might stumble upon them. Therefore, one cannot proceed blindly. Everyone must strain their eyes to see if an enemy is visible somewhere; one moment of inattention from the Whites, one careless movement, and the Red knows where to slip through. The movement of patrols can also indicate where the outposts are, provided one keeps their eyes open and patiently waits for the right moment. If things are going very badly, one Red, sacrificing themselves to reveal an outpost, can make it easier for the rest to slip through. Thus, it is not always the case that everyone acts on their own. In the process, one may use ruses (except for disguises) to get closer, whatever one can think of.
No one from the outposts is allowed to leave their position to block the path of someone slipping through—only patrols may do this, but even they can only drive the opponent away, not pursue them.
If at least half of the Reds (excluding those taken prisoner) reach the flag, the Reds win.
The outposts are spaced 200–400 paces apart. If there are fewer scouts, the outposts can be moved closer together, and patrols can be dispensed with.
If the designated number of Reds reach the flag within the specified time, they win.
Source scan: Polona / National Library of Poland, marked “Public domain”. View scan — PDF pages 226–228.
Metadata
Section titled “Metadata”- Type: game
- Traits: Not stated in the source
- Source: Zygmunt Wyrobek, Harcerz w polu: zabawy i gry terenowe (1946)
- Printed pages: 220–222 / PDF 226–228
- Digital edition: Digital edition · Source record
- Open the edition at the relevant page: p. 220
- Read the source text: hwp-110