This scenario sees an army marching down a road towards a strategic town. The road passes through a choke-point. Only a small defensive force is covering the approach to the town, but they are expecting reinforcements. The attacker must push through quickly before the defender's build up too much strength.
I kept the rules much the same as in the previous game, although I allowed Swedish infantry to charge with the proviso that they then lost their ability to shoot. I had rules for them recovering this ability, but I'm inclined to say that it lasts for the rest of the game, as this is simpler to keep track of. This game also featured Dragoons, who can switch between being mounted and dismounted - they act as weak cavalry or weak infantry, but have the option of being either to offset this.
The Swedes defended. Their force was three infantry regiments, two cavalry regiments and an artillery battery.
The attacking Russians had four infantry regiments, one regiment of dragoons and an artillery battery.
The starting positions. The Swedes deployed two infantry regiments forward of the town, covering the choke-point between the impassable woods.. the Russians would be entering on the road to the left of the picture.
The Russians arrived. Their forces backed up because I wanted the lead unit to fire. In these rules infantry can move and fire (although I apply a penalty if they do), but I don't allow it if they used the road bonus.
No smoke at this stage, but firing is taking place between the Swedish defenders and lead Russian regiments. The rest of the Russian force is arriving and beginning to move into position.
The two lines exchange musketry.
Meanwhile the Russian dragoons worked their way around the Swedish left, threatening its flank. In response the Swedes charged.
The dragoons rallied and established themselves on the Swedish left.
The Swedes kept up a vigorous and aggressive defence.
The dragoons charged one Swedish infantry regiment, whilst two Russian regiments concentrated their fire on the other Swedish unit.
Under heavy fire the one Swedish regiment fled. The other fell back.
However the first reinforcements now arrived - Swedish infantry deployed in the town ...
... and Swedish cavalry charged into the flank of the Russian dragoons.
The Swedish infantry kept up an aggressive attack.
Heavily damaged, the dragoons retired out of the way. The Swedish cavalry could have pursued them to finish them off, but it would have taken hem out of the main fight for a couple of turns. And the Swedes still needed every unit they could get.
The Russians kept pushing forward. Their army was now clearing the choke-point.
On the Russian left the artillery and an infantry regiment moved into position to assault the town. In the centre the second Swedish infantry regiment was finally driven off.
The Russians had two weakened units in the centre, and the Swedish cavalry charged one of them in an attempt to break the Russian army.
The infantry held. The Russian artillery opened up on the town.
The Swedish cavalry went in again, through a hail of musketry. This time the Russian infantry broke.
On the Russian left their infantry attacked the town. The garrison put up a bold defence.
The Swedish horse was still under fire in the centre ...
... but charged again.
This time it broke, though.
The attack on the town was going badly for the Russians though; the artillery was scoring no damage, and in the exchange of fire between the two infantry units the Russians, without cover, were coming off worse.
More Swedish reinforcements arrived; and artillery battery set up in support of the town ...
... and more Swedish cavalry attacked the Russian dragoons, who had dismounted by this stage.The dragoons routed.
An overview of the battle. The Russians still had three infantry regiments left, as well as their artillery battery. But they would have a tough fight to reach the town and some of their units were close to routing.
Indeed the regiment tasked with attacking the town did rout.
The Russians threw their one fresh unit into the attack ...
... but the Swedish cavalry hit it in the rear ...
... and it was lost as well.
It was now Turn 14 of the 15 allowed, and it was obvious the Russians could not take the town with their available forces. A Swedish victory was declared.
This scenario seems to be a tough one for the attackers. It is difficult for them to bring an overwhelming force to bear on the initial defenders in order to knock them out before the reinforcements arrive. The reinforcements have free entry anywhere along their edge, which allows the defenders some choice as to where to launch their counterattack. And, of course, they can occupy the objective with part of the first batch, leaving the defenders with a 'fortified' position to crack.
As for the rules, I think I have the core of them in a state I'm happy with. I still need to refine the move/fire mechanism to clarify when a unit can do it, and when they get a penalty, though. I also need to decide just how Swedish infantry charges will work, and how much damage they should cause.
Follow the rest of the scenario refights HERE
Nice looking game with beautiful units, congrats to the Swedish troops...
ReplyDeleteAnother Swedish win. Can anyone stop the Northern Meteor? I haven't tried out this scenario yet, but it looks like a tough one. Maybe a bit easier if the attacker had rolled more cavalry?
ReplyDeleteActually whilst trying out some rules tweaks I played this one out the night before, with the armies reversed. The attacking Swedes lost, although some of that was down to leading with their cavalry against the defending Russian infantry. However it seemed the best move as more cavalry means less infantry with which to attack and hold the town.
DeleteNice looking game and troops. A period not seen often enough.
ReplyDelete