Napoleonic HITS game Feb. 21-22

We didn't have the minimum number of players for the scheduled scenario last weekend, so let's try it again.


With the Allied conclave at the bucolic town of Emmerhagen postponed due to the nearness of French forces, the Russian 1st Western Army has withdrawn to the east.

Grand Duke Constantin's 5th korpus has been deployed as the rear guard.  He has fallen back over the ridge separating Azambuja from Santerem in order to more closely guard the army's line of communication along the Caminho Castel Branco.

The Emperor Napoleon, satisfied with the results of the battle around Emmerhagen has ordered the pursuit of the Russian forces.  Since his stepson Eugene's corps has been severely mauled in the recent battle, Maréchal Ney and his III corps have been tasked with following the enemy east and bring him to heel.

Tsar Alexander has become increasingly impatient with Feldmarschal Schwarzenberg's lackluster maneuvering of the Allied forces.  Russians do not retreat.  He has therefore just issued orders to his brother to stop, turn around and bloody the French nose.

This 3 hour battle will be fought on one of the Antietam maps, (Crampton Gap), so everyone will need that expansion pack.  The map has been modified to remove much of the forests and remove the speed and fatigue penalties due to the many wooden fences.  Their defensive bonus has also been eliminated.  The usual 3 mods, Road to Wagram, KS SOW Supplemental Maps and KS Napoleon mods will be needed.

The standing rule that no player can scout more than 200-250 yd. in front of their troops will be in effect.

In addition, crossing the central ridge can only be done via the roads.  There are 2 on the map, circled in red.  Note that the road from Golega to the top of the ridge does not continue down the other side, so it may not be used to cross the ridge.  Since the corps are fairly small, this rule is to prevent each army from finding some undefended place and making a dash across the ridge.

We will need a minimum of 10 players, (12 would be better).  Of course more players can be accommodated with brigade commands.  We also need two volunteers for CinC.  The CinCs will likely be busy, so it may be a good idea if they do not burden themselves with troops to command.

A doodle sign-up for the game can be found here: Doodle Sign-Up

Regrettably I'll have to withdraw from commanding the Russian army. I'm okay with a division though. Sorry about that, I have too much that's worrying me on my plate right now to add the hassle of taking charge in these games. I know that sounds a flimsy excuse, but that's how it is

I'm tempted... But I've been out of the loop for a long while.

I'm tempted... But I've been out of the loop for a long while.

Perfect resume. The Russians are proud to have you as CinC.

So, you need the Russians to attack?

Attack is always the best form of attack.

I can't make it no map sorry

Oh yes, Digby. The Father General has identified as least seven different, specific forms of attack. However, he has of yet only discovered one form of defense which he equates to surrender. Also, entrenchments, defensive fortifications, cover and concealment of any kind are to be avoided at all costs because they encourage cowardice.

Presently, he is debating if attacking with other units in support is bad.

Tsar Alexander has become increasingly impatient with Feldmarschal Schwarzenberg's lackluster maneuvering of the Allied forces. Russians do not retreat. He has therefore just issued orders to his brother to stop, turn around and bloody the French nose.

Really, the only line of importance in the whole briefing for the Russians.

If Matt can't play this weekend, we will also need a French CinC. Nominations from the floor?

As there will only be 4 of us today, I'll try to come up with a co-op scenario. Let's start at the usual time, 20:00GMT.

Sorry, I can't make it. Somethings come up. Have a good one.

I'll throw a small co-op scenario together for today if anyone is interested.  We'll play on the Manassas map.  This will require players to have 3 new files.  Place them in the KS Napoleon Mod \Maps sub-folder.  Here is the link: Nappy Manassas Map

Start time will be 20:00GMT.

A picture from yesterday's battle.  Quite a cavalry engagement.

Thanks for organising the game at short notice Kevin, it was pleasant to play vs the AI for a change and I hope EJ found it a useful training session. We should arrange more small games co-op vs the AI so our newer commanders can get some practice in without it jeopardising some lavish 6-player-a-side battle plan

Must have been a heck of a fight. Everybody is lying down for a nap.

That's a lot of dead cavalry. Nice pic

It's good to know that my 'Regulation1-Tactics in the use of cavalry' has been adopted in my absence

I think the AI has your cavalry tactical regulations hard-coded into their manuals. Those Austrians came at us like a 19th century Panzer Gruppe.