The French fought the Austrians in this fictional battle for the town of St Eclair. Fast Play Grande Armee are my rules of choice for this scale and this period. I think it gives a great representation of Napoleonic battles without all the excess "stuff". You can get a huge battle fought in 3 hours easy. We had six commands, and ended with a obvious winner in 2 1/2 hours.
Throw in the gorgeous 6mm figs (yes, I said 6mm) and stands provided by
Scott, and you have the ingredients for a great game.
The French
The Austrians
The Austrians took the early initiative, but chose to let the French go first. The French covered the ground quickly, except in the center, where for some reason, Napoleon's troops lagged behind. The town was seized by the French, but it would turn out to be a tough time holding it.
The French capture St Eclair
The cannonade is fierce
The entire game, the Austrians pounded the defenders in the town. Although the these guns might have been better served pounding the infantry outside the town.
The battle ebbed and flowed, until finally the Austrian cavalry on the left broke. Seven Austrian brigades would break in a single turn after that. French victory.
Some take aways: The Austrians need more heavy cavalry. And a few extra infantry, too. The French move faster, so you need something to balance.
Keeping track of everything is easy with these nifty dry erase labels on the back.
Great looking game!
ReplyDeleteBaron,
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely correct about the playability adjustments. I have been talking to Basement General's Jay and Bill and think I know where to begin. It will take me some time to paint but I would love to run this again when ready. See ya.
Scott the Gray
I can do some heavy Cav if you like.
ReplyDeleteScore! I found a bag of unpainted Austrian Cuirrasiers (never can spell that word) and a bag of French Dragoons. If you want to do the Heavies, I can do the Lights. Bill wants to do some 2nd rate Infantry for the French, I am bringing some for him Thursday. Once this painting is all done we can try the Point-Based scenarios.
ReplyDeleteExcellent looking minis and I love the speed of the system you have mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI have downloaded it all and now shall be examining it in detail!
Murdock,
ReplyDeleteCan't remember exactly, but you might need the original Grande Armee to play Fast Play. Hopefully not.
-J
J, Murdock
ReplyDeleteThe original Grande Armee rules are not required. FPGA is self contained. FPGA is my favorite rules for this period, bar none. We have had countless battles and I have put this on at several Recruits Conventions. Large battles are finished decisively in ~3 hours.
Make sure you download the charts!