"Baron Alten, I need time to organize the defenses and you're going to give it to me." With that, the Baron left to take command of his meager force. Two squadrons of cuirassiers, two of hussars, two medium gun, a line battalion and the famous Border Foxes lights.
The logical and direct approach to the principality of Alten was up a canyon with a river running down the middle. Unless slowed the Litharusian invaders would be within striking distance of Alten on the morrow. And within the environs of the city was a most important secret.
The hills on either flank were half speed terrain and the very top, indicated by the wood chips, were impassable to formed foot, wheeled and horse. The rivers steep banks made it impassable except at the stone bridge and the ford again indicated by the wood chips.
As the Litharusian forces methodically advanced they were surprised (well, maybe not) by two half-battalions suddenly standing up and ordering themselves. A battery of two medium guns unmasked itself and cavalry became apparent. The attacking cavalry was late arriving which allowed the defending Latverian forces to set the tempo of the action.
The Cossacks, carrying forward casualties from the last engagement, crossed the ford as troops from the main body began to arrive on table. Along with a testy message from over-all Litharusian commander General Ouromov wondering why the advance guard was delaying his advance!
As the advance continued the Litharusian forces started to accumulate casualties. The Pandours and a line battalion routing after falling below half strength. Both would rally and the Pandours actually got back into the fray.
Judging that it was time to withdraw General Alten was tricked into charging his cuirassiers against a depleted, but still steady battalion. The Elektrenai Battalion emptied a few saddles with their opening volley and then managed to tie and then defeat their armored opponents. One squadron routed and the other was forced to fall back.
Elsewhere the vastly superior numbers from the main body continued to mount. So indirectly covered by harassing fire from the Border Foxes on the ridge the Latverian troops rapidly withdrew.
The depleted but undefeated Latverian forces doggedly withdraw while maintained a bold front.
And so it came to an end. One last cavalry melee where some Cossacks defeated a larger group of hussars had no impact on the successful withdrawal. The defenders inflicted roughly 50% greater casualties on the attackers and sufficiently delayed the advance to allow for a reasonable state of preparedness at Alten. The final task was to determine the fate of the lost miniatures. A d6 was rolled for each figure lost with the following table used: 1 = dead and gone; 2-3 = heavy wound that put them out for the campaign but might return. Having surrendered the field, all the Latverian heavy wounded became prisoners. And finally a roll of 4-6 meant they either had a light would or were "helping" the real wounded to get to the rear.
Next up, the battle for Alten proper.
The logical and direct approach to the principality of Alten was up a canyon with a river running down the middle. Unless slowed the Litharusian invaders would be within striking distance of Alten on the morrow. And within the environs of the city was a most important secret.
The hills on either flank were half speed terrain and the very top, indicated by the wood chips, were impassable to formed foot, wheeled and horse. The rivers steep banks made it impassable except at the stone bridge and the ford again indicated by the wood chips.
As the Litharusian forces methodically advanced they were surprised (well, maybe not) by two half-battalions suddenly standing up and ordering themselves. A battery of two medium guns unmasked itself and cavalry became apparent. The attacking cavalry was late arriving which allowed the defending Latverian forces to set the tempo of the action.
The Cossacks, carrying forward casualties from the last engagement, crossed the ford as troops from the main body began to arrive on table. Along with a testy message from over-all Litharusian commander General Ouromov wondering why the advance guard was delaying his advance!
As the advance continued the Litharusian forces started to accumulate casualties. The Pandours and a line battalion routing after falling below half strength. Both would rally and the Pandours actually got back into the fray.
Judging that it was time to withdraw General Alten was tricked into charging his cuirassiers against a depleted, but still steady battalion. The Elektrenai Battalion emptied a few saddles with their opening volley and then managed to tie and then defeat their armored opponents. One squadron routed and the other was forced to fall back.
Elsewhere the vastly superior numbers from the main body continued to mount. So indirectly covered by harassing fire from the Border Foxes on the ridge the Latverian troops rapidly withdrew.
The depleted but undefeated Latverian forces doggedly withdraw while maintained a bold front.
And so it came to an end. One last cavalry melee where some Cossacks defeated a larger group of hussars had no impact on the successful withdrawal. The defenders inflicted roughly 50% greater casualties on the attackers and sufficiently delayed the advance to allow for a reasonable state of preparedness at Alten. The final task was to determine the fate of the lost miniatures. A d6 was rolled for each figure lost with the following table used: 1 = dead and gone; 2-3 = heavy wound that put them out for the campaign but might return. Having surrendered the field, all the Latverian heavy wounded became prisoners. And finally a roll of 4-6 meant they either had a light would or were "helping" the real wounded to get to the rear.
Next up, the battle for Alten proper.
Hi Mike! That was a great battle report of a cracklin' little action! The pictures of your well painted troops on the tabletop were worth a thousand words. Thanks for sharing it with us. I'm looking forward to the next one; so keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteMartin
Awesome looking figures!
ReplyDeleteA toast to Michael for a fine-looking game. Thank you for posting. I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteBill P.