Monday 17 July 2017

Skirmish at Constantino - retreat to Corunna January 6th 1809 - home grown rules

The French gather to force the bridge at Constantino, the Royal Engineers having failed to blow it. Paget and Moore ready the rearguard to defend the bridge!

The French form an infantry column to rush the bridge, while skirmishers form on the flanks to cover its advance. Cavalry follow up to back up the assault, with dragoons on the left to force the gully

the column marches forwards, while the dragoons surge on the left. The flanking voltiguers, having taken heavy casulaties from Carthew's royal horse artillery, panic. Paget forms the 28th lights up as a reserve and sends forwards the riflemen to hold the gully

the column continues to suffer under artillery and rifle fire, while the voltiguers on both sides panic and fall back

the column, at last on the bridge, inflicts casualties on the 28th, causing them to scatter. However, the column, though solid, had taken heavy casualties, losing nearly half of its men

The dragoons approaching the gully side open fire on the riflemen, but caused few casualties.
The French cavalry now moved up to follow up on the column's halting attack on the bridge.

The column held firm, continuing to hold its own on the bridge

The riflemen and 28th lights continue to pepper the advancing Frenchmen

The small contingent of highlanders and the 28th nearby concentrated their shot on the bridge, demolishing the column, almost entirely

The steady advance of the dragoons and the concentration of British forces against the attempt on the bridge, now left the path clear to the dragoons to cross the gully

The British artillery attempted to fire on the dragoons, but they were too well covered to be hit.

The dragoons make their way across the gully

The dragoons congregate to prepare for their attack on the British

As the dragoons formed themselves up and began their column's attack on the British right, the cavalry brought their charge over the bridge, followed by the remaining voltiguers, who had suffered terribly from the British shooting

The Dragoons volleyed the British flank, but with the artillery enfilading them, their cavalry taking incredibly heavy casualties, and their own volley causing little impact, the French decided to fall back, and the British were allowed a clear march for the day.
 
British minor victory!
 

Monday 10 July 2017

Battle in the Penninsular war - Black Powder, Albion Triumphant

We decided we had not played black powder for a long time, and as we had got enough 28mm models we used our larger scale figures. We used a scenario from Albion Triumphant. 
We played for victory points for 12 turns.
 The hills in the fields=1
The hill and the crossroads=3
The farmhouse=6
The building entry points, if uncaptured=1 or 3 to the captor

  

























British victory (For M again!!)

The treaty of Averheim


Following the disastrous collapse of my forces Hardenburg's part in the Averland War of Succession came to an end. After initial success as the Marines, led by Pietr, crossed the Blue Reach and at the Battle of Pfunzig secured a foothold in the town of Pfunzig, the Grand Army, led by Pietr while the Prince took charge of the marines in their push west, marched of Grenzsdadt only to be crushingly defeated by Ferdinand Leitdorf (Kastor Leitdorf's cousin) at the Battle of Grenzsdadt. Away in the north, Prince Vyshnevtsky was marching upon Bieswang with the full force of the Hardenburg marines when he was ambushed by the newly arrived Kastor. But the marines put up a fierce fight and by the end both forces were forced to retire to Bieswang and Pfunzig respectively. A following clash as the two armies again tried to advance along the road ended in another terrible defeat for Hardenburg, and the Prince and the Marines were beaten back to Pfunzig. To the south Ferdinand, pursuing the retreat Grand Army with his van upon a winged steed, caught the Kasotian rearguard in the Grenzsdadt hills. The Battle of the Grenzsdadt hills ended in another crushing defeat for the Grand Army which was forced to flee to Pfunzig. But in Pfunzig the Prince with the marines was coming under assault by Kastor Leitdorf's forces. At last the Hardenburgers clawed back victory and Kastor was sent reeling from the town. Making good upon this recent victory the Prince led his army to assault Bieswang once more and this time broke Kastor's defenders and took the town. Yet it afforded him little good as Ferdinand, once more catching up with Pietr, headed off the Hardenburgers from Pfunzig, allowing them to fall back across Blue Reach, but occupying Pfunzig and thus severing the Marines' supply line and stranding them in Bieswang.
Hardenburg was thus left with no secure foothold south of the river and with an army surrounded, whose evacuation would have to be negotiated. Thus did the diplomats, who had severed ties since the Battle of Grenzsdadt, meet again with all graciousness and apology.
Here is the letter by letter account of how they did resolve the war...

                             

Kastor, Baron, General of the Empire, leader of the armies of the famed realm of Averland, protector of  the Moot, destroyer of chaos and cultists, killer of orcs, goblins, ogres, dragons, giants (of various sizes), fell bats, beastmen, Dark Elves, Vampires and skaven.
The wielder of the Averland Runefang, true successor of Marius Leitdorf, the late noble and rightful governor of the aforementioned state of Averland, master of the Dwarven road and the rivers Aver and Blue Reach.
  Supported by the loyal nobles of Averland, Tilla and Estalia, the Valorous knights of the Blazing Sun and the Moot.          
From him;
He wills you, in the name of Sigmar Almighty,
That you divest yourself, and lay apart
The borrow'd glories that by gift of heaven,
By law of nature and of nations,belong
To him and to his heirs; namely, the throne of Averland
And all honors that pertain.
That you may know
'Tis no sinister nor no awkward claim,
Pick'd from the worm-holes of long-vanish'd days,
Nor from the dust of old oblivion raked,
He descends from this most memorable line,
In every branch truly demonstrative;
A Litdorf,
You find him evenly derived
From his most famed of famous kin,
Marius Litdorf. He bids you then resign
Your claim on his state, indirectly held
From him the native and true challenger.
Our demands are 
 I The return of the sized forcefully and captured town of  Bieswang.   
II For the surrender or exile of the false and cowardly Von Alptraums, who dare not come and face us on the field but send better men in their place.  
III That all troops, agents and followers of Principality Of Hardenburg leave the State of Averland. Making no attempt to molest or hinder the citizens of the afore mentioned Sate of Averland. 
IV That no further claim to the throne be made the Princes of Hardenburg, and that the Litdorf line is recognized as the true heirs. 
V That the knights of the Black Bear who wish to return to their chapter house swear to never raise sword to the line of Leitdorf.
VI That in time of war the old customs of the empire be kept and States march side by side for the emperor.
VII That the taxes and revenue of the so called Old Dwarf Road and rivers Aver and Blue Reach remain in the hands of throne of Averland.         
VIII That no force of men, armed agents and ill wishers enter uniformed into the Land of the Leitdorf's from The principality of Hardenburg.      
IX That a tribute be payed from the Republic of  Kasos of one river galley and the sum of 40,000 Kasotion Kos every year until the wood is not to be found or the line of Leitdorf fails. (our scorn to the failed Warden of the Lagoon, may he remember his lesson, that the field of battle is no place for for a robber pirate. May the Kasotions find a more worthy warden to lead their men, who are ill used to have such a commander.)     
X For the head of the Chaplin of the Knights of The Black Bear we also ask.
XI That in time of need forces of Averland and Hardenburg may pass, escorted but unhindered, through their respective lands.     
XII That the traitor Knights of the Black Bear or Hardenburg let over ninety fit recruits and arms every year for forty summers. Though they will not give the widows back their sons, they will repay our armies what is due. 
These terms are open to dignified and diplomatic debate. Any point can be talked over in detail if so wished.          
If you refuse these teams 
Bloody constraint will follow; for if you hide the truth to his claim
Even in your hearts, there will he rake for it:
Therefore in fierce tempest is he coming,
In thunder and in earthquake, like a Griffon,
That, if requiring fail, he will compel;
And bids you, in the name of Sigmar,
Deliver up the Von Alptraums, and to take mercy
On the poor souls of Hardenburg for whom this hungry war
Opens his vasty jaws; and on your head
Turning the widows' tears, the orphans' cries
The dead men's blood, the pining maidens groans,
For husbands, fathers and betrothed lovers,
That shall be swallow'd in this controversy.
This is his claim, his threatening and his message.
Finally The Baron Kastor, heir to Averland, wishes to retract his words concerning the Prince and his  family, that he stated in his other massages, and having fought the prince face to face to sees he is a just and noble man, and  that it was his youth and love for his people that made him speak so rashly.
Letter from Hardenburg


Vyshnevtsky, the second of that name, Grand Prince of Hardenburg and true Lord of that City of the line of Von Hune, Baron of Stirland, General of the Empire, Servant of Morr and Protector of his Church, friend of Dwarves, Elves and men, enemy of all undead, daemons, skaven, beastmen and other abominations of the world.
Master of the Sylvanian lands, bonded protector of the Glorious and Free City Republic of Kasos, supported by the loyal nobles of Hardenburg, Kasos, Tilea and Estalia and the Glorious knights of the Black Bear.
In his name the regency council of Lord Pietr, the truly born, Grand Master of the Knights of the Black Bear, Boris Johannes Marcov, the Archlector of Morr, and Duke Vyshnevtsky, the third of that name, son and heir of the Grand Prince, do greet your welcome treaties.
An end to the recent and most bloody conflict is greatly desired by both the Grand city of Hardenburg and the noble electorate state of Averland. As it has proved in the recent war, the holy lord Morr, gardener of the grove of the dead, does not support our great city's cause in this fight and has rewarded you with victory on the field. We therefore submit to His will and your prowess. Yet though he has shown to us that your line is true, still he has not deserted our great city, for His name is still Hallow'd here.
Though your demands are for the most part agreeable to our great city, there are certain points we wish discussed further
III That all troops, agents and followers of the Grand Principality of Hardenburg shall leave the State of Averland, making no attempt to molest or hinder the citizens of the afore mentioned Sate of Averland. In addition to this that all plunder taken might be returned to its rightful owners, but that this shall be done trusting the honour of the Prince and that the army and its followers shall not be molested or hindered in their turn whilst they are withdrawing. And that envoys and messengers shall be return to each other's capitals so that diplomacy may recommence.
VII That the taxes and revenue of the so called Old Dwarf Road and the river Aver remain in the hands of throne of Averland, but that the taxes and revenue of the Blue reach remain, as they have for centuries, in the hands of the Grand city of Hardenburg, for they are the lifeblood of that city's people. This is the one article to which there can be little compromise since were the river's trade to be forfeited by our Great city it would mean greater ruin than our losses in this conflict have yet deserved. Indeed to the people of this city such a calamity as the loss of the benefit of the Blue reach trade would heavier born than for our city to be under great siege, plagued by flame, famine and necromancy.
IX The Glorious and Free City Republic of Kasos is a free city and a republic, and though it is our vassal and under our protection, neither we nor the warden of the Lagoon (when that post, currently empty and up for election, shall be filled) can command the city to do any such thing. For though the power to declare war and to make peace lies with the warden, he is entirely at the mercy of the Council of Merchant's voted funds, and they are a stubborn and, and dare I say divided, body. We cannot speak for them.
X The chaplain of the Black Bear will be replaced with one of our own priests of Morr.
XII That the honourable Knights of the Black Bear (who did honour their oath of fealty to our Lord), swear such fealty to the Baron Kastor to serve and fight for him in times of war (this is our greatest concession) - though their allegiance to the Grand Prince of Hardenburg, when both our lands are in a state of war with other lands, shall take precedence.  
Should these conditions be met, then to these listed hereafter, we submit unreservedly
I The return of the occupied town of Bieswang.
II The exile of the Von Alptraums from our noble city.
IV That no further claim to the throne be made the Princes of Hardenburg, and that the Leitdorf line is recognized as the true heirs. 
V That the knights of the black wolf who wish to return to their chapter house swear to never raise sword to the line of Leitdorf.
VI That in time of war the old customs of the empire be kept and State to Sate march side by side for the emperor.
VIII That no force of men, armed agents and ill wishers enter uninformed into the Land of the Leitdorf's from The Grand Principality of Hardenburg.      
XI That in time of need forces of Averland and Hardenburg may pass, observed but unhindered, through their respective lands.     
In short our concessions are to retract our support from the Von Alptraums and offer it to you and to have the Knights of the Black Bear swear an oath to you. This we do in good faith and in all honour.
Our Grand Prince acknowledges Baron Kastor's prowess on the field and retracts his words, acknowledging him as a noble General and a gentleman of honour and courage.
We hope that a swift ratification of these terms shall be reached and that our army should be allowed to depart unscathed.

                                        

After much debate, concession and posturing the final agreement was settled 

 I The return of the seized town of  Bieswang, along with payment for the repair of its fortifications and recompense for its people and the people of Pfungzig for all property damaged or stolen. 
II The Prince of Hardenburg retracts his support from the Von Alptraums. Furthermore the Von Alptraum pretenders are exiled from the Grand city of Hardenburg on pain of arrest or subsequent surrender to the count of Averland.
III That all troops, agents and followers of Principality Of Hardenburg leave the State of Averland, making no attempt to molest or hinder the citizens of the afore mentioned Sate of Averland, but neither will they be molested or hindered in their turn, but will be escorted from the State of Averland by chosen provost marshals. Furthermore the forces of Hardenburg will return all loot and plunder taken in the course of the campaign, and subsequently observers from both courts will accompany the armies of Averland and Hardenburg so that trust might be built between the two states and and cooperation against mutual enemies facilitated.
IV That the Prince of Hardenburg recognizes Baron Kastor Leitdorf as the rightful Elector Count of the State of Averland.
V That the true Knights of the Black Bear swear allegiance to the Elector Count of Averland and promise to answer his call whenever he may summon them, provided they have not already been called by the Prince of Hardenburg.
VI That in time of war the old customs of the empire be kept and States march side by side for the emperor.
VII That the taxes and revenue of the so called Old Dwarf Road and river Aver remain in the hands of throne of Averland, while the taxes and revenue of the Blue reach remain in the hands of the City of Hardenburg.
VIII That no force of men, armed agents and ill wishers enter uninformed into the Land of the Leitdorf's from The principality of Hardenburg. 
IX That the Prince of Hardenburg guarantees a naval tribute every year from the Free Republic of Kasos.
X That the Chaplin of the Knights of The Black Bear shall be replaced, and the man who held that title be exiled to his homeland of Kislev
XI That in time of need forces of Averland and Hardenburg may pass, escorted but unhindered, through their respective lands. 
XII That Prince of Hardenburg let a hundred fit recruits and arms every year for forty summers to serve in the armies of Averland.

                                              
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Thus was the treaty agreed to, and Hardenburgs forces were withdrawn from Averland

Brettonia vs Hardenburg - Warhammer