Historical Notes
Having failed to stop an alliance between Pope Alexander III and the Lombard League through diplomacy, Frederick Barbarossa now decides to use the sword. He marches his army over the Alps from Germany to restore his empire and his rule in northern Italy.
Frederick and his personal bodyguard of 500 cavalry join with reinforcements, Swabian and Rhenish cavalry recently arrived from Germany. Curiously, no infantry accompanies the force. Milan lies between Frederick's forces and his main army at Pavia, and the Italians are not eager to see the two forces link up. The Milanese decide to meet Frederick on the field of battle, which occurs outside Legnano on May 29th, 1176. The Italians successfully conceal their movement behind a forest and surprise Frederick's forces.
Before the Germans can organize into battle formation, the Itallian vanguard cavalry attacks the German vanguard cavalry, routing them from the field. However, enough time is bought for Frederick to form his cavalry lines, absorb the men retreating and run off the pursuers. But the Italians have formed their lines opposite the Germans in the meantime.
The battle begins and Frederick takes the offensive with initial success, routing the Italian cavalry easily. But his charge is soon stalled when it meets the resolute Italian infantry, who hold their ground admirably. The Italian cavalry are able to reform and attack the German flank! In the ensuing melee Frederick's horse is killed from under him and he is wounded, but he manages an escape. However, the imperial banner is lost and Frederick is thought dead by his men, who soon falter and flee the field of battle. Germany will not threaten the Italian Alps again during Frederick's reign.
Pennant
Lombard League
Command level 6 
War Council:1
Level 1
Standard
Frederick Barbarossa
Holy Roman Emperor
Command level 4
War Council:1
Level 1
Victory Conditions
6 Banners
Briefing
Each side has a level 1 Warrior. Remove the "Take Aim" card from the Warrior Lore Cards, it is not used in this battle. Shuffle the remaining Warrior Lore cards into a pile and deal 4 cards to each player. Players may keep 1 Lore card to start the game. Reshuffle the remaining Warrior Lore cards back into the Lore deck.
Special Rules
The German cavalry unit with a badge is Frederick Barabarossa's personal bodyguard. This unit contains an extra cavalry figure representing Frederick Barbarossa. Place a badge with this unit to distinguish it from other units. If the Italians destroy this unit, it is worth two Victory Medals (Frederick has been captured!).
NOTE: This battle requires more cavalry units than a single copy of the game provides.