Bautzen (Day 1) Soult's Attack
May 20, 1813
Historical Background
The Prusso-Russian army was in a full retreat following their defeat at the Battle of Lützen. Finally, generals Wittgenstein and Blücher were ordered to stop at Bautzen by Tsar Alexander I and König Frederick William III. The Prusso-Russian army was nearly 100,000 men strong, but Napoleon had 115,000 troops. Additionally, Marshal Ney had 85,000 more men within easy marching distance. Wittgenstein formed two defensive lines, with the first holding strongpoints in villages and along ridges and the second holding the bridges behind a river bend. Napoleon had planned to pin down his enemies to their lines and then trap them with Ney's troops. However, due to faulty reconnaissance, he became concerned that the Prusso-Russians had more soldiers and held stronger positions than they actually did. So Napoleon then decided he would not set up his trap until they had been softened up.
After an intense bombardment by the grande batterie of Napoleon's artillery and hours of heated fighting, the French overpowered the first defensive lines and seized the town of Bautzen. The Prusso-Russians appeared to be buckling. By nightfall, the French were ready to cut the allies off from their line of retreat. But Marshal Ney became confused and his faulty positioning left the door open for the Allies to escape.
The battle continued on the next day.
This scenario focuses on the portion of the allied right flank where Bertrand/Soult pushed against Blücher's defense of the ridgeline where the french were attempting to cross the Spree River
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?
Set-Up Order
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Battle Notes
Allied Army
Wittgenstein/Blücher
5 Command Cards
4 Tactician Cards
4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | - | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
French Army
Napoleon 1er
5 Command Cards
6 Tactician Cards
move first
8 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
Victory
8 Banners
Special Rules
Mother russia roll is in effect, 4 dice, ignore xsd results
Prussia receives 3 iron will
The Spree river is fordable. The shallow fords do not stop movement.
The villages are temporary group majority objective worth 1 VP to either side occupying an absolute majority at turn start. (Temporary Group Majority Victory Banner Turn Start)
Reminder:
Russians only may use mother russia results
Prussia only may use iron will tokens.