EPIC17 Dresden (26 August 1813 - Allied Attack Day 1)
Historical Background
In early 1813, Napoleon won two hard-fought battles at Lutzen and Bautzen. In June the emperor agreed to an armistice. Then in August, negotiations with Austria broke down and Austria joined the Sixth Coalition. Initially the expanded Coalition was divided on how to operate. Eventually a plan was adopted where Allied armies would avoid battle if Napoleon were present but seek to engage and defeat Napoleon's subordinates whenever an opportunity presented itself. Schwarzenberg was made commander in chief of the Allied forces and ordered the Army of Bohemia to advance against Saint-Cyr at Dresden, the capital of Saxony, while Napoleon was absent trying to catch Blucher's Army of Silesia. Saint-Cyr launched a desperate attack on the Allied advance that threw the Allied advance into confusion. Despite the set back, on August 26 Schwarzenberg attacked again. By mid-morning, the Prussians along with the Russians had managed to capture about half the Grand Garden, but the Allied advance had stalled there due to losses and disorganization. Around 11 am the Allies received word that Napoleon had arrived in the city. The Allied army was too heavily committed to call off the attack. For better or worse, the Allies would have to take on Napoleon.
The battle resumed around 3 pm. The Grand Garden again saw heavy fighting. Russian Jager units surged forward through the garden and then assaulted French Redoubt #2. Napoleon's Young Guard countered the Russian move. In the center, the Austrians advanced on Redoubt #3 and the French gave way. The Austrians followed, but French reserves came forward and the Austrians were forced back. West of the Weisseritz River the Austrian advance against Friedrichstadt was repulsed. By nightfall most of the Allied gains had been wiped out. Napoleon was pleased with the day's events and retired to the King of Saxony's palace to plan for the next day.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?
Battle Notes
Coalition Army
* Commander: Schwarzenberg
* 4 Command Cards
* 4 Tactician Cards
* Move First
French Army
* Commander: Napoleon (Iconic)
* 6 Command Cards
* 6 Tactician Cards
Victory
15 Banners
Special Rules
* The French player gains 1 Temporary Victory Banner if the 5 Redoubt hexes are occupied by French units at the start of the French player’s turn. The French start with 1 Victory Banner.
* The Coalition player gains 1 Temporary Victory Banner for each Redoubt hex occupied at the start of the Coalition player’s turn.
* The Coalition player gains 1 Temporary Victory Banner for each town hex of Dresden and/or Friedrichstadt occupied at the start of the Coalition player’s turn.
* The Elbe is impassable except at the bridges.
* The River Weisseritz and Stream are fordable.
* Pre-Battle Mother Russia Roll rule is not effect.
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