305 Mariazell (8 November 1805)

Written by GMT Games on 22 November 2013. Posted in Third Coalition (1803-1806)

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 3.00 (4 Votes)

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Total plays 47 - Last reported by Etzko on 2020-08-19 13:41:28

Mariazell - 8 November 1805

Historical Background
Von Merveldt’s small corps had escaped capture at Ulm, and was attached to Kutusov’s retreating Russians, when he received orders from the Austrian High Command to march to Styria to aid Archduke John’s army. Realizing too late he had marched straight towards the advancing French, he turned to retrace his steps. With Davout’s advance guard under the command of Heudelet de Bierre hot on his heels, Merveldt opted to make a stand at Mariazell. Taking advantage of the natural terrain in the area his worn out infantry waited for the French.
Bierre, wasting no time, attacked with the French lights in the center and his light cavalry to the south of the village. The French cavalry attack broke through forcing many Austrians to surrender.
The Austrian Grenzers counter attacked out of the woods, but failed to capture the French artillery. Mervildt’s Austrians, after a brief struggle, routed.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?

Set-Up Order

	3
	4
	1

Battle Notes

Austrian Army
• Commander: Von Merveldt
• 4 Command Cards
• Optional 2 Tactician Cards


6	1	1	1	1

French Army
• Commander: de Bierre
• 5 Command Cards
• Optional 4 Tactician Cards
• Move First


2	2	2	1	4

Victory
4 Banners

Special Rules
none

Tags: Expansion 3, Banners: 4, Army: Austrian, Army: French, Special Rule: none

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Posts in discussion: 305 Mariazell (8 November 1805)

kirkoa replied the topic: #4003 3 years 11 months ago

Wow, the French light are up against it in a hurry. I played the French and lost 4-2, the cav on the right had smashed one massed battalion and had the other down to 1 block at games end. On the left, had taken the hill, but Grenadiers rudely obliterated what took it. In all, could not get flags to make Austrians run, and had to whittle them down and lost attrition battle. Good fun none the less!

Nightgaun7 replied the topic: #1588 6 years 5 months ago

Pulled off a win with the Austrians in Mariazell, but we played with a modification I had seen recommended elsewhere - the Austrian artillery is moved one hex back, still adjacent to the town.

The French moved on the left, causing the Grenzers heavy casualties and forcing them back to the hills. After that it was a shoving match in the center between French and Austrian infantry. The French light were driven back, but the French line managed to reach the hills by taking ground after assaulting the Grenzers a second time. Luckily the Austrian infantry line was able to repulse them with heavy casualties shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, around the town, the Austrian infantry slowly pushed back the French cavalry, eventually scaring them into retreating to their baseline by the end of the battle.

Bayernkini replied the topic: #1388 6 years 6 months ago

The problem with this scenario is the close setup. So the player, who goes first, have an advantage and with good cards a big advantage

Therefore the setup should have at least 1 or 2 row(s) more between the armies.

Michalxo replied the topic: #1383 6 years 6 months ago

After 7-8 played games and all won by French I really will start playing/testing this scenario with Austrian going first.

Michalxo replied the topic: #1352 6 years 7 months ago

Well, I have solo-played this one as my first Austrian scenario, and I was very delighted with it. It ended up 4-1 for French, but gee, I really thought, that Austrians will win this one, as there were so many French single units.. twice single infantry unit (one with leader), solo LC with leadear, two LC with leader. Apart from crazily great Leadership (2x LC with 2 and 1 block and full moved LN with leader) - destroyed 3 infantry units and full strength artillery. Awesome scenario!
I am looking forward to other scenarios