It is 17 July 1812 and Capitaine Dumont with his company of voltigeurs are in the vanguard of the French advance into Russia, pursuing the Tsar's forces as they retreat from the camp of Drissa. Dumont is ordered to reconnoitre a crucial crossroads which the Russians are believed to be defending. His mission is to assess the enemy's strength and disrupt their defences before the main body of the Grand Army arrives.
Dumont's objective is to scout the crossroads and engage the Russian rearguard, gaining intelligence on the enemy's strength and intentions.
“Flattering himself we'll catch up with the enemy rearguard, he hastens forward the movement of the van… to get hold of some prisoners… But not even a peasant can we find, to show us which way the enemy has gone! No inhabitants are to be seen, no prisoners to be taken, not a single straggler to be picked up, nor any spies. For some hours we have to play at being huntsmen and follow the enemy's tracks in every direction.”
(Austin 1993, p150-151)
This scenario was largely generated by ChatGPT.
Captain Dumont's objective is to scout the crossroads and engage the Russian rearguard, capturing or eliminating as many enemy units as possible. The main goal is to gather valuable intelligence about the enemy's strength and intentions while inflicting damage to their forces.
The scenario is set in a rural area with rolling hills, scattered woods, and a major crossroads at the center. The crossroads are marked by a small village and some low stone walls. The terrain should provide opportunities for cover and manoeuvre for both sides.
The French enter along the road from the west. The Russian primary deployment point is just before the crossroads.
91 points in total.
90 points in total.
The Russians have a moveable deployment point, and using the “Tactical” attribute the cossacks can launch an ambuscade should they so wish.
The French are seeking captives from which they can gather information on the Russian forces location and intentions. Russian soldiers are captured in the ordinary way. Civilians in the village or fields are captured if they come into contact with any French military group or individual.
The civilians all operate individually and are all activated simultaneously when the blank chip is drawn. When activated each individual that is within line of sight of the enemy will move 1d6 in a direction determined (in priority order) by a) moving directly away from any enemy units within 12 inches; and b) moving towards the village church. Once in the church the villagers will bar the door (requiring a task to break into)
The French gain one victory point for every prisoner captured (either civilian, soldier, or level 1 leader) and two victory points for any higher officer captured. If the French capture the Russian primary deployment point then the game ends. If the Russians retain control of their primary deployment point at the end of the game (either because the French withdraw or have their Force Morale reduced to zero) the French lose 3 victory points and must consider the battle a loss.