This page describes a Seven Years War miniatures campaign set in Bavaria. I am the referee. There are four players, a Prussian and three allies (French, Austrians, and Russians). The game is 12 turns long, each turn = 3 days. The players get victory points for capturing towns and cities, and for winning battles.

The Map

Campaign Rules [pdf]

Prussians: The Prussian deployed most of his men, roughly 20,000 strong, in the string of towns stretching southwest along the central spine of the map from Kelheim to Schrobenhausen. This gave him a good central position without violating his setup conditions. He also placed a garrison in Ratisbon in the north, just in case.

French: The French placed their army (22,000 men plus 32 guns) in Augsburg.

Austrians: The Austrians appeared on the map in Munich with an army of 21,000 men and 40 guns.

Russians: A Russian expeditionary army of 11,000 men and 32 guns marched onto the map at Straubing in the northeast corner of the map, 3 days’ march from Ratisbon.

Referee’s Observations: The allies had two general strategies they could attempt: First, try to converge their armies into an overwhelming force to crush the Prussians in one battle, thus ending the campaign. Second, to try and move around the map capturing towns and cities, forcing the Prussian to react to their moves by splitting his army into small pieces, each small piece vulnerable to a sudden concentration of allied men.

Synopsis

Prussia: The Prussian decided to consolidate and smash the French first. To that end, he concentrated nearly all of his forces in hex 6-8, between Schroben hausen and Pfaffenhoffen. This consisted of about 30,000 men and 50 guns, under General Kessling.

France: The allies had decided to try and gather their forces in the southern part of the map, with the French and Russians meeting the Austrians near Munich. The French thus sent most of their men, about 17,000 under General Meaux, toward Dachau along the Augsburg-Munich road. A detachment of light troops with no general also thrust north to capture Donauworth, and a small column of 2,500 heavy cavalry under General Rimini galloped east to occupy Aichach.

Austria: The Austrian had little to do this turn. He sent the bulk of his army, 20,000 men under General Lorraine, 12 miles north to the River Amper bridges to erect defensive lines. He left his second-rate troops and heavy artillery in Munich, 5000 men and 24 guns under General Mack.

Russia: The Russian move was also straightforward. He ordered his force to march southwest along the Straubing-Landshut road, with a fast column of 2,500 men under General Gorky reaching Landshut itself. The bulk of the army, 8,000 men and 32 guns under General Romanov, ended the turn 12 miles to the rear.

Referee's Observations: The Prussian's actions this turn were decisive, gathering his army in one central location. The only danger he faced was the possibility that an aggressive Russian might overrun Ratisbon, where 3,000 men under Schmidt had been left idle. But due to the nature of his spy reports he had no idea where the Russians or Austrians were, while the French were a known quantity.

The allies seemed to have decided on the first of their two strategic options, with their rendevous in the obvius place near Munich. The road net unfortunatley did not serve the small Russian force well. Guns and supply must move along roads, and there is no road between Landshut and Moosburg. This put the RUssian on the horns of a dilemma: Upon reaching Landshut, should he send his support train north to Pfeffenhausen (deeper into Prussian territory), or take the safer but much longer route to the south via Vilsbiburg and Haag to reach Munich?

Synopsis

Prussia: The Prussians under Kessling marched south across the hills to challenge the Austrians at Munich instead of the French at Augsburg.

France: The French pulled their minor force at Donauworth back to Augsburg, and sent their main field army southeast toward Munich.

Austria: General Lorraine retreated from his entrenchments north of Munich back into the coty, where the French with 16,000 men joined him.

Russia: General Gorky continued his movement to the south, capturing Neumarkt. He had by now captured three towns.

Referee's Observations: The Prussians surprised me this turn, moving on Munich instead of Augsburg. Perhaps he believed the French would not join with the Austrians so quickly.

Synopsis

Prussia: The Prussian army stormed and captured Munich with no trouble, taking the surviving Hungarians of the garrison prisoner.

France and Austria: The French and Austrians retreated through Anzig toward Haag.

Russia: General Gorky advanced to Haag, capturing and garrisoning the town. General Romanov followed Gorky down the road a few leagues behind.

Referee's Observations: The allied pattern is continuing. it seems the three allied armies will meet up successfully, but at the cost of Munich and several regiments of Austrian troops.

Synopsis

Prussia: The Prussian army outside Munich:
General #2 (5) Kessling
General #4 (6) Hermann
General #5 (3) Dinkels
General #7 (4) Rummel
General #8 (5) Sturm
General #9 (2) Treffel
General #6 (4) Pemmel
3 Regts Grade A Foot
7 Grade A foot
21 Grade B Light Inf
19 Regts Grade B Foot
7 Grade B foot
2 Regts Grade C Foot
10 Field Batteries Grade C
4 Heavy Batteries Grade C
6 Supply Units
2 Regts Grade A Cuirassiers
8 Regts Grade B Cuirassiers
4 Regt Grade B Dragoons
4 Regts Grade C Dragoons
3 Regts Grade B Hussars
10 B Hussars
assaulted the city successfully with a loss of 5 figures of B foot, 5 figures of A foot. Artillery caused One breach caused. The garrison of 60 figures of Hungarians then surrendered.

France and Austria: The allied army continued down the road to Hex 15-11 to meet the Russians. French army:
General #1 (5) Meaux
General #2 (4) Devereau
General #3 (5) Blois
General #4 (4) Rimini
4 regiments grade B foot
10 regiments grade C foot
5 regiments grade D foot
1 regiment grade B light infantry
1 regiment grade D light infantry
2 regiments grade B cuirassiers
2 regiments grade C cuirassiers
2 regiments grade C dragoons
1 regiment grade C hussars
2 regiments grade C cuirassiers
2 regiments grade C dragoons
2 heavy batteries
5 field batteries
3 supply units

Austrian Army:
General #1 (2) Lorraine
General #2 (5) Piccolomini
General #3 (4) Mack
4 regiments grade B foot
8 regiments grade C foot
4 regts C irregular LI
10 C irreg LI
3 regts grade D foot
2 regiments grade B cuirassiers
2 regiments grade C cuirassiers
4 regiments grade C dragoons
2 regiments grade C hussars
4 light batteries
2 heavy batteries
4 field batteries
3 supply units

Russia: The Russian deached General Bulba to Hex 16-7 to intercept hs arriving reinforcements (2 regitments of line, 2 regiemnts of grenadiers). The rest awaited the arrival of the French and Austrians. Russian army:
General #1 (5) Romanov
2 regiments grade B foot
4 regiments grade C foot
1 regiment grade B cuirassiers
1 regiment grade C cuirassiers
3 regiments grade C dragoons
4 heavy batteries
4 field batteries
2 supply units

Referee's Observations: The allies continued their policy of "retreat and wait for Winter". The Russian continued to snap up towns along his route of march, however.

Starting this turn I will only be listing spy reports of interest to the development of the campaign.

Prussia
Munich	Your forces took the city

Synopsis

Prussia: The Prussians marched their main army from Munich back toward the center of the map. The allies showed a little zing, moving their conglomerated force to capture Landshut, which is in a somewhat more central location. Could they be showing some life? The Prussian marched a small force fo 2-3 thousand men into Siegeburg, only a few hexes from Landshut, and advanced some of his Ratisbon troops southwest also. Perhaps he is thinking of a pincer movement?

France and Austria:

Russia:

Referee's Observations:

Synopsis

Prussia: The Prussian main army made a sharp left turn northwest, crossing the Abens River and taking position in Pfaffenhoffen. Their small detachment in Siegeburg beat a hasty retreat as the allied army poured into the town, recoiling into Geisenfeld, with a trailing brigade under General Schmidt a few miles northeast along the road.

France and Austria: The huge allied army trudged into Siegeburg. The Russian now controlled seven towns, the French one city (Augsburg), the Austrians none.

Russia:

Referee's Observations: I had hoped for a battle as the allies went southwest and the Prussians northeast, meeting at Moosburg, but no such luck. The dance continues...

Synopsis

Prussia: The Prussians under Schmidt held out in a small, well-defended hamlet as a huge allied cavalry force swept around them. The cavalry was in no position to attack the buildings of the hamlet. The main Russian army advanced through Geisenfeld to take up positions on the south bank of the Danube facing Ingolstadt. The allies had captured Ingolstadt this turn (see below).

Results:

Schmidt and Falken in Hex 9-6:
Just as Falken joined Schmidt,a huge enemy cavalry column swept into the hex from Neustadt. Your men holed up in a hamlet and atop a steep hill, and the enemy bypassed you, headed toward Geisenfeld.

Main army:
Your hussars encountered a huge enemy cavalry column at Geisenfeld, while your main army was still south of the town. It numbered 23 regiments. Your troops had a sharp and successful clash with 2 regts of enemy hussars, inflicting 6 losses and receiving 2. The enemy turned north toward Ingolstadt. You followed with your army but you were outdistanced. Your force is now in hex 7-6, across the Danube from Ingolstadt, which the allies stormed and captured this turn.

Ingolstadt Garrison:
The main allied army took Ingolstadt in a pincer attack from the north and south banks of the Danube. Your men (3 regts musketeers) surrendered rather than risk “unnecessary effusion of blood”.

Allies: The allies split their army this turn in a daring move. They sent nearly all their cavalry along the south bank of the Danube to sweep up any Prussian units caught in the open, then turn northwest at Geisenfeld to tke Ingolstadt from the south. Meanwhile their infantry and supply moved along the north bank of the great river to capture the city from the northeast.

Specific orders for the turn were:

France: All infantry, art., and supply as well as all generals in Siegeburg except #2 will cross the river at Neustadt and proceed to Ingolstadt. All calvary and general #2 in Siegeburg will proceed to sweep SW through Geisenfeld and proceed NW to rejoin the main army in Ingolsdadt. The purpose is to destroy any isolated Prussian units. The general is under orders that if he should meet a force large enough to delay the sweep he should fall back and c ross the river at Neustadt and rejoin the main army.

Results:
Move successful. Your forces have rejoined in Ingolstadt. Your cavalry sweep encountered a Prussian infantry brigade of seven regiments of musketeers supported by two batteries of field guns in hex 9-6. The Prussians knew that if they tried to retreat before battle their pursuit losses would wipe them out, so they defended. The terrain heavily favored the Prussians (sorry, I rolled a 6): They were hoed up in a small hamlet atop a steep hill, with walled fields and a small orchard. Looking at your orders, I interpret them as meaning that your forces would bypass such a strong position in favor of getting to Ingolstadt, so you just galloped on past them. Upon trotting into Geisenfeld, your two regiments of hussars fought a sharp and bloody action with four regiments of Prussian hussars who swarmed up from the southwest ahead of a huge cloud of dust. The Prussian light cavalry outnumbered your men two to one, and had higher morale. I rolled a four on my quick-and-dirty combat table (which I'm not sharing in case I want to change it...), indicating your men suffered 6 losses, inflicted two, and were driven back onto the support of the dragoons and cuirassiers. Due to outscouting you have no idea what was in that cloud of dust, but it was trailing in the sky for several miles back toward Pfaffenhoffen. The enemy followed your cavalry but you outdistanced them. They are now in hex 7-6. Since none of you claimed Ingolstadt in your orders I rolled a die, and it officially belongs to the Austrians.

Austria:
Gentlemen,
It appears that we are agreed upon a plan. Since this operation is a bit more complex than anything we've done previously I will outline the details more clearly at this time.
A) We will divide our armies into two forces;
Force #1 - All infantry, all artillery, all supply wagons, and for each of our three armies, one regiment of light cavalry, also included will be at least one general per army.
Force #2 - All cavalry units, less the three regiments of light cavalry assigned to Force #1, and an appropriate number of generals. Excess generals should be attached to Force #2 as this force is the most likely to see combat.
B) Force #1 will march on Ingolstadt via Neustadt crossing the Danube on the Neustadt bridge, and then proceeding along the north bank of the river to Ingolstadt. Once at Ingolstadt we will take the city if it is unoccupied.
C) Force #2 will march on Ingolstadt via Geisenfeld. Force #2 will have orders to march to the Geisenfeld Bridges without delay, destroying any small Prussian units they encounter while enroute, but with orders not to delay, so that Force #2 is able to cross the Geisenfeld bridges before the arrival of the main Prussian Army at that location. Once the Geisenfeld bridges have been crossed Force #2 will proceed to Ingolstadt, and there will rejoin with Force #1. If Force #2 arrives at Geisenfeld and finds that passage of the bridges there is blocked to them by a significant enemy force, then force #2 should retrace its path back to Neustadt, and then proceed to Ingolstadt from there, following the route of Force #1 thereby arriving at Ingolstadt and rejoining Force #1.

Results:
Move successful. Your forces have rejoined in Ingolstadt. Your cavalry sweep encountered a Prussian infantry brigade of seven regiments of musketeers supported by two batteries of field guns in hex 9-6. The Prussians knew that if they tried to retreat before battle their pursuit losses would wipe them out, so they defended. The terrain heavily favored the Prussians (sorry, I rolled a 6): They were holed up in a small hamlet atop a steep hill, with walled fields and a small orchard. Looking at your orders, I interpret them as meaning that your forces would bypass such a strong position in favor of getting to Ingolstadt, so you just galloped on past them. Upon trotting into Geisenfeld, your two regiments of hussars fought a sharp and bloody action with four regiments of Prussian hussars who swarmed up from the southwest ahead of a huge cloud of dust. The Prussian light cavalry outnumbered your men two to one, and had higher morale. I rolled a four on my quick-and-dirty combat table (which I'm not sharing in case I want to change it...), indicating your men suffered 6 losses, inflicted two, and were driven back onto the support of the dragoons and cuirassiers. Due to outscouting you have no idea what was in that cloud of dust, but it was trailing in the sky for several miles back toward Pfaffenhoffen. The enemy followed your cavalry but you outdistanced them. They are now in hex 7-6. Since none of you claimed Ingolstadt in your orders I rolled a die, and it officially belongs to the Austrians.

Russia:
5 Regiments of Cavalry and General Bulba will proceed to sweep Southwest (9-6) through Geisenfeld (8-6) and then proceed Northwest to rejoin the main army at Ingolstadt. The sweep will be alongside the cavalry from the French an Austrians and will be done with the purpose of destroying any small units of Prussians on the route before the arrival of the main Prussian army from Pfeffen-hoffen.The Cavalry General, Bulba, is under orders that if he should meet a force large enough to delay or hold up the sweep that he should fall back and cross the river at Neustadt joining the main force at Ingolstadt.

Results:
Move successful. Your forces have rejoined in Ingolstadt. Your cavalry sweep encountered a Prussian infantry brigade of seven regiments of musketeers supported by two batteries of field guns in hex 9-6. The Prussians knew that if they tried to retreat before battle their pursuit losses would wipe them out, so they defended. The terrain heavily favored the Prussians (sorry, I rolled a 6): They were hoed up in a small hamlet atop a steep hill, with walled fields and a small orchard. Looking at your orders, I interpret them as meaning that your forces would bypass such a strong position in favor of getting to Ingolstadt, so you just galloped on past them. Upon trotting into Geisenfeld, your friends’ regiments of hussars fought a sharp and bloody action with four regiments of Prussian hussars who swarmed up from the southwest ahead of a huge cloud of dust. The Prussian light cavalry outnumbered your men two to one, and had higher morale. I rolled a four on my quick-and-dirty combat table (which I'm not sharing in case I want to change it...), indicating the allied hussars suffered 6 losses, inflicted two, and were driven back onto the support of the dragoons and cuirassiers. Due to outscouting you have no idea what was in that cloud of dust, but it was trailing in the sky for several miles back toward Pfaffenhoffen. The enemy followed your cavalry but you outdistanced them. They are now in hex 7-6. Since none of you claimed Ingolstadt in your orders I rolled a die, and it officially belongs to the Austrians

Referee's Observations: By far the most interesting turn. I was cheated in my hope of a battle, but the allied cavalry sweep impressed me. It was unfortunate that the allies universally insisted on no delays, or I might have persuaded myself to let them try an assault on Schmidt with some dismounted dragoons. But Schmidt's defensive terrain roll was a "6", and the allies' initiative roll was a "2", so I decided they would play it safe and just trot on by.

I got to do some more die rolling as the Prussian advance guard met the allied light cavalry rearguard outside Geisenfeld. Again the insistence on no delay (caution in the midst of boldness, is it ever a good idea?) kept theheavies from turning about and pummeling the Prussian lights -- admittedly at the risk of encountering the Prussian main force and being forced to do a retreat before combat with resulting exhaustion and attrition.

But maybe now that the antagonists are only one hex apart there will be a battle next turn.

Synopsis

Prussia: The Prussians unfortunately decided to play it safe (well, who can blame them?). They retreated to Neustadt, picking up Schmidt and Falken on the way.

Results:
The combined allied light forces heavily outnumber your hussars and jaegers and are harassing your light troops badly. You lost 6 figures of jaegers and 6 hussars this turn in a bloody holding action outside Geisenfeld. Your men inflicted only 4 losses on the enemy. However, the allies stopped their pursuit at Geisenfeld

The Russians sent a cavalry wing north into hex 8-5; it seems to have returned to Geisenfeld.

There are small Russian garrisons in Siegeburg and Pfeffenhausen.

Allies:

Here were the orders for the turn that I received:

France:
My entire force minus one grade D infantry unit will march from Ingolstadt SE with the allies towards Geisenfeld. If they encounter the Prussians in hex 7-6 they will halt between the Danube and Paar rivers and set up defensive positions, if not they will advance on Geisenfeld and again set up defensive positions. The light inf. and calv. in Augsburg will move north and capture Donauworth and Rain respectively. I would also like to roll for reinforcments on the support and inf. tables.

Results:
Your light forces helped inflict a stinging defeat on the Prussian rear guard outside Geisenfeld, inflicting 12 losses on the enemy and only losing 4 in return. 2 of them are yours, 2 go to the Austrians.

The Prussians retreated northeast toward Neustadt.

The French count as capturing Geisenfeld due to light troops.

Austria:
The entire Austrian Army at Ingolstadt will move in conjuction with, in support of, and in participation with, its French and Russian Allies, in whatever operation the two allied commanders have agreed to. This operation must be made by the entire combined allied force at Ingolstadt, less a maximum of 60 figures of infantry the French may leave in garrison at Ingolstadt. The Austrians will not participate in any operation that splits our armies into two or more seperate forces, except for the above mentioned French garrison force for Ingolstadt.

It is my understanding that our armies are marching to hex 7-6, and this move will be acceptable to me, as long as all the elements (that would be Generals, Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, and Supply) of the armies at Ingolstadt remain converged and stay together in one single force, less the Ingolstadt garrison. A garrison for Ingolstadt is not a necessary requirement for Austrian support, it is just an option I'm offering to the French.

If the requirement to keep our armies converged is not met the Austrian Army will remain at Ingolstadt.

Results:
Your forces moved as far as Geisenfeld, slightly exceeding your order, but Lorraine allowed Piccolomini to persuade him after your light troops beat up the Prussian rear guard outside the town.

But then the Russians insisted on sending their cavalry on a sweep to the north. Lorraine at that point took the army back to Ingolstadt. That was his interpretation of the bottom paragraph of your orders.

You lost two hussars in the rear guard action, inflicting 12 losses on the Prussians.

The Prussians retreated toward Neustadt.

The French count as capturing Geisenfeld due to light troops.

Russia:
Seems to be more than a bit of confusion from the allied ranks. LOL. Just like in real life….. Hope we all end up as planned since it was pretty last minute.

The above Russian forces will advance together with her allies on 7-6. If the Prussians advance in force from 7-6 the Russians will halt and meet them between the Paar and Danube Rivers. If the Prussians have retreated away from 7-6 the advance will continue to Geisenfeld. Should the Prussians have fallen back from 7-6 the combined allied cavalry will once again attempt a sweep through Neustadt. The cavalry will be under orders to attack only forces that would be easy targets and to rejoin the main army in Geisenfeld should they contact a superior force.

Results:
Your force advanced to Geisenfeld despite protests from Lorraine about exceeding orders, which were to go to 7-6. When you sent your cavalry on its sweep, Lorraine went back to Ingolstadt in a fury.

The French count as capturing Geisenfeld due to light troops.

Referee's Observations: The allies had a truly mysterious move this turn. There must have been some sharp email exchanges they did not share with me. I think at this point cracks were appearing in their resolve to keep their armies strictly joined until they had destroyed the Prussians.

Synopsis

Prussia: The Prussians stood at Neustadt, digging fieldworks facing the Danube.

Allies: The remianing men at Geisenfeld marched glumly back to Ingolstadt, with a French garrison holding the town.

Referee's Observations: Things settled down this turn, not much to report, really...

Synopsis

Prussia: The Prussians once again held their peace. I understand the Allies issued a challenge for the Prussian to come meet them in Ingolstadt. The Prussian reportedly replied, "You know where I am, come get me."

France and Austria: The French and Austrians held still, perhaps hoping the Prussian would come meet them.

Russia: The Russian finally had enough and headed north, snapping up several towns. He seemed to have designs on Ratisbon.

Referee's Observations: The group of Austrian reinforcements arrived at Munich, assaulted the city, and captured it.

Synopsis

Prussia: The Prussian column advancing north from Moosburg was the only excitement this turn. It assaulted Siegeburg, forced the garrison to leave the town due to dropping below the minimum garrison size, then wiped them out against the banks of the river. At Ratisbon the garrison resisted an assault, barely, but their own losses have doomed them next turn. The Prussians at Neustadt decided to attack at Ingolstadt and marched along the north bank of the Danube to the city. But the Austrians and French retreated into the city.

Here are the details of the Prussian results at Ratisbon:

Two Russian columns converged on the city and launched a furious assault. The Russians gained the walls but your gallant musketeers drove them off. The Russians had two guard regiments, two grenadier regiments, plus a mob of dismounted dragoons and guard cuirassiers. Your garrison suffered 14 figures of musketeers lost. The attackers suffered 7 figured lost. The difference was due to their overwhelming numbers. Your garrison is besieged and will be unsupplied next turn. The Russians do not seem to have any supply or guns with them.

France and Austria: The allied army went into the city rather than risk battle. I got the impression they were hoping the Russian would return to the city that turn, but no such luck.

Russia: The Russian converged two columns on Ratisbon and attacked the walls, but suffered a repulse:

Here are the details of the Russian results at Ratisbon:

Your columns converged on the city and launched a furious assault. Your men gained the walls but the desperate Prussian musketeers drove them off. The Prussian garrison suffered 14 figures of musketeers lost. Your men suffered 7 figures lost. The difference was due to the way the assault table figures losses. The garrison is besieged and will be unsupplied next turn. You lost 3 figures of cavalry to supply.

Referee's Observations: The game is winding down. It looks as though Ratisbon will fall next turn, while the Prussians hold the French and Austrians bottled up in Ingolstadt.

Final Results

Prussia: The Prussians sat still, watching the Austrians and French in Ingolstadt.

France and Austria: The allied sat stil in Ingolstadt.

Russia: The Russian grabbed up two more towns and successfully assaulted Ratisbon.

Victory Point totals:

Referee's Observations:
Note that the Russians would have won even without the doubling they recevied for having the smallest army. Obviously the Russian was efficient in the use of his troops!

• Russia: 13 towns, 1 city = 19 X 2 = 38 - 4 reinforcement rolls (8) = 30.
• France: 6 towns, 1 city = 12 - 2 reinforcement rolls (4) = 8
• Austria: 2 cities = 12 - 2 reinforcement rolls (8) = 4
• Prussia: 7 towns = 7

Overall the allies did a pretty good job of capturing Bavaria. The Prussians are glued to Ingolstadt with a successful Russian army on their rear cutting off their strategic supply lines. I know that wasn't part of this short-term 36-day campaign, but that's how I'm rationalizing the situation. The Prussian high command would either order a pull out of the province at this point or be forced to commit a second army to take it back. The game seems to have been a tactical allied victory in classic 18th Century "don't fight if you can possibly avoid it" style.

The campaign was however a disappointment in terms of battles -- not one for 12 turns. Did I make the penalty for losing a battle too severe? Were the victory conditions too difficult? I'm not really sure. It all semed straightforward enough when I set it up. Ah well, c'est la guerre...