The Pruth River Campaign.

At the conclusion of this first test game I began revising the rules for this Horse and Musket era variant. The troop descriptions are greatly improved and optional rules are now grouped to a third page.

It was good playing a basic linear battle and for this test, the opposing sides had  

two commands of Russians with a command of Moldavian fighting two commands of Ottomans assisted by one of Tartar allies.

The series of photos show the deployment of all six commands. Russians are to the left of the photo with the Moldavian command positioned near the village. Protecting the right flank is a small command of infantry and dragoons supported by two units of horse.  

The Ottomans to the right positioned their line opposite the Russians; their CinC facing the Russian centre and an equal sized command deployed in front of the Moldavian line. The Tartars, all mounted, would envelop the smaller command of Russians and meet the Vizier’s command in the centre.

Photo one: Deployment

Photo two: Russian centre (CinC)

Photo three: The Vizier’s command

Photo four: Tartar (left flank)

Photo five: Moldavian command

Photo six: Russian right repelling the Tartar onslaught.

Photo seven: Russian centre did the unexpected and moved forward to meet the Ottomans.

Photo eight: Moldavian await the cavalry action before moving their infantry forward.

Photo nine: Moldavian cavalry crumble leaving their left exposed.

Photo ten: Russian centre punishes the Vizier’s command demoralizing it.

Photo eleven: All efforts by the Tartars are easily repulsed by Russian infantry and dragoons. The Ottomans leave the field to the Russians.

I am satisfied with how the game flowed. Dragoons did not have an opportunity to make multiple moves as these were set on defense and the outset of the game.

Artillery range remains 5BW, but unlike bow in the basic rule set, musket range is reduced to 2 BW or 160 paces. Historically, this is an effective rage, but it forced battle lines to close the distance between them to have any effect.

One more troop type needs to be added, those infantry still carrying pike.  

The Swedes made effective use of them, the Russians reintroduced them in 1712 while others armies had discarded them at the start of the Succession Wars.

Adding this troop type would allow battles to be fought as early as the Restoration period (1660/70).

Cheers,

Great Northern War – Moldavian now complete.

I had a very productive afternoon. The last batch of Moldavian are now finished and in a few hours the varnish should be dry enough to spread a glue and sand mix to dry overnight.

The previous post I mentioned a number of units would be rebased, those being the Mercenary German and Ukraine Cossack infantry. Both would be drilled close order troops. I found only descriptions of the German units, but found nothing for the Cossack unit. The latter I painted in earth tones and painted their cloth bags red.

In the photo are 2 skirmish units, a dragoon and artillery unit. and the infantry rebased as mercenary German and Ukranian infantry (4Ms). This brings the total Moldavian force to 24 elements which makes me happy as these came from the leftovers box.

Photo one.

Further reading about the campaign, under Ottoman domination no fortresses were allowed or built. However, Moldavia could protect their monasteries, such that many became strongholds. There are recorded 150 such monasteries.

Photo two, the Monastery at Sucevita. 

Cheers,