The French are besieging Carignano in order to secure Piedmont, thereby allowing them to launch yet another invasion of Italy. You have marched to either relieve the siege or to bring the enemy to battle, once more hoping to turn Francis' dreams of empire to dust.

The French have deployed near Ceresole in order to halt the relief attempt.

OBJECTIVE

To rout the French army and so open the way to Carignano. The Emperor is very keen that you accomplish this and has sent you a huge regiment of armoured Landsknechts (paid for personally).

INFORMATION

You outnumber the enemy army. The enemy army has a core of solid infantry (Swiss and French), however it is not as numerous as your veteran infantry and some claim it is not as good. The enemy probably has significantly more cavalry. You are hoping that your undoubted firepower superiority will offset this. In addition Del Vasto has greater military experience than Francis of Bourbon.

OOB

LEADERS

Maquis del Vasto CinC Experienced and highly capable
Prince of Salerno Something of a liability
Aldobrando Madrazzo Capable and bold
IMPORTANT See command restrictions in scenario

UNITS

Landsknechts Pike 13,60 Veteran Armoured Pike
Landskts Shot (sub) C,8 Veteran Skirmish Shot
Landsknechts Pike B, 60 Veteran Armoured Pike
Landskts Shot (sub) C,8 Veteran Skirmish Shot

• Both Landsknechts Pike units may receive special first charge bonus.
• The 2 above units must stay within 1" of each other until within charge of enemy (or vice versa) unless prevented by morale failure ...

Spanish Regt B, 48 Veteran Pike & Shot Fire +1
German Regt 13,48 Veteran Pike & Shot
Forlorn Hope (option) B Veteran Fire +1

• The umpire will need to decide the exact composition of the 2 above units.
• The above 2 (or 3) units must stay within a move of one another without other interpenetration until within charge of enemy etc.

Italian Pike D,32 Raw Pike
Italian Shot (sub) D,8 Raw Skirmish Shot
Italian Pike D,32 Raw Pike
Italian Shot (sub) D,8 Raw Skirmish Shot
Italian Foot (Arquebus) D, 16 Raw Shot

• May skirmish, if more than 1/2 skirmish, all must.

Florentine Light Horse D, 6 Raw
Neapolitan Light Horse D, 6 Experienced

• The umpire will need to decide the exact composition of these 2 units.

Gendarmes D,6 Raw
Armoured Horse, Lance
2 Heavy and 2 Medium guns

Ceresole 14th April, 1544

Historical Background and Commanders
Troops and Organization
Orders of Battle: French
Orders of Battle: Imperialists
The Wargame and Map