David A. Clayton, veteran gamer and manufacturer of Hinton Hunt 20/25 mm Wargames Figures will be staging another of his epic size battles, Austerlitz (Part II) The Storming of the Pratzen Heights" at RECON 99. David, as some of you may recall, braved the real-life Hurricane at Hurricon 98 to attend and present the first phase of the Battle of Austerlitz, (Part I) "The Action Around Telnitz". Unfortunately, due to time constraints, the re-enactment outcome was undecided. Quite historically, the early stages of the Battle found the French under Marechal Davout hard-pressed to hold the Right Flank in the face of overwhelming numbers of Austrians crushing in upon them. The approach of Doctorov's First Column from the North caused the French to withdraw in a fighting retreat as squadrons of Austrian cavalry preceded the Russian infantry's advance. We ended this phase of Austerlitz in a draw as like numbers of back-up troops arrived from the rear areas, on each side. For Austerlitz (Part II) "The Storming of the Pratzen Heights" David is looking for Veteran Napoleonic Gamers to command the French & Allied armies as Marechal Soult & Prince Kutosov, and to lead as Division Generals for the French (Vandamme, Legrand, St. Hilaire & Beaumont) and Allies (Kolowrath-Austrians, and Miloradovich-Russians). Also needed are non-veteran or novice Napoleonic gamers who will be expected to function as Brigadier Generals for up to 12 French and 6 Allied Brigades. Not for the fainthearted or easily distracted, we need resilient wargamers who are able and willing to "go the distance" for this epic event and photo opportunity. Beginning Saturday with the first afternoon session, this battle will be fought through the evening session and on into the night, if necessary (and permitted). While Brigade Generals may come and go, the Division Generals are expected to remain constant throughout, for victory or defeat will be upon their heads! All glory and honor will belong to the victors and to those who fought well. It is the intention of the GM to publish a "Battle Report" which will appear in several gaming newsletters. And now for some details. This game is set up for eight (8) pre-registered players (as mentioned previously), with the Soult and Kutosov players functioning as assistant GM's. Additionally, up to 18 other registered or non-registered participants will be welcomed to join in as Brigade Generals, and they will certainly experience the flavor of Napoleonic Wargaming at its best! The first hour of the double session will begin with the appointment of Army Commanders and Division Generals who will then have an overall strategy meeting on each side. They will familiarize themselves with the troops under their control and with the game mechanics (the tried and tested rule set, "Tricolor" will be used). Division Generals will be responsible for the operation of their respective units and will be in charge of any Brigade Generals assigned to them. Thus a "chain of command" will be established. Each Division General will be issued a copy of the rule set and will co-adjudicate actions and their resolutions within their sphere of influence. Each Division General will write orders for their respective Brigades, every game turn, since movement is simultaneous. Brigade Generals will carry out movement, execute fire, melee and perform any appropriate morale checks, under the guidance of their Division Generals. As soon as the participants become comfortable with the game mechanics, the game should flow smoothly with turns taking no longer than one half hour to adjudicate. The overall game objective and goal for the French is to capture the Pratzen Heights and route the Allied Center. For the Allies, their goal is to hold the Pratzen Heights and break the French Center. Each sides goal must be accomplished decisively in order for victory to be declared. Veterans of this (Part II) "The Storming of the Pratzen Heights" will be invited back in the Fall for the sequel and final phase of the Battle of Austerlitz. Austerlitz (Part III) Action in the North" will be fought at HURRICON '99 and will involve Guard Divisions and large-scale Cavalry clashes, Napoleonic Gaming at its finest! David A. Clayton, sponsor & overall GM of this epic event invites any participant who has their own 20mm Napoleonic units to bring them and command them in this battle event. Also, David invites prospective players to contact him personally in order to apply fox or reserve particular character roles (Army Commanders or Division Generals) in advance of RECON 99. And I might add that the Victorious Side will receive prizes! The Victorious Army Commander will receive a 20mm Hinton Hunt Napoleonic Army-of his/her choice (a $100 value). Victorious Division Generals will receive a 20mm Hinton Hunt Battalion Bag (a $20 value), and Victorious Brigade Generals who stay the entire length of the game will receive a Unit Pack (12 Inf., 4 Cav. or gun & crew, a $6 value). No prizes will be awarded if there is a draw declared or if victory objectives are not clearly met. The losing side will receive no prizes but will have the opportunity to return in the Fall for the next phase of the Battle of Austerlitz, to be fought Hurricon 99! Back to Table of Contents -- Lone Warrior #126 Back to Lone Warrior List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 1999 by Solo Wargamers Association. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com