The campaign scenario begins on 15 November, with the Russians retiring on Brünn and the French in pursuit. A second scenario begins with the French spread out around Brünn and the Coalition forces in Olmütz. Fortunately for Napoleon, the Allies attacked, but what if they had not? With the imminent entry of Prussia into the war, Napoleon would have been forced to advance on Olmütz, and his forces would have been beyond their LOC. Both sides were suffering in their encampments, the winter weather was terrible, and attrition to disease and desertion was high, especially on the Coalition side. Nothing in diplomacy is certain, as was the case with Prussia's promised declaration. Haugwitz, who favored the French, persuaded his government to allow him to present an ultimatum to Napoleon prior to his country's declaration of war, and he was on the point of delivering this ultimatum at the very moment when Napoleon received news of the Allied advance. At that he packed Haugwitz off to Vienna. Had the Coalition delayed their advance, Napoleon might have refused the ultimatum and sent Haugwitz back to a Prussian court certain to mobilize its army on the spot. Prussia's declaration would essentially change the victory conditions and put the onus on Napoleon to defeat the Russians and Austrians before the Prussian Army appeared on his LOC. Historically, Alexander chose not to await the outcome of Prussian diplomatic moves. In the game, one will have to roll on the negotiation table to find out which side will have the burden of attack. Or one may act as Alexander did historically, and attempt to cut French communications with Vienna by marching southwest from Austerlitz. Another what-if scenario involves the Russians, ensconced on the Heights of Pratzen, refusing to come down to attack the French, but instead awaiting them in an excellent defensive position. You can view the Historical Notes for the game at http://www.Napoleongames.com/hist._notes.pdf Back to OSG News May 2002 Table of Contents Back to OSG News List of Issues Back to Master Magazine List © Copyright 2002 by Operational Studies Group 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