Dego: The 1796 Campaign Begins
The scenario offered here comes from the Bloody Big Battles groups.io site, devoted to the excellent rules from Chris Pringle, called Bloody Big Battles (BBB). It covers the first six dramatic days of the 1796 campaign in Italy, including the actions fought at Voltri, Monte Legino, Montenotte, Millesimo, Cosseria, and both battles of Dego.
Given the times, we are trying to adapt this game into a play-by-blog game.
Orders will be given by posting comments on blog pages protected by password, as simple as that.
The referee will keep separate maps with movements on the two sides and a master map.
Movement rates are described are described in the quick sheet below.
Battles will be solved by giving simple basic orders, dice will be thrown by the referee and the outcome will be communicated. In case the player/general is present in battle, a more interactive battle sequence will be used, roughly following the BBB actual rules.
Down below the pdf of the map.
Dear Stefano,
This is an excellent idea! Good choice of scenario (I’m not totally happy with all of the 1796 scenarios, but this one I really like), and the operational level may lend itself better to play-by-email than a more conventional tactical game.
I am more than happy to grant the permission you request, and I appreciate you checking with me. I hope that BBB can give you and your friends some small pleasure to help to get you through these difficult times.
Best wishes,
From the BBB author, many thanks Chris!
Chris
Turns 1-3 (10-12 April 1796)
We have currently completed three turns and we had our first major battle along the coast, just West of Voltri.
I am not reporting the course of the campaign since it is currently in two private diaries (protected blog pages). They will be disclosed at the end of the campaign.
The account of the Battle of Voltri is here.
Turns 4-6 (12-13 April 1796)
Many things happening, you may peek at the Austro-Piedmontese and French diaries.
Two battles developed the 13 of April. Here the accounts:
Battle at the Bridge of Bormida
Turn 7 (14 April)
Two battles today.
Battle of Altare: no account for this second battle. General Massena, with overwhelming odds, destroys two austrian brigades just south of Altare.
Final Turn (15 April) and Campaign outcome
The campaign ends without the french being able to reach Ceva in time. The full french army is stretched on the 15th of April along the road between Savona and Ceva. The fortifications at Montenotte are held only by a few piquets. The closest austrian force is not able to move and counter the french advance, Massena is very close and will attack them tomorrow.
Three austrian brigades have been destroyed (about 12000 men) and the CinC has been captured. The piedmontese have suffered about 2000 men losses.
The french have suffered very few losses, about 2000 in total.
But, as of today, Ceva nor Acqui are in french hands and the Austrians still hols most of the local objectives.
The Austro-Piedmontese win the campaign!!
Infinite thanks to Chris for this excellent campaign setting.
