When I first started this blog, one of the first fellow Napoleonic blog sites I came across was Wargaming with Napoleonic Miniatures by Rafael Pardo. Rafael has very generously made an excellent set of scenarios and resources available, focusing heavily on my own leading interest - the 1813 campaign in Germany. Thank you very much Rafael!
These scenarios are also Divisional to small Corp size in scale, meaning you don't need vast collections of figures to play them. Typically about 20 units or so per side. This makes them particularly achievable for newer Napoleonic players. These scenarios are all done for the Lasalle Napoleonic rules, but are generic enough to be adaptable to your favourite ruleset.
For my own ease of reference I created the Force Guide table below, so I can see at a glance the size of the sixteen 1813 scenarios, which sides are involved, and how many of each type of unit is necessary. Units are infantry battalions, cavalry regiments or part regiments, and batteries (some half batteries). If you click on the name of the battle it will take you to the appropriate page on Rafael's site. The scenarios each have a PDF downloadable file with all units listed and the map and scenario special rules and objectives. There is also some other support material on the relevant page including Rafael's own play throughs using his 20mm Napoleonic collection.
I hope you find this guide of some use, and of course the real credit should go to Rafael Pardo who has made this excellent resource available. A true gentleman, thank you Rafael!
Note that many scenarios have a few cossack units involved, but except for Russian Guard Regiments (I'm not sure any scenarios have these), you could probably try leaving some or all of these out given their main role was pre-battle scouting and harrassment rather than combat in an actual battle. Note also the British involvement in the last battle is the Rocket Troop, their only involvement in this 1813 campaign, though they had some impact when they went into action!
I had a similar path Mark. For me too, Rafa's blog and website have been a great source of information, inspiration, as well as reports of really interesting games, over the ten years that I have been blogging.
ReplyDeleteHe has been a bit 'quiet' for a while now, so I do hope that he'll get back to it in the not too distant.
Bravo to you for recognising his fine contribution and inspiration to our hobby.
Regards, James
Thanks James, and yes would be great to see him back again! :)
DeleteNice stuff Mark. 1813 has always fascinated me, especially the involvement of the Swedes under Bernadotte. I always chuckle when I think of Von Bulow apparently wanting to punch Bernadotte in the windmill at Dennewitz.
ReplyDeleteBernadotte...always maneuvering to be nowhere rather than somewhere!
DeleteHa yes, the way to do it if you can in a Napoleonic coalition! Thanks guys :)
DeleteThanks for the link, Mark. I recall Rafa’s scenario work from many, many years ago. They were originally written for Napoleon’s Battles, weren’t they? Having played Avalon Hill’s Struggle of Nations a lot, the 1813 campaign was a favorite of mine as well. Have not gamed this period in many years.
ReplyDeleteHi Jonathan, thanks yes I think he started off with NB, and he has a list those scenarios up too.
DeleteI'm pretty keen to do some more 1813 myself. :)
Thanks, very useful!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
DeleteIts a bit redundant to say so as everyone above has made similar comments - but this a very useful resource - letting you see at a glance how many units are involved, which is a great guide to how many separate players a given scenario can accommodate
ReplyDeleteGald it's helpful, thanks Ross :)
DeleteVery nice, Mark. I too would ,love to see rafa resurface on his blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks Peter!
DeleteReally useful and helpful info and a blog I wasn't aware of!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Yes it's a good one, cheers Iain!
Delete