The Grenouissian Intermezzo: behind the scenes 2

The following message has just been sent to all participants:

Afternoon all,

Okay, this is what I need from you.

By now, you should have all have received your first Situation Report, dated 11th April (1747 for our purposes).

WD3 campaign example sheet

On those sheets, you will have seen that you have been given an intended location (where you were supposed to be) and an actual location (where you have ended up), as well as some notes pertaining to your situation.

The only people who have the full picture — more or less — are Tim (Hall), commanding the Grenouissian mercenaries and allies, and Peeler (Mark Phillips), his opposite number for Granprix.

It is important for you to realise that these chaps are NOT running the countries as a whole: King Raoul and Duke Zigor are alive and well and not necessarily making life easy for Tim and Peeler. For example, at the moment, both countries are still deciding what forces of their own they can add to the balance. Now, you might think that’s because your umpire is still sorting out his Spencer Smiths, but I couldn’t possibly comment…

Anyway, THIS IS WHAT I NEED YOU TO DO.

Based on the map that you already have (and if you haven’t downloaded and printed out a copy by now, you deserve an umpirial slap — I’ve attached it here again Map of the area involved in the Grenouissian Intermezzo), I simply need you to tell me the following:

1. The hex co-ordinate of where you would like your force to be by the end of this move (midnight Friday, 15th April). Of course, you have the option of simply staying put. If you do wish to move, also indicate the route you wish to take (“on the road to X” or “via Y” are sufficient, unless an actual hex co-ordinate is vital). If you split your force, hex co-ordinates and details of each part should be given separately. Each hex is about five miles across. For campaign movement purposes, a hex’s terrain is simplified to a single terrain type. An individual hex’s map is only drawn up in detail once contact has been made. Even an apparently empty or remote hex is likely to have small tracks, a few farms or cottages, minor watercourses, small woods and so on. As a rough guide, these are the approximate movement rates PER MOVE:

MOVEMENT POINTS (MP)
Close order infantry 2
Grenzer / Jäger 3
Heavy cavalry 4
Light/irregular cavalry 6
3-6pdr artillery 2
8-12pdr artillery 2
Wagons / siege train 2
Generals/ADCs/couriers 20
Scouts add 50% according to type
Boats
Downriver 6
Upriver 4
On lakes 5
On canals 5

MOVEMENT FACTORS (MF)
Cross country 1
On roads ½
On hills 2
In woods 2
To pass through a defile +1
On roads on hills 1
The above factors are cumulative. Defiles
are defined as bridges, towns and gaps of
one hex or less between obstacles.

2. What you want your force to do en route and/or when they get to their intended destination.

3. Any contingency plans, such as Standing Orders for your troops should they encounter resistance etc.

4. Include in your instructions any couriers/messages you wish to send, and to whom, and where.

That’s it.

You may split your force if you wish, send out recce parties as mentioned previously, but as I’ve also warned, a force caught separated is likely to have problems.

What would pass for proper military conduct in reality works exactly the same in my world. Remember, this is the 18th century when generally speaking, armies behaved very well towards civilians and each other, and indiscretions were punishable by the lash and gauntlet, even execution. Good strategy and tactics will be rewarded and will lead to a fun and challenging finale; bad behaviour will lead to an early bath.

And remember that all communication at this point should come via ME so that I can assist where need be, whilst also adding the Fog of War.

OK?

Finally, DON’T PANIC!!! I know that some of you have never fought this period before, and many of you have never campaigned before, so don’t worry. Just do your best to think like a real commander, take it slowly, and you’ll be fine. The secret is: be yourself. If it suits you to be cautious and stand your ground, that’s fine. If you fancy yourself as a Frederick, sweeping across the countryside, that’s also fine. The biggest burden is on Tim and Peeler, who are right now trying to make sense of all the mess I’ve dropped them in!

Over to you.

Henry

P.S. So, yes, I need your responses not later than THIS FRIDAY, 15TH APRIL. Anyone thinking they can hand me their orders at Salute is WRONG! If I do not receive your orders on time, things may happen to you! You have been warned! Naturally, the same applies for subsequent moves until the Big Weekend itself arrives. 🙂