Last Saturday, it was that time again – "By Fire and Sword" was back on the agenda, and my recently reinforced Swedes finally had the chance to show what they’re made of.
While Max ran an introductory game for Marc (Ottomans vs. Imperials), I faced off against Bernhard’s Imperials. Both games were played with Skirmish Forces.
The battlefield was dominated by a central windmill, with woods and fields flanking the road providing excellent defensive positions. Since my Swedes had the higher Force Strength Points, Bernhard got to choose the scenario and settled on "Skirmish." He also won the Reconnaissance test, but I managed to secure Forced March for myself—a move that would prove to be absolutely vital.
The Orders of Battle
The Imperials: Led by their Colonel, they fielded two units of Imperial Cuirassiers (one Size S, one Size M) and a small troop of Commandeered Musketeers (S).
The Swedes: My Colonel commanded a unit of Swedish National Infantry (M), Dragoons (S), Mercenary Reiters, and a Light Cannon Battery.
My infantry secures the left flank while the Dragoons seize the windmill via Forced March. To the right of the mill, the Swedish artillery deploys, screened by the Reiters. Meanwhile, the Imperials launch an aggressive attack—their Commandeered Musketeers try to reach the woods on the left but take heavy fire from my cannons and Reiters, leaving them Disordered and forced to regroup.
Simultaneously, the first cavalry clash erupts in the center. A small unit of Imperial Cuirassiers advanced too impetuously, suffering casualties from the windmill's defenders and the pinpoint accuracy of the Swedish artillery. Combined with a few failed tests, they were forced to receive my Reiters' charge while stationary—with predictable results.
As the cavalry melee rages in the center, the Swedish artillery zeros in on the larger unit of Imperial Cuirassiers, supported by a hail of lead from the Dragoons' muskets.
After driving the Imperial Cuirassiers from the field, my cavalry rides down the infantry left stranded in the open.
Job well done—the battlefield is rapidly clearing of Imperial troops!
A general advance by the victorious Swedes to sweep the last remaining Imperials from the field.
Conclusion
A thrilling game where the dice gods were clearly on the side of the Swedes—or at least, they certainly weren't favoring the Imperials! Even though it had been a while since our last session, we got back into the swing of the rules very quickly. The game flows beautifully, offers countless tactical options, and most importantly: it’s a ton of fun!
Included are also a few shots from Max’s game using my Swedes against Marc’s Imperials—also ending in a Swedish victory!
