Little Red Ravenna

We tried, with the help of a semi-historic scenario (the tabletop embellishments were inspired by Ravenna 1512, the exact set up was of course different), to test some new rules my troubled mind came up with lately.

Paul (the Irish), Donald and Bill volunteered for the Frankish side while myself, Campbell and Bart took on the burden of strategically more challenging Imperial encampment.

Lacking amongst other things, a plan of action, we waited for Paul's Horse to attack. And heaven and hell, the French gendarmes came fast and hit hard, leaving Bart in a real trouble to counter attack; the German side was somehow confined and constrained in their maneuverability. After initially losses he did the only prudent decision: to retreat over the river (a smaller version in this scenario) and saved so many German knights for later.

Meanwhile the notorious Swiss stormed to the edge of the German fortifications. The Imperial command had all trouble to control the concerto of the moving troops amongst all the fuzz and shouting. Troops were forced into support and others were suddenly too cumbersome contact the enemy in time, leaving two pike blocks of landsknechts, one of them already shaken and not fit to do the task, to misunderstand commands and fleeing two moves away from the enemy in straight line.

As a last resort, I ordered a condemned unhistoric Hedgehog against an infantry attack, but the gamble did not go off as planned, and the last pike of the flank was cut down to the very last man.

Pauls heroic cavalry tried to chase up the remnants of the Imperial horse over the river, or thats what he claimed he would do if we only had more time ...

So a clear draw, if there wouldn't be a couple of disintegrated men-at-arms units an a pike block swimming in the beautiful red Ronco river, now there is a waltz!

All in all, a very good game. 

you can read another version of this clash on Bart blog under:

http://asienieboje.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/battle-of-ravenna-1512-bitwa-pod.html

The Imperial command musing about Waltzing and beautiful blue waters, (me, Campbell and a very small Bart)

The formidable French side, in hiding Paul, Donald and Bill

The French Gendarmes in full attack!

The Clash of heavy horses cost the Imperials dearly

But the french command wondering how to break the Imperial horse 

The Imperial camp shifts to the left, a logistical masterpiece

The Swiss attack the Landsknechts who trying to save the flank

The unshakeable Swiss and the very shy swordsmen

The remains of the French Gendarmes who obviously flee the field