M. le Marquis Goes to War...

Prior to this day, I had distinguished myself (with no small degree of fame, I may add) in various sieges and in numerous actions of "la petite guerre".

However, the evening of June 27th, 1743 found me, the Marquis de Sangfroid, about to savour my first taste of combat on a large scale. Certainly I had never commanded a force of such size and importance, nor had I been entrusted with so difficult a duty as that with which I found myself charged that warm summer evening.

The eyes of France- of Europe, even- were to fall upon me. Yet I did not flinch from the task. In keeping with the traditions of Duty and Honour expected from one through whose veins ran the blood of the Bouillon-Cantinats, I was quite determined not be to be found wanting in my obligations.

One of the main reasons for me setting up this blog was to generate ideas- and inspiration- for wargaming and for painting. This is the first step in a "narrative" style campaign set in the War of the Austrian Succession that will be as much about role playing and capturing the "spirit" of mid-18th C. life, as it will be about gaming out battles on the tabletop.

The first scenario (check out the links on the right) is designed for the Koenig Krieg rules that I have been playing off and on since I bought my first copy way back in 1985 or so. The scenario should work with any rule set though, and feel free to try it out and to comment (constructively!) on any aspect that you feel could be improved to make it a better game. Just play it through a few times first before you decide to trash it outright, though!

Once I have a chance to play it myself, I'll post a report where M. le Marquis gives his account of the engagement and of the role played both by himself and of the Regt. de St. Vignobles. I 'll try to get some "eye candy" up as well, although don't expect any panoramic shots of the table, as most of my collection at the moment is French- I'll be having to proxy the Allies with a potpourri of other periods and (gasp! The shame!) unpainted figures.

Thanks to Kris Opsetmoen of Oberreiffenberg in Germany, long-time gamer and 18th C. "fellow traveller", for allowing me to post pictures from his extensive Front Rank SYW collection here. Seen above are some of his Hanoverian cavalry, chomping at the bit to cross swords with M. le Marquis...

-Robert S. (Official Biographer of M. le Marquis de Sangfroid)

NOTE: Looking again at the rules and scenario I revised the ORDER OF BATTLE AND ENTRY TABLE  so that it would be more balanced (M. le Marquis would detest having to swim).  

Feb. 16th, 2008